Osbert Mordaunt (cricketer, born 1842)
Osbert Mordaunt | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Walton Hall, Warwickshire, England |
| Died | September 25, 1923 (aged 80) |
| Occupation(s) | Clergyman, cricketer, publican |
| Years active | 1866 (cricket), 1871–1920s (clergy) |
| Known for | First-class cricket for Marylebone Cricket Club; long-term rector of Hampton Lucy |
Osbert Mordaunt (4 December 1842 – 25 September 1923) was an English clergyman and first-class cricketer.
Born at Walton Hall, Warwickshire, he was the son of Sir John Mordaunt. The given name "Osbert" has been a tradition in the Mordaunt lineage since the 12th century, commemorating a direct forebear. He received his education at Eton College, where he represented the school cricket eleven, before matriculating at Christ Church, Oxford. Although affiliated with the Oxford University Cricket Club during his time there, he did not participate in first-class matches for the university team. In 1866, however, he appeared in first-class cricket playing for Marylebone Cricket Club against Oxford University at Lord's, registering scores of 6 and 5 runs. Beyond first-class cricket, Mordaunt played at lesser competitive levels for Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and made a single appearance for Shropshire in 1867. The publication Scores and Biographies characterized him as a "capital hitter and a good field" particularly at point or slip positions. He further evolved into an adept lob-bowler capable of using both hands and was recognized for his astute understanding of the sport.
Following his graduation from Oxford, Mordaunt entered the Anglican ministry. His initial appointment was as curate at Handsworth in 1871. Subsequently, in 1874, he became rector of Hampton Lucy in Warwickshire, a role he fulfilled for nearly five decades. Additionally, he managed the local public house in Hampton Lucy for twenty years. Mordaunt passed away there in September 1923. Coming from a family with strong cricketing ties, his brother John and four nephews also competed at the first-class level. He was married to Jessie Louisa Snow, who was the daughter of Henry Snow, himself both a cricketer and clergyman.