100 up

  • by Graeme Howlett
  • Wednesday, 1st September 2004

1st September 2004 marks the centenary anniversary of the first game ever played by West Ham at the Boleyn Ground - aka Upton Park.

That match, played against local rivals Millwall resulted in a 3-0 win for the Hammers, and was played in front of just over 10,000 people.

Over the years the old ground has seen many memorable matches, several facelifts, and some well-known faces come and go.

The name 'Boleyn Ground' comes from a large house which stood in Green Street up until the end of the Second World War. The house was known locally as the 'Boleyn Castle' (after Anne Boleyn) - despite being officially known as 'Green Street House'.

Pre-1904 the ground upon which the stadium now stands was primarily a cabbage patch, although closely adjacent were two schools. The first ever stand was built roughly where the dugouts now reside - a small stand, which was soon followed by a covered bank opposite (this of course became the legendary Chicken Run).

As well as league matches, the Boleyn has also hosted a smattering of European matches and the odd international; the most recent being England's friendly against Australia in 2003.

The ground itself has seen many changes over the past century, with all stands having been completely pulled down and replaced at some point or other during that time.

And on at least five occasions royal visitors have stood on the hallowed turf; the Price of Wales made the inaugural royal visit back in 1930, before Norway's King Olaf made a couple of visits during the 1970's and 80's. The Queen and Prince Phillip opened the new West Stand two years ago - whilst the Queen's grandson Harry kicked a few balls at the Centenary End goal last year.

12 years ago supporters were asked to vote on whether they would prefer the club to move to a new stadium or reinvest in the Boleyn Ground. Unsurprisingly, the fans opted to stay in Upton Park.

After 100 years, it would be hard to imagine West Ham United playing anywhere else ...

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