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E. M. Grace

Edward Mills Grace (28 November 1841 – 20 May 1911) was an English amateur cricketer, physician, and who played a pivotal role in the development of during the , particularly as an for and , and as the elder brother of the renowned . Born in Downend near , he debuted in senior as a teenager and became one of the era's most prolific batsmen and bowlers, amassing over 76,000 runs and taking more than 12,000 wickets in first-class matches across a career spanning from 1858 to 1903. Alongside his sporting achievements, Grace practiced medicine in , from 1869 onward, serving as for West from 1875 to 1909, and contributed to local governance as chairman of the school board and a parish council member. The third son of Dr. Henry Mills Grace, a and keen , and Martha Pocock, grew up in a family where was a central passion; his brothers William Gilbert (W. G.), , Alfred, and George Frederick all played at high levels, with the Grace family dominating . Educated initially at , he trained in medicine at , qualifying as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (M.R.C.S.) and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (L.R.C.P.) in 1865, and Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries (L.S.A.) in 1866. Grace's early prowess was evident when he made his first-class debut for Gentlemen of the South against Players of the South in 1861, and by 1862, he was regarded as England's most dangerous batsman, known for his aggressive style and ability to hook . In 1864, Grace participated in the inaugural English cricket tour of aboard the , representing the All Eleven and helping to popularize the sport abroad. He was instrumental in establishing as a first-class county in 1870, serving as the club's secretary from 1871 to 1909, and led the team to titles in 1876 and 1877. Grace played one Test match for against in 1880, scoring 28 runs and taking two wickets, though his international appearances were limited compared to his domestic dominance. Despite professional commitments as a doctor, he remained active in local with Thornbury until 1910, embodying the amateur spirit of 19th-century English sport. Grace died of a cerebral haemorrhage at his home, Park House in Thornbury, leaving behind a widow—his fourth wife—and nine children.

Early Life

Family Background

Edward Mills Grace was born on 28 November 1841 at Downend House, near in , . His father, Henry Mills Grace (1808–1871), was a physician from , , who settled in Downend after marrying in 1831 and became an enthusiastic cricketer, captaining local teams and founding the Mangotsfield Cricket Club. His mother, Martha Pocock (c. 1811 – 1884), came from a family with strong cricketing ties; her brother Alfred Pocock was a keen player who coached the Grace children. As the third of five sons in a family of nine children, E. M. Grace grew up alongside his older brothers (born 1833) and (born 1840), and younger brothers William Gilbert (, born 1848) and George Frederick (Fred Grace, born 1850), with the family placing significant emphasis on outdoor activities and from an early age. The household fostered a competitive environment through regular practice sessions, influenced by their father's dedication and their mother's support for the sport. The family home at Downend served as a central hub for local , where informal matches were played on the lawn and later on an improved pitch in the orchard after the family moved to "The Chesnuts" in 1850, nurturing the brothers' early skills and sibling rivalries in the game.

Education and Early Influences

Edward Mills received his early education at Kempe's Academy in , near , where he first engaged in organized at the age of thirteen, honing his skills amid the school's sporting activities. This period marked the beginning of his athletic development, building on the family's longstanding cricketing tradition at their home ground in Downend. On 7 August 1855, at just thirteen years old, Grace made his competitive debut for the 22-man team of West Gloucestershire against the All England XI at Stokes Croft in , selected primarily for his exceptional long-stopping abilities behind the . Though the match resulted in a heavy defeat for his side, this early exposure to elite opposition highlighted his potential and propelled him into broader cricketing circles. Pursuing a medical career like his father, Grace enrolled at the Medical School, where he balanced rigorous academic demands with his growing sporting commitments. He qualified as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (M.R.C.S.) in and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (L.R.C.P.) in in 1865, followed by the Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries (L.S.A.) in 1866. This dual focus exemplified his discipline, as he continued playing during his studies, transitioning from family-oriented games at Mangotsfield to more formal local club matches for Mangotsfield and West Gloucestershire. By his mid-teens, Grace was already recognized as a promising , noted for his solid batting, effective bowling, and brilliant fielding, which set the stage for his future prominence in the .

