Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Use this board to discuss football in general, not Hitchin Town FC related.

Moderators: Nick Sopowski, ClubAdmin

User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Post by anthony.brown »

Francis Shillitoe, solicitor and coroner. Founder member of Hitchin Football Club, and according to Hitchin historian Reginald Hine, Francis was its first captain.
A few selected events and dates.

Born about July 1848
Baptised 13th September 1848
1851 Living in Sun Street, Hitchin. Father Richard Rickman Shillitoe, surgeon, apothecary, and GP.
1861 Living in Tilehouse Street, Hitchin.
24th February 1866 Played in Hitchin FC's first match, v Mr Elphinstone's XI (W2-1)
17th March 1866 Played for Hitchin FC v Mr Lucas's Team
9th March 1867 Played for Hitchin v Old Harrovians
24th April 1867 Hitchin Athletic Sports (under the auspices of Hitchin FC) Winner of one mile race (won two handled silver cup) '...ran in an easy winner, at a great pace and with plenty of steam to spare'.Quarter mile race (won a tankard) '....the race was run with great spirit'. Second place in the two mile race.
3rd October 1867 Hitchin Athletic Sports (under the auspices of Hitchin Cricket Club) 100 yards, 'won easily'. One mile, 'won very easily'. Hurdle race 150 yards, 10 flights, 'winner'. Quarter mile race, 'again won easily'. Handicap, one mile, 'won at discretion'
17th October 1868 Played for Wanderers v Amateur Athletic Club (W2-0) .......'On the winning side...Shillitoe showed up well' Bell's Life 24 Oct 1868.
28th October 1868 Played for Wanderers v Westminster School (L0-1)
7th November 1868 Played for Mr J. C. Reade's Eleven v Harrow School (at Harrow) (L0-3)
16th November 1868 Played, and was captain, for Wanderers v Eton Club (L0-3)
17th November 1868 Played, and was captain, for Wanderers v Harrow Club (D0-0)
26th November 1868 Captains Hitchin FC v Wanderers (D1-1)
12th December 1868 Played (?) for Wanderers v London Athletic Club (L2-3)
(Appears in Morning Advertiser reported team, but may have been absent from this game)
13th March 1869 Captains Hitchin FC v Clapham Rovers (D0-0)
3rd April 1869 presents the 'handsome two-handled cup' to 'Logsdon' for winning Hitchin FC's Hare & Hounds cross country race (around the lanes of Charlton, Offley, and Preston).
25th September 1869 Played for Wanderers v Clapham Rovers (L0-1).....'by dint of skilful and energetic play, did much to redeem the credit of (his) side' The Field 2nd Oct 1869.
2nd October 1869 Played his final game for Wanderers v C.C.C (Clapham Common Club) (D0-0)

note: in the age of footballing 'gentlemen', players would often be invited to turn out for another team, while remaining with their own club. The 1860's was a period where most matches were 'friendly' fixtures, and the 'Old Boy' network used frequently. Teams often played with less than eleven players and codes of play (rules) were mixed in pre-FA times. On match days, players would often switch sides to even out the teams. An early Hitchin friendly match was reported as having nine players v seven, I believe.

1871 Living in Tilehouse Street, Hitchin (Attorney)
11th November 1871 Played for Hitchin v Crystal Palace, a 0-0 draw, in the first round of the first ever FA Cup competition.
23rd November 1872 Played for Hitchin v St Alban's Pilgrims (D1-1) ...'for Hitchin Shillitoe showed that he had not forgotten how to dribble' Hertfordshire Express report.
29th January 1874 Marries Susan Elizabeth Grounds in Ludlow, Salop
1881 Living in West Lane, Hitchin (Solicitor & Coroner)
1891 Living in 2, Paynes Park, Hitchin (Solicitor)
1901 Ditto
1911 Ditto

He dies in Hitchin on 18th March 1924
Last edited by anthony.brown on Mon Aug 22, 2022 3:54 pm, edited 17 times in total.


