Welcome

Last updated July 2006

Welcome to the history of Barnet FC website. This site is for supporters of Barnet Football Club, Bartonians, history students and football fans worldwide. Barnet Football Club reside at Underhill, Barnet, Hertfordshire, UK.  Author: Tony.Rayner@HistoryBarnetFC.co.uk

Barnet FC has survived for over 120 years. During that time the clubs has had its ups and downs, but it came through successfully, and we are indebted to all officials, both past and present, who unselfishly gave up their time to raise the club to the status it enjoys today.

The early history of the club is a little complex and until recently has been incorrectly published in newspapers, books and even football programmes. After several years of research the real Barnet Football Club has again emerged. Some scholars still argue over the inauguration date of the present club but there is no doubting that there has been a Barnet FC in the town since 1888.

Over the last 100 years Barnet FC have played at Underhill. This is now in the balance after a breakdown in trust between club and council. Click here to visit the Keep Barnet Alive website and comeback soon to see some great Underhill memories.

1882-1901, Middlesex & London League Champions

The first Barnet FC started life in New Barnet in 1882 as a junior amateur club eventually becoming Barnet FC in 1888. They soon become a senior club and embark on an illustrious campaign in the North London, North Middlesex and finally the London Leagues. Twice champions they had a bright future. Unfortunately in 1901 disaster struck...

1890-1912, Barnet Avenue

The second club Barnet Avenue started in 1890 and for many years were arch rivals to the first. After the first disbanded they took over the challenge as a senior club, renaming themselves Barnet FC between 1904 and 1912. Staunch believers in the amateur game they shunned the London Football Authority in favour of the Amateur Football Association.

1901-1919, Barnet Alston

The third, a local works team, Barnet Alston, started in 1901 becoming a town club in 1904 and as a senior club becoming champions of the London League in 1906/7. After merging with the Barnet Avenue team in 1912 they spearheaded the new Athenian League. After the First World War in 1919 they became the third instance of Barnet FC. This team continues today.

1919-1965, Athenian League Champions

For over 50 years Barnet FC competed in the Athenian League. Inaugural members in 1912/13 they were league champions no fewer than six times between 1919-1965.

1965 to date, Professional Years

In 1965 Barnet became a professional team joining the Southern League First Division ending the clubs 52-year association with the Athenian League. They were Southern League Div I Champions in 1965/6, before many years attempting the impossible of climbing out of the Alliance League & Conference and into the football league. However, between 1991/2 and 2000/1, Barnet joined the league for the first time, even spending one year in the old 2nd division. After a period back in the conference, Barnet FC are today back were they belong... in the football league...

All material copyright Tony Rayner @2006 and/or KickIt Books

This site is in no way connected to Barnet FC and the views expressed here are my own interpretation based on my research. The official Barnet FC history is available on the clubs web site.

 

 

Barnet FC London League II Champions

Barnet FC 1896-7

Barnet FC 1919-20

Barnet FC 1919-20

Barnet FC - Athenian League

Barnet FC 1939-40