Let's restore Fergie's grave!

A new campaign

A fundraising initiative has been launched to restore the grave of a man who left an indelible mark on international cricket. William Henry Ferguson, affectionately known as ‘Fergie’, has recently been rediscovered in Bath by local resident and cricket enthusiast Toby Goodman. ‘Fergie’ dedicated over 50 years to the international cricket scene as a scorer and baggage master. From his first tour to England with the 1905 Australian team to his final journey with the 1957 West Indians, he remained active until shortly before his passing.

Fergie’s career saw him working with many illustrious teams, including the English side during the infamous Bodyline tour of 1932/3, the 1948 Australian ‘Invincibles’, and the 1953/4 New Zealanders on their poignant ‘Tangiwai Disaster’ tour of South Africa.

Regarded as the inventor of the ‘wagon wheel’ batting chart, Fergie meticulously recorded the strokes of legendary players. His notable compilations include Sir Jack Hobbs' 81 for Surrey against the touring Australians in 1912, Sir Donald Bradman's 334 against England, Wally Hammond's 336 against New Zealand, and Sir Leonard Hutton's 364 against Australia.

In total, Bill ‘Fergie’ Ferguson scored in 208 Test matches, spanning an era from Monty Noble to Ray Lindwall, from WG Grace to Fred Trueman.

Born in New Zealand in 1880, WH Ferguson spent his formative years in Sydney. It was a friendship with his dentist and future brother-in-law, Australian team captain Monty Noble, that led to his appointment as the team baggage master and scorer for the 1905 tour to England—marking the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to cricket. Former Australian Prime Minister and cricket enthusiast Sir Robert Menzies once remarked, “There is no better-loved man in the entire cricket world.” Menzies awarded Ferguson the British Empire Medal in 1951.

WH Ferguson passed away in Bath in September 1957 and was buried in the Locksbrook Cemetery, sharing a plot with his father-in-law and sister-in-law. Sadly, his grave has been forgotten and is now in disrepair. Toby Goodman, Director of Sport at The Paragon School, has launched a JustGiving campaign to raise funds for the grave's restoration by a stonemason approved by the Bath and North East Somerset Council. Goodman emphasized, “I think it’s important, now more than ever, that we remember those people who helped pioneer and develop the games we love and play today.” The project has garnered support from the England Cricket Board, Surrey County Cricket Club, lyricist Sir Tim Rice, and cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee, among others.

If you would like to donate, the ‘Just Giving’ link is here.

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