User avatar
Stuart
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 149
Joined: Sun May 08, 2016 7:33 pm

Re: Founding Fathers (2)

Post by Stuart »

Brilliant stuff again Anthony :thumbsup: , fascinating reading. Would love to know more about the "Hare & Hounds" cross country race, obviously an annual event around Hitchin, wonder what its origins were and when and why it was no longer held? I guess the war may have had something to do with it.

Really appreciate the history lessons here Anthony, :clap:
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Founding Fathers (2)

Post by anthony.brown »

Thank you, Stuart. Revisiting the original article, below, I realised my memory caused a couple of mistakes to be made in my summary of the race. F. Shillitoe did not win it, but presented the cup ('handsome two-handled' not necessarily silver!) to the winner Logsdon. He did lead off as one of the hares....................................................................

THE FOOTBALL CLUB - HARE AND HOUNDS

On Saturday last (3rd April 1869) the members of Hitchin Football Club held their first meet at the Dog-kennel Farm Field.
At two minutes past three the hares (Messrs F. Shillitoe and F. Holgate) started, followed in 15 minutes by the hounds. The course was across Mr Hill's farm, to the bottom of Offley Hill, across Offley Park, where there was a slight check to West-wood and straight to Preston, and into the 'Chequers' where another 'check' occurred. From the Chequers the hounds went at a rattling pace along the road leading to Hitchin but soon turning into Wain-wood, they went across Tatmoor Hills to the old Rifle Butts, and thence to Well-head, where they came to a brook. All got a ducking and from there, home, distance about one mile, an exciting struggle ensued between Logsdon and Atkinson - Logsdon eventually winning by about 20 yards; Layton, coming in third about 50 yards behind Atkinson; the rest straggling in at varying intervals, some about an hour after.
A handsome two-handled cup was given by Mr F. Shillitoe to the winner. The time as taken by Mr Pardoe, the Secretary (who kindly acted as time-keeper) was 1h 16m, the distance traversed being about ten miles, across pretty stiff country. There was a crowded 'gallery' to see the water jump and the finish.

Hertford Mercury and Reformer Saturday 10th April 1869
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Founding Fathers (2)

Post by anthony.brown »

DEATH OF HITCHIN CORONER

One of the best known public men in North Herts is removed by death, which occurred at Hitchin on Tuesday, of Mr Francis Sillitoe,at the age of 75 years.
The late Mr Shillitoe, who was a son of the late Dr Richard Rickman Shillitoe, had at the time of his death been coroner for the Hitchin District, which stretches from the Beds border to Welwyn on the south, for the long period of 42 years. He had also been people's warden of St Mary's, Hitchin, for 30 years. For some 38 years he was the treasurer of the 'Cecil' Lodge of Freemasons.

In his younger days he was a foremost athlete, distinguishing himself particularly in cycling, football and swimming.
At one period he played for Wanderers FC, which may be compared to the present Corinthians.

Mr Shillitoe had held a number of important positions at Hitchin, including that of clerk to the governors of the Hitchin Grammar Schools.
He was a family solicitor of the old type and came of one of the oldest and respected of Hitchin families.
After a particular healthy and vigorous life he had a heart attack about a fortnight ago, from which he never rallied.
He was twice married. He leaves five sons and two daughters by his first marriage, and two young daughters, with a widow, by his second marriage.

Biggleswade Chronicle Friday 21st March 1924
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Post by anthony.brown »

I've found some match reports of Francis Shillitoe's Wanderers appearances. I'll add them gradually.

