The best player of the ten Christopherson brothers of Kent (they often fielded a family XI, with their father making up the side), Stanley was a fine fast-medium bowler. He had a long run (by the standards of the time), bowled with a high action, and kept a good length. He had an excellent yorker. He played for Kent between 1883 and 1888 but was severely restricted by an arm injury incurred in 1886. His best period was probably the 1883 and 1884 seasons. He was chosen for the Second Test in 1884, took a single wicket, and made 17 at number eleven in England's innings victory. His ability is probably better displayed by his figures of 8/78 for the Gentlemen against the Australians, and his bowling for Kent, when they defeated the tourists.

A man described by Wisden as having "great personal charm" and in his younger days "extremely good looking," he remained involved in cricket for the rest of his life, despite a successful career in the City. He was President of the MCC through the Second World War, and despite the calls of business rarely missed a day of cricket at Lord's. He also represented his country at hockey (DL 2000).