1100s-2007 Atherstone Ball Game
Ball Game History
This traditional Shrove Tuesday ‘Ball Game’ has been held annually since the early 12th Century and is one of Atherstone’s claims to fame.
The origin of the game, in the reign of King John, is thought to have been a “Match of Gold that was played between the Warwickshire Lads and the Leicestershire Lads on Shrove Tuesday”.
The ‘Rules’
The match starts at 3pm when the ball is thrown from the window of the local Barclays Bank by a local celebrity, and continues until around 5pm when a klaxon is sounded to signal the end of the game. In the past the ball was thrown from a window of a local pub. The object of the game is to be holding onto the ball at 5pm. The ball may legitimately be deflated or hidden after 4.30pm.
There are no goals and no official teams, though players often work together and protect each other, usually in pub ‘teams’. The ancient Angel Inn of the Market Square have had much success in winning the Ball Game.
The ‘ball’ is specially made each year by Gilbert of Rugby, who are world famous for their rugby balls. It is 27 inches (65+ cm) in diameter and weighs four pounds.
The Game
The game begins fairly tamely with the ball being kick and thrown up and down the towns main street by anyone brave enough to have ago or get hold of the ball. There are some marshalls who keep a sense of order and allow the kids to have a kick if they wish. Things though seriously heat up as time goes on and the Ball Game ends in dozens of men literally brawling to get hold of the ball and to hold onto it.
Many of the ball games more serious competitors often drink for many hours before the game begins. Shop fronts up and down Long Street, where the game is mainly played, are boarded up in preparation for the afternoon. The towns Queen Elizabeth High School also finishes the school day early on Shrove Tuesday.
Whoever is able to hang onto the ball at the end of the game not only wins but is also allowed to keep the ball.
Please note this article is a work in progress. We welcome any additions, corrections, or comments. Please see the form at the end of this page.
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September 24th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
I will be travelling down to Atherstone for the 2007 shrove tuesday game . I will be doing a running commentry on the internet with a text commentry , live photos and video clips . The next day ash wednesday i will be going to Ashbourne in Derbyshire to do the same . I run the http://www.kirkwallba.co.uk website and covered the Workington easter games this year . See http://www.kirkwallba.co.uk for more details of the kirkwall Ba game admin@walterhaywood.com I would be grateful if you could put me in touch with a member of your commitee Thanks
September 27th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Hi Walter,
Contact: H Taft (Press Officer / Secretary)
E-mail: haroldtaft04@aol.com
A phone number is also available but I will email you that privately.
Your plans for next years game sound very interesting indeed, a running commentary and live photos and videos will definitely be a first for the Atherstone ball game!
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
CAN YOU PLEASE SHOW WINNER AND SOME INFO ON THE WINNER OF BALL GAME IN 1998, SO THAT WE MAY RELAY IT TORELATIVES IN THE USA. THANK YOU
October 30th, 2007 at 11:06 am
just woundering if you have got any pictures of the 1967 or 68 ball game because my family was in it and all my uncles have got a ball just need some pictures to go with them and cant find any anywhere
andy
November 9th, 2007 at 3:58 am
Gary, The 1998 Ball was thrown out by Tony Maycock (Central T.V.presenter)and won by Clint Walker. Upon winning the ball he dedicated his victory to his father Bill,who was terminally ill with cancer.Also i do have photos and cuttings from this year,I will try to get some posted on here if possible. Andrew,through the 60s the ball game was dominated by a team led by a man who was known as (the King of the Ball Game)Mr Sam Fulleylove,again i do have some photos,and will try to post them on here.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:08 am
hiya my family have been in this game for year an some still today.. would you be able to trace back weather a stringer, barsbey or fullylove have ever won the ball?
if i have the right sam fullylove in mind then he is my uncle but i wolud really love to know more.
thanks
amy stringer.