Dr. Edward Howsin was a cricketing medic who shone as a batter, bowler and wicket-keeper. In addition to playing on the South Wales Cricket Club’s tour of London and the Home Counties in 1862 and 1863, he played first-class cricket for his native Nottinghamshire, as well as for the Gentlemen of the South, and had it not been for his duties as a general practitioner, Edward could easily have become a professional cricketer.
He was the son of William Howsin, a horse dealer and breeder, and educated at the University of St. Andrews, Bristol Medical School and Guy’s Hospital in London. Whilst studying in Bristol, Edward played for Clifton CC and during 1859 made 39* and 48 for them against the South Wales Cricket Club. He played again the following year for the Bristol-based club against the Welshmen with his bowling skills being to the fore, as Edward claimed 7/19.
Having moved to London to continue his medical training, Edward joined Southgate CC and also played for the South Wales club in the matches on their 1862 tour, scoring 30 and 44 against the MCC at Lord’s, besides making 32 against the I Zingari, also at Lord’s. The right-handed batter played in a further five games on their 1863 tour, making 46 against Surrey Club and Ground at The Oval and 52 against I Zingari at Lords. These appearances took place a month after he had played in county cricket for Nottinghamshire, appearing against Kent at Trent Bridge and Yorkshire at Bradford.
These were the final major matches which Dr. Howsin played as he subsequently became a GP in Goole, Newton-le-Willows and Stroud.
HOWSIN, Dr. Edward Arthur
Born – North Muskham, Nottinghamshire, 26 July 1838.
Died – Boscombe, Hampshire, 27 February 1921.