Pre-Industrial Britain :) Flashcards
popular recreation
sports and pastimes associated with the lower classes in pre-industrial britain
localised
transport limited
no written rules
widespread illiteracy
occasional
long working hours on agriculture left little leisure time
male dominated
patriarchy meant women were not allowed to play
rural/open space
majority of people lived in countryside with no facilities
on festivals or holy days
only time people had free time to participate
minimal equipment
no money to spend
agressive
was considered the norm for the ‘volent’ lower classes
no written rules
illiteracy and no means of communication
wagers placed
good way to make money
upper classes could bet on lower classes for fun
lower class
had little money and harsh living conditions which reflected into popular recreation which was violent
mob football
played by the lower classes
- played on festivals and holy days
- each village had its own set of unwritten local rules
- violent and unruly sometimes ending in death
- led to damage of property and injuries
- involved alcohol and gambling
upper class
had money and large amounts of land so didn’t have to partake in physical labour
took part in rational recreation like real tennis
real tennis
played by the upper classes
- exclusive activity
- required expensive equipment
- written rules - codified
- played to high moral code
- played on regular basis due to lots of free time
- played in purpose built facilities (hampton court)
- location could move
- skilful game with difficult technical demands
- wagering on outcome of game
