The Founding of Arsenal FC: The story of how Dial Square became Arsenal FC in 1886.

In the fall of 1886, a group of passionate football fans met in the Royal Arsenal munitions factory in Woolwich, London. They were led by Scotsman David Danskin. They named their new club Dial Square, after a sundial on the factory grounds. On December 11th, 1886, Dial Square won their first match against Eastern Wanderers by a huge 6-0 score.

The club moved around a lot in its early years. They played at places like the Sportsman Ground, Manor Ground, and Invicta Ground, and even on Plumstead Common. In 1891, they made a big step by becoming a professional team and joining the Football League. But, this move got them banned from local games by the London Football Association because they were now professionals.

By 1893, the club became a limited liability company and changed its name to Woolwich Arsenal. This was a key moment for the founding of Arsenal FC. It showed the club was becoming a strong team in English football.

A vintage illustration of a small group of men in late 19th-century attire, gathered around a simple football on a grassy field, with an industrial backdrop symbolizing the Arsenal's origins. The scene captures the spirit of camaraderie and enthusiasm, with tools and machinery subtly integrated into the background, evoking the working-class roots of the club. The atmosphere is energetic and hopeful, under a cloudy sky hinting at a new beginning.

The Munition Workers' Team: Dial Square's Humble Beginnings

In the late 1800s, 16 Scottish munition workers from the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory started a new football club called Dial Square. Each worker gave 6d (about 2.5 pence today), and David Danskin, the founder, added 3 shillings for a football.

On December 11, 1886, Dial Square played their first match against Eastern Wanderers and won 6-0. This win was the start of their journey. They soon changed their name to Royal Arsenal and became a strong team in local football.

From Dial Square to Royal Arsenal

After their first win, the team was renamed Royal Arsenal, showing their link to the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory. They played at Plumstead Common at first, but moved to different grounds as they grew.

By the end of their first season in 1886-1887, Royal Arsenal had lost just two games out of ten. This showed their strength and will to succeed. This success set them up for the future, aiming to join the Football League and make a national impact.

A group of Victorian-era munition workers in a bustling factory setting, focused on crafting ammunition, wearing period-appropriate work clothes, surrounded by tools and machinery, with shelves of ammunition boxes in the background and a sense of camaraderie and determination in their expressions. The atmosphere is industrious and dynamic, capturing the essence of hard work during the late 19th century.

Royal Arsenal's Early Years: From Plumstead to Professionalism

Royal Arsenal started on Plumstead Common, a simple yet iconic place. This was where they played their early matches. As they grew, they moved to the Sportsman Ground on Plumstead Marshes. This move showed they were getting more popular in the area.

The Manor Ground near Griffin Manor Way was where they played their first league game against Newcastle on September 2nd, 1893. This was a big step for the club. During the 1889-90 and 1890-91 seasons, they won the Kent Senior Cup, London Charity Cup, and London Senior Cup.

Embracing Professionalism and the London FA Boycott

Royal Arsenal made a big move in 1891 by becoming the first London club to go professional. This choice led to a ban from the London Football Association. They saw it as a betrayal of amateur values. But Royal Arsenal didn't give up. They became a limited liability company in 1893, showing they were all in for the professional game. They also changed their name to Woolwich Arsenal.

A scenic view of Plumstead in the late 19th century, featuring the industrial landscape with factories and workers, cobbled streets lined with simple homes, a mix of greenery and urban elements, the Royal Arsenal complex in the background, clouds softly illuminated by a setting sun, capturing a sense of community and emerging professionalism.

Their push for professionalism and their challenge to the norm paved the way for their future wins. They took bold steps into the Football League and made a mark in English football history.

Woolwich Arsenal's Entry into the Football League

In 1893, Woolwich Arsenal became the first southern club to join the Football League. They started in the Second Division. For eleven seasons, they worked hard to get promoted. Finally, in the 1903-04 season, they made it to the top under Harry Bradshaw's leadership.

