Famous Cricketers No 64 - Jas. Lillywhite, Jun.

In January 1879 he took over the family firm founded by F.W.Lillywhite from his cousin John, when it became John & James Lillywhite & Co. The business became James Lillywhite & Co. in December 1882 and was absorbed by Lillywhite, Frowd & Co. in 1885. He was awarded two benefits. The first was in 1881 when he was presented with a subscription purse of £183 10s. on 27th August and the list of contributors was published. However, the North v South match at Chichester in 1890 did not attract many spectators and was, unfortunately, a failure. After his retirement he played for his local club, Westerton and became a publican. He was landlord of the Wheatsheaf in North Street, Chichester, in 1895. He was still there in 1901 but by 1902 he had moved to Westerton. He was an active freemason and, at the time of his death, was the oldest member of the Lodge of Union No.38. He died at his home at Westerton on 25th October 1929 and was buried in Westhampnett churchyard on 29th October. The funeral was attended by a number of cricketers who had played with him for Sussex and Priory Park and among the wreaths from cricket clubs was one from the MCC inscribed: ‘a tribute to a famous cricketer’. He was a regular attender of the Sunday Service at Westhampnett church and was said to like a drink of gin and water. He was the last of the inaugural English Test team to die. He will be remembered as a very good left-handed medium-pace bowler who “never tired” and was able to get a great deal from the pitch. He was a useful lower order left-handed batsman although his actual record in figures was somewhat disappointing. He accomplished some remarkable bowling figures and bowled unchanged through both innings of a match on no fewer than twelve occasions. 4