Caught In Time - A Celebration of Cricket In Barrow upon Soar - 1744 to 1860By Mick Bailey

It is believed Cricket was introduced to the district by sporting gentlemen from the South, who came to hunt at Melton Mowbray with the earliest midland mention being made in praise of the ‘Gentlemen Cricketers of Barrow’ on the stage at Norwich in 1744. The earliest reference to a match in the county is 1774 found in the Leicester and Nottingham Journal on the 20th August where ‘Barrow will play a team from Mount Sorrel in a great match on the 9th September at Barrow.’ and from then onwards, Barrow cricket progressed with a variety of strong sides with more than a purely local reputation. Unfortunately there were no early chroniclers interested enough to record these somewhat primitive contests. In 1800, Leicester beat a Barrow side by an innings, and ten years later repeated their success, this time by 12 runs for the added incentive of a guinea a man.

John Earl, a striking figure and left hand batsman, was one of Barrow’s most famous figures in those far-away days. Born in Quorndon in 1788, his career stretched over four decades, and he played in two first class matches when he moved to Manchester against Yorkshire in 1844/5 at the age of 55. Turning out for Manchester and Broughton teams (of 18 or 22 players) he played against six separate all England XI’s in successive seasons with a top score of 15 opening the batting at the age of 61. Umpiring the Yorkshire v Lancashire match in 1849 he became the only ex Barrow player that can be traced so far to have officiated in a county fixture. Even at the age of 71 he considered himself ‘still serviceable in a match’. In 1818, in the charming manner that newspapers had in those days of expressing themselves, it was reported that ‘Barrow, having taken the concept out of the Leicester guts, won by one innings with 23 notches to spare’ and Barrow also beat Loughborough that year for a stake of 100 guineas.

In an age when side bets and wagers were the fashion at cricket matches, such was the prowess of the Barrow cricketers that vast sums were placed by the wealthy on their performances. Temperance was a rather rare quality in those days and with such money being played for; consequently hot disputes were common both on and off the field.

Another 100 guineas were put on Barrow – nicknamed ‘the far famed and Hitherto Invincibles’ – to beat Cropwell Butler ( including four players from Bingham) in another game over three days in early August 1819 at Loughborough , but this time, they came unstuck and lost by two wickets. Scores; Barrow 81 & 127; Cropwell Butler 95 & 114 for 8. The Barrow men, so cocksure of victory had engaged a band to play ‘See the conquering heroes come’ and as it was not needed, the victorious Nottinghamshire team asked for it to be played for them instead. Such a request was ‘politely refused’. News reached Bingham at 4.00am and the church bells proclaimed the triumph instead.

The Rev. John Bradshaw, born 1812 in the village, made his first appearances for a ‘County’ representative side and Cambridge University in 1833 and was for many years the most consistent run getter in local cricket. Several centuries stand to his credit, the most prominent the undefeated 198 he made against Stanford in 1836 for a Barrow side in a three day game. He was a fine forcing bat, an accurate slow underhand bowler, a good close-wicket field, and an occasional wicketkeeper.

He understandably won many cricketing honours, including six first class appearances, with the highlight of playing for an All England Eleven against a combined Cambridge University & Town Club XI in a three day benefit game for F.P.Fenner on his ground in May 1849. Opening the batting John Bradshaw scored 30 and took a catch alongside playing with legendary figures the 18stone Alfred Mynn and Fuller Pilch in the England eleven. He turned out also for Leicestershire (pre county club) 1849-1851, Leicester (1850) and Gentlemen of Leicestershire in the same year. With scores of 79 for Leicester against Stamford, 32 and 13 and taking 6 wickets for the Gentlemen of Leicester against I Zingari, he also played three times for Leicestershire, twice against the MCC and one appearance against an All England XI.

The annual ‘wake’ matches between Barrow and Barkby are of very old standing; long before a club was formed it was generally believed these commenced in the mid 1850’s and continued well into the 20th century. Single wicket competitions became the rage also held as part of the wakes festivals and local rivalry was keen with village champions taking on the best challengers. Of course there were wealthy purses to the winner. This drew large crowds and keen competition with some contests spread over three days.

Thomas Freer, Joiner and Wheelwright, renowned over the county for his cricket bats lived at No1 Sileby Road. His works were at the back of what was then a thriving grocery and provisions business managed by Mrs Freer and entered by what is now Grove Lane with a large timber shed and saw pit underneath. It was Mr. Freer’s custom to go into Cambridgeshire and select the willows, which were brought to Barrow and split up with the choicest pieces chosen then placed in ‘pickle’ for six years before being hewn out with adge and axe to shape and size. Afterwards they were fitted with cane and willow spliced handles, a feature that was greatly appreciated by cricketers of those days. Mr. Freer was followed by his son William who supplied all the local clubs for miles around.

Opposite the Freer’s business residence was a farm house and buildings. The large grass field next was called ‘Mill Field’ which was then a famous place for cricket matches and easy for the ‘gentlemen’ players to walk a short distance and hand pick new bats from Mr.Freer.

The July ‘Caught in Time’ article focuses on ‘a few characters of the 19th century’, including single wicket players of the time.

Again any memorabilia and comments are most welcome especially on this period; please call me directly or text on my mobile (07944) 967670.

Mick Bailey

June 2009