Lives in Cricket No 44 - LCH Palairet

Lodge’ in the village. The size of Lionel’s house can be gleaned from the 1911 census as he had six servants within the household. His work for Lord Devon was varied. He helped settle disputes, renovate property, buy and sell land or houses and organise any building work. Many adverts regarding his work for the earl appeared in local papers over the years. In addition, he would join a number of committees as time passed, and he would attend local council, golf club and Conservative Party meetings and was an active member of the Fisheries Commission. It was clear that on moving there in autumn 1905, he quickly became part of the local community and a leading well-respected figure within Devon. Despite a lot of changes in his life in 1905, Lionel did have time for a little cricket. Whilst in Derbyshire he played a little for Welbeck and turned out once for the Old Reptonians against his old school. Although he did little with the bat against Repton he took the wicket of John Crawford, the brilliant schoolboy cricketer who would later play for Surrey and England. Lionel’s move to Devon also meant he would be able to play a couple of times for Somerset. The press knew in advance of his return and it was announced, a month beforehand, of his intention to play against the visiting Australians. On July 13 the Australians ran up 609 for four with Warwick Armstrong making an unbeaten 303. Somerset were largely in debt to Len Braund and Henry Martyn as they both made centuries, and although following on, Somerset were able to save the game easily. Lionel made four, and two not out. The game was also noted for the appearance of Tom Richardson the former Surrey fast man, released by Surrey the year before. He had taken a pub in Bath and was persuaded by Sam Woods to turn out. It had been hoped he could contribute with the ball. However he was grossly overweight, bowled barely medium pace and went wicketless, a sad end to a fine career. Although Lionel did not play for another month, he returned to Taunton against Kent in mid-August. After Woods elected to bat on a good wicket, Lionel went in with the team struggling at 34 for three. He started cautiously and struggled against the opening bowlers Jack Mason and Colin Blythe at first. He settled in and Captain of Somerset, and the Earl of Devon 95