Category: Manchester Metropolitan Uni

‘Rusty’:
The Remarkable Life of a ‘Wallaby’ who became a ‘Lion’

by Bill Williams | May 5, 2025 | British Society of Sports History [BSSH], Rugby, Sport & Leisure History | 0

In July this year (2025) The British and Irish Lions as holders, will compete for ‘The Tom...

Parallel lives:
Gilbert and Gustav, Two Cotswold Lads Destined for Greatness.

by Bill Williams | Mar 17, 2025 | Archival Research, Cricket, Sport & Leisure History | 0

In the early 20th century, two former Cheltenham Grammar School (CGS) boys born one hundred and...

“And then we were Boycotted”
New Discoveries about the Birth of Women’s Football in Italy [1933]
Part 12

by Marco Giani | Mar 10, 2025 | Archival Research, Focus on Fodens: History of Women's Football, Football, Società Italiana di Storia dello Sport [SISS], Sport & Politics, Team Sports, Women in Sport | 0

The author would like to express thanks to Daniele Rigamonti, Rosaria Seregni and their daugther...

‘Soccer’:
An Americanism or a Thoroughly British Invention?

by Bill Williams | Dec 20, 2024 | Football, Team Sports | 0

It is sometimes worth reminding ourselves that the term ‘Foot-ball’ originated in the British...

The Tale of the ‘Louisville Slugger’
How a Baseball Bat made in Kentucky, found its way To Chipping Norton

by Bill Williams | Nov 6, 2024 | Baseball, General, Team Sports | 2

At some point during the 1990’s, a baseball bat was donated to the Local History Museum at...

An Englishman Abroad:
Professor Christopher Butterworth
Part Two

by Dave Day | Oct 17, 2024 | Archival Research, British Society of Sports History [BSSH], Swimming & Diving | 0

To read Part 1, click HERE While a detailed chronology of his activities and movements between...

A Sports Star was Born!
How Kris Kristofferson First Found National Exposure as a Rugby Player

by Bill Williams | Oct 7, 2024 | Boxing, General, Rugby | 0

The Country Music singer songwriter and Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson has sadly passed away...

An Englishman Abroad:
Professor Christopher Butterworth
Part One.

by Dave Day | Oct 3, 2024 | Archival Research, British Society of Sports History [BSSH], Swimming & Diving | 0

Willie Beckwith observed in 1883 that no American swimmer of the time would be able to compete...

George Eyser: Was he the First True Paralympic Champion?

by Bill Williams | Aug 26, 2024 | Gymnastics, Olympics, Sport & Leisure History, Uncategorised | 0

On the eve of the Paris Paralympics as we wait to witness some incredible performances, perhaps we...

The World Record Football Match
Floodlit in 1923: 7 Years BEFORE Men
Hey’s Brewery Bradford Ladies FC + Dick Kerr Ladies
Part 2

by Steve Bolton | Aug 22, 2024 | Focus on Fodens: History of Women's Football, Football, Sport & Leisure History, Team Sports, Women in Sport | 0

Introduction In Part 1 I gave an overview of the key ‘illuminated’ football matches up to the...

Stoke Mandeville: The Crucible of Disabled Sport’ Announced as Lighting Point For Paralympic Torches

by Bill Williams | Aug 19, 2024 | Athletics, Olympics, Sport & Leisure History, Team Sports | 0

Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire recognised around the world as the birthplace of the...

Rugby at the Olympics:
How Committed Rugby Fan Pierre de Coubertin Ensured its Inclusion

by Bill Williams | Jul 24, 2024 | Olympics, Rugby, Team Sports | 0

When the Rugby sevens tournament kicks off in Paris on the 24th July as the first sport to be...