George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

for all holders of the title, see Earl of Winchilsea

One of the most significant figures in the history of cricket was George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea (1752 – 1826). His main contributions to the game were patronage and organisation, but Winchilsea was also very keen player. Even so, it has to be said that Winchilsea on the field was something of a liability, despite using a bat that weighed 4lb 2oz.

Winchilsea is the winner of the title of Most Recorded Player of the 18th century, though he was far from the best. He has 138 recorded first-class appearances from 1785 to 1800, which just beats George Louch (134), Tom Walker (131), William Bullen (120) and William Beldam (117). This is remarkable given that Winchilsea was already 32 before he even played in a major match.

Winchilsea was also a military man and in his younger days he served with the 87th Foot in the American Revolutionary War from 1776 to 1780, finishing as a lieutenant-colonel. His title dates back to 1628 and still exists with a 17th Earl in situ at the time of writing.

In about 1784, Winchilsea was one of the prime movers in the foundation of the White Conduit Club (WCC), so–called because it played on White Conduit Fields. WCC was ostensibly an exclusive club that "only gentlemen" might play for, but the club did employ professionals and one of these was the bowler Thomas Lord, a man who was recognised for his business acumen as well as his bowling ability.

It was in 1785 that WCC as such first appeared in a major match. And so things might have continued except that White Conduit Fields was an open area allowing members of the public, including the rowdier elements, to watch the matches and to voice their opinions on the play and the players. The White Conduit gentlemen were not amused by such interruptions and decided to look for a more private venue of their own.

Winchilsea and Colonel Charles Lennox commissioned Lord to find a new ground and offered him a guarantee against any losses he may suffer in the venture. So Lord took a lease from the Portman Estate on some land at Dorset Fields in Marylebone, where Dorset Square is now sited; the ground was prepared and opened in 1787. The first match was on Monday 21 May 1787 was between the White Conduit Club and Middlesex.

This was Lord's first ground. It was originally called the New Ground but was soon renamed Lord's Cricket Ground and, since it was in Marylebone, the WCC on relocating there decided to call themselves Marylebone Cricket Club. The Earl of Winchilsea was one of its early leading lights.