Bobby Buckle

Bobby Buckle (1868 – 1959) 

A dedicated team of Spurs fans and local historians came together to carry out very thorough research on an overlooked story that needed to be told. In July 2020 the eagerly awaited result of the publication of The authorised biography - Bobby Buckle: Spurs Founder and First Captain by Christopher South finally arrived on people’s doormats through the post (it was lockdown in 2020). 

The story focusses on a local lad, Bobby Buckle (1868-1959) who, as the book title indicates, was one of the group of boys who founded what was to become Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. 

The book uses previously unseen archives from the Buckle family, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club (THFC) and Bruce Castle Museum and Archive as it skilfully weaves together local history, school history and football history. It relies on family reminiscences handed down through the Buckle family alongside those of Ken Barker and Christopher South, the grandsons of Bobby’s lifelong friend Samuel South, who ran the local pottery South’s & Sons. All this was married up with original primary sources.

No founding story about THFC would be without the almost legendary tale of the boys meeting under the lamppost in Tottenham with their youthful idea to play football - becoming the staple of any Hotspur narrative. However, it must be remembered this is not a history of the Club but the first biography of one of the most important key players in its foundation. The life-story of Bobby Buckle and his contribution to Spurs’ history has long been overlooked – until now.

The team of researchers were keen to advocate for an English Heritage Blue Plaque for Bobby on his former home at White Cottage, 7 White Hart Lane – the official address for the Club when it was first formed. Its address of White Hart Lane is still referred to when mentioning the Club today – White Hart Lane! Sadly there is no immediate opportunity for a Blue Plaque for Bobby as a founder and first captain of the Club but his former home (Grade II listed) has been restored and his name is not only profiled by the Club under the legends of THFC but also his home is part of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club heritage trail.

Further resources

Find out more about Bobby Buckles or get the book at the shop at Bruce Castle Museum and Archive as well as explore THFC’s trail or check out the Antwerp Arms for their annual event in May that incorporates the Spurs Secret History Walk. 

Bobby Buckle - born 150 years ago today