In 1908 George Denton was joined by his older son, another George and the company changed its name again to B Denton & Son Ltd, and prospered greatly during the First World War still making army boots. Denton's main factory at Rushden was supplemented with another at Irchester where boys’ shoes were made and this was managed by the twin sons of George Denton, John Sydney & William Herbert by 1914.
The twins played cricket for Rushden Town Cricket Club and for the Old Wellingburians club. William played for the Northamptonshire from 1909 and had scored 4,449 runs when he retired from the county team in 1924. Brother John played from 1909 until 1919 and he had scored 3,298 runs for the County.
Their younger brother, Arthur Donald Denton also played at county level from 1914 until 1930.
1912 Quotations
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A signed photo of the twins
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The Northampton Independent, July 3rd 1909, transcribed by J-P Carr
The Dentons - Which is Which
The brothers J.S. and W. H. Denton have already done sufficient to justify their inclusion in the Northamptonshire eleven, and there seems every probability that in a short time they will be among its most prominent members. From their earliest days they have been associated with the game, but it was not until they made their appearance at the Wellingborough Grammar School that they really settled down to earnest work in that direction. On reaching the age of 14 the brothers, who are twin sons of Mrs and Mrs. George Denton, of “Eastfields,” Rushden, were chosen to play in the Wellingborough School second eleven, and in the following year made a successful appearance in the first eleven. It may be of interest to note that seven brothers play cricket, and their enthusiasm is not confirmed to the summer pastime, for they are all skilful Association football players. The Dentons, who are 18 years of age, left Wellingborough three seasons ago, and have since assisted Rushden, for whom they have proved a tower of strength. J.S. made over a century for the club against Wollaston two years ago, and last year also passed 100, playing for R.F. Knight’s eleven against his old School. He compiled 80 against Burton Latimer and 65 against the Temperance this year, while his brother W.H., has also passed the century mark in addition to having performed other meritorious achievements. J.S. made his debut for the county against Kent, and his brother made his initial appearance against Gloucestershire. The former’s highest score so far is 25 against Surrey, and his brother contribution 29 against Notts. In addition to which both have obtained useful scores at almost every appearance. Their father, who was for so many years prominently associated with the business life of Rushden, was also a keen cricketer in his day.
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Northants 1913
Back l-r: Bullimer (sec), Freeman, Thompson, Wells, Woolley, Haywood, Buswell
Front: Walden, W H Denton, S G Smith, J S Denton, Seymour
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William, Don & John Denton
post WWI
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The Wellingborough News Friday 5 November 1915, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Cricket Twins - Commission Applied for by Brothers Denton
We learn that the twin brothers Denton, sons of Mr G Denton, of "Eastfields," Rushden, who have won fame as members of Northamptonshire cricket eleven have applied for commissions in the 2/4th Northants Regiment. They have passed the medical tests and now await their papers. Mr G Denton, of Rushden, will then have four sons serving with the colours.
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The Wellingborough News Friday 7 June 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Denton Twins - Famous Northants Cricketers Reported Missing
Sportsmen throughout the district will be sorry to learn that Sec-Lieuts "Jack" and "Billy" Denton, the twin sons of Mr and Mrs Geo. Denton, of "Eastfields", Rushden, are reported missing. His parents received a wire on Thursday morning conveying the unfortunate news. The missing officers attained world-wide reputations as Northants County cricketers. Their brother, Sec-Lieut. "Don" Denton lost a leg in the war and another brother, H Denton has been over two years in France.
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The Wellingborough News Friday 5 July 1918, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Safe and Well - Rushden's Cricketing wins Taken Prisoner
Very many inhabitants of the county will be pleased to hear that Lieuts J S and W H Denton, of Rushden, are alive and well, having been taken prisoner by the Germans. The news came through on Wednesday morning in the form a postcard received by Mrs G Denton, of "Eastfields," Rushden, mother of the famous cricketing twins. The message was written on June 1st, which would be about the date when they first became "missing"; and they could give no address. The favourable news will be especially welcome in cricket circles, for the prowess of "J.S." and "W.H." as members of the Northants County Cricket Club was known far and wide.
Mr and Mrs Denton wish to express sincere thanks for very many sympathetic inquiries they have received during their time of great anxiety.
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The Wellingborough News Friday 3 January 1919, transcribed by Nicky Bates
Cricketers Home - Denton brothers Back from Captivity
We are glad to learn that the Denton Cricket twins Lieuts W. H. and J. S. Denton, returned from captivity on Friday, they are looking none the worse for their trying experiences.
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W H and J H Denton in uniform
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W H Denton
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J S Denton
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William and John were prisoners of war at
Danholm camp, near Stralsund, Denmark.
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In the glorious sunshine of Saturday afternoon the Rushden Town Cricket Club’s chief eleven opened its League Programme with an overwhelming victory at the expense of Burton Latimer.
