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E
<p>"A Game at Baste Ball" is identified as the name of one of the paintings listed in an art magazine's review of the works displayed at the 86th Exhibition of the Royal Academy: "No. 265. 'A Game at Baste Ball,' W. H. KNIGHT. As this seems to be a game of activity as well as address, the point of the picture is action. In execution it is worked up to an enamel surface, and it is rich in colour."</p> +
"
<p>"Base ball" again was one of the attractions advertised to take place at the Knowl-hill (sic) (Berkshire) recreations: "The Knowl-hill Yearly Recreations will take place on Whit Tuesday, when the lovers of sport will find ample amusement. To commence with a Cricket Match, at 9 o'clock, for ribbons; Base Ball for ditto; Donkey Racing, Running in Sacks, Gingling (sic), Dipping for Eels, Climbing for a Hat, Bowling for a Cheese; a Female Race for a new Gown-piece, and a variety of other Amusements."</p> +
E
<p>"Base ball" seems to have been a criminal activity in Norfolk, according to a newspaper report of court proceedings: "Robert Gay and James Rix, of Thorpe St.Andrews, laborers, were summoned . . . for playing a certain game called 'base ball,' with a stick and ball, on the Norwich and Yarmouth turnpike road, to the annoyance and obstruction of passengers on that highway, on Sunday afternoon, the 14th inst. The case having been proved, police-constable Hardingham, of Thorpe, said he had repeatedly cautioned the defendants and other young men of their playing 'base ball,' and their general bad conduct on Sunday afternoon, but to no effect. The defendants, who denied the offence (sic), were were each fined 7s. 6d., and the costs 13s. 6d.”</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was advertised as one of the attractions of the seaside holiday town of Sutton in Lincolnshire: "The sea-shore at Sutton, as we have stated elsewhere, is a capital place for cricket, tennis, base ball, and other games, and in the season there is plenty of this kind of amusement for visitors."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was again played at the annual ride of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Bicycle Club that included a leisurely outing at Orwell Park: "A cricket match was played, when Mr. Smith's side beat Mr. Pepplewell's side by five runs and five wickets. Bowls, lawn tennis, and base ball were also freely indulged in, and an exceptionally jolly afternoon was spent."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was again to be played at a grand birthday celebration for the Duchess of Kent, this time her 73rd. A newspaper announced that the party would be held on the grounds of the Ankerwycke estate in Wraysbury, Buckinghamshire, near the spot where the Magna Carta was signed: "The Amusements will consist of Dancing, Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Trap-Bat and Ball, Foot and Base Ball, Swings, &c., 4-oared and Sculling Matches, and an entertainment under the direction of Mr. Nelson Lee, the caterer for the nobility's and Crystal Palace fetes."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was among the games played at the annual fete for the benefit of the Literary Institute held in West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire. The newspaper reporter writing about the event was not impressed: "Except for a cricket match between the employees in Messrs. North's factory, West Wycombe, and Messrs. Hutchinson's, High Wycombe, in which the former were victorious, with five wickets to fall, and the usual rural games of base ball, swinging, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., there was nothing provided to attract visitors. The day also turned out showery, which kept many away."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was lampooned in Punch Magazine in the form of a mock letter, purportedly written by a Suffolk villager, that derides Londoners for gullibly accepting American baseball as a novelty, and not recognizing it as a traditional Suffolk game. The letter is written in a highly exaggerated country dialect: "I'm night furty year oad, and I ha' plaed base ball, man and boy, for more un thirty-five year, as any o' yar folks up there could hev sen if tha'd ha come to our village--or fur the matter o' that, to furty other villages hereabouts--any evenin' a summer time." It goes on to explain how the game was played in Suffolk, an account that is, in some aspects, plausible.</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was mentioned by a newspaper gossip columnist who was protesting the threatened enclosure of Plumstead Common located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in South London. The writer was describing some of the features of the common and the people who frequent it: "Then come the apple, nut and gingerbread women, who sit out the whole day long, insensible to wind and weather, careless of who wins or who loses at quoits, cricket or base ball, every one of which games are being briskly pursued around, so long as the players need the refreshment their little stalls can offer."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was mentioned in a letter to the editor of the Daily News of London in which the writer complained that new rules imposed by the local governing authority on Wandsworth Common, a large park in south London, would severely limit children's access to this traditional ball playing venue: "Rounders, base ball, bat and trap, games as old as cricket, will be forbidden under irksome regulations and rules by which thousands of children will be deprived of that pure innocent pleasure which these games afford."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was one of several games mentioned in a newspaper account of an outing by members and friends of the Luton (Bedfordshire) Harmonic Society: "About one hundred of the members and their friends in holiday trim engaged in various pic-nic recreations. Quoits and cricket in one part of the field, and base ball, thread-the-needle and the like in another for a time divided the attention of the company."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was one of the amusements enjoyed by members of the Band of Hope (affiliated with the Baptist Church of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire) at their annual treat: "After an excellent tea, games were freely indulged in, such as base ball, bat and trap, &c., the older folk apparently enjoying the fun quite as much as the youngsters."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was one of the games enjoyed at the annual ride and gathering by members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Bicycle Club at Orwell Park, a property of its president, Capt. E.G. Pretyman, located on the banks of the river Orwell in the village of Nacton. "After allaying their thirst, the cyclists dispersed through the grounds; some indulging in cricket, others in base ball, bowls, &c."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was played at a "temperance fete" of the Little London Temperance Society in a meadow outside Pamber, Hampshire: "In other parts of the ground sports were held, including cricket and base ball."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was played at an annual outing to a country hotel by staff members of several newspapers from Burnley and other towns in Lancashire, as well as some from West Yorkshire: "Some wandered along the banks of the Ribble and Calder, other patronised the bowling green, while the remainder disported themselves in a variety of games--including football, cricket, and base ball--in a field kindly placed at their disposal by the host and hostess."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was played at the annual fête, or “gipsy party,” of the Orwell Works, a large agricultural machinery factory in Ipswich, Suffolk, that employed thousands. A newspaper article described some of the entertainments: “The usual preparation had been made for the amusement of young folks. Round-a-bouts had been improvised out of the works of horse thrashing machines and stout beams; swings were suspended from some of the stoutest trees; and cricket, base-ball and other games were freely indulged in; and that game of games in which both sexes can take part, and which, be it said, seemed to be highly relished—kissing in the ring; whilst for those who felt inclined to 'trip the light fantastic toe,' ground had been staked off and roped off, so that the merry dance could go on without interruption.”</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was played at the annual holiday outing of the Church-workers and teachers of St. Mary's Church of Chesham, Bucks: "The two boats on the lake were utilised most of the time, and there were games such as cricket, base ball, and other out-of-door sports."</p> +
<p>"Base ball" was remembered at a reunion of former students of the Norwich Free Grammar School who gathered to dine together and to recall their school days of 30 years earlier: "Here was the true English character exhibited, all the frost, and stiffness, and foolery of etiquette gave way before the good old English feeling of boyish reminiscences. Here met again the rival leaders in cricket, camp, hocky (sic), fives, or base ball."</p> +
<p>"Base" was identified as one of the amusements enjoyed by people vacationing on the Isle of Wight on the Easter Monday bank holiday: "The attractions here, except the natural beauty of the place, are, however, not many. Some preferred the Green, with the beautiful beach at its foot. Others, beat on what they considered merrier scenes, visited the recreation ground, where cricket, base, trap, rounders, swings, and the varied paraphernalia of the now almost forgotten fairs, were in existence to the enjoyment of hundreds, some of whom wended their way up to the ground at a very early hour.” </p> +
