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John Lees

1861 – 1934

English cricketer

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About John Lees

Lived 1861 – 1934 (aged 73). John Lees was a British farmer and cricketer.

John Lees (5 September 1861 – 20 December 1934) was an English first-class cricketer.

The son of Samuel Lees, he was born at Ashton-under-Lyne in September 1861. He was educated at Uppingham School, before going up to Jesus College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he made a single appearance in first-class cricket for Cambridge University against the Marylebone Cricket Club at Fenner's in 1881. Batting twice in the match, he was dismissed in the Cambridge first-innings by Alfred Shaw for 6 runs, while in their second-innings he was dismissed for 9 runs by Fred Morley. Though he did not gain a blue in cricket, he did gain a rugby blue. He held the rank of lieutenant by November 1887, with Lees serving in the British expedition up the River Gambia against Fodey Kabba in 1891–92, and later serving as a garrison adjutant in British Jamaica.

He retired from active service in May 1903, retaining the rank of captain. After retiring he became a farmer, but later returned to the Royal West Kent Regiment to serve during the First World War, in the course of which he was mentioned in dispatches. He died in December 1934 at Brenchley, Kent.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Education
Jesus College, Uppingham School
Positions held
Military officer

People in John Lees's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Lees's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Lees?

English cricketer (1861-1934)

When was John Lees born?

John Lees was born on 5 September 1861 in Ashton-under-Lyne.

When did John Lees die?

John Lees died on 20 December 1934 in Brenchley.

What was John Lees's occupation?

John Lees was a farmer and cricketer.

What nationality was John Lees?

John Lees was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Lees

· Wikidata: Q65745639

· DBpedia: John Lees (cricketer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Lees. https://biography.guide/john-lees-farmer/

MLA: "John Lees." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-lees-farmer/.

Chicago: "John Lees." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-lees-farmer/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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