William Gilbert Grace (1848-1915) was a cricketer and physician who captained England and Gloucestershire. Hailed in the press as The Champion, in four successive seasons in first-class cricket (1868-71) he averaged over 50 runs per match and made 23 centuries. William G Grace (detail from Some Who Have Made Bristol Famous).

He made a century against Australia at the Oval in 1880 in what is now regarded as the first test match in England, and played in every subsequent test until 1899. Grace worked for 20 years as a parish doctor for the Bristol Poor Law Union and in his own largely working-class practice (Gloucestershire paid for a locum on match days). He was the grandson of George Pocock, the inventor and evangelist.

Others associated with sport and Bristol include:

Tom Belcher (1781-1811), prize fighter from a family of pugilists.

Tom Cribbs (1781-1848), pugilist.



A E J Collins (on right).

A E J Collins (1885-1914), schoolboy cricketer killed in action in World War One, who at the age of 13 scored 628 not out over four afternoons of play in June 1899 at Clifton College.

John Atyeo (1932-1993), England player who played for Bristol City throughout his career.

William 'Fatty' Wedlock (dates unknown), England and Bristol City player in early twentieth century.

Precious McKenzie, South African born weightlifter who won four consecutive golds in Commonwealth Games. Precious McKenzie, photograph from Precious McKenzie website.

Robin Cousins, Bristol-born figure skater who won gold in 1980 Winter Olympics.

Jo Durie, Bristol-born tennis player, reaching number five in world rankings.

Ian Holloway, Bristol-born football manager, formerly an apprentice for Bristol Rovers.

Gary Mabutt, former Bristol Rovers player who played over 600 games for Spurs and won 16 England caps.