Photograph: Francis and his observer CC Hann in Morane Biplane
FAMILY
Son of Frank Marchant and Ethel Torfrida Baldwin Marchant (nee Wake), Francis Marchant was born in Chelsea in 1897.
Frank Marchant, Francis's father was a professional cricketer who played for Kent and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Torfrida Wake originated from the Wake family in Northhamptonshire.
Francis was Frank and Ethel Torfrida's first born and only son, they had four more daughters, Francis younger sisters. The family lived in Keston, Kent, in the family home 'Woodside'.
The photographs on this page are of the Marchant family, as well as a collection of images from Francis's time spent with his family.
MOTHER
Ethel Torfrida Baldwin Marchant (nee Wake) Born unknown - 17 Dec 1947
 Family Photo 1908 |
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FATHER
Frank Marchant 22 May 1864 - 3 Mar 1946
Francis (Frank) was born on the 22nd May 1864 and was baptised at Brenchley on June 24th 1864. He grew up in the family home at Matfield House, Matfield, Kent. Educated at Rugby, Eton and Trinity College Cambridge, he was a very keen cricketer and first played for Kent during the 1883 season in a loss against Lancashire.
Frank went on to have a most distinguished cricket career, he was Captain of Kent, 1890 - 1897 and President in 1933. He also played for the Marylebone Cricket club at Lords against Australia for several years with W.G Grace as Captain.
Francis was left Matfield House in his fathers will but did not have much money to run and maintain it, so he left and moved to ‘Woodside”, in Keston, Kent where he was to bring up his family.
In later life Frank and his wife, Torfrida, lived at 29 Drayton Gardens, S.W. 10 in a basement flat, his memory became very bad and he had to go to a nursing home where he eventually died. He is buried at Keston, Kent.
 Frank Marchant MCC Score Card - Australia all out for 18 runs |  477px-Frank_Marchant_cricketer |  Frank Marchant |
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GRANDFATHER
Colonel Edward Baldwin Wake 14 Dec 1833 - 7 Aug 1883
Edward Baldwin Wake was born on 14th December 1833, he was the son of Sir Charles Wake, 10th Battalion and Charlotte Tait.
He was initially married to Mary Mangles, daughter of Ross Donnelly Mangles and Harriet Newcome, secondly married to Ellen Mary Nethercote, daughter of Henry Osmond Nethercote and Charlotte Frances Allix.
Children of Edward Baldwin Wake and Mary Mangles:
Mildred Emily Baldwin Wake d. 1940
Ethel Torfrida Baldwin Wake d.1947
Gerald Baldwin Wake d. 1919
Children of Edward Baldwin Wake and Ellen Mary Nethercote:
Henrietta Louisa Baldwin Wake d. 1964
Dorothy Blanche Baldwin Wake d. 1950
Mary Charlotte Baldwin Wake d. 1965
Chattie Baldwin Wake d. 1971
Edward gained the rank of Colonel in the service of 21st Hussars.
SISTERS
Ethel Torfrida Marchant 19 Mar 1899 - 21 Jan 1999
Mary Marchant 16 Sep 1901 - 26 Jan 1991
Phyllis Nora Marchant 19 Jul 1902 - 13 Dec 1987
Mildred Hope Marchant 1 Jan 1909 - 1986
 Francis's sister Ethel Torfrida Boosey nee Marchant with son Nigel 1995 |  Family Photo August 18th 1916 |  Sisters and friends of Francis 1908 |
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 Torfrida Marchant with FGWM Winter 1915-16 |
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS
 At home Summer 1915 |  Drawing Room Woodside 1916 |  Francis home on leave August 13th-21st 1916 |
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 In Sunday Best - August 20th 1916 |  In Uniform at home March 1916 |  Keston 2nd March 1916 |
 On Leave 13th - 21st Aug 1916 |  Shooting Party 1915-16 |  Shooting 1915-16 |
 With Family August 18th 1916 (Friday) |  Woodside Aug 21st 1916 |