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Clifton Rugby Football Club History |
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1870-1880 |
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1871 - 26th January, The Rugby Football Union founded in the Pall Mall Restaurant in Regent Street, London to standardize the rules that also removed some of the more violent aspects of the Rugby School game.
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The 21 clubs that attended the first meeting chaired by the club captain of the Richmond Club, one E. C. Holmes, included Harlequins, Blackheath, Guy's Hospital, Civil Service, Wellington College, King's College and St. Paul's School which are still playing today. Other clubs now defunct, or playing under other names, were the picturesquely named Gipsies, Flamingoes, Mohicans, Wimbledon Hornets, Marlborough nomads, West Kent , Law, Lausanne, Addison, Belize Park, Ravenscourt Park, Chapham Rovers and a Greenwich club called Queen's House. Many famous provincial clubs, founded before 1871, were not founder members of the Rugby Football Union, though, of course, they became members later; among these were Bath, Bradford, Liverpool and Brighton.
One famous name that was missing, though, was the London club Wasps. Somehow they managed to send their representative to the wrong venue at the wrong time on the wrong day but another version of the story was that he went to a pub of the same name and after consuming a number of drinks was too drunk to make it to the correct address after he realized his mistake.
In June 1871, the first RFU law stated that a game would be decided by the number of 'goals' scored only.
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J.E.Bentley (Gipsies), A.E.Gibson (Manchester), F.Tobin (Liverpool), D.L.P.Turner (Richmond), F.Stokes (Blackheath), J.H.Clayton (Liverpool), R.R.Osbourne (Manchester), J.H.Luscombe (Gipsies) A.St G.Hammersley (Marlborough Nomads), W.MacLaren (Manchester), C.W.Sherrard (Blackheath), A.Lyon (Liverpool), C.A.Crompton (Blackheath) H.J.C.Turner (Manchester), R.H.Birkett (Clapham Rovers), J.F.Green (West Kent) A.Davenport (Ravenscourt Park), A.G.Guillemard (West Kent), J.M.Dugdale (Ravenscourt Park), B.H.Burns (Blackheath) |
Above the first England team of 1871 v Scotland 27th March 1871 at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh. 2 players appear to be wearing Clifton caps but as was the fashion in those days they would wear their school caps.
1872 - In early September 1872 a notice was circulated among the citizens of the Clifton area of Bristol, which read as follows: - "It is proposed to form a Football Club for the ensuing season. A Meeting will be held at the Kings Arms, Redland on Friday 27th inst at 7.30 pm to take the necessary steps for arranging same. Your attendance is requested by the undersigned, The Committee pro tem" In the evening 20 people met at the Kings Arms on Blackboy Hill and unanimously voted to form Clifton Rugby Club and 10 rules were drawn up. These were based on Clifton College rules except an alteration was made to Rule 19 "no kicking or tripping be allowed"
The ten signatories to the letter which called the meeting which founded the club were
| David Henry Walsh |
Born 17th October 1852. Died 1943. Clifton College 1863-1871. MD Edin. Sen.Phys. Western Skin Hosp. Tuberculosis M.O. St.George's in the East. Founder Rontgen Society. Author, Rontgen Rays in Medical Work. Played for Clifton RFC from 1872-73. Died ?. Clifton's first Vice-Captain. In 1871 the Walsh family lived at 76 Pembroke Road, Clifton. His father, David H. Walsh was a Woollen Merchant born in Cheltenham. His mother was Sarah born in Monmouth abt. 1818.
Above 76 Pembroke Road, Clifton. This is not the house Walsh lived in but is now on the site of Walsh's house which I suspect was damaged during WW2. In 1881 Walsh was living at Ivywell, Stoke Bishop with his widowed mother. In 1896 he was working at Dundee Royal Infirmary. |
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Walter Stuckey Paul |
Born
4th November 1849.
Above 13 Hurle Crescent, Clifton, home of W.S.Paul His wife Marion Colthurst Paul died on Feb 15th 1940 at 13 Hurle Crescent. She was the daughter of James Godwin of Stoke Bishop. She was buried at St. Alban's Church, Westbury Park. |
| William J. G. Lovell |
Born abt.
1853 in Bristol. Living at 1 Melrose Place, Clifton. Listed as a Timber
Trade Apprentice. His brother John J. Lovell was also a member of Clifton
RFC from 1872. Their father John G. Lovell is listed as a Coal Merchant.
Clifton's first Secretary. Above 1 Melrose Place, Clifton |
| George A. Newall |
Born abt. 1851 in Scotland. Clifton College April - July 1863. A Civil Engineer who lived at St. Roque, 131 Pembroke Road, Clifton. Clifton's first Treasurer. He scored Clifton's first ever try.
