1744 English cricket season
Encyclopedia
1744 was a pivotal season in English cricket
history. The earliest known codification of the Laws of Cricket
was written by the noblemen and gentlemen of the London Cricket Club
which played at the Artillery Ground
. Several great matches took place, particularly the challenge by Kent
to take on All-England
at the Artillery Ground
on Monday 18 June. Kent won a dramatic contest by a single wicket despite needing several runs to win when their last pair came together. The match is particularly notable for its surviving scorecard which became the first entry in Arthur Haygarth
's Scores & Biographies.
Another scorecard containing individual scores, though no details of dismissals, has survived from the London
v Slindon
game on Sat 2 June. It is not until the 1772 season that any more scorecards of major cricket matches have survived (a handful of cards from minor matches have been found).
In September, Slindon defeated London and then issued its famous challenge to play any parish in England. The challenge was accepted by the Addington
and Bromley
clubs, which both had fine teams, but the two challenge matches were hit by bad weather and it is not known if they were completed.
can be traced to 1744, possibly an upgrade of an earlier code. The Laws were drawn up by the noblemen and gentlemen members of the London Cricket Club
, which was based at the Artillery Ground
. The intention must have been to establish a universal codification. A general set of rules was in place subject to local variations but, apart from cases where Articles of Agreement were drawn up, as in Richmond v Brodrick in 1727, the laws as such were agreed orally. By and large, the same rules had existed since time immemorial.
A summary of the main points:
The Laws do not say the bowler must roll the ball and there is no mention of prescribed arm action so, in theory, a pitched delivery would have been legal, though undoubtedly controversial.
played Slindon
at the Artillery Ground
on Sat 2 June, details of individual scores were recorded and the scorecard was kept by the Duke of Richmond
at Goodwood House. It gives scores only and no means of dismissal. It does not give much information about the players except their surnames though the scorer did think to differentiate between the two sets of brothers who were playing.
The Daily Advertiser carried various notices from Thursday 31 May until Sunday 3 June which announced that two untitled sides would play in the Artillery Ground on Saturday 2 June. On 31 May, the paper said that the teams would consist of "four gentlemen from Slindon, one from Eastbourne, two from Hamilton (sic) in Sussex, one from Addington and three from Lingfield in Surrey" against "four gentlemen of London, one from Richmond, one from Reigate, three from Addington in Surrey, one from Bray Wick in Berkshire and one from Arundel in Sussex". This was followed by the usual reminder about no dogs and the need to obtain a pass ticket if leaving the ground during play.
The Daily Advertiser changed its notice on Friday 1 June through 2 and 3 June by confusingly announcing the names of the players on each side. However, the names in the paper are not the same as those on the scorecard kept by the Duke of Richmond. The same (i.e., incorrect) names were also reported on 3 June, the day after the match. The paper announced that the two teams would consist of: Cuddy
, Richard Newland
, Adam Newland, John Newland, Ridgeway
, Green of Sussex; Sawyer, Stevens, Stevens, Collins of Surrey; and Norris of London versus Dingate
, John Harris
, Joseph Harris
, Faulkner
, Jackson
, Maynard of Surrey; Bryant, Smith
, Bennett
, Howlett of London; and Waymark
of Berks. No titles were given to the teams at the time (various titles have been applied retrospectively by modern authors).
According to the Duke of Richmond’s papers, which are now in the possession of the West Sussex Records Office, including the recorded scores of this match, the teams were somewhat different from those advertised. Team names are provisionally given as London
versus Slindon
, being the two main clubs represented:
There were two players called Bryant (James and John) and two called Bennett who were always referred to as Little Bennett and Tall Bennett. It is not known which player in each of these pairs took part. Note also that there were two Harrises who both played; and of course the three Newland brothers, of whom John did not play. Edward Aburrow senior, alias Cuddy the notorious smuggler, was the father of the later Hambledon player of the same name.
Thomas Waymark
was formerly employed by Slindon's benefactor the Duke of Richmond but he is here given as a Berkshire resident and playing for the London XI.
The match included one of cricket's earliest known declarations by Slindon in their second innings at 102–6, although the term "declaration" was not in use at that time and neither was the concept generally recognised. Rather it was a case of Slindon "forfeiting" part of their innings in order to allow time to bowl out their opponents.
This was also the first known game at which tickets for readmission were issued to the spectators.
The Penny London Morning Advertiser on Wed 27 June advertised a match to be played next day on Woolwich Common between Woolwich and "the Club in Long Lane, Southwark" .
