For many years, Hampstead has been one of the strongest and most popular clubs in London.  It has prospered with the growth of the game.  The formation of the club took place in 1890, some members of the Hampstead Cricket Club, finding themselves with nothing to do in the winter, deciding to try hockey.  Among the leaders in the movement were many well-known men at the summer game, including H B Hayman and A E Stoddart, both keen and good hockey players.  After two or three seasons H B Hayman who used to show to considerable advantage at half-back. became a capable and popular captain.  Like most clubs, Hampstead started in unpretentious manner, but soon success was met with and so many men joined that at one time four XI.s were put in the field.  For some years the club's home games took place on the Hampstead Cricket Ground, but in wet weather, the turf used to be so badly cut up that it was decided to take a portion of the Richmond Athletic Ground for the winter game.