 Stephenson is easily the most successful wicket-keeper in history for Somerset, and is the county's only cricketer to have taken 1000 dismissals.He also holds the county record for the most stumpings in a season as well as most catches in a season.Stephenson was born (as William Harold Stephenson) in Haverton Hill, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham and played Minor Counties cricket for Durham in 1947, succeeding Dick Spooner, who had been recruited by Warwickshire, as wicketkeeper.