Alfred Clarke, the son of the founder of Trent Bridge, was born at the Bell Inn, Nottingham in February 1831.
He made his Notts debut v Surrey at The Oval in 1851 and played in 24 Notts matches, the last being in 1863. His chief ability on the cricket field would appear to be as a fielder at long-leg. A press report comments: ‘He was, as regards batting, a useful rather than a brilliant luminary and but for his father’s fame and influence he might perchance, not have retained his place (in the county side) so long’.
He was the professional at Rossall School from 1856 to 1860 and went with Parr’s team to Australia in 1863-64, taking Mortlock’s place at the last moment. After returning from Australia he came into some money and set himself up as a maltster and publican in Ruddington. He died in that village in October 1878 and is buried in the churchyard, where his gravestone still stands (1991).
William Caffyn commented, ‘Clarke like his father was a very intelligent man and made a most agreeable travelling companion.’
December 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 74