# Edwin Percy Baker

Edwin 'Percy' Baker (1895–1990) was a legendary lawn and indoor bowler, widely regarded as one of the greatest English bowlers of all time. Known throughout his career as Percy Baker, he dominated the sport for over three decades, setting records that stood until surpassed by David Bryant.

## Early life and career beginnings (1895–1921)

Born on 19th July 1895 in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, Percy Baker initially pursued a career as a photographer. However, in 1921, he was persuaded to take up bowling, a decision that would change the course of his life. Joining the Poole Park Bowling Club, Baker quickly demonstrated his natural talent and dedication to the sport. His tall and elegant stature, combined with his precision and skill, made him a formidable competitor.

## Rise to prominence (1921–1932)

Baker's rise to prominence was swift and impressive. At Poole Park Bowling Club, he won the club singles title an astonishing 22 times, a record that remains unmatched. Over a 37-year period, he also claimed 11 county singles titles and led Dorset in the prestigious Middleton Cup from 1927 until 1969.

## National success and recognition (1932–1958)

Baker's success extended beyond local competitions, as he became a national icon in the sport of bowls. He won the English National Singles Championship four times, in 1932, 1946, 1952, and 1955, setting a record that stood for decades. His versatility was further showcased by his victories in pairs (1950 & 1962) and triples (1960) at the National Bowls Championships.
Past Winners of Bowls England National Championships (Men's Singles Four Wood) :
| Year | County | Champion | Club | Runner-up | Club | Score |
| 1932 | Dorset | Percy Baker | Poole Park | Somerset | Ernie Fortune | St George's, Bristol | 21–14 |
| 1946 | Dorset | Percy Baker | Poole Park | Berkshire | Ernest Newton | Windsor & Eton | 21–20 |
| 1952 | Dorset | Percy Baker | Poole Park | Oxfordshire | Algernon Allen | Oxford City & County | 21–20 |
| 1955 | Dorset | Percy Baker | Poole Park | Yorkshire | Jack Fletcher | York Co-op | 21–13 |

## Bowls England National Championships (Men's Pairs)

Past Winners of Bowls England National Championships (Men's Pairs) :
| Year | County | Champions | Club | Runners-up | Club | Score |
| 1950 | Dorset | Percy Baker & Len Piper | Poole Park | Cumberland | Isaac Benson & Joseph Hodgson | Edenside | 22–15 |
| 1962 | Dorset | Percy Baker & Harry Shave | Poole Park | Hampshire | George Hooker & Arthur Houghton | Atherley | 21–14 |

## Bowls England National Championships (Men's Triples)

Past Winners of Bowls England National Championships (Men's Triples) :
| Year | County | Champions | Club | Runners-up | Club | Score |
| 1960 | Dorset | Percy Baker, Ernie Milnthorpe, Harry Shave | Poole Park | Cumberland | J. Kelly, J. Dominey, J. Hodgson | Edenside | 13–12 |

## International career and Commonwealth games (1933–1958)

Baker's international career began in 1933 when he was capped by England. However, it was not until 1949 that he firmly established himself as a key player on the national team. He captained England from 1950 and represented his country in the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, where he won a silver medal in the singles event.

## Later years and legacy (1959–1990)

Even in his later years, Baker's passion for bowling remained undiminished. In 1971, at the age of 76, he won the Bournemouth Open pairs tournament, a testament to his enduring skill and dedication. However, declining vision eventually forced him to retire from the sport. Percy Baker passed away on 3rd January 1990 in Poole, England, at the age of 94.
His legacy extended to his son, Cecil Baker, also became a prominent lawn bowler, representing the Ryde club at the Nationals and continuing the family's tradition of excellence in the sport.
In honour of Percy Baker's contributions to the sport, the Percy Baker League was established in the United Kingdom. This league, open to members over the age of 65, fosters friendly competition and camaraderie among bowling enthusiasts. Participating clubs include Poole Park Bowling Club, Shaftesbury Bowling Club, Greenhill Bowling Club, Bowls Dorset, and The Wessex Bowling Club.