The Shocking Revelation That Could Rewrite Football History
For decades, football historians have recognized Sheffield FC (founded 1857) as the world’s oldest club and Notts County (1862) as the oldest professional league team. But groundbreaking research by historian Peter Manning, exclusively analyzed by Mcw, suggests Crystal Palace Football Club might predate them all – tracing its origins to 1861 as part of the original Football Association founders.
Early Crystal Palace footballers (circa 1860s) – New evidence suggests they predate Notts County’s 1862 founding
Unpacking the 160-Year-Old Mystery
Manning’s research reveals:
- Crystal Palace Company (which operated the famous Victorian exhibition center) established a cricket club in 1857
- Football activities began in 1861, with recorded matches starting March 1862
- The club participated in FA founding meetings (1863)
- Professionalization occurred in 1905, creating continuity from the original team
“This wasn’t separate entities but one evolving organization,” Manning told Mcw. “The cricket and football teams were always part of Crystal Palace Company’s operations.”
The Victorian Football Revolution
The Crystal Palace‘s role in early football is often overlooked:
- Hosted the first FA Cup Final (1872)
- Featured WG Grace (cricket legend) as an early player
- Its 300-acre grounds made it England’s premier sports venue
Recreation of 19th century matches at the Palace – the “Wembley of its era”
Why This Matters Now
Club chairman Steve Parish announced plans for a 160th anniversary celebration in 2023, telling Mcw: “This isn’t just about dates – it’s reclaiming our place in football’s origin story. We helped shape the modern game.”
Football historian Dr. James Wilson (University of London) notes: “If verified, this would make Palace the missing link between amateur and professional eras. Their grounds essentially incubated organized football.”
The Verification Process
The club is submitting evidence to:
- Football Association’s historical committee
- Guinness World Records
- FIFA’s Football Museum
Key proof includes:
- 1861 company meeting minutes referencing “foot-ball” activities
- Match reports from 1862 London newspapers
- Financial records showing continuous operation
What This Means for Fans
Modern-day Palace supporters might soon support:
- The oldest professional club in existence
- A founding member of the Football Association
- A team present at the creation of football’s laws
As Manning concludes: “This isn’t rewriting history – it’s completing the story.” With Mcw leading the coverage, football’s history books may soon require revision.
For more groundbreaking football historical analysis, follow Mcw exclusive series “Football’s Hidden Origins.”
