bidden by a council of the Hambledon Club (the then law-givers), called on purpose. He then took to underhand lobs of the tedious slow school, which were very successful, though of course all those wickets he got by catches off his balls and stumpings are lost, owing to the imperfect way scores were kept in his day. Walker (like David Harris) used to practice in a barn in wet weather as well as in winter time. He was for four years gamekeeper to Mr. Windel, of [Pepper] Harrow in Surrey, who was a great patron of the game at that time. About 1794, he left his native place for Thursley, near Hindhead, where his father, brothers, and himself were all farmers, their land being near the Devil's Punch Bowl. About 1796, Walker's name is found for a few matches opposed to his native county, why, is now unknown. It is supposed that he at that time was engaged by the M.C.C. at Lord's. Latterly, however, he resided at Chiddingfold, in Surrey (following the occupation of a grocer), where he died. His widow was still alive and hearty at the same place in 1859, aged 84. A bat with which Walker used to play, is still (1860) in existence at Lord's, in the Pavilion. In stature he was tall and thin, being 6ft. 1in. in height, and weight about 13 stones. His tombstone in Chiddingfold churchyard has the following inscription:—
In Memory of
THOMAS WALKER,
Who died March 1, 1831.
Aged 68.
It may be added that this player was nicknamed 'Old Everlasting' by some of his fellow cricketers, owing to the very lengthened stay he generally made when batting. This fact was remembered by William Beldham, as far on as 186l.
John Wells's first recorded match was in 1787. The name of Wells indeed is found in 1783, but it is believed to have been his brother James, who occasionally played.
