Hidden at the bottom of a box of assorted oddments passed through our dads family, we have come across a small metal badge with the words ‘Hartlepools United Supporters’ painted on it and are keen to know more about it’s history.
Measuring around 1.5cm square the blue and white badge features what to some may see as a disturbing picture of a gibbet with something hanging from it.
This sparked our curiosity and as such we need your help, via the comments area below, to get some history to this unique item, how old and how unique it is?
Napoleonic wars
Quick web research reveals that it maybe connected to the football team known now as Hartlepool United.
Based in the north east of England the club was known as Hartlepools United Football Athletic Company. It was founded in 1908 and became simply ‘Hartlepool’ in 1968. It reapplied United to the name in 1977. (Source: Wikipedia).
The image on the badge may be a reference to a slang name previously given to the people from the area – ‘Monkey Hangers’.
According to the Hartlepool United official website the name dates back to the Napolionic Wars when a French ship was wrecked off the coast of Hartlepool.
The sole survivor was a pet monkey dressed in a military style uniform who was tried and convicted of being a French spy. Apparently guilty of his crimes he was subsequently hung until dead.
The website goes on to say that in the past the name was taken as an insult by the people of the town, but in recent years Hartlepool folk began to embrace the legend and the worldwide attention it has gained.
Can you help with the history of this badge. Is it indeed a badge as it doesn’t feature a pin on the back? Let us know via the comments area below.
Until next time
Licks and wags
Charlie and Rufus