List of early English cricketers to 1786
This is a list of the earliest known English cricketers whose careers began prior to the foundation of Lord's and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1787. The list is by season, this being the season in which the player's name first appears in surviving sources. Although some people like the Dukes of Richmond are remembered primarily as patrons, they were invariably players too and generally captained their own teams.
In the 17th century, the names are those of people known to have been involved in cricket although they might not have held important match status. The town or village given is where their involvement occurred. In the 18th century, more information is available in the sources so it is easier to identify the best players and the clubs or county teams with which they are most usually associated. Enough is known about most players since the 1740s to justify an article. Cricket underwent radical changes during the 18th century. Patronage and popular support enabled it to outgrow its roots as a village pastime and develop into a major sport. In the early 1760s, pitched delivery bowling was introduced and this necessitated the invention of the straight bat: an evolution in bowling and batting techniques that radically changed cricket.
The earliest known scorecards date from 1744 but it was not until 1772 that they began to be completed and, more importantly, preserved on a regular basis. As such, the sport's statistical record begins in 1772 but all matches from 1697 form the more important historical record. Notability is acquired by involvement in matches and events of historical importance, not just in those for which a scorecard happens to exist. This is reflected in the key historical sources used, which are the works of authors like Arthur Haygarth, F. S. Ashley-Cooper, H. T. Waghorn and G. B. Buckley.
Cricketers
1598 to 1725
year | name | location | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1598 | John Derrick | Guildford, Surrey | The earliest known mention of cricket was made by John Derrick, who played as a boy when he was a pupil at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford (pictured) some fifty years earlier.[1] |
1611 | Bartholomew Wyatt | Sidlesham, Sussex | Both were prosecuted for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing cricket on a Sunday.[2] |
Richard Latter | |||
1622 | Edward Hartley | Boxgrove, Sussex | All were prosecuted for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing cricket on a Sunday.[2] |
Anthony Ward | |||
Raphe West | |||
Richard Martin senior | |||
Richard Martin junior | |||
Richard Slaughter | |||
Thomas West | |||
William Martin | |||
1624 | Jasper Vinall | West Hoathly, Sussex | Vinall died as the result of an injury during a game, caused by a blow on the head from Tye's bat; he is the sport's earliest known fatality.[3] |
Edward Tye | |||
1628 | Edward Taylor | East Lavant, Sussex | Both were prosecuted for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing cricket on a Sunday.[4] |
William Greentree | |||
1629 | Henry Cuffin | Ruckinge, Kent | Prosecuted for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing cricket on a Sunday.[5] |
1636 | Henry Mabbinck | West Horsley, Surrey | Testified in a tithe dispute that cricket was played in West Horsley.[6] |
1646 | Samuel Filmer | Coxheath, Kent | Filmer and Harlackenden played and defeated the other four but had to resort to litigation when their winnings were not paid.[7] |
Thomas Harlackenden | |||
Richard Marsh | Maidstone, Kent | ||
Robert Sanders | |||
Walter Franklyn | |||
William Cooper | |||
1647 | Henry Brand | Selsey, Sussex | Brand was killed after being struck on the head by Latter's bat during a game.[4] |
Thomas Latter | |||
1652 | John Rabson | Cranbrook, Kent | Prosecuted for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing cricket on a Sunday.[8] |
1666 | Sir Robert Paston |
Richmond, Surrey | In a letter, he mentioned a "cricketting" on Richmond Green.[9] |
1671 | Edward Bound | Shere, Surrey | Prosecuted for "breaking the Sabbath" but he was exonerated.[10] |
1676 | Henry Tonge | British Mission, Aleppo, Turkey | Provided the earliest known record of cricket being played outside England.[11] |
1677 | Thomas Lennard, 1st Earl of Sussex | Herstmonceux, Sussex | His personal accounts refer to him receiving Β£3 when he attended a match.[12] |
1694 | Sir John Pelham | Lewes, Sussex | His personal accounts refer to him paying for a wager when he attended a match.[13] |
1702 | Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond |
Sussex | The sport's earliest known leading patron.[14] |
1709 | William Bedle | Dartford and Kent | Bedle's 1768 obituary states that he was the "most expert cricket player in England".[15] |
1717 | Thomas Marchant | Hurstpierpoint, Sussex | Perhaps not a player himself, though his son Will was, Marchant was a Sussex farmer who kept a diary in which he made numerous references to cricket from 1717 to 1727.[16] |
1724 | Edwin Stead | Kent | A leading patron of Kent cricket who died young in 1735.[17] |
William Goodwin | Sunbury and Middlesex | Described as "able to play at Cricket with most People". Sunbury had a noted team.[18] | |
1725 | Sir William Gage, 7th Baronet | Slindon and Sussex | The two leading patrons of Sussex cricket in general and of the Slindon club in particular. The earliest known mention of both in a cricket connection is via a letter sent by Gage to Richmond in July 1725.[19] |
Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond | |||
Edmund Chapman | Chertsey and Surrey | His 1763 obituary described him as "one of the most dextrous cricket players in England".[20] | |
