The club was founded in 1877 as the works side of William Whiteley Limited, named after the Kildare Terrace home address of the company founder.

As was normal for matches in the era, each side supplied an umpire, and they could not agree on the decision.

[7] It entered the first London Senior Cup in 1882–83, but, after walking over Finchley in the first round, the club lost 6–1 at the Old Brightonians in the second.

[9] It was a member of the West End Football Association, for clubs affiliated with the department stores in the area.

[11] Originally the club played in Kensal Green,[12] using the Mason Arms as its headquarters,[13] and in 1881 moved to Shepherd's Bush.