Born into a cricketing family, Julius was a carpenter by trade and later landlord of the Cricketer’s Beerhouse in Godalming. He was a player (i.e. a paid professional) for Surrey between 1849 and 1867. He was a right-hand bat and a right-arm fast (roundarm) bowler.

He played for England from 1851 until 1858, went on the first ever English national overseas tour to America in 1860 and also toured Australia and New Zealand in 1863/64.

In 1850 there was a famous match between ‘the 12 Caesars’, Julius and 11 other members of his family, and 11 gentlemen of Godalming. Despite being the bookies’ favourite, the Caesars lost to the gentlemen.

Julius Caesar, second from the right in the striped shirt,
with the Surrey Eleven, August 1861
(The Illustrated London News. Surrey History Centre Collection)

In 1867, aged 37, Caesar retired from first class cricket to concentrate on his cricketer’s outfitters business in Ockford Road, Godalming. Also an umpire he co-founded Broadwater Cricket Club with James Street. Caesar was appointed coach and supplier of cricket equipment to Charterhouse when the school moved to Godalming in 1872.

Julius Caesar 1830 – 1878, born and died in Godalming, Surrey.

Useful Links

The Origins of Cricket in Surrey

The Bedser Twins, modern cricketing heroes

Billy Beldham and Lumpy Stevens

Godalming Museum

Godalming

19th Century Surrey

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