TIVERTON PREEDY (1863 - 1928)
The founder of the Ashdown Club
In the 1901 Census there is an entry for a Tiverton Preedy "Clergyman - Clerkenwell Church of England - age 38". He had been at the All Saints Mission for five years. He was not a very tall man 5ft 5" and he had a rather benign appearance. However he was a very good boxer, and in 1906 he erected a boxing ring in the crypt under the Mission Hall. It was used by the likes of Matt Wells, Dick Smith and Pat O'Keefe in preparing for their serious championship fights. Matt Wells was the first boxer to represent Great Britain at the Olympics in 1908. In later years Len Harvey worked out there. Terry Allen who was later to become world flyweight champion had his boyhood lessons in the gym. Overseeing the gym was Father Preedy. An article written after his death noted "one look at Preedy's steely eyes, the stocky figure and the rock-like fists which he was always prepared to put up without even removing his "dog's collar" made it clear that he was not a man to trifle with"
Whilst boxing always played a big part in the All Saints Mission it was
wrestling which brought it real fame As a tribute to his friend and helper the
Earl of Craven, Father Preedy named the club after the Earls estate at Ashdown
Park, Shrivenham, Berkshire. The Ashdown Club was the premier wrestling club in
the country at the time. Eight of the twelve wrestlers that were chosen to
represent Great Britain in the Paris Olympics of 1924 were members of the
Ashdown Club. One of them,
George MacKenzie represented Great Britain in five
Olympics between 1908-1928 (shades of Steve Redgrave). He then officiated at a
further four and in 1956 in Melbourne he was chosen to carry the Union Jack at
the Opening Ceremony. The Ashdown Club was an outstanding success.
There is a cutting from a newspaper (date unknown) that shows that Father Preedy had other talents as well
ISLINGTON CLERIC WHO COMBINES DANCING WITH DIVINITY (.pdf file)
The Rev. Tiverton Preedy curate-in-charge of All Saints Mission Hall, White-Lion Street, Pentonville is a versatile churchman. He boxes, he is willing to challenge any young man in the district to a bout with the gloves; and all the flower girls in Islington and Pentonville simply adore "Father Preedy"
As a lady representative of the "Morning Leader" at the Mission hall watched the merry feet of the flower girls tripping to infectious music, a wan faced young woman gently plucked at her sleeve "Lidy, would yer 'old me biby w'ile I'ev a dance!"
The baby, of course, was taken over and was quite good whilst the mother danced with her friends. To and fro, to and fro, a curious mixture of the Irish jig, the cakewalk and the can-can these supple figures danced quicker, more quicker still. The curate at the piano pushed his biretta back and settled down to hard work. And the flying feet went more quickly than ever. When the music ceased and the girls flocked out into the street again struggling to sell their wares, it was easy to explain their affection for Father Preedy"
The following cutting is from The Times dated Tuesday 7th November 1899
In recognition of his great work over many years in the area Father Preedy was appointed a Prebendary of St Pauls Cathedral in 1926. He was an exceptionally popular person in the area and this is shown in the letter from Fulham Palace (pdf file) that was sent to Father Preedy offering him the Prebend. It was a rare distinction for a unbeneficed priest
In the last year of his life Tiverton suffered from chronic heart disease and on 28th April 1928 Father Preedy died in his sleep at the age of 65. As a mark of respect the local market was shut on the day of the funeral and thousands turned out to pay their respects to a man who had been an integral and well loved member of the local community for over thirty years. It must have been a moving occasion. The funeral was held at the Mission Hall and was conducted by the Bishop of London. There is a short transcript of the sermon that was read at the service. Afterwards, Father Preedy was interred at Islington Cemetery .
I started out this article just wanting to know what became of the match ball that was used in the 1912 F.A.Cup Final, the only Cup Final to be played in Sheffield. Even though he had left Barnsley sixteen years earlier in 1896, Father Preedy's legacy to the club must have been formidable and long lasting. He was the guest of honour at the post match banquet held at the Clarence Hotel and was presented with the match ball as a tribute by the club to its founder. For many years, it was kept on a stand in his study at the Mission Hall but Father Preedy requested that it be returned to Barnsley F.C. on his death. Mr John Davies, his executor carried out his wishes and the ball was returned to Barnsley.
The letter below is acknowledgement of the return of the ball and a guarantee that the ball will be kept in safe custody.
Sources
The Daily Telegraph Football Chronicle (1995)
Barnsley's Sporting Heroes' by Annie Storey (Wharncliffe Publishing 1997)
The Official History of Barnsley Football Club 1887 - 1979 - Grenville Firth
Walter Bartleman (pdf file)
I would like to place on record the help and assistance given to me by Father Shaun Richards of St Silas's Church Pentonville London - it was greatly appreciated
Notes :
Prebend - The right of a member of a chapter to his share in the revenues of the cathedral; also the share to which he is entitled; in general, any portion of the cathedral revenues set aside for the support of the clergy attached to it (semi-prebends) even for those who are not members of the chapter. They are regarded as benefices and governed by the same laws.
In March 2008, I was informed that all Tiverton's brothers are buried in Hitchen in Hertfordshire including his curate brother CHARLES PREEDY who died in 1936 at the age of 80.
This page was last updated on 12/03/08 12:44