"
<p>"Base-Ball" is the title of a page in a children's book that also bears an illustration showing three youths (one holding a ball), and two bases. No bat is shown. A short poem follows: "The Ball once struck off, Away flies the Boy, To the next destin'd Post, And then Home with Joy."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" is mentioned in a story entitled "Robert Wilmot" published as part of a book of similar juvenile stories: "After this they were rather at a loss for a game. They had played at base-ball and leap-frog; and rival coaches, with six horses at full speed, and had been driven several times around the garden, to the imminent risk of box-edgings and the corners of flowerbeds: what were they to do next?"</p> +
E
<p>"Base-ball" is mentioned in the three-volume novel The Younger Sister by Catherine Anne Hubback: "...Emma, drawing little Charles towards her, began a confidential conversation with him on the subject of his garden and companions at school, and the comparative merits of base-ball and cricket."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" play was reported at an open-air fete of the Conservative Party-associated Primrose League in Bottisham, East Cambridgeshire: "During the afternoon selections of music were played by the Sawston brass band, and numerous sports, such as quoits, base-ball, &c., were indulged in. Tea was also provided. A cricket match between "married and single" elevens of the Bottisham and Swaffham people was played in the afternoon and resulted in favour of the "single" eleven." </p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was again listed as one of the offered activities at the annual Grand Rural Fete of the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Mechanics', Literary, & Scientific Institution, to be held at Stoke Park. The newspaper announcement specified that: "Amusements, consisting of Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Trap and Base Ball, Dancing, &c., will commence at Twelve and terminate at Half-past Seven o'clock." A subsequent article reporting on the fête two weeks later, on July 10, 1858, confirmed that the game had been played. It read: “On arriving in the grounds, the visitors deployed into various sections, some betaking themselves to cricket, some to archery, quoits, base ball, kiss in the ring, swings, or other amusements.”</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was again played at another annual festival of the London-street Sunday School of Basingstoke (see above): "The children, to the number of about 320,…soon commenced the usual games, including swinging, jumping, base-ball, croquet, &c." </p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was among the games played at the Silverhill Presbyterian Sunday School treat at a farm outside Silverhill (near Hastings), East Sussex: "Of course the usual games incidental to such affairs were indulged in by most of the little folks. Some were swinging under the trees, others playing base-ball, kiss-in-the-ring, and tag, whilst a few wandered down to the ponds and watched the fish disporting in the waters, or strolled about the farm buildings...The elder boys and many of the male teachers played matches of cricket, and indulged in other manly games."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was among the games played at the annual treat given to the Middle, Steeple, and East-cum-Botolph Claydon day and Sunday school scholars in Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire: "The scholars, numbering about 250, met at the lodges and marched to the lawn, where various games including football, cricket, base-ball, swings, races, rowing on the lake, &c., were indulged in till about half-past four o'clock, when the children sat down to tea on the lawn. The repast being finished, the games resumed."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was among the pastimes enjoyed by Sunday school students, teachers and friends of the Independent Chapel of Maidenhead, Berkshire, at their anniversary outing. A newspaper reported that tea and cake were served to the children who then "went to their amusements. The teachers and friends then sat down to a similar repast," and "having been done to their refreshments, they repaired to different parts of the field to join the children in their innocent pastimes, consisting of trap bat, cricket, foot-ball, base-ball, &c."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was cited in a newspaper discussion of the history of tennis: "Successive Kings, from Henry V down to the bluff Hal Tudor and the "Merry Monarch" made it [tennis] their favourite pastime, the two latter not being at all particular who occupied the opposite court so long as they were adepts. The game is known in France as 'paume' (being formerly played, like base-ball, with the palm of the hand instead of a racquet), and it was probably from our southeastern neighbors that we got our knowledge of it."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was listed in a serialized newspaper glossary of local words entitled "Provincial Words and Expressions Current in Devonshire": "Base-ball -- A game at ball, usually played against the wall of a building."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was mentioned in a long newspaper article discussing the impact of a decision by the directors of the Midland Railway Company to eliminate certain classes of rail travel. The article delved into the social impact of such a change, how rich people and poor people would be compelled to seat together, and lamented how rail travel, though practical, lacked the aesthetics of the open road and made it more difficult for travelers to seek exercise: "It is useless, however, to sigh after the departed past, and the only thing that can be done is to bring manly amusements more within the reach of the people of great cities...No one will walk from London to Newcastle to practise his trade there, and gather knowledge of life and manliness of character on the way, when he can go third class. There seems no reason, however, why such pastimes as are popular in certain parts of England--cricket in Yorkshire and Notts, and base-ball in some of the southern counties--should be beyond the reach of young men in our large towns."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper column entitled "Christian Endeavor Echoes," which cited one writer's opinion that churches should offer amusements and recreational opportunities for members who might otherwise be tempted to seek them in less wholesome locales: "...he has expressed the hope to see the day when every church will have, as a matter of course, not only its library and social parlour always open to all its members, but also a generous playground, with provision for base-ball, croquet, and lawn-tennis, and games for the younger children."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper report of the Baptist Sabbath School's anniversary celebration in Newbury, Berkshire: "The children were highly amused by playing at cricket, base-ball, &c.; tea and cake were provided for them in one of the barns, which was very prettily decorated with flowers and evergreens."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was mentioned in a novelized account of the life of Birmingham historian William Hutton. Prior to publication, the novel was serialized in several Midlands newspapers. In chapter XXXII, an apprentice in Hutton's book warehouse was trying, unsuccessfully, to convince a co-worker that, despite his low wages, he was in a good situation: "I am better off than other 'prentices in the High Town. If I do work hard, so doth master. I am neither starved nor beaten, and I have good clothes." His friend replied: "And never a shilling to spare for a cock fight, or a dance? Never an hour for a game of base-ball, or bowls, or nines?</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was mentioned in a story entitled "Along Fleet Street" that appeared in a children's magazine: "Arthur wanted to know where the old Fleet Prison used to stand, and if it was the veritable place where Mr. Pickwick went to, and if it wasn't where he met Mr. Jingle, and whether people did not play racquet and base-ball there, and pay for their own lodgings, etc."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was one of a number of amusements enjoyed at the "scholars' annual treat" of the Robertson Street Congregational Church Sunday School of Hastings, East Sussex, which consisted of a train excursion of hundreds of children to Rye, East Sussex: "The children were soon quite at home, and passed away the time in the manner usual to school treats. Boys indulged in cricket and black-rabbit, shot arrows with bows at distant targets, and kicked a football round the fields. Girls played at lawn tennis, shuttlecock, base-ball, double-tag, and kiss-in-the-ring, and other delightful amusements. Those who did not indulge roamed about the place and watched those who did."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was one of the games played at a festival held at a nearby farm for children of the London-street Congregational Chapel Sunday School of Basingstoke, Hampshire: "Arrived at the meadows, the children lost no time in starting the various out-door games usual on such occasions, such as cricket, base-ball, swinging, jumping, &c., which were kept up with great spirit till about four o'clock, when the children were liberally supplied with plum cake and tea, for which their afternoon's sports had given them excellent appetites."