1726 to 1740
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1726 | Perry | London | Both took part in the earliest known single wicket match. The players were well-known as the contemporary report calls them "the noted Perry of London and the famous Piper of Hampton".[21] |
Piper | Hampton | ||
1727 | Alan Brodrick, 2nd Viscount Midleton | Surrey | A Surrey patron who was partly responsible for drawing up the first known rules of the game.[22] |
Thomas Waymark | Sussex and Berkshire | Accounted the first great all-rounder, Waymark played for over 20 years and was noted for his "extraordinary agility and dexterity".[23] | |
1729 | John Chitty | Surrey | The owner of what is now the world's oldest surviving cricket bat (pictured), which is kept in the museum at The Oval.[24] |
1730 | Mr Andrews | Sunbury and Surrey | A Surrey patron who challenged the Duke of Richmond's team in 1730.[25] |
1731 | Frederick, Prince of Wales |
none | Heir to the throne who became very interested in cricket when he first came to England from Hanover and was a leading patron for the rest of his life.[26] |
Tim Coleman | London | Described in a contemporary report as "the famous Tim Coleman".[26] | |
Captain Beak | none | Both took part in an early single wicket contest, though it was a match.[27] | |
Lieutenant Coke | |||
Thomas Chambers | Middlesex | A Middlesex patron who challenged the Duke of Richmond's team in 1731.[27] | |
1732 | Christopher Jones | London? | Keeper of the Artillery Ground.[28] |
1734 | Charles Sackville, Lord Middlesex | Kent | An occasional patron of Kent cricket.[29] |
Lord John Philip Sackville | Kent | A leading patron of Kent cricket who was also a noted player.[29] | |
1735 | Cook | Brentford | Described by a contemporary reporter as "one of the best bowlers in England".[30] |
Dunn | London | Evidently a top order batsman who is mentioned in three match reports.[30] | |
Ellis | Described by a contemporary reporter as London's "best bowler".[30] | ||
Wakeland | Made two known appearances in single wicket contests.[31] | ||
Wheatley | Evidently a top order batsman, known to have been a distiller by trade.[30] | ||
Marshall | Recorded in one match in 1735.[32] | ||
Pool | Recorded in one match in 1735.[32] | ||
Mr Jervoise | Croydon and Surrey | A Surrey patron who was active in 1735.[33] | |
Wood | Woodcot, Surrey | Mentioned briefly in a 1735 report. There were apparently two Woods of Woodcot.[30] | |
1736 | George Oldner | London | Appeared in a top-class single wicket contest in 1736.[31] |
1737 | John Boots | Sussex | Village cricket player who died during a match after colliding with another player.[34] |
1739 | John Bowra | Bromley | Known as the "Kentish Shepherd" and believed to be the father of William Bowra.[35] |
1741 to 1745
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1741 | John Newland | Slindon | Brother of Richard Newland. First mentioned in correspondence by the Duchess of Richmond which establishes the connection between her husband and the Slindon club.[36] |
Adam Newland | Brother of Richard Newland. Noted member of the Slindon team.[37] | ||
Richard Newland | One of the most outstanding players of the sport's pioneering era before the introduction of the pitched delivery. Made the highest known individual score of the period.[37] | ||
1743 | John Bryant | Bromley and Kent | Brother of James Bryant. One of the best players for the Kent county team and a key member of Bromley Cricket Club.[38] |
John Cutbush | Maidstone and Kent | Rated among "the six best players in England".[38] | |
Ridgeway | Sussex | Rated among "the six best players in England".[38] | |
Robert Colchin aka "Long Robin" | Bromley and Kent | A controversial figure who was held to be both the best batsman and all-rounder of his time. An outstanding single wicket player and a very influential match organiser.[39] | |
Tom Peake | Chelsfield and Kent | Kent player who was frequently called upon as a given man.[39] | |
Val Romney | Sevenoaks and Kent | Noted for his leadership and described by James Love as "a mighty player".[38] | |
William Hodsoll | Dartford and Kent | An outstanding bowler who was rated among "the six best players in England".[38] | |
William Sawyer | Richmond and Surrey | Rated among "the six best players in England".[38] | |
1744 | Little Bennett | London | Probably brothers and noted in contemporary reports to have been two of the best batsmen of their time.[40] |
Tall Bennett | |||
Collins | Surrey | Mentioned in 1744 and 1748; played for London against Slindon in the earliest match that has a surviving scorecard.[40] | |
Edward Aburrow senior aka "Cuddy" | Slindon and Sussex | A known smuggler who played under his alias to disguise himself. Father of the Hambledon player of the same name, he is recorded in matches to 1751. A noted single wicket playeer.[40] | |
George Jackson | Addington and Surrey | Known to have been a good batsman who frequently played in single wicket contests, he is recorded in matches to 1752.[40] | |
George Smith | London | A publican who was also the groundkeeper of the Artillery Ground. Although he was an occasional player in significant matches, he was better known for his financial problems and his battles against bankruptcy.[40] | |
Green | Amberley and Sussex | Recorded in three matches to 1747.[40] | |
Howlett | London | Made two known appearances in 1744 and 1745.[40] | |
James Bryant | Bromley and Kent | Brother of John Bryant. One of the best players for the Kent county team and a key member of Bromley Cricket Club.[40] | |
James Love | Richmond | A playing member at Richmond but better known as a poet.[41] | |
