Belsize Park was founded in 1870[1] and played football using a modified form of the Rugby School code.

On 26 January 1871, they sent representation to a meeting of twenty-one London and suburban football clubs that followed Rugby School rules (Wasps were invited but failed to attend) assembled at the Pall Mall Restaurant in Regent Street.

A president, a secretary and treasurer, and a committee of thirteen were elected, to whom was entrusted the drawing-up of the laws of the game upon the basis of the code in use at Rugby School.

Although Belsize Park was considered prominent enough to have been invited, they did not gain any of the thirteen places on the original committee.

[7] This is supported by Wavell Wakefield's 1928 account in his comprehensive Rugger - The History, Theory and Practice of Rugby Football.