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was one of the pastimes enjoyed by members of the Wellington Square Chapel choir of Hastings, East Sussex, at their annual outing held at Little Park Farm in Battle, East Sussex. Battle is so named because it was the site of the Battle of Hastings. "A capital meat tea was provided, and was partaken in real pic-nic style on the grass. After tea various games were indulged in---cricket, base-ball, French-tag, &c."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was part of the celebration of the Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary in Winteringham, Lincolnshire: "Football, cricket, base-ball, and other sports of various kinds were kept up to a late hour."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was played at a Band of Hope meeting in Marlow, Buckinghamshire: "The committee arranged to give juveniles a treat, and the games of trap-ball, base-ball, cricket, swinging, &c. were indulged in until the tea and cake were spread on the grass, when nearly a hundred congregated, and all heartily enjoyed the repast."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was played at the annual fete of the Newbury Temperance Society, Newbury, Berkshire: "A variety of games was provided, enjoyment being found in swings, cricket, archery, base-ball, &c."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball" was played at the midway point of a late afternoon and evening bike ride by the Y.M.C.A. Cycling Club of Portsmouth, Hampshire: "The party left Portsmouth at 3 p.m., and arrived at Bursledon Bridge at 5:15 p.m., where a halt was made for tea. Afterwards the members adjourned to a neighbouring field, where they indulged in a game of base-ball. At 7:30 p.m. the order was given to mount, and a smart run was made for home."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball," according to a newspaper report, was apparently one of the amusements scheduled to be played in Brussels at the Belgian National Fetes, a huge celebration of that nation's 44th anniversary of independence: "The Royal Museum of Painting, Armoury, and Natural History, and Wiertx Gallery, the Agricultural and Horticultural Exhibition, and the Exhibition of the Linnaean Society of Brussels, will be open gratuitously; whilst the communal administration have organised meetings for archery, crossbows, base-ball, nine pins, and quoits, open to all the world."</p> +
<p>"Base-ball," according to a newspaper article, was a traditional Yorkshire game. "Base-ball, which the American's claim to be their national sport, is known to every inhabitant of the North Riding of Yorkshire and to most of the North of England as a game in which both sexes enjoyed on the old holidays---Easter Monday, Shrove Tuesday, and others. Some of the rules are slightly altered, the most important is the striker; the originals strike the ball with the hands, the Americans with a mallet. As regards the Bases which give the American name to the game the Yorkshire people call them the holds, signifying the stoping (sic) places, what the American's (sic) call their bowler, was called by us the potcher (sic), who stood nearer to the striker than the American's (sic) do, doing the American's (sic) wicket keeper part also. The Yorkshire party was all out with the first person, the American's (sic) with the third. All the other rules are the same."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" and rounders were both played at the annual picnic of the Epping church and Town Hall choirs, held on the grounds of a manor house in Epping Forest, Essex. At first, the festivities appeared to be at risk because of a heavy thunderstorm, but it soon cleared. "The storm over, the 'call' sounded, and the enjoyments of the party began in earnest, with various sports, such as cricket, rounders, baseball, egg in hat, paper chases, &c., interspersed with songs, 'March of the men of Harlech,' 'Rule Britannia,' 'God bless the Prince of Wales,' &c., concluding with 'God save the Queen.'"</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was again played at Orwell Park in Nacton, Suffolk, this time at the first annual outing of about 100 children belonging to the Ipswich Junior Foresters of the Ancient Order of Foresters, of whom Capt. E.G. Pretyman was an honorable member: "On arrival at Orwell Park a good dinner was served, after which the boys adjourned for the afternoon amusements, which consisted of cricket, football, baseball, swings, etc."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was among the games enjoyed at an Easter Monday celebration in Southwold, Suffolk: "The common was the centre of attraction where the youth of all ages assembled, and baseball, cricket, football, and other merry games heartily entered into."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was cited in a newspaper article about "Summer Sport and Amusements, in and around Portsmouth." It read: "With the disappearance of the frosts and the advent of summer days there are preparations in every direction in and about Portsmouth for resorting to the games which are suitable for summer weather, at the head of which still stands the national pastime of cricket, though baseball may come to the front more than it has in past years. Among ladies last year it found many supporters, and with the stimulus which has been given to it by the recent visit of Americans and Canadian colonists to this country there is little doubt that the pastime will be more than ever indulged in."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was mentioned in a book-length anonymous poem entitled Darby and Joan: "Joan. Oh, slur not our men, Darby, I would not in joke, A runaway Briton's a bottle of smoke; They'll run at the fire, and dash from the keel, They'll spring up the rigging, and struggle with steel; They'll pant with exertion at cricket or fame, They'll hasten to die for a glorious name; They'll dash on the housetop, or down in the flood, Go through fire or water to serve flesh and blood. But runaway ne'er, unless 'tis in fun, When at baseball we play, and after them run."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was mentioned in a newspaper article eulogizing a recently deceased vicar of a church in the town of Gillingham, Dorset. The article praised the vicar for putting an end to desecrations of the Sabbath permitted by his predecessor: "Frequently, old people tell us on Sunday afternoons men would come down from other places and play baseball with men of this parish against the church tower. Happily, such scenes as that have passed away."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was named in a news story as possibly contributing to a young woman's death in the town of Hessle, East Yorkshire. Appearing under the heading "Playing at Base Ball" was the following: "The tragic death of Edith Eliza Fennellow (21), 9, John-street, Hull, at the Cliff, Humber-side, Hessle, on Saturday, formed the subject of an inquiry at the Admiral Hawke Hotel, Hessle, on Monday. She had gone for a stroll, and was playing baseball when she fell and expired. Dr. S. H. Johnson testified that death was due to syncope, and a verdict of 'Natural causes' was returned."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was played at the annual treat for the students of Middleton Church Sunday School in the small village of Middleton, Suffolk: "The scholars and their parents had tea on the lawn, the choir and congregation in the Rectory dining room. After tea cricket, baseball, racing, &c., were indulged in until dusk, when the Rector gave each child a present..."</p> +
<p>"Baseball" was played by members of the Liverpool Association of Science and Art at their first meeting of the summer season which was devoted to an outing in the countryside near Birkenhead: "After returning from a ramble along the Dee side a very substantial repast was provided. An adjournment to the lawn followed, where several games of old English sport rapidly and cheerily succeeded each other, the ladies proving the victors in the game of baseball..."</p> +
<p>"Bass ball" was one of the games played at an afternoon's outing of Sunday school teachers and other friends of the Reading (Berkshire) Sunday School Union: "About 200 assembled during the afternoon, and after taking part in games of cricket, archery, bass ball, throwing the hammer, &c., they were well prepared for the tea which they had bountifully provided for their refreshment."</p> +
<p>"Bass ball" was played at an outing of the choir, teachers, district visitors and other church workers of St. Mary's Parish Church in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Following a cricket match, and games of tug of war, "the remainder of the day was devoted to bass ball, croquet, thread the needle and other games, til the shades of evening fell."</p> +
"
<p>"Baste Balling" was listed in a newspaper notice as one of the diversions to be offered at the annual celebration of Whitsuntide in the village of Knowl Hill in Berkshire: "Whitsuntide Amusements...There will be a Cricket Match, at the Seven Stars, Knowl Hill, on Whit-Tuesday; wickets to be pitched at eleven o'clock.--Donkey Racing, Baste Balling for Ribbons, and a great variety of other amusements."</p> +
E
<p>"Baste ball" was identified as one of the games played at the Boxford National School fete in Boxford, Suffolk: "After the repast the party engaged in various sports, consisting of cricket, baste ball, dancing, &c."</p> +
<p>"Baste ball" was played at another annual treat of the Church Sunday School, presumably of Easton, who this year joined with the "Sir R. Hitcham's Scholars of Framlingham and Saxtead." A newspaper reported that: "The Saxtead scholars, between 40 and 50 in number, were conveyed in waggons (sic) to Framlingham, and the united schools mustered to the number of about 250 on the Rectory Grounds at 2 o'clock, when the boys dispersed for cricket and racing, and the girls for kissing in the ring; baste ball, &c."</p> +
