Hutchinson, Arthur – The founder of Grantham Town FC

Col Arthur Hutchinson (1855 – 1930)

COL Arthur Hutchinson joined the Lincolnshire Regiment volunteers as private in 1873 and on retirement in 1908 was appointed Hon Colonel of the 2^nd Battalion.

But at the outbreak of the First World War, he volunteered again and was given command of the 2/4 Battalion, although he was disappointed that due to his age, he could not accompany them overseas.

Grantham-born, he was the son of Simon Hutchinson, of Manthorpe Lodge.

More importantly, he was the man who created Grantham Football Club. He was an original committee member, Captain of the very first club game against Mr Gamble’s side and Club Captain from the very first match against another team in October 1874 when The Third Lincolnshire Volunteer Rifles came to London Road.

Arthur played in nearly every Grantham match from this initial period and scored his first known goal for the club in the February 1875 friendly against Sleaford. He went on to play in the club’s maiden FA Cup tie, in October 1877 against Clapham Rovers, and became the first Grantham captain to lift a trophy when Gainsborough Trinity were defeated in the March 1885 Lincolnshire Senior Cup Final.

He was still a prominent member of the side right up until the end of the 1887/88 season and then returned for two more matches in November 1889 with his final appearance coming in the match against Boston NE.

Off the field, Arthur was elected to both the county council (he was a founder member) and Grantham Town Council in 1885, becoming Mayor in 1893 and 1901.

He was an alderman and justice of the peace and was on the Board of Guardians from 1888 until shortly before his death.

Col Hutchinson also supported the Oddfellows and left £500 in his will for a lodge.

A member of the Belvoir Hunt, he also enjoyed football.

He was a director of several local companies including Grantham Steam Laundry, both the gas and waterworks, Exchange Hall and was managing director of Mowbray’s brewery.

A month before his death, he treated 850 over-65s to dinner to celebrate his 75^th birthday.

Compiled with the assistance of Jon Barnes