Bert Freeman’s 1914 FA Cup winners medal “back home”

The Colne Clarets Supporters Group has been closely involved in the acquisition and made a significant financial contribution to the purchase.

Centre forward Bert Freeman was transferred to Burnley from Everton in 1911 and he was the Football League’s top scorer in each of his first two seasons at Turf Moor.

He had already played for England whilst at Everton and won three more caps for his country in 1912, scoring twice.

Later in his Turf Moor career he became the first-ever Burnley player to score 100 League goals and his 115 senior goals for the Clarets in 189 appearances stands comparison with the very best.

Bert Freeman’s medal was bought at auction in 1995 by well-known Clarets’ supporter Harry Brooks after it was offered for sale by members of the player’s family. Since then it has been housed at Burnley’s Towneley Hall and it has also been on display at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

The final in 1914, the last to be staged at the Crystal Palace Grounds, was the very first to be attended by the reigning monarch and the inscription on the back of the medal includes “presented by King George V”.

Now back at its spiritual home, this unique medal will take centre stage in Burnley Football Club’s 1914 collection displayed within the Doctor Iven Hospitality Lounge at Turf Moor.

Burnley FC Chairman Mr Barry Kilby said: “We are immensely proud of our heritage and Bert Freeman is a player who made a huge contribution in his heyday.

“It is fitting that we have his FA Cup final medal here at Turf Moor and I would like to thank everyone involved in helping us to acquire such an important piece of memorabilia.”