Ned Wenman

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Ned Wenman, full name Edward Gower Wenman, was an English cricketer who lived from 1803 to 1879. He was born in Benenden, Kent, and stayed there all his life. Wenman was a skilled wicket-keeper and a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm slow underarm.

Cricket career:
Wenman played from 1825 to 1854, mainly for Kent. He helped make Kent famous in the 1840s alongside players like Nicholas Felix, William Hillyer, Alfred Mynn, and Fuller Pilch. He is remembered as one of the best wicket-keepers of the 19th century, with William Martingell calling him the best all-round cricketer of his time. In total, he played 146 major matches, including 61 for Kent. He also appeared 18 times for England, played 26 times for MCC, and took part in 15 Players vs Gentlemen matches. He scored 3,204 runs, with a top score of 73 not out, and as a bowler he took at least 45 wickets. He made 118 catches and 87 stumpings.

Wenman retired in 1844 after a benefit match at Hemsted Park near Benenden, but returned to top-level cricket two years later and played until 1854.

Personal life:
He came from a cricketing family; his father John and his cousins George and John Wenman, plus his half-brother Charles, all played cricket. His own sons, including William Wenman, also played. Outside cricket, he worked as a carpenter and wheelwright in Benenden. He married Hannah Richardson in 1830; they had three sons and two daughters. He died in Benenden in 1879 at age 76.