User:Grover cleveland/History
Interesting old references to the game
[edit]Pre-1740s
[edit][Book advertisement]
The Danger of Masquerades and Raree shows, or the Complaints of the stage against Masquerades ... Foot-Balls ... as being the Ground and Occasion of the late decay of Wit in the Island of Great-Britain. By C.R. of C. C. C. Oxford. Sold by W. Boreham...
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18202551/ (The Post Boy 1717-03-18 p. 2)
Found on Google Books at https://books.google.com/books?id=WNtZAAAAcAAJ. Seems to be of little interest.
1740s
[edit]" T having been reprefentcd to tbe M AGIST RATES of this Borough, that on Sh rove-Tuesday,; wheh will be the Third Day oi March licx t, : theie will be a Publick FOOTBALL-PLAYING in the faid Borough ; and that fuch has been lately Notifyed and Proclaimed jn Towns and" Counties adjacent to the Boioueh afotefaid, by fome Pcjfon or Perfons difpofed to be at the Head of Tumults and Difor- ders. Thtfeare to give Notice, that Mr- MAYOR, and Others His Majefly's Julkes of the Peace lor the faid Borough, ' do Direft and Order, that no Riotous or Tumultuous Meet- ing of any Perfons, ( andr more, tfpccially of Foreigners^ at this unhappy Time of Contagion amongft Horned Cattle) do appear at the Time and for the Purpofe afprtfaid in the faid Borough, on Pain of being ligoroufly froffcuied for the fame, as well as for the Confcquenccs Of breaking Windows, and doing other Mifchicfs to the Peifons and Properties of.phe Inhabitants of this Borough. HUMPHRY EOOTH, Efq;
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000189/17460220/017/0004 (Derby Mercury 1746)
1750s
[edit]This is to acquaint all Ewers of that manly Exercife of Foot-Ball Playikc, THAT there wiil be Ten Mats play'd fcr on Bury Race-Ground, by Ten Men on a Side, on Saturday the 24th of May inftant ; to meet at Jshn Place's Booth, at the sign of the Three Pidgeons, at Three ?? in the .Afternoon ; to pay the beft ol three-quarters of an Hour: The Pall to be t .rown off at Six ?? ; where all Gentiemen and others ihall meet with a hearty Welcome, from their humble Servant, JOHN PLACE. AT. B. There will be a Foot-Match the fame Day for Ten Guineas j to run four Miles.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000191/17550510/017/0003 (Ipswich Journal 1755)
1760s
[edit]NOTE: "GOLE" FIXED. "TWO INNS OUT OF THREE" would determine the "CONQUERORS". STARTS WITH "UP GOES THE BALL". PLAYER CAUGHT AND RUN WITH IT. KICKING ELBOWING, SCRATCHING AND BITING.
Ufc ties ieing'hot on fne'Catptt, the Opinion' thc-Company, feverally^ in reiped to fome Advancements, we-re defired to be given ; ftfterinany Debates pro and con, not worth ariing, Mr. Bug,- the Broker, ftood up, and -lA'aV he could cdmpire'the Life of a certain Statefman "to a Football-thatch which he once faw when he was a i Bby.^-~'Sijt'Men of Rum- fOrd, fays he, challenged the like Number of Brentwood to play a Football-match for a laced Hirt and Feather, and a confiderable Sum of Money. One WiirLonglegs, a Wiltlhire Lad, by fome Practice in calling Lots, was elected ,one of the Brentwood Party. The Gole being .fixed, and Two Inns out of Three being to determine determine who Wjere the Conquerors, Will very arcfullyapd circumfpettly meafured the Ground with Eye and Step: Up goes the Ball ; Will catched it before it reached the Ground, and waa. running with it to the Gole, when- Hal Reynard, a Dutchman, gave him fuch a Rap on the Knuckles with his fharp-toed Shoe, that it fell to the Ground, and after fome Shuffling the R-u rrrford Lads got the F .irft In. Up goes the Ball a fecond Time j Will did not as at firft catch it, but it fell to ehe Ground ; and fo urgent urgent was-he in gaining the fecond Gole In, that he kicked the. Shins of fome of his own .Party, and almoft lamed them ; and if it hid not been for Charles S 1, a Keniifh Lad, the fecond In had been loft; but it was at if Jength, and with much Difficulty, won by (Charles. Up goes the Ball a third and laft Time, and then Will and Charles not only kicked the Shins of their own Party, but elbowed, elbowed, fcratched, and bit their Antagonists fo feverely, that Will with great Eafc won the laft In, and immediately feized the Hat, Feather, and Money, and claimed it as his own fole Property; Property; and, having recovered hid Breath, he protelled that he found himfelf lb far advanced in Years, and worn out with Toil ansl Fatigue, that he would never engage in any future Match, fto rifque his Character, but would wear his Hat and Feather in Peace, and live contentedly on the fmall Pittance he had acquired. acquired.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18202720/football_memories/ ( The Public Advertiser(London, Greater London, England) 04 Sep 1766, Thu • Page 4 )
NOTE: "TURNS" played (like halves?). "JUDGES" decided which side won. No mention of goals. Each player "met his partner". Lne team awarded victory (and the ball) after opponents declined to restart. Sounds more like boxing than football.
Rafter Monday great match foot-ball was play’d on Miltield plain, near Wooler, a party young men from Doddington, and another from Ch.itton, which afforded fine diverlion. After four turns were play'd, the judges could not determine whether fide had the better, they being equally matched, and the games well play’d ; hut as the people dee-lined the fifth turn, the ball was given ta the Chatlon heroes, who came off the field in ttiumph, with flying colours, mulic playing, Sic. The conteft was very fevere, and the players almoft all tired out; bus while they played their agility and dexterity were inimitable, and each one met his partner with ferocity at the bail, that a deal of Mood was drawn, and the game played with feverity, that it gave pain to the from falls, and knocks that cnlhed. A good many tents were creeled, vaft number the principal people in the country attended, and the ground where they play’d was corded quite round.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000863/17670502/012/0002 (Newcastle Chron, 1767)
1770s
[edit]NOTE: game lasted long time (two hours). "Goal" scored. Play then restarted.
Laft Monday a foot-ball was played upon Heath betwixt the of Sharltton, and the gentlemen of Crofton, two neighbouring villages, near Wakefield in Yorkihire, for forty a fide. After they hart played full two in which time there was a ore'at many fmart fails and ill given both fides, the gentlemen Sharhton got firft ,r oal. beginning a fecotid time, the gentlemen of p-irties met togetherat the ball with fuch violence, that one of tue.n had his leg broke, and the other his fhoukicr diftcc:tied. The -b immediately rufhed in, in fuch m..nnrr, th they were obliged to give out, J it cannot decided until the two gentlemen oet found again, neither the puties were to)ieid. There was fome damage the of the mob, A fine boy, about eight years age, was thrown down among them, and unfortunately trod to death.— is very mat perfons who call themfclves pencleir.en, fond encouraging dangerous txtrcifes
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000235/17711026/003/0003 (Kentish Gazette 1771)
grand foot-ball match was played kft Tuefday, for twenty guineas, betwixt the married gentlemen and batchelors of Walton, near Wetherby. The fuccefs of the game was for upwards an hour, and many falls and broken given on each fide, at laft wife of one of the married gentlemen being among the number of fpectators, and feeing her hufband hard entered the field to his when inftead of being intimidated with feeing him fall the his like true Amazon the the ball, aj;d foon determined the victory.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000236/17730302/005/0003 (Leeds Intelligencer 1773)
. I intend a Urge Field for athletic Exeiciles. Foot-ball, || God, Cicket, Hurling, (which , * Eton.)
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000817/17750125/002/0001 (Hibernian Journal 1775)
1780s
[edit]Yeflerday morning an extraordinary match of football took place at downs, a youug gentle, man took the hill for coo guineas, agalnfl eleven o( the bell football players in the country, which was decided in his favour, after a contefl four hours and a half.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/17890515/005/0003 (Stamford Mercury 1789)
1790s
[edit]A game »t foot-ball, eleven on each fide, inhabitants of for five guineas.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000341/17900903/004/0003 (Chester Chronicle 1790)
NOTE: WIFE CUT HEAD OF OPPONENT
TlMOLIX. A match at football between two villages in this neighbourhood, has been attended with effects particularly particularly diftreiling. The lads met on the green at Bail i tore, from whence, when the fport was over, they, with many of the fpectators, adjourned to this place, in perfect good famour j but the demon of difcord, whiikey, foon introduced a battle, in which all were engaged, and almoft all fuffered. A man who had for fome time made a defperatc fight, was at length brought to the ground by the ftroke of a bottle from the wife of a perfon whom he had juft knocked do.vn j and the woman's feelings for her hufband being ilimulated by liquor, fhe cut :hc head-or head-or head-or his opponent to innumerable pieces, and immediately receive from one of the combatants a cafual blow that fractured her own. There is little profpeetof her recovery. Two men in pri-fon pri-fon pri-fon in Ahy are likewife defpaired of, and a multitude multitude of others are dangcroufly wounded. Ill fares the land where the induftry, morals, health, and even lives of the lower orders of its inhabitants, are facrificed to revenue; and ill mult it ever fare whilft the vitals of the country are facrificed to fupport the Government.
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18202981/wife_cut_head_of_opponent/. The Observer (London, Greater London, England) 26 Feb 1792, Sun • Page 3
FOOTBALL BET VOIDED
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https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18203070/football_bet_voided/. The Times (London, Greater London, England)
25 Apr 1795, Sat • Page 3
NOTE: player drowned while trying to cross river with ball (swimmimg??)
Yefterday was obferved here by playing at foot-ball, according to annual cuftom; and John Snape of Darley, in attempting to crols the Derwent with the ball near the boat houfe in the Holmes, was unfortunately drowned in the prefence of a great number of people who could not render him any a&iftance.— His body was found this afternoon. I
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000052/17960211/017/0004 (Derby Mercury 1796)
NOTE: team won by kicking ball into a river when it floating it "below the goal"
At Workington, the annual foot-ball rongly ; but Vifiorv at length favour of'he champions Prieft-gatc; ’ingbten kicked the river, and car'dream, hekjw the goat.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/17960405/005/0002 Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser (1796)
1800s
[edit]If Catholic emancipation be a there pretext with them, it a matter of moft ferious import with others. It is not queftion that (hould be darted tokick about like political foot-ball.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000341/18010213/004/0003 Chester Chron 1801
A match of football was played on the ice-covcrcd green this morning, the fishermen, which, from its extreme slipperincss, produced such a variety ludicrous accidents among the parties engaged, as highly diverted a numerous assemblage of fashionable spectators who were present the occasion.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001475/18040109/013/0003 London Courier 1804
some unlucky s tragi* lors, who, fne I moment they got tl^ere. servi ti as a sort of footballs, j being tossed, cuii'ed, asul kicked about, t-> tin* great amiic'omcr-t of the dciiejited populace.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000174/18061112/017/0003 Morning Post 1806
Mr. Jeftrey s taste will be offended perhaps if 1 remind him of the proverb that iC two to one are odds at t( football.”
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000050/18071017/020/0014 Cobbett's WPR 1807
An old Football Player would call this completely stopping the Alley
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000186/18080123/005/0002 York Herald 1808
1564, there was a> great frost, and the Dee was frozen over, so- that the people played at foot-ball tl»ereon
1810s
[edit]https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000388/18100717/006/0004 Chester Courant - Tuesday 17 July 1810
FOOT-BALL MATCH. ttrcnV foot-ball match takes place on Tuesday the , . Ca-tcrhaugh, Ettrick Forest, (a spot classical in in’'atlsvJ betwixt the Ettrick men and the men of ; the one party, as «e understand, backed by the ■ of’ito.T.c, and the other by Walter Scott, Esq. ' ri c .f the Forest. Two excellent nnv songs h-.c been written for the occasion,' which we are happy being enabled, thus early, give to our readers. ~, T TRieK GARtA«?o ; bein? two new Songs jfti-.'G rut IJAftNEK of the House of BugcOeocii ;.;e"great foot-ball match Curterhaugh, Uei. 5
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001476/18151206/012/0003 London Courier 1815
BORDER FOOTBALL: Interesting description of the match Yarrow v Etterick (or Selkirk) at Carterhaugh, featuring Walter Scott. The only detail about the play was that it was started by "the ball being thrown up".
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000082/18151227/014/0004 Morning Chronicle 1815
BORDER FOOTBALL: Another elaborate Scottish game, from January 1816. "The different bands took their stations, decorated with the badge of the opposite leaders". "The ball was thrown up". In the Second game, "within a few yards of being hailed to the Blue, the ball was miraculously struck by the Orange to a distance of about forty yards flying over the players. It was several times partially turned, but never fairly checked till within the Orange flag."