Above St. Roque, 131 Pembroke Road, Clifton. His widow, Sarah Elizabeth Newall died on August 24th 1949, aged 91 at Jesmond, Worlebury Park, Weston-super-Mare. |
| Frank Evans |
Born abt 1854 in Stanford Dingley, Berkshire. Living at 23 Pembroke Road, Clifton. Father David P. Evans, Tanner and Councillor from Ashburton, Devon. Eldest brother of Clifton RFC and Scotland International Herbert Lavington Evans.
Above 23 Pembroke Road, Clifton. Now divided into flats. |
| William Robert Webb |
Born 1st March 1852, Stapleton, Bristol. Clifton College 1865-1869. Business, Bristol. Died 1894. 1871 Clerk at a Vinegar Works, living at Keswick Lodge, 52 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Father William Web, widower and Ship Owner. Both his sons Wilbert Maitland Webb and Douglas Maitland Webb went to Clifton College.
Above left: map of 52 Whiteladies Road, Clifton (1901) on the corner of Alma Road and Whiteladies Road. Above right: The house is now a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland with an extension at the front. The rear garden was built on and is now Papa Deli. |
| Michael Martyn Curtis |
Born 11th Nov. 1853 in Bristol. Educated Malvern College. Son of Public Accountant John Curtis of Bristol. In 1871 the Curtis family lived at 101 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Now a Corel Betting Shop.
Above 101 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. The shop front extensions did not exit in 1872. He became ill with "mania". He is recorded as being present in the Brislington House Asylum in the 1891 census. |
| Walter Montague Bird | Born 20th September 1854, East Indies. Clifton College 1864-1871. Solicitor, J.P. Died 1936. In 1871 the Bird family lived at 86 Woodcot Villa, Westbury-on-Trym. |
| Alexander Stewart Ward Young |
Born 14th February 1852. Clifton College 1863-1868. Lt.Col RAMC at Cape of Good Hope. Father Simon A.G.Young a retired army surgeon from Scotland. In 1871 living at 3 Chandos Place, 64 Pembroke Road, Clifton.
Above 64 Pembroke Road, Clifton. |
| Edward C. Parker | Born abt. 1853 in Bristol. Living at 15 South Parade, Clifton. Listed as a Timber Trade Apprentice. In 1871 his mother Catherine is listed as head of the household. Her income was derived from House Property. |
There were 12 Honorary Members elected at that first meeting, 2 who wished to be anonymous. 10 listed below.
| James Fuller Eberle |
born 11 December 1854. Clifton College April - Dec 1864. Alderman, City of Bristol; OBE; Order Russian Red Cross 1918; Freeman City of Bristol 1938. Died 1939. Address listed in 1887 Clifton College Register as 96 Pembroke Road, Clifton.
Above 96 Pembroke Road, Clifton In the 1912 Clifton College Register he had moved to 110 Pembroke Road, Clifton. For more click here |
| Alexander Walsh |
Brother of signatory David Henry Walsh. Born 29th June 1851. Clifton College 1863-64. In 1871 the Walsh family lived at 76 Pembroke Road, Clifton. His father, David H. Walsh was a Woollen Merchant born in Cheltenham. His mother was Sarah born in Monmouth abt. 1818.
Above 76 Pembroke Road, Clifton. This is not the house Walsh lived in but is now on the site of Walsh's house which I suspect was damaged during WW2. |
| Edward C. Parker | Born abt. 1853 in Bristol. Living at 15 South Parade, Clifton. Listed as a Timber Trade Apprentice. In 1871 his mother Catherine is listed as head of the household. Her income was derived from House Property. Also one of the 10 signatories. By 1881 he had an Oil Shop at 113 Ducie Road, Bristol. By 1901 he was living 9 Fleet Street, . Listed as a Coach Painter. |
| Edmund Gill | born abt.1849 Bristol 1871 census 22 years old living at Adelaide Villa, WonT India Merchants 1881 census living at Merton Villa, Elliston Road, WonT 1891 living at 2 Kirklees Villas, Ashley Hill. Married to Anna U I Gill with 3 sons and 3 daughters 1901 living at 24 Berkeley Road, Bishopston - Secretary's Clerk (Infirmary) below sick |
| A.Hall | possibly Albert Hall of 24 Elgin Park, Westbury-on-Trym. Born abt. 1839. Listed as a Ships Store Merchant & Storekeeper. |
| Andrew J. B. Weston | born abt. 1847 Bristol. Lead smelter and iron merchant. Living at Laurel Bank, Clifton. By 1881 the family were living at 9 Worcester Crescent, Clifton. His Lead Smelting businesss employed 40 men and 2 boys. The Iron Merchant business employed 16 men and 4 boys. His sons John Cartland Weston (born 2nd July 1871, died 1932) and Howard Cartland Weston (born 2nd December 1872, died 1947) both went to Clifton College. Neither played for Clifton. By 1901 he had moved to Kings Norton, Worcestershire where his wife was born. |
| Reynold St. John Hall |
Stock and share broker, Liverpool Chambers, Corn Street, Bristol. Residence Newfield Villa, Entry Hill, Bath.
