John Nyren facts for kids

John Nyren (born 1764, died 1837) was an English cricket player and author. He is famous for writing a book called The Cricketers of My Time. This book shared his memories of early cricket. It was first printed in a magazine in 1832. Later, it became part of The Young Cricketer's Tutor in 1833. John worked with Charles Cowden Clarke to write this important book.

John Nyren's Early Life

John Nyren grew up in a famous cricket family. His father, Richard Nyren, was a well-known captain. Richard led the Hambledon Club during its best years. John lived at the Bat and Ball Inn. His father was the landlord there. The inn was right across from Broadhalfpenny Down. This was a famous cricket ground. John was born near Hambledon village.

John Nyren's Cricket Days

John Nyren played cricket from 1778 to 1791. He was a left-handed batsman. He was also a good left-handed fieldsman. People said he was tall and strong. He was nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall.

He first played in important matches in 1787. This was around the time his father stopped playing. John played cricket sometimes until 1817. He even played in the first two Gentlemen v Players matches in 1806. These were big games.

John was a great fieldsman. But his playing career was not super famous. He is mostly remembered because of his father. However, he became famous later in life. This happened when he started writing.

John Nyren's Writing Career

In 1832, John Nyren lived in London. He started working with Charles Cowden Clarke. John told Charles his memories of the Hambledon cricket era. Charles wrote them down. These stories were first printed in a magazine called The Town. They were called The Cricketers of My Time.

The next year, these stories were put into a book. It was an instruction book for young cricketers. The book was called The Young Cricketer's Tutor. This book became very important. It taught people about the history of cricket. It also shared stories about famous players. Many people think it was the first great cricket book ever written.

John Nyren's Personal Life

John Nyren loved cricket. But he also had other talents. He was a very good musician. He played the violin well. He also wrote his own music. Some of his songs were published. His close friend, Vincent Novello, helped him.

For 13 years, John was a choir master. He worked at St Mary's in Moorfields. Vincent Novello was the organist there.

John married Cleopha Copp in 1791. She was 17 years old. They had two sons and five daughters. They also had two children who died young. They lived in different places. These included Portsea, Bromley in Kent, and Battersea, London. They also lived in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea. John Nyren died in Bromley in 1837. He was living at Bromley Palace at the time.