Have you ever wondered, as you stand on the green preparing to deliver a bowl, just how many others have stood in a similar spot throughout history? I’ve been captivated by bowls for over 30 years, and for me, part of its magic lies in its incredible history. This isn't a new sport invented last century; its roots stretch back thousands of years!
The simple act of rolling a biased ball towards a target connects us to players from the age of Shakespeare, medieval kings, and even ancient civilisations. It’s a game that has survived prohibitions, evolved with technology, and spread across the globe, all while retaining its core essence of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. So, let’s take a walk back in time and explore the fascinating journey of lawn bowls, from dusty ancient grounds to the pristine championship greens of today.
Ancient Origins and Early References
While the modern game is a product of the last few centuries, the act of throwing or rolling objects at a target is one of humanity's oldest pastimes. The earliest credible evidence of a similar sport comes from Ancient Egypt. Flinders Petrie, a renowned Egyptologist, discovered objects in a child's grave dating back to around 5,000 BC that appeared to be used for a game of skill involving rolling stone balls.
The Romans played a version called 'bocce', which is still played today and is a clear relative of bowls. The Roman legions are thought to have spread their game across Europe, with each region adding its own local flavour. It’s amazing to think that a simple game played by soldiers to pass the time would eventually evolve into the structured sport we love!
Bowls in Medieval and Tudor England
By the 13th century, bowling on greens had become incredibly popular in England. In fact, it was too popular for some! Kings and parliament grew concerned that the game was distracting men from practising archery, which was vital for national defence. This led to a series of prohibitions against the sport.
- 13th-15th Centuries: Several monarchs, including King Edward III and Richard II, banned "the casting of stones," a clear reference to early forms of bowls.
- King Henry VIII: Ironically, this king was a keen bowler himself! He had bowling greens at his palace in Whitehall. However, he introduced a law in 1541 that banned common folk from playing bowls, as it was seen as a pursuit for the wealthy and a distraction linked to gambling. He did, however, allow it to be played at Christmas in the master's presence, provided it was played in their own garden.
Of course, the most famous (though likely apocryphal) story from this era involves Sir Francis Drake. The legend says that in 1588, he was playing a game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe when he was informed that the Spanish Armada had been sighted. His supposed response? "We have time enough to finish the game and beat the Spaniards too." What a perfect example of a bowler's focus!
The Codification of the Rules
For centuries, bowls was played with countless local variations. There was no single set of rules. That all changed in the 19th century as the sport became more organised, largely thanks to the Scots.
In 1864, a Glasgow cotton merchant named William Wallace Mitchell published his "Manual of Bowls Playing." He meticulously detailed rules for rink layout, scoring, and etiquette. These rules were adopted by the newly formed Scottish Bowling Association in 1892, which became the sport's first national governing body. This provided the blueprint for the modern game, which was then adopted and adapted across the world.
Spreading Across the Commonwealth
As the British Empire expanded, so did the game of lawn bowls. British colonists, soldiers, and administrators took their beloved pastime with them, establishing clubs and greens in far-flung corners of the world.
- Australia & New Zealand: The sport took off with incredible enthusiasm, and today they are powerhouses in the international game.
- Canada & South Africa: Became strongholds of the sport, developing their own leagues and champions.
- Hong Kong & Malaysia: Bowling clubs became popular social hubs for expatriates and locals alike.
This is why major international events like the Commonwealth Games feature lawn bowls so prominently. It's a shared heritage that connects nations.
The Evolution of Equipment and Greens
Imagine playing with a lump of wood on a rough patch of grass! That was the reality for early players. The evolution of the equipment we use is a story of science and refinement.
From Wood to Composite
Early bowls were made from a very dense wood called Lignum Vitae. The natural, irregular density of the wood provided the 'bias'. However, these wooden bowls were susceptible to wear and damage. In the 20th century, manufacturers began experimenting with plastic composites like Bakelite. This revolutionised the sport, allowing for perfectly balanced and consistent bowls to be mass-produced.
The Manicured Green
Just as bowls have evolved, so have the greens. What started as rough fields became carefully tended grass surfaces. The invention of the lawnmower in the 19th century was a game-changer! Today, many clubs use specialist synthetic surfaces that provide a fast and consistent playing experience year-round, regardless of the weather.
The Rise of Women in Bowls
For much of its history, bowls was an exclusively male domain. It wasn't until the early 20th century that women began to formally organise and compete. The first women's bowling club was established in Australia in 1907, and the English Women's Bowling Association was formed in 1931. Today, women compete at every level of the sport, from local clubs to the World Championships, with legendary players like Jo Edwards and Katherine Rednall becoming household names.
The Modern Game: Professionalism and Championships
The last 50 years have seen bowls transform into a highly competitive, televised professional sport.
- The Televised Era: The BBC began broadcasting the World Indoor Championships in the late 1970s, bringing players like David Bryant and Tony Allcock into living rooms across the nation. This exposure boosted the sport's profile immensely.
- Major Championships: Today, the sport's calendar is packed with prestigious events, including the World Outdoor Championships, the World Indoor Championships held at Potters Resort, and the Commonwealth Games.
- Iconic Players: This era has produced legends of the sport. Who could forget the dominance of Scotland's Alex "Tattie" Marshall and Paul Foster as a pairs combination, or the incredible record-breaking feats of England's Andy "The Terminator" Thomson? These players have taken the skill and professionalism of the sport to a new level.
Lawn bowls today is a vibrant, global sport, accessible to all ages and abilities. It's a game with a past as rich and fascinating as any, but its future is just as exciting. The next time you step on the mat, take a moment to appreciate that you are part of a tradition that stretches back centuries. You're not just playing a game; you're carrying on a legacy.