Thomas Anson

Who was Thomas Anson?

Thomas Anchitel Anson was an English clergyman and cricketer who played first class cricket for Cambridge University from 1839 to 1842 and for Marylebone Cricket Club from 1839 to 1845.

Anson was the seventh son of General Sir George Anson. He was educated at Eton and Jesus College, Cambridge where he was a cricketer and rower. He was awarded his cricket 'blue', in 1839 and was described as one of the best amateur wicketkeepers of his day. He also played for teams including Cambridge Town Club, England, Gentlemen, Gentlemen of England, Gentlemen of the South, Oxford and Cambridge Universities and Slow Bowlers. His highest score of 72 not out came when playing for Marylebone Cricket Club in a match against Oxford University in 1841. In the same year Anson rowed for the Cambridge Subscription Rooms crew that won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta.

Anson was ordained deacon on 18 December 1842 and priest on 13 August 1843. He was curate of Mistley, Essex, from 1842 to 1843, rector of Billingford, Norfolk, from 1843 to 1850 and rector of Longford, Derbyshire from 1850 to 1899. He was rural dean from 1869 to 1899.

Anson died at the Longford rectory aged 80.