What is the importance of Hambledon in the history of cricket?

What is the importance of Hambledon in the history of cricket?

Hambledon is a small village in Hampshire, England and it was the headquarters of the leading cricketer in England for a long time before the rise of the MCC. The team raised by the Hambledon Club challenged and beat the Rest of the World. ‘The Cricketers of My Time’ by Clarke which is based on the recollections of John Nyren, is one of cricket’s greatest books, and describes many of the players who played at Hambledon.