Above believed to be Newfield Villa. Subject to Confirmation. |
| Richard Ellison Strachan | Father
of Clifton's first captain, Charles Strachan. Born abt. 1817 in Bristol.
A Merchant. Moved from 2 Wellington Square, Cheltenham to Argyle House,
Pembroke Road, Clifton. An Oil Merchant. By 1891 the family were living
at Wick House, Durdham Down.
Above Argle House, 107 Pembroke Road, Clifton. For more click here |
| G.H.Newall |
Father of George A. Newall, Clifton's first Treasurer and scorer of Clifton's first ever try. Born abt. 1800 in Scotland. A retired Merchant who lived at St. Roque, 131 Pembroke Road, Clifton in 1871.
Above St. Roque, 131 Pembroke Road, Clifton. Now belongs to Lloyds TSB |
| Frederick Heygate Nunnely |
Solicitor, Whitson Chambers, Nicholas Street. Lived at Vittoria Place, 47 Whiteladies Road, Clifton.
Above 47 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Now Nine Schools Furniture. |
It was agreed the colours would be black and lavender. The club proved so successful that by November a second XV was formed. An interesting early minute conveys the spirit of the game even as it is today read, "It was decided to have beer provided for every foreign match when played on our ground." The King's Arms remained the headquarters of the club for 36 years.
The landlord of the Kings Arms at this time was 1863 - 72. James Bale, 1874 - 79. Henry Butson, 1882 - 89. Keziah Butson
Above advertisement for the Kings Arms c1872.
The census for the King's Arms in 1871 was
James Bale 60, head married, hotel and livery stable keeper, Taunton Somersetshire
Sarah Bale 55, wife married, Bristol
Janet Jones 48, vistitor unmarried, housekeeper, Bristol
Louisa Hill 23, niece unmarried, barmaid, Bedminster Somersetshire
Ada Hill 18, niece unmarried, Housemaid, Bedminster Somersetshire
The Kings Arms was re-built in 1902, the raised pavement and railings disappeared at the same time. This is how the pub used to look.
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Both of the above pictures were taken in 1885. The left shows a very run-down Blackboy Hill with The Kings Arms at the top on the left with 2 large bay windows. Below a picture taken in 1886 of the view across the road from approximately where Harold Hockey's now is, slightly down the hill from The Kings Arms.
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Above Clifton College rugby players in 1872-73. Many of these were the first Clifton RFC players. On the extreme right at the front is Walter Gouldsmith Gribble (Town House). He left Clifton College in June 1872. This means that the photograph would have been taken at the beginning of 1872 and should also include Arthur Budd (Clifton RFC, England and RFU President), as he left at the same time and belonged to the same house, so I suspect he's the boy with the mustache, partially hidden, fourth from right.
The first ground was on the corner of
Coldharbour Lane, near the farmhouse. It is a fact that Clifton Rugby Club have
never had a home ground in
The first match played was against Sydney College, Bath at Coldharbour Lane. Playing 20 a-side (16 forwards, 2 half backs and 2 goal keepers!), there were no referees and the laws of the game decreed that "the captains of the respective sides shall be the sole arbiters of all disputes". Clifton won by 1 goal, 3 tries and 2 touches to nil. For more details of that match click here
For more details on the Coldharbour Ground click here
At the December 1872 meeting of the club it was proposed that the Mayor of Bristol be asked to accept the position of President of the Club, William Proctor Baker started a tradition that would last until the position became more permanent with the appointment of Harry Beloe on the 11th May 1891.
Above William Proctor Baker, the first President of Clifton Rugby Club
It was in this year that William Webb Ellis died.
James Arthur Bush selected for England (Forward). Born 28th July 1850 in Cawnpore (now Kanpur), Uttar Pradesh, India. Died 21st September 1924, Clevedon, Somerset. He also played cricket for Gloucestershire and the MCC.