<p>"Basteball" was listed as one of the games played at the annual treat of the Church Day and Sunday Schools of Easton, Suffolk (near Framlingham): "Having mustered, they marched in procession to The Rookery, the residence of Rev. W.W. Wood, the rector, where they passed the time in various games, such as racing, jumping, basteball, &c., the winners being presented with appropriate toys as prizes."</p> +
O
<p>“Base-ball,” as an outdoor means of recreation for girls, was praised by an English churchwarden in a manuscript history of the Oxfordshire village of Watlington. The writer, John Badcock, made his point despite having it almost swallowed within an unusually convoluted sentence: “It is contrary to reason and common sense to expect that the most sober-minded, if wholly restrained from a game of cricket, or some other amusement--& the other sex from base-ball, or some recreation peculiar to themselves, & exclusively their own, would fill up every leisure hour of a fine summer's evening better, or perhaps so well, in any other way.” Mr. Badcock went on to argue that the lord of the manor, or some other landowner, should take a section of otherwise unusable land and create appropriate playing fields for boys and girls.</p> +
M
<p>“Bass-ball” is mentioned in a four-volume novel concerning the comings, goings and doings of various high-born society types. In one scene a married couple, who have been having an argument while traveling in their coach, approach a stately house, the husband's boyhood home. The wife is sullen and grumpy, but her husband is excited because he has not been there in a long while: “'Is this the house?' said she, determined not to be pleased with any thing. 'Yes: look, Cary—there's where I have played trap-ball and bass-ball many a time.'”</p> +
E
<p>A "base ball" bank was reported to have been on display at a sale held by the Congregational Church of Winslow, Buckinghamshire: "There were in addition various devices for making money. Master Wilfrid French had two ingenious toys, known as a mule bank and a base ball bank: Mr. W. Turnham, a cross-bow competition; Mr. Arthur Clear, an electrifying machine; and Mr. A.J. Clear, a powerful magic lantern in the lower room..."</p> +
<p>A "base ball" crime was reported in the Southsea holiday area of Portsmouth, Hampshire: "Base Ball in the Streets -- Thomas Willis, 15, Robert Cole, 17, William Cole, 14, George Blundell, 16, Henry Coughlin, 15, and Richard John Stanfield, 14, were summoned for playing base ball in Gloucester-street, Southsea, on April 24th.--Constable Carpenter proved the case, and said the defendants Cole had previously been complained of, but not the others.--The Coles were each fined 2s. The others were discharged with a caution."</p> +
<p>A "base-ball" game on water was reported at another swimming event in Kettering, Northamptonshire: "There was also an 80 yds. race in clothes, and a base ball competition between members of the Kettering and Uppingham Swimming Clubs." And then: "The entertainment concluded with a base-ball competition, from which much amusement was derived, but as the sides were not clearly distinguishable, it was hard to tell which of the two gained the advantage."</p> +
<p>A "base-ball" game was part of the program at the opening of the new Brixton and Clapham Swimming Bath in London. Following an exhibition by Captain Boynton of "the lifesaving suit in which he braves alike Channel waves or the stormy Atlantic,…the rest of the programme comprised displays of swimming, racing and diving...Harry Parker (swimming master to the establishment) and his youthful sister went through their wonderful feats, and much amusement was created by a game of base-ball between members of the North London Club."</p> +
<p>A "game of base ball" was identified in a newspaper account as one of the events competed for at a swimming fete held at the Dewsbury Corporation Baths in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Little more was written about it except to provide the name of the winner (an individual), and to describe it as "a game of base ball in the water."</p> +
G
<p>A baseball contest for girls under the age of 14 was one of the competitions at the Eton Brocas Festival, held on the Brocas meadows in Eton, Berkshire, across the Thames from Windsor Palace. A local newspaper in 1826 reported the presence of 200 boys and girls at the festival, but it wasn't until 75 years later that the same paper provided greater detail about the event, having discovered an original window bill that had been circulated to promote the festival. The 1901 followup article reported that the bill specified the amusements to take place at the festival, including: “Girls under 14 years of age to play at Baseball; the Winners to receive 1s. each and a Ribband; the losers a Ribband each.” Gender pay equity seems to have taken hold among the festival planners, because the promised rewards for boys under 14 who participated in the cricket contest were the same as those received by the girls.</p> +
T
<p>A brief definition of “Tutball” was included in a published glossary of local words and phrases from the market town of Rochdale and the district of Rossendale, both traditionally part of Lancashire county. “Tutball, n. A child's hand-ball.”</p> +
E
<p>A casual reference to “base-ball” appeared in a brief article in a sporting journal about a horse named “Poodle.” In describing the horse's qualities and justifying the high price paid for it, the writer stated that “this horse's own brother Pelion, is one of the finest animals in the kingdom; he has enormous limbs, a back broad enough to play at base-ball upon, and was a capital runner.”</p> +
<p>A children's book, Jolly Games for Happy Homes, includes two separate game descriptions, one of "base ball" (two words), and one of "base-ball" (hyphenated). The first, on page 110, begins: "This is a healthy exercise and a never-tiring game." After explaining how to choose which team is "in" and which "out," it continues: "The party who is "out" throws the ball, which the one who is "in" receives "in" her hand as if it were a bat, bats it away and starts for the first base, or station. The garden or field has previously been divided into bases or stations, duly marked at convenient distances. The business of the followers of the leader who is "out" is to...catch up the ball...and hit the runner with it as she passes from base to base. If she is so hit she is "out." The second description, of "base-ball," on pages 247-248, appears to be modeled on the rounders page from The Boy's Own Book of 1828, but also makes clear that the players are girls and that the ball is struck by hand. </p> +
<p>A clergyman suggested that “baseball” was among the games played by Edward VI, the “boy king” who ruled England in the mid-16th century. A Kent newspaper published a series of lectures given by the Reverend George J. Blore on the subject of the English Reformation. In one of them, the reverend alluded to a diary kept by the young Edward VI: “...he recorded his experiences in a curiously methodical journal, where he entered with equally matter of fact brevity great matters of State, and the games of baseball got up for his amusement.”</p> +
<p>A complaint about “base-ball” was leveled by a councilman in the town of Buckingham, Bucks, as part of his motion to stop the play of various games on Church Hill in the nearby village of Akeley. According to a newspaper report, he proposed that “no football, hockey, cricket, or dangerous games be allowed on the Church Hill.” He argued that these game endangered mothers walking with young children, and the elderly. Regarding the players, “he was not now speaking of the little lads, but of older boys, 14 or 15 years of age, and he was sorry to say that their language was at times very bad. The other day they were playing base-ball at the east entrance to the Hill, and the ball hit the grand east window, and if it had not been for the wire-netting with which it was protected the stained glass would have been broken.”</p> +
L
<p>A dictionary entry and definition for the word "baseball": "(From base and ball) A rural game in which the person striking the ball must run to his base or goal." Also, as one of the definitions for the word "base": "A rural play, called also Baseball; as, Lads more like to run the country base. Shakesp."</p> +
E
<p>A game called "base" (that was clearly baseball) was referenced in an extremely long newspaper article reporting the testimony in a trial in Norwich, Norfolk, to determine whether a deceased man named Bailey Bird had, while alive, been mentally competent to marry. One witness described his boyhood: "He was desirous of playing with us boys, but he was not able, he did not comprehend the game. We used to play base, striking a ball and running to places called homes. Have heard the boys say to him, 'now Bailey, count five,' his reply was, 'don't know'."</p> +
<p>A game called "base" was among the recreations offered at the annual treat held for children of the various schools in the Holy Trinity parish of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. After marching from their schools to the grounds of a local churchman's estate, the children enjoyed a tea, and then, afterwards, “all kinds of games were indulged in by the youngsters—cricket, base, racing, scrambling, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., &c.”</p> +
<p>A game called “bat-ball base” was referenced in an angry letter written by a factory owner to the editor of a London newspaper complaining that the police were not cracking down on youngsters playing games on the street in front of his business. “...a considerable army of young gentlemen are, during the whole day, disporting themselves after the manner of our English youth, in flying kites, to the terror of all horses on the road, in playing at bat-ball base, the chief enjoyment of which appears to consist in sending a hard wooden ball into the face of every stray passenger they can hit...”</p> +