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB v WANDERERS
This match was played at Beaufort House on Saturday 17th October 1868.
The Wanderers won the toss, and at 3.30 kicked off. For some time the game was very even, but after about half an hour's play a good kick from Lubbock secured the first goal for the Wanderers. Sides were then changed, and the Athletic appeared to have a trifle the best of it for a short time, but a good run up and side kick from Bowen resulted in the second capture of the Amateur goal. Very little time was now left, and part of this was taken up by members of the 3rd Middlesex Rifles having to shoot at the 300 yards range, interfering with the game. However, they good-naturedly shot off their rounds as soon as they could, and play was resumed, but no further success attended either side, and the Wanderers were accordingly hailed victors by two goals to none. On the winning side, Bowen, Lubbock, and Shillitoe showed up well, and for the A. A. C (who unfortunately lost the services of Watney and Christie) Morgan and Moore were very useful, and Tabor (who was properly a Wanderer, but was given to the other side to make numbers equal) played in good form throughout the match.
The following were the players:
Wanderers: E. E. Bowen (captain), W. J. Dixon, W. O. Hewlett, F. Shillitoe, A. Baker, J. Kirkpatrick, E. Lubbock, Dunn, Brown, and Barnes.
Amateur Athletic Club: P. M. Thornton (captain), J. H. Morgan, G. C. Moore, J. H. Slocock, E. J. Colbeck, W. M. Chinnery, H. J. Chinnery, J. J. Chinnery, F. C. Reid, and A. Tabor.

Bell's Life Saturday 24th October 1868

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL v WANDERERS
The Westminster boys played their second match at Vincent Square on Wednesday last, the 28th October 1868, when they contended against their old opponents, the Wanderers, and, after an hour and a half of good steady play, succeeded in obtaining the honours of victory by one goal to none. Both sides had apparently failed to secure the full strength of their elevens, as several of the most prominent members of the Wanderers Club were conspicuous by their absence; while the School also sustained a loss by the non-appearance of two of their most useful players - F. N. Saunders and F. S. Haden. Shortly after three o'clock the ball was thrown up by the Westminster captain, the Wanderers, who had won the toss, occupying the goal at the lodge end of the ground, which secured them the advantage of a slight breeze. The Boys followed up the ball quickly, and, working well together, carried it up at once into the immediate front of the Wanderers' goal, which was severely threatened by this opening rush. The Wanderers, although some good runs were occasionally made by P. M. Thornton and J. E. Tayloe, were unable to make headway against the superior backing up and general good forward play of their opponents, who contrived to keep the ball away from their half of the ground. About twenty minutes after the commencement of the game, a good run up was made by the Westminsters who succeeded in passing two of the opposing 'backs' and the ball being judiciously 'middled', was safely driven, by a good kick from H. E. Rawson, into the centre of the Wanderers goal. Sides were changed, and the ball again thrown up, the Boys, as before, keeping their opponents well on the defensive. A fine run was made for the Wanderers by J. E. Tayloe, who was within an ace of securing a goal for his side, C. M. Tebbutt also deserves notice for a good piece of play, whereby he carried the ball from the centre of goal almost up into the heart of the School lines; but in spite of these two well-directed attempts, and several severe scrimmages, which took place in front of the School posts, and in which A. Baker's hands took a prominent part, the Wanderers were unable to recover their lost goal, and thus, when time was called at half past four o'clock, the Westminsters remained in possession of a well-merited victory by one goal.
We had occasion last week to speak favourably of the play against Mr Dixon's Eleven, and the result of this second contest only served to enhance the good opinion we had formed of this season's eleven in comparison with the teams that have represented the School in previous years. On this occasion the Boys played up with great spirit, and their 'backing up' was unexceptional They are fortunate in possessing a quartet of such promising young forwards as H. E. Rawson, E. M. Curteis, R. S. Vidal, and A. C. Wakley, and also in having such a steady and cool post man as C. W. Stephenson. A little more dash in their back play is the one thing needful to perfect the Eleven, and render them a team of unusual strength and promise.
For the Wanderers, to whom we would recommend the advisability of introducing as little of 'fives' element as possible, P. M. Thornton, J. E. Tayloe, and A. Baker (forwards) were most prominent, while C. F. Reid kicked as long and high as ever. For the School, R. S. Vidal was especially conspicuous throughout, and A. C. Wakley and the brothers Rawson also lent efficient assistance.
Wanderers: P. M. Thornton (captain), A. Baker, A. Borwick, W. J. Dixon, R. Dunn, E. Fairfield, J. Kirkpatrick, C. F. Reid, F. Shillitoe, J. E. Tayloe, and C. M. Tebbutt.
Westminster School: F. A. O'Brien (captain), H. Barren, W. Basham, R. S. Vidal, A. C. Wakley, R. M. Curteis, C. W. Stephenson, H. G. Rawson, H. E. Rawson, H. Darley, R. Wilson, and Y. Smith.
The Field Saturday 31st October 1868