Professional Career

Medical Qualification and Practice

Edward Mills Grace qualified as a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (M.R.C.S.) and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (L.R.C.P.) in 1865, and Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries (L.S.A.) in 1866, after serving an with his father, Dr. , and attending lectures at the and in . Following initial practices in Marshfield and Olveston, he established his general practice in Thornbury, Gloucestershire, in 1868, initially from 20 Castle Street before purchasing Park House on the in for £2,200. As a , he served the rural communities of West Gloucestershire, handling a range of medical duties including those as Public Vaccinator, Registrar of Births and Deaths, and Poor Law Medical Officer. Known locally as "The Little Doctor" due to his and tireless dedication, Grace often attended to patients between his commitments, delegating some routine tasks to an assistant during busy sporting seasons to maintain his practice. His medical work intersected with his sporting life through treating injuries among local teams and leveraging his prominence as a cricketer to encourage and in athletic communities, such as by promoting and general at club events. Grace continued his practice in Thornbury until his death in 1911, earning respect for his practical contributions to rural healthcare despite producing no major publications; his father's medical legacy provided early familial influence in the profession.

Role as Coroner and Local Offices

Edward Mills Grace was appointed for the Lower Division of West in February 1875, nominated by the and seconded by local magistrates. His medical qualification enabled this role, which involved conducting inquests into sudden or suspicious deaths across the district, including accidents in rural and sporting contexts. He held the position until 1909, overseeing numerous cases with a reputation for thoroughness. Beyond the coronership, Grace served as a for and , contributing to local judicial and administrative matters. He also acted as district officer for the Thornbury Board of Guardians, managing poor law administration and welfare for the union's parishes. As of Thornbury in 1874 and again in 1896, he led municipal efforts, including chairing the local school board and serving on the parish council to address community needs. Grace's administrative acumen extended to sports governance as secretary of the from 1871 to 1909, a role he assumed shortly after the club's formation and from which he resigned due to advancing age. This position highlighted his ability to blend with organizational in local institutions. In Thornbury, his involvement in the parish council and town trust supported broader community improvements, drawing on his professional expertise to promote and welfare. Upon resigning as in 1909, Grace received tributes for his impartiality and effective handling of duties over three decades, reflecting his enduring impact on regional administration.

Cricket Career

Early Matches and Development

Edward Mills Grace made his at in July 1861, playing for the Club against the (), where he contributed to a alongside his brother ./Chapter_2) This debut marked the beginning of his competitive cricket journey, nurtured in the family environment of cricket enthusiasm at Downend. He quickly progressed to representative matches, featuring consistently for the Gentlemen against the Players from 1862 to 1869 and again in 1886, establishing himself as a key amateur in these prestigious fixtures. Grace's breakthrough came in August 1862 during Canterbury Week, where, as an emergency substitute for the against the Gentlemen of , he scored 192 —carrying his bat through the —and took all 10 wickets in the opponents' first for 69 runs in a 12-a-side . This extraordinary all-round performance, one of the earliest instances of such a feat in notable , earned him widespread acclaim as a and the most dangerous batsman in at age 20. In the 1863 season, Grace reached the peak of his early batting form, amassing over 3,000 runs across all matches and surpassing contemporaries in aggregate scoring, which positioned him briefly as the leading batsman in the game before his younger brother W. G. Grace's meteoric rise. Concurrently, he honed his exceptional fielding skills at point—a critical position in the era requiring sharp reflexes and proximity to the batsman—becoming unrivalled in that role during his prime./70) Following this standout year, Grace joined George Parr's All England team for an early overseas tour to and in 1863–64, gaining international exposure despite modest personal returns due to injury and an aggressive style.

First-Class Achievements with Gloucestershire

Edward Mills Grace played a pivotal role in the establishment of as a first-class county in 1870, contributing to the formal creation of the that year and serving as its honorary secretary from 1871 to 1909. He captained several early sides for the county, helping to organize and lead matches during the formative years when the club transitioned to first-class status. Between 1870 and 1896, Grace appeared in 253 first-class matches for , showcasing his commitment to the team's development and competitive edge. Grace was instrumental in Gloucestershire's success in the unofficial , particularly during the 1876 and 1877 seasons when the county claimed outright titles. In 1876, under the influence of the Grace family, secured multiple victories against strong rivals, including a notable win over at Sheffield's , where the team's all-round prowess overwhelmed the opposition. The following year, 1877, saw the county repeat as champions, with Grace's consistent performances alongside his brothers contributing to a dominant campaign that solidified 's position among England's elite sides. As an , Grace provided vital contributions with both bat and ball for , amassing significant totals in his 314 overall first-class appearances, where he scored 10,025 runs at an average of 18.66 and captured 305 wickets at an average of 20.37. His dual-impact play was essential in key county fixtures, offering stability in batting lineups and breakthroughs with his medium-pace bowling, often delivered underhand in the era's style. Grace demonstrated remarkable longevity in county cricket, retiring from first-class play for in 1896 at the age of 54 after over two decades of service. Beyond his playing career, his administrative role as secretary until 1909 ensured the club's ongoing stability, while he continued to feature in club matches for Thornbury until 1910, extending his involvement in the sport well into his later years.