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000045/18160129/018/0004 Caledonian Mercury 1816
On the sth and 6th instant, a match football was played in a field at Snarestoue, for guineas aside, between twelve persons of Appleby, and the same number of Ibstock, which was not properly decided, in consequence of some unfair play the part of the former. Although the Ibslock youths were deprived of their best player at the commencement of the game, owing to a sprain, yet they got 105 byes, while their opponents only obtained two. Several thousand persons were assembled on the occasion. [DISCUSSION OF SCORE]
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000172/18221116/016/0003
FOOTBALL BANNED, ALONG WITH HANDBALL AND "FIREBALL" IN HARTFORD, CT
https://www.newspapers.com/image/233666348/?terms=football (Hartford Courant 1818-04-28)
1820 - 1827
[edit]Men's 2eal fc-r fc-r fc-r religion is r.iurh of the sutne kind as that which thev shew fjr a football: whenever it ii rontrued fcr, everyone is re.idy to entnrc their lives and limbs in thc dispute ; but, when tint it once at an ciid, ii i r.o mo:e thought on, but -lecps -lecps in tibliwon, butie I in tub bi'.h, which r.o one thinks it worth his pains to take into, much less vt remote- remote-
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18243844/western_carolinian/ (Western Carolinian, 10 Sep 1822, Tue,Page 4)
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000172/18221116/016/0003 Leicester Chronicle - Saturday 16 November 1822
Are going the foot-ball match to-night, twelve a side, o’er the moonlight lea Moll will there—and Nan will looking and oar side will do their best.” Foot-ball !” said the sixth and Inst rustic; who would go foot-bull, and old going buried ! Folk expect he will come to life again—d’ye think he’ll leave the world, that loved dearly, this quiet and easy way ?
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001669/18231213/034/0004Norwich Mercury - Saturday 13 December 1823
BORDER FOOTBALL: BORDER GAMES. 0.1 Thursday te’nniglit, the great annual match foot-ball, wa« plated on the lands of Mount nger, in Ettrick Forest, accompanied with all the rural and athletic sporti. The day being fine, there was a good turn out of honest men and btmr.le hade*. The pr aes being all superfine blue bonnets, t*ie envied poo-esaton of each was contested to the last, and the conquerors in each game were booked follows Toe I. aping was won one of Mr. Brydon’s shepherds, of Cros-lee. The distance 'hat he reached on the level plant was el- acily f.Ttyime feet, hup, step, leap; Etmck man. Tile first race, ol (HO yards, was won t>y Robert l.aidlaw, shepherd in a Yarrow man. The second tcot-race, the samedis ance, was won by Andrew Burnet, shepherd to Sir James Mon turnery ; a Tweedale man. Toe putting of the stone was won Hubert Pringle, from Wilton ; a Tevlotdale man. The first prize fur wrestling was won by Frank Armstrong, from Uo'-erum ; a Teviotdale man. The second was won Alexander Prater, blacksmith, the same lad who won ike first last year. did nut enter the liste the first time, purpose to let acquaintance of bis own win, whom Aimstrong threw at the eery first. The latter is manifestly an excellent wrestler, bur the mltn appears be much tb* stronger man of the two ; and though there were entered the list, woo, lortu-r occasions, with psrtect ease. The champion in whom Yarrow trusted most was thrown each time. Fiater has left Yarrow this year. The sack race was wo*> by George Best, a Y'arrow man but it i» actuil fact, that he hud taken a hint from TeUnaut's Anster Fair, and ran with one toot out. It was, lioweeer, deemed such grand sport, that n.i objections were made the trick. came the toot-bull match. There re thirty chosen men from kttrlck, d thirty from Yarrow, stripped against each other, and after a severe and deadly contest, the men Ettrick won. The second game coramcKced, and went on for an hour, with unabated ardour. The ball was all the while leaning the man Yarrow side, but the advantage was not great, when behold I the font-ball hurst! A shoemaker was instantly got repair it; but in the mean time a quarrel arose the competitors, and ran high, that it was evident a battle gene' at was on the eve of commencing. It was the.efure rerdcred expedient to cut the ball in pieces, which was dune, and the strife ended. courso Kt> trick claims the honours of the day. The great game of the hard ball closed the sports of the day. The balls were a mile and a halt separate ; the number players about 500, and after a hard contested game, the Kttnck men woo. The bail was thrown up a second time, and after a terrible contest, whicli lasted until the dusk of the evening, the Yarrow men won the game ; and there not being light play more, (he honours in this case were equally divided between tire sister streams.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18250410/023/0007 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 10 April 1825)
I~ I. ;. TB FO3 SALj . . .- Tinnual dI ers-in * oas ohf tehdaj list ?? . or streets with its Wono ipirit. FIow the ptrctice originated it isI X inpossihie to ?? seessnry to t iA ow thtse respecting it than that like mltny of 'our most vener'atiew institutions- it has ; been handed down 'to our times' saictidned -by the 1" wisdom of our ancestors." =No public' amisment is calculated to call forth so high a degtee of popular cc tem et; florse races ind White s apron fairs must not be named in ebusparison With it. The aged and the young are drawn foro their homes to witness the strife in which the robust an vigorous'population of the town and mine- a diate neighbourhood engage with all the energy of eager but l C amicable competiton. To such ef our distant readers as need information respecting the precise nature of the contest, it may be necessary to observe, that from time immemorial a custom has ex- isted on Shrove Tuesday in which the inhabitants ofDerby, divided into two parties, known by the distinctive appellation of AllSaints' if and Peter's men, exert every ,effort of bodily strength to carry a large ball to their respective goal. This object of contention is . about a foot in diamneter and is stuffed with cork shavings, and I e as this popular amusement will be best understood by detailing the occurrences of the day, we shall briefly describe, the scehie which e we witnessed on Tuesday. - We must premise'that the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday isa t general holiday; the master then releases his 'operatives, the shop ! keeper does not even look for a customer. Soon after twelve eo'clock-therefore the disengaged throng- began to make their ap. pearance in the marketplace.' The first parties were chiefly boys, e who longed te. witness the sport-in which they hoped afterwards to emulate the spirit of their sires. . Impatient however of-inaction they amugsed themselves by engaaging in sundry effortsof practical Y wit, among which the dexeterongs annoyance of the naiconsobtos, swith guch invotent missilesaas wet rags, 'or muddy'wbhispE of 4t'rgw l was one of the most prevalent. But as two a'clock, the hour fited 2 'upon for the commencement of the great game appproached, these minor areusemerts gave way to the all]engrossing eagerness to see , the'throwing up of'thePall. Accordingly the contending parties approaching from opposite sides of the ,arlket 1'lace till -they met l in a point agreed upon+ the victorioos champion in the la* year's' I -contest threw up the Ball. -on its descent it. was caught by one I anxious t obtain the civic honoars awarded to his predecessor. ?? rand foes'i astasitly'cliosed'a rounel him, en~d adeose nness d 'of our fellnw'eownsmen was instantly foymed endeavooring itih I all 'their inight to impell the hdlder isf the hall in the direction of 1 their goal. All Saints' (for in our rapid sketch *e cantiot stop. to add vieni in every instance) made a vigorous push towards y flee' Mlarket Head with a' view 'of carrying the Ball down ? the Sadles Gate, 'but PNer's had' anticipate; this movement, and having placed - strong phalanx at the 'bottom of the Iron Gate were enabled by this accession' of strength to carry the ' prize for which they were contending down the Rotten Rowv,' nor L did they receive a check till they reached the Corn Market. A rally'having been made here the tug was stoitly maintained for some time, till at length Peter's succeeded in carrying the ball through Leather Lane and into Tenant Street. HIere the strength ok the two parties was put to the test, and the contest was uong , and obstinately maintained. Peter's however carried the 'game into the Mforledge, when by a dexterous movement All Saints' bore the ball through Hollingshead's yard and the Thorn Tree .Lane into St. Peter's Street. Various maneuvres were at this e crisis of the play resorted to by the Peter's players and their ,f friends, but notwithstanding the attempt to obstruct the progress 1 of their opponents by carts, &c. All Saints' carried the ball over theI Gaol Bridge and once more reached the Corn AMarket. A * vigorous effort was then made by the Peter's, and they' succeeded o In bearing away the ball into the Old George Vard. Here the struggle was intense, but after it had been maintained with nearly equal success for at least half an hour '(both parties 'during that i time being wedged in an angle of the square) an unexpcted succour or arrived in support of the Peter's. This consisted of a body of Y)strong and resolute men at least twenty in number, fromnLittleover, on 'who had already been engaged in a successful contest at kick-ball an equal party of 1iickleover men. Filushed with victory, and panting for farther glory, they entered the George Yard, and sacceueled in carrying the ball once more into the 1'lorledge. In at tproximity of the coalwharf the contest vans again stoutly l maintained, hut the Peter's succeeded in their Favourite tactic of throwing the bal over the fence into the river. It was there to received by some of their patty, carried under the Iron Frame of ed Canal, end borne triumphantly down the-stream. The strife in the river became then an object of great interest, and at the bottom of the Holunee, never was anyfight more earnestly con- tested. The opposite banks were lined with spectators eagerly urging on their respective partizans to fresh exertions. Like the German women so finely described by Tacitus,- the mothers, wives e and sisters of the combatants were at hand to stimulate them to u- every effort of strength, and were even hear& instructing their de infants to call out " All Saints' or Peter's for ever." The battle d of the Boyne, though for a greater stake, was not more eagerly contested than the opposite~ banks of the Derwent, but at length at by an almost incredible effort 'theAll Saint' succeeded in con. t as ?? their prize into the oldimeadows. Whilst this struggle was i going on a einforcement of the 'Peter's had crossed the riverhigher i a, up its stream, or had run round by the long bridge,' and now I joining their companions, they again stopped the progress of the n All Saints'. At the bottom of a teep 'and broad ravine, which Id would in vulgar technicality be called a ditch, the opposite parties waged the equal strife for a considerable time; at length the All j5Saints' were forced back to the banks of the river and the ball v. was eventually carried across e by the Peter's, and after . severely contesting every foot of ground the All Saints' were at compelled to yield the victory to their adversaries. Having ,. touched with the Ball-the appointed Gate Post, the cham. n| pion who held the ball was immediately hoisted on-the necks of e his exulting companions and borne in triumph through St. Peter's !d Parish, happier than many a blood stained conqueror who has been hailed by the plaudits of an admiring ?? was i all this for a Foot Ball, and was this the'reward of so eager a i strife ? It was, and a Garter, or a Grave in 'estmintes'r Abbey, has been as poor an object of ambition, 'though sought by means a far more destructive of the happiness of tnankind._ firen will n the folly of the Foot.Ball-play end ? W'hen the increased intelli.' d gence of mankind shall lead them -to nobler objects of amuse. e ment; about the time when subjects shall find out that war is a ' gar e too expensive, and too wiclecd in which to indulge their vy monarchs. se WHE E CtiASE. r Mr. MEV xYSE L'S Efo ?? will meet on Tudsday ?? O, at in Kedleston; on Thursday March 8, it Shipley; and on Saturday' , March 10, at Radborne-.-at half past ten o'clock. v Sir G. SITWi LL'S H HoUNDs will meet on Tuesday 'March 6th, at Apperknowl Common, and on Friday March 9th, at Weood g house MNill-at ten o'clock each day. d LOnilSCARnstOUeGI'S 'HOUNDS will meet on Friday MaTch s. 2c, at Grove; and on Saturday 3d, at Aston-at ten o'clock id each day.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000052/18270228/007/0003 (Derby Mercury - Wednesday 28 February 1827)
1828