<p>A game of "baseball" was mentioned in a newspaper article about the annual treat for students of the St. Margaret's Sunday Schools of Ipswich, Suffolk, who, 400 in number, boated on the River Orwell to Felixstowe where they enjoyed sailing and playing games: "Donkey riding, round games, bathing, boating, and the like were all patronised and thoroughly enjoyed...The indulgence in such a round of pleasures was greatly favoured by the weather, which was neither too cold for a bathe or a sail, nor too warm for a good frolic at baseball or some other game."</p> +
<p>A game of “ base-ball” in the small village of Crookham, Berkshire, was at the center of a legal complaint that was heard at the County Petty Sessions in Newbury. A newspaper summary read as follows: “Charles Pocock, a young man described a haybinder, was charged with using threatening language towards Andrew Webb, at Crookham, on the 2nd of March. Mr. Charles Lucas appeared for complainant, and stated that his client lived on Crookham Common. It was the practice of defendant and his companions to assemble near Webb's house on Sunday afternoons, and, much to the latter's annoyance, indulge in various games, such as 'base-ball,' &c. On Sunday they were busy with their usual diversions, when, upon complainant remonstrating with them, defendant offered to fight, and used serious threats toward him.” Verdict, guilty, and defendant was fined ₤5.</p> +
B
<p>A game of “ball bias” was among the entertainments offered to a gathering of as many as 500 people at the annual Church Festival in West Malling, Kent. Following a church service and the consumption of a lavish meal, a newspaper reported that “amusements of various kinds, the Rifle Band (39th Kent), singing, croquet, trap bat, ball bias, promenading, &c., were enjoyed and carried on by various parties with much spirit until dusk.”</p> +
E
<p>A game of “base ball” was one of the activities enjoyed by members and friends of the Mizpah Gospel Mission of Southsea (Portsmouth), Hampshire on their annual outing to Haslemere, located some 35 miles away in Surrey. A newspaper reported that after arriving by train, “the party, headed by the Mizpah brass band, marched to the Congregational Lecture Hall where refreshments were provided, after which the party dispersed, some going for a stroll, while a large number made their way to the recreation ground, where various games were indulged in, including a football and cricket match, and also a good game of base ball.”</p> +
<p>A game of “base ball” was part of the entertainment at the annual fete for young members of the Band of Hope and Gospel Temperance Society of Sheringham, a seaside town in Norfolk. After tea and photographs, a newspaper reported that “the various sports and games provided for the young people were then entered into with much zest. A cricket match was played between the Upper and Lower Sheringham members, the former winning easily. Races, tugs of war, scrambles for nuts and sweets, base ball, &c., were heartily enjoyed.”</p> +
<p>A game of “baseball” was played by some of the guests attending a garden party celebrating the season opening of the Lansdowne Tennis Club of Harlington, Bedfordshire. A newspaper covering the event reported that “Early in the forenoon the game was in full swing on the two courts, whilst in the afternoon members and friends turned up in the number of 40, and those who were not able to wield the racquet could participate in a game of baseball, which took place at the farthest end of the ground, or bowls on the lawn.”</p> +
<p>A game of “baseball” was played by some of the 200 students of the Council Schools of Basingstoke, Hampshire, as part of their “Summer Ramble,” an annual field trip to the countryside to study nature and play games. A newspaper reporter accompanied the party, and in his ensuing story described how the students took a long nature walk, and then “westward we go, till close to the school, hidden in its clump of trees, we find the much desired spot and soon sides are chosen and cricket and baseball are in full swing.”</p> +
P
<p>A game of “pie-ball” was played as a grim act of defiance by some of 1200 striking miners and their family members who were being evicted from their homes in the pit town of Willington, county Durham, by policemen working on behalf of the colliery owners. “During the whole of the morning and afternoon the wretched work was carried on actively by those engaged in it, and as the day began to draw to a close, the number of houses with closed doors and windows in the village became very noticeable. But all the time the indifference displayed by the miners was never changed. Whilst the policemen and their assistants were busily engaged removing the furniture in one street, in front of the next row of houses might be seen a score of men and boys playing at pie-ball, with as much zest as though they were enjoying a pleasant and well-earned holiday.”</p> +
1
<p>A glossary of "lingual localisms" used in the English county of Suffolk names "Base-ball" among a long list of local games: "We have…a great variety of games, active and sedentary…Omitting games so universal as Cricket, Leap-frog, Marbles, etc., we have...Bandy, Bandy-wicket, Base-ball, Bandy-ball, Bubble-hole...Foot ball, Hocky (sic)..." and so on.</p> +
E
<p>A group of youngsters played “base ball” and other amusements at the annual summer treat of the Band of Hope in Monmouth, the county town of Monmouthshire, Wales, located two miles from the English border. A newspaper reported that “various amusements were provided, and at 4:30 the children sat down to tea which was very much enjoyed. After tea, races, swings, base ball and other games attracted attention, an amusing feature being a tug of war between 10 boys and 10 girls, the latter succeeding in pulling the boys over twice out of three times and thereby became the victors.”</p> +
<p>A history book mentioned "base ball" in a discussion of ancient hunting rights in the town of Burford in Oxfordshire: "From time immemorial the townsmen had possessed the privilege of hunting in Wychwood Forest on Whit Sunday. The custom, no doubt, originated in the early days of the Church, and when the Sabbath was not so rigorously kept as it is now. So long as Mass was attended in the morning, every one was free, as on other days, to indulge in base ball, football, or any other game."</p> +
"
<p>A letter from Mary Lepel (Lady Hervey) of Ickworth Hall, Suffolk, to Rev. Edmund Morris of Hampshire mentions "base-ball" being played in London by the family of Frederick, Prince of Wales: "…in a large room they divert themselves at Base-ball, a play all who are or have been schoolboys are well acquainted with; the Ladys (sic) as well as Gentlemen join in this amusement..."</p> +
E
<p>A letter to the editor complaining about “baseball” play in Portsmouth was summarized in a newspaper column. “'FELLOW SUFFERER' writes to emphasise the necessity of official notice being taken of the prevalent annoyance of Portsmouth householders by boys playing baseball in the streets, and breaking windows and committing other damage.”</p> +
<p>A location called the “Base-ball Pit” in the village of Cookham, Berkshire, was where a man named William Brothers hanged himself from a tree. A newspaper reported that the body was found suspended by a cord from the branch of a tree by a ploughboy named Harry Willis. Apparently, the deceased had been recently depressed.</p> +
<p>A newspaper announced that "base ball" would be one of the amusements planned for "The Annual Fete Champetre" of the Windsor and Eton Literary, Scientific, and Mechanics' Institution to be held August 17th on private land near the village of St. Leonard's in Buckinghamshire, all in celebration of the birthday of Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent. The announcement stated that the event would offer many different forms of music and entertainment, and added: "The amusements will consist of Dancing, Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Foot, Trap, and Base Ball, &c."</p> +
<p>A newspaper column called "Town and Country Gossip" mentioned "base-ball" in the course of listing all of the former playgrounds and ball fields for children that were no longer available for use in the vicinity of Ipswich, Suffolk, and making an argument that the local authorities make new ones available: "As for the Racecourse, that best of all playgrounds, who does not remember the summer evenings when cricket, base-ball, 'hunt-the-hare,' and football, without its 'scrimmages,' 'touch downs,' &c., were favourite games on both sides of the course, and where literally hundreds of children of both sexes were engaged in joyous play unmolested?"</p> +
<p>A newspaper described that ”ball-bias” (base-ball) was played as part of a huge festival staged in Hastings, East Sussex, celebrating the end of the Crimean War: "There were scrambling for nuts, marbles, &c., and racing amongst the girls as well as boys for toys, footballs were bounding all over the hill, blindman's buff engaged one circle, and drop-handkerchief excited some interest in others, while ball-bias (see note) and other games engaged the attention of the rest."</p> +
B
<p>A newspaper described that ”ball-bias” was played as part of a huge festival staged in Hastings, East Sussex, celebrating the end of the Crimean War: "There were scrambling for nuts, marbles, &c., and racing amongst the girls as well as boys for toys, footballs were bounding all over the hill, blindman's buff engaged one circle, and drop-handkerchief excited some interest in others, while ball-bias (see note) and other games engaged the attention of the rest."</p> +
