Royal Arsenal
Founded as Royal Arsenal in 1886, by a Scotsman, David Danskin, and 15 of his fellow munitions workers in Woolwich. Each member invested sixpence and Danskin put in a further three shillings to establish the club. The name is derived from the centrepiece of the munitions installation, the Royal Arsenal complex.
Unveiled in 1888, Royal Arsenal’s first crest shows three cannons viewed from above, pointing northwards, similar to the coat of arms of the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich. These are often mistaken for chimneys. But the carved lion’s head and a cascabel on each, make it clear that they are indeed cannons. This emblem was replaced after the move to Highbury in 1913.
