Public schools

Question 1

How did public schools influence the promotion and organisation of sport in post-1850 Britain?

Answer 1

1. Public schools were influential in the development of modern sports, both at home and abroad
2. At the beginning of the 19th century sport was unorganised was not supported by headmasters. Bullying of younger boys was common
3. In the mid 19th century, sport became an important element of the education of upper and middle class boys in these schools

Question 2

How did public schools influence the promotion and ethics through sports in post-1850 Britain?

Answer 2

1. Thomas Arnold wanted pupils to grow up as Christian gentlemen so he revised the fagging system and promoted regulated sports which encouraged healthy competition
2. Arnold developed the house system, influencing the formation of competitive teams
3. Arnold also established head prefects, who organised sports

Question 3

How did the ‘cult’ of athleticism influence sports in post-1850 Britain?

Answer 3

1. The ideas of muscular Christianity linked sport with being a Christian gentleman, establishing a connection between sports and an ethical character
2. The development of character through sport is referred to as the cult of athleticism

Question 4

How did public schools spread sports and ethics through sports in post-1850 Britain?

Answer 4

1. Pupils took their games with them abroad to wars
2. Pupils took the games with them to university, but played many different versions
3. By 1845, pupils at Rugby wrote down the rules of football at their school to ensure fair play
4. In 1863, a common set of rules was decided for football to form the FA