Joe Harris | Addington and Surrey | Brother of John Harris and recorded until 1756. Made 26 known appearances in single wicket and 15 in significant matches.[40] | |
John Harris | Addington and Surrey | Brother of Joe Harris and recorded until 1754. Made 11 known appearances in single wicket and 12 in significant matches.[40] | |
John Mills | Horsmonden and Kent | A noted bowler but is only recorded in one match.[41] | |
Kipps | Eltham and Kent | A noted wicketkeeper who is recorded four times to 1747.[41] | |
Maynard | Surrey | Recorded in 12 matches to 1750.[40] | |
Norris | London | Made two known appearances in 1744 and 1745.[40] | |
Stephen Dingate | Reigate, Surrey | Believed to have been a barber by trade, one of the leading single wicket players of the 1740s.[40] | |
Stevens | Surrey | Two players called Stevens were due to play in the London v Slindon match on 2 June 1744 but did not take part and are not mentioned in other sources.[40] | |
Tom Faulkner | Addington and Surrey | A prominent single wicket player who is recorded to 1761. Was also a prizefighter who fought under the sobriquet of "Long Tom".[40] | |
Andrews | Slindon and Sussex | Recorded in one match in 1744.[40] | |
Bartram | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1744.[41] | |
Butler | London | Recorded in one match in 1744.[40] | |
Danes | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1744.[41] | |
Hodder | London | Recorded in one match in 1744.[40] | |
Mills | Kent | Probably John Mills' brother; recorded in one match in 1744.[41] | |
1745 | Broad | Addington and Surrey | Mentioned in match reports from 1745 to 1750.[42] |
Howard | Kent | Mentioned in match reports from 1745 to 1752.[42] | |
Robert Lascoe | Bromley and Kent | Mentioned in match reports from 1745 to 1748.[42] | |
William Anderson | London | Mentioned in match reports from 1745 to 1752. It is believed a benefit match was held for him in 1753.[42] | |
Hodge | Long Robin's XI | Recorded in one match in 1745.[42] | |
Jacob Mann | Richard Newland's XI | Recorded in one match in 1745.[42] | |
Martin | Richard Newland's XI | Recorded in one match in 1745.[42] | |
Norton | Richard Newland's XI | Recorded in one match in 1745.[42] | |
1746 to 1760
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1747 | John Bell | Dartford and Kent | Noted wicketkeeper.[43] |
Thomas Bell | Dartford and Kent | Brother of the above. Condemned to death in 1762 but later reprieved.[43] | |
John Mansfield | Sevenoaks and Kent | Batsman noted for single wicket appearances.[43] | |
John Larkin | Hadlow and Kent | Noted single wicket performer.[43] | |
Jones | Hadlow and Kent | Mentioned in match reports from 1747 to 1749.[43] | |
Joseph Rudd | Sussex | Noted single wicket performer.[44] | |
Pye | Sussex | Noted single wicket performer.[44] | |
Robert Eures | Bexley and Kent | Known to have been a good batsman who played for All-England teams.[43] | |
Thomas Jure | London | Mentioned in match reports from 1747 to 1749.[43] | |
Allen | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1747.[43] | |
1748 | Durling | Addington and Surrey | Mentioned in match reports from 1748 to 1761.[45] |
John Capon | London and Surrey | Mentioned in match reports from 1748 to 1755.[45] | |
Darville | Berkshire | Apparently Thomas Waymark's employer at Bray Mills in Berkshire. A patron who is recorded playing in three single wicket matches in 1748.[45] | |
George Carter | London | Recorded four times from 1748 to 1749.[45] | |
Walker | London | Recorded in one single wicket match in 1748.[45] | |
1749 | John Frame | Dartford and Kent | Arguably the first great fast bowler in cricket history and had a long career from 1749 to at least 1774.[46][47] |
Perry | Surrey | Mentioned in match reports from 1749 to 1755. Has been confused with the 1726 player, who could have been a relation.[47] | |
Humphreys | Surrey | Recorded in two matches in 1749.[47] | |
John Colchin | Bromley | Probably Robert Colchin's brother; recorded in two matches in 1749.[47] | |
Joseph Hitches | Colchin's XI | Recorded three times in 1749.[47] | |
T. Southam | Colchin's XI | Recorded three times in 1749.[47] | |
Robinson | Faulkner's XI | Recorded three times in 1749.[47] | |
1750 | Garrett | Kent | Recorded in five matches from 1750 to 1751.[48] |
Rawlings | Kent | Mentioned in three match reports to 1751.[48] | |
Robert Bartholomew | Surrey | Possibly part of a cricketing family, he was also an innkeeper.[48] | |
Thomas Brandon | Dartford and Kent | A noted batsman who was mentioned in match reports from 1750 to 1759.[48] | |
Frame | Surrey | John Frame's brother; recorded in three matches in 1750.[48] | |
1751 | Stephen Harding | Thursley and Chertsey | Hard-hitting batsman mentioned in match reports from 1751 to 1765.[49] |
Stephens | Dartford | Mentioned in match reports from 1751 to 1759.[49] | |
Mathews | All-England | Recorded in two matches in 1751.[49] | |
Stone | Kent | Recorded in two matches in 1751.[49] | |
Wilden | Kent | Recorded in two matches in 1751.[49] | |
1753 | William King | London | Noted as a leading London player in 1753 and 1754.[50] |
1754 | Parr | Chatham | Recorded in one single wicket match in 1754.[51] |
1755 | Clowder | London | Recorded in one single wicket match in 1755.[45] |
1759 | Gill | Bucks and All-England | Noted wicketkeeper who was still playing in 1772.[52] |
John Edmeads | Chertsey and Surrey | Mentioned in match reports until 1779.[53] | |
John Haynes | Surrey | Mentioned in match reports from 1759 to 1761.[52] | |
Thomas Woods | Chertsey and Surrey | Only definite reference is in 1761 but probably played in 1759 for All-England. There is confusion in sources with other players named "Woods", "John Wood" and "Thomas Wood".[52] | |
Allen | Middlesex | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
