Tiverton Preedy

Clergyman, football club founder

Tiverton Preedy (22 January 1863 – 26 April 1928) was an English clergyman who worked in Yorkshire and London from 1887 until his death, where he was noted for his work with the poor.

He was particularly interested in the use of sport within ministry, and founded a church football team in Barnsley which became the modern Barnsley F.C.

In 1883 he moved to London to become curate of a church in Islington, and later opened a nearby mission.He opened a boxing club at the mission and organised dances for local flower sellers.

In recognition of his work, he was appointed a prebendary of St.Pauls Cathedral in 1926.He died two years later and is buried in Islington Cemetery.

In the 1990s supporters of Barnsley F.C. located and restored his grave.