Henry Bentley

Who was Henry Bentley?

Henry Bentley was an English first-class cricketer who played for MCC, Middlesex and Hampshire in 68 matches from 1798 to 1822.

Bentley made his first-class debut when still only 16. A professional player on the MCC staff, he was a right-handed batsman and an occasional wicketkeeper. He played for the Players in the inaugural Gentlemen v Players match in 1806.

When he retired from playing, he became an umpire and a cricket writer. He produced the comprehensively titled A Correct Account of all the Cricket Matches which have been played by the Mary-le-bone Club, and all other principal matches, from the Year 1786 to 1822 inclusive, a facsimile edition of which was published in 1997, incorporating additional material by David Rayvern Allen.