International Exposure and Test Debut

Edward Mills Grace gained his initial international exposure during the 1863–64 tour of and with George Parr's All England XI, where he was the sole among a predominantly professional squad. The team, transported aboard the , played a series of matches against colonial sides, adapting to unfamiliar pitches and conditions that tested their endurance during the long sea voyage and variable playing surfaces. Grace contributed as an in these encounters, helping the undefeated side secure victories in before crossing to for additional fixtures, marking an early step in global exchanges. Grace's sole Test appearance came nearly 16 years later, on 6–8 September 1880, when he was selected for against in the inaugural match on home soil at . At age 38, his inclusion was based on his extensive experience and all-round abilities, despite being overshadowed by his brother , who opened the batting alongside him. In the first innings, Grace scored 36 runs off 94 balls, caught by off , contributing to 's total of 420 before they won by five wickets. He managed only 0 in the second innings, dismissed by Boyle after facing two balls, and did not bowl in the match. Beyond this Test, Grace's international involvement was limited to occasional representative matches against touring Australian teams in England, though he earned no further Test caps. His role in early highlighted his value as a seasoned leader, fostering connections in the sport's nascent global phase, even as his brother's prominence often eclipsed his contributions.

Playing Style, Records, and Statistics

Edward Mills Grace was renowned for his aggressive batting style as an opener, where he pioneered the use of the pull shot, a technique that shocked contemporary purists by exploiting short-pitched deliveries on the . His approach emphasized forceful hitting rather than defensive play, contributing to five first-class centuries during his career. In bowling, Grace employed a distinctive right-arm slow underarm lob style, particularly effective in club and lower-level matches, allowing him to mix variations and deceive batsmen with flight and pace changes. This method proved successful in securing multiple ten-wicket hauls, including a notable all-ten in an against the Gentlemen of in 1862. Grace's fielding prowess elevated his all-round value, particularly at point, where his quick reflexes and proximity to the batsman—often close enough to risk injury from the bat—earned him acclaim as one of the finest in that position during an when covers were minimal and the demanded exceptional . Across all levels of from 1851 to 1910, Grace amassed over 76,760 runs, including 136 centuries (66 for his club Thornbury), and claimed 12,078 wickets, showcasing his versatility as an . In , he appeared in 314 matches, scoring 10,025 runs at an average of 18.66 with a highest of 192 , while taking 305 wickets at 20.37. Key records include his 192 not out in 1862, then a personal best achieved while carrying his bat through the innings for the against , and his status as the oldest living cricketer from 30 June 1904 until his death in 1911, following the passing of Tom Emmett. These figures reflect Grace's utility as a reliable all-round performer who peaked before his brother W. G. Grace's , often overshadowed yet essential to early county and representative sides.

Other Pursuits

Involvement in Athletics and Hunting

Edward Mills Grace demonstrated exceptional athletic ability from a young age, participating in a variety of events that showcased his speed and strength. He competed in foot s ranging from 100 yards to a mile, with a particular affinity for the 120-yard distance, and excelled in jumping disciplines including the , , pole jump, and hop, skip, and jump. During local competitions such as those at Zoo Sports, Grace frequently won prizes alongside his brother , notably defeating him in a 220-yard , which highlighted his competitive edge in youth athletics. His physical prowess supported his participation in informal local meets, where he was noted for his fast running and robust performance, though no formal records of professional careers exist. This general athleticism, developed through such pursuits, complemented his endurance in other sports without venturing into team activities like . In , Grace was a bold and regular participant, particularly with the Berkeley and Beaufort hounds in , where he rode fearlessly across rough country on any horse. He possessed a keen eye for equestrian talent, often purchasing promising hunters from unlikely sources such as carts, and used these rides to maintain that paralleled his cricketing demands. One illustrates his : even in full hunting attire, he could leap over a five-barred with ease. Grace's multifaceted was evident in stories of remarkable , such as at age 65 when he went in the morning, conducted an in the afternoon, and practiced in the evening, embodying the Victorian ideal of the all-round gentleman athlete. His lifelong enjoyment of rough and occasional dancing further underscored a pursuit of physical vitality that sustained his active lifestyle into later years.

