Charles Calvert was another London-based gentleman who briefly assisted the South Wales Cricket Club during their tours of the Home Counties during the 1860s. Indeed, his debut in their ranks took place at Hove in 1864 when the right-handed batter and round-arm fast bowler appeared against the Gentlemen of Sussex. Earlier in the week, Charles had played against the Welsh side for the Surrey Club and Ground at The Oval and it appears that he was drafted into their side for the visit to the South Coast when another player was unavailable through illness or injury. He played again twice the following year against the Gentlemen of Kent at Gravesend and I Zingari at Lord’s.
His father was a wealthy brewer and MP who lived at Kneller Hall but sadly died of cholera shortly before Charles was born. He was educated at Rugby School, before joining the Royal Artillery and serving as a Lieutenant in the 43rd Light Infantry. He also played for the Royal Artillery in their annual match against I Zingari and whilst serving in Ireland during September 1855 Charles was a late substitute for an eleven called the Gentlemen of England who played a match at Phoenix Park in Dublin against an Ireland XI.
After leaving the military, Charles lived at Ockley Court and played for a number of gentlemen’s teams, besides playing in first-class cricket for Middlesex in and 1865 and 1866, as well as playing for the Gentlemen of the South against the Players in 1866. The previous year he had also featured in the first-class match between Southgate CC and Oxford University, and his standing within cricket in the London area was such that he captained Surrey during the 1868 season.
Charles also purchased property in Scotland and, after retiring from playing cricket, he spent a lot of his time shooting in the Highlands.
CALVERT, Charles
Born – Kneller Hall, Isleworth, 21 March 1833.
Died – Ecclefechan, Dumfries, 7 April 1905.