**William Walton (cricketer, born 1799)**
**Definition:**
William Walton (born 1799) was an English cricketer who played during the early 19th century. He is known for his participation in first-class cricket matches primarily representing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
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## William Walton (cricketer, born 1799)
William Walton was an English cricketer active in the early 19th century, a period when cricket was evolving into a more organized sport with the establishment of county teams and formalized competitions. Born in 1799, Walton played primarily for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, contributing to the development of cricket in the region during its formative years. Although detailed records of his career are limited, his involvement in first-class matches places him among the notable cricketers of his era.
### Early Life and Background
William Walton was born in 1799, though specific details about his early life, family background, and education remain scarce. Like many cricketers of his time, Walton likely grew up in a community where cricket was a popular pastime, especially in Nottinghamshire, a county with a rich cricketing tradition. The early 19th century was a period when cricket was transitioning from a rural pastime to a more structured sport, and players like Walton were instrumental in this transformation.
### Cricket Career
#### Playing Style and Role
Information about Walton’s playing style, including whether he was a batsman, bowler, or all-rounder, is not comprehensively documented. However, his participation in first-class matches indicates a level of skill and recognition in the sport. During Walton’s era, cricket was characterized by underarm bowling and rudimentary equipment, and players often had to adapt to varying pitch conditions and rules that were still being standardized.
#### Teams and Matches
William Walton is recorded to have played for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire teams. Nottinghamshire was one of the prominent cricketing counties in England, and matches involving Nottinghamshire were significant in the development of county cricket. Walton’s involvement in these teams suggests he was among the leading cricketers in the region.
The exact number of first-class matches Walton played is limited, as record-keeping from the early 1800s was not as thorough as in later years. Nevertheless, his appearances in recognized first-class fixtures contribute to the historical record of cricket during this period.
#### Notable Performances
Due to the scarcity of detailed scorecards and match reports from the early 19th century, specific statistics and notable performances by William Walton are largely unavailable. However, his inclusion in first-class matches implies that he was a competent player who contributed to his team’s efforts in competitive cricket.
### Historical Context of Cricket in Walton’s Era
The early 19th century was a transformative period for cricket. The sport was gaining popularity across England, with county teams beginning to form and compete regularly. Nottinghamshire, Walton’s home county, was emerging as a cricketing stronghold, producing several prominent players and hosting important matches.
During this time, cricket was played under different conditions compared to the modern game. Bowling was predominantly underarm, pitches were uncovered and often uneven, and protective gear was minimal. Matches could last several days, and the rules were still evolving, with significant changes occurring throughout the century.
Players like William Walton were part of this foundational era, helping to establish cricket as a structured sport and laying the groundwork for the professional game that would develop later in the 19th century.
### Legacy and Recognition
While William Walton may not be widely known today, his participation in early first-class cricket matches contributes to the rich tapestry of cricket history. Players from this period are often recognized for their role in popularizing and formalizing the sport, even if detailed personal records are lacking.
Walton’s career reflects the experiences of many cricketers of his time—talented sportsmen who played primarily for local pride and the love of the game, rather than for fame or financial reward. His involvement with Nottinghamshire cricket places him among the pioneers who helped establish the county’s cricketing reputation.
### Conclusion
William Walton (born 1799) was an English cricketer whose career, though not extensively documented, forms part of the early history of first-class cricket in Nottinghamshire. His contributions during a formative period for the sport highlight the important role played by regional cricketers in the development of cricket in England. While specific details about his life and career remain limited, Walton’s presence in first-class matches underscores his status as a notable player of his era.
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**Meta Description:**
William Walton (born 1799) was an English cricketer who played first-class matches for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire during the early 19th century. His career reflects the formative years of organized cricket in England.