Brief profile of W.G.Grace by Don Ambrose

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Player:

WG Grace

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GRACE, William Gilbert.
Amateur.
Born at Downend, Bristol, 18th July 1848.
Died at Mottingham, Kent, 23rd October 1915.
The brother of E.M. and G.F. who played for Gloucestershire and England, and of Henry who played for Gloucestershire. He was father of W.G. junior of Gloucestershire and C.B. of London County and uncle of A.H. of Gloucestershire and N.V. the Royal Navy. He became the most famous of all cricketers making a good living out of the game, while retaining him amateur status. His debut in first-class cricket was for Gentlemen of South in 1865 and his final match for the Gentlemen of England in 1908. He played in 869 first-class matches, 360 for Gloucestershire, one for Kent and 22 Test Matches. He also played for Suffolk in 1865 and for Worcestershire in 1870. He toured North America in 1872, and Australia in 1873/4 and 1891/2. By studying during the winter be became qualified as a doctor.
At the 1881 Census he is resident at 61 Stapleton Road, Bristol, aged 32 born at Downend, a surgeon, MRCS, LRCP&S.. His wife Agnes N. is aged 27 and his two sons William G. aged 6 and Henry E. aged 4 and his daughter Agnes E. aged 2. His brother-in-law, Stewart B. Day is a medical student aged 20 and there are two visitors John R. Nicholls a 68 year old landowner, and his wife Caroline A. aged 61. There are two domestic servants.

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Don Ambrose)