Bicknell Family Genealogy & History

Ed Bicknell is a renowned British music manager and drummer, highly recognized for managing the iconic rock band Dire Straits and legendary artists like Mark Knopfler, Gerry Rafferty, Bryan Ferry, Scott Walker, and The Blue Nile. Born in 1948 in Yorkshire, Bicknell's career took off at Hull University, where he honed his music industry skills. He managed Dire Straits from 1978 to 1995, contributing to their global success with six studio albums. As a drummer, Bicknell played with The Notting Hillbillies, a band formed by Knopfler. He also managed The Blue Nile in the late 1990s and worked with William Morris Endeavor, establishing a significant presence in international music management.

Martin Paul Bicknell, born on January 14, 1969, is a former English cricketer renowned for his exceptional skills as a medium-fast swing and seam bowler. Notably, Bicknell played in four Test matches for England, with a significant gap between his appearances in the 1993 Ashes series and against South Africa in 2003. His prolific career with Surrey saw him reach 1,000 first-class wickets in 2005, and he was honored as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2001. Bicknell also demonstrated talent as a tail-end batsman, achieving three first-class centuries. After retiring due to injuries in 2006, he became the Master in Charge of Cricket at Charterhouse School, later chronicling his experiences in his 2008 autobiography, "Bickers."

Martin Bicknell's family includes his brother, Darren Bicknell, a former county batsman for Surrey and Nottinghamshire. Martin is married to Sarah, and they have four children: Ellie, Charlotte, Mia-May, and Millie-Coco. The Bicknell family resides in Churt, Farnham.

Jack Bicknell, born on February 20, 1938, is a renowned retired American football coach, recognized for his impactful career in NFL Europa and its predecessor, the World League of American Football (WLAF). He made significant contributions as head coach at the University of Maine and Boston College, notably leading Boston College to a Cotton Bowl Classic victory in 1984 with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Doug Flutie. Bicknell's career in NFL Europe was marked by multiple World Bowl appearances, including a championship victory with the Barcelona Dragons in 1997. His coaching legacy includes a career record of 77–90–2 in college football and 59–55 in NFL Europe.

Bicknell, affectionately known as "Cowboy Jack," has a family deeply rooted in football. He and his wife Lois have three children, including sons Jack Jr. and Bob, who both played for him at Boston College and are now coaches themselves. Jack Jr. coaches with the Wisconsin Badgers, while Bob is with the New England Patriots, continuing the Bicknell family's football legacy.

Thomas Williams Bicknell (1834–1925) was a prominent American educator, historian, and author known for his significant contributions to public education reform and historical documentation. As Commissioner of Public Schools in Rhode Island, he established a State Board of Education and increased school funding and the academic year. Bicknell was a staunch civil rights advocate, working toward racial and gender equality in education, including helping to elect the first all-female school board in Tiverton, Rhode Island. He authored several important historical works and played a key role in founding educational organizations, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of education.

Thomas W. Bicknell was born in Barrington, Rhode Island, to Harriet Byron Kinnicutt and Lt.-Col. Allin Bicknell. Harriet was the daughter of Josiah and Rebecca Townsend Kinnicutt, while Allin Bicknell was a minister and senator who served with the Bristol County Militia. This family background provided a rich heritage of civic involvement and public service, which influenced Bicknell's career and contributions to society.