John Charles Thring

John Charles Thring (11 June 1824 – 3 October 1909), known during his life as "Charles Thring" or "J. C. Thring", was an English clergyman and teacher, notable for his contributions to the early history of association football. Early life Thring was born 11 June 1824 in Alford, Somerset, the fifth son of the rector, Rev. John Gale Dalton Thring and Sarah . He studied at Winchester College, Shrewsbury School and St John's College, Cambridge, graduating as a Bachelor of Arts in 1847. The next year, he was appointed as an assistant curate to his brother Godfrey Thring at Alford-with-Hornblotton, Somerset. He was ordained deacon in December 1849. From 1855 to 1857, he served as curate in Cirencester, then from 1857 to 1859 at Overton and Fyfield, Wiltshire. He married Lydia Meredith in May 1858.