• Article |
• Discussion |
• Edit |
• History

EDMUND MAYNARD - 'POSH' DERBYSHIRE CRICKETER

Many followers of cricket value the game's constancy and traditions. Yet in fact cricket has changed quite significantly in the last hundred years. One of the player types lost to the first-class game has been the distinguished amateur, that noble breed who spurned 'vulgar professionalism' to play 'the game for the game's sake', for love rather than money - usually because, in the parlance of the age, they were already 'comfortably off'. One such character was the former Derbyshire captain E. A. J. Maynard - here local historian Peter Seddon doffs his cap to make his acquaintance.

Former captain of Derbyshire County Cricket Club - Edmund Anthony Jefferson Maynard (1861-1931)

EDMUND ANTHONY JEFFERSON MAYNARD was born on 10 February 1861 at West House, Chesterfield, the son of E. G. Maynard.

He was educated at Harrow, where he was a member of the Cricket XI in 1879. From Harrow he went up to Trinity College, Cambridge, and played cricket for the University between 1881 and 1883. He gained his B.A. in 1883.

He played County Cricket for Derbyshire from 1880 to 1887, appearing in 37 matches. He captained the side in 1885 and 1886 and for part of 1887.

His record suggests that he was awarded the captaincy more by dint of social background and leadership qualities than superior cricketing ability.

For Derbyshire and Cambridge University together he played 47 first-class matches and had 85 innings. Although his highest score was a creditable 84, his batting average was a mere 8.88, indicating that he must often have been dismissed for single figures.

As a bowler he delivered 68 balls for 53 runs, completing four maiden overs and bagging 2 wickets. His bowling average was therefore 26.5 - not 'loose' as such, but nor were his figures truly economical.

Outside of sport, Edmund Maynard was a Justice of the Peace for Derbyshire. In 1907 he acquired Hoon Hall near Hilton in Derbyshire, and demolished the ancient edifice to build a new family home in the Arts and Crafts style for his own occupation - he named it Hoon Ridge, which many years later became a Rest Home.

E. A. J. Maynard died at Hoon Ridge on 10 January 1931, aged 69.

That he was an 'amateur' from a 'privileged background' conjures up in the mind's eye a certain image. But it is made more vivid still by a pen-picture of Maynard which appeared in 1917 in British Sports and Sportsmen.

To best judge how one facet of cricket really has changed, Maynard's profile needs to be read while keeping in mind more recent cricketing characters - perhaps the former England captain Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, his equally boisterous colleague Darren Gough, or their earlier colourful counterpart Ian Botham. Here is what was written of Maynard:

'The well-known Derbyshire man Mr. Edmund Anthony Jefferson Maynard gained distinction as an athlete at both school and college. After leaving Cambridge he travelled extensively, shooting bear in the Rockies in 1882, and ibex and other species of deer in India and Kashmir in 1883 and 1884.

On his return he took a great interest in Derbyshire cricket, helping place the county club in a much improved position. He has always been a keen rider to hounds and very fond of the sport. At Cambridge he hunted with the Fitzwilliam and afterwards followed the Rufford, and more recently the Meynell. He also played racquets at Harrow and Cambridge.

In 1887 he married Margaret Blanche, elder daughter of Mr. R. S. Wilmot Sitwell. He resides at Hoon Ridge, Hilton, and lists his clubs as Boodle's and the Junior Carlton.'

So 'yes', cricket has changed, and society too, at large. The deadly serious portrayal of 'stiff upper lip' Britishness now verges on the 'Pythonesque', raising a wry smile without ever having intended to. It is a telling snapshot of another age, an archaic tribute to a 'capital fellow', 'jolly fine sportsman' and 'true Derbyshire gentleman'.

     R. I. P. Edmund Anthony Jefferson Maynard - late captain Derbyshire County Cricket Club - 1861 - 1931   
             

FEEDBACK

Did you enjoy this article? If so, why not comment on it? Perhaps you disagree with something in it, or you know something the writer doesn't and can add some extra facts. You may want to ask a question about this article. Making a contribution is easy - either click 'edit' to insert more information or 'discussion' and then 'add comment.' This is your site. Please feel free to use it to the full and share your memories, thoughts and knowledge about Derbyshire with others.

If there is no 'edit' link showing it means the article has either previously been published in the Derby Evening Telegraph, or it has been protected by the site administrator and cannot be edited.'

County:  Derbyshire