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Men playing kayles or skittles, 14th century
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Men playing kayles or skittles, 14th century
Medieval kayles or skittles. Game played with ball, stick, hoop and target (top), men playing kayles or skittles with stick and six pins (middle), and men playing kayles or skittles with stick and eight pins (bottom). Handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt from his own Sports and Pastimes of the People of England, Chatto and Windus, London, 1876
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Media ID 23205036
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Ball Billiards Bowling Croquet Hoop Illuminated Manuscript Pastimes Pins Skittles Stick Strutt Target 14th
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt, titled "Sports and Pastimes of the People of England," showcases three different variations of the medieval game of Kayles or Skittles, as depicted in the 14th century. In the top illustration, we see men gathered around a large hoop and target, using a ball and a long stick to knock down small pins. This ancient game, believed to be the precursor to modern lawn bowling and nine-pin bowling, was a popular recreational activity among the masses during medieval times. The middle illustration presents a simpler setup, with six pins arranged in a triangle formation. The players, using a curved stick, aim to knock down as many pins as possible in one go. The bottom image displays an arrangement of eight pins, which are set up in a square pattern. The gameplay remains the same, with the objective being to knock down the maximum number of pins using a single throw of the stick. This intriguing depiction of medieval sports and pastimes offers a glimpse into the rich history of recreational activities that have shaped our cultural heritage. Kayles or Skittles, with its simple yet engaging gameplay, has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by people across the globe in various forms, such as nine-pin bowling and ten-pin bowling.
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