Brief History

When the Leicester Bridge Circle was wound up in 1980 it donated one of its trophies, the Stanley Trophy, to the LCBA. The LCBA decided that an annual Swiss Teams competition should be held for this trophy. Entries were however rarely high and the event was usually played as Multiple Teams.

This competition was abandoned after the 95-96 season, and as there was then no suitable alternative use for a centrally run event it was agreed that the trophy be loaned to the Melton Charity competition. This loan continued for six years, during which period the engravings record the year of the congress and not, as is conventional, the year in which the season ends.

However in 2001 the LCBA began organising regular Butler Pairs events for County Standard pairs, both those currently selected and aspirant pairs. Starting with the 2001-02 season the Stanley Trophy is now awarded to the pair gaining the highest aggregate score in their best four heats.