On the 23 June, 1891, the English cricketer George Parr died in Radcliffe on Trent, Nottinghamshire, aged 65.
Popularly known as the ‘Lion of the North’, Parr’s first-class career lasted from 1844 to 1870, when he played mainly for Nottinghamshire, and was club captain from 1856 to 1870.
A right-handed batsman, who occasionally bowled underarm, Parr also made occasional appearances for Surrey, Sussex and Kent, and the MCC.
Born in Radcliffe on Trent in 1826, he was a stalwart of the All-England XI, he captained the first England unbeaten touring team of North America and Canada in 1859. He also captained England’s second tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1864, again returning home unbeaten.
Parr played in 207 first-class matches and had 358 innings, in 30 of which he was not out, scoring a total of 6,626 runs, at a time when conditions greatly favoured bowlers. Parr took 29 wickets in his career with a best analysis of 6 for 42.
Considered the best cricketer in the world in his time, his highest score and only century only century came against Surrey at The Oval in 1859, when he scored 130 for Nottinghamshire.
Named in his honour, the Parr Stand, was replaced in 2007 with a new stand in the redevelopment at Trent Bridge.
23 June, 2019