Introduction
Frank Penn (7 March 1851 – 26 December 1916) played cricket for Kent County Cricket Club from 1875 to 1881, and was considered one of the finest batsmen of his day. He participated in England’s first Test match in 1880. In 1876 Penn was selected for both the Oval and Lord's games to play for the Gentlemen against the Players.
Penn toured Australia with Lord Harris’ side in 1878/9, but did not play in the only Test of that tour. However, in 1880, he was selected by Surrey to play in the Oval Test, in which he hit the winning runs.
Penn's career ended in 1881 when his doctor advised him not to run due to heart disease. After his playing career, Penn remained a mainstay at Kent, helping Lord Harris build up the club. He was President of Kent in 1905. He died near Dover in 1916 with an estate valued at £981.
Family
He was the son of the marine engineer John Penn, and his brothers William and Dick also played for Kent. He was married to Grace and his brothers-in-law were the rugby internationals Joseph Fletcher Green and Frederick Stockes.