Francis Erwood

Who was Francis Erwood?

Francis Elliston Erwood was designated in the Guinness Book of Records the first closed court rackets world champion. The title, together with a £400 prize, was gained following two matches in 1860, the first at the Royal Artillery Court, Woolwich and the second at the Eglintoun Arms, Maudlin Street, Bristol when Erwood twice defeated open court champion professional John Charles Mitchell. The title passed to amateur/gentleman player William Hart-Dyke in 1862 after another two-match duel, when the prize money was only £100.