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John Ripsher
"Jottings" -
spotted by volunteers as they visit the cemeteries
(Index).
FIRST PRESIDENT OF TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FOOTBALL CLUB
 "This man founded one of the biggest football clubs
in the country and yet until now there hasn't been so much as a a
headstone to mark his grave." - Paul Verril.
Tottenham Hotspur owes its
foundation to a group of lads from Tottenham who, in August
1882,
decided
to form a football club. They named it "Hotspur" after the
historical figure Sir Henry Percy, known as Harry Hotspur for
his valour and vigour in battle.
In their first season the new club
played friendlies; in the second season, prey to bullying from
older lads and without firm leadership, they asked John Ripsher,
known to many of them as the Bible Class teacher from the nearby
All Hallows Church, for his help. He was elected president and
treasurer, found them an HQ and changing rooms, and supported
them with equipment. They won their first match of the new
season by nine goals to nil. So successful were they that by the
end of the season they were able to produce a reserve as well as
a first team of players.
John Ripsher was to encourage them
as president for eleven years, and then as patron. In 1895 the
club turned professional, and by 1898 they were a limited
company. The club was renowned for its good spirit and its fair
play and sportsmanship, attributed to his leadership.
But while Tottenham Hotspur
prospered, John Ripsher's fortunes declined. Moving to Dover to
live with his sister
and
her husband William, proprietor of the Diamond Hotel, Heathfield
Avenue, John Ripsher ended his days in the Union Workhouse.
Blind, suffering from severe heart problems and ill health, he
died on 24th September 1907, aged 67, and was buried in a
pauper's grave at St Mary's cemetery, Dover. There he lay forgotten.
Exactly a century after his death,
the Tottenham Tribute Trust raised a headstone on his grave,
rediscovered by Peter Lupson. His book,
"Thank God for Football", distributed by SPCK, reveals how twelve of our big clubs
owe their origins to Christianity.
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Councillor Bob Markham, Mayor
of Dover, welcomed everyone to the ceremony |
"It was a very moving occasion", said Peter Lupson.
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"It's a fascinating story, both poetic and sad",
said Paul Barber, Executive Director of Tottenham
Hotspur. |
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"John Ripsher faced problems familiar today; he was
trying to get youngsters off the streets and give them a sense
of purpose ....We in Dover are proud to adopt John Ripsher. We
will make sure he is never forgotten again." |
He related the story of John
Ripsher's life, and recalled how the lads had
been twice dismissed from premises for high-spirited
behaviour. But John Ripsher "stood by those boys,
who had continually let him down. If had not, there
would be no club today."
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"There is huge respect for what John did in those early years -
not just founding the club but keeping it going ....We are
delighted that the man who is known as our real father and
founder has been found, and we can honour him." |
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The service was conducted by the Rev Colin
Johnson, from SS Peter and Paul, Charlton. He wore a
blue stole in
honour of John Ripsher and the club he founded. |
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"We thank God for John Ripsher, and his faith and
vision." |
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Amongst the other guests of honour were
(left to right) Paul Ripsher and his father Steve, who
thanked everyone on behalf of the family, Paul Verrill,
town councillor and organiser, and Andy Porter, of the
Tottenham Tribute Trust |
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The event attracted enormous interest, and was reported
by local and national media |
"I was immensely proud that my research led at long
last to this humble man getting the credit and
recognition that he deserved." - Peter Lupson
"Looking at this proud new headstone gives us all
a feeling that John Ripsher is back among us." - Paul
Barber
I hope that the placing of this stone will remind us
that without a past we have no future." - Bob
Markham
The headstone reads: "In memory of John Ripsher,
First President of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, 1883-1894,
died Dover 24 September 1907, aged 67. Audere est Facere"
Post Script
Tottenham Hotspur is known for being the club which played the
first black professional outfield football player, who
later became the first black combat officer in the British army.
His father was a descendent of slaves from Barbados, his mother
a Dovorian. His name was Walter Tull.
Welcomed at the ceremony were descendants of Walter Tull's
family. Here are Stephen Coombes (first cousin once removed) and
Graham Humphrey (great-great nephew) ..... meeting for the very
first time.
all pictures by Simon John Chambers
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