Somerset Team – 1892

This post is based on a talk given to the Walkers and Talkers group on Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

In the 1892 season, Somerset, in their second year as a first class county finished 3rd in the County Championship with 8 wins including beating Surrey, the 1891 Champions. Notably the selection process was changed to be based on merit rather than social achievements (aka drinking). Of mention are: A.E. Newton, T.Knight (Scorer), H.E. Murray Anderdon (Secretary), S.M.J. Woods, H. Hewitt, L. Palairet, T. Tyler and V.T. Hill.

Lionel Palairet and Herbie Hewitt set a record 1st wicket partnership of 346 v Yorkshire.

Herbie Hewitt was born at Norton Fitzwarren and played for the MCC, Oxford University and Somerset. As captain from 1889-93, he selected players on merit rather than ‘social charms’, His highest score was 201 in that record partnership.

Tom Knight scored for Somerset from 1887 – 1894

A.E. Newton (wicketkeeper) who played for both Oxford University and Somerset took 9 dismissals v Middlesex in 1901.

H.E. Murray Anderdon, who lived at Henlade House, was the first salaried (“professional”) club official and was responsible for achieving the purchase of the ground and improvements which form the basis of the CACG today. He was also responsible for recruiting Teddy Tyler, Sammy Woods and Lionel Palairet.

Sammy Woods (Australian) was the first overseas player to play for Somerset and in a career lasting 24 years was captain from 1894-1906. He played for both Australia (1885) and England (1895/96). In his career he scored over 12,000 runs and took over 500 wickets.

Teddy Tyler (also subject of a display in the Museum). He played for Somerset between 1891 and 1917 notably taking 14 wickets in a match v Gloucestershire and a hat-trick v Yorkshire.

Vernon Tincner Hill lived near Weston super Mare and is featured in a book published by Sussex Cricket Museum about John Wisden.

Lionel Palairet played for Somerset from 1890 until 1909 and was captain in 1907. He scored over 1000 runs in a season on 7 occasions, his highest score being 292 v Hampshire. In 1902 he was selected for England and the bat he used is on display in the Museum.

Note – the above was researched following a request from the SCCC President, Sir Peter Wanless who asked about the 1892 team photo hanging in the White Lion at North Curry.