George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea

George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea, was an English peer, army officer and cricketer who was an important figure in the history of cricket. His main contributions to the game were patronage and organisation but Winchilsea, an amateur, was also a very keen player. Finch was appointed to command the Rutland Militia in 1778 at the time of the American Revolutionary War, but transferred to the 87th Foot from its formation in 1779 to its disbanding in 1783, with the temporary ranks of major and lieutenant-colonel. Finch was the first president of the Royal Institution, and it was through his influence that it received the endorsement of King George III.