Edward Bligh (died 1840)

Edward Bligh (19 September 1769 – 2 November 1840), styled The Honourable from birth, was an Irish politician, a noted amateur cricketer and a prominent early member of Marylebone Cricket Club.

For other people named Edward Bligh, see Edward Bligh (disambiguation).

Bligh was born in County Meath, Ireland and was younger brother of the 4th Earl of Darnley (1767–1831). The 4th Earl was also a keen amateur Kentish cricketer and great-grandfather of the England cricket captain Ivo Bligh (later the 8th Earl).

Educated at Eton College, Edward Bligh embarked on a military career in the 33rd Regiment of Foot, attaining the rank of General. Bligh represented Athboy in the Irish House of Commons from 1800 to the Act of Union in 1801.

Primarily a batsman, Bligh was also a useful bowler who made 93 known appearances in senior cricket matches from the 1789 season to the 1813 season. Arthur Haygarth describes him as "one of the best gentlemen bats of his day".[1]

Bligh played for the Gentlemen in the inaugural and second Gentlemen v Players matches in 1806.[2][3] He died at Thames Ditton, Surrey.

References
  1. Arthur Haygarth, Scores & Biographies, Volume 1 (1744-1826), p.102. Lillywhite, 1862.
  2. CricketArchive – scorecard of inaugural Gentlemen v Players match
  3. CricketArchive – scorecard of second Gentlemen v Players match
Parliament of Ireland
Preceded by
Hugh Howard
Thomas Cherburgh Bligh		 Member of Parliament for Athboy
1800 – 1801
Served alongside: Thomas Cherburgh Bligh		 Succeeded by
Parliament of the United Kingdom


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