Lawn Bowling
Lawn Bowls is an ancient sport.
The Encyclopedia Britannica records that bowls has been played in some form
since 5,000 BC. However, it was not always regarded as a desirable activity. In
the 13th Century, England's King Henry III banned bowls because the archers were
distracted by the game, and in 1511, Henry VIII discouraged play, regarding
bowls as a game associated with gambling.
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Croquet
The modern game
is reputed to have started in Ireland in the 1830s and taken to England during
the 1850s. It became an instant success, one reason being because it provided
the first opportunity for women to participate in an outdoor sport on an equal
basis with men. Over the next 30 years standard rules were established and
national competitions commenced. It is curious to note that the putting of your
foot on the ball during the croquet stroke was outlawed in 1870, yet it still
persists in 'home-brewed' rules of croquet to this day. |
Certainly, the game was a distraction for Sir Francis Drake. Truth or myth, no
one is sure, but it is said that in 1588, Sir Francis Drake insisted on
finishing his game of bowls before turning his attention to approaching the
Spanish Armada. He is supposed to have lost the game, but won the battle against
the Spaniards.
3285 Pine
Ridge Road, Naples, Florida 34109
Phone #239-207-2735
Fax 239 -593-8284
Contact
jdburt@comcast.net |
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