Contributions to Local Sports and Community

Edward Mills Grace played a pivotal role in promoting within , particularly through the establishment and nurturing of local village teams. In 1871, he founded the Thornbury Cricket Club, serving as its , secretary, and treasurer for over 40 years, which helped solidify its position as a cornerstone of community recreation. Under his leadership, the club hosted numerous matches at dedicated local grounds, fostering a vibrant cricketing culture among residents and encouraging widespread participation in the sport. Grace's efforts extended to community engagement by integrating family and youth into club activities, thereby inspiring the next generation of players. He actively involved his sons, such as and Mervyn Grace, in Thornbury's teams from a young age—Norman, for instance, began playing at nine and continued until 72—creating a legacy of familial mentorship that drew in local talent and emphasized the value of lifelong involvement in . Between 1871 and 1971, 24 members of the family represented the club, underscoring his influence in building a supportive environment for emerging cricketers in the village. In 1872, Grace secured and developed the club's ground at 'The Ship' in Alveston, a facility that remains in use today and symbolizes his commitment to accessible sports infrastructure for the Thornbury . His broader contributions reinforced amateur sports ethics amid the rise of in the late , as he channeled energies into regional after stepping back from first-class play. As secretary of the from 1871 to 1909, Grace advocated for the growth of local amateur initiatives, helping the county achieve early successes like the and championships while prioritizing community-based development over commercial interests. This organizational work not only elevated Thornbury's sporting profile but also promoted outdoor activities as a means of social cohesion and youth development across villages.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marriages, Family, and Later Years

Edward Mills Grace married four times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Annie White Stutchbury on 5 February 1868; she died on 29 March 1884, leaving him with thirteen children. He remarried Annie Louise Robinson in June 1885; she passed away on 24 July 1901 and bore him four more children. His third wife, , married him on 15 March 1902 and died in February 1907. Finally, in December 1907, he wed Sarah Elizabeth Brain, who survived him. Grace fathered seventeen children in total, of whom five sons and four daughters were alive at the time of his death. He raised his family in , where he settled in 1869, initially residing at 20 Castle Street before moving to 13 The Plain and eventually purchasing Park House in 1879. Several of his sons continued the family's cricketing tradition, including Norman Vere Grace, who played for the Royal Navy. In his later years, Grace retired from with in 1896 at the age of 54 but continued to play for the Thornbury team, which he had founded in 1871 and captained for over three decades, until 1909 when he was 68. He focused increasingly on his medical practice in Thornbury, where he served as a practitioner from 1869 until his retirement as medical officer for the local in 1907 after thirty-eight years of service, alongside roles as for West Gloucestershire from 1875 to 1909. Grace remained an avid participant in hunts, known as a bold rider to hounds, a pursuit in which his second wife also joined, riding with the Beaufort and Hunts. As he aged, Grace's health declined, with increasing stoutness and reduced mobility limiting his physical activities, though he stayed engaged in community affairs, including chairing the local school board and serving on the parish council.

Death and Enduring Influence

Edward Mills Grace died on 20 May 1911 at his residence, Park House, in , following a cerebral haemorrhage at the age of 69. He had suffered a severe earlier that spring, which left him paralysed on his right side and unable to speak, marking the end of a life dedicated to and . Grace was buried in Downend Christ Churchyard, adjacent to the cricket ground where he had honed his skills as a , with commemorative tablets and a erected in his honour at churches in both Downend and Thornbury. Contemporary obituaries lauded Grace as a pioneering force in , crediting him with remarkable all-round abilities that might have placed him at the forefront of the sport's history had his brother W. G. not overshadowed him. highlighted his exceptional fielding at point, unorthodox batting innovations like the habitual pull shot, and his role in match-winning performances, including taking all ten wickets in an innings during the 1862 Canterbury Week. As one of the earliest Test cricketers, Grace was among the oldest living participants in the format by the early 1900s until his death. Grace's enduring influence lies in elevating county cricket's prominence, particularly through his foundational work with , where he served as secretary from 1871 to 1909 and captained the side to championships in 1876 and 1877 alongside his brothers W. G. and G. F., forming a celebrated family dynasty. His administrative leadership and longevity in at Thornbury, where he played into his 70s, underscored his commitment to the game's growth. In modern accounts, he is portrayed as an underappreciated whose versatile contributions and pioneering spirit warrant greater historical focus, often eclipsed by W. G.'s fame, with scholars advocating for deeper exploration of his organizational roles.

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