The Daily Advertiser reported on Sat 30 June re the famous match on Mon 18 June: "It was observed by the noblemen and gentlemen there present that there was great disorder so that it was with difficulty the match was played out. It is ordered for the future that each person pay for going into the Ground sixpence, and there will be for the better conveniency (sic) of all gentlemen that favour me with their company, a ring of benches that will hold at least 800 persons. And it is further desired that no person whtever, except those appointed to keep orderand the players engaged for the day, be admitted to walk within the ring" .
Mon 20 August. There was a single wicket match "for a large sum" between a Sevenoaks player (perhaps Val Romney) and a London player. No other details are known .
Mon 17 September. A big game between two threes at the Artillery Ground. Billed as Long Robin's Side v Richard Newland's Side, the teams were Robert Colchin (Bromley), Val Romney (Sevenoaks) and John Bryant (Addington) against Richard Newland (Slindon), Edward Aburrow senior (Slindon) and Joseph Harris (Addington). Aburrow replaced John Mills
of Horsmonden, the "famous Kent bowler" who was originally chosen. The stake was two hundred guineas and the players involved were stated to be the "best in England". Once again, despite this being a major fixture, the outcome is unknown .
Mon 1 October. Another "threes" game was played at the Artillery Ground for a considerable sum and again the outcome is unknown. The sides were Robert Colchin, James Bryant and Joseph Harris versus John Bryant, Val Romney and Thomas Waymark .
of Dartford and Kent was one of the earliest fast bowlers known. He took eight wickets in the match (i.e., bowled wickets only) for Kent against All-England .
The other noted Kent bowler taking part was John Mills
of Horsmonden. His exact tally is not known, as his brother may have taken some wickets. The same is true of the Harrises and Newlands who bowled for All-England. Seven wickets each were taken by players called Mills, Harris and Newland .
of Kent was the leading wicketkeeper at the time and is the earliest specialist keeper that we know of.
Thomas Waymark
took two catches for All-England v Kent, and he was praised many years earlier for his agility and dexterity. But the most memorable catch in the All-England v Kent match was a diving effort taken by Lord John Philip Sackville to dismiss Richard Newland
.
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
history. The earliest known codification of the Laws of Cricket
Laws of cricket
The laws of cricket are a set of rules established by the Marylebone Cricket Club which describe the laws of cricket worldwide, to ensure uniformity and fairness. There are currently 42 laws, which outline all aspects of how the game is played from how a team wins a game, how a batsman is...
was written by the noblemen and gentlemen of the London Cricket Club
London Cricket Club
The original London Cricket Club was formed by 1722 and was one of the foremost clubs in English cricket over the next four decades. It is closely associated with the Artillery Ground, where it played most of its home matches.-Early history of London cricket:...
which played at the Artillery Ground
Artillery Ground
The Artillery Ground in Finsbury is one of London's most centrally located cricket grounds, situated just off the City Road immediately north of the City of London...
. Several great matches took place, particularly the challenge by Kent
Kent county cricket teams
Kent county cricket teams have been traced back to the 17th century but the county's involvement in cricket goes back much further than that. Kent, jointly with Sussex, is the birthplace of the sport...
to take on All-England
All-England Eleven
In cricket, the term All-England has been used for various non-international teams that have been formed for short-term purposes since the 1739 English cricket season and it indicates that the "Rest of England" is playing against, say, MCC or an individual county team...
at the Artillery Ground
Artillery Ground
The Artillery Ground in Finsbury is one of London's most centrally located cricket grounds, situated just off the City Road immediately north of the City of London...
on Monday 18 June. Kent won a dramatic contest by a single wicket despite needing several runs to win when their last pair came together. The match is particularly notable for its surviving scorecard which became the first entry in Arthur Haygarth
Arthur Haygarth
Arthur Haygarth was a noted amateur cricketer who became one of cricket's most significant historians....
's Scores & Biographies.
Another scorecard containing individual scores, though no details of dismissals, has survived from the London
London Cricket Club
The original London Cricket Club was formed by 1722 and was one of the foremost clubs in English cricket over the next four decades. It is closely associated with the Artillery Ground, where it played most of its home matches.-Early history of London cricket:...
v Slindon
Slindon
Slindon is a small village and civil parish in the Arun District of West Sussex, England, nestling in woodlands on the southern edge of the South Downs. Slindon lies approximately seven miles north-east of Chichester...
game on Sat 2 June. It is not until the 1772 season that any more scorecards of major cricket matches have survived (a handful of cards from minor matches have been found).