Burchwood | Kent | Noted bowler. Played in three matches in 1759.[52] | |
Cheeseman | Sussex | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
Gascoigne | London | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52][54] | |
Nyland | Sussex | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions. Possibly Richard Newland or Richard Nyren.[52] | |
Saunders | Berkshire | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
Goldstone | Dartford and Kent | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
Killick | Dartford and Kent | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
Potter | Dartford and Kent | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
Wakelin | Dartford and Kent | Played in three matches in 1759. No other mentions.[52] | |
1761 to 1770
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1761 | Shock White | Brentford | Definitely active between 1761 and 1773 but often confused with Thomas "Daddy" White.[55] |
Charles Sears | Chertsey | Played two matches in 1761.[55] | |
William Piper | Chertsey | Appeared in one match in 1761 as a given man for Chertsey.[55] | |
1764 | John Small | Hambledon and Hampshire | Described by John Nyren as "a star of the first magnitude",[56] master batsman John Small is buried in St Peter's churchyard (pictured) in his home village of Petersfield.[57] |
John Bayton | Hambledon and Hampshire | Noted batsman of the late 1760s whose career apparently ended in the early 1770s.[58] | |
Peter Stewart | Hambledon and Hampshire | Nicknamed "Buck", a humorist who was a Hambledon mainstay through the club's formative period.[53] | |
Richard Nyren | Hambledon and Hampshire | Cricket's earliest known left-hander. An outstanding all-rounder who captained the Hambledon team in its heyday.[52] | |
Squire Thomas Land | Hambledon and Hampshire | Perhaps the original patron of Hambledon cricket who seems to have left the scene before the club was founded.[58] | |
Thomas Baldwin | Chertsey | Active in the 1760s.[59] | |
Thomas Ridge | Hambledon and Hampshire | Prominent Hambledon Club member who played in a number of matches to 1775.[58] | |
William Barber | Hambledon and Hampshire | Noted bowler, probably fast-medium, who played until 1777.[60] | |
William Hogsflesh | Hambledon and Hampshire | Noted bowler, probably fast-medium, who played until 1775.[61] | |
Edward Woolgar | Hambledon and Hampshire | Tentative reference re one match in 1764.[58] | |
John Woolgar | Hambledon and Hampshire | Tentative reference re one match in 1764.[58] | |
Osmond | Hambledon and Hampshire | Tentative reference re one match in 1764.[58] | |
1765 | Richard Edmeads | Chertsey | Brother of John Edmeads; recorded in one match in 1765.[62] |
1767 | Edward "Curry" Aburrow | Hambledon and Hampshire | Son of "Cuddy" Aburrow. A Hampshire regular to 1782.[63] |
Henry Rowett | Caterham and Surrey | Patron of Surrey cricket who was chiefly associated with the Caterham club in the 1760s.[15] | |
Sir Horatio Mann, 2nd Baronet | Kent | A leading patron of Kent cricket.[63] | |
Tom Sueter | Hambledon and Hampshire | Outstanding wicketkeeper-batsman, especially noted for his front foot play.[64] | |
1768 | John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset |
Kent | A leading patron of Kent cricket and a useful player in his own right.[65][66] |
Bellchambers | Surrey | Recorded in two matches to 1769.[65] | |
James Fuggles | Kent | Kent batsman who was last recorded in 1773.[65] | |
John Boorman | Kent and Essex | Prominent bowler who played in important matches till 1793.[52] | |
Joseph Miller | Kent | Outstanding batsman who was active till 1783. Some confusion exists re his first name but the majority of sources call him Joseph.[15][67] | |
Richard May | Kent | Noted bowler of the 1760s and 1770s. Brother of Thomas May.[68] | |
Thomas May | Kent | Batsman who played until 1773. Brother of Richard May.[68] | |
Richard Simmons | Kent | One of the earliest well-known wicketkeepers. Active till 1779.[15] | |
William Palmer | Kent and Surrey | Noted batsman who played in important matches to 1776.[15] | |
Birchet | Surrey | Recorded in two matches in 1768.[65] | |
Brobham | Dartford and Kent | Recorded in one single wicket match in 1768 and a match for Dartford in 1775.[65] | |
Foule | Caterham | Recorded as top scorer in one match in 1768.[15] | |
Mandy | Kent | Recorded in one single wicket match in 1768.[65] | |
Muddle | Kent | Recorded in two matches in 1768.[65] | |
Smailes | Caterham | Recorded in two matches from 1768 to 1769.[15] | |
Blake | Caterham | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Carpenter | Caterham | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Edward Francis | Caterham | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
T. Francis | Caterham | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Golding | Bourne | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Love | Bourne | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Miller | Caterham | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Twinker | Caterham | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
Ward | Bourne | Tentative reference re one match in 1768.[15] | |
1769 | Lumpy Stevens | Chertsey and Surrey | One of the greatest bowlers of the underarm era. Had a long career from c. 1756 to 1789.[69] |
Jasper Fish | Kent | Recorded in three matches between 1769 and 1777.[70] | |
John Wood (Kent) | Kent | Noted bowler who was active until 1783. Sources have often failed to disambiguate him re John Wood of Surrey.[70] | |
George Leer | Hambledon and Hampshire | Middle order batsman who was mainly noted for his fielding.[63] | |
