Brief profile of R.E.Prothero by Don Ambrose

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Player:

RE Prothero

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PROTHERO, Rowland Edmund.
Amateur.
Born at Clifton-upon-Teme, Worcestershire, 6th September 1851.
Died at Ginge, Berkshire, 1st July 1937.
He was the son of the Rev George Prothero, rector of Whippingham, Hampshire, who played cricket for Oxford University 1839. He was educated at Marlborough College, where he was a member of the cricket eleven 1870-71. He went up to Balliol College, Oxford, where he did not play cricket for the University, but made his first-class debut for the Gentlemen of England in 1872. He played in six first-class matches between then and 1883, including four for Hampshire. He gained his first-class history degree in 1875 and was a Fellow of All Souls College 1875-91. Admitted as barrister at the Middle Temple in 1878. He contested the Biggleswade Division, Bedford in 1910 without success and was elected M.P. for Oxford University 1914-19. He was Privy Councellor 1916 and President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and a Member of the Cabinet 1916-19. He was a Freeman of the City of London 1917 and created the first Lord Ernle in 1919. Among a string of honours and appointments in the 1920s and 1930s he was President of the MCC 1924-25. His London address at this time was 3 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, and his country address Ginge Manor, Wantage.
There is no sign of him in the 1881 Census, although his father is present at Whippingham Rectory, aged 66, with four domestic servants.

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Don Ambrose)