Pope was born at Tibshelf, Derbyshire and began work as a coal miner at the age of 14.
He joined Samuel Cadman's nursery at Derbyshire during the General Strike of 1926.
[1] Pope made his debut for Derbyshire in the 1930 season in May against Middlesex, taking 3 wickets in total and finishing not out in the only innings he played.
Pope was a right-hand batsman who played 316 innings in 214 first-class matches for Derbyshire with a top score of 103 and an average of 18.38.
Following the war Pope took a number of coaching ad professional jobs.
He was at one time employed as a P. E. Instructor at St Joseph's College, Blackpool where he lived in Cleveleys and cycled to work.
His son Anthony played for Derbyshire 2nd XI and in various non-status matches for the MCC.