In celebration of the England’s incredible efforts during the Euros, July’s Item of the Month explores a cap that belonged to local football legend, Harold Fleming (1887–1955).
Harold Fleming joined Swindon Town Football Club (STFC) in 1907, aged 20, after being invited to trial by manager Sam Allen. Proving his skill by scoring twice in a 4-0 win against Salisbury, Fleming would soon join the team full time. In his first season playing for the Town, Fleming was the top scorer, with 17 goals from 30 appearances. In 17 years, he scored 203 times in 336 appearances, earning himself a legendary reputation in local football.
Fleming’s international career began in 1909, when he became the first man from Wiltshire to play for England. To this day, he holds the record number of England appearances made by a Swindon player. He played 11 international matches between 1909-1914, during which time he scored 9 goals. He was presented with this cap for his appearance at a friendly match between England and Ireland on 12th February 1910. The score was 1-1, with Fleming scoring the England goal.
Fleming’s rich career was interrupted by World War I (1914-18), during which he worked as a physical education instructor in Cambridge. He returned to Swindon Town Football Club when it joined the League in 1920, contributing 4 goals to a 9-1 win over Luton in the first match. This remains the team’s record League victory.
Today, Fleming is considered one of STFC’s greatest ever players. He is celebrated locally by a statue in the foyer of the County Ground football stadium, and in 2019 a blue plaque was unveiled on his former home in Durham Street. A major street in the town centre, close to the stadium – Fleming Way - is named after him.
This cap, from England’s 1910 match against Ireland, is on display in the History of Swindon Galleries at Museum & Art Swindon, alongside other items relating to Swindon’s sporting history.