John Minshull | Kent and Surrey | Scorer of the earliest known century in all forms of cricket and a noted batsman in the 1760s and 1770s.[71] | |
Thomas Brett | Hambledon and Hampshire | Outstanding fast bowler who was acclaimed for his combination of speed and accuracy.[72] | |
Page | Chertsey and Surrey | Active till 1773.[70] | |
Thomas Pattenden | Kent | Played in over thirty important matches from 1772 to 1783. In some scorecards, he cannot be disambiguated re his brother William.[70] | |
Thomas Quiddington | Chertsey and Surrey | Noted bowler mentioned in reports from 1769 to 1784. His name has also been spelt Quiddenden.[70] | |
John Wood (Surrey) | Chertsey and Surrey | Noted all-rounder who was active until 1780. Sources have often failed to disambiguate him re John Wood of Kent and S&B always calls him Thomas Wood.[70] | |
William Bowra | Kent and Sussex | Probably the son of John Bowra. Sound middle-order batsman who is believed to have been a good close fielder.[73] | |
Glazier | Hambledon and Hampshire | Recorded in one match in 1769.[70] | |
Purdy | Hambledon and Hampshire | Recorded in one match in 1769.[70] | |
Shepherd | Caterham and Surrey | Recorded in one match in 1769.[70] | |
Wessing | Caterham and Surrey | Recorded in one match in 1769.[70] | |
1771 to 1775
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1771 | Coleman | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] |
Collishaw | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Reverend Reynell Cotton | Hambledon | President of the Hambledon Club in 1773 and 1774. Best known for composing the Hambledon Club Song c. 1771. It is not certain if he was ever a player.[75] | |
John Thomas de Burgh | Hambledon and Hampshire | Occasional player in the early 1770s. Became the 13th Earl of Clanricarde.[76] | |
Huythwaite | Nottingham | One match against Sheffield.[74] | |
Loughman | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Mew | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Osguthorpe | Sheffield | One match against Nottingham.[74] | |
Harry Peckham |
Sussex | Occasional player who contributed to the 1774 Laws of Cricket.[76] | |
Rawson | Nottingham | One match against Sheffield.[74] | |
Roe | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Spurr | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Stocks | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Troop | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Turner | Nottingham | Two known matches, 1771β72.[74] | |
Thomas White | Chertsey and Surrey | Noted all-rounder who instigated the Monster Bat Controversy. Retired in 1779.[77] | |
1772 | Childs | Surrey | Recorded in nine matches from 1772 to 1774 but believed to have been active long before 1772.[78] |
Bamford | Nottingham | One match against Sheffield.[74] | |
"Mr Ellis" | Hampshire and Sussex | A now unknown figure who was mentioned as the subject of a bet re how many runs he might score in comparison with the Duke of Dorset in a Kent versus Hampshire and Sussex match.[79] | |
Gladwin | Nottingham | One match against Sheffield.[74] | |
William Yalden | Chertsey and Surrey | Outstanding wicketkeeper-batsman. Made at least fifty known important match appearances to 1783.[80] | |
1773 | William Bartholomew | Chertsey and Surrey | A member of the Bartholomew family, recorded in 1773.[81] |
Charles Bennet, 4th Earl of Tankerville | Surrey | A leading patron of Surrey cricket who employed Lumpy as a gardener.[82] | |
Charles Powlett | Hambledon Club | A key benefactor and patron at Hambledon. A member of the Laws committee in 1774.[83] | |
Constantine Phillips | Surrey | Made 5 known appearances to 1778.[81] | |
Edward Hussey | Kent | A useful batsman who had a long but sporadic career from 1773 to 1797.[84] | |
Francis Booker | Kent | Left-handed batsman and noted fielder who played regularly until 1790.[78] | |
George Louch | Kent and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) | An occasional patron who was one of the most prolific amateur players.[85] | |
Henry Attfield | Surrey | Also known as "Field", his career seems to have ended early at age 26 in 1782.[81] | |
James Aylward | Hambledon and Hampshire | Noted batsman who had a long career and made a known record score of 167 in 1777.[86] | |
James Bayley | Hambledon and Hampshire | Made four known appearances from 1773 to 1783.[81] | |
John Wheeler | Kent | Made two known appearances in 1773 and 1775.[81] | |
M. Lewis (Surrey) | Surrey | Amateur who made two known appearances in 1773.[81] | |
Richard Francis | Hambledon and Hampshire | Regular player for Hampshire until 1793.[78] | |
Richard Newman | Essex, Kent and MCC | Amateur batsman who was active from 1773 to 1793.[81] | |
Richard Purchase | Hambledon and Hampshire | Noted slow bowler who had a long career from 1773 until 1803, though he was absent from 1775 to 1780 inclusive.[81] | |
Samuel Colchin | Kent | All-rounder who was active until 1779. Nephew of Robert Colchin.[81] | |
John Brewer Davis | Kent | Recorded twice in 1773.[81] | |
Robert Stone | Surrey | Amateur batsman who played eight times until 1780. May have reappeared in 1790, if the same man.[81] | |
T. Davis | Hambledon and Hampshire | Amateur batsman who made 7 known appearances for Hampshire until 1776.[81] | |
William Bullen | Kent | Outstanding all-rounder who was prolific until 1800. First bowler ever to be definitely credited with 5 wickets in an innings.[86] | |
Blake | Surrey | Recorded in one match in 1773.[81] | |
Horne | Hambledon | Recorded in one match for "Hambledon Town" in 1773.[81] | |
James Cotton | Hambledon | Recorded in one match for "Hambledon Town" in 1773.[81] | |
Lawrence | Hambledon | Recorded in two matches only (1773/77).[81] | |
