Albion mark 125th Anniversary with official unveiling of blue plaque at Seven Stars

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Club also paid tribute to founder, John Jackson.

Charlie Hanson

2026-06-24T16:30+01:00

Brighton & Hove Albion mayor Theresa Fowler did the honours to reveal the new plaque. 📸 by James Boardman.

Albion celebrated their 125th birthday on Wednesday at the pub in which it all began, the Seven Stars on Ship Street.

Decked out in Albion imagery from throughout our history, as well as 125th Anniversary bunting, the Seven Stars hosted local dignitaries, supporters clubs and historical groups as an official blue plaque was unveiled.

This was preceded with a poem from John Baine, aka Atilla the Stockbroker, who humorously and passionately reflected on what got Albion to this point.

Speaking after the unveiling of the plaque, chief operating officer Paul Mullen said, “This morning we went down to the gravestone of John Jackson who was the founder and the first manager. We laid a wreath in recognition of his role in this incredible journey in the football club, so it was lovely to be able to do that on behalf of the club.

Photo 1/23

A small section of images from the club's photographic archive captured during Brighton & Hove Albion's amazing 125-year history, from the club's creation in 1901 at the Seven Stars pub to being minutes away from being relegated from the Football League. Leaving the Goldstone Ground to play at Gillingham and then the Withdean years, before moving to the American Express Stadium, winning promotion into the Premier League and qualifying for the Europa League.

“Then the event at the Seven Stars was fantastic. There’s been a number of people who have played instrumental roles for the club in the last 30-40 years, so it was great to have those people with us on Wednesday, which has been a great opportunity to recognise the history and achievements of Brighton & Hove Albion.”

Head of marketing Anna Easthope said, “It’s great to see the plaque outside the Seven Stars there on the club’s 125th anniversary. We’ve got a lot coming up as well. We’ve got a bit around the pre-season friendlies, hopefully with a bit of 125 Anniversary flavour.

“Then we’ve got the big event, the commemoration of the first competitive game which took place on 21st September 1901. The closest game we have to marking that is Arsenal at home, which will see us wear our anniversary kit."

The plaque outside the Seven Stars is square rather than round, with square plaques marking key events, while round ones commemorate people. A representative from the Brighton & Hove Blue Plaque Panel was at the event on Wednesday to authenticate the one that marks the club’s birthplace.