Lawn Bowling
Lawn Bowls
is an ancient sport. The Encyclopedia Britannica records that bowls has
been played in some form since 5,000 BC. However, it was not always regarded
as a desirable activity. In the 13th Century, England's King Henry III
banned bowls because the archers were distracted by the game, and in 1511,
Henry VIII discouraged play, regarding bowls as a game associated with
gambling.
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Croquet
The modern
game is reputed to have started in Ireland in the 1830s and taken to England
during the 1850s. It became an instant success, one reason being because
it provided the first opportunity for women to participate in an outdoor
sport on an equal basis with men. Over the next 30 years standard rules
were established and national competitions commenced. It is curious to
note that the putting of your foot on the ball during the croquet stroke
was outlawed in 1870, yet it still persists in 'home-brewed' rules of croquet
to this day. |
Certainly,
the game was a distraction for Sir Francis Drake. Truth or myth, no one
is sure, but it is said that in 1588, Sir Francis Drake insisted on finishing
his game of bowls before turning his attention to approaching the Spanish
Armada. He is supposed to have lost the game, but won the battle against
the Spaniards.
3285
Pine Ridge Road, Naples, Florida 34109
Phone
(239) 593-8280
Fax
(239) 593-8284
Contact JDBurt@croquetnaples.com
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