In September, Slindon defeated London and then issued its famous challenge to play any parish in England. The challenge was accepted by the Addington
Addington Cricket Club
Addington is about three miles south-east of Croydon. It is only a small place but Addington Cricket Club fielded one of the strongest cricket teams in England from about the 1743 season to the 1752 season....
and Bromley
Bromley Cricket Club
Bromley Cricket Club was one of the strongest English cricket clubs in the mid-18th century when its team was led by Robert Colchin aka "Long Robin".-Earliest mentions:...
clubs, which both had fine teams, but the two challenge matches were hit by bad weather and it is not known if they were completed.
Laws of Cricket
The first known issue of the Laws of CricketLaws of cricket
The laws of cricket are a set of rules established by the Marylebone Cricket Club which describe the laws of cricket worldwide, to ensure uniformity and fairness. There are currently 42 laws, which outline all aspects of how the game is played from how a team wins a game, how a batsman is...
can be traced to 1744, possibly an upgrade of an earlier code. The Laws were drawn up by the noblemen and gentlemen members of the London Cricket Club
London Cricket Club
The original London Cricket Club was formed by 1722 and was one of the foremost clubs in English cricket over the next four decades. It is closely associated with the Artillery Ground, where it played most of its home matches.-Early history of London cricket:...
, which was based at the Artillery Ground
Artillery Ground
The Artillery Ground in Finsbury is one of London's most centrally located cricket grounds, situated just off the City Road immediately north of the City of London...
. The intention must have been to establish a universal codification. A general set of rules was in place subject to local variations but, apart from cases where Articles of Agreement were drawn up, as in Richmond v Brodrick in 1727, the laws as such were agreed orally. By and large, the same rules had existed since time immemorial.
A summary of the main points:
- there is reference to the toss of a coin and the pitch dimensions;
- the stumps must be 22 inches (558.8 mm) high with a six inch (152 mm) bail;
- the ball must weigh between five and six ounces;
- overs last four balls;
- the no ball is the penalty for overstepping, which means the hind foot going in front of the bowling crease (i.e., in direct line of the wicket);
- the popping crease is exactly 3 feet ten inches before the bowling crease;
- various means of "it is out" are included;
- it is interesting that hitting the ball twice and obstructing the field are emphatically out, given experiences in the 17th Century;
- the wicket keeper is required to be still and quiet until the ball is bowled;
- umpires must allow two minutes for a new batsman to arrive and ten minutes between innings (meal and rain breaks presumably excepted);
- the umpire cannot give a batsman out if the fielders do not appeal;
- the umpire is allowed a certain amount of discretion and it is made clear that the umpire is the "sole judge" and that "his determination shall be absolute"
The Laws do not say the bowler must roll the ball and there is no mention of prescribed arm action so, in theory, a pitched delivery would have been legal, though undoubtedly controversial.
The earliest known scorecard
When LondonLondon Cricket Club
The original London Cricket Club was formed by 1722 and was one of the foremost clubs in English cricket over the next four decades. It is closely associated with the Artillery Ground, where it played most of its home matches.-Early history of London cricket:...
played Slindon
Slindon
Slindon is a small village and civil parish in the Arun District of West Sussex, England, nestling in woodlands on the southern edge of the South Downs. Slindon lies approximately seven miles north-east of Chichester...
at the Artillery Ground
Artillery Ground
The Artillery Ground in Finsbury is one of London's most centrally located cricket grounds, situated just off the City Road immediately north of the City of London...
on Sat 2 June, details of individual scores were recorded and the scorecard was kept by the Duke of Richmond
Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond
The 2nd Duke of Richmond has been described as early cricket's greatest patron. Although he had played cricket as a boy, his real involvement began after he succeeded to the dukedom...
at Goodwood House. It gives scores only and no means of dismissal. It does not give much information about the players except their surnames though the scorer did think to differentiate between the two sets of brothers who were playing.
The Daily Advertiser carried various notices from Thursday 31 May until Sunday 3 June which announced that two untitled sides would play in the Artillery Ground on Saturday 2 June. On 31 May, the paper said that the teams would consist of "four gentlemen from Slindon, one from Eastbourne, two from Hamilton (sic) in Sussex, one from Addington and three from Lingfield in Surrey" against "four gentlemen of London, one from Richmond, one from Reigate, three from Addington in Surrey, one from Bray Wick in Berkshire and one from Arundel in Sussex". This was followed by the usual reminder about no dogs and the need to obtain a pass ticket if leaving the ground during play.
