Edgar Lubbock
Edgar Lubbock | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age London, England |
| Died | 9 September 1907 (aged 60) |
| Occupation(s) | Amateur football player, cricketer, lawyer, businessman |
| Known for | Winning FA Cup twice, first-class cricket, director of Bank of England |
Edgar Lubbock LLB (22 February 1847 – 9 September 1907) was an English amateur football player who secured the FA Cup twice and competed in first-class cricket. Subsequently, he became a partner at Whitbread Brewery, served as a director and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, and held the position of Master for the Blankney Foxhounds.
Early life and education
Born in London, Lubbock was the tenth child among eleven siblings of Sir John Lubbock (1803–1865), who had previously led Lubbock & Co Bank, and his wife Harriet Hotham.
His schooling took place at Eton College, where he played in the football XI from 1864 through 1866, captaining the team in his final year. Additionally, he was a member of the mixed Wall team between 1863 and 1865. In 1868, he matriculated at the University of London, completing a second-class honours degree in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) by 1874, and was awarded the distinguished Clifford's Inn prize for Law.
Cricket career
Lubbock represented Eton College’s cricket XI from 1864 to 1866, later playing for sides such as Marylebone Cricket Club, I Zingari, and the Gentlemen of Kent. He was a right-handed batsman noted for an unconventional technique and bowled fast left-arm underhand deliveries.
In August 1871, he appeared for Kent County Cricket Club in a match against the Gentlemen of Marylebone Cricket Club. Although dismissed twice by W.G. Grace during this game, Lubbock scored a team-high 54 runs in the second innings; however, Kent suffered an innings defeat by 45 runs. Wisden remarked on the surprising fact that he did not represent Kent again.
During 1872, Lubbock toured North America with R.A. Fitzgerald's XI, participating in nine matches over slightly more than a month. In subsequent years, his appearances were intermittent, mostly playing for I Zingari until 1879, with a final game recorded in June 1891.
Several of his brothers also played cricket at a professional level, including Alfred, regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his time despite only featuring in 28 first-class matches, and Nevile, who made six first-class appearances. Both represented Kent as well as various amateur teams.
Football career
Lubbock captained the football XI at Eton College in 1866 before joining the ranks of the Wanderers, making his debut on 22 December 1866 against Harrow Chequers. His involvement increased notably during the 1869–70 season when he primarily played as a half-back.
In March 1870, Wanderers' captain C.W. Alcock invited him to participate in one of five early unofficial "international" matches between "England" and "Scotland" that predated the first official international match in 1872. Contemporary reports commended Lubbock’s defensive skills; he was among four players appearing in all five fixtures.
On 16 December 1871, Lubbock featured for Wanderers during the inaugural season of the FA Cup. The team reached the final against the Royal Engineers, securing a 1–0 victory with Lubbock forming part of a two-defender lineup within an otherwise attacking formation. This triumph marked Wanderers’ first FA Cup title out of five won across seven years, largely attributed to their robust defense.
He also regularly represented the Old Etonians. During a notable encounter against Wanderers, he cautioned Alcock against overly aggressive tactics. The Old Etonians entered their first FA Cup campaign in 1874 and progressed through challenging rounds to face Royal Engineers in the final. The initial match ended in a 1–1 draw; however, they lost the replay 2–0 with Lubbock’s elder brother Alfred joining their side.
In 1876, Old Etonians again reached the final versus Wanderers. Although Lubbock missed the initial match—a 1–1 draw—he played in the replay where Old Etonians were defeated 3–0.
After some years away from competition, Old Etonians rejoined the FA Cup in 1878–79 and caused an upset by defeating defending champions Wanderers 7–2. They continued their run to claim their first FA Cup title with a narrow 1–0 victory over Clapham Rovers in the final.
In his 1875 "Football Annual", C.W. Alcock lauded Lubbock as "still unrivalled as a back," deeming him indispensable to any English team. Despite this acclaim, Lubbock never received an official England cap; he withdrew from a Scotland match in 1875 due to injury.
Besides these teams, Lubbock also played for West Kent, Crusaders, and Gitanos clubs and represented county sides including Kent, London, and Middlesex.
Tennis career
Lubbock achieved notable success in lawn tennis, securing two championship titles: the Grand National Lawn Tennis Tournament held at Hendon in 1879 and the South of England Championships at Eastbourne in 1881. He was runner-up at the Prince's Club Championships in 1880 and reached the semi-finals of the London Athletic Club Tournament (currently known as the Queen's Club Championships) in 1883. During the 1881 Wimbledon Championships, he advanced to the third round.
Professional career
Following his graduation from the University of London, Lubbock embarked on a legal profession, eventually holding prominent positions such as Lieutenant of the City of London. Esteemed as a highly capable business strategist, he joined the board of directors at Whitbread Brewery in 1875 and later became a director at the Bank of England in 1891.
Family
Lubbock married Amy Myddelton Peacock from Greatford Hall, Stamford, Lincolnshire, on 26 June 1886. The couple had three daughters:
- Nancy Induna Lubbock (1897–1972), who wed James Knyvett Howard, son of Henry Howard, 18th Earl of Suffolk.
- Bridget Myfanwy Lubbock (1900–1966), who was married first to Capt. George Barker and subsequently to Louis Philippe de Carol de Moute, Baron de Moute.
- Marigold Rosemary Lubbock (1903–1976), who married Hugo William Cecil Denison, 4th Earl of Londesborough, and later Capt. Zygmunt de Lubicz-Bakanowski.
Lincolnshire
After their marriage, Lubbock established residence in Lincolnshire, initially settling in Grantham. In 1903, he commissioned Sir Reginald Blomfield to design Caythorpe Court, a hunting lodge constructed on a former farm located east of Caythorpe. An avid huntsman, he participated with the Belvoir Hunt and was appointed Master of the Blankney Hunt in 1904. In 1906, he was named High Sheriff of Lincolnshire.
Lubbock passed away unexpectedly on 9 September 1907 at the age of 60. His funeral service was held at St Vincent Church in Caythorpe.
Football honours
Wanderers
Old Etonians