1845-1891 In The Beginning

When Ramsbottom appeared on the cricketing scene in 1845, the Industrial Revolution had already gained a compelling momentum. Notable among the founders were three members of the Stead family and two members of the Grant family, the latter subsequently "immortalised by Charles Dickens in 'Nicholas Nickleby' as the 'Cheeryble Brothers'".

William Grant was the first president of the club in the years 1869-1874, giving stability in this most prestigious office.

Ramsbottom had to strive to establish itself. with a prime need to secure a field for practice and play, and five sites were used before the club established itself on its Acre Bottom Ground about 1864. Matches were played against teams from Accrington and Manchester, and in the years before the establishment of leagues opponents were found in Edenfield, Bacup, Haslingden and Bury.

A professional-cum-groundsman, Roberts of Accrington was employed for the first time in 1879. Arthur Thornton of Saltaire was appointed as the Club's first full time professional in 1881 at an annual salary of £54.

In 1884 Ramsbottom's status within the cricketing fraternity was shown, when it entertained an All England XI comprising A. Hornby, Barlow, Briggs, Nash and Robinson of Lancashire, Ulyett, Bates, Peate, L Hall and Hunter of Yorkshire, and Lockwood of Surrey.