Popular Recreations In Pre-Industrial Britain

Question 1

What was mob football?

Answer 1

Mob football is an example of an activity played in pre-industrial Britain which reflected the characteristics of popular recreations and socio-cultural factors evident at the time. It was a male-dominated, harsh game where natural resources were used (such as pig bladders) to be transported to a goal. It was localised due to the lack of transport available at the time, and had many different forms around the country due to lack of communications (e.g. being able to use your hands). It was limited to holy days and festivals due to long working hours.

Question 2

What was real tennis?

Answer 2

Also known as ‘Royal Tennis’ or ‘The Sport of Kings’, it was an activity in pre-industrial Britain that did not reflect the typical popular recreations’ characteristics like many activities of the time. It was exclusively played by upper class men, and was played to a high moral code so lacked violence. It was played regularly due to the upper classes having lots of free time to practice. They used expensive, purpose-built facilities. It wasn’t localised as the upper class had access to horses. It was skilful with high technical demands, enabling the upper class to show their ‘superiority’ over the lower class.

Question 3

What was athletics?

Answer 3

Athletics in pre-industrial Britain took the form of ‘foot racing’. Footmen, members of the lower class, would race against others and be sponsored by patrons (members of the upper class).

Question 4

What were the characteristics of popular recreation?

Answer 4

• Rules being simple/unwritten

• Occurred annually/on festival occasions

• Events were local, with people coming from neighbouring villages joining with festivities and competitions

• Betting occurred

• Set in a rural location

Question 5

Why were popular recreations eventually banned in the 18th century?

Answer 5

• Violent and unruly in nature

• Led to injury and sometimes death

• Led to property damage

• Linked to alcohol consumption and drunken behaviour

• Involved gambling/wagering

Question 6

What was foot racing?

Answer 6

Foot racing was a form of competitive running/walking in the 17th century which involved feats of endurance.