
Arthur Wharton, a Black British football player, was born in Jamestown, Gold Coast (now part of Accra, Ghana) in 1865. He moved to England in 1883 to pursue an English education and soon rose to prominence as an athlete, winning the Amateur Athletics Association 100-yard sprint in a record time of 10 seconds. While he was not the first mixed-heritage footballer in the United Kingdom, he was the first mixed-heritage footballer to turn professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Arthur Wharton |
| Birth Year | 1865 |
| Birthplace | Jamestown, Gold Coast (now part of Accra, Ghana) |
| Father | Henry Wharton, Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent |
| Mother | Annie Florence Egyriba, member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty |
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What You'll Learn
- Arthur Wharton was born in Jamestown, Gold Coast, in 1865
- Jamestown is now part of Accra, Ghana
- His father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent
- His mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty
- Arthur Wharton moved to England in 1883 to receive an English education

Arthur Wharton was born in Jamestown, Gold Coast, in 1865
Arthur Wharton, a renowned footballer, was born in 1865 in Jamestown, located in what was then known as the Gold Coast. This region is now part of modern-day Accra, Ghana, with Accra being the capital city.
Wharton's father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent, while his mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty. The Gold Coast was a significant location during the colonial era, and it played a crucial role in the history of the African continent.
Jamestown, located within the Gold Coast, was a pivotal settlement during the colonial period. It served as a strategic outpost for European powers vying for influence in the region. The establishment of Jamestown contributed to the complex political and cultural dynamics that shaped the history of the Gold Coast and, eventually, the formation of Ghana as a nation.
Arthur Wharton moved to England in 1883 at the age of 18 to pursue his education. He is best remembered for his achievements in football, particularly as the first mixed-heritage footballer to turn professional. He played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Darlington F.C. and Preston North End.
Wharton's legacy extends beyond his athletic accomplishments. As a Black British football player, he broke racial barriers and challenged societal norms during a time when racism and discrimination were prevalent. His impact on the sport and broader society is commemorated through statues, plaques, and other forms of recognition.
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Jamestown is now part of Accra, Ghana
Arthur Wharton, the first black professional footballer, was born in Jamestown, which is now part of Accra, Ghana. Ghana is a country of several ethnic groups, and most of the inhabitants of Jamestown are Ga people, who were the original inhabitants before the Europeans arrived. Jamestown is the oldest district of Accra and is known for its vibrant history, culture, and spirit. It is home to several boxing gyms, the Jamestown Cafe, and a gallery. The area also features an old lighthouse, a red-brick Anglican Church built by the British in 1894, and the mausoleum of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first leader.
Jamestown's neighbour, Usshertown, is also the site of the imposing Ussher Fort, a relic of colonial rule. The fort is a symbol of Ghana's journey towards independence and self-governance. The people of Jamestown are known for their warmth and openness, and they take pride in preserving their cultural heritage while also embracing modernity. The district is filled with street art and murals that depict scenes from Ghanaian folklore, politics, and daily life.
Arthur Wharton was born in 1865 in Jamestown, which was then known as the Gold Coast. His father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent, while his mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty. Wharton moved to England in 1883 to receive an English education and became a trailblazing footballer. He played as a goalkeeper for Preston North End from 1886 to 1888 and held the national 100-yard title. He is commemorated with plaques, statues, and a mural in various locations across England.
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His father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent
Arthur Wharton, the first mixed-heritage footballer to turn professional in the United Kingdom, was born in 1865 in Jamestown, Gold Coast, now known as Accra, Ghana. He moved to England in 1883 at the age of 18 to pursue his education.
Wharton's father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent. Henry Wharton was a Wesleyan Methodist missionary from the West Indies. He was of Scottish and West African descent, while Arthur's mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty.
Henry Wharton's Scottish heritage is an intriguing aspect of Arthur Wharton's family history. While the details of Henry's life and work as a missionary are not readily available, it is known that he had a significant impact on his son's life. Arthur Wharton grew up in a wealthy family and received a good education, which eventually led him to move to England to further his studies.
It is interesting to note that while Arthur Wharton was born in Ghana, his family's roots were diverse, with connections to both Scotland and West Africa through his father's lineage. Henry Wharton's Scottish heritage would have been a unique aspect of Arthur's cultural background, potentially influencing his own identity and sense of belonging as he grew up in Ghana and later moved to England.
While the specific details of Henry Wharton's life and work as a missionary are not known, his decision to work in the Gold Coast, or present-day Ghana, likely had a significant impact on Arthur Wharton's early life and upbringing. It is safe to assume that Henry's work as a missionary played a role in shaping Arthur's values and outlook, and perhaps even influenced his own pursuits in life, including his passion for football and athletics.
Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any further information about the hospital where Arthur Wharton was born. However, the legacy of Arthur Wharton, the trailblazing footballer, continues to be honoured and celebrated, with plaques, statues, and murals commemorating his achievements and contributions to the world of football.
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His mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty
Arthur Wharton was born in Jamestown, Accra, Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1865. He moved to England in 1882 or 1883 to pursue an English education.
Wharton is best remembered for his career as a footballer. He was the first mixed-heritage footballer to turn professional and is also thought to be the first black professional footballer in England. He played as a goalkeeper for Darlington F.C. and Preston North End, among other clubs.
Wharton's mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty. His father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent.
Wharton was born into wealth and privilege, which may have contributed to his later success in sports and athletics. His family's social status and connections may have provided him with access to resources and opportunities that helped him develop his athletic talents. Unfortunately, I cannot find specific information on how his mother's background influenced his life.
In addition to his football career, Wharton was also a talented athlete. He won the Amateur Athletics Association 100-yard sprint in a world record time of 10 seconds, becoming the first world record holder in this event. He retained his title in 1887.
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Arthur Wharton moved to England in 1883 to receive an English education
Arthur Wharton was born in Jamestown, Gold Coast (now part of Accra, Ghana) in 1865. His father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent, and his mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of Fante Ghanaian royalty.
In 1883, at the age of 18, Wharton moved to England to receive an English education. He was sent to Dr Cheyne's School in London, where he studied from 1875 to 1879. After his time at Dr Cheyne's School, Wharton spent time with his family in Grenada in the West Indies. He returned to Britain in 1882 to pursue missionary teaching as his career and studied at Shoal Hill College before transferring to Cleveland College in 1884.
Wharton excelled in sports and began competing in sprint races in Darlington. His athletic prowess impressed local coach Manny Harbon, who suggested he enter the Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) championships at Stamford Bridge. In July 1886, Wharton achieved a new world record, running 100 yards in just 10 seconds. This achievement made him the first black athlete to win an AAA championship.
Wharton's athletic success brought him recognition, particularly from the football club Preston North End, with whom he signed later that year. He played as a goalkeeper for the team from 1886 to 1888 and was part of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1886-87. In addition to football, Wharton was also a talented cricketer and cyclist.
Arthur Wharton's move to England in 1883 marked the beginning of a journey that led him to become a trailblazing sports figure. His athletic achievements broke racial barriers, and he is best remembered as a footballer, possibly being the first black professional footballer in the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Arthur Wharton was born in Jamestown, Gold Coast (now part of Accra, Ghana) in 1865.
Arthur Wharton's father, Henry Wharton, was a Grenadian missionary of Scottish and West African descent. His mother, Annie Florence Egyriba, was a member of the Fante Ghanaian royalty.
Arthur Wharton moved to England in 1883 to receive an English education.
Arthur Wharton is famous for being a trailblazing black footballer. He was the goalkeeper for Preston North End between 1886 and 1888.















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