The queue at Wimbledon: A photographic history of Britain's national pastime at the All England Club

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If queueing is one of Britain’s favourite national pastimes, Wimbledon is ground zero for the art.

Almost 7,000 people will queue for tickets on Monday as they arrive for the opening day of the championships at the All England Club.

The most enthusiastic fans are expected to arrive at about 1.30am on Saturday, almost 40 hours before the start of play.

But while the phenomenon of the queue has grown in popularity over the years – even prompting unofficial Twitter accounts – it is by no means a new one.

3rd July 1936:  Crowds queuing outside the gates of Wimbledon in London to see the finals of the Men's Tennis Championships between Fred Perry and Gottfried Von Cramm. Britain's Perry defeated the German player in straight sets
Getty Images

These wonderful photographs show tennis fans from as long ago as 1922, when female fans dressed in their bonnets and a police horse kept the line in order.

Other photos show enthusiasts perched on camping stools or huddled under blankets ahead of the tournament.

Nowadays, the queue meanders through fields near the All England Club – with campers turning up with tents and sleeping bags for a prime spot.

Passing the time: Tennis fans in 2007
Getty Images

For some, the queue is all part of the fun of fulfilling their dreams. Last year’s first in line, Des Robson from Northumberland, arrived at 1.30am on Saturday.

“I drew up a bucket list after having two heart attacks two years ago and getting on Centre Court at Wimbledon is top of the list,” he said.

Wimbledon boasts on its website that the tournament “remains one of the very few major UK sporting events where you can still buy premium tickets on the day of play”.

It adds that tickets are strictly sold on the basis of one person queueing.

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