Cyril Hawker facts for kids

Sir Cyril Hawker (born July 21, 1900 – died February 22, 1991) was an important English banker and a talented cricket player. He was born in Epping, a town in England, and went to the City of London School from 1913 to 1919.

A Life of Numbers and Sports

Banking Career

Cyril Hawker started working at the Bank of England in 1920. By 1948, he became the Chief Accountant. He had a big job helping the Bank manage the government's plan to take control of important industries across the country.

Later, he became an Executive Director and a Member of the Bank's Court in 1954. He played a key role in setting up central banks in countries that had recently become independent from the British Commonwealth.

In 1962, Hawker left the Bank of England to become the Chairman of The Standard Bank Ltd. He also led other banks, including The Bank of West Africa and Union Zairoise de Banques. He was very important in bringing two big banks together in 1969. This created the Standard Chartered Banking Group, and he became its first chairman until 1974. He also served as Deputy Chairman of Midland and International Banks.

Sporting Life

Cyril Hawker was a great sportsman. He loved both cricket and football.

Cricket Achievements

He was a right-handed batsman who played first-class cricket for Essex. He was the captain of his school's cricket team from 1917 to 1919. He played for many clubs like Southgate, I Zingari, the Free Foresters, and the Frogs.

In 1937, he played in his only first-class match for Essex. They played against a strong Lancashire team. He scored 16 runs and 10 runs in his two turns at bat.

Hawker was also very involved in running the game of cricket. He became the President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) from 1970 to 1971. During his time as president, a new type of cricket game was created. It was called the Limited Overs International format. The first game of this new format took place in Melbourne in 1971.

Football and Other Roles

Beyond cricket, Hawker was also involved in football. He was the chairman of the Amateur Football Association (AFA) in 1971. He also served as Vice-President of the National Playing Fields Association from 1976 until he passed away. In 1970, he was an Honorary Vice-President of the Football Association.

Family and Honours

Cyril Hawker married Marjorie Ann Pearce in 1931. Marjorie was the sister of TN Pearce, who was also a cricketer and President of Essex County Cricket Club. Cyril and Marjorie had three daughters.

He received a special honour from the Queen in 1958, becoming a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. He also held an important ceremonial role as the High Sheriff of the County of London from 1963 to 1964.