The Daily Advertiser changed its notice on Friday 1 June through 2 and 3 June by confusingly announcing the names of the players on each side. However, the names in the paper are not the same as those on the scorecard kept by the Duke of Richmond. The same (i.e., incorrect) names were also reported on 3 June, the day after the match. The paper announced that the two teams would consist of: Cuddy
Edward Aburrow senior
Edward Aburrow senior was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century. He was a Sussex man, believed to have been a native of the famous village of Slindon, where his son Edward "Curry" Aburrow was born....
, Richard Newland
Richard Newland
Richard Newland was an English cricketer in the mid-Georgian period who played for Slindon Cricket Club and Sussex under the patronage of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. He also represented various All-England teams...
, Adam Newland, John Newland, Ridgeway
Ridgeway (Sussex cricketer)
Ridgeway was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for Sussex and All-England.-Cricket career:...
, Green of Sussex; Sawyer, Stevens, Stevens, Collins of Surrey; and Norris of London versus Dingate
Stephen Dingate
Stephen Dingate was a leading English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period. He almost certainly began playing in the 1720s and was one of the best known players in England through the 1740s....
, John Harris
Harris brothers (cricketers)
John Harris and his brother Joseph Harris were English cricketers in the 1740s and 1750s...
, Joseph Harris
Harris brothers (cricketers)
John Harris and his brother Joseph Harris were English cricketers in the 1740s and 1750s...
, Faulkner
Tom Faulkner
Tom Faulkner , known as "Long Tom", was a noted English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period.A Surrey man, he was a prominent single wicket player who frequently played in challenge matches at the Artillery Ground....
, Jackson
George Jackson (cricketer)
George Jackson was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for the famous Addington Cricket Club and for Surrey...
, Maynard of Surrey; Bryant, Smith
George Smith (cricketer)
George Smith was an English cricketer and also the "keeper" of the Artillery Ground, which was cricket's main venue in London during the mid-Georgian period....
, Bennett
Bennett (London cricketer)
"Little" Bennett was an English professional cricketer who played first-class cricket for London Cricket Club in the 1740s and 1750s. He was almost certainly the brother of the player known as Tall Bennett...
, Howlett of London; and Waymark
Thomas Waymark
Thomas Waymark was an English professional cricketer in the first half of the 18th century...
of Berks. No titles were given to the teams at the time (various titles have been applied retrospectively by modern authors).
According to the Duke of Richmond’s papers, which are now in the possession of the West Sussex Records Office, including the recorded scores of this match, the teams were somewhat different from those advertised. Team names are provisionally given as London
London Cricket Club
The original London Cricket Club was formed by 1722 and was one of the foremost clubs in English cricket over the next four decades. It is closely associated with the Artillery Ground, where it played most of its home matches.-Early history of London cricket:...
versus Slindon
Slindon
Slindon is a small village and civil parish in the Arun District of West Sussex, England, nestling in woodlands on the southern edge of the South Downs. Slindon lies approximately seven miles north-east of Chichester...
, being the two main clubs represented:
| Sat 2 June 1744 - London v Slindon (Artillery Ground) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slindon | 1st | 2nd | - | London | 1st | 2nd |
| Edward Aburrow senior Edward Aburrow senior Edward Aburrow senior was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century. He was a Sussex man, believed to have been a native of the famous village of Slindon, where his son Edward "Curry" Aburrow was born.... |
5 | 0 | - | - Howlett | 1 | 5 |
| ? Bryant | 5 | 10 | - | Stephen Dingate Stephen Dingate Stephen Dingate was a leading English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period. He almost certainly began playing in the 1720s and was one of the best known players in England through the 1740s.... |
0 | 19 |
| Richard Newland Richard Newland Richard Newland was an English cricketer in the mid-Georgian period who played for Slindon Cricket Club and Sussex under the patronage of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. He also represented various All-England teams... |
0 | 0 | - | William Sawyer | 4 | 4 |
| Andrew Newland | 0 | 22 | - | - Maynard | 8 | 6 |
| - Ridgeway Ridgeway (Sussex cricketer) Ridgeway was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for Sussex and All-England.-Cricket career:... |
6 | dnb | - | ? Bennett Bennett (London cricketer) "Little" Bennett was an English professional cricketer who played first-class cricket for London Cricket Club in the 1740s and 1750s. He was almost certainly the brother of the player known as Tall Bennett... |
11 | 7 |
| Joseph Harris Harris brothers (cricketers) John Harris and his brother Joseph Harris were English cricketers in the 1740s and 1750s... |
