William Donne (cricketer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Olympic medal record
Representing  United Kingdom
Men's Cricket
Gold	1900 Paris	Two-day 12-man

William Stephens Donne (born April 2, 1875, in Wincanton, Somerset; died March 24, 1934, in Castle Cary, Somerset) was an English sportsman. He was a talented cricket player and even won a gold medal at the 1900 Summer Olympics. Later in his life, he became a very important leader in the sport of rugby, serving as president of the Rugby Football Union.

Cricket Champion

William Donne was one of the people who helped start the Devon and Somerset Wanderers Cricket Club. He played with them on their first trip to the Isle of Wight in 1894.

Olympic Gold Medal

Donne was one of five players from the Castle Cary Cricket Club chosen to play for Great Britain at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. This was a special event because cricket has only been an Olympic sport once!

The British team played just one match against France. Great Britain won the gold medal! In the first part of the game, Donne scored six runs before he was run out. He didn't need to bat in the second part because his team had already won.

In 2012, the Castle Cary Cricket Club celebrated its 175th birthday. They honored the players from their club who won that Olympic gold medal in 1900.

Life Beyond Sports

William Donne went to school at King's School, Bruton. After school, he joined his family's business, which made ropes and twine. This business had been around in Castle Cary since 1797.

Community Leader

Donne was also involved in his local community. He became an Alderman for the Somerset County Council. This meant he was an important local politician who helped make decisions for the area. He also became a governor for his old school, King's School, Bruton.

Military Service

During the First World War, William Donne served as a captain in the Somerset Light Infantry.

Rugby Leadership

Besides cricket, William Donne was very active in rugby. He was the honorary secretary for the Somerset Rugby Football Union from 1897 to 1905. Then, he became their president, a role he held for many years, from 1905 to 1934. He even served as the president of the main Rugby Football Union for all of England in 1924-1925.

William Stephens Donne passed away on March 24, 1934, at his home in Castle Cary.