HARROW SCHOOL v MR J. C. READE'S ELEVEN
This match was played at Harrow on Saturday last, 7th November 1868, and as Mr Reade was, at the last moment disappointed of three of his members, was provided with three substitutes, who rendered excellent assistance.Throughout the play was in favour of the School, who at the close of the game had scored three goals (obtained by Smith, Walker, and Pidcock) to their adversaries none.
The names of the players are appended:
HARROW - C. W. Walker (captain), C. A. Pidcock, F. E. R. French (?), A. Apcar, G. T. Smith, Lord Kilmarnock, C. Palmer, W. P. Crake, C. T. Giles, W. Torr, and J. Warwick.
MR READE'S ELEVEN - J. C. Reade, C. F. Reid, E. E. Bowen, J. A. Cruikshank, A. W. Daniel, F. Shillitoe, J. N. Russell, and W. O. Hewlett, the emergencies being Gwynne, Hood, and Styleman.
Sporting Life Wednesday 11th November 1868


WANDERERS v ETON
This match took place on the Trinity College Cricket Ground yesterday (Monday 16th November 1868), and though the weather was pleasant enough at the beginning of the game, a miserable rain set in, and made the fray anything but genial to witness at the finish. The Wanderers won the toss, and, at three o'clock precisely, elected to kick with the wind, a slight one blowing in their favour. For the first eight or nine minutes the ball was kept in a rather unpleasant position for the foreigners, but they at last drove at their foe from the precincts of their own fort into the middle of the ground, when all of a sudden a magnificent run-down was made by Mr Radcliffe, who finally finished the feat by making a splendid kick into the Wanderers' goal. For the next ten minutes the latter improved materially in their form of defence, as well as in their style of attack, keeping the foe at bay for some considerable time, and afterwards getting within a little of a couple of touches-down. At this Eton rallied afresh, and once more got the Wanderers into a scrape or two, Mr Hoare particularly distinguishing himself, but from this point to the bell ringing at half-time, nothing occurred to warrant any special comment. On changing ends, Eton at once pressed their adversaries into close quarters, but the latter were equal to the occasion, and some very hard fighting and clever manoeuvring followed, the upset being a touch-down to the credit of Mr Montgomery in favour of the Wanderers. Here the latter were driven home without mercy, and soon after a fine kick from Mr Thornton made a goal to the good of Eton, and this, after some grand charges, was supplemented by another to Mr Powell in honour of the same side. After a little more fighting, hostilities ceased, the game being - Eton, three goals, the Wanderers, one touch down (3-0). The Hon. T. Pelham and Mr Headlam, of Trinity College, kindly consented to officiate as umpires.
Wanderers: F. Shillitoe (captain), H. H. Montgomery, W. B. Money, V. R. Shaw, F. Dorling, A. J. Tuck, F. H. Pitt-Taylor, O. S. Walford, H. Emanuel, H. E. Broughton, E. Mergency.
Eton: W. Durnford (captain), A. C. Thompson, T. W. Wilson, G. Gossett, J. C. Thornton, W. Hoare, J. Kennedy, J. Rigden, W. Radcliffe, R. W. Powell, and E. Royds.
The Sportsman Tuesday 17th November 1868