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INTERNATIONAL RECORD: English Caps 1872-3,5-6 |
Career Record: P5, W3, D2, L0, Tries 0, Cons 0, Pen 0, DropG 0 |
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5th Feb 1872 v Scotland (The Oval, London) W 1G,1DG,2T-0 (Att 4000) 3rd March 1873 v Scotland (Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow) D 0-0 8th March 1875 v Scotland (Raeburn Place, Edinburgh) D 0-0 13th Dec 1875 v Ireland (Leinster CG) W 1G,1T-0 6th March 1876 v Scotland (The Oval, London) W 1G,1T-0 |
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For more on James Arthur Bush click here
William Octavius Moberly selected for England. Born 14th November 1850 at Shoreham-by-Sea. Died 2nd February 1914 at Polurrian, Mullion, Cornwall. His only cap was in the 2nd international fixture in history while he was playing for Ravenscourt Park. A game more noted for its controversial refereeing than anything else. Moberly was an Oxford Blue in 1872. He captained the Oxford rugby XV at the very first Varsity match v Cambridge on the 10th February 1872 at the Parks in Oxford. On November 7th 1869 Oxford University made a set of rules at the foundation of their rugby team. Rule 2 stated "that the Captain be always a Rugbeian". Rugby School provided captains for Oxford from 1869 until 1933.
He joined Clifton RFC in 1876
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INTERNATIONAL RECORD: English Caps 1872 |
Career Record: P1, W1, D0, L0, Tries 0, Cons 0, Pen 0, DropG 0 |
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5th Feb 1872 v Scotland (The Oval, London) W W 1G,1DG,2T-0 (Att 4000)
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For more on William Moberly click here
It was proposed at the foundation meeting to run a cricket team the following summer, the colours being the same as in the football season - lavender and black. This was not successful, and out of 8 games arranged only 4 were played - three being won and the remaining one lost.
On 2nd April 1873 the first annual dinner took place. Above news cutting from the Western Daily Press.
Above the Montague Hotel, Kingsdown Parade, Bristol. Scene of the first annual dinner. The hotel was demolished after suffering severe damage during WW2. The site was never rebuilt on and is the green triangle at the top of Horfield Road.
1873-74
Above rule book from October 1873. As well as the club members it included 59 byelaws. Note Coldharbour Lane is down as being in Redland.
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| Back Row (L-R): W.G.Gribble, F.Allen, W.R.Webb, A.S.W.Young, W.S.Paul, F.S.Peck, C.Strachan (Captain), W.F.Bence-Jones, A.H.Allen, A.C.S.Paul, E.Phillips, H.W.Peck. Front Row: F.Morris, H.A.Francis, W.N.Tribe, T.R.Barnes, C.A.Badcocke. |
Above first ever photograph of a Clifton
RFC team. This included the brothers Peck, 15 year old Francis and 14 year
old Herbert. Below details of the players in this picture which shows how
much this club relied on
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Walter Gouldsmith Gribble |
b.20.4.1855
Barnstaple, Devon. d.1929.
Above 95 Pembroke Road, Clifton. |
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Francis Edward Allen |
b.21.7.1854.
d.1944. |
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Wiliiam Robert Webb |
Born 1st March 1852, Stapleton, Bristol. Clifton College 1865-1869. Business, Bristol. Died 1894. 1871 Clerk at a Vinegar Works, living at Keswick Lodge, 52 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Father William Web, widower and Ship Owner. Both his sons Wilbert Maitland Webb and Douglas Maitland Webb went to Clifton College.
Above left: map of 52 Whiteladies Road, Clifton (1901) on the corner of Alma Road and Whiteladies Road. Above right: The house is now a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland with an extension at the front. The rear garden was built on and is now Papa Deli. |
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Alexander Stewart Ward Young |
Born 14th February 1852 Redland, Bristol. Clifton College 1863-1868. Lt.Col RAMC at Cape of Good Hope. Father Simon A.G.Young a retired army surgeon from Scotland. In 1871 living at 3 Chandos Place, 64 Pembroke Road, Clifton.
Above 64 Pembroke Road, Clifton. |
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Walter Stuckey Paul |
b.4.11.1849.
d.1925.
Above 13 Hurle Crescent, Clifton, home of W.S.Paul His wife Marion Colthurst Paul died on Feb 15th 1940 at 13 Hurle Crescent. She was the daughter of James Godwin of Stoke Bishop. She was buried at St. Alban's Church, Westbury Park. |
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Francis Samuel Peck |
b.1.4.1858.
d.1908. Father William Bishop Peck, Wine Merchant. In 1861 living at 4 Park Place, Clifton.
Above on the site of 4 Park Place is now a Canon's Health Club. 1871 and 1881 living at 111 Whiteladies Road, Clifton.
Above 111 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Now inspirations furniture. The shop front extensions did not exit in 1872. In 1881 Francis Peck was aboard the troopship HMS Serapis heading for India.
