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How social and cultural factors shaped sports and pastimes in pre…
How social and cultural factors shaped sports and pastimes in pre-industrial Britain
Mob Football
Played between villages at the time of celebration and festivity.
Both groups of villagers tried to force a ball into the center of the enemy village or alternatively they would play across parts of towns, centered at a market place or town square
Some earlier versions, like Shrovetode football, had vague rules restricting only murder and manslaughter
the game originated in Britain around the third century as a celebration over the defeated Romans. Some say, the game was originally played with severed heads of vanquished Danish prince
It could of been a pagan tradition
There are written records of unfortunate incidents that occurred because of mob football.
On 13th April 1314, King Edward II issued one of the first recorded prohibitions because of the impact that 'this hustling over large balls' had on the merchant life.
Cock Fighting
Cock fighting was an activity with medieval links. There was often approx 14-foot square pit with an eight-inch high fence
Generally, an upper class sport
Made illegal by ana ct of parliament in 1849
Lower class often participating in 'throwing at cocks'
Law and order
pre-industrial Britain had little law and order
Lowe classes would be more involved in violent activities
Social Class influences in pre-industrial Britain
2 classes...
Upper class - aristocracy or gentry who were hereditary landowners
Lower/peasant class - peasants who worked manually, mainly on the land
Activities for the peasant classes : Mob football, dog fighting and prize fighting
Activities for the upper classes: real tennis and fox hunting
Activities for both classes, but with different roles: In pedestrianism, the lower classes would compete in running or walking races and the upper class would be patrons
Gender
Activities couldn't be too strenuous or dangerous for women
Upper class women may of been involved in archery
Lower-class women would of been involved in a 'smock race'
Education and Literacy
Upper classes were educated and literate. This meant they could understand sophisticated rules
Contrast to peasants
Availability of time
Lower-classes worked long hours labouring, meaning there was little appetite for physical activities. Many activities were confined to festivals and holidays
The upper classes had more time on their hands and could therefore be more involved
Availability of money
Upper classes had more money so could buy horses etc
They also had the land to participate on
Type and Availability of transport
Peasants would generally have to walk everywhere
Upper-class could travel further