Early Life and Education of Ben Stokes: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 30, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Ben Stokes. From birth to education, explore key events.

Ben Stokes is a prominent English international cricketer, currently captaining the England Test team. Known as one of England's greatest all-rounders, he excels in all three formats of the game. He represents Durham in domestic cricket and has participated in various Twenty20 leagues globally. Stokes played a crucial role in England's victories in the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, solidifying his status as a key player in English cricket history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles

June 1991: Benjamin Andrew Stokes Born

In June 1991, Benjamin Andrew Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, to Gerard Stokes, a rugby league footballer and coach. He has Māori heritage on his mother's side.

2003: Relocation to England

In 2003, at the age of 12, Ben Stokes relocated to England when his father was appointed head coach of Workington Town Rugby League Football Club.

2006: Cricket Club Title Win

In 2006, Ben Stokes, at just 15 years old, contributed to Cockermouth Cricket Club's North Lancashire & Cumbria Cricket League Premier Division Title win.

2013: Stokes Engaged to Clare Ratcliffe

Ben Stokes became engaged to Clare Ratcliffe in 2013.

September 2017: Stokes Arrested After Street Brawl

In September 2017, Ben Stokes was arrested after a street brawl near a nightclub in Bristol. The incident led to injuries for two men and caused Stokes to miss several games and the 2017-18 Ashes, losing his sponsorship with New Balance.

October 2017: Stokes Marries Clare Ratcliffe

Ben Stokes married Clare Ratcliffe in East Brent, Somerset in October 2017.

January 2018: Stokes Charged with Affray

On 15 January 2018, Ben Stokes was charged with affray, along with two other men, following the incident in Bristol.

February 2018: Stokes Appears Before Magistrates' Court

In February 2018, Ben Stokes appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court regarding the affray charge.

August 2018: Stokes' Affray Trial Begins and Ends with Acquittal

In August 2018, Ben Stokes' trial for affray began, during which he stated he was defending a gay couple from homophobic abuse. He was acquitted on 14 August.

2019: The Sun Publishes Story

In 2019, The Sun published a front-page story about a family tragedy of Ben Stokes, argued not to be in the public interest.

December 2020: Death of Ged Stokes

The death of Ben Stokes' father Ged Stokes due to brain cancer in December 2020 contributed to his mental health issues.

June 2021: Stokes Takes Break from Cricket for Mental Wellbeing

In June 2021, Ben Stokes announced an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental wellbeing.

2021: Stokes and Mother Receive Damages from The Sun

In 2021, Ben Stokes and his mother received damages from The Sun, who had published a story about a family tragedy in 2019 that was deemed not in the public interest.

July 2022: Stokes Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket

On 18 July 2022, Ben Stokes announced his retirement from ODI cricket following the first match against South Africa, citing the physical and mental demands of playing all three formats.

August 2022: Stokes Continues Mental Health Treatment

As of August 2022, Ben Stokes stated he was still speaking to his therapist and taking anti-anxiety medication.

2022: Stokes Donates Match Fees to Pakistan Flood Appeal

Following the 2022 Pakistan floods, Ben Stokes confirmed he would donate his match fees from the Pakistan test series to the flood appeal, hoping the donation would aid rebuilding efforts.