Above HMS Serapis His obituary appeared in The Times on April 18th 1908. It said The death is announced of LIEUTENANT-COLONEL F.S.PECK, of the Indian Medical Service. Colonel Peck, who was son of the late Mr.W.B.Peck, was educated at Clifton College, afterwards at the Bristol Medical School and Royal Infirmary, and St. Thomas's Hospital, London. He entered the Indian Medical Service in 1880, and served with the Burmese expedition in 1886-87, receiving the medal and clasp. He was gazetted lieutenant-colonel in 1900, and for some time held important professorships at the Medical College and Eden Hospital, Calcutta. Last summer, while home on leave, he had the misfortune to meet with a very severe accident at Sheringham while crossing the railway adjoining the golf course, and was knocked down and run over by a passing train. Although not entirely recovered from the accident, he returned to India to resume his official duties. Unfortunately, his health broke down, and he died on the homeward voyage to England
Above Eden Hospital, Calcutta
Above a steam train of the North Norfolk Railway that passes through the golf course at Sheringham. |
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Charles Strachan |
born
Prestbury, Gloucestershire abt 1855 ex
Above Argle House, 107 Pembroke Road, Clifton. For more click here |
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William Francis Bence-Jones |
born 9th March 1856 in Ireland. Educated at Rugby School, Exeter College Oxford. Inner Temple 1883. He died on 19th Nov 1883 when out shooting in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, Ireland. He dropped his gun which fell to the ground and fired the contents of both barrels into his ankle. His leg had to be amputated and he died of shock the following day. |
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A.H.Allen |
Possibly Alexander Allen, Mona House, 87 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. awaiting photo Above 87 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. |
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Arthur Clifford Saint Paul |
b.10.8.1854.
d.1924. |
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E.Phillips |
Possibly Edward J. Phillips born abt. 1850 in Bath. In 1881 living at 9 Dowry Parade, Clifton with wife Amelia and daughters Amelia C. and Florence H. |
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Herbert Withers Peck |
b.30.7.1859.
d.1916. Father William Bishop Peck, Wine Merchant. In 1861 living at 4 Park Place, Clifton, 1871 and 1881 living at 111 Whiteladies Road, Clifton.
Above 111 Whiteladies Road, Clifton. Now inspirations furniture. The shop front extensions did not exit in 1872. Listed in 1901 census as living at 3 Percival Road, Clifton. |
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F.Morris |
Possibly Francis D. Morris born abt. 1847 Bolton Le Moor, Lancashire. Living in 1881 at 11 Leigh Road, Clifton. Clerk
Above 11 Leigh Road, Clifton |
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Henry Axford Francis |
b.28.3.1849. in Bedminster. d.?. Clifton College:1864-1867. Secretary Royal Colonial Institute, Bristol. In 1871 the Francis family lived at Oakleigh, 1 Apsley Road, Clifton. His father, Thomas Francis, was a Linen Merchant.
Above Oakleigh, 1 Apsley Road, Clifton. In 1881 he was living at 12 Sion Hill, Clifton and is listed as a Cotton Merchant.
Above 12 Sion Hill, Clifton. In 1891 he was living at 1 Bedford Place, Station Road, Sidmouth with his wife Elizabeth who was born in Milltown, Co. Kerry abt 1843. In 1901 Henry Francis was Secretary of the Clifton Hydro. The "Clifton Grand Spa and Hydro" was opened in 1898. Now the Avon Gorge Hotel, it began life as a spa for those wishing to drink the Hotwells water which was pumped up from the foot of the cliff to an elegant pump room 100 feet long by 57 feet wide. There were also a variety of showers and baths. With the decline of the leisured classes and interest in hydropathy after the First World War it began to be used for regular balls, white tie and tails obligatory. The Rocks Railway alongside the hotel was a favourite way to reach the Downs from the tramway terminus on the Portway below until it closed in the 1930s.
Above left the Avon Gorge Hotel. right the Clifton Hydro next door
Above plaque next to entrance to Hydro. |
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Wilberforce N. Tribe |
eldest son of Wilberforce (born Merden, Kent) a Public Accountant and Selina (born London) Tribe, born abt 1855 Bristol living in Westfield Park, Westbury-on-Trym. An accountant. |
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Thomas R. Barnes |
Thomas Barnes, Timber Importer. born abt. 1836. Living at Woodside, Westbury-on-Trym. His son Horace T. Barnes also played for Clifton. |
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Charles Alexander Badcocke |
born abt 1855 Peckham, Surrey. In 1871 living at 11 Angelsea Place, Clifton. Clerk to Land Surveyor. Father Charles Algernon Badcocke b Wells abt 1828 mother Ellen Badcocke b Bristol abt 1825 Changed name in 1881 to C.A.Alexander. So bizarrely becoming Charles Alexander Alexander.
