Richard Colley (cricketer)

Richard Henry Colley JP (14 January 1833 – 3 July 1902) was an English first-class cricketer and British Army officer.

The son of Thomas Colley, he was born at Westminster in January 1833 and educated at Bridgnorth Grammar School in Shropshire.^[1] He matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford in 1851, graduating B.A. in 1855 and M.A. in 1859.^[2]

While studying at Oxford, he played first-class cricket for Oxford University. He made his debut against Cambridge University in The University Match of 1853, with Colley playing first-class cricket for Oxford until 1855, making a total of seven appearances.^[3] He scored a total of 166 runs in these matches, at an average of 13.83 and a high score of 68.^[4] He also played at county level for Oxfordshire and, between 1854 and 1866, for Shropshire.^[1] While playing for the latter he achieved a century in one match, when he made 118 runs.^[5]

After graduating from Oxford, Colley later served in the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Shropshire Light Infantry, enlisting as an ensign in May 1867.^[6] He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in March 1871,^[7] with promotion to the rank of captain in August 1872.^[8] He was granted the honorary rank of major in May 1886,^[9] before retiring from active service in December 1892.^[10] Colley also served as a justice of the peace^[2] for the county of Shropshire.^[11] He married in 1869 Mary Emily Pass, with the marriage producing a daughter.^[12] Colley died at his home, St James' Priory, Bridgnorth^[11] in July 1902.