James Aitken

Who was James Aitken?

James Aitken was an English clergyman and sportsman who excelled in cricket, rowing and athletics.

Aitken was born at Monken Hadley, then in Middlesex, the son of John Aitken and his wife Harriet. He was educated at Eton College where he played cricket in the Eton XI. He went on to Exeter College, Oxford and played in the Oxford XI, including the Varsity match against Cambridge in 1848, 1849, and 1850, being captain of the team in 1850. In 1849 he also rowed in the Oxford boat in the Boat Race. In 1850 he was in the Oxford eight that won the Grand Challenge Cup and the coxed four that won the Stewards' Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. In 1851 he partnered Joseph William Chitty to win Silver Goblets at Henley. Aitken was also an athlete and at Oxford won the mile race, came second in the two miles race and was described as favourite at 2 to 1 in the Steeplechese.

Aitken was ordained after leaving the University. In 1853 he played cricket for Harlequins and between 1855 and 1857 played for Gentlemen of Kent teams. In due course, he became the vicar of Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. It was said that few of the younger people could hold their own against him at lawn tennis.