[edit]The ancient and invariable custom of the prize foot-ball, riven by the noble owners of Alnwick Castle, to be played for by the inhabitants of Alnwick, took place this year, as customary, Tuesday last. The scene of the contest was, however, changed from the street, where much damage used take place the progress of the sport, to the Pasture, a spacious lawn the north side the Ain, opposite the Castle. To promote the diversions of the day, his Grace the Duke of Noithumberland gave foot-ball for the non-freemen, and also a foot-ball for a regular match between the married and unmarried freemen, with a of five sovereigns for the winning side. The freemen assembled in the Town Hall on Tuesday morning, and marched thence in procession, preceded large flag and gilded bßll,surronn<lea the arms of the Percys. The concourse of spectators on the field could not be less than 5,000 in number, among whom the most respectable inhabitants mingled. The first game lasted about an honr, and was gained by the married wen ; the two succeeding games were gained by the single men, who were declared the victors. The contest fur the other prizes lasted lliree hours, and after its termination the freemen proceeded to the Town Hall, when the healths of the Duke, the Duchess, and all the branches of the Percy family, were drank most enthusiastically.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001476/18280228/010/0003 (London Courier and Evening Gazette - Thursday 28 February 1828)
A foot-ball match was played at Osbournby on Shrove Tuesday, between six single men of Aunsby and six of Osbournby, for one sovereign a side, which was won by the former, after four hours and a half's excellent playing, the Osbournby men not kicking the ball ortce between the sticks. The day being fine, and the match having been long talked of, a large concourse of people assembled, supposed to be upwards of five hundred.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18280229/005/0003 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 29 February 1828)
An inquest was held at Workington on Wednesday last, before W. Bragg, Esq. coroner, on view the body of (ieorge Young, aged years, who was drowned in the river Derwent the preceding day. The deceased was one of the foot-ball players who had assembled in the Cloflicks, according to annual custom, and the ball having been cast into the river leapt in for the purpose bringing it to land, and unfortunately lost his life in the attempt. —The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/18280415/008/0002 (Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 15 April 1828)
Many voting men, now bustling in the world, far from their native homes, wheic they happily passed their boyish years, may be gratified to learu that the ancient and athletic game of foot-ball lias again commenced for this season in Cumberland; and dial the youths, now rising into manhood, within the parishes of Bromfield, Aspalria, Abbey-Holme, &c., evince nmoli energetic vigour as their sires possessed in olden limes. On Saturday evening, the 10th inst., Clio (fall was thrown up, amidst a great number of the lovers of that cheering exercise, upon Blcncogo common all parties exerted themselves with nearly much persevering resolution as if die late nations depended upon their activity; and after an enlivening contest, the ball waa taken to the inn at l.eegate. Again, Saturday evening, the 17lli mil., crowds of young and old, from die adjoining villages, asscmblad at Well, aad after freely drinking from that far-fumed medicinal spa. (similar to Gilsland spa for its invigorating qualities,) the game commenced. The boll waa thrown up Thomas Hodgson, well-known wrestler, and the amusement with loud hurra. The rnah waa like (ha onset of opposing armies all. the young men fearlessly exerted themselves, wliile the old forgot their aches and cares, viewed die conflict with pleasing anxiety, and acted (he clothce-bcarcrs die young who were eagerly engaged. After contending for perhaps hour, cadi party triumphant (urns, die youdie who played towards succeeded in taking the baU to die public-house, in dial village, which became all alive. Mrs. Wood exerted herself to mako all her guests comfortable, while die welikin rung with the jollity the rustic crowd.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000365/18280524/009/0003 (Carlisle Patriot - Saturday 24 May 1828)
1829
[edit]A correspondent,in allusion to the Foot-ball Match at Wigston, observe*—" Your informant says, that the Blaby men were thrown one alt?r another, and lay sprawling like butts of trees, and that the Wigstou won cleverly in a short time : this was not exactly the case, for it was allowed by great number present, that it was quite the reverse. Two of Wigs ton men were down one Blaby ; and I have authority to slate, that the Blaby men are willing play ihem again Shrove Tuesday, for double sum they played for before, or any sum they plehse to mention, providing they will act as men, and play honorably and fairly.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000172/18290221/007/0002 (Leicester Chronicle - Saturday 21 February 1829)
From timeiimmemorial, the Earlsand Dukes of North- anmberland have provided a football, which was thrown from the Castle for the amusement of the town's people, annually on thiat day, and generally kicket througli the streets: of late years this has been complained of as inconvenient and danger- ous, and, in consequence, his Grace, with his accustomed liberality, has presented a prize of five sovereigns to be played for by the freemen of the borough in.a regular match, the married against the single, in the pasture.opposite the Castle; and also another ball for the non-freemen. The freemen marched from the Townhall, preceded by the band of the Northumberland Militia, and the flags of the Skinneis' and Shoemakers' companies (the latter borne by " Lord Welling- ton") to the pasture, where the match, after being well con- tested, was won by the married party. The day's amusement was concluded by a ball in the evening, for which his grace presented other five sovereigns to furnish music and lights.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000085/18290307/011/0004 (Newcastle Courant - Saturday 07 March 1829)
The foot-ball match B!aby, between Wips'on an did not take place previously agreed to, 00 S-'irote Tuesday. The men e at their post at the time appoialcd, but the men did not attend.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000172/18290307/009/0003 (Leicester Chronicle - Saturday 07 March 1829)
FOOTBALL MATCH— Tuesday week, in ronaiqnence challenge limn Maxstock, football inaicli I lore goals, was played lie I men nun lite Parish u f Fillitugley, and of the I'onlm of and Exha'.l, held belonging in Mr. Hamiu. itoo, Fdloug. ley aforesaid; and was cleverly won Fdluuylry getii,,'* the two first goals.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000383/18290313/060/0004 (Coventry Herald - Friday 13 March 1829)
ANCIENI PASTIlMIES. L-ndon, in lieu of the ancient Shows of the Theatre, and the entenrtainmets of the scene, has Exhtibitions ot a mare devout hind; either representations of those n iracles which were wrought by holy Confessors, or of those passions rid sufferings In which the Martyrs go signally displayed their fortitude.- Be- sides, that We may begin with the pastimes of the aSoy, (as we have all been boys), nnnually, on the day wvicil 19 called Shrove 'luesday, the buys of the respeclive schools bring to tihe masters each one his fighti1g-ceck, And' they are indulged all the morn- ieg with seeing their cocks fight In the school-room. After dinner, all the youth of the Citygointothefield of the ?? and address themsselves to the fitmons game of football, The scholars of each school have their peculiar ball ; and the parti- culir trades b ave mast of them tbeirs. The elders of the City, the fathers sf the parties, and the rich aud the wealthy come to the field en berseback, in order to behold the exercises of the youth, and in appearance are theutaselt'C as youthful as the youngest; their natural bestseemning to ie revived atibe sight of so much agility, and in a participation of the diversions of their festive sons. Every Sunday in Lent,' a nobler train of yontng men take the field after dinner, well mounted en horses of the beat met- tle, of which " Each steed's well taught to gallop in a ring."
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000082/18290418/004/0001 (Morning Chronicle - Saturday 18 April 1829)
FOOT-BALL MATCH —OU Monday last, match foot ball was between leu from and ten fioui Fillongley, fur £5 aside, meadow Exhall, which was won the former.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000383/18290424/041/0003 (Coventry Herald - Friday 24 April 1829)
Foot-ball Playing made an Elegant Amuse- ?? Friday la-l, at Normanton, near Derby, a party of young Gentlemen agreed to play at the old rustic game of foot-ball for a dozen of wine. To put it on a fooling with tho march of intellect,*' a band of music was in attendance.— ( Macclisjiild Courier.)
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000174/18290505/013/0003 (Morning Post - Tuesday 05 May 1829)
IRISH v ENGLISH at STONYHURST
There weie at Stonyhurst, as I have mention-ed, a great number of English Catholics of the highest rank. The number of Irish boys was about hall that of tho English. They were generally greatly inferior in station, though many of them were the children of ihe best Catholic gentry in Ireland. There existed among tha natives of the two countries a strong rivalry, which was occasionally wrought up to animosity. The favourite game at the school was a very violent one, called foot-ball. The Irish were marshalled on one side of a large field, and tbe Engltah on the other. When they jbetamo heated, fie boys showed a spirit uf antipathy
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There weie at Stonyhurst, as I have mention-ed, mention-ed, mention-ed, a great number of English Catholics of the highest rank. The number of Irish boys was about hall that of tho English. They were generally greatly inferior in station, though many of them were the children of ihe best Catholic gentry in Ireland. There existed among tha natives of the two countries a strong rivalry, which was occasionally wrought up to animosity. The favourite game at the school was a very violent one, called foot-ball. foot-ball. foot-ball. The Irish were marshalled on one side of a large field, and tbe Engltah on the other. When they jbetamo heated, fie boys showed a spirit uf antipa
The National Gazette
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
26 Nov 1829, Thu • Page 1
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/18244125/the_national_gazette/
1830
[edit]On Tuesday the 23d ult., being Shrove Tuesday, the long-pending match at foot-ball between the single players of Horbling and those of Swaton, was decided near Bridge End, when the Horbling youths were declared the conquerors, without a struggle, Swaton never obtaining a single bye. The play of the Horbling party was the admiration ofthe assembled multitude, who testified then- applause by the loudest shouts.— The winners were as generous as successful; for, after gaining the victory, they hospitably entertained the vanquished Swatonians ere they returned home.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18300305/004/0003 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 05 March 1830)
SinurETiD* Festivities-.The usual festlvipU»in this borough Tuesday week. Hi. Grace presented the freemen with ten xnJ the foot-ball, according to custom. The r"T. . married and unmarried freemen terminat- Utter. The tall « off Mr. q-hev. of Denvki, freeman, and a highly respectable Ar M. Grace, upwards ninety yean of age. The (tnant —und, however, waa very unfavourable tor such lit uuS attended Opposite the Cutle.the — 1 /Anwnent. The procession went from the Townbm t.ith?wriure*t * o’clock, preceded by murichms,bonkall and returned after the match in the same to tite evening the boll was numerously attended, ndataut 10 o’clock exhibited truly picturesque assemblage. BUI the graceful dancing attitude of portly dame, and slenfernuidens were lost the density of the meeting. In one irt of the Haff were to be seen pewter pots in active cireu- Cion, and youthful swains treating the bliwhidg Cur ones to and oranges; another, some courteous but venerable jeoinen takinfdown candles from the dmndeUera to light heir nines, while the fitme ascended to the pod Ss that presides over the borough. The faW.o.f the were «t times reUeyedbysomeaspbnng rons of Crispin inspired to mate speeches ofwhichseemrf jwsv. be the necessity of subscribing hberaUy for the Mdlenfc After one those heart-moving appeals, the sum of im’iee hilfpcosy was collected among five hundred peoplethe only that can be assigned for this is, that the inccia, drinkers, and smokers were too happy attend to trifles. About 3 o'clock in the morning conviviality had ten almost lotpoßcc pitch, when the meeting was peaceably
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000717/18300306/024/0003 (The Berwick Advertiser - Saturday 06 March 1830)
Committed to the House of Correction ... Josef k Ford,. for-playing at foot-ball on the turnpike road,;
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000203/18300306/004/0003 (Leamington Spa Courier - Saturday 06 March 1830)
There is a bill be| fore parliament " make provision fir the lighting, watching. cleansing, and paving of parishes in Engj land ami Wales," in which it is 'e offence any ' person " any kite, drive any hoof, or at football, or any other game or games, to the annoyance of any passenger or traveller."
