Bristol Rovers Virtual Museum

In a letter to the editor of the Bristol Mercury and Daily Post in November 1883, the writer bemoaned the fact that one hears nothing but Rugby Union matches. He went on to say that in a large city the size of Bristol, there must be many who prefer the Association game, so why does Bristol not have a club of its own.

The writer’s question was answered as five young teachers had only met a month earlier in the Eastville Restaurant in Stapleton to form what would be the Black Arabs football club, its name taken after a rugby team who played nearby.

This story and many others are vividly told in a soon to be published book ‘The Formative Years’ by long-time Rovers supporter, Eric Whitlock and the photos on this page are reflected along with many others in the book.

Stay tuned to this page and the Heritage Society Facebook page for details of when the book will be published and how to buy it.