M. Lewis (Hambledon) | Hambledon | Recorded in one match for "Hambledon Town" in 1773.[81] | |
Read | All-England | Recorded in one match in 1773.[81] | |
1774 | Muggeridge | Chertsey and Surrey | Bowler who was active until 1784.[46] |
Waller | Kent | Recorded in two important matches in 1774.[46] | |
William Brazier | Kent | All-rounder who played in important matches from 1774 to 1794 but was absent 1777β1781.[46] | |
Richard Miller | Surrey | Possibly a brother of Joseph Miller; recorded in one match in 1774.[46] | |
1775 | Tom Taylor | Hampshire | Outstanding all-rounder, especially noted for the cut shot and brilliant fielding.[61] |
William Edmeads | Surrey | Younger brother of John Edmeads. Recorded in one match in 1775.[87] | |
Francis aka Frances | Hampshire | Possibly a brother of Richard Francis; recorded in one match in 1775.[88] | |
Rev Charles Bartholomew | Chertsey | One of the Bartholomew family who played in the 1770s and perhaps earlier.[89] | |
Thomas Swayne | Chertsey | Made three recorded appearances to 1778.[89] | |
Briggs | Risborough | Recorded as a given man in one match in 1775.[90] | |
Daniel Etheridge | Chertsey | Recorded in three matches in 1775.[89] | |
Faggoter | Chertsey | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Richard Lipscomb | Chertsey | Recorded in two matches in 1775.[89] | |
Ashby aka Ashley | Coulsdon | Amateur player; recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Benick | Coulsdon | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Burkin | Coulsdon | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Henry Palmer | Coulsdon | Recorded in one match in 1775; possibly related to William Palmer.[89] | |
Bassden | London | Recorded in two matches (1775/77).[89] | |
Birdeye | London | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Warren | London | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Baldwin | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Hammond | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Scuder | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Goulson | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Lintot | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Sanham | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Terry | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
Richardson | Dartford | Recorded in one match in 1775.[89] | |
1776 to 1780
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1776 | Richard Aubrey Veck | Hampshire | Noted batsman who was a Hampshire regular until 1784 when he quit the game for, apparently, business reasons.[73] |
1777 | Lamborn | Surrey and Hampshire | Spin bowler who was a great innovator. Known as the "Little Farmer".[91] |
Mills | Surrey | Bowler who was active until 1781.[92] | |
Noah Mann | Hampshire | Outstanding all-rounder noted for his athleticism. Career ended tragically when he was killed by fire.[60] | |
Pennell | Kent | Made five known appearances to 1781.[93] | |
Richard Hosmer | Kent | Amateur batsman. Active until 1791.[71] | |
Richard Stanford | Kent | Amateur batsman. Active until 1787.[71] | |
Robert Clifford | Kent | Prolific all-rounder, especially noted for his slow bowling. Active until 1792.[91] | |
Townsend | Kent | Recorded in seven matches to 1786.[94] | |
William Bedster | Surrey and Middlesex | Noted batsman who played regularly to 1794. Was at one time the Earl of Tankerville's butler.[93] | |
William Pattenden | Kent | Occasional player to 1781. Younger brother of Thomas Pattenden.[71] | |
Baker | Hampshire | Recorded in one match in 1777.[93] | |
Holness aka Houness | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1777 and in one important match in 1781.[95] | |
Bidewell | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1777.[95] | |
Oakley | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1777.[95] | |
1778 | Boltwood | All-England | Recorded in one match in 1778.[96] |
Henry Bonham | Hampshire | Amateur player; recorded in one match in 1778.[92] | |
Irons | All-England | Recorded in one match in 1778.[96] | |
Mansfield | All-England | Recorded in one match in 1778.[96] | |
Polden | All-England | Recorded in one match in 1778.[96] | |
1779 | Berwick | Surrey and Hampshire | Made 6 known appearances from 1779 to 1780.[97] |
1780 | Gibson | Kent | Mentioned in two matches in 1780.[71] |
John Freemantle | Hampshire | Elder brother of Andrew Freemantle. Fast bowler who had a short career to 1782.[98] | |
B. Rimmington | Kent | One of three brothers who collectively played until 1791. Sources often fail to disambiguate between them.[71] | |
T. Rimmington | Kent | One of three brothers who collectively played until 1791. Sources often fail to disambiguate between them.[71] | |
1781 to 1786
year | name | club/county | notes[a][b] |
---|---|---|---|
1781 | Hogben | Kent | Made six known appearances in 1781 and 1782.[82] |
J. Martin | Essex | Professional bowler active until 1793.[82] | |
M. Rimmington | Kent | One of three brothers who collectively played until 1791. Sources often fail to disambiguate between them.[71] | |
Webb | Kent | Made five known appearances in 1781.[82] | |
Hodges | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1781.[82] | |
T. Skinner | Hampshire | Recorded in one match in 1781.[82] | |
1782 | David Harris | Hampshire | One of the greatest bowlers of the underarm era. Played in important matches to 1798.[99] |
"Little" Joey Ring | Kent | Noted batsman who played in important matches until 1796.[99] | |
W. Hall | Hampshire | Recorded in one match in 1782.[99] | |
1783 | Couchman | Kent | Made two known appearances to 1786.[94] |
James Wells | Surrey | Brother of the more famous John Wells. Made over twenty known important match appearances to 1800.[66] | |