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000342/18300319/006/0003 (Chester Chronicle - Friday 19 March 1830)
The annual amusement of foot-ball playing at Workington, on Friday last, was not so well attended as on former occasions, chieHy owing to the scarcity of vessels now at that port. After short contest, victory declared for the colliers, w ho received sovereign from Mrs. Curwen as premium for their dexterity.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/18300420/009/0002 (Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 20 April 1830)
On Sunday, the sth lost, some servants belonging to farm house in the parish of Montgomery, met in field to decide trifling wager game football; whilst thus engaged in wickedly profaning the Lord’s Day, one of the paity suddenly dropped down, and soon after expired.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001308/18301222/021/0002 (Wolverhampton Chronicle and Staffordshire Advertiser - Wednesday 22 December 1830)
1831
[edit]On Wednesday the 29th tilt, a match at football took place between the parishes of Ruskington and Walcot, ten men on each side, for ten sovereigns. here was some fine play : the game was decidedly in favour of the Walcot men, but owing general battle ensuing, the prize was not awarded. It is supposed that people v/ere present.;
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18310107/003/0003 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 07 January 1831)
On Shrove Tuesday, the annual foot-ball match, between the married and unmarried freemen the borough of Alnwick, took place; his Grace the Duke of Northumberland presenting the parties with 10/. which he has also done for the last four years. The burgesses marched to the scene of action preceded banners, music, and other appendages; and, after a short contest, the married men were proclaimed victors.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000864/18310219/012/0002 (Newcastle Chronicle - Saturday 19 February 1831 _
Sir,—lt having been customary for several years past to ree our Easter sports at Workington noticed in the Cumberland Racijoet, may I beg a corner in your esteemed paper for the following brief account, which I can assure your sporting readers an accurate and impartial statement of the proceedings the foot-ball matches upon the Cloffocks on Tuestlay last. This animal and favourite amusement was, as usual, numerously attended, and the play well contested ; though from the scanty muster of blue-jackets it was generally expected, at the commencement of the sport, that in few minutes the hall •■'ould carried by the colliers in triumph into Mr. Curweu’s park. There were, it true, but few vessels the port, yet those sailors who appealed the field were fully determined exert every nerve, and the carpenters, who always co-operate with the seamen, seemed animated by the same spit it. To these were added a few active young men from the neighbourhood ol and Camerton, with three hearty fellows from Workington Mills, (who, by the bye, looked as if fed and trained for action) which turned the scale in favour of the rough sons of Neptune, and ultimately succeeded in launching the hall into the harbour, amongst the deafening shouts of congregated thousands. The colliers and their supporters, however, played with great spirit, hut evidently had little or no chance with the powefol party which they were opposed. Amongst the motley group that played up, I observed chimney-sweeper, who living aware that had no steam packets, and conscious that sail vessels needed no chimneys, could not expect to profit by supporting the sailors, and therefore determined to oppose them with all his might. Having the course of his exertions come in frequent contact with both the millets and tlie mud, in a short time the colour of poor sooty was changed from sable to piebald, till at length, when the play was concluded, the knight of the brush was seen walking up street with most ludicrous aspect, and apparently exhausted as to be to practise his avocation for considerable time. Many respectable gentlemen were present the occasion, and those connected with shipping lent their assistance to carry the ball down, while some of those whose pursuits and interests were centered the town, played with equal energy. Upon the whole the foot-ball upon the 'Cluffocks has not been played in such manly in.inner for mauv years, the whole scene being characteristic of olden time, and indicating that the savage brutality which lias of late but too frequently disgraced the Workington foot-ball play, is now abandoned lor ever.—The hall was thrown up at half-past four o’clock, p.M., and was nut bailed until night drew her sable curtain and terminated the contest. illlims, ill,: limits,. It has been the practice on former occasions to collect a sum of money wrestled for, after the foot-hall play was concluded, and numlter of good wrestlers were preseat; hut the regret of many the near approach of night prevented a display of that manly and popular exercise. Piior the commencement «f the diversion, promise had lieeu made by 11. Curwcn. Esq. Woikiugton Hall, Falcon, jun., T. Falcon, Esq., some other gentlemen, that if there were fighting or disturbance during the contest something handsome would given for refieshnient, without regard to the party that might prove victorious. The sports the day having been conducted with proper decorum, a liberal sum was accordingly subscribed, with which the anxious competitors in the field, now joining in a more social recreation, cheerfully regaled themselves, and spent the evening together, as they had passed the day, in harmony and good fellowship. Moor Close, near Workington, April. R. M.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/18310412/020/0003 (Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 12 April 1831)
The Royal Princes have, for several evenings during the week, amused themselves with a number the Eton gentlemen playing at cricket and foot-ball Little the latter game they appear exceedingly fond of.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000358/18310514/018/0004 (Berkshire Chronicle - Saturday 14 May 1831)
The proceedings in the House of Commons with respect to the Reform Bill most strongly remind us of the foot-ball amusements of our boyhood-to which indeed they bear no slight resemblance. First steps forth my Lord Russell and gives it a long strong kick, that sends it, amidst the accla- mations of the spectators, more than half way to the ap- pointed goal. To oppose its further progress up start the Peels, the Inglis', the Wetherells, et hoc genus omne-each scrambling to be leader of the game. There they go, jostling, and fuming, and fretting, and kicking each others shins, and moving the ball an inch at a time in a zig-za-, direction, till Russell and his party come up, and again send it flying to its destination. Then follows a repetition of the running and the scuffling, and the pushing, and the reeling, and the kicking against the pricks—and the biting of files-and the great cry and the little wool—and all the vain endeavours of men labouring under the nightmare to escape from a peril of the imagination.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000928/18310723/023/0003 (Monmouthshire Merlin - Saturday 23 July 1831)
The Christmas dinner consists of large pork or goose pies, which Brand mentions peculiar to this county; tiie goose put in whole, they are all marked the top a fork with the owner’s initials ; formerly it was a religious inscription. In the afternoon (be it spoken perhaps to their shame) they sally forth for a game at foot-ball, the first day on which the game is played, the ball is what they call clubbed up for, and he who can run away with the ball may keep it; but this seldom occurs, it is kicked to pieces before the game is over.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001427/18311224/003/0001 (Morning Advertiser - Saturday 24 December 1831 )
1832
[edit]I heard that they had cried, down with the tithes that they had gone with their football, and cried, u up with the ball and down with the tithes.”
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001425/18320307/022/0004 (Warder and Dublin Weekly Mail - Wednesday 07 March)
The foot-ball which, according to ancient custom, given the Parish Clerk of Sedgefield, to he played for on Shrove Tuesdayâ between the tradesmen of that town and the countrymen of the neighltourhood, was, after four hours and half hard play, gained the former: and although the weather was unfavourable for the sport, the competitors were more numerous than usual.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000613/18320309/042/0006 (Durham County Advertiser - Friday 09 March 1832)
It was rather before this time, but our recollection is not A fellow who had the audacity to use the expression "if sufficiently accurate as to dates in these matters; but it was ever -- was drunk upon earth, it was when he composed about 1815, when we saw WALTER Score, where he was the Lord's Prayer"—had the daring to accuse WALTER more at home. The then Duke of BUCELEUGM and the Scorr of blasphemy, and to complain that he misrepresented Earl of HOME had some wager on the respective merits of a religious body by attributing to them an irreverent use their tenants at " the football," a game ployed to this day of scriptural allusion. with great spirit on both sides of the it•der. It was a In the gradual extension of the "field of view," as it may peaceable imitation of the clan contests of old. Bowhill, be called, in which the writer of these novels: appeared to the residence of Bucct.zuGn, in Selkirkshire, since the indulge. and in proportion to which the circle of his fame demolition of the Tower of Brauxholme, had been rebuilt appears to have been extended, there are traces of a design by the late duke, and, as it appears to us, by distant recol-' which Sir W ALTER has in no place avowed. It is true that lection, it was built of the whinstone, the native basalt of the towers of Roxburgh and of Warwick, the cloisters of the district. The house stands on a spot celebrated for one Melrose and Westminster, the forests of Ettrick, Sherof the splendid battles between the covenanters and their wood, and Arden, the palace of Holyrood, and the palace of enemies—Philiphaugh was the scene. On this distinguished Plessy le Tours, appear equally familiar to him ; but, as he arena, preparations were made for the grand match, and the ingeniously insinuates somewhere, the distant from us in Howes from the Hirsel, Coldstream, and the banks of place and time are safe for the writer, since criticism cannot Tweed, came to the encounter, while the Scorns gathered so readily trace his errors, if they exist. But with all deferfrom the braes of Yarrow, from Ettrick forest and Teviot- ence to the vineyards of France and the plains of Palestine, dale, from Galla and the Huntley burn,between which the true field of his greatness is at home. Regard, then, the stands Abbousford. In the words of Sir WALTER, gradual growth of his arena. He crosses the border in the Our foresters blytbe from the brown hills descending, " Abbot," in " Ivanhoe" he is all English, and he continues Bound light on the heather to join in the game. so in " Kenilworth," one of the most perfect of his wolks. So eagerly did the peasantry on both sides embrace the op. "Quentin Durward" takes him to France, but as it was poriunity, so strongly were the prejudices of old times re- necessary to find a connecting chain between England and sired, and the spirit of clanish rivalry resuscitated, that Scotland, such an expedient became more necessary to bind we cannot help regarding this affair as of' greater importance Scotland with France, and that union was effected by the than it appeared at the moment. The lines we have quoted sympathy of the archer guard, the Leslie: and the Durward:. are from a ballad written expressly for the occasion by Sir England follows him to the Holy land, and with the WALTER, and addressed to the banner of Bucct.zuG H. Cymri and the Matixinen he found community of language 'I ben up with the banner, and resemblance of manners that made it easy for ham to Let forest winds fan her, endue himself with their strength. With the exception of a She has blazed over Ettrick eight ages or more; few brilliant passages in the " Bethrothed," he was lost, how- In sport we'll attend her, ever, among the ancient Britons ; and, without any ex- In battle defend her, With heart and with hand like our fathers before. ception, he always found his strength among the Flemings. Looking over the immense field of his exertions, however, The harp of the forest leaning against an oak, the shield of Bucctzuco, and the motto, on a gay garland, of wherever human sympathy could penetrate there was he ; 1111 earn my clan a rattling sang, wherever a prejudice was to be encountered, there was the champion with his faulchion ; wherever there was a dark appear before our eyes at this moment. The ballad was signed passage in history, there was he with the torch of his learn- Omit the **Miff of the _forest. ing. If he had done nothing but excite a taste for historical JAMES Hoof; also saluted the banner in a sadder strain, reading, he would have done much ; but in exalting literary I signed fiction, raising the objects and character of light reading and (Meth the Shriek light writing, he has done more. The tendency of the day Of this we remember only the line is to follow him rather too far. Any man who can write I almost grieve to see thee here. at all conceives that he can write a historical novel • let such The light-hearted Sir WALTER caught the very tone in men remember that ten years of indefatigable la bour were which the festive minstrels loved to sing. Hoc& s ballad, ensployed in the laying up materials, and in the toil of prethough beautiful, was notso fitted to fix itself in the memory je aration, before a single line was committed to paper. of boyhood. fore a man can play with history, he must have studied, At the " BUCCLEUGH'S Gathering" Sir WALTER was and one has no right to laugh at the follies of our ancestors earl marshal, and the ceremonies were sufficiently imposing, until he have acquired a knowledge of their wisdom. Sir The " Souters of Selkirk " marched in order, and the men WALTER himself was no great believer in the moral utility of Hawick brought the blue basket, which they saved from of works of fiction, but his works have banished a whole the field of Culloden. The pennon of DOUGLAS of Cavers host of mischievous books, whose tendency was decidedly waved over the field with the banner of BuccLzupu. immoral. In speaking of his " St. Ronan's Well," he says, Lady E. Scorn presented the prize ; the banner was guarded by the present baronet, Sir ALTER SCOTT, then a youth of fourteen, in the accoutrements of a forester. The present Duke of BUCCLEUGH, then a boy of more tender age, was present. HOOO was accompanied, we rather think, by the relatives of MUNGo PARK. The company, the game, and the spirit of the contest marked the scene indelibly on the recollection of those who enjoyed it, but we retain only the general outline. A hundred border football-matches since have banished the sense of novelty which made the chief charm of this. he had not conked th - e kind of society . that enables men to shoot folly as it flies ; he had hit the vice of gambling however, and he was content with his quarry. The title of the "Great Unknown" was now bestowed upon him by the press and in society, and perhaps no writer ever held so high a place in the estimation of his contemporaries as did the author of " Waverley." No contemporary pretended to challenge his fame, and he dealt kindly with all his contemporaries.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002115/18321007/009/0004 (The Atlas - Sunday 07 October 1832)
