Spencer Cecil Brabazon Ponsonby, also known as Sir Spencer Cecil Brabazon Ponsonby-Fane, was a prominent cricket player from England. He was born on March 14th, 1824, in Cavendish Square. His cricket career spanned several decades, and he remained closely connected to the sport throughout his life. He passed away on December 1st, in his 92nd year, at Brympton, Yeovil.
Ponsonby-Fane had a deep connection with cricket from a young age. At the age of 15, he played for the MCC in 1839. A year later, he became a member of the MCC and maintained his membership for over 80 years. The unparalleled length of his membership allowed him to serve in various roles within the club, except for the presidency.
His involvement with the MCC was extensive, serving on the committee on multiple occasions and as treasurer from 1879 until his passing. Ponsonby-Fane also played a crucial role in amassing an unrivaled collection of paintings, engravings, and prints at Lord’s, which remains a significant part of the club’s history.
In 1896, the MCC honored Ponsonby-Fane by commissioning a portrait of him by Ouless, which now hangs in the long room of the Pavilion. He was also instrumental in the establishment of I Zingari in 1845, serving as the honorary secretary and governor for many years.
Known for his skills as a player, Ponsonby-Fane was described as a “free and lively hitter” and a good fielder. He played for Surrey CCC in 1844, 1848, and 1853. He also represented the Gentlemen against the Players from 1851 to 1858. Additionally, he served as president of the Somerset CCC from 1890 onwards.
Beyond his cricketing accomplishments, Ponsonby-Fane had a remarkable career in other fields. He worked at the Foreign Office starting in 1840 and served as Private Secretary to several prominent figures, including Lord Palmerston, the Earl of Clarendon, and Earl Granville. He also held various positions, such as Attaché at Washington, Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, Gentleman Usher to the Sword, and Bath King of Arms.
As a man with extensive cricketing experience and a keen observer of the game, Ponsonby-Fane possessed a wealth of entertaining anecdotes and memories. Regrettably, he never documented his experiences, depriving future generations of his fascinating stories. He made limited contributions to cricket literature, with his most notable work being his introduction in “Lord’s and the MCC,” a volume published in 1914 to commemorate the club’s century-long tenure at their current ground.
Ponsonby-Fane’s remarkable life and contributions to cricket and various fields make him a highly respected figure in the cricketing community. His passing left a void in the MCC and cricket world at large. As the oldest cricket blue, Sir John Leslie, 1st Bart., succeeded him as the oldest member of the MCC and the sole surviving original member of I Zingari. With his experience playing alongside legendary cricketers like William Ward and his enduring relationship with Lord’s, Ponsonby-Fane possessed a story that would have captivated readers, had he chosen to share it.
