The Encylopedia of British Football

Humphrey Babour

Humphrey Babour was born in Glasgow. A talented centre-forward, Barbour played for Third Lanark and Airdrie in the Scottish League.

In November 1888, Babour moved to London to work at at Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, one of the government's main munition factories.

Barbour made his debut for Woolwich Arsenal in the 1888-89 season. He joined a team that included J. M. Charteris, Peter Connolly, David Danskin, Richard Horsington, Fred Beardsley, Joseph Bates, John McBean and W. Scott.

The Arsenal team in the 1888-89 season. Front (left to right): Morris, Humphrey Babour,J. M. Charteris. Seated: Brown, Peter Connolly, David Danskin. Standing: Richard Horsington, Wilson, Fred Beardsley, Joseph Bates, John McBean and William Scott.
The Arsenal team in the 1888-89 season. Front (left to right): Morris, Humphrey Babour,
J. M. Charteris. Seated: Brown, Peter Connolly, David Danskin. Standing: Richard
Horsington, Wilson, Fred Beardsley, Joseph Bates, John McBean and William Scott.

Woolwich Arsenal continued to make good progress and won the London Charity Cup in 1890 and the London Senior Cup in 1891.

The club entered the FA Cup in 1892 but was knocked out by First Division side Derby County. Barbour joined Clapton Orient in 1893. During his time at the club he scored 59 goals in 71 games.