HEALTH AND BENEDICTION. am old enough to remember the time* before the Americas war of Independence—l remember how I •pent boyish days, my studies, my •par's, my thoughtless existence ; but when I speak of these things now, f And that Ido not remember the artless, healthy,aaconstraiosd.and unsophisticated style In which the boys of my day spoke and acted.— Great changes have taken place in the politics of the world since then, and great revolutions la habits and manners. My grandmother was counted a decent woman, and this was no small praise la her day for any one below noMllty, yet wss she the first on the common the vlllige on every of May. to join In match of football with all the reputable fe. males of the place. What Is the earn now t The very lowest drab would Justly count herself degraded by Joining in such a pastime, Before I mounted horse of my own, I was net very choice in my com. pontons, and many a bare pair of legs, that never since wore shoe, has aooompsaied la the cbace after dozen curs of mongrel breed, pursuing hare before the son was up. la the football on the roea. dow, tod round the stacks of the haggard, trapstiefc burliog, wrestling, and skating, there was no very eceuraie delineation of distinctive rank- The son of the tenant, the landlord, and the cottier, ran. jumped end ahouted together, end together grew manly. At I grew older followed the hounds the more legitimate from early dawn to dewy eve, and never feared to take tbe double fence so rarely met in those unmethodical dayt. There was too much of this, too much cultivation of the body, and two little of tbe mind many athletic and herculean friends of mine never passed the age of childhood, far worldly wit and learning ware concerned. Things are altered now, and I make bold say, have run into the opposite extreme. My great grand children have neither grace fora nor vigour of body I (ear the boys will not have manliness of spirit, for want of nerve and muscle, to sustain Ik The girls are rlckcttv and lit half their lime on a sola, with a straightening board fastened to their hacks ; some an discorsnd to be in postsstlon of liven and nerves, and have absolutely passed thro' the enervating paocaaa of blue pill and hot hatha. lam not Ignorant that much of this mar attributed to Improved tyatawe of trade and business. For Instance, the baker uses more alum and ammonia, tho distiller more Wue stone, there more chalk la the milk, more land in tbe sugar, and more lima h> tbe meaL
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001703/18321123/028/0004 (Sligo Journal - Friday 23 November 1832)
1833
[edit]The ancient Foot-ball” given by tbc parish clerk of Scdpcficld, Shrove Tuesday, was as usuid contested for by the tiadeonen of that place, and flic countnnten of the neighbourhood, which, after fi\e hours severe play, and many broken chin had been given and rcc.iveJ both sides, was hailed the former.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000613/18330222/036/0006 (Durham County Advertiser - Friday 22 February 1833)
The annual foot-ball match at Workington took place on Tuesilay, and after severe contest the sailors were defeated. The Clofficks have frequently contained more spectators than on Tuesday, but more tun and frolic have not been witnessed at this annual gymnastic display than on the present occasion. '
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/18330416/023/0003 (Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 16 April 1833)
BACHELORS’ ANNUAL REVEL, TO CELEBRATE HIS MAJESTY’S BIRTH-DAY, on Wednesday, August 2 ... Eight men, {out tide, to play gam* at Football, and play the tiea off, with their legs tied 13 inches apart, and their partially confined, for Pair Shoes the losers have One Shilling each.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18330817/010/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 17 August 1833)
1834
[edit]On Shrove Tuesday, the old custom of foot-ball playing in the Market-places at Astor and Market Rasen was continued. It is always played in the Market-place of each town, and as Tuesday is the market-day for Rasen, it is complained of by some as a serious inconvenience.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18340214/014/0004 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 14 February 1834)
The annual foot-hall match between the married and unmarried freemen of Alnwick (to which his Grace the Duke of Northumberland gave a prize ten pounds,) was won the unmarried freemen, on Tuesday last.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000243/18340215/012/0003 (Newcastle Journal - Saturday 15 February 1834)
Workington, Easter Tuesday —The annual foot-ball play, at Workington, was but thinly attended on Tuesday last, and, of course, was soon over. Owing to the paucity of sailors at home, the colliers had no difficulty in getting the ball upwards.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000365/18340405/023/0003 (Carlisle Patriot - Saturday 05 April 1834)
BACHELORS’ ANNUAL REVEL TO CELEBRATE HIS MAJESTY BIRTH-DAY, On THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1834. ... Eight men, four of a side, to play a game football, with their legs tied fifteen inches apart, and their hands partially confined, for a fustian jacket.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18340816/003/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 16 August 1834)
Harvest Home. — At Ingestre, on Thursday, the Earl Talbot, in the exercise of that generosity by which his Lordship's conduct to his dependents is invariably marked, regaled upwards oftwo hundred men, women, and boys, who had been employed in getting in the harvest, with roast beef and ale. During the day there was a well-contested game at football between the men employed on different farms. Dancing was kept up till a late hour, and hilarity and joy were triumphant.— Wolverhampton Chronicle.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000174/18340905/017/0003 (Morning Post - Friday 05 September 1834)
ETON V HARROW
Foot- ball. —A most interesting match is expected come off at Eton, between eleven of the Harroniaus, and eleven of the Etonians, foot-ball, on Tuesday next. The match creates the greatest interest at both places, and both are equally confident of success. This is one of our old English games which we wish to see encouraged.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18341207/005/0002 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 07 December 1834)
1835
[edit]w n given ? , vim to the freemen T y the t,,ra foot-ball match, was leS , ' ami a,,d ""married freemen on ol a ' ~,l! 'er , •,, • John ew, Den wick, thel S a lie is the oldes tate and the oldest freeman of
[ALNWICK AGAIN]
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000243/18350307/015/0003 (Newcastle Journal - Saturday 07 March 1835)
SHROVETFDE AMUSEME1\TS.-TI.e INHABITANTS of Haverfordwest were, on Tuesday se'nnight, highly (jratified by witnessing the various contests at fO(Jt- ball, which, according to ancient custom, are aniiua"y played on Surove Tuesday, in the public streets, from noon till daik. Strangers visiting or passing through the toWI1 Oil that day could not fail to form a hIgh opinion of the extreme good nature of the inhabitants in thus shutting up their shops, susjjeniing their business, and banicading their windows,togive boy?, &c. all opportunity of shewing their dexterity iu kicking and catching the football to the greatest advantage.—Welshman.
NOTE: EXPLICITLY MENTIONS CATCHING THE BALL
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000912/18350314/023/0003 (Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette - Saturday 14 March 1835)
Mr. Editor, - On Tuesday evening last, disgraceful scene was exhibited in the small village of Hacconby, near Bourn, which proves the state of vice and irreligion into which many places are sunk even in Christian England, in the nineteenth century. The Baptist minister of Bourn, the Rev. James Peggs, had taken his stand on the village green with ten or twelve friends, for the purpose of preaching the gospel, when series of indecent and outrageous attacks were made, which flrst compelled him to remove from his situation, and ultimately, after singing and prayers, to retire from the place. The ancient watchword of the enemies of Christianity, " crucify him," was adopted on this occasion, and promptly answered the yells and hootings, &c. of boys, farmers' servants, aud others, headed by several of their masters residing in the place. As a statement of tbe whole affair has been transmitted to John Wilks. Esq. M.P., the secretary of tbe Society for the Protection of Religious Liberty, in London, and will receive prompt Investigation, it may be sufficient at present for the Information of the public to state tbat one the principal persons concerned in the outrage caused the modesty of the assembled congregation to be outraged by most indecent order, which was Immediately obeyed. After this, stones, hard clay, rotten eggs, &c. were thrown; boys were encouraged to play at foot-ball, and the ball was frequently aimed at the minister, who on one occasion took and put It int ohis bat; It was thence forcibly taken away by the constable, and the chair used by the preacher kicked by him into the road! The ball was afterwards taken by one of the Individuals, and after being put Into a privy, was kicked about; and one of the persons present from Bourn was violently struck by stone on the breast, and otherwise much abused.—These things will have to be accounted for. Your's, Am Eye Witness.
UNUSUALLY AMUSING STORY OF BAD BEHAVIOR ON SUNDAY
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18350612/002/0002 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 12 June 1835)
BACHELORS’ ANNUAL REVEL, TO CELEBRATE HIS MAJESTY’S BIR^R-DAY, ON FRIDAY, AVGUST 21, ... Eight Men, four of a side, to plav (same Football, with thair legs lied fifteen inches apart, and their bands partially confined v for a Fustian Jacket.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18350815/017/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 15 August 1835)
Foot-Ball.— ln days of yore the Ball of Scone was famous over all Scotland. This game the foot-ball was played annually Scone, under the auspices of the Kings who resided at the Palace. Many came from distant quarters to present at the game; and many a wight returned with broken legs and bruised bodies; —but was fair at the ba’ o' Stone, which was common bye-word in conversation long after the football ceased to be played. We understand this ancient game is again to established, under the auspices of the Earl o'f Mansfield and Lord Stormont. Arrangements are now making on extensive scale ; and the game is to be played in the parks of Scone, the Ist of December
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000458/18351119/026/0003 (Thursday 19 November 1835)
A better proof the hilarity and old fashioned good humour which pervaded the meeting could not adduced, than that when Lord Sloimont alluded, with regret, to the decay of the ancient Scottish Games which were wont be held the North Imh, the Lord Provost offered revive them pledging that good men and true ot the fair City (whereof himself would one) would meet his Lordship with other 49 the staunch hearts Scone, at’Football cn th • North Inch on New Handsel Monday, —which offer was immediately accepted.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001174/18351126/031/0002 (Perthshire Courier - Thursday 26 November 18)
It has been rumoured that the match at football, between the Lord Provost of Penh and Viscount Stormont, to come off on New Hansel Monday, has been abandoned. We arc informed, however, that the match will not only come off, but a committee is appointed to select the Perth players, and Lord Stormont, it is said, will select bis players from Scone. We have heard of several bets taken on the issue of the game.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000458/18351203/028/0003 (Perthshire Advertiser - Thursday 03 December 1835)
Foot-ball Since the contest at Scone, when this ancient game was revived under such influential and fashionable auspices, it has become very popular, and several parties have been exercising on the Inch, with a view of preparing for the match to be played on Hansel Monday. For our own parts, do not see any attractions in the violent and riotous formula of this game ; and some may think that lords, whether courtesy or not, might better employed than in encouraging such sport. There is certainly no science, skill, or exercise of the intellect in it, and therefore it may be thought with no little propriety to belong to a certain age, and unworthy of the attention of adults. Still on a cold frosty day may be considered not an uninvigorating exercise; and if the excitement which will be occasioned by the keen struggle anticipated, bo kept within reasonable bounds, a day’s racing and jostling on the Inch may not be altogether mis-spent. We cannot but remark, however, that if ancient games arc to be revived, foot-ball is the last we would think of establishing. Archery is an exercise in which the utmost nicety of skill is required, and in which St. Johnstone excelled of yore ; and though the expense of bows and arrows, &c., &c., would of course exclude the lower orders from partieipat
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000458/18351217/027/0003 (Perthshire Advertiser - Thursday 17 December 1835)
We not intend to make »njr remarks on the twaddle of the Conttitulionnl last week, further than what refers to the Chaplaincy of the Jail, and loot-ball. As to the first, we did not intend to defend the Council, but merely to shew from the Comtitulionars own statement, that there was nothing eery objectionable any rate in the appointment, and that the charge of mala Jidct was entirely undeserved by the Town Council. perverted not one single word in demonstrating this, and defy our doughty Orange and Purple opponent to prove that did so. We have, however, to prefer a charge of this kind against him, when he teems to inainuate that we are desirous of patronising the pleasures of the high at the expense of those of the humble ; and wish to be informed how could the re establishment archery burden the humble ? wish that the poor and humble should have the fullest enjoyment of such pleasures as they can command ; but not think that a revival the foot-ball, which tha humble have tacitly abandoned and thrown up. it cai culated to be beneficial amusement, or in any other way whatever to that class of the population. The football appears to us unsuitable to the times in which live, end the customa and tastes of the people; and those who pretend so much regard for the comfort and pleasures of the humble, sure wc are might, select better and more grateful methods of ministering to these, than in encouraging idleness, riot, and disorder, which a revival of lint game will tend materially to establish. There is nothing Conservative in the game certainly, but there may be Conservative cods not far from the wishes of some of those who now foster it, by pandering the prejudices or foibles of the people. Per. haps more distinct indication of this will appear ere long ; and our cotemporary has shrunk from solution of the surprise expressed in the conclusion our observations this subject.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000458/18351224/028/0003 (Perthshire Advertiser - Thursday 24 December 1835)
1836
[edit]HANDSEL MONDAY.-The game of foot-ball having wen lately revived at Perth, under the patronage of Lords and Provosts, was though, not a had game to substituted our here, to place the old use and won. amusement of gaoling upon Handsel- mday. And accordingly match was go. up amongs. the tradesmen of the town, between the mar_ men and bachelors, which took place tn the park „f nily-milly, amidst a great concourse of spectator, ard which was keenly and with great sp.r.t contested both sides, till i. Anally terminated m « battle. The voung men. though stout and athlette. bad, from all accounts, rather the worst of the fight; an , PYCcpt for some renegades apparently m the camp, is thought the married side would have assuredly carried Off the victory, and beaten the, r opponents off the fillJ.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001174/18360121/028/0003 (Perthshire Courier - Thursday 21 January 1836)
Foot-Ball Match— Seventy-First Regiment On Tuesday afternoon, a display of this manly exercise took place in a field the south side of the Grange Loan. The parties were twenty men of the first, and a like number from the second companies of the 71st Light Infantry, and an officer to each, viz. Lieutenant Sir Hugh Dairymple and Ensign Hunter. The match was for £5 aside, the best of three games. The two first were keenly contested, the young officers taking an active share in the sport. Each party having won a game, the match increased in interest, and notwithstanding their previous exertions the parties came to the final onset with unabated spirit, and after a fair and manly struggle, the match was won for the first company Sir H. goaling the ball in good style, the losers good humouredly remarking u Well, let them have it, they have wrought hard for it.” Colonel Grey and a number of the officers were present, the gallant commander settling all appeals made to him in the most condescending manner.
