George Parr (cricketer)
George Parr (1826-1891) was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Nottinghamshire and the All-England Eleven between 1845 and 1870. Known as the "Lion of the North" due to his strong personality and leadership, Parr was one of the most prominent cricketers of his era.
He was primarily a right-handed batsman, known for his powerful hitting and strong defence. Parr captained Nottinghamshire for many years and also led the All-England Eleven (AEE), a touring professional team that played matches throughout England and occasionally overseas.
Parr was instrumental in popularising cricket and raising its profile during the mid-19th century. He organised and led several tours to North America and Australia, introducing the game to new audiences. These tours, while not official Test matches, were significant in the development of international cricket.
He retired from first-class cricket in 1870. His contribution to the game was immense, both as a player and as a leader, solidifying his place as one of the legends of Nottinghamshire and English cricket.