West Ham United

Press Association photograph of mounted police, including PC George Scorey on Billie the grey horse, clearing the pitch at the new Empire Stadium, Wembley, on 28 April 1923.

1895–1923

Founded on Iron

Thames Ironworks, 1895. The shipyard that became a football club.

The story

West Ham United began life as Thames Ironworks FC, founded in 1895 by shipyard owner Arnold Hills and foreman Dave Taylor.The crossed-hammers crest, the Hammers nickname, the working-class identity, all trace to the iron and rivets of the Thames shipyard.The Club's foundation, in documents and artefacts.

In this theme

4 objects

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Press Association photograph of mounted police, including PC George Scorey on Billie the grey horse, clearing the pitch at the new Empire Stadium, Wembley, on 28 April 1923.

Programme · 1923

1923 FA Cup Final Programme, The 'White Horse Final'

Sepia photograph of the Thames Ironworks Football Club squad, posed in three rows in dark jerseys with a football at their feet, 1895. The Club that became West Ham United five years later.

Photograph · 1895

Thames Ironworks F.C., Squad Photograph, 1895

Original artwork for the crossed-hammers-and-castle West Ham United crest, c.1903–04.

Other · 1903

Crossed Hammers & Castle, Club Crest Artwork (c.1903–04)

Posed group photograph of the West Ham United first-team squad during the 1927–28 First Division season.

Photograph · 1928

West Ham United Squad, 1927–28

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Other themes.

European Glory

1965 in claret and blue at Wembley. 2023 in Prague. The Club's two European trophies, 58 years apart.

Cup Finals

Every Wembley walk. 1923, 1964, 1965, 1975, 1980, 2023.

England at West Ham

30 July 1966. Three Hammers lifted the World Cup. The international story told through Upton Park caps, medals, and matchday memorabilia.

West Ham United · Est. 1895

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279 objects across 130 years of the Club. Every shirt, medal, programme and photograph.

PopularBobby Moore 1965 FA Cup Boleyn Ground