James Cumberbatch
# James Cumberbatch

James Haywood Cumberbatch (9 February 1909 – first ¼ 1972) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s. He played at representative level for England, and at club level for Broughton Rangers and Newcastle, as a wing, i.e. number 2 or 5,

## Background

James Cumberbatch was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, and his death aged c. 62–63 was registered in Northumberland South district.

## International honours

Cumberbatch won caps for England while at Broughton Rangers in 1937 against France, and while at Newcastle in 1938 against Wales, and was the only player to win an England cap while at the now defunct Newcastle rugby league club.

## Contemporaneous article extract

"This live piece of mercury, who has come before the selectors as a Tour probable, first came to Manchester to play for Swinton, who passed him over. However, he signed for Broughton and has since proved their finest acquisition. His clever play on the Broughton left wing has also proved him to be one of the League’s foremost attackers. Born in Liverpool, he first played the Association game for his school until he became attached to Barrow St. Matthew’s Club. Has earned his County Cap, and has also played for the League against France. Jimmy’s brother is a member of the Barrow Club, and two brothers keep up the family tradition of excelling at sport. Jimmy is a good sport, a good player, and one of the League’s most popular players."

## Genealogical information

Cumberbatch was the son of Theodore Theophilus Cumberbatch (1863/4 – 1931 ), a ship's steward, originally from Barbados, and Mary Ellen née Kewin originally from Ramsey, Isle of Man (Marriage third ¼ 1889 in Fylde district ). The marriage of Cumberbatch and Eva (née Ball) was registered during first ¼ 1936 in Manchester South district, the birth of their son, also named James, was registered during third ¼ 1937 in Manchester North district. Cumberbatch was the brother of the rugby league footballer Val Cumberbatch.

