Thomas Land

Squire Thomas Land (1714 – 1791) was a patron of English cricket and an occasional player. He was apparently the leading light in Hambledon cricket until about 1764 when he seems to have withdrawn from the scene. It is believed the Hambledon Club proper was formed not long afterwards Ashley Mote, "The Glory Days of Cricket", Robson, 1997] .

Squire Land was evidently more interested in hunting and maintained a pack of hounds that earned him recognition as "one of the most celebrated foxhunters in Great Britain" [http://www.jl.sl.btinternet.co.uk/stampsite/cricket/main.html From Lads to Lord's; The History of Cricket: 1300–1787] ] .

Land is mentioned in the "Hambledon Club Song" written by Reverend Reynell Cotton in about 1771. Apparently, Cotton was not too concerned about Land having left the club:

:::::"Then why should we fear either Sackville or Mann,":::::"Or repine at the loss of both Bayton and Land?"

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