Above 11 Angelsea Place In 1891 he was married to Annette M Alexander a British Subject born in Buenos Ayres and living at 7 Canynge Square, Clifton. They had 2 sons, 2 daughters, and a Governess and 3 Servants. Charles A. Alexander was a Chartered Accountant.
Above 7 Canynge Square, Clifton. In 1901 him and his wife and daughter Sybil were boarders at 8 West Mall, Clifton.
Above 8 West Mall, Clifton |
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Above another photograph from the same session in 1873.
Walter Stuckey Paul (1849-1925) became a partner in the Bristol architectural practice of Charles Hansom along with Frederick Bligh Bond (1864-1945) and Thomas Pope. Frederick Bligh Bond is probably most famous for his work at Glastonbury Abbey where he was director of excavations on behalf of Somerset Archaelogical Society during 1908-10. Charles Hansom was a notable Roman Catholic who had worked on the Pro-Cathedral in Bristol in 1846 and went on to design Adelaide Cathedral in Australia in 1856. In total he designed 50 Roman Catholic Churches. He designed Clifton College in 1860.
Above Frederick Bligh Bond. His excavations at Glastonbury were stopped when he admitted he was guided by occult means. In 1922 he was relieved of his archaeological post. He went on to lecture in America and edit the Psychical Research Journal.
James Arthur Bush was away for most of this season on tour with the MCC in Australia.
Beat Gloucester by 4 goals, 4 touches and 2 touches in goal to nil.
1874-75 - On Saturday, 6th March 1875, the West of England played
Oxford University. The West were represented by: J.A.Bush (captain), A.K.Butterworth,
J.Curtis, J.D.Miller, W.S.Paul, E.J.Taylor (all Clifton), W.Boughton and J.P.Riddiford
(both Gloucester), J.S.Udal (Birmingham), A.Bailey and C.Grindron (both Worcester),
W.Carless and P.Giles (both Hereford), C.Barton and P.Goodwin (both Kidderminster).
M.M.Curtis (Clifton) and J.Hartley (Gloucester) were both selected but unable
to play. The following Monday
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| Back Row (L-R): E.Townsend, F.Allen, W.Strachan, J.G.Thomson, E.Phillips, J.H.Powell, W.R.Webb, A.H.Allen, W.S.Paul, G.T.Budd, W.R.Gribble, A.K.Butterworth. Sitting: E.J.Taylor, M.M.Curtis, C.Strachan, A.C.St.Paul, J.A.Bush. On Ground: F.Morris, C.Chamberlain, J.Curtis, J.D.Miller. |
Above Clifton Football Club in the 1874-75 season. James Arthur Bush wearing his England shirt and cap.
Occasionally players from both Clifton and Sydney College would turn out for Bedminster. Above match report from the Bath Chronicle on 3rd December 1874.
The first match against Clifton College was played on 12th December 1874. For more click here
In March 1875, a proposal for a points scoring system and another that three tries should equal a goal were rejected.
1875-76 - Clifton beat a representative Welsh side in Cardiff. Pictured below with England International J.A.Bush and brother R.E.Bush.
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| Back Row (L-R): E.P.Warren, H.Nash, W.Fairbanks, E.Phillips, W.Strachan, E.J.Taylor, W.S.Paul, W.R.Webb, J.H.Dunn, J.Curtis, M.Curtis, F.Morris, J.G.Thomson. Middle Row: R.E.Bush, C.Strachan, A.C.St.Paul, J.D.Miller. In Front: W.R.Gribble, J.A.Bush. |
E.J.Taylor, J.D.Miller, A.K.Butterworth
and M.M.Curtis take part in England trials. In the picture above 3 of those
players are wearing different shirts to the other players (except J.A.Bush
who is wearing his England shirt). I assume that these shirts were for that
trial. Also in the above photograph is Walter Fairbanks who played cricket
for Cambridge University (although not a blue) and Gloucestershire. He was
also a Cambridge Blue at rugby appearing in the 1873 and 74 varsity finals.
He was a master at
Above photo from the same session that appeared in newspapers
1876-77
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| Back Row (L-R): J.Curtis, J.G.Thomson, F.Morris, J.C.Gilmore, J.H.Dunn, W.Fairbanks, J.D.Miller, W.Strachan, M.Curtis, W.O.Moberly, E.Phillips. Sitting: J.A.Bush, C.Strachan (Captain), H.W.Peck. W.S.Paul was absent when this photograph was taken. |
Above Clifton XV of 1876-77. Note Herbert Withers Peck in the above photograph. He appeared in the 1873-74 photo and has now reached the grand age of 17.
