Edward White

Edward Albert White (16 March 1844 – 3 May 1922) was an English farmer and cricketer. He was influential in the development of the hop farming industry in Kent and owned the largest hop farm in the United Kingdom towards the end of the 19th century. He played first-class cricket between 1867 and 1875, mainly for Kent County Cricket Club.

Early life White was born at Yalding in Kent in 1844, the son of Alfred White and his wife Mary (née Winton). His family owned a farm at Nettlestead which employed over 60 workers. White was educated at Marlborough College, starting at the school in 1857.

Cricket Despite not being selected to play for his school XI, White played club cricket for The Mote and Town Malling clubs.

Described by Wisden as being a "good hitter" who "possessed (a) strong defence", By the 1890s he had extended the farm and was employing over 20 men. The farm was at one point the largest hop farm in the United Kingdom, and White became an influential figure in the development of the hop growing industry in the country. The farm was later sold to Whitbreads and was after rebranded as The Hop Farm, becoming a tourist destination. and a "legend" in the industry. His cousin Lionel White also played cricket for Kent, making four appearances for them in 1869. The cousins appeared alongside each other in two of these matches as well as once for the Gentlemen of Kent during the same season.