HACKNEY HISTORY TALK: “The Origins of Leyton Orient Football Club in Hackney”

Tuesday 9th June, 6.30pm-730pm (doors open 6pm)

This is an in-person event at Hackney Archives, 2nd floor, CLR James Library, Dalston (E8)

A look back at Leyton Orient’s origins in Hackney, where they were based from their foundation in 1881 until 1930. During those forty-nine years, the club enjoyed moments of great success, often overshadowed by severe financial difficulties and tragic loss during the Great War. The illustrated talk includes many local sites that were connected to the club, including Homerton College, Millfields Road stadium and The Horse and Groom, Mare Street. Also referenced are a variety of interesting local residents such as MP Horatio Bottomley, heroic fireman Alf Parsons and Captain Henry Wells-Holland, a former Mayor of Hackney who was later imprisoned for embezzlement.

Our speaker, Davis Watson, is a lifelong Leyton Orient supporter with family connections to the club dating back over eighty years. He has served as club historian since 2021 and has a column in the matchday programme.

We are expecting this to be a popular event – please only order tickets for the number of people you know will definitely be attending and return any tickets that won’t be used. Our capacity is limited so we don’t wish to cause disappointment for people who are unable to get tickets when the event has sold out. Thank you.