From:World Rugby Museum
Name/TitleLetter from William Webb Ellis to unknown recipient
About this objectWilliam Webb Ellis is erroneously believed to be the founder of the game of rugby, the legend being that in 1823 he picked up the ball during a game of football and ran with it. It was in 1987 that the first rugby world cup occurred and the William Webb Ellis trophy was born.
This letter is regarding a receipt for Webb Ellis’ ‘exhibition’. The letter was written while he was a student at Oxford University. After graduating Ellis became a clergyman and died in 1872, but the myth of his being the founder of the game of rugby is still celebrated.
MakerWilliam Webb Ellis
Maker RoleAuthor
Date Made29/6/1829
Place MadeOxford, England
Medium and MaterialsPaper
Inscription and MarksBrasenose College, Oxford University
Measurements232 x 187 mm
Credit LineDonated 1999
Object TypeArchival Material
Object number2006/299
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
