John Cartwright (1862-1944) - Part 3

In Part 3 of John Cartwright's story he talks about cricket, the death of Lord Londesborough and a very special gift.


The Life of John Cartwright of Blankney Fen from the age of twelve years


Now I must go back some years for a bit of cricket. After leaving school I joined the Blankney Club in 1878, and have been a member up to date. Amongst a good many matches I played in was one at Welbeck Abbey. Mr Cecil Chaplin took a team to play the Duke of Portland's eleven, both the Duke and Mr Chaplin playing, but to the great disappointment of us all it turned out a rainy day - only two or three overs bowled. I was not out, having been sent in first. We had to make up the day with a splendid luncheon, and looking all over the Abbey, which was most interesting. Another match I shall never forget was playing for Mr Ed. Howard's eleven against Bishop Norton, that eleven all being of the same name (Duckering). We won, but only got 16 run out myself. Playing for Mr. Frank Godson's eleven against the Cliff Rovers at Leadenham on Feast Day, I scarcely dare write this, but it's quite true. I hit the first four balls sent down to me clean out of the field. The fifth ball dropped in the hedge. That finished A. Collingwood's bowling, and he was supposed to be the best slow bowler in Lincolnshire. We have often joked about it since when we have met at the Saracen's Head Hotel. I also made more big hits in my time, one on the road against the Tally Ho! at Blankney, and another into Mr. Maltby's yard, also one over the Schoolmaster's house, another on the Schoolroom roof at Martin, but I think the biggest of all was at Coningsby off the Sussex fast bowler, C. Bland, but I did not do what Jack (my son) did at Sleaford, when he made a mighty hit that struck the flag-pole on the pavilion. Pat Lawrence running backwards trying to catch it nearly broke his neck falling over the pavilion rails. The last match I played in gave me as much pleasure as any of them, the game at Blankney between young Lord Londesborough's eleven against my eleven, Lord Londesborough finding the luncheon and tea in the rink. My team won: I had the satisfaction of making the top score in the match, 38, not so bad on my 59th birthday. When the young Lord died I was very grieved: he was such a good sport. Lady Londesborough gave me a gold pencil and thanked me for my kindness to him. I often played billiards with him in the Hall. He also came and had tea with us in the Fen.

Look out for Part 4 of this fascinating story in the Journal.