Establishment of Arsenal

One of the world's most famous football clubs, followed by millions across every continent, began in a weapons factory where workers pooled their spare change to buy a football. In October 1886, Scottish worker David Danskin and 15 colleagues at the Royal Arsenal armament factory decided to form a team. This massive industrial complex along the southeast riverside produced cannons and munitions for the British Empire. They named themselves Dial Square after the workshop at the heart of the arsenal where they worked.

Each man contributed sixpence, and Danskin added three shillings to buy their first ball. Football was almost unknown in this area dominated by rugby and cricket. Their first match came on December 11, 1886, against Eastern Wanderers at the Isle of Dogs. They won 6 to 0. By Christmas Day, the team renamed itself Royal Arsenal.

The club turned professional in 1891, shocking football authorities who boycotted them. In 1893, they joined the Football League as Woolwich Arsenal, becoming the first club from the south to enter. The nickname "The Gunners" comes directly from their origins in the armaments factory. The original Dial Square workshop site now houses the Dial Arch pub in the Royal Arsenal Riverside development.