Last week, a new blue plaque marking the place where the original Sheffield rules of football were agreed 166 years ago, was unveiled at the Crucible.
The latest plaque from the charity Sheffield Home of Football marks the location of the former Adelphi Hotel, where the rules were the formally approved by Sheffield FC club members on 28 October 1858. It is the third plaque erected by the charity.
“Any game of modern association football you watch today either live or on TV is largely a game that has its roots firmly planted in the city of Sheffield,” says historian Steve Wood, one of the trustees of the charity.
Tom Bird, Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres said: “We are very pleased to support this plaque, celebrating the rich footballing history on our doorstep. The Crucible stands on the site of The Adelphi Hotel, where the rules of the game were first created. To be able to commemorate this historical turning point and the depth of football’s origins in our city is a great pleasure."
The unveiling was attended by The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jayne Dunne and local MPs Clive Betts, Olivia Blake, and Gill Furniss and the Master Cutler Charles Turner. The blue plaque was unveiled by special guest Richard Tims the Chairman of Sheffield FC, the oldest football club in the world.