E
<p>A newspaper mentioned that "base-ball" was played at the annual feast of the Church Sunday School of Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire: "After partaking of beef and plum pudding, the children adjourned to a meadow kindly lent them by Mr. Gurney, and were soon scattered in every part--some playing cricket, foot-ball, and base-ball; whilst others were racing for handkerchiefs, kindly given by Mrs. Edwards."</p> +
<p>A newspaper mentioned that a "base ball" contest had been scheduled as part of a swimming competition in Kettering, Northamptonshire: "It was announced that there would be a base ball competition, but this fell through, and the company appeared to be anxious to leave, as the rain, which had ceased for a time, came on again."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported "base ball" being played at the annual treat of the Church Sunday Schools of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: "The…children…, forming in procession to the number of 120…, proceeded round the hill and through the village to the vicarage grounds, where they soon dispersed: the boys to cricket, and the girls to swinging, base ball, and other amusements."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported "base ball" being part of an outdoors celebration of Good Friday by children from the Tadley Chapel Sabbath and Day Schools in Basingstoke, Hampshire: "The day was fine and the party very much enjoyed the entertainment provided for them; after which they amused themselves at the well-known games of base ball, cricket, &c."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported "base ball" being played at an outing of children from the National and Infant School of Taplow, Buckinghamshire, to nearby "Burnham Beeches": "The children after enjoying themselves for several hours, the boys with cricket, foot ball, &c., and the girls with base ball, trap bat and swings, returned at 9 o'clock under the care of their much respected master and mistress, singing as they came into the village, "God save the Queen."</p> +
P
<p>A newspaper reported a game of "bass-ball" at Walton (most likely Walton-on-Thames), Surrey: "On Tuesday last his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and Lord Middlesex, played at Bass-Ball, at Walton in Surry (sic); and notwithstanding the Weather was extreme (sic) bad, they continued playing several Hours."</p> +
E
<p>A newspaper reported that "Base ball" was played at a festival of the South Bucks Friendly Society in High Wycombe: "They there spent the remaining part of the day in the greatest good humour, order, and decorum, some at cricketing, others at trap and bat, base ball, four corners, &c."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base ball" was played on an excursion to Netley, Hampshire, by 170 students, parents and friends of the British School in Basingstoke: "Having rested and partaken of their dinners, the children proceeded with their sports--the girls to croquet, base ball, &c., and the boys to cricket and other games usual on such occasions."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base ball" was one of the games played at the annual outing of the Lea Lodge of Good Templars. The lodge was located in Luton, Bedfordshire, but the outing took place in a small village called Aubray that can no longer be located, but was in the vicinity of Ashridge House in Hertfordshire: "After tea, various games, including croquet, base-ball, &c., were indulged in, and the excursionists left Aubray for their return home at 8 o'clock."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base ball" was one of the games played at the annual treat for 90 students of the British School of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire: "Among the sports were cricket, base ball, races, and scrambles, the latter for a good stock of sweets and biscuits."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base ball" was played at the annual Band of Hope Festival in Reading, Berkshire: "The youthful teetotalers, who numbered several hundred,…then proceeded to a spacious meadow at the rear of the Hospital, where they were soon supplied with an excellent tea, after which, cricket, base ball, French romp, kite flying, and other amusements were indulged until dusk."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base ball" was one of the amusements engaged in at a festival celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Brentwood Court of Unity of the Ancient Order of Foresters held at Brentwood in Essex: "…the members then formed in front of Town Hall and marched in procession to a field at the rear of the Lion and Lamb, lent by the landlord, where, joined by their wives, sweethearts, and friends, they engaged in cricket, quoits, base ball, Aunt Sally, kiss-in-the-ring, and other amusements..."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base" was played on the Isle of Wight during the Easter holidays: "…the youthful part of the inhabitants betook themselves to the Recreation Ground, where two or three swings were erected, and cricket, base, trap, &c. were fully enjoyed by scores of youths."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base-ball" was one of the amusements offered to almost 400 students of the Unitarian Sunday School of Northampton who traveled to Blisworth Gardens for their annual treat: "Dancing, bowls, cricket, tennis, base-ball, &c. were...indulged in." </p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base-ball" was among the pastimes played by students of the Silverdale School of Hastings, East Sussex, at a treat. After leaving the school and marching "with banners flying" to a meadow, "they were distributed, according to their classes, in detachments, and delighted themselves with all sorts of amusements, such as racing, jumping, base-ball, &c."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "base-ball" was played at the "Grand Whitsuntide Chartist Holiday" excursion to Gravesend in Kent: "The spacious grounds of the Bat and Ball Tavern being reached, the company separated--some to visit Windmill-hill and admire Rosherville, whilst others engaged at an exhilarating game of cricket, base ball, and other recreations."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "baseball" was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual fete of the Mutual Improvement Society in Framlingham, Suffolk: "From the lawn in front of the house is a beautiful slope, studded with trees, and well adapted for fetes and pic-nics, and when enlivened with flags, marquees, and nearly a thousand persons engaged in various sports, of croquet, quoits, baseball, cricket, football, and youngsters swinging under the shady branches of the trees, formed a beautiful picture of English enjoyment on a gala day."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "bass ball" was played in Benhall, Suffolk, as part of that village's celebration of the recent wedding of the Prince of Wales: "After this the men and youths of the parish resorted to a meadow lent by Mr. Tummer, and most heartily did they pitch the wicket, and handle the bat, while others amused themselves with bat, trap and bass ball which continued till the time of the royal salute, which took place at twelve o'clock..."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "bass ball" was played at an afternoon outing of more than 100 citizens and tradesmen of the town of Chesham in Buckinghamshire: "Cricketing commenced at about one o'clock, and from that time to the close of the day continued with little intermission. There were also several games, such as bat-and-trap, and bass ball, which occupied the attention of the majority of the ladies during the afternoon."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that "bassball" was one of the games played at the annual festival of the parochial schools of Chesham, Buckinghamshire: "…the meadows were well filled with the townspeople and others from the surrounding neighbourhood, and the usual games such as cricket, football, bassball, and bat-trap, were entered into with great zest and continued till the close of day..."</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that a man playing “base ball” in the historic Dane John Gardens in Canterbury, Kent, had a mishap: “On Friday afternoon, some visitors to Canterbury were playing base ball on the Dane John, when one of the gentlemen accidentally fell and broke his ankle. He was conveyed to Mr. Sadler's surgery, where his injury was attended to.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that several young men were fined for playing “baseball” on the Isle of Wight. “BASEBALL IN THE STREET. Edward McGabey, Bertie Knapp, Jas. Hayles, Ernest Chiverton and Wm. Taylor, East Cowes apprentices, were each fined 1s. and 4s. costs for playing baseball in Park-street, East Cowes, where windows and street lamps were stated to have been broken.”</p> +
B
<p>A newspaper reported that “ball bias” was among the games played at the annual excursion of the Young Men's Christian Institute affiliated with the Congregational Chapel of Hastings, East Sussex. The members of the society choose the small village of Sedlescombe for their outing, traveling by train or by waggonette. “When the party arrived at their rendezvous, cricket, ball bias, and other games were immediately entered into with great spirit, and carried on up till five o'clock, when tea was partaken of in a large marquee in a field.”</p> +
E
