William Crawshay, the grandson of The Iron King of Cyfarthfa Castle, was the regular wicket-keeper for the South Wales Cricket Club on their London tours between 1862 and 1865.
William kept wicket for Crickhowell CC and through his social and business links with fellow ironmaster, Samuel Homfray, William made his debut in 1862 against the Gentlemen of Kent at Tunbridge Wells., followed by the first of several appearances at Lord’s by playing against I Zingari. The latter were also the final opponents against whom William played, in 1865, at Lord’s.
He was a steady and competent batter, with his best score for the Club being an unbeaten 44 against the Knickerbockers at Islington. His father was Francis Crawshay of the Castle House and Forest House in Pontypridd, and the Manager of the Treforest Ironworks from 1834. He subsequently moved around from South Wales and lived in the Home Counties.
CRAWSHAY, William
Born – Glyntaff, 24 July 1841.
Died – Rostrevor, Sutton, 9 December 1898.