#3 Chelsea – Stamford Bridge – Capacity 41,663
'Stamford Bridge' is considered to be a derivative of 'Samfordesbrigge' meaning 'the bridge at the sandy ford'. One of the tributaries of the Thames River is Stanford Creek. Some old 18th Century maps reveal that this creek used to run on the route of the current railway line at the back of Stamford Bridge’s East Stand.
Higher up this stream’s tributary is an area still known as ‘Counter’s Creek’. This Creek had 2 bridges, Stanbridge – now known as Stanley Bridge – on Kings Road and Stamford Bridge which is based on the Fulham Road.
The Stadium which bears it’s name was opened in 1877. Originally this was meant as a home for a football club known as London Athletic and up until 1904 this was the case. However, brothers Gus and Joseph Mears acquired the lease and had a vision to stage high-profile and professional football matches at Stamford Bridge.
Their original plan was to house Fulham FC at the ground, but their offer was turned down by its owners due to financial constraints.
The brothers then decided a more radical plan was necessary and founded their own football club, Chelsea FC, to ensure the ground was occupied and became direct rivals to Fulham FC. It has been the home of the Blues ever since.