Woolwich Arsenal had some big moments in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals in 1905-06 and 1906-07. But moving up to the First Division was tough. They didn't win the league title in their early years.

Year	Achievement
1893	Woolwich Arsenal became the first southern club to join the Football League, entering the Second Division.
1903-04	Woolwich Arsenal were promoted to the First Division under manager Harry Bradshaw.
1905-06, 1906-07	Woolwich Arsenal reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

The story of Woolwich Arsenal is inspiring. It started with a team made by munition workers. Joining the Football League was a big step for them. Even with early challenges, this move set the stage for their future success.

A historical scene depicting the formation of Woolwich Arsenal FC in 1886, featuring early football players in period-appropriate attire kicking a leather ball on a grassy pitch, with industrial-era buildings and factories in the background, showcasing the essence of Victorian London. The atmosphere should convey a sense of camaraderie and excitement, with a clear blue sky above, capturing the spirit of grassroots football in its infancy.

The Manor Ground and Early Football League Struggles

Woolwich Arsenal's early years in the Football League were tough. They played at the Manor Ground in Plumstead, a less populated area outside London. This made it hard for them to make money, since not many fans came to watch.

In their first season, 1893/94, they averaged only 6,000 fans per game. But things got better when they moved up to the top division in 1904. Then, up to 20,000 fans came to see them play at the Manor Ground.

Plumstead's Geographic Isolation and Financial Woes

Even with more fans, the Manor Ground's location in Plumstead was a problem. It was hard to get people to come because of its remote location. This led to financial issues, causing them to sell top players like Jimmy Ashcroft and Tim Coleman.

By the 1900s, only 11,000 fans came to see games, a big drop from before. The club's money troubles got worse. In 1910, they had to stop playing voluntarily before being saved by businessmen.

The Manor Ground was a home to Arsenal for almost 20 years before they moved to Highbury in 1913.

A vintage football pitch set in the late 19th century, featuring a simple wooden goalpost and bare earth field, surrounded by a quaint, rustic landscape with low wooden fences and trees in the distance, capturing the essence of early football culture, soft warm lighting, atmospheric clouds above.

Now, the old Manor Ground site in Plumstead is being turned into 1,750 new homes. This will end an era for Arsenal's historic stadium.

Henry Norris and the Move to Highbury

Woolwich Arsenal was struggling financially, so Henry Norris, the new majority shareholder, wanted to help. He tried to merge with his other team, Fulham, but that didn't work out. So, he decided to move the club to north London.

Norris chose Highbury as the perfect spot for Arsenal's new home. Even though some fans and locals were against it, Norris went ahead with the plan. He spent a huge £125,000 (about £15.5 million now) to build the stadium.

Escaping Bankruptcy and the North London Relocation

Moving to Highbury in 1913 changed everything for Arsenal. The new stadium drew bigger crowds, with an average of 23,000 fans in the first season. This was a big jump from the 11,000 at the Manor Ground.

Just a few months after moving, Highbury got major upgrades. They leveled the pitch, built a new grandstand, and added terracing and turnstiles. The name change to "The Arsenal" also marked a new chapter for the club.

A historic view of Highbury Stadium, showcasing its iconic art deco architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and bustling streets, with vintage cars parked nearby, under a clear blue sky during the early evening, capturing the spirit of 1930s London.

The move to Highbury was a turning point for Arsenal. With better finances and more fans, the club was set for success. It became one of the top teams in English football.

The Founding of Arsenal FC

Arsenal Football Club was started in 1886 by munitions workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. It was called Dial Square back then. Over time, the club changed and became the famous Arsenal FC we know today.

Dropping "Woolwich" and Becoming "The Arsenal"

In 1913, the club moved to Highbury and changed its name to just "The Arsenal." This was a big step for the club. It moved from being a team of workers to becoming Arsenal FC, a top name in football.

The move to north London and the new name made Arsenal a top club in the area. This set the stage for its future wins. Arsenal has become one of England's most successful teams, winning 13 league titles, 14 FA Cups, and more.

