Arthur Topham

Born in Elson, near Ellesmere, Shropshire on 19 February 1869 and was the youngest of six children. He attended Oswestry School followed by Keble College in Oxford where in 1891 he earned a “Blue”, the highest honour granted to individual sportspeople at the University of Oxford. In the same year he moved to Eastbourne where he became a tutor in Grange Road.

He played for Casuals between 1891 and 1894 where he was an FA Amateur Cup runner up, made guest appearances for the Corinthian team between 1893 and 1897 and also played for Chiswick Park.

Topham joined Eastbourne Town, known as Eastbourne, in 1892 and played in 76 cup games. Most of which were the Sussex Senior Cup appearing in four finals and winning three of them.

At the age of 25 he earned an England Cap on 12 March 1894 playing against Wales winning 5-1 at Wrexham’s Racehorse Ground. He is the first player for Eastbourne Town to be called up for England whilst playing for the club. Arthur also had represented England in an uncredited friendly in 1891 winning 6-1 against Canadian-Americans at the Surrey Cricket Ground in Kennington.

Arthur announced his retirement from football in February 1902 but made a further 5 appearances, his last being in December 1903.

Topham became a schoolmaster in later years at St. Vincent’s becoming a partner when the school became Ascham St Vincent’s with team mate William Willis. He wad also a private tutor.

Arthur passed away 16 May 1931 at the age of 62.