Mike Thompson, a former long-time Tilford cricketer, has published a biography of one of the greatest amateur cricketers of the pre-WG era, Lord Frederick Beauclerk, reputedly second only to Silver Billy Beldham in prowess. Clive Thursby, a Tilford team-mate of Thompson for many seasons, has contributed this review.

TODAY’S concerns about match-fixing in cricket echo those of an earlier age when gambling was a major purpose of the sport.

Pioneers of the game may have had more basic skills and less suited apparel than their modern counterparts, but they weren’t lacking in mercenary spirit. Most matches were arranged so that the wealthy could wager on the result or indeed individual performances.

One of the leading players of the Georgian era was the Reverend Lord Frederick Beauclerk (1773-1850) who, despite his noble birth and religious calling, showed no compunction in using his outstanding cricketing talents to advance his own interests. In the process, he became widely disliked both by his contemporaries and historians, charged with being ill-tempered, hypocritical and domineering; “an unmitigated scoundrel.”

Nevertheless, he played a pivotal role in the development of the game in the early 19th century, not only as prodigious batter (considered second only to Silver Billy Beldham) and bowler (in the under-arm style), but also in recognising the importance of fielding, and later as an administrator, including becoming president of MCC.

With his gamesmanship (which some considered cheating) and his avarice (although notionally an amateur he claimed to make 600 guineas a year – about ten times a curate’s stipend – betting on games, often those in which he was playing), Lord Frederick was one of the most controversial figures in the history of the game. It is therefore surprising that no biography of him has previously been published.

This omission has now been ably corrected by Mike Thompson who, after many years research, provides an engaging record of Lord Frederick’s life and times.

Thompson, himself a successful club cricketer (in recent decades for Tilford), has written an informative and often entertaining book that meanders around his subject, touching on many related topics.

He may not have restored Lord Frederick’s reputation, but he does offer a more rounded assessment of a complex individual.

He also introduces us to a cast of colourful characters, even if some are only tangentially linked to Lord Frederick. In footnotes, we are given brief portraits of over 20 contemporary personalities. Occasionally, this hints at an author determined to use all his research material, but the details are always interesting.

There is also much amusing anecdotage, such as the cricketer who went to his grave with his bat nailed to the coffin lid.

The book will appeal most to those whose appreciation of cricket history starts no earlier than the dominating figure of WG Grace and the institutionalising of the game in the Victorian age.

With insights into various aspects of Georgian society, it is an easy read, is well produced, and is excellent value.

• The Lord of Lord’s by Mike Thompson

Christopher Saunders Publishing £10