Matthew Bloxam was best known as an Antiquarian and
author, and for being the historian of all things Rugby - that being the town,
the school, and the sport. In addition, he was known as a notable architectural
historian (author of "Principles of Gothic
Architecture”), archeologist, genealogist and art collector. Throughout his life
he maintained a close relationship with the Rugby school, having attended from
1813 through 1821 and later bequeathing to Rugby much of his collection,
inclusive of books, art and paintings, ancient weaponry, armor and pottery.
Most notable to us is that Bloxam was the source of the information on William
Webb Ellis. Most often referenced in regard to Webb Ellis are Bloxam's letter to “The Meteor” and extracts
from the book “Rugby: The School and the Neighborhood”, 1889. This book was put
together after his death by the Rev. W.H. Payne Smith from a partial selection of his papers,
articles and recollections, starting with a paper published by Bloxam in 1836.
The book included publications by Bloxam that were published at “various times
and in various ways over a period of fifty years”.
Ellis’ name was made famous for his part in the
evolution of early rugby football and is now the source of several
controversies that have since followed. The plan is to address the controversies in
a separate blog post. I have much to say on the subject, but
do not intend to write a book or lengthy article as many have done - and not
surprisingly have a differing take than some, based on research and common
sense.
From Bloxam’s writings:
“In the latter half-year of 1823, some 57 years ago,
originated though without premeditation, that change in one of the rules, which
more than any other has since distinguished the Rugby School game from the
Association Rules.
A boy of the name of Ellis — William Webb Ellis — a
town boy and a foundationer, who at the age of nine entered the School after
the midsummer holidays in 1816, who in the second half-year of 1823, was, I
believe, a praepostor, whilst playing Bigside at football in that half-year,
caught the ball in his arms. This being so, according to the then rules, he
ought to have retired back as far as he pleased, without parting with the ball,
for the combatants on the opposite side could only advance to the spot where he
had caught the ball, and were unable to rush forward till he had either punted
it or had placed it for some one else to kick, for it was by means of these
placed kicks that most of the goals were in those days kicked, but the moment
the ball touched the ground, the opposite side might rush on. Ellis, for the
first time, disregarded this rule, and on catching the ball, instead of
retiring backwards, rushed forwards with the ball in his hands towards the opposite
goal, with what result as to the game I know not, neither do I know how this
infringement of a well known rule was followed up, or when it became, as it is
now, a standing rule. Mr. Ellis was high up in the School, and as to
scholarship of fair average abilities. He left School in the summer of 1825,
being the second Rugby Exhibitioner of that year, and was entered at Brasenose
College, Oxford. He subsequently took Holy Orders, and at a later period became
incumbent of the church of St. Clement Danes, Strand, London. He died on the
continent some years ago. When at School, though in a high Form, Mr. Ellis was
not what we should call a " swell," at least none of his compeers
considered him as such ; he had, however, no lack of assurance, and was ambitious
of being thought something of. In fact he did an act which if a fag had
ventured to have done, he would probably have received more kicks than
commendations. How oft it is that such small matters lead to great results!”
It is appropriate that the autograph and bookplate of Bloxam (and
Rugby School) are found inside the front cover of a 1677 edition of "THE ANTIQUITIES OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE”. This volume was
deaccessioned a few years back in a very controversial auction of 300 texts to
raise money for the Rugby bursaries. Reports at the time called the auction a
“flogging”, many objecting to the sale. Included in the auction were books by
Shakespeare, “Comedies, Histories, &
Tragedies” from 1632, a first edition Charles Dickens' “A
Christmas Carol”, a rare copy of “Robinson Crusoe”, a first edition of
“Don Quixote”, a rare first edition of John Milton's “Paradise Lost”, as well
as many “splendid books from the library of Matthew Bloxam". It is an
early and fitting addition to our collection.
