Thomas White's early doings are all lost, as he played several years before 1772 when Lillywhite's book commences, he being then 32 years of age. He was called 'Shock White' and also 'Daddy White' at Reigate, where he resided, but why is now unknown. He was a short and stoutly-made man, and his average in the few matches in which his name is found is very good. He was also a successful change-bowler. He is the cricketer who (as stated in Nyren) about 1776 brought a bat to play a match, which being the width of the stumps effectually defended his wicket from the bowler. In consequence a law was passed limiting the future breadth of the bat to four inches and a half. He was a great admirer of the noble game, and used to frequent all the great matches in the vicinity of Reigate up to the time of his death. His tombstone standing, in 1860, in Reigate churchyard bears the following inscription.
Also of Thomas White,
Who died July 28, 1831.
Aged 91 years.
The earl of Winchelsea made some good scores in the best matches for several seasons; was a great supporter and admirer of the 'Noble Game' and especially of the Hambledon Club. The Hampshire Chronicle, of July 25, 1797, states that the Earl of Winchelsea has made an improvement in the game of cricket, by having four stumps instead of three, and the wickets two inches higher. The game is thus rendered shorter by easier bowling out. The improvement (?) however must have only been used in practice, as no record exists of a match with four stumps having ever come off except in that between the Gentlemen and the Players, July 3, 1837; the latter defended four stumps of monstrous size. The Earl was born at , November 4, 1752, and died at his house, 32, South Street, Park Lane, London, August 2, 1826, aged 73. He is buried in the family