13 | 14 | - | Tom Faulkner Tom Faulkner Tom Faulkner , known as "Long Tom", was a noted English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period.A Surrey man, he was a prominent single wicket player who frequently played in challenge matches at the Artillery Ground.... |
1 | 0 |
| George Jackson George Jackson (cricketer) George Jackson was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for the famous Addington Cricket Club and for Surrey... |
19 | 1 | - | Thomas Waymark Thomas Waymark Thomas Waymark was an English professional cricketer in the first half of the 18th century... |
13 | 16 |
| John Harris Harris brothers (cricketers) John Harris and his brother Joseph Harris were English cricketers in the 1740s and 1750s... |
18 | 47 | - | - Butler | 18 | 0 |
| - Norris | 13 | dnb | - | - Green | 11 | 12 |
| - Andrews | 7 | 4 | - | - Hodder | 6 | 0 |
| George Smith George Smith (cricketer) George Smith was an English cricketer and also the "keeper" of the Artillery Ground, which was cricket's main venue in London during the mid-Georgian period.... |
8 | dnb | - | - Collins | 2 | 1 |
| Extras | 8 | 4 | - | Extras | 4 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 102 | 102-6d | - | TOTAL | 79 | 70 |
| Slindon won by 55 runs | ||||||
There were two players called Bryant (James and John) and two called Bennett who were always referred to as Little Bennett and Tall Bennett. It is not known which player in each of these pairs took part. Note also that there were two Harrises who both played; and of course the three Newland brothers, of whom John did not play. Edward Aburrow senior, alias Cuddy the notorious smuggler, was the father of the later Hambledon player of the same name.
Thomas Waymark
Thomas Waymark
Thomas Waymark was an English professional cricketer in the first half of the 18th century...
was formerly employed by Slindon's benefactor the Duke of Richmond but he is here given as a Berkshire resident and playing for the London XI.
The match included one of cricket's earliest known declarations by Slindon in their second innings at 102–6, although the term "declaration" was not in use at that time and neither was the concept generally recognised. Rather it was a case of Slindon "forfeiting" part of their innings in order to allow time to bowl out their opponents.
This was also the first known game at which tickets for readmission were issued to the spectators.
Matches
| Date | Match Title | Venue | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 May (M) | Surrey Surrey county cricket teams Surrey county cricket teams have been traced back to the 17th century but the county's involvement in cricket goes back much further than that. The first definite mention of cricket anywhere in the world is dated c.1550 in Guildford.-17th century:... v All-England |
Moulsey Hurst Moulsey Hurst Moulsey Hurst is located in what is now West Molesey, Surrey on the south bank of the River Thames above Molesey Lock. It is one of England's oldest sporting venues and was used in the 18th and 19th centuries for cricket, prizefighting and other sports.... |
Surrey won by 4 runs | |
The Prince of Wales Frederick, Prince of Wales Frederick, Prince of Wales was a member of the House of Hanover and therefore of the Hanoverian and later British Royal Family, the eldest son of George II and father of George III, as well as the great-grandfather of Queen Victoria... was involved in the promotion of this match and arranged the next match the following Monday at the Artillery Ground. |
||||
| 21 May (M) | All-England v Surrey | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
All we know is that it started at 11 o’clock and was completed in one day. |
||||
| 2 June (S) | London &c. v Slindon &c. | Artillery Ground | Slindon won by 55 runs | |
see The earliest known scorecard above. |
||||
| 15 June (F) | Kent v All-England | Coxheath | result unknown | |
In his Index to Waghorn, Martin Wilson states that the famous match at the Artillery Ground on Mon 18 June (see below) was the return of a match played at Coxheath on Friday 15 June. |
||||
| 18 June (M) | All-England v Kent | Artillery Ground | Kent won by 1 wkt | |
This is the first match for which a full scorecard including dismissals has survived and it is the opening entry in Scores & Biographies. The game was arranged by Lord John Philip Sackville who challenged All-England to play against his county, Kent. The match was extremely close and must have had an exciting finish. It was low scoring and the two not out batsmen at the end scored 5 and 7, so Kent must have needed at least 5 to win when their 9th wicket fell. Sackville himself is reported to have held a remarkable catch to dismiss All-England's best player Richard Newland Richard Newland Richard Newland was an English cricketer in the mid-Georgian period who played for Slindon Cricket Club and Sussex under the patronage of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. He also represented various All-England teams... and that may have been the defining moment of the match. The scorecard presents the problem of players sharing names and not being differentiated by the scorers, whom Arthur Haygarth denounced for their "laziness". It was not until the 1772 season 1772 English cricket season The 1772 English cricket season was notable in English cricket history because it is from then that surviving scorecards are common. There are three