Founded in Leytonstone, in 1859, Forest FC were the world’s second oldest football club. Founded by Old Harrovians, they would evolve into Wanderers FC in 1864, one of the most successful clubs of all time, with five FA Cup wins. The clubs were captained by Charles W Alcock, a colossus of early football as a player, administrator, and prolific sports journalist. He founded the FA Cup and was the first to lift the trophy.
The photograph shows Forest FC in October 1863. It is the earliest known image of a football club. That month, the Football Association was founded at a meeting at the Freemason’s Tavern, in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Forest FC were present, along with Barnes, Blackheath, Blackheath Prep School, Crusaders, Crystal Palace (not the present club), Kensington School, No Names Kilburn, Perceval House, Surbiton, and War Office Club. Charterhouse School, though present, did not join. Twelve of the fifteen attendees were under twenty-five. The oldest was thirty-two. Four were still at school.
Whether the picture was taken before or after the meeting is unknown. Alcock takes centre stage, gazing into the middle distance, one foot perched a chair beside a football. His brother John Forster Alcock stands to his immediate left. Players from left: F. Pardoe, F.C. Adams, R. Edmunds, C. Bigland, J.F. Alcock, C.W. Alcock, C.D. Jackson, C.M. Tebbut, W.B. Standidge, A.M. Tebbut, A.L. Cutbill
