The fascinating characters who turned out for the Herefordshire County Cricket Club in the Victorian era are brought vividly to life in a recently published 186-page paperback.

Many of them appear to originate from the pages of fiction rather than the real world, and the book covers the social history of the time as well as the cricket aspect.

They include the Ross-on-Wye doctor’s son who played in an FA Cup final, the match when Ross-on-Wye played against All England, the time when WG Grace played for Ross against Weston-under-Penyard, and the Ross solicitor who took legal action against a visiting cricket captain for using “some very uncomplimentary epithets” towards an umpire.

Author, John Williamson also introduces readers to an Olympic Games silver medal winner, numerous war heroes from the Boer War and the First World War, a man who coached the future King Edward VII in the art of cricket, together with the ubiquitous clergymen and school teachers who played a significant role in the development of cricket locally and nationally.

The book also features visits to Herefordshire from the illustrious All-England XI (who once attracted a crowd of over 3,000 to Widemarsh Common) and sides led by WG Grace, plus a game played on the frozen River Wye.

Another key element in the emergence of cricket in the county was the role of the landowners, including some famous Herefordshire families including the Scudamore family at Holme Lacy.

John is a local historian and sports enthusiast. He has a BA (Hons) in history and is the author of several books, he is also a life member and keen supporter of Herefordshire County Cricket Club.

The book is available in bookshops and it can also be purchased direct from the author at a cost of £5.99 plus £2 for postage and packing, contact John Williamson, 15 Constance Road, Worcester, WR3 7NF. Payment can be by cheque or to [email protected]