Stephen Amherst | Kent | An occasional patron of Kent cricket who was Thomas Boxall's employer.[94] | |
1784 | J. Cole | Hampshire | Two known appearances to 1788. [100] |
Davidson | Essex | Three known appearances to 1787.[100] | |
Jack Small | Hampshire | Son of John Small and close friend of John Nyren. A sound batsman but overshadowed by his father.[100][101] | |
1785 | Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond |
White Conduit Club (WCC) and MCC | A significant patron during the early years of MCC.[102] |
George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea |
WCC and MCC | A significant patron during the early years of MCC.[102] | |
Barker | Essex | Amateur player. Recorded in four important matches to 1793.[103] | |
John Dampier | WCC and MCC | Amateur player. Recorded in three important matches to 1787.[104] | |
Lord Strathavon | WCC and MCC | Amateur player. Recorded in three important matches to 1792.[104] | |
George Henry Monson | WCC and MCC | Amateur player. Recorded in ten important matches to 1792.[105] | |
Charles Monson | WCC | Amateur player. Brother of G. H. Monson. Army captain who was recorded in one match in 1785.[105] | |
George T. Boult | Berkshire and Middlesex | Amateur player. Recorded in over twenty known important matches to 1795.[103] | |
George Talbot | WCC and MCC | Amateur player. Recorded in over twenty known important matches to 1791.[104] | |
Gilbert East | Berkshire | Amateur all-rounder. Recorded in twelve important matches to 1794.[105] | |
Henry Hervey Aston | WCC and Hampshire | Amateur player; became an army officer and was killed in a duel in 1798. Recorded in 13 important matches to 1793.[104] | |
John Gouldstone aka Goldswain | Essex | Recorded in twelve important matches to 1793.[103] | |
J. Russell | Essex | Amateur player; recorded in nine matches to 1793.[103] | |
J. Wyatt | Essex | Amateur player; recorded in seven matches to 1787.[103] | |
Peachey | WCC and MCC | Amateur player; recorded in two matches in 1785.[104] | |
R. Whitehead | WCC and MCC | An occasional patron who was an original member of MCC.[104] | |
Sir Peter Burrell | WCC and MCC | An occasional patron who was an original member of MCC.[104] | |
C. Slater | Berkshire | Amateur player; recorded in four matches to 1787.[103] | |
Tyson | WCC and MCC | Amateur player; recorded in seven matches to 1794.[104] | |
Billy Beldham | Hampshire and Surrey | One of the most outstanding players of the pre-roundarm era. Credited with over 200 important match appearances from 1787 to 1821.[106] | |
William Fennex | Middlesex | Noted all-rounder and fast bowler whose best years were the 1790s.[107] | |
Belch | Berkshire | Recorded in one match in 1785.[103] | |
Spriggs | Berkshire | Recorded in one match in 1785.[103] | |
Fothers | Essex | Recorded in one match in 1785.[103] | |
J. Norman | Essex | Amateur player; recorded in one match in 1785.[103] | |
Kingsmill | Essex | Recorded in one match in 1785.[103] | |
Dyke | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in two "gentlemen only" matches in 1785.[104] | |
Edwards | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in two "gentlemen only" matches in 1785.[104] | |
Smith | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in two "gentlemen only" matches in 1785.[104] | |
Thompson | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in two "gentlemen only" matches in 1785.[104] | |
Willard | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in two "gentlemen only" matches in 1785.[104] | |
Wilmot | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in two "gentlemen only" matches in 1785.[104] | |
1786 | Collier | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1786.[108] |
Henry Crozoer | Kent | All-rounder recorded until 1790.[109] | |
Finch | Kent | Recorded in one match in 1786.[109] | |
Isaac Hatch | Kent | Amateur player; recorded in one match in 1786.[110] | |
Hawkins | Hampshire | Amateur batsman recorded in four matches to 1787.[111] | |
John Nyren | Hampshire | Son of Richard Nyren and an occasional player who is better known as the author of The Cricketers of My Time.[111][112] | |
Harry Walker | Hampshire and Surrey | Brother of Tom Walker recorded until 1802. Batsman who was noted for his use of the cut shot.[105] | |
Tom Walker | Hampshire and Surrey | Outstanding all-rounder who was noted for his determined, defensive batting. Known as "Old Everlasting", he was a leading player until he retired in 1810.[110] | |
See also
- History of cricket to 1725
- English cricket seasons (1597β1725)
- List of English cricketers (1787β1825)
- List of English cricketers (1826β40)
- List of English cricketers (1841β50)
- List of English cricketers (1851β55)
- List of English cricketers (1856β60)
- List of English cricketers (1861β63)
- The Cricketers of My Time by John Nyren, who played from 1787 to 1817
Footnotes
β’ a)^ Inline citations reference the debut or earliest known mention of each player.
β’ b)^ Note that surviving match records to 1825 are incomplete and any statistical compilation of a player's career in that period is based on known data. Match scorecards were not always created, or have been lost, and the matches themselves were not always recorded in the press or other media. Scorecard data was not comprehensive: e.g., bowling analyses lacked balls bowled and runs conceded; bowlers were not credited with wickets when the batsman was caught or stumped; in many matches, the means of dismissal were omitted.
References
- β Altham, p. 21.
- 1 2 McCann, p. xxxi.
- β McCann, p. xxxiii.
- 1 2 McCann, p. xxxiv.
- β Major, p. 28.
- β Bowen, p. 262.
- β Major, p. 32.
- β Underdown, p. 15.
- β Underdown, p. 13.
- β Major, p. 31.
- β Haygarth, p. vi.
