Cricket has been played in Bexley Village ever since the time when it really was a village. The exact date of the formation of the Club - if it had a formal foundation­ is lost in the mists of time, but Bexley men were certainly playing cricket by 1746.
The most famous match in the Club's history took place in 1805, when Bexley, with three guest players, played and beat Kent. The remarkable thing about this match is that Kent were bowled out for only six runs-or five if other reports arc true – and as the match was played for a wager of 500 guineas there must have been great celebrations in Bexley that night. To this day the Club badge bears the date '1805', as a reminder of that victory.
No doubt much of the early cricket was played between scratch sides, on rough pitches and with the minimum of organisation. But gradually clubs became more organised and by 1862 Bexley had a Constitution and Rules. And the Rules required the Club to have a President.
Since then there have been twenty three Presidents, in unbroken line. This small book is a collection of their photographs with brief biographical notes. It has involved a good deal of detective work. Although two photographs are missing they are probably unobtainable now, so I thought it time to publish the collection.
The Presidents have not been well known national figures; but particularly in the early years they were very well known locally and in addition to their interest in the cricket club took a leading role in most local activities, including the churches, the council, business and 'good works' generally. Up until World War II, and the social changes that followed, there was hardly a major local issue in which the President of the cricket club did not play a part. In recording these links the book is an important addition to our knowledge of local history.
ln recent years, with the growth of suburbia, the Presidents have not been involved to anything like the same extent in local affairs: the Presidency is now seen as an honour to be bestowed on members of the Club who have given outstanding service.
I should like to thank all those who have helped in the search for photographs and information, whether successful or not. As with my earlier “History of Bexley Cricket Club” I am greatly indebted to Bexley Local Studies Centre, for much help and encouragement.

R.B.H.
Bexley, Kent.