WANDERERS v HARROW CLUB (CAMBRIDGE)
This match was commenced on the Trinity College Cricket Ground a few minutes before three yesterday (Tuesday 17th November 1868), the Wanderers playing with nine men and Harrow ten at the beginning of the game. In consequence of rain the ground was very slippery and the ball very greasy, and for some little time there was not that interest manifested, which we have seen on former occasions. Presently the advent of three men made the sides even, and the play improved, at least so far as energy was concerned. Both forts were stormed, and both met with repulse, though nothing like the ghost of a touch-down was obtained by either side up to the bell ringing for half time. On ends being changed, Mr Money tried very hard to run his opponents down on two occasions, Mr Tuck being energy itself on behalf of the opposition. In a little time a splendid run-down was made by Mr Mason, the goal of the Wanderers being nearly penetrated, but presently after the other fort was in danger, chiefly through the indomitable pluck of Mr Rigden. Much after the same fashion, the game was contested until the call of time. It will thus be seen that neither goal nor a touch-down was obtained by either side.
Harrow Club: Mason (captain), H. H. Montgomery, Sir W. Ffolkes, Holmes, W. B. Money, Bouverie, Broughton, Pulteney, Holdsworth, Pryor, and Shakespear.
Wanderers: F. Shillitoe (captain), H. Emmanuel, H. E. Broughton, A. J. Tuck, G. Gossett, Hon T. H. Pelham, J. Rigden, A. C. Thompson, C. I. Thornton, O. S. Walford, and W. Hoare.
The Sportsman Wednesday 18th November 1868

Another report of the same game.

WANDERERS v CAMBRIDGE HARROVIANS
This match was played on the Trinity Ground, Cambridge, on Tuesday last, the 17th, and ended in a draw, no goal falling to either side.From kick off until time was called the game was kept up on the most even terms, neither party being able to claim any advantage. Money played very well for 'the Harrow', as also did Mason; while Tuck did good service for the Rovers. The ground was, however, very slippery from the recent rains, which had the effect of somewhat damping the ardour of the players.
The Field Saturday 21st November 1868
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Post by anthony.brown »

Another of Francis Shillitoe's talents was boating. The History of Hitchin by Reginald Hine records the following:
Boating on Oughton Head, and, peradventure, further, for had not two intrepid watermen, Francis Shillitoe and William Hill, in their 'Ruby' and 'Wanderer' canoes worked their way by river from Hitchin down to Yarmouth? (1869)

Reginald Hine also records that Francis was Secretary and Treasurer of Hitchin Cricket Club for thirty years.
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Post by anthony.brown »

Our history project, started on the first day of lockdown last year, has had good results.

The history section of our website describes Francis Shillitoe thus:
He was a keen rower, and there is evidence that he was a coroner and later lived in Pirton Road at Foxholes.

He never lived at Foxholes; this fantasy has been repeated in books and articles ever since someone mistook him for William Tindall Lucas, who DID live at Foxholes. Francis was living in Tilehouse Street in 1871 and later lived in Paynes Park. He WAS the local coroner for many years.

He was certainly a rower; but SO much more! He played several games for the Wanderers, and even captained them on occasion.
He was an all-rounder, a champion local athlete in his youth.............. See earlier in the thread for more details.

I'm sure our updated history section will soon give the correct details.
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Post by anthony.brown »

With the FA Cup 150 coming up, I thought I'd bring this thread back to life. It would be nice if the club history section on our web site could erase the 'Francis Shillitoe lived in Foxholes' myth once and for all!
User avatar
anthony.brown
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 771
Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 7:19 pm
Location: Offley

Re: Francis Shillitoe: Local Hero.

Post by anthony.brown »

I'm nudging this thread as we are this season celebrating the FA Cup 150 (Francis played in that first ever FA Cup tie). Francis Shillitoe certainly deserves remembering for his services to many sports in the town over many years, and for his sterling work for the community of Hitchin. And he never lived at Foxholes (still shown in the Club's history section of this web site: why?)
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic