Bowra!' In 1858, a wooden tablet was still standing to his memory in Sevenoaks Churchyard.
Thomas Brett was a native of, or at least resided at, Catherington, about five miles from Hambledon, where he had a farm called Tine Heads Farm, which had been in possession of his ancestors for many years. In 1857 no one of his name lived there, though in his time the family was so numerous 'that it ruled the village'. He seems to have left his native place for Portsmouth, that being perhaps the reason he left off playing for the Hambledon Club so young, being then but 31 years of age. His tombstone (in a falling condition in 1858) was still to be seen in Kingston churchyard, near Portsmouth, and bore the following inscription:
Sacred to the memory Of
THOMAS BRETT
Who died December 31, 1809,
age 62 YEARS.
Two of his daughters (one aged 85) were still living at Cosham near Portsmouth in 1858.
John Frederick (third) duke of Dorset was educated at Harrow, but whether he played at cricket there is now unknown. He was one of the greatest admirers and supporters of the 'Noble Game', and kept in his employ several of the best cricketers of the day, including Miller, Minshull, and W. Bowra. The town of Sevenoaks is also much indebted to him, as he gave the Vine Ground there 'by deed of trust' to be a Cricket Ground for ever. He became Duke of Dorset in 1769, succeeding his uncle, and was before Earl of Middlesex and Baron of Buckhurst and Cranfield. He was also Lord-Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the County of Kent and a Vice-Admiral of the County of Kent. In 1782 he was sworn of the Privy Council and made Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard and Master of the Horse; in 1784 he was sent as ambassador and pleni-
