Woolwich Arsenal

The first southern member of the Football League

Woolwich Arsenal was the name of the club from 1893, when it became a limited liability company and joined the Football League as its first southern member. The club was originally founded as Dial Square in 1886 by munitions workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, and was renamed Royal Arsenal by January 1887.

Quick Facts

Founded: 1886
Original name: Dial Square; Royal Arsenal
Home ground: Manor Ground (Plumstead)
League entry: 1893 (Football League Second Division)

Lore & Background

The club faced financial difficulties by 1910, leading businessmen Henry Norris and William Hall to become involved. In 1913, after relegation to the Second Division, the club moved to the Arsenal Stadium in Highbury and was later renamed Arsenal.

Reader's Guide

Woolwich Arsenal was the first southern club to join the Football League in 1893, starting in the Second Division and reaching the First Division in 1904. The club's early trophies included the Kent Senior Cup and London Charity Cup in 1889–90 and the London Senior Cup in 1890–91.

Did You Know?

Each founding member contributed sixpence, and David Danskin added three shillings to form the club.
Woolwich Arsenal's first home was Plumstead Common, though they mostly played at the Manor Ground.
The club turned professional in 1891, becoming the first London club to do so.