Ernest Wildman Burnett waa born on 22nd September 1844 in Brighton, Sussex. He was a first class cricketer between the years of 1862 & 1868, and played for Gentlemen of the South, Southgate.
He took a major role in running Gilpins' business for 46 years until 1912. His children were: Guy Wildman (1872 -) Basil E (1874 - ); Kenneth H (1875 - ); and Ethel Maud (1876 - ). Ernest died on 22nd December 1931, in Oxford (aged 87 years).