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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For more information on the history of the All-England Badminton Championships – Click Here.
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Visitors are welcome to look around the Museum unescorted at any time – The National Badminton Centre is normally open 9am to 8pm every day.
National Badminton Museum, National Badminton Centre, Bradwell Road, Loughton Lodge,
MILTON KEYNES MK8 9LA
Free Admission.
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Accessibility
The National Badminton Museum is on the 1st floor with a lift. Disabled toilet facilities are available on the 1st floor. There is no wheelchair accessibility to the Museum office.
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There is a restaurant on the first floor serving breakfasts every day of the week and light lunches on weekdays.
Free parking at the National Badminton Centre.
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National Badminton Centre
Lodge Hotel.
For more information and to book a room – Click Here.
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2025 Yonex All-England Badminton Championships
Tuesday 11 March 2025 to Sunday 16 March 2025.
At the Utilita Arena, Birmingham.
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If you have any badminton memorabilia, archive material, or any other items and would like to donate them to the National Badminton Museum please contact us at: –
museum@badmintonengland.co.uk
Thank you to all the ‘Friends of the Museum’ and people who have made donations to the National Badminton Museum, your support enables us to purchase extremely rare badminton artefacts for the National Collection as they become available.
The National Badminton Museum is a small charity administered by volunteers. Help preserve the history of badminton by making a donation or becoming a ‘Friend of the Museum’. Any donations to the National Badminton Museum will help us to expand the collection of memorabilia, books, and documents to make these items readily available to all.
To become a ‘Friend of the Museum’ or to make a donation to the National Badminton Museum online or by cheque go to: – ‘Home’ – ‘Friends and Donations’. – Click Here. or use the QR Code – Thank you.
