An appeal is being made for information about former Preston North End player Arthur Wharton.

Preston Historical Society has been approached about the possibility of a blue plaque being placed in the city to honour Wharton.

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The Society is now trying to find out where Wharton lived while playing as goalkeeper for PNE between 1886 and 1888.

Wharton was the world’s first black professional football player.

He was spotted by Preston North End and joined them as an amateur. He was part of The Invincibles of the 1880s, and helped the team reach the FA Cup semi-finals in 1887.

Wharton was also a world record sprinter. On 3 July 1886 at Stamford Bridge, he became the first person to run 100 yards in 10 seconds in authentic championship conditions. He shared the fastest man in the world record, and retained this title while at North End.  

He left Preston in 1888 to concentrate on his running. 

A number of books have been written about Wharton, and more information can be found on the Arthur Wharton Foundation website.  

Anyone who knows where Wharton lived or has any details about his time in Preston should contact patricia@prestonhistoricalsociety.org.uk.

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