A Bennett's Iron Foundry Co, 'W G Grace' cast iron table with mahogany top, late 19th Century

These designs, no's 155483, 171737 were registered and patented by Bennett's Iron Foundry Co, Hyde Road, Ardwick, Manchester at the Public Record Office on 29th August 1890 and 19th May 1891.(see engraving)

Dr William Gilbert Grace (1848-1915) or 'W.G.' as he became universally known, was the most famous sportsman & cricketer of his day.  His first class cricketing career spanned 43 years, from 1865 aged 17, to his retirement in 1908 aged 60.  During this time he amassed 54,896 runs, took 2,876 wickets and over 800 catches, made 126 centuries and captained England in his last Test Match, in 1899, aged 50.  His cricketing prowess created the techniques of the modern game, and the county clubs and the organisation of cricket as a national institution followed in his wake.