A historic scene depicting the early formation of a football club, featuring a group of working-class men gathered around a makeshift pitch, wearing Victorian-era clothing. The background showcases an industrial landscape with factories and smokestacks, while a simple wooden goalpost stands at one end of the field. The atmosphere is filled with camaraderie and determination, capturing the passion for football in the late 19th century.

Today, Arsenal Football Club is worth US$2.26 billion, ranking as the tenth-most valuable football club. Its revenue for the 2021–22 season was £367.1 million, showing its financial strength.

From its start as Dial Square to now, Arsenal's story shows its strength, goals, and fan loyalty. Changing its name to "The Arsenal" was a key moment. It helped shape its legacy as a top football club worldwide.

The Controversial 1919 Promotion to the First Division

After World War I, English football saw big changes. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were dropped from the top league, the First Division. The Football League then made the First Division bigger, adding two new teams each year.

Chelsea and Tottenham were likely to return to the First Division. But, Arsenal, who was sixth in the Second Division before the war, got one of the new spots. Chelsea got the other spot.

Allegations of Backroom Deals and Bribery

The 1919 promotion of Arsenal to the first division sparked a long rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur. People started talking about shady deals and bribery, linked to Arsenal's chairman Henry Norris.

At first, the 1919 promotion didn't seem wrong. But later, stories of unfairness and bribery came out. This made people question Arsenal's rise to the top.

A historical football scene depicting a bustling stadium in 1919, with fans wearing period-appropriate clothing, waving flags and scarves in support of Arsenal FC. The foreground features players in traditional kits celebrating an on-field victory, while the background showcases banners and the excitement of a packed crowd. The atmosphere is filled with energy, showcasing the anticipation and joy of promotion, under a cloudy sky that hints at the tumultuous nature of the time.

The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham grew because of this issue. In the Premier League, Arsenal leads with 20 wins against Tottenham's 12. There have been 22 draws. Overall, Arsenal has won 82 matches, Tottenham 64, and 52 ended in draws.

Herbert Chapman's Transformative Reign

In 1925, Herbert Chapman took over as Arsenal's manager. He changed the club for the better. He brought in the WM formation, shirt numbers, and made the jersey brighter with white sleeves and red.

Under him, Arsenal won big trophies. They got the FA Cup in 1930 and two league titles in 1930-31 and 1932-33.

Tactical Innovations and the WM Formation

Chapman showed his tactical brilliance with the WM formation. This setup had a defensive midfielder and a forward who pushed up more. It helped Arsenal keep the ball and set the game's pace.

This new way of playing changed Arsenal's success. It set them up for more wins in the future.

Arsenal's First Major Trophies

With Herbert Chapman leading, Arsenal won their first big titles. They won the FA Cup in 1930, then the league in 1930-31 and 1932-33. These wins made Chapman a legend at Arsenal.

Sadly, Chapman died in the 1933-34 season. But his team's work kept going, with Joe Shaw and George Allison winning more titles. Herbert Chapman's work set Arsenal up for more success and made him a legend in football.

A portrait of a confident man in early 20th century football attire, standing proudly on a football pitch. He has sharp features, wearing a smart blazer with a badge, and is observing a game. The background includes vintage football equipment and cheering fans, capturing the spirit of transformation in sports. The atmosphere is vibrant with a touch of nostalgia, emphasizing his pivotal role in the development of football tactics and style. Bright sunlight casts shadows, highlighting his determined expression.

The Post-Chapman Era and World War II

After Herbert Chapman's death, Arsenal kept winning under Joe Shaw and George Allison. They won three league titles and the FA Cup in the 1930s. But, World War II started in 1939, stopping the Football League for seven years. This was a big challenge for Arsenal.

Arsenal became a symbol of support during the war. But, the team faced many problems. More Arsenal players died than any other team, due to the war and the post-chapman era. The cost of rebuilding the North Bank Stand at Highbury also hurt the club's finances.

