Nathaniel Creswick

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Sir Nathaniel Creswick (31 July 1831 – October 1917) was a footballer who co-founded Sheffield FC, one of the oldest football clubs in the world, in 1857. With William Prest, he established the Sheffield Rules, which were highly influential upon the modern laws of association football. He was also a founder of the Hallamshire Rifles.

Creswick was born in Sheffield, England to Nathaniel and Elizabeth. His father was Silver-plating manufacturer.^[1] He was educated at Sheffield Collegiate School and became a solicitor of a silver-plate company. He became involved with several local sports clubs including the Clarkhouse Road Fencing Club and Sheffield Cricket Club.

While at Sheffield CC he joined several other players in informal football matches that started in 1855.^[2] He and William Prest decided to create an independent football club. It was founded on 24 October 1857 and became known as Sheffield Football Club. They also established a set of playing rules to be used by the club. These were later used by other clubs in the area and eventually spread to many clubs in the north of England and became known as the Sheffield Rules.

Creswick was also involved in founding the 2nd West Yorkshire Rifles (better known as the Hallamshire Rifles) in 1858. He remained with them until 1897 rising to the rank of Colonel. He was knighted for services to the volunteer movement in 1907.

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