Born at Harlaxton Manor near Grantham on 26 March 1888, Philip Pearson-Gregory was educated at Eton and appeared in the XI in 1906 when he headed the batting averages. He proceeded to Brasenose College, Oxford and played in the Freshman’s match of 1907 and the Seniors match of 1908. He did not, however, become a member of the University XI and made his First-Class debut for Notts v Middlesex at Lord’s on 30 June 1 and 2 July 1910; rain allowed only four hours’ play and he neither batted nor bowled.
His only other First-Class matches were for Notts in 1914, against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge, when he scored 48 and 71, and finally versus Sussex at Hove when once again he did not bat or bowl. Being a professional soldier restricted his county cricket, but he appeared with success for the Household Brigade, scoring 185 v Eton Ramblers and 178 v Royal Fusiliers, both in 1912. He also played for Eton Ramblers, I Zingari and Lenton CC. A right-hand bat, usually first wicket down, and slip field, he resided at Grundisburgh, Suffolk and it is believed that his qualification for representing Notts was the ownership of property in Lenton and Nottingham.
Philip John Sherwin Pearson-Gregory died on 12 June 1955, following an operation, in St Pancras, London and is buried in Suffolk. His father was Thomas Pearson who played for Oxford University and Middlesex, appearing in 122 First-Class matches between seasons 1872 and 1891.
May 2020
Nottinghamshire First-Class Number: 302