Nathaniel Creswick

Nathaniel Creswick was one of the founding fathers of Sheffield football (and by extension football
in this country and by extending the thought to the point of breaking, of world football)

With William Prest, he founded Sheffield F.C. - the world's first real football club (as opposed to
school team) in 1857 (and not 1855 as sometimes quoted)

Sheffield Club, with no other opponents, spiced up their diet of intra-club kick-abouts with matches
against the Garrison at the barracks.
However the largest contribution of military men to local football came from the local volunteers.

Nathaniel Creswick and the Local Volunteer Forces

The Crimea and the Indian Mutiny demonstrated that the weapons, organization and training of the
British Army were inadequate. It was, however, the threat of invasion by Napoleon III in the 1840’s
that inspired the creation of the Volunteer Movement.

The Hallamshire Rifles

Established in 1859 by a list that looks like a who's-who of Sheffield Industry.
Amongst the officers were both Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, while the commanding officer
was the Baron Wharncliffe.
Within a few months there were 4 companies - making the volunteers battalion strength.
The unit became the 2nd West Riding of Yorkshire (Hallamshire) Volunteer Rifle Corps..
Major Wilson Overend was appointed commander - which caused friction with some of the officers,
aprticularly Captain JGA Creswick who resigned and went on to establish the Artillery Volunteers.

The Engineers

Formed in 1860, in connection with the School of Art. The company so formed became the 1st West
Riding of Yorkshire Engineer Volunteers.
The first captain was Mr Young Mitchell, headmaster of the Art School with two of the school
masters, Lomas and Legge, as 1st and 2nd lieutenant.
In 1872 the Corps became the 1st West York Engineer Volunteers. - with a field works at Endcliffe.

The Artillery

Formed in 1861 after the dispute in the Rifle Corps. Captain JGA Creswick resigned and was followed
by several others, including his cousin Nathaniel.
Nathaniel became the commanding officer.
By 1864 the Corps became the 4th West York Artillery Volunteers.



The family were involved in silver plate manufacture, but Nathaniel decided to be a solicitor
instead.
He was also a Companion of the Most Noble Order of Bath.