The Archive of Hartley Elliott

By Marcus Harris

One of the most memorable sources that we have within the Ashbrooke archive is the personal archive of Hartley Elliott, one of the most instrumental people for the 20th century of Sunderland Rugby Football club. Hartley Elliott's work to grow the game in the northeast was a life's ambition for him, and he remains one of the most influential people in the clubs history.

Hartley Elliott played for Sunderland RFC during the 1920's, a tenacious backrow forward who played openside flanker. He earned his place in the annals of Sunderland RFC history by winning the Durham County Senior Challenge Cup during the 1927-1928 season.

Hartley Elliott starting at openside flanker against Ryton on the 9th April, 1927, from the matchday programme

The Sunderland RFC 1st XV from 1927-1928 which won the Durham County Senior Challenge Cup, with Elliott pictured 2nd from the left on the bottom row.

However, it could be argued that Elliott's most important contribution to Sunderland Rugby Club, and rugby as a whole, was in his contribution to the game in his post-playing days. Elliott trained to become a referee, and rose to become one of the finest referees in County Durham. Elliott's heyday as a referee came during the 1950's, during which he refereed multiple international fixtures. The following programme covers are all from games that Elliott had the privilege of refereeing

An England vs France programme from the 26th April 1957, a game which Elliott refereed.

An Ireland vs Scotland programme from the 25th February 1956,

Elliott's I.R.F.U (Irish Rugby Football Union) blue ribbon, awarded to him for his refereeing of the game against Scotland

The respective line-ups for the Northern clubs vs a Combined South African Universities fifteen. Hartley Elliott's name can be seen in the middle as the referee.

Hartley Elliott named on the front cover as the referee for when France played Scotland in 1955.

Whilst his pedigree in the game of rugby can not be disputed after seeing the stakes of the fixtures which he refereed, Elliott never let his achievements as an international official push grassroots rugby out of his psyche. Elliott was instrumental in spreading the now much-loved rugby sevens format around England, as he created a set of rules for the new format of rugby.

Elliott's 'Seven Principles of Sevens'. Elliott's love of quick rugby is evident here; rugby with less breakdowns and higher scores. He would be found of the direction the professional game has gone in.

Elliott also promoted the game with a great fever. Have a read of this article Elliott wrote, within which he explains the origins of Rugby League in 1893, and how the game can be enjoyed by any person who has a grasp of the 5 laws of rugby: 'the offside law, the line-out, the scrummage, the tackle, and the handling- law'.

'The greatness of is accentuated by the number of men from vastly different walks of life who mix and enjoy the tremendous spirit of companionship which is engendered.' A fantastic quote which summaries the respect Elliott had for the unifying power of sport.

Elliott was a figure who was frequently seen in Sunderland Rugby Club, right up till the end of his life, demonstrating his passion for rugby at all levels of the game. Elliott founded a charity side called 'the Dolphins', and in 1973 this side played Sunderland RFC in a game to celebrate the centenary of the rugby club.

Sunderland RFC vs The Dolphins, 1973, with the Dolphins wearing red. Elliott can be seen 5th from left on the bottom row.

Elliott was a servant to the game of rugby, and all that he endeavoured to do. Elliott's love of the game caused him to work tirelessly to grow the sport, and his love of rugby was clearly obvious to all who encountered him; his selection as an international referee was not only due to his precise officiating, yet also his passion for the sport being played to the best possible standard it could be played.