"GOALING THE BALL"
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000446/18360427/030/0002 (Inverness Courier - Wednesday 27 April 1836)
N CELEBRATION OF HIS MAJESTY’S BIRTH-DAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1836,. , 'PHE BACHELORS of WINDSOR ...
Eight Men. four of side, to play a game at Football, with their legs tied fifteen inches apart, and their hands partially confined, for a Cheese.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18360813/006/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 13 August 1836)
As the honourable gentleman seems acquainted with the game of football, he mtl-t n-ed- knowthat like fortune it is "■fTa'aarj taw parties usually play at it, and s.imctimes thai more? kicks are got than half pence** with broken shins into the I>argain.
"KICKS AND BROKEN SHINS"
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000342/18360909/006/0003 (Chester Chronicle - Friday 09 September 1836)
1837
[edit]ANY GAME MAY BE PLAYED EXCEPT FOOTBALL
Rules of tha Hathern Playground. 1. No matches to be played on the ground for any stake whatever ; nor any kind of gambling to be per- mitted in it. 2. No liquor of any kind to be brought on the ground, except water ; nor any one permitted to remain on it in a state of intoxication. 3. No battles to be fought ; nor any swearing, or pro- fane and immoral language, to be uttered on the ground. 4. The lower square to be set apart for the cricket of the young men, and such other games as the season may admit of, except foot-ball. 5. The end of the narrow piece nearest the town to be used for skittles aud quoits. 6. Tbe remainder of the narrow piece to be given up to the school-boys, for their cricket or other games. 7> The hours of play to be from 12 to 8 in the summer, and till sin the winter. At holiday times, the play- ground to be open from 8 in the morning till 8 or 5 in the evening. 8. All young men resident in the town, are at liberty to play in common on the ground ; and all the boys be- longing to any of the day or Sunday schools. No other persons to be admitted upon it ; and no persons what- ever to be admitted on a Sunday. 9. All persons offending against these rules will be dis- charged from the ground ; and upon appearing on it again, will be prosecuted as trespassers. Superintendant ofthe ground, Mr. John Keetley, who Will appoint proper persons to see that these rules be observed, and to report offenders.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000172/18370114/030/0004 (Leicester Chronicle - Saturday 14 January 1837)
ALNWICK AGAIN
aunnial football matclh between the marriell anl sioaiarriud freemcn of' Ahnavicl, for aI prue of.5I., gpsel by Hil Grace thle Dles of Northuimbelahld, Ivwa played in the Pa.s- tore, in fionnt of thc Castle, oil Shrove Ttiesduy, as usual. 'he processionl was this year attended with more thnn usual pomip and circumstainee, in constilieice of the voluntary and ellient scrvicen of aln escellent arineteur hand, which has beeni latelyv toirnli ni .Alnwrick.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000085/18370210/012/0004 (Newcastle Courant - Friday 10 February 1837)
PENSION AWARDED TO SOLDIER GOOD AT FOOTBALL (SPAIN)
It would have been lucky both for Ferdinand and Spain that such a man had never been admitted wiihin the Pa- lace gat.es ; but his late Majesty for the most part conferred favours on persons who were not deserving of them ; for in- stance, he settled tm.encomienda worth 6001. per annum on Don Pedro Zuloaga Count Torre Alta, an officer in the Gre- nadier Guards, because of his good play at football when the King was accidentally passing by, and the Count's adversary, who was a vej-y low-born fellow, was made a Commissary- General.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000174/18370417/027/0006 (Morning Post - Monday 17 April 1837)
EAST KIRBY
On Friday last a match at the ancient game of foot-ball wss played East Kirkby, between a number of youths that place and equal number from Hagnaby; after spirited contest, it terminated in favour of the former. The parties then retired to the Tuns inn, where the evening was spent with conviviality.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18370421/007/0003 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 21 April 1837)
THIS AGAIN
Eight Men, four of aide, to play a game Football, with their legs tied fifteen inches apart, and their bands partially confined, for a Cheese.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18370812/007/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 12 August 1837)
1838
[edit]"in one part of Fleet-Street might be seen a throng of men playing at Foot-ball"
(speaking of time before the Great Fire of 1666)
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001319/18380204/031/0006 (Bell's New Weekly Messenger - Sunday 04 February 1838)
CHERTSEY: "Annual football nuisance" was "put a stop to by the proper authorities; the parties retiring to a field (much more suitable for the sport than the streets), a short distance from the town.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18380303/051/0004 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 03 March 1838)
MORPETH Shrove Tuesday match. "CRACK PLAYER" from Newton Underwood, having been backed to a considerable amount, by a celebrated sporting character, to "CARRY OF THE BALL".
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000088/18380310/046/0003 (Northern Liberator - Saturday 10 March 1838)
Easeter Games "NOT KEPT UP WITH THE USUAL SPIRIT"
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000267/18380421/009/0003 (Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Saturday 21 April 1838)
BORDER GAMES _, i T HE TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING _' of . the ST _RONAN'S GYMNASTIC CLUB is to be held at Innerieithen on Thursday the 2 d of August next , wlien SILVER MEDALS ' and oilier Valuable _Prizes will be given for QUOIT PLAYING , LEAPING , RUNNING , WRESTLING , PUTTING the BALL and _THROWING the HAMMER ; also SINGLE STICK for a Bplendid _Medal . Tlie Day ' s Sports to conclude willi a Game at FOOTBALL
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/18380728/018/0001 (The Scotsman - Saturday 28 July 1838)
THIS AGAIN
Eight Hen, tour ef aide, »e play game Football, with theiy legs tied fifteen inches apart, mad their hands partially confined, for Cheese.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18380811/014/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 11 August 1838)
The sports of the day concluded with a game at football, the South side of the Tweed against the North, and after one of the most desperate struggles ever witnessed, the honour the day was declared in tuvour of the youths from the South side of the Tweed.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000717/18380811/043/0004 (The Berwick Advertiser - Saturday 11 August 1838)
LAW FOR OBSERVANCE OF THE LORD'S DAY COMMONLY CALLED SUNDAY Bans football among other games on Sunday
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000899/18381006/028/0003 (Limerick Chronicle - Saturday 06 October 1838)
WRESTLING MORE POPULAR THAN FOOTBALL
he wrts'ling next commenced, and here, at til other country iporta, was the principal object attraction. football in former limes was a highly popular villag® sport this county, but wrestling has now so far decidedly - he preference over every diversion in the rural district* none the village sports got up the present t,me . ° 7 , < ; tractive it wrestling did not form portion of the bill tare.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/18381023/037/0003 (Tuesday 23 October 1838)
Royal Marines— Lieut. Parke, the new Adjutant, has gained great popularity among the men by introducing twc foot-balls, by which they exercise themselves in the after- noon, superceding the dry drills, which only sicken the sol- diers by their constant repetition.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000174/18381217/004/0002 (Morning Post - Monday 17 December 1838)
"NOT EVEN MAKING A SINGLE COUNT"
Foot-Ball Match.—A challenge was lately made by the sons of Crispin, and other leatherdealers, amounting to 15, to play individuals Ulverston, professing any other trade. The challenge being accepted, John Woodburn, shoe-maker, was chosen Captain for the leather party, and Mr Thomas Douglass, innkeeper, for the other. The match came off on Monday hist, in field near to tho grounds belonging to Col. Braddyll, when the sons of Crispin and their followers were entirely defeated, not even making a single count. The day being very favourable, brought to the spot a great number spectators, who seemed highly amused with the sport. In the evening, about 30 of the combatants and friends partook of excellent supper, provided Mr Douglass, wltich both parties played excellent game, and afterwards spent the money with the greatest cordiality and good fellowship.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000429/18381229/015/0003 (Kendal Mercury - Saturday 29 December 1838)
HEREFORD IMPROVEMENT ACT
Imposes a 10s. fine for playing at football (and other specified games) in the public streets.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000398/18380620/008/0004 (Hereford Journal - Wednesday 20 June 1838)
1839
[edit]INTERESTING GAME AT ULVERSTONE. "EVERY BYE THAT WAS PLAYED"
FOOT-BALL. — Last week a match took place in a field near Dragley Beck between the men of leather and the other tradesmen of Ulverstone. The shoe-makers &c., challenged the other parties, and it was eventually agreed that each side should have 11 men. The ball was placed about the centre of the ground, and one from each side stood twenty yards from it. At a given signal the two opponents rushed forward, and the representative of leather, Roger Gaskell, took the ball in grand style, thereby winning the gloves. The action then became general, but leather was forced to be content with the laurels already won, as the other party won every bye that was played. Many of the gentle craft were good millers??, and carried on the contest toughly, but their opponents played more scientifically, and outmanœuvred them, and carried the day ????????
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18390113/046/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 13 January 1839)
TRADITIONAL GAME DISCONTINUED
Through tbe interference of tbe authorities at Market Rasen, the annual nuisance foot-ball playing in the streets of that town on Shrove Tueaday haa been discontinued, to the great comfort the tradespeople and their customers. Tbis year, although several groups of men and boys were observed in various parts of the town, no attempt was made to throw up the ball.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18390215/008/0003 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 15 February 1839)
TRADITIONAL GAME: "PREVENT THE OTHER FROM DRIVING OUT OF BOUNDS": "THROWN UP".
