Christopher Oldfield

Christopher Campbell Oldfield (30 October 1838 – 14 May 1916) was an English British Army officer who played first-class cricket.

Early life and education Oldfield was born at Patna in British India in October 1838, to Edith Frances Sheridan Guinness and her husband, William (or Henry) Swann Oldfield of the Bengal Civil Service. He studied in England at Exeter College, Oxford. In December 1859 he was commissioned into the British Army as an Ensign in the 10th Foot Regiment. He was promoted to Lieutenant in May 1863.

Career Oldfield made his debut in first-class cricket in 1864, playing for the Gentlemen of Kent against the Gentlemen of the Marylebone Cricket Club during Canterbury Cricket Week. He made two further first-class appearances in 1865, first for the Gentlemen of England against the Gentlemen of Middlesex at Islington, and then for the Gentlemen of the MCC against the Gentlemen of Kent during that year's Canterbury Week.

From 1866, Oldfield was posted to Ireland, where he played cricket, including in noon-first-class matches for Ireland until 1871. By 1867, he was serving with the 85th Foot Regiment, rising to the rank of Captain in August 1867. He married Edith Frances Sheridan Guinness, of the Guinness family, in December 1872.

By 1873, Oldfield was serving in the 38th Foot, retiring on half-pay in November of that year. Following his retirement, he joined the Royal Berkshire Militia, serving from 1873 until 1877. Beyond his military service and playing cricket, Oldfield was a Justice of the Peace. He was also in the service of the East India Company.

Personal life He died at Westminster in May 1916, his wife, with whom he had three children, having predeceased him sixteen years prior.