Thames Ironworks F.C. was founded in the summer of 1895 by Dave Taylor and Arnold Hills.
Hills was a remarkable man. A pioneering advocate of vegetarianism and a philanthropist. Among his interests was the Vegetarian Cycling and Athletic Club. An Old Harrovian, he played one international for England, against Scotland in 1879.
In 1895 he was managing director of The Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, Limited. He was a great believer in the edifying qualities of organized sport, and also supported the notion of football clubs representing the local community and of the members of that community being stakeholders inn the football club.
Taylor was a foreman at the Ironworks.
Hills' background was reflected in the original kit of dark blue (Oxford University). The later (1899-1900) claret and blue was taken from the livery of The Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company.
Ironworks were confident enough to enter the FA Cup in their very first season- losing 5-0 to Chatham in the preliminary qualifying round. A low point came with a 6-0 loss to Millwall.
the stats from Ironworks' first season were:
P
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
F
|
A
|
47
|
30
|
5
|
12
|
136
|
68
|
Thames Ironworks joined the Southern league for the 1899–1900 season. Mr Hills' influence was very much in evidence as he made £1,000 available to spend on new talent.
Ironworks resigned from the Southern League and were dissolved in June 1900, reforming as West Ham United .