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| Above (L-R): J.Curtis, F.Morris, J.A.Bush, W.Fairbanks, E.Phillips, W.O.Moberly, W.Strachan, M.Curtis, H.W.Peck, J.G.Thomson. Sitting: J.C.Gilmore, C.Strachan (Captain), J.H.Dunn. On Ground: J.D.Miller. W.S.Paul was absent when this photograph was taken. |
Above another photograph from the same session in 1876.
M.M.Curtis selected for England but didn't play because the match was abandoned. J.A.Bush was also selected but did not play. Their selection was prompted by a letter the club secretary had sent to the English Rugby Union when the club was not notified of International trial matches.
Dear Graham
A Secretary of our club I have been asked to write to you to ascertain how the South team, which is to play North v South on Saturday next, was chosen. I have received no notice of the trial games, nor as to the sending up the names of any men who might be willing to compete for places in the South XV.
This letter had the desired effect, for a month later the Clifton Secretary was asked to forward the names of two men who would like to take part in the trial match previous to the England-Irish International, and the names of J.A.Bush and M.Curtis (forwards) were sent in. M.M.Curtis was set to play for England against Wales after the trial but the match was abandoned due to frost.
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INTERNATIONAL RECORD: England Caps 1877 |
Career Record: P0, W0, D0, L0, Tries 0, Cons 0, Pen 0, DropG 0 |
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1876-77 v Wales the match was abandoned due to frost
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There is a great deal of confusion about
what international honours M.M.Curtis obtained. The Clifton history books say
it was for England against Wales another says he played for Wales. Both of
which are impossible as Wales did not exist as a national side until 1881.
1877 - Edward Innes Pocock selected for Scotland in 1877 while playing for Edinburgh Wanderers. He was born on 3rd DEC 1855 in Clifton, Bristol. He died on the 14th Jan 1905 in Fort Salisbury, Zimbabwe. He was educated at Clifton College. He had started playing rugby for Clifton in 1873
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INTERNATIONAL RECORD: Scotland Caps 1877 |
Career Record: P2, W2, D0, L0, Tries 1, Cons 0, Pen 0, DropG 0 |
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19th Feb 1877 v Ireland (Belfast) W 4G,2DG,2T-0 5th March 1877 v England (Raeburn Place, Edinburgh) W 1DG-0
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For more on Edward Pocock click here
In November 1875, a game was decided by whichever team scored the most goals and if that was equal, tries. In 1877 this was modified so that If a try was converted to a goal then it was only counted as a goal.
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Left a poster for the Glos v Notts
cricket match at College Ground, 3 Clifton RFC players played in this match James Arthur Bush, his younger brother Robert Edwin Bush and William Octavius Moberly |
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This summer marked the first appearance
for Gloucestershire CCC of W.E.Midwinter whom W.G. had met when touring Australia
in 1873-74. He has a unique place in cricket history, for he was Gloucestershire’s
first full-time professional and is the only cricketer to play for both
Above invitation to the 1877 Annual Club Dinner.
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Back Row (L-R): E.Miller, Rev P.A.Phelps, J.Russell, E.D.Mansfield, J.G.Grenfell, W.A.Tilden, R.T.Carter, E.P.Arnold, C.W.A.Tait, Rev H.Wiseman, E.M.Oakley, A.F.Jones, E.Pellissier, Rev H.C.Watson, Rev R.Marks, F.H.Stevens, E.N.P.Moor, F.M.Bartholonew, W.Fairbanks, W.F.Trimnell, W.O.Moberly, H.P.Luckman. Front Row: H.S.Hall, Rev B.Hartnell, G.T.Atkinson, H.G.Dakyns, G.H.Wollaston, Rev T.E.Brown, Rev J.Percival (Headmaster), Rev R.B.Poole, S.T.Irwin, W.W.Asquith, T.W.Dunn. |
Above Masters of Clifton College taken in 1877 with Clifton RFC player William Octavius Moberly (the England Rugby International and first Varsity Oxford Captain) and Walter Fairbanks (started at Clifton RFC 1875-76),(Gloucestershire Cricketer 1877-84).
