Israel Haggis
Israel Haggis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Cambridge, England |
| Died | August 9, 1849 (aged 38) |
| Occupation(s) | Cricketer, Publican |
Israel Haggis (born 23 January 1811 – died 9 August 1849) was an English cricketer who played at the first-class level and also worked as a publican.
Hailing from Cambridge, Haggis initially participated in club cricket with Chesterton Cricket Club before making his first-class debut for Cambridge Town Club in 1834, facing Cambridge University at Parker's Piece. Beginning in 1836, he frequently appeared for Cambridgeshire, accumulating 19 matches until 1849. By 1841, his growing prominence and association with Francis Fenner secured him a spot on an England side competing against Kent in Bromley. William Denison described him as "notable for his fielding skills and energetic batting," highlighting his aggressive approach at the crease, which sometimes led to his dismissal by catches. Across more than 20 first-class games, Haggis amassed 306 runs, averaging 10.92, with a highest unbeaten score of 36 against Cambridge University in 1837. In addition to batting, he contributed in the field with 13 catches.
Outside the cricket ground, Haggis was an established licensed victualler and publican active within Cambridge's hospitality industry. In 1836, he encountered legal trouble for vending spirits without proper authorization during Stourbridge Fair. His business ventures included ownership of several inns: The Flower; The Six Bells located in Covent Garden from 1837; The New Inn on Parker's Piece by 1844; later The Tiger on East Road; and The Salmon on Fair Street. At The New Inn, he began offering cricket equipment such as bats, balls, and the then-newly introduced pads, sourcing these products from leading London suppliers including James Cobbett, Will Caldecourt, and Robert Dark. Furthermore, Haggis took charge of cricket activities at St John's College on Parker's Piece and employed fellow cricketer Robert Ringwood. He also engaged in civic matters by advocating for parliamentary reform and contributing generously toward the restoration efforts of St Botolph's Church.
In his personal life, Haggis married Sarah in 1836; however, their marriage deteriorated when she absconded in 1843 with his servant Alfred Hutt to Hammersmith. Upon tracking them down, Haggis discovered stolen cricket gear in their possession. Although Hutt faced trial for theft in January 1844, he was ultimately acquitted. Haggis succumbed to cholera on 9 August 1849 after consuming contaminated salmon purchased in London two days prior. His body was brought back to Cambridge where he passed away shortly after arrival.