scorecards from 1772, all recording matches that were organised by the Hambledon Club... that scorecards began to be kept on a regular basis. The poet James Love James Love (poet) James Love was the pseudonym of British poet, playwright and actor James Dance. He is famous within sporting circles for his Cricket: An Heroic Poem , whose line "The strokes re-echo o'er the spacious ground" has been quoted in the Oxford English Dictionary. Its subtitle reads thus:Illustrated... (1722–1774) commemorated this match in his Cricket: An Heroic Poem. There is a reference in FL18 (on p. 19, under 1745) to the first publication of his poem. As announced in the Daily Advertiser on 4 July 1745, it was priced 1/- and "illustrated with critical observations of Scriblerus Maximus (!)". A footnote says: Printed for W Bickerton at the Gazette in the Temple Exchange near the Inner Temple Gate, Fleet Street. Love was himself a cricketer and a member of Richmond Cricket Club in Surrey. |
||||
| 5 July (Th) | Two Elevens | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
Described as "a scratch match between 22 picked players from Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London and all the most-famed places in England". It was postponed from the previous day because of the weather (Daily Advertiser: Thurs 5 July). The Penny London Morning Advertiser on Fri 6 July observed that: "the small appearance of the company is a plain proof of the resentment of the Public to any imposition, for the price on going into the ground being raised from twopence to sixpence, it is thought there were not 200 persons present when before there used to be 7000 to 8000; which plainly verifies the old proverb "all cover, all loose (sic)". (FL18) |
||||
| 6 & 7 July (F-S) | Two Elevens | Moulsey Hurst/Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
It is known that this was a return game to the one played on 5 July and that it was unfinished at Moulsey Hurst Moulsey Hurst Moulsey Hurst is located in what is now West Molesey, Surrey on the south bank of the River Thames above Molesey Lock. It is one of England's oldest sporting venues and was used in the 18th and 19th centuries for cricket, prizefighting and other sports.... on Friday 6 July, so the players continued at the Artillery Ground on Saturday 7 July. The state of play on Friday night was that one side led by 31 runs with 2 second innings wickets standing. On the Saturday, price of admission was reduced to the "as usual" two pence. |
||||
| 9 July (M) | London v Richmond | Kennington Common | result unknown | |
Advertised in the Daily Advertiser same morning but no match report was found. |
||||
| 21 July (S) | London v Woburn | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
This match was postponed from Thursday 19 July because the Hon. Artillery Company required the ground. |
||||
| 30 July (M) | London v Addington Addington Cricket Club Addington is about three miles south-east of Croydon. It is only a small place but Addington Cricket Club fielded one of the strongest cricket teams in England from about the 1743 season to the 1752 season.... |
Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
"The wickets were pitched at one o'clock". |
||||
| 24 August (F) | Surrey v London | Moulsey Hurst | London won | |
Robert Colchin Robert Colchin Robert "Long Robin" Colchin was a highly influential professional English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period at a time when the single wicket version of the game was popular.-Cricket career:... of Bromley Bromley Cricket Club Bromley Cricket Club was one of the strongest English cricket clubs in the mid-18th century when its team was led by Robert Colchin aka "Long Robin".-Earliest mentions:... and Val Romney Val Romney Valentine "Val" Romney was an English professional cricketer who played first-class cricket during the 1740s. A specialist batsman, he was mainly associated with Kent but also represented All-England... of Sevenoaks were given men for London. Played for £50 a side. |
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| 27 August (M) | London v Surrey | Artillery Ground | London won | |
Robert Colchin of Bromley and Val Romney of Sevenoaks were given men for London. |
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| 3 September (M) | London v Bromley | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
Bromley was a leading club at the time and later in the month was one of two (Addington being the other) to accept Slindon's challenge to play any parish in England. |
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| 7 September (F) | London v Surrey | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
Val Romney of Sevenoaks was a given man for London. |
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| 10 & 11 September (M-Tu) | London v Slindon | Artillery Ground | Slindon won | |
The Newland brothers and "Cuddy" (Edward Aburrow senior) all played for Slindon. Play commenced at noon on the first day but was affected by bad weather. Play on the Tuesday commenced at ten o'clock. It was at the conclusion of this game that Slindon issued its famous challenge to play "any parish in England". They received immediate acceptances from Addington and Bromley who played Slindon in the next two matches. |
