England fans find Brit links in Ukraine soccer town
England soccer fans coming out to support their team at Tuesday's match in Donetsk, Ukraine, may find a home away from home.
Donetsk, one of the most eastern cities under Soviet rule, has several historic links to Great Britain.
The city's founder - John Hughes - was a Welsh industrialist in the business of ironwork.
In 1869, his company received an order from Russia, so Hughes sailed to Ukraine with equipment and supplies.
Hughes established a metal factory and a settlement with housing, a hospital and a school.
After his death in 1889, the business continued to boom through World War I.
Today, a statue of Hughes stands on the city's main street and the original metal factory is still there.
Even one of the most popular pubs in the city is outfitted in true British style.
The Golden Lion serves typically British food and drinks and has become a meeting point for English soccer fans ahead of matches.
Several thousand made the journey earlier in the month to watch the first game against France.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
Donetsk, one of the most eastern cities under Soviet rule, has several historic links to Great Britain.
The city's founder - John Hughes - was a Welsh industrialist in the business of ironwork.
In 1869, his company received an order from Russia, so Hughes sailed to Ukraine with equipment and supplies.
Hughes established a metal factory and a settlement with housing, a hospital and a school.
After his death in 1889, the business continued to boom through World War I.
Today, a statue of Hughes stands on the city's main street and the original metal factory is still there.
Even one of the most popular pubs in the city is outfitted in true British style.
The Golden Lion serves typically British food and drinks and has become a meeting point for English soccer fans ahead of matches.
Several thousand made the journey earlier in the month to watch the first game against France.
Sarah Sheffer, Reuters
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