Stanley Christopherson

Who was Stanley Christopherson?

Stanley Christopherson was the best of the ten Christopherson brothers who played the sport of cricket as an amateur in Kent in the late 19th century. Christopherson was a good fast-medium bowler, and played first-class cricket for Kent County Cricket Club between 1883 and 1888, although he came back to play three matches in 1890. He was also selected to play for England for the Second Test match against Australia at Lord's in 1884, but was not selected again. From 1886 he was hampered by an arm injury and this effectively ended his first-class cricket in 1887.

In 1883 he had his best return of eight wickets for 41 runs conceded, and his reputation was such that he was selected to play for the Gentlemen against the Players and the Gentlemen against the Australians the next year. He continued to get good returns until his arm injury severely hampered his playing ability.

Christopherson was President of the Marylebone Cricket Club between 1939 and 1946, the longest period anyone has held the office. He was reputed to have rarely missed a Committee meeting, and always to have played the game at some level throughout his life. From 1943 to 1945 he was also temporary chairman of the Midland Bank, which is now part of HSBC.