<p>A newspaper reported that “base ball” was among the amusements offered at the annual fete for children of the Wesleyan Sunday Schools of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. After assembling the children paraded through the village to a private park called Kilson's Meadow (“kindly lent for the occasion by Lady Dashwood”), “where they amused themselves, as children best know how, in swinging, base ball, cricket, &c., until tea was ready.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by students of the British School of Reading, Berkshire, on their annual outing, with this year's destination being the grounds of Netley Abbey on the south coast of Hampshire near Southampton. After a train journey, the children “marched to the Abbey, and having explored the ruins there proceeded to the grounds where cricket, football, running, jumping, base ball, and various other games amused them until time for tea.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed during the Easter holidays by merrymakers who had ventured to the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight: “Good Friday was beautifully fine, and the Recreation Field was well thronged by lads and lasses at their favorite amusement--'trap' which includes cricket, base ball, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., &c. These sports during the three days at Easter cause both high and low, rich and poor, to congregate and enjoy the Old English pastimes.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of the ways that militiamen of the Second Wilts Volunteers entertained themselves while training with regular army troops at the major military encampment at Aldershot in Hampshire. An article entitled “The Second Wilts Volunteers at Camp” detailed the daily schedule of the visiting soldiers, noting that “in the evening, the men being at liberty, amused themselves with cricket, quoits, base-ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was listed on the advance program for the upcoming North of England Temperance Festival to be held on the Town Moor in Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland: “...it appears there will be military sports, open sports, kite contests, games for the deaf and dumb, base-ball, children's games, cricket, other sports, and public meetings.</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of several amusements enjoyed at the Bray-wick Rural Fete, an annual gathering in the Berkshire village of Bray-wick, just outside of Maidenhead, that provided “entertainment to the children of the Holyport Boys' School, the Bray-wick Girls' National School, the children and old people connected with the Cookham Union, as well as the inmates of the Asylum at Bray.” While a cricket match was going on in one field, “other portions of the assemblage were scattered over various parts of the ground, engaged with games such as base-ball, trap-ball, foot-ball, swings, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., &c.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Sunday in the town of Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. After singing hymns at the school the students proceeded to a field adjoining a nearby stately home. According the paper, “on reaching the field the procession broke up, and games were at once entered into, including cricket, base-ball, French tag, and many others too numerous to mention.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was one of many games enjoyed at the rural fete of the Basingstoke (Hampshire) Mechanics' Institute held at nearby Hackwood Park. According to the paper, “during the afternoon various amusements were introduced, consisting of cricket, archery, bowls, lawn billiards, foot-ball, quoits, base-ball, and other innocent recreations, which were carried out with right good humour and unflagging spirit by old and young, who all appeared determined to devote the few hours provided for them to real enjoyment, free from the cares and toils of every-day life, and a most gratifying spectacle it was to see so many hundred happy faces and merry hearts, of both sexes and all ages, thus brought together to participate in the cheering and exhilarating pleasures which such social meetings, when properly conducted, are sure to afford, and which never could be experienced in greater variety or purity than on this occasion.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “base-ball” was played at the annual treat for students of the Board School of Cropwell Bishop, a village in Notttinghamshire. Journeying to the grounds of a local stately home that had been lent to them for the occasion, “the young people quickly commenced their various games of cricket, skipping, base-ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “baseball” was played at the second annual outing to the village of Finchdean, Hampshire, for employees of the Paragon Bakery of Portsmouth and their families. “The party proceeded to Finchdean in a brake, and, the weather being fine, an enjoyable holiday was spent. Cricket, baseball, and other games were played, and tea was served at the George Inn.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “baseball” was one of the games enjoyed at the annual treat of the St. Paul's Church Sunday School of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: “A short service was held at St. Paul's, and on leaving the church various games—cricket, baseball, &c.--were indulged in till the drum called the children to tea.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “baseball” was among the amusements enjoyed by volunteer soldiers of the Nos. 1 and 6 batteries of the Brighton Artillery on an excursion to the village of Ringmer in East Sussex. “Upon arrival in Ringmer, arms were piled, and the amateur soldiers engaged in cricket, baseball, &c., or patronised the “Aunt Sallys,” shooting galleries, and other adjuncts of a rural festivity, which had been provided by the enterprise of a caterer from Crawley.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “baseball” was among the games enjoyed by several hundred children at the annual treat of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Lewes, East Sussex, before a big storm sent them all to seek shelter. “The sun was now shining splendidly, and the sky gave no warning of the subsequent storm which so militated against the enjoyment of the young folk. The children were soon engaged in various games—cricket, baseball, stoolball, see-saw, &c. The weather had in the meanwhile, however, entirely changed. Black, ominous clouds filled the skies, and the children had scarcely finished tea before the threatened rain descended in torrents, and the little ones fled in all directions for shelter.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by teachers and children connected with the Free Church Sabbath School of the Scottish Borders town of Greenlaw, Berwickshire, at their annual picnic held on a grassy field six miles outside of town: “The green sward was soon enlivened by gay and happy groups engaged in racing, leaping, football, baseball, rope-skipping, swinging, &c.”</p> +
<p>A newspaper reported that “baseball” was played on the grounds of Burstow Hall in the village of Burstow, Surrey on an outing by members of the Horley (Surrey) branch of the Y.W.C.A. “Tea was partaken of in the open at five o'clock, and afterwards, until seven o'clock, the beautiful grounds were inspected and games of cricket, baseball, &c. indulged in”</p> +
P
<p>A newspaper writer worked the term “pise-ball” into a critical newspaper report of a football game between the Hunslet club of Leeds, West Yorkshire, and the Oldham club of Manchester. In an apparent putdown of the home club, he wrote: “Then again, the passing of the Hunslet backs resembled pise-ball more than anything else.”</p> +
E
<p>A novel for young readers fleetingly mentioned "baseball' in the context of a domestic scene: "They felt somehow as if the mistress of the house was blaming them for their large appetites, there was a hint of reproach in the tone with which she said, 'More meat, Tom?' so that even that rather reckless youth felt glad to have finished and to scuffle off to the fields for a game of baseball."</p> +
<p>A passing mention to "bass-ball" appears in a three-volume Victorian novel that depicted itself as the "autobiography" of a young woman. Characterizing herself as a child as having been very attuned to the thoughts and feelings of all around her, the subject of the novel explained: "...I was then, and had long been, more qualified to 'pick up' precise information from an unguarded look, or a broken sentence, than many a girl of seventeen, who had spent her time in jumping over daisy chains and playing at bass-ball with others."</p> +
<p>A planned game of “base-ball,” along with other amusements, was washed out by a rainstorm at the annual rural fête held in Stoke Park to benefit the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Literary and Scientific Institution. A newspaper reported that: “A game of cricket was commenced in the morning between the Mechanics' Institution and the Chalvey clubs, but the rain soon compelled the contestants to retire, and play was not resumed until evening. The games of base-ball, foot-ball, trap-ball and quoits, which were to have been played during the day, on the north front of the mansion, as well as archery, Aunt Sally, and other amusements, in the ground on the south front . . . had likewise to be abandoned to a great extent.”</p> +
<p>A reference to “base-ball” appeared in a brief and mildly amusing observation about kissing in the “Society” column of a London magazine. “Men have an idea that their kisses are appreciated. They are most immensely mistaken. The average man gives a kiss just as he throws a base-ball—with too much force. It needs to be as delicate as a rose-leaf. Almost a memory in a second. It need not suggest a postage-stamp or a porous plaster.”</p> +
