St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH070

Photograph, B&W, mounted and titled. Portrait of W J Bancroft. Dimensions: w14" x h18" (w35.5cm x h45.5cm)

Photograph

CIC

1895-1896

This is a posed portrait of the famous Swansea and Wales full-back William John ("Billy") Bancroft, taken around 1895-1896. Born on 2nd March 1871, Billy Bancroft became along with Arthur Gould, one of the first rugby superstars. His confident style and precise kicking game made him a serious opponent for any team. Bancroft came into the Swansea first fifteen on 5th October 1889 in a match against Newport. He rapidly made his way into the Welsh team in 1890 taking the place of Newport's Tom England who was injured and withdrew. Bancroft then played 33 times consecutively for Wales between 1890 and 1901, taking all Wales kicks during that time. Poor Tom England never did get another chance for a cap. Bancroft lived in the family cottage inside the St Helen's ground as a boy (demolished in 1891 during grandstand improvements). he practiced endlessly at pitchside while his father William Bancroft snr. was groundsman. Though small of stature at 5' 5 1/2" (1.66m), Bancroft was an elusive player and often gave opposing forwards the run around back and forth before finding touch with a long accurate kick. Billy Bancroft captained Swansea six times, taking the helm first in 1893-1894 and then for five consecutive seasons from 1896-1897 to 1900-1901, when Swansea were in the middle of their 'Golden Era'. He also captained Wales 11 times from 1898 to 1901, taking the mantle over from Arthur Gould. Bancroft continued to play for Swansea only intermittently when required after 1901 but he had been top points scorer in all but one season during his career with the club. He was also a great cricketer and played for the Swansea Cricket Club and Glamorganshire, becoming their first professional player in 1895. He also played for West Wales and West of England. He became a groundsman at St Helen's as had his father been and was a regular fixture at the bottom of the steps from the pavilion during cricket or rugby matches. He died on 3rd March 1959 aged 88 yrs.

portrait, w j bancroft, billy bancroft, wales, swansea, glamorganshire, cricket, 1895-1896,