In Atherstooe, a most pugnacious town by charter, Burke was hailed with favour, a precursor to ike local sports of Tuesday ; for it seems, from time immemorial, that on Shrove Tuesday the inhabitants of Atherstone exercise sort of prescriptive right to settle ail disputes in fistic other combat, the portunlty for which arises kicking football through the town-one pirty endeavouring to prevent the other from driving it out bounds. It ie generally thrown up in the centre of the town, the party succeeding being entitled to leg of mutton and trimmings. All giudges are ” battled” till this festival when many hearty encounters take place, which are repeated year after year* defiance of all magisterial interference, so that the appearance of th« ’un was perfectly in season, fetch, indeed, was the boisterous welcome which the football heroea seemed disposed to give him, that Burn was glad to move off, and at eleven o’clock on Monday his party took their departure for Appleby, to be ready for the coming Interview.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18390217/030/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 17 February 1839)
TRADITIONAL FOOTBALL: POLICE INVOLVED: HOPED TO MOVE IT OUT OF TOWN CENTRE
Annual Foot-ball / diusKMENT.—The annual foot-ball match, between the young men the east and west ends of Dorking took place, as usual, on Shrove Tuesday, much to the amuseiacnt of the inhabitants generally, both old and young. On the morning of Tuesday, the bellman went round the town to give notice that •• no foot ball, nor any o*ncr riotous game, should be pinved that day at Dorking, and that whosoever sheu'd be found playing would be apprehended and severely punished, the law directed; and further requested that all constables, headboroughs, and peace-officers woo'd do their duty for the welfare of the public peace, ami to maintain the same.” The police, con trary to theii usual custom, paraded tne streets wi‘h their cutlasses at their sides, much to the surprise of every me. appears that two or three shopkeepers, hav ng more regard for their windows than the amusement of the inhabitants, made it their business to wait upon neighouting magistrate on the previous evemug, to request him to use his authority to put l stop to the Shrove luc*daT's games. Believing they represented the body of thj inhabitants, this gentleman promised to comply with heir request, and. the next morning, was waited upon bv some of the most ir.itner.tial tradesmen of the town, who sta'ed to him that the notice of the bellman, and the police appearing armed, were more likely to create a riot than to prevent one; that the games had been held from time immemorial, and had the sanction of the inhabitants generally ; that they were perfectly ; and i;. by chance, any accident did happen to the windows, it was imraedi telv repaired. On hearing this, the magistrate said he had been de ceived the previous evening. The police were ordered to lav aside their arms, and the games proceeded. The numbers engaged in the sport were estimated at from to persons. The game continued from three o’clock till five, the houses closed general.y throughout the town, and business for the time suspended. It hoped, ere another year arrives, that notize* wi'l given, br the inhabitants, requesting that the game iature will be continued or. Tro’ma ' Dane, a piace much more eligible for the purpose than the High street ef the town.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18390224/056/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 24 February 1839)
TRADITIONAL GAME "ALMOST OBSOLETE" BUT STILL PLAYED
The annual game of football in the Cloffocks, near Workington, played between the sailors belonging to the port and the colliers, came off on Tuesday last. The ball was tossed up at four o’clock, and the game, which was long and severely contested, lasted till nearly dark, when victory hovering, as in dispute, over the heads of the contending parties, at last dropped her laurel wreath upon the brows of the seamen. Many a severe struggle took place, in the course of the game, for the possession of the hall, during which men of both parties frequently measured their length upon the ground. This ancient Cumberland game, once so popular, has now become nearly obsolete but Workington it is annually pursued with an eagerness worthy of its best and palmiest days.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000950/18390409/030/0002 (Cumberland Pacquet, and Ware's Whitehaven Advertiser - Tuesday 09 April 1839)
IRELAND: FOOTBALL COVER FOR SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITY
It also appeared that proclamation hod been issued by Colonel M'Gregor, embodying clause in the of pailiament calling on the police to prevent the peasantry from assembling Sundays for the purpose of nominally enjoying the amusement football, &c., but virtually to afford facilities for swearing in Kibbomnen —and asked whether the pro ciamation was enforced, he said no—and then admitted that secret instructions had been sent down from the Castle the authorities, authorising them fact abrogate an act parliament.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001649/18390504/001/0001 (Kerry Evening Post. - Saturday 04 May 1839)
THIS AGAIN (BACHELORS OF WINDSOR ANNUAL REVEL)
ight men, four side, play a game Football, with their legs tied 15 inches apart, and their hands partially conlined, for a Cheese.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18390810/030/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 10 August 1839)
QUEEN DOWAGER (ADELAIDE) VISIT TO RUGBY SCHOOL: "RUGBY HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN TO STAND UNRIVALLED" (1839-10-19)
On leaving the chapel her Majesty expressed a wish to witness a match at foot-ball, ' at which game Rugby has long been known to stand un- ' rivalled. Having staid to view this exhilarating scene for 1 about 20 minutes, her Majesty proceeded to look over the reet of the school.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000183/18391022/023/0003 (London Evening Standard - Tuesday 22 October 1839)
1840
[edit]MATCH PLAYED FOR MONEY -- LASTED THREE HOURS
Match at Football.— Last Monday a match football was played for a ill a-side, between twenty of Lane-ends, and tweuty of Pickup-bank, a field Guide, near this town. After three hours' hard play the approach of night put an end to the match, without either party being able to claim the victory. We understand the Lane-enders are so confident their prowess, that they are ready play any tweuty picked men for A'K* a-side.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000151/18400219/019/0002 (Blackburn Standard - Wednesday 19 February 1840)
APPEAL TO BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THE SHROVE TUESDAY TRADITION DESPITE HIGHWAY ACT
0n BatUlday at the Twickenham Petty Ses3ions, a man named K irby presented a memorial to the bench of magis- trat praying t hat on Tuesday next (Shrove Tuesday) the po , m iatio» of that neighbourhood might be permitted to ;£ • the anci(mt r| ht b of • ■ at f £ tbal , .^ h d of J^ r -^ t , |e bl . ewe r of Twickenham, and that the ma- Biit ? I tCS 1 W |l h . th « ° th er , ?? principal inhabitants v«uld also be pleased to contribute the usual subscription o halt-a-crown towards defraying the expenses. It appeared that the custom of playing football ori Shrove Tuesday has ?? |n the principal y pa B iah , B ot Sul Middlesex, &c, alwost fnm tl £ e hmnemorM , The app ii ant Kirby, stated that he had at Twickenham officiated as master of the cere- ln(mieg for upwards of ha it •_ cen tHry. Formerly, in the ftbttV( , ?? a 8 elsewhere, the sport had been extended throu - h out every avenue of the place; but of late years, and niore particularly since the passing of the new Highway Act, b y wft ich it has altogether been prohibited in _uy public tl ( oroU( , hfare th J the i nt eri e rcnce of Captain Jelf Shiirp> 6 one o {- the I<M », ma gi stl . ateB , „ has been confined to a meadow belonging to Mr. Cole, who kindly offered it for the Tt ?? 6 . „ v J i ?? s„ .». .. LZ Th aa h R,ch^°" d i &c ", h ™%l* r > n V U T ih n "f P bem ?
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000183/18400302/014/0002 (London Evening Standard - Monday 02 March 1840)
SHROVE TUESDAY CLASH WITH POLICE
HE NEW POLICE ACT— FOOTBALL ON SHROV' TUESDAY. From time immemorial it has been the custom, in most of the parishes and places in the western portions of the coun- ties of Middlesex and Surrey, for the inhabitants on Shrove Tuesday in-every year to devote the major part of the day W the manly sport of football, which has not been confined to the open spaces of the respective towns and villages ; but the ball had been pursued by hundieds through the most publi- thoroughfares, the shops aad houses of which were cvi* tomarily closed, and the windows barricaded with hurdles to prevent their being broken. Tuesday last being Shrove Tuesday, the sport was tt usual pursued with great spirit and animation by a vast concourse of" persons in the town of Kingston, the inhabi- tants of which sent a request to the commissioners of police that they would not interfere. At Twickenham, the local I magistracy prevented its taking place in the town, but it wa» most spiritedly carried on in a meadow belonging to Mr. Col«) the brewer of that parish, under the superintendence of a rate named Kirby, who has been " master of the sports " for the last 50 years. At Richmond, however, the practice having been attende- with accidents, and much disturbance, the place appearinf during the day as one under a siege, a strong opposition wa» j this year got up by the principal inhabitants, who determine, to avail themselves of the extension of the police, and the pro- visions of the New Police Act, for iv suppression. A memo- rial, signed by a large number of the inhabitants, was accord- ingly forwarded to the commissioners of police, who, in con- sequence, on Monday last, caused the following notice to be extensively circulated throughout Richmond : " Notice— (3d Vict., cap. 47). "It having been represented to the Commissioners of Police of the metropolis that great annoyance to passenger! and detriment to the inhabitants, has been occasioned by the practice of kicking a foot-ball in the public streets and tbo* | roughfaresof the parish of Richmond, on Shrove-Tuesday i all persons are hereby cautioned that such a practice is illegal* and any one committing the offence is liable to a penalty of 40s. The police have accordingly been ordered to prevent i this offence, and to take into custody any person coniiniitinj* the same after this notice. (Signed) "Richard Mayne, " Commissioner of the Police of th Metropolis- " Whitehall-place, Feb. 29, 1840." On Tuesday morning, it being known that the commonatlf of the parish had provided themselves with two balls, witb which they intended to persevere in the sport, a strong body of police of the S division assembled at an early hour in the station-house of the town, under the direction of Mr. Superintendent Bicknell and Inspector Turner, whil« in the immediate neighbourhood was -another sti ong bod. of police, as a reserve, in the event of a riot. As nooß approached the population assembled on the green, and in George-street, in considerable numbers, and the inha- bitants anticipating a disturbance, closed their houses and barricaded their windows, but everything passed on very quietly until about half-past two o'clock, when the ball- were suddenly thi own down at the top of George-street, and, amidst loud cheers, the sport commenced. The ball* instantly flew to a considerable altitude in the air, and the greatest excitement prevailed; for a body of abeut ?? police constables, headed by the superintendent and in- spector, were observed marching up the sti eet. They im* mediately, as the balls rebounded, seized two men who were kicking them, and conveyed them and the bails towards the station-house. They had not, however, proceeded far before a 'general cry of " Rescue, rescue ! " was raised, and the police were assailed with showers of stones and other mis- siles ; but they roade a sortie, and capturing four more pri- ?? racceed-d in lodging all six in the ■•■tion-hou***- The police then advanced towards the asseuiblage, who flea in all directions, and during the remainder of the afternoon, although the people assembled in groups, there was no further disturbance.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000183/18400305/028/0004 (London Evening Standard - Thursday 05 March 1840)
IRISH GAME OF FOOTBALL STARTS RIOT
RIOT IN THE KING'S PARK.—Tuesday being St. Patrick's day, was celebrated by a number of the Irishmen resident in Edinburgh, by a game at football in the King's Park, behind Holyrood Palace. They have been in the habit of assembling for that purpose for several years past ; but on this occasion a quarrel broke out amongst them, which ended in a general fight. Sticks and stones were pretty freely used; and the matter becoming serious, the two or three policemen who were in attendance thought it time to interfere. No sooner did they advance for this purpose than the mob, abandoning their former quarrel, fell together upon the policemen, attacked them in the most brutal manner, and after having knocked them down, kicked them on various parts of the body. A sergeant of police, named Kelly, lies severely injured by this treatment, and a day policeman,. named Ford, is in such a state that his life is considered in danger A reinforcement of the police soon dispersed the cowardly assailants ; and four of the ringleaders, we are happy to say, are in cuatvly.—Edinburgh Observer.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001652/18400323/017/0003 (Globe - Monday 23 March 1840)
BOY IMPRISONED FOR KICKING BALL OVER WALL
Tbe amusement of foot-ball 1* a very common oneia this town, and has been of very ancient standing. It so happened, short tinge ago, llmt some hoy* were amaalag themselves ia this way, fee immediate vMalty Parson Orris's house, and tbe foot-ball was accidentally kicked over stone wall into the grew field, in which hie home stands. A little bog got over the wall and obtained the ftx*-b*U again. This was mortal offence to the Parson. The boy was so Bummed before the magistrates for trupau i and the Judge* were this Orde hlmoolf, and another man of the name of who ia apart of the late Lord Casttereagh’s dead weight.” Well; the remit was the boy was found guilty, amt ssafsneerf to *#*#» doys iaprUonment tie gswss gf CsmosSisa
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000088/18400502/030/0004 (Northern Liberator - Saturday 02 May 1840)
GRAND ANNUAL REVEL
Eight Men, four of side, to play a game at Football, with their legs tied fifteen inches apart, and their hands partially confined, for Cheese.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18400808/008/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 08 August 1840)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ETON MATCHES
FOOTBALL. TO THE EDITOR OF BELL’S LIFE IN LONDON. Sir—I think that perhaps you will not object to the account of two important (to us) matches at that glorious game, football. On Monday, the 23rd inst., the 7 and 11 was played in Angelo's field. The 7 got 1 "gaol" and 1 "ruge;" the 11 got 1 "gaol" and 4 "ruges." The following list, which perhaps you will oblige me by inserting:-- The 7: Arundell,Bean, Welby, ma., Woller, ma., Rowley, ma., Hogg, ma., Yarde Buller..— The 11: Fellowes, ma., Rochfort, Carlyon, Harkness, ma., Crawley, ma., Butt, ma., Richards. Bayley, ma., Hon. C. Pepys, Houlstoun, Heygate. On the next day the annual match "at the wall,” between Collegers and Oppidans was played—a match which has always been looked forward to with such great interest and anxiety both old and ”young” Etonians of both parties. All those of the former who were present said that never In their days had they seen a better contested match: for although the Collegers had the advantage in years, muscular strength, and long practice, yet their adversaries, weakened as they were the unexpected loss of several of their best men in the election holidays, tried make up the deficiency by their best play, and a firm resolution not to yield until nature failed them. Till one o’clock the Oppidans had a decided advantage, but with the change of gaols fortune turned against them; at the close of the match no gaols had been got, but the collegers had won by 7 "shies.” This is the first time since 1836 that the Oppidans have been beaten.—Oppidans: Yarde Buller, Arundell, Wolley, ma., Rowley, ma., Hogg, ma., Bean, Ainslie, Bayley, ma., Butt, ma., Hon. F. D. Curzon, Hon. C. Pepys. -- Collegers : Moack, Fiske, Evans, Tarver, ma., James, Blacker, Johnson, Polehampton, ma., Joynes, Marcon, Thring. I am, Sir, your’s, C. PEPYS. N.B. I am happy to state no serious accident occurred, Eton College.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18401129/039/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 29 November 1840)
1841
[edit]"FOOTBALL" IN CHINA
Winter Amusements in China.—The amusements of the Emperor of China's Court on the ice, during the severe winters of Peking, are thus given Van Braam, who was one of the Dutch mission which proceeded from Canton soon after Lord Macartney's embassy:—" The Emperor made bis appearance on sort of sledge, supported the figures of four dragons. This machine was moved about several some dragging before and others pushing behind 1 The four principal Ministers of State were also drawn upon the ice, in the stodges, by inferior mandarins. Whole troops of civil and military officers soon appeared, some on sledges, some on skates, and others playing at football on the ice, and he that kicked up the ball was rewarded the Emperor. The ball was then hung up in kind of arch, and several mandarins shot it, in passing on skates, with their bows and arrows. Their skates were cut off short under the heel, and the fore part was turned at right angles." These diversions are more in the spirit of the Tartars than of the Chinese, whose original habits were more effeminate and quiet.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000237/18410101/004/0002 (Stamford Mercury - Friday 01 January 1841)
FOOTBALL IN KIRKWALL (ORKNEY)
We have got our Christmas festivities over, and, I am glad say, tolerably soberly. Old new year's day, the male population turned out the foot-ball as usual. This was done notwithstanding strict orders from three our Magistrates. who published their ukase by tuck of drum. Kohie Millar was, however, disregarded, and indeed the boys kicked such a bobbery his endeavouring to give publicity the manifesto, that not a word of it could beard. The hall was thrown up about one o'clock, and keenly played at for two or three hours, until last it was kicked into the little sea. This threw cold water on the sport, and indeed may said to have drowned it. The authorities are not overly pleased having their will thus set at nought, and wonder, as disregard the injunctions tho*e who administer the laws i* one of the worst signs of the times. The game has been played m Kiikwall such occasions for time immemorial, and some f.<lks will have it that there was no good reason for attempting to put it down.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000459/18410122/013/0003 (John o' Groat Journal - Friday 22 January 1841)
FOOTBALL IN GAYTON (NORTHANTS). MULTIPLE GOALS. GAME LASTED OVER TWO HOURS
Football Gayton.—A match was played on Tuesday last, between four stout, active young meu ot" Gayton, and four of Blisworth, the latter winning fine style. The game was attended by a vast number of individuals, of whom the greater part were for Gayton. At the commencement of the game Gayton played as though they meant winning, but Blisworth playing very steadily, gained the first goal. After a little refreshment they began again, and the contest was soon determined in favor of Blisworth, The game lasted two hours and twenty minutes.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000317/18410130/012/0003 (Northampton Mercury - Saturday 30 January 1841)
Football.âA match is decided to come off on Tuesday, the 23d instant, between a party from Blisworth and a party from Milton. Some unusually excellent play is anticipated.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000317/18410213/013/0003 (Northampton Mercury - Saturday 13 February 1841)
GOALS "PITCHED": MULTIPLE GOALS; GAME INTERRUPTED FOR REFRESHMENTS?
