Robert Colchin facts for kids
| Personal information | |
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| Born | 1713 |
| Died | 29 April 1750 Deptford, Kent |
| Nickname | Long Robin |
| Role | Batsman |
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Source: CricketArchive, 12 January 2023
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Robert Colchin (born 1713, died 1750) was a famous English cricket player and game organizer. He lived during the mid-1700s when a type of cricket called single wicket was very popular. We don't know his exact birthday or where he was born, but he was christened in Chailey, Sussex, on November 12, 1713. He passed away in Deptford and was buried in Bromley, Kent, in April 1750.
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Life as a Cricket Star
Robert Colchin lived in Bromley, Kent, for many years. He was a key player for the local Bromley Cricket Club. This club was very important in the 1740s, but it became less active after Colchin died.
People knew him as "Long Robin" because he was very tall. He was thought to be one of the best batters of his time.
Playing for Kent
Besides being a great single wicket player, Colchin also played for the Kent team. These were "eleven-a-side" matches, meaning 11 players on each team.
One of his most famous matches was in July 1744. He played for Kent against a team representing England at a place called the Artillery Ground.
Organizing Cricket Matches
Colchin loved the Artillery Ground. He helped organize many cricket matches there. Sometimes, he even put together his own team to play.
Single Wicket Cricket
Colchin was especially known for playing single wicket. This was a very popular and profitable form of cricket in the 1740s. Players could win a lot of money!
Big Money Matches
In 1748, Colchin and another player named Thomas Waymark played two special matches. They teamed up against two other top players, Tom Faulkner and Joe Harris. These four were probably the best cricket players in England at that time.
Each match was played for a huge prize of fifty guineas. That was a lot of money back then! Colchin and Waymark won both games. They won the first by 12 runs.
What People Said About Robert Colchin
An article written in 1746 described Robert Colchin. It said that his best skill was cricket. It called him "as good a bat" as other famous players. The article also mentioned that he was given the special title of "Long Robin" by other cricketers.
His Final Days
Robert Colchin died on April 29, 1750, when he was 36 years old. Just a few weeks before, on April 9, he had taken part in a running race. Reports from that time said he got sick after the race, which led to him getting smallpox.
