clubHISTORY

Maidstone Football Club was formed officially in 1880/81, though there is no doubt rugby was played in and around Maidstone as far back as 1868.  The club's first ground was owned by Dr Monckton, close to the centre of the town and he allowed them to play there for many years. The club prospered and from 1886 onwards played against clubs including Middlesex Wanderers, Harlequins, Richmond, Eton House, London Scottish and Old Merchant Taylors.  Another surge forward was the decision of Old Maidstonians, the former pupils of Maidstone Grammar School to join Maidstone.  There were many ups and downs over the next 100 years with a number of ground changes, with the club finally moving to The Mote, as tenants of the trustee of Mote CC.  A new pitch at The Mote was opened in 1957 by RFU president Mr. Arthur Marshall. Maidstone had become one of the leading clubs in Kent and, though they had little success in the County Cup in earlier years, the club was in the final for successive years from 1974-1980, winning twice and again in 1987.  In the 1970's, Maidstone reached the finals of the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham three times in four years.  In 1980, they were the only junior club to be invited to play in the London Senior Clubs Rugby Festival for the Charrington Cup at Twickenham along with Scottish club Heriot's FP, Lansdowne Road from Ireland and the French champions Babneres. Maidstone lost to London Scottish 6-0 in the semi-finals.  Maidstone continued their success as they passed their centenary in 1979-80 and at the formation of the leagues, were unanimously voted by seven counties of the London Division to go straight into National League Three, along with the Metropolitan Police in 1987-88 season.  After six seasons in the national leagues until 1993-94, they were relegated for four successive season, until they arrived in London Three South East.  The brave decision of former chairman Dave Arnold and his Committee to approach John Legge, the former Blackheath and Kent coach, who brought with him player/coach Paul Essenhigh was unapposed.  After the appointment of Legge as director of rugby their fortunes changed for the better.  Maidstone's promotion from London Three South East with further success in London Two South thus far, has been a remarkable turnaround.