Background
Aitken was born at Monken Hadley, then in Middlesex, the son of John Aitken and his wife Harriet.
Aitken was born at Monken Hadley, then in Middlesex, the son of John Aitken and his wife Harriet.
He was educated at Eton College where he played cricket in the Eton XI.
Foreign others similarly named, see the James Aitken navigation page
He went on to Exeter College, Oxford and played in the Oxford XI, including the Varsity match against Cambridge in 1848, 1849, and 1850, being captain of the team in 1850. In 1849 he also rowed in the Oxford boat in the Boat Race. Aitken was ordained after leaving the University.
In 1853 he played cricket for Harlequins and between 1855 and 1857 played for Gentlemen of Kent teams.
In due course, he became the vicar of Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. lieutenant was said that few of the younger people could hold their own against him at lawn tennis.
In 1869 Aitken responded to Doctor J Morgan, who was investigating the health effects of rowing. Aitken died at Hove at the age of 78.