- β McCann, p. xl.
- β Major, p. 37.
- β McCann, p. 1.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Buckley, 18th century, p. 48.
- β McCann, pp. 1β5.
- β Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, p. 6.
- β Maun, p. 29.
- β McCann, p. 4.
- β Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, p. 31.
- β Buckley, 18th century, p. 3.
- β McCann, pp. 6β7.
- β Major, p. 47.
- β Bowen, p. 263.
- β Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 1.
- 1 2 Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, p. 10.
- 1 2 Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 3.
- β Buckley, pre-Victorian, p. 1.
- 1 2 Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 7.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 8.
- 1 2 Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 13.
- 1 2 Buckley, 18th century, p. 11.
- β Buckley, 18th century, p. 10.
- β McCann, p. 16.
- β Buckley, 18th century, p. 15.
- β McCann, p. 19.
- 1 2 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1742
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Buckley, 18th century, p. 17.
- 1 2 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1743
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 McCann, pp. 26β27.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Haygarth, p. 1.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1745
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1747
- 1 2 McCann, p. 41.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1748
- 1 2 3 4 5 Haygarth, pp. 18β19.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1749
- 1 2 3 4 5 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1750
- 1 2 3 4 5 Ashley-Cooper, Cricket 1751
- β Buckley, 18th century, p. 33.
- β Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 53.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Haygarth, pp. 2β3.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 43.
- β Buckley, 18th century, p. 38.
- 1 2 3 Buckley, 18th century, p. 39.
- β Nyren, p. 57.
- β Haygarth, pp. 241β242.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mote, p. 164.
- β Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 57.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 34.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 23.
- β Waghorn, Cricket Scores, p. 59.
- 1 2 3 Haygarth, p. 55.
- β Haygarth, p. 126.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Buckley, 18th century, p. 47.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 59.
- β Haygarth, p. 58.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 4.
- β Haygarth, p. 98.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, pp. 31β33.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Haygarth, p. 44.
- β Haygarth, p. 39.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 27.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Buckley, FLPVC, pp. 6β7.
- β Mote, p. 54 and pp. 402β405.
- 1 2 McCann, p. 77.
- β Haygarth, p. 40.
- 1 2 3 Haygarth, p. 7.
- β Buckley (FLPVC), p. 7.
- β Haygarth, p. 60.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Haygarth, pp. 12β14.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Haygarth, pp. 48β50.
- β Ashley-Cooper, Hambledon Cricket Chronicle, p. 155.
- β Haygarth, p. 217.
- β Haygarth, p. 227.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 8.
- β Haygarth, p. 74.
- β Haygarth, p. 24.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Buckley, 18th century, pp. 74β76.
- β Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, p. 43.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 33.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 38.
- 1 2 3 Haygarth, p. 36.
- 1 2 3 Haygarth, p. 56.
- 1 2 3 Ashley-Cooper (KCM), p. 72.
- 1 2 3 4 Buckley, p. 86.
- β Haygarth, p. 41.
- β Haygarth, p. 45.
- 1 2 3 Haygarth, p. 52.
- 1 2 3 Haygarth, p. 61.
- β Haygarth, p. 364.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 63.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, p. 64.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Waghorn, Dawn of Cricket, p. 65.
- 1 2 3 4 Haygarth, p. 62.
- β Haygarth, p. 72.
- β Haygarth, p. 67.
- β Haygarth, p. 68.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 66.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 64.
- 1 2 Haygarth, p. 65.
- β Haygarth, p. 400.
Bibliography
- Altham, H. S. (1962). A History of Cricket, Volume 1 (to 1914). George Allen & Unwin.
- Ashley-Cooper, F. S. (1900). At the Sign of the Wicket: Cricket 1742β1751. Cricket magazine.
- Ashley-Cooper, F. S. (1924). Hambledon Cricket Chronicle 1772β1796. Jenkins.
- Ashley-Cooper, F. S. (1880). Kent Cricket Matches 1719β1796. Gibbs & Sons.
- Birley, Derek (1999). A Social History of English Cricket. Aurum.
- Bowen, Rowland (1970). Cricket: A History of its Growth and Development. Eyre & Spottiswoode.
- Buckley, G. B. (1935). Fresh Light on 18th Century Cricket. Cotterell.
- Buckley, G. B. (1937). Fresh Light on pre-Victorian Cricket. Cotterell.
- Haygarth, Arthur (1862). Scores & Biographies, Volume 1 (1744β1826). Lillywhite.
- McCann, Tim (2004). Sussex Cricket in the Eighteenth Century. Sussex Record Society.
- Major, John (2007). More Than A Game. HarperCollins.
- Maun, Ian (2009). From Commons to Lord's, Volume One: 1700 to 1750. Roger Heavens. ISBN 978-1-900592-52-9.
- Maun, Ian (2011). From Commons to Lord's, Volume Two: 1751 to 1770. Martin Wilson. ISBN 978-0-9569066-0-1.
- Mote, Ashley (1997). The Glory Days of Cricket. Robson.
- Nyren, John (1998). Ashley Mote, ed. The Cricketers of my Time. Robson.
- Underdown, David (2000). Start of Play. Allen Lane.
- Waghorn, H. T. (1899). Cricket Scores, Notes, etc. (1730β1773). Blackwood.
- Waghorn, H. T. (1906). The Dawn of Cricket. Electric Press.
- Wilson, Martin (2005). An Index to Waghorn. Bodyline.
External links
- Leach, John (2007). "From Lads to Lord's β biographical index". Stumpsite. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011.