Arsenal FC's Major Trophies	Number
First Division/Premier League Titles	13
FA Cup Trophies	14
League Cup Titles	2
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup	1

Even with the post-chapman era and world war ii challenges, Arsenal's legacy stayed strong. The team's spirit and resilience paved the way for future successes. This made Arsenal one of the most famous and successful teams in English football history.

A vintage football scene depicting a bustling 1940s Arsenal FC stadium, with players in classic kit, fans in period clothing, and wartime elements in the background, capturing the spirit of camaraderie and resilience during World War II.

Tom Whittaker's Meteoric Gunners

After the war, Tom Whittaker became Arsenal's manager and quickly led the team to success. He was known as the "brains" behind Herbert Chapman's legendary side. Despite having limited resources, Whittaker put together a highly skilled and successful Arsenal team.

Arsenal's Record-Breaking 1952-53 Season

Under Whittaker, Arsenal won a third FA Cup in 1950. Then, in the 1952-53 season, they won a record-breaking seventh league championship. This made Arsenal the most successful team in English history at that time.

Whittaker's record-breaking season showed the team's dominance. They won the league title with a strong performance. This achievement made Tom Whittaker a key figure in Arsenal's history, building on Herbert Chapman's legacy.

Season	Competition	Position/Result
1947-48	League	1st
1950	FA Cup	Winners
1952-53	League	1st

Whittaker's tactical skills and ability to motivate his players were key to Arsenal's success. His record-breaking achievements under his leadership made the club a top force in English football.

The Lean Years and Billy Wright's Tenure

After the 1940s and early 1950s, Arsenal faced hard times, not winning the league or FA Cup for 18 years. The team from the 1952-53 championship had grown old, and finding new talent was tough. Even with Billy Wright, a former England captain, as manager from 1962 to 1966, the club didn't win any trophies during this lean years.

Arsenal's struggles were clear on the field. The post-war success had faded, and the team couldn't keep up with English football's new powers. The lack of investment and aging players made it hard to compete for top honors.

Even so, Arsenal was still a big name in English football during these lean years. Fans longed for the old glory days. Billy Wright's arrival as manager was a hope for change, but it didn't lead to success. This left the club in a tough spot, looking for a way back to the top.

Season	Manager	League Position	FA Cup
1962-63	Billy Wright	5th	Quarter-finals
1963-64	Billy Wright	6th	Quarter-finals
1964-65	Billy Wright	7th	Fourth round
1965-66	Billy Wright	14th	Third round

Bertie Mee's Double-Winning Side

The 1970s were a big change for Arsenal, thanks to Bertie Mee. He became acting manager in 1966. With Don Howe, Bob McNab, and George Graham, they made it to the League Cup finals in 1967-68 and 1968-69.

The next year, they won the 1969-70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, Arsenal's first European trophy. Then, in the 1970-71 season, Bertie Mee's double-winning team won the Football League First Division and the FA Cup. This was a big deal for the Gunners, their first since 1971.

The 1970-71 League and FA Cup Double

The 1970-71 season was amazing for Arsenal. Under Bertie Mee, they played consistently well in the league. They won the First Division, their first title in 18 years.

Then, they won the FA Cup too, making it a double-winning season. This was a huge achievement for Arsenal. They became the fourth team to win the league and cup double, and the second in the 20th century.

This season made Bertie Mee a key figure in Arsenal's history. It started a new era of success and glory at Highbury.

Arsenal's Continuing Legacy and Modern Success

Since the 1970s, Arsenal has been a top football club in England. Under managers like Arsène Wenger, it has won many Premier League titles and other trophies. This has made it a giant in English football.

Arsenal's history, famous stadium, and ongoing success have made it a global brand. It's worth over $2 billion and has fans all over the world. The team's style and focus on young players have raised the bar in the Premier League.

Even with ups and downs in recent years, Arsenal remains a top team in England and Europe. Its drive for success, rich history, and loyal fans mean its legacy will last. Arsenal will always be a symbol of excellence and pride for many.