Lot Essay
The above jersey was worn by Arnold Kirke-Smith in the first-ever official International match against Scotland, played on 30th November 1872 at the West of Scotland Cricket Ground, Hamilton Crescent, Patrick, Glasgow. The match which was played in front of 4,000 spectators ended in a 0-0 draw. Prior to this first official International match, there were three unofficial International matches between Scotland and England.
Arnold Kirke-Smith (later Reverand) was born in Ecclesfield Nr.Sheffield on 23rd April 1850 and attended Cheltenham College before joining Oxford University where he played for Oxford University in the 1872-73 F.A.Cup final. He then joined the Sheffield Club and represented the Sheffield Football Association. He was ordained in 1875 and had curacies at Biggleswade, East Socon, Bedfordshire and Somersham, Cambridgeshire. He then became Vicar in the parish of Somersham and also of Boxworth, Cambridgeshire from 1889 until his death on 8th October 1927. By family repute, he is believed to have been involved with the Corinthians Football Club in some capacity and was one of nine players who played in the first-ever International match who played just the once for their country. Kirke-Smith was born Arnold Smith and had five brothers who all attended university. The brothers decided that prior to going to university it would an advantage to them to add a second name to their surname. They each chose a different name, with Arnold choosing Kirke (perhaps as some form of pun as Kirk is associated with the Church of Scotland).
Arnold Kirke-Smith (later Reverand) was born in Ecclesfield Nr.Sheffield on 23rd April 1850 and attended Cheltenham College before joining Oxford University where he played for Oxford University in the 1872-73 F.A.Cup final. He then joined the Sheffield Club and represented the Sheffield Football Association. He was ordained in 1875 and had curacies at Biggleswade, East Socon, Bedfordshire and Somersham, Cambridgeshire. He then became Vicar in the parish of Somersham and also of Boxworth, Cambridgeshire from 1889 until his death on 8th October 1927. By family repute, he is believed to have been involved with the Corinthians Football Club in some capacity and was one of nine players who played in the first-ever International match who played just the once for their country. Kirke-Smith was born Arnold Smith and had five brothers who all attended university. The brothers decided that prior to going to university it would an advantage to them to add a second name to their surname. They each chose a different name, with Arnold choosing Kirke (perhaps as some form of pun as Kirk is associated with the Church of Scotland).