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| 12 & 13 September (W-Th) | Slindon v Addington | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
This was affected by bad weather on the 12th. At close of play each side had completed its first innings and Slindon had a lead of just two runs. It is not known if this match was completed on the 13th. |
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| 14 September (F) | Slindon v Bromley | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
As with the first challenge game, details of the result are unknown. Possibly it was rained off. |
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| 19 September (W) | Two Elevens | Artillery Ground | result unknown | |
Described a "scratch match" but between 22 of the "best players in England". No post-match reports were found. |
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Other events
Mon 11 June. The Penny London Morning Advertiser announced a match on Walworth Common in Surrey between "11 gentlemen of the Borough of Southwark and 11 gentlemen of High Kent and Blackman; the wickets to be pitched at one o'clock". The announcement continued: "The gentlemen who play this match have subscribed for a Holland smock of one guinea value, which will be run for by two jolly wenches, one known by the name of The Little Bit of Blue (the handsome Broom Girl) at the fag end of Kent Street, and the other Black Bess of the Mint. They are to run in drawers only and there is excellent sport expected". "Captain Vinegar with a great many of his bruisers and bulldogs will attend to make a ring, that no civil spectators may be incommoded by the rabble" .The Penny London Morning Advertiser on Wed 27 June advertised a match to be played next day on Woolwich Common between Woolwich and "the Club in Long Lane, Southwark" .
The Daily Advertiser reported on Sat 30 June re the famous match on Mon 18 June: "It was observed by the noblemen and gentlemen there present that there was great disorder so that it was with difficulty the match was played out. It is ordered for the future that each person pay for going into the Ground sixpence, and there will be for the better conveniency (sic) of all gentlemen that favour me with their company, a ring of benches that will hold at least 800 persons. And it is further desired that no person whtever, except those appointed to keep orderand the players engaged for the day, be admitted to walk within the ring" .
Mon 20 August. There was a single wicket match "for a large sum" between a Sevenoaks player (perhaps Val Romney) and a London player. No other details are known .
Mon 17 September. A big game between two threes at the Artillery Ground. Billed as Long Robin's Side v Richard Newland's Side, the teams were Robert Colchin (Bromley), Val Romney (Sevenoaks) and John Bryant (Addington) against Richard Newland (Slindon), Edward Aburrow senior (Slindon) and Joseph Harris (Addington). Aburrow replaced John Mills
John Mills (Georgian cricketer)
John Mills was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for Kent. He was referred to in the sources as the famous Kent bowler...
of Horsmonden, the "famous Kent bowler" who was originally chosen. The stake was two hundred guineas and the players involved were stated to be the "best in England". Once again, despite this being a major fixture, the outcome is unknown .
Mon 1 October. Another "threes" game was played at the Artillery Ground for a considerable sum and again the outcome is unknown. The sides were Robert Colchin, James Bryant and Joseph Harris versus John Bryant, Val Romney and Thomas Waymark .
First mentions
- "Little" BennettBennett (London cricketer)"Little" Bennett was an English professional cricketer who played first-class cricket for London Cricket Club in the 1740s and 1750s. He was almost certainly the brother of the player known as Tall Bennett...
- "Tall" BennettBennett (London cricketer)"Little" Bennett was an English professional cricketer who played first-class cricket for London Cricket Club in the 1740s and 1750s. He was almost certainly the brother of the player known as Tall Bennett...
- Edward Aburrow seniorEdward Aburrow seniorEdward Aburrow senior was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century. He was a Sussex man, believed to have been a native of the famous village of Slindon, where his son Edward "Curry" Aburrow was born....
- George JacksonGeorge Jackson (cricketer)George Jackson was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for the famous Addington Cricket Club and for Surrey...
- George SmithGeorge Smith (cricketer)George Smith was an English cricketer and also the "keeper" of the Artillery Ground, which was cricket's main venue in London during the mid-Georgian period....
- James Bryant
- John Harris
- John MillsJohn Mills (Georgian cricketer)John Mills was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for Kent. He was referred to in the sources as the famous Kent bowler...
- Joseph Harris
- KippsKipps (Kent cricketer)Kipps aka Kips was a noted English wicketkeeper in Georgian cricket. He was from Eltham in Kent but other personal information about him, including his first name, is unknown...
- Stephen DingateStephen DingateStephen Dingate was a leading English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period. He almost certainly began playing in the 1720s and was one of the best known players in England through the 1740s....