Football.—The match between the football players of Milton and Blisworth came off on Tuesday last. The goals were pitched at ten o'clock, and the competitors entered the field in excellent spirits. The first goal was gained by Milton after severe struggle. The next was well played by both parties, but succeeded getting the victory. Both parties now recruited themselves with a little refreshment preparatory to the grand contest, and the game was brought to a close after lasting three hours and twenty minutes, by Blisworth winning in fine style. The victors afterwards assembled, escorted by a band of music, at Mr G. Dixs, where an excellent dinner was provided, and the evening was spent in great conviviality.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000317/18410227/010/0003 (Northampton Mercury - Saturday 27 February 1841)
ALNWICK AGAIN
The annual foot-ball match between the married and the single freemen of Alnwick, took place on Tuesday last, but without any advantage either side, being drawn game, after arduous contest. dance was held in the Town Hall in the evening, when the donation of ten sovereigns, given the Duke Northumberland w as expended in entertainments.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000243/18410227/014/0003 (Newcastle Journal - Saturday 27 February 1841)
DERBY SHROVETIDE GAME: "HUG-BALL" RATHER THAN FOOTBALL
The rival parishes of All Saints’ and St. Peters’ have again tried their relative strength by an appeal to the old game of foot-ball, or, rather, we should say hug-ball; for it is quite out of the question now-a-days that the ball should ever get a kick, caressed as it is in the fond arms of so many enthusiastic admirers -- Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday have long been looked forward to as days when anything rather than the Chartist motto of "Peace, order, and law” should reign in Derby; and stories of the proud exploits of other days have retailed year after year to the listening ears of ambitious youth, panting with eagerness to signalize themselves as their forefathers have done. We believe there have been this year fewer accidents and less damage than usual; though the mishaps of sundry dry luckless wights have excited the full average quota of mirth. This annual strife has existed from time immemorial; and it appears that the question of supremacy is as far from being settled this year as ever it was; for, though "Peters" won the game on the first day, "All Saints" gained the mastery on the second, and there is, therefore, no alternative but to wait patiently until next year, when there may perhaps be something more decisive.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000395/18410227/035/0003 (Derbyshire Courier - Saturday 27 February 1841)
ANCIENT SCONE GAME OF FOOTBALL??
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000458/18410304/048/0003 (Perthshire Advertiser - Thursday 04 March 1841)
RAISING THE STAKES
We understand that the football-players of Milton have challenged Blisworth to play them again for £2 a-side, which Blisworth has accepted, upon condition that the stakes are made £10 or £20 instead of £2. Time a place to be settled by the parties.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000317/18410306/012/0003 (Northampton Mercury - Saturday 06 March 1841)
MAN IMPRISONED FOR TWO MONTHS FOR PLAYING FOOTBALL
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001316/18410326/054/0007 ((Evening Mail - Friday 26 March 1841)
GAME IN EDINBURGH
Football.— The gentlemen’s servants Edinburgh are open to play the waiters or the chairmen of that city a game at football for their own sum. They will meet the former at the National Hotel on Thursday, and the latter at Davidson’s, Hope-street, Friday evening at 9 o'clock.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18410411/043/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 11 April 1841)
FOOTBALL IN BURMA
Another favourite pastime is foot-ball; but the manner of playing It differs from onr own, inasmuch as the object of the players is to keep the ball in the air, and not permit it to reach the ground. Six or seven men stand a circle, when the ball, which is made of wicker-work, is thrown to one of the party, who kicks it with the sole of his foot, ancle, or knee; the ball springs off towards another, who keeps it going. From its extreme elasticity, and the dexterity ofthe players, it is surprising to witness the quickness with which the ball passes from one to another. The cream of the pastime consists of the endless ways of striking the ball; sometimes with the sole of the foot forwards, sometimes backwards with the ancle, knee, hip, back, and toe. At these games the men preserve the utmost good humour and apparent indifference to loss ; their pride will not suffer them to betray their real feelings in public, and it is only upon their return home that the upbraidings of their wives sounding in their ears for hours together, awake them from that ideal world to which they have been consigned from the fumes of opium, and restore to them the faculty of beholding realities with that degree of attention which they demand.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000398/18410428/018/0004 (Hereford Journal - Wednesday 28 April 1841)
ANNUAL REVEL AGAIN
Eight Men, four of a side, to play game at Football, with their legs tied fifteen inches apart, and their hands partially confined, fora Cheese.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18410731/017/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 31 July 1841)
BORDER GAMES
The sports of the day were brought to a close by a game at football the South side the Tweed against the North , and, after a most determined struggle, victory was again proclaimed in favour of the sons of st. Honan It is but justice to state that much feeling prevailed between the contending parties during the contest.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18410822/018/0002 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 22 August 1841)
DOUBLE WHAMMY
FOOT-BALL. -- Twenty Boltonians are prepared to play at foot-ball with twenty of the best men in the Rifle Regiment now stationed in Bolton, for £10 a side; to come off on New Year's Day, in the neighbourhood of Bolton, providing the regiment be stationed in or near Bolton. The veteran Ben Hart is a player, and is appointed to pick out the men of Bolton, and unless approved of by him such person or persons will not be allowed to play in the match. The money is ready at his house, where alone arrangements can be made.
Last week a match (11 a side) took place at Eton, between the Collegians("Boats" and "Dry Bobs"), which, after a well contested game of upwards of an hour, was won by the Boats. This season the game of football, which was not previously countenanced by the masters, has been greatly encouraged, and contributed much to keeping the students within bounds. Since the commencement of the season Joel, of Eton, has made for his aristocratic friends upwards of 100 "role abouts".
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18411205/011/0002 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 05 December 1841 )
TRIPLE WHAMMY.
FOOT BALL.— The Body-guard Club, held at the Grapes Inn, Bailie-street, Rochdale, accepts the challenge of the Fear-nought Club to play them at foot-ball —for their proposed sum—two games out of three, twelve on each side. After that they will play them for half a barrel of Old Tom, one single game; the Fear-nought Club to fix the time as early as possible.
Captain Grey, of Orrell, has (we are informed) 30 men who will kick the foot ball with any 30 men in England, for £10 a side, to come off on Newton Common, the same day as Common, the same day as Nicholson and Birchall run their foot-race.
A game is to be played, for a fine pie, at the Drovers’ Inn, Openshaw, Jan 3.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18411212/053/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 12 December 1841)
1842
[edit]"CLUBS" MENTIONED (BODY GUARDS AND FEARNOUGHT). GAME STARTED BY "FIRE OF PISTOL". START ON OPPONENT'S "HEADLAND". NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT IT "OVER THE FENCE" (GOAL??). EACH TEAM HAD OWN UMPIRE. RULES "AGREED TO BY BOTH PARTIES".
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18420102/061/0004 (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 02 January 1842 ) FOOT-BALL.—The 25th of December being the day appointed by the Body Guards and Fearnought Clubs for the game at foot-ball alluded to by us a short time since, both parties met at the time appointed, and after the usual preliminaries the ball was placed in the middle of the field, and both parties, at the fire of the pistol, on their opponents' headland.* This they did five times in about the same amount of time each, the browd being so dense that it was not possible to put it over the fence. The sixth round, one of the Body Guards (being tired) putting another person not connected with the game to kick for him, and their own umpire declaring it foul play according to the rules agreed to by both parties, decided the game. * The term headland means, in Lancashire, each extremity of the field.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000998/18420104/020/0003 (Newry Telegraph - Tuesday 04 January 1842
)
Fourteen to one -- is that fair play at football?
LOTS OF DETAILS OF MOB FOOTBALL. "fair play to kick the ball, carry it, swim with it, or to carry it in a boat to get to the extreme limits, "
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18420212/014/0001 (Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 12 February 1842)
Shrove Tuesday Sports at Kingston. —On Tuesday the good folks of Kingston, undaunted the unpleasantness of the weather, kept up the old custom of playing at foot-ball, one far more harmless than that of throwing cocks or running with tar-barrels, which were formerly in vogue on Shrove Tuesday. The scene of action was the centre of the town, by the Town Hall, and the run was from that point to either end of the town. The sport is looked upon with such regard by almost all grades of the inhabitants that the tradesmen make a general holiday, suspending business for the time, and decorate their windows (which are latticed over to prevent damage) with laurels ; and, after the sports are over, the more wealthy treat those who have stood the " bumps and thumps of friendly contest," for a few broken shins, black eyes, and uncorked noses are not generally allowed to mar the good feeling of the players. The halls were provided by the inhabitants, and were formed of Indian rubber filled with gas and hound with network, and were thrown up at 12 o’clock. The River Thames runs at the back of the town, and it held fair play to kick the ball, carry it, swim with it, or to carry it in a boat to get to the extreme limits, and during the sport many visits were paid to the river, and many persons got a good ducking, but without any serious result or leading to any ill-feeling. Thames Tunnel.—
CHEESE AGAIN
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000413/18420806/021/0001 Windsor and Eton Express - Saturday 06 August 1842
A Match fifteen minutes) bj Men, for good Smock Frock. Eight Men, four of side, to play a Game Football, with their legs tied fifteen inches apart, and their hands partially confined, lor a Cheese.
FOOTBALL IN HAMPTON IN ARDEN
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18420925/039/0004 Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 25 September 1842
Foot BALL.-Eight gentlemen, from Hampton, in Arden, will, we ’ nHv match at foot-balls with the same number from Brickenhill for dinner, a Sottle of wine each, and that the challenging party can be heard at the Engine Inn,
OR MAYBE NOT
Football.—Mr Editor : The gentlemen of Hampton-In-Arden having challenge'! kick football against the parish of Buckenhill, eight on either side, on the part Buckenhill I have say in reply, that we shall not be able to find so large number as eight; but, for the sake of a match, arc willing find sis, to kick against sis ol the Hampton gentlemen—the match to come off within fortnight.—Your’s. &c..
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18421002/045/0003 Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 02 October 1842
DETAILS OF GOAL AND PITCH SIZE
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000355/18421023/028/0003 Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle - Sunday 23 October 1842
Football.—A meeting was held at the Clock public house. Birkenhill, Warwickshire, on the 15th inst., to draw up articles and decide upon the day and place for the match at football, between six gentlemen of the above parish and six gentlemen of Hampton, when it was decided to come off at Hampton, in Arden, on the 2d of Nov., for a bottle of wine and dinner each. The length between goals to be ten score yards, width of goals ten feet, height six feet, and to be the best of three goals.
HARROW!! CONFIRMATION OF TERMINOLOGY "BASES" FROM 1842
A well-contested match came off at Harrow last week, at football, by the gentlemen of G. Harris Esq.'s versus the other houses in the school, which terminated in favour of the former, with four bases to spare. The bases were admirably obtained by Messrs Woodhouse, Bushby, and Lawson.
1875
[edit]OBJECTION THAT KEEPER WAS NOT USING HANDS "IN DEFENCE OF HIS GOAL"
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000369/18750130/014/0002