1877-78
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| Back Row (L-R): F.S.Peck, E.P.Warren, A.Fry, A.Nash, W.N.Tribe, G.M.Butterworth, J.C.Gilmore, A.U.Plant, H.W.Ward, E.J.Taylor, W.Strachan, E.W.Ball. Sitting: A.Francis, J.D.Miller (Captain), C.A.Badcocke. |
Above Clifton XV from 1877-78
1878 - Clifton players William Moberly and James Bush play for Gloucestershire against Australia at Clifton College on 5th and 6th September 1878 in what was meant to be a 3 day match. The Gloucestershire team that day was WG Grace, WR Gilbert, WO Moberly, GF Grace, F Townsend, EM Grace, EF Wright, J Cranston, P Hattersley-Smith, JA Bush and RF Miles. Australia won by 10 wickets. The great WG only scored 22 and 5 in each innings. In all 96 first-class crickets matches have been played by Gloucestershire at Clifton College from 3rd August 1871to 9th August 1932
1878/79,1881 - Arthur Budd selected for England while playing for Blackheath. Born 14th October 1853 in Bristol. Died 27th August 1899 in South Africa. He started with Clifton RFC in 1872 and then moved to Ravenscourt Park in 1876 before joining Blackheath.
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INTERNATIONAL RECORD: English Caps 1878/79,1881 |
Career Record: P5, W3, D2, L0, Tries 1, Cons 0, Pen 0, DropG 0 |
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11th March 1878 v Ireland (Lansdowne Road, Dublin) W 2G,1T-0 10th March 1879 v Scotland (Raeburn Place, Edinburgh) D 1G-1DG 24th March 1879 v Ireland (Oval, London) W 2G,2T,1DG-0 19th Feb 1881 v Wales (Blackheath) W 7G,6T,1DG-0 19th March 1881 v Scotland (Raeburn Place, Edinburgh) D 1DG,1T-1G,1T
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For more on Arthur Budd click here
1878/79 - W.J.Penny selected for England while playing for United Hospitals. Scored try on his debut, the first full-back to score for England. There is some controversy over this try as there are conflicting reports as to who scored it. A.G.Guillemard writing in Marshall, describes Penny as scoring. The Times said that Hornby scored. He had previously played for Kings College Hospital and went on to play for Clifton in 1883 when he was working as House Surgeon at Bristol General Hospital. On 15th November 1879 he was one of ten original committee members that founded Middlesex County RFU while at United Hospitals.
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INTERNATIONAL RECORD: English Caps 1878/79 |
Career Record: P3, W2, D1, L0, Tries 1, Cons 0, Pen 0, DropG 0 |
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11th March 1878 v Ireland (Landsdowne Road, Dublin) W 2G,1T-0 10th March 1879 v Scotland (Raeburn Place, Edinburgh) D 1G-1DG 24th March 1879 v Ireland (Oval, London) W 2G,2T,1DG-0
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For more on W.J.Penny click here
This season was memorable for formation of the Gloucestershire County Union. The county side was formed by Clifton, Gloucester, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Stroud and Rockleaze. A Cliftonian captained the Gloucestershire side from 1878 to 1889. They were J.D.Miller (1878-9-80-1), A.D.Greene (1881-2), G.V.Cox (1882-3), E.Leonard (1883-4-5-6) and H.C.Baker (1886-7-8-9)
Above Clifton Captain and first captain of Gloucestershire John Day Miller. This picture is from the book "Football - The Rugby Union Game" by Rev F Marshall (Editor) - First Edition - published 1892 with contributions from ex Clifton RFC player Arthur Budd. This was the earliest published complete history of the game of rugby. Miller played in the 1875-76 England trials game for The South played at Whalley Range along with the Clifton players E.J.Taylor, J.A.Bush, and M.Curtis. For more on John Day Miller click here
Gloucestershire's first Secretary was Clifton's John Henry Dunn. For more click here
1879-80
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| Back Row (L-R): H.L.Evans, G.V.Cox, H.C.M.Hirst, G.M.Butterworth, H.W.R.Gribble, J.P.Bush, E.Leonard, H.W.Peck, J.C.R.Scott, W.Strachan, F.S.Peck, W.O.Moberly. Front Row: E.W.Ball, J.E.Bush, J.D.Miller, E.P.Warren. |
Above Clifton RFC 1879-80 includes the brothers John Paul and John Ernest Bush both younger brothers of ex Clifton players James and Robert Bush. Note the Peck brothers (1873-74 photo) still playing for Clifton, Francis Samuel Peck now aged 21 and Herbert Withers Peck aged 20 veterans of six seasons.
Beat Gloucester home and away.
Gloucestershire and England Cricketer James Cranston joins Clifton. For more click here
Above Henry Herbert Wills who joined Clifton RFC in 1879. He was born on the 20 th March 1857. The son of Henry Overton Wills III. He was educated at Clifton College from 1872 to 1874. Brother of Maitland Wills. Director Imperial Tobacco. High Sherrif 1910. He died on the 11th May 1922, Age 66, at his home at St. Vincent's, Clifton Park, Bristol. A requiem was held at All Saints Church, Clifton and the funeral service at Bristol Cathedral. He was buried at Canford Cemetery, Bristol.
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