- Tom FaulknerTom FaulknerTom Faulkner , known as "Long Tom", was a noted English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period.A Surrey man, he was a prominent single wicket player who frequently played in challenge matches at the Artillery Ground....
Leading Batsmen
The best batting performances by those players who took part in both the scorecarded games are given below. Note that many scorecards in the 18th century are unknown or have missing details and so it is impossible to provide a complete analysis of batting performances. For example, the missing not outs prevent computation of batting averages. The "runs scored" are in fact the runs known .| runs | player |
|---|---|
| 69 | John Harris Harris brothers (cricketers) John Harris and his brother Joseph Harris were English cricketers in the 1740s and 1750s... |
| 45 | Thomas Waymark Thomas Waymark Thomas Waymark was an English professional cricketer in the first half of the 18th century... |
| 33 | Richard Newland Richard Newland Richard Newland was an English cricketer in the mid-Georgian period who played for Slindon Cricket Club and Sussex under the patronage of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. He also represented various All-England teams... |
| 33 | Stephen Dingate Stephen Dingate Stephen Dingate was a leading English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period. He almost certainly began playing in the 1720s and was one of the best known players in England through the 1740s.... |
| 28 | Joseph Harris Harris brothers (cricketers) John Harris and his brother Joseph Harris were English cricketers in the 1740s and 1750s... |
Leading Bowlers
William HodsollWilliam Hodsoll
William Hodsoll , was a noted English cricketer of the mid-Georgian period. Hodsoll lived at Dartford for some years and was a tanner ....
of Dartford and Kent was one of the earliest fast bowlers known. He took eight wickets in the match (i.e., bowled wickets only) for Kent against All-England .
The other noted Kent bowler taking part was John Mills
John Mills (Georgian cricketer)
John Mills was a noted English cricketer of the mid-18th century who played for Kent. He was referred to in the sources as the famous Kent bowler...
of Horsmonden. His exact tally is not known, as his brother may have taken some wickets. The same is true of the Harrises and Newlands who bowled for All-England. Seven wickets each were taken by players called Mills, Harris and Newland .
Leading Fielders & Keepers
KippsKipps (Kent cricketer)
Kipps aka Kips was a noted English wicketkeeper in Georgian cricket. He was from Eltham in Kent but other personal information about him, including his first name, is unknown...
of Kent was the leading wicketkeeper at the time and is the earliest specialist keeper that we know of.
Thomas Waymark
Thomas Waymark
Thomas Waymark was an English professional cricketer in the first half of the 18th century...
took two catches for All-England v Kent, and he was praised many years earlier for his agility and dexterity. But the most memorable catch in the All-England v Kent match was a diving effort taken by Lord John Philip Sackville to dismiss Richard Newland
Richard Newland
Richard Newland was an English cricketer in the mid-Georgian period who played for Slindon Cricket Club and Sussex under the patronage of Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond. He also represented various All-England teams...
.
External sources
- CricketArchive match lists
- From Lads to Lord's; The History of Cricket: 1300 – 1787
- The official laws of cricket
Further reading
- H S AlthamHarry AlthamHarry Surtees Altham, CBE, DSO, MC was an English cricketer who became an important figure in the game as an administrator, historian and coach. His Wisden obituary described him as "among the best known personalities in the world of cricket"...
, A History of Cricket, Volume 1 (to 1914), George Allen & Unwin, 1962 - Derek BirleyDerek BirleySir Derek Birley was an English educator and writer who had a strong interest in sport, especially cricket.He was educated at grammar school in Hemsworth, West Yorkshire, and at Queens' College, Cambridge University....
, A Social History of English Cricket, Aurum, 1999 - Rowland BowenRowland BowenMajor Rowland Francis Bowen was a cricket researcher, historian and writer....
, Cricket: A History of its Growth and Development, Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1970 - Ashley MoteAshley MoteAshley Mote was a non-inscrit Member of the European Parliament for South East England. An outspoken critic of fraud in the European Institutions, he himself was convicted of benefit fraud in 2007 for which he served a nine-month prison sentence and was described by the trial judge as "a truly...
, The Glory Days of Cricket, Robson, 1997 - David UnderdownDavid UnderdownDavid E. Underdown was a historian of 17th-century English politics and culture and Professor Emeritus at Yale University. Born at Wells, Somerset, Underdown was educated at the Blue School and Exeter College, Oxford...
, Start of Play, Allen Lane, 2000