Edwin Stead facts for kids

Edwin Stead (born 1701, died 1735) was an important person in early English cricket. He was known for supporting Kent cricket teams in the 1720s. Stead often led his teams as captain. We don't know much about how well he played cricket himself. He was born in Harrietsham, Kent, and passed away in London.

Edwin Stead's Cricket Journey

Stead was a wealthy landowner who enjoyed betting on cricket matches. To improve his chances of winning, he would pay for special teams. These teams were usually made up of the best players from different local teams in Kent. This meant his teams were very strong, almost like a county team.

Dartford Cricket Club had one of the best local teams at that time. It included a famous player named William Bedle. Stead often picked players from Dartford for his Kent teams. He also served as the captain for these teams.

Important Matches and Rivalries

Stead's teams played in several big matches between 1724 and 1731. His first known game was in 1724 at Chingford. This match even went to court! The Chingford team stopped playing when Kent was winning. The judge, Lord Chief Justice Pratt, said the game had to be finished. This was so that all the bets placed on the match could be settled. The game finally ended at Dartford Brent in 1726.

Stead was a big rival to two famous cricket supporters from Sussex. These were Sir William Gage and the 2nd Duke of Richmond. Stead's Kent team had a great year in 1728. A report said Kent had beaten Sussex three times that summer. However, in 1729, Gage's team beat Kent at Penshurst Park.

Single Wicket Cricket

Stead also played a type of cricket called single wicket cricket. This game became popular during his lifetime. In 1730, he led a Kent team in three matches where only four players were on each side. A lot of money was bet on the final game, which Kent unfortunately lost.

Stead was last mentioned in cricket records in the 1730s. He was noted for being present at certain matches. His last known game was on June 26, 1731. He led Kent against Sunbury on Sunbury Common. Sunbury won that match.

Stead's Life and Family

Edwin Stead was baptized in Hollingbourne in 1702. His father was Dutton Stead and his mother was Alicia Culpeper. His grandfather, also named Edwin Stead, was knighted by King Charles II.

In 1719, Edwin Stead married Elizabeth Hamilton in Harrietsham. They did not have any children.

Challenges and Friends

Stead inherited his family's estate when he was only eighteen. He enjoyed playing dice and cards, as well as cricket. He often lost a lot of money in these activities. However, he was known as a "graceful loser." This means he handled losing well. His calm attitude helped him make powerful friends. One of these friends was Frederick, Prince of Wales.

By 1723, Stead faced money problems because of his hobbies. He had to use some of his land as a guarantee to pay off his debts.

His Passing

Edwin Stead passed away on August 28, 1735. His death was reported in a newspaper called the Grub Street Journal. The report mentioned two possible places where he died: near Charing Cross or in Scotland Yard. He was buried at the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields on August 31, 1735.