British Library to house Football Association's original 1863 document

 
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21 August 2013

The British Library has announced the 1863 Football Association Minute Book will form the centrepiece of their first ever football display, celebrating the FA’s 150th anniversary.

The book, which also contains the 13 original laws of football, was scrawled by Ebenezer Cobb Morley and documents the historical meetings which marked the inception of the English game’s governing body; it will go on display in the Sir John Ritblat Treasures Gallery.

Lauded as the most significant book in the history of football, the handwritten document will be keeping good company alongside significant books including the Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio and Captain Scott’s diary.

Chairman of The Football Association, Greg Dyke, said: “The importance of the 1863 FA Minute Book cannot be underestimated. Without it, quite simply, the world would be without its most popular sport.”

“It is fitting that the book is going on display in the Sir John Ritblat Treasures Gallery at the British Library. This not only reflects how football has become interwoven into

The Minute Book was handwritten and compiled 150 years ago by Ebenezer Cobb Morley

the fabric of our society, it also offers the public a glimpse into the origins of the nation’s favourite game.”

Jude England, Head of Social Sciences at the British Library, is looking forward to hosting the article.

“We’re delighted to display the iconic FA Minute Book alongside our treasures of the Library’s collections,” she said.

The football exhibition also includes a ‘Guide to Referees’ from the 1930s and a pocket guide for spectators on the interpretation of the rules.

To find out more about the 1863 FA Minute Book and The FA’s 150 anniversary please visit www.thefa.com

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