William Clifford (cricketer)

William Clifford (christened 14 December 1811 – 5 September 1841) was an English cricketer who played for Kent between 1834 and 1841. He was a right-handed batsman and a slow bowler who often fielded as a wicket-keeper.

Clifford was christened at Bearsted in Kent in December 1811. He was the son of Robert and Catherine Clifford; his grandfather, also Robert Clifford, was a well-known all-rounder who bowled leg breaks for Kent at the end of the 18th-century and made more than 70 appearances in top-level matches. William's brother, Francis Clifford, also played for Kent County Cricket Club during the mid-19th century.

Playing club cricket for a range of teams, including Bearsted and Leeds, William Clifford made his debut in 1834. Renowned as one of the best batsmen in Kent, he often open the batting. He played for the Players against the Gentlemen, for England (i.e., the "rest" of England), and for the South against the North. In 1841 he opened a cricket ground, Rucks Lane, at Gravesend and played his final important matches the same year.

Clifford worked as a wheelwright before becoming a publican at Gravesend in 1837. He died in September 1841 of a "bilious fever". He was probably aged less than 30.