Marjorie Henderson – All-England Champion

Written by Geoff Hinder

 

Marjorie Henderson nee Bell with her doubles partner Thelma Kingsbury dominated woman’s badminton in the 1930s. They won the All-England woman’s doubles four times in a row 1933 to 1936, a record which was not beaten for almost 70 years. After winning the Championship for three consecutive years they were awarded the trophies outright.

Marjorie and Thelma in 1937 after winning the Scottish Badminton Open Championships woman’s doubles for three consecutive years were also awarded the trophies outright. Marjorie also represented England six times during which period the Badminton Gazette described her as a ‘player without equal’. She made a significant contribution towards the general development of badminton in Portsmouth over her lifetime.

The All-England women’s doubles trophy awarded to Marjorie Henderson after winning the championship title for three consecutive years in 1935.

Prior to 1979 if an All-England Champion won a trophy for three consecutive years or four Championships in total, they were awarded the trophies outright.

Marjorie Henderson represented England 6 times between 1933 and 1936. The photograph above is when she played for England against Scotland in 1935, England won 9-0. Marjorie is fourth from the left in the middle row.

 

The blue plaque celebrating Marjorie Henderson’s badminton achievements which is on her family home at the High Street, Old Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Click on images to enlarge

Photos: – Geoff Hinder.

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