<p>A reference to “baseball” appeared in a prize essay entitled “Value of Open-Air Games” that was written by Alice West, age 13, of the Iford and Kingston School near Lewes, East Sussex, and that was published in the “Our Little Contributors” column in a local newspaper. One passage read: “Most people, especially children, like to play games, such as football, hockey, cricket and tennis, which are all healthy games. The most favourite game among boys at our school is the game of hockey or soldiers. Our governess and teacher tell us how important health is, for there is nothing more dearer (sic) than our lives. Skipping, baseball, hoops, rounders, fox and hounds, and rings, are the usual games for the girls.”</p> +
<p>A report in a newspaper advised that "base-ball" would be one of the many entertainments offered at the coming week's Stanley Hospital Fete, a major fundraising event to be held in conjunction with a royal visit to Liverpool: "There are to be balloon ascents every day by the noted aeronauts Messrs. Yonens and Son; dramatic performances by the cream of local theatrical companies; the inevitable Richardson's Show; athletic sports; old English sports; base-ball and polo matches; pony hurdle races; a bazaar on a large scale; pyrotechnic displays, &c., &c."</p> +
<p>A report that "base-ball" was enjoyed at the annual summer treat of the Band of Hope in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, where 100 children played various games and sports before being served tea: "After the tea swinging, cricket, base-ball, and other pastimes were again indulged in till eight p.m."</p> +
<p>A suggestion that a game similar to “baseball” would be played on horseback was made in a gossip column appearing in a Somerset newspaper. It read: “Polo has had its innings, its sensations, and, I regret to add, a heavy score of victims. A new sort of joust or tournament ả cheval is, I hear, about to be started soon. It will not be unlike the old school-boy game of baseball but a hurdle or two will be introduced into the enceinte.”</p> +
<p>A writer recalled observing "bass-ball" being played a half-century earlier in the Kine Croft Hills near Wallingford, Berkshire, as he described in a newspaper column under the heading “Rambles in Wallingford.” He wrote: "Games also were annually held here on Mayday, and many a comely and buxom girl have I witnessed on such occasions vigorously throwing the bass-ball to a fellow maiden near her, and all were full of frolic. This latter game I have discovered is nearly, if not completely, gone out of fashion now about here which is to be deplored, as I am one who would willingly see a revival of such like harmless sports."</p> +
T
<p>A young adult novel set in the Staffordshire potteries district described “tut-ball” as one of the games organized by one of the teachers at a school treat : “Another diversion which he always took care to organise was the three-legged race for boys. Also, he usually joined in the tut-ball, a quaint game which owes its surprising longevity to the fact that it is equally proper for both sexes. Within half an hour the treat was in full career; football, cricket, rounders, tick, leap-frog, prison-bars, and round games transformed the field into a vast arena of complicated struggles and emulations.”</p> +
E
<p>A “base ball” match was the featured game at an outing of employees of Mr. W. Beuttell, whose gas fitting business was located in the Landport district of Portsmouth, Hampshire. The employees were driven in a “char-a-banc” (sic), an early motorized vehicle, to the coastal village of Bosham in West Sussex. After having their tea in a hotel, “the party adjourned to a spacious meadow opposite, where games were indulged in including a match at base ball between married and single.”</p> +
<p>A “base-ball” and a horse were at the heart of a violent dispute between two women whose respective children, a boy and a girl, had themselves gotten into a physical argument. One of the mothers took the other to court, and according to a newspaper report on the proceedings, the complainant said “that her child and the defendant's were playing at base-ball together, when the ball got under a horse's foot and was burst.” The girl then struck the boy, claiming he had thrown the ball under the horse deliberately, the boy complained to his mother, and both mothers then got into a violent fight. </p> +
<p>A “base-ball” captain was one of the officers elected at the annual meeting of Monotype Athletic Club of Salfords, Surrey. A newspaper reported that Mr. W. Denning was recipient of this honor, joined by other individuals who were chosen captains for football, cricket, tennis and cycling respectively.</p> +
<p>A “base-ball” court in an 18th century London debtors' prison received mention in a novel by Henrietta Kiddie, a well-known and prolific 19th century Scottish writer. In the story, the eponymous wellborn heroine visits her debtor husband in one of the dank prisons of Southwark, in London. The story continues: “She knew every grimly solid piece of furniture in the receiving room; which was at least spacious enough for the various incongruous groups that were wont to be congregated there; she could have made her progress unguided, as she went—the tall, nodding feathers in her beaver hat adding to her height, her train drawn through her pocket-hole—smilingly picking her way in her high heeled shoes past the base-ball court and the skittle ground, acknowledging the humble salutations made to her with the unwearying affability of one born to state and condescension.”</p> +
<p>A “base-ball” game made for a nice diversion for members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Cruisers Cycling Club in the middle of their round-trip day outing to the village of Scole on the Suffolk-Norfolk border. A newspaper reported that after the party arrived at their midpoint in Scole and enjoyed a “substantial tea,” they “adjourned to the courtyard [of an inn], sides being picked for a game of base-ball.”</p> +
<p>A “base-ball” match between teams made up of men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, was part of a sports day held at the “North Camp,” a locale that may have been in either Sussex or Surrey (see note). The day's program included a series of running and specialty races, and then, according to a newspaper report, “during an interval Messrs. Brewer and Bott game some clever examples of step-dancing. A base-ball match took place between Officers and Sergeants, the teams being composed as follows: Officers.--Captain Crawford, Lieutenants Griffin, David, Crawley-Boevey, Richards, Bazett, and Surgeon-Captain Winter, A.M.S. Sergeants.--Colour-Sergeants Willis, Wayman, Sergeants Plews, Weston, G. Kemp, Eldgridge, and Brewer. The latter team won after a close and exciting game by seven points to five.”</p> +
<p>An English history book mentioned "baseball" in a section discussing some of the games and pastimes that were popular during the 14th century: "The present games of schoolboys and children had also their prototypes in those days. Thus the game of hoodman-blind is the medieval form of blindman's buff, baseball and stool-ball, etc. are perpetuated in hockey, trap-ball and similar games, and even cricket was not unrepresented."</p> +
<p>An historic reference to “base ball” appeared in a newspaper report of a field outing by members of the Cambrian Archaeological Association to Monmouth in Wales. Upon visiting St. Thomas church, the vicar pointed out the hagioscope at the side of the chancel arch, “and mentioned that some years since the street front of the building, now showing a beautifully-restored late Norman doorway, consisted of a blank wall, which served as the goal for players of base ball.”</p> +
<p>An indication that “base ball” was played historically against walls in Wales was conveyed in a Gloucestershire newspaper column that related a story about a Methodist Englishman bicycling in Wales on a Sunday who found an otherwise Sabbath-observing Welshman willing to repair his broken bicycle. The columnist went on to write: “The above true anecdote reminds me of a fact that was impressed on my memory last summer that in 'ye olden times' Welshmen were not so straight-laced as regards Sunday observance, as instanced by the fact that churchyards still show that the sacred edifice was used as the wall against which base ball or fives were played; and that in the walls of old fabrics are to be found niches into which a football would be put during divine services, but as soon as the service was over there was generally a rush among the young men for the ball—the game being played in the churchyard.”</p> +
<p>An strange mention of "base ball" is found in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek magazine article about London's Whitecross Street Prison. The writer describes the place--a debtor's prison--as if it were some sort of hostelry, and characterizes the inmates as "knights." At one point, the warden, or "governor," is explaining the prison's routine to a group of new inmates. Done with this, in a complete non sequitur, he pronounces: "And now gentlemen, I shall wish you good morning, as I am engaged in a match of base-ball."</p> +
<p>Another crackdown on "base ball" was reported, this time in the Fratton area of Portsmouth, Hampshire: "Games in the Street.--George Lean, William Vesey and John Baker, youths, were summoned for playing base ball in Manor-road, Fratton, on the 6th inst., to the annoyance of the residents and passengers.--There had been many complaints of the bad language and misconduct of the youths at the spot named, and two detectives were told off by the Chief Constable, and had ascertained the truth of the complaints.--The defendants were warned, and as Lean did not appear he was fined 2s.; the other two were each fined 1s."</p> +
M
<p>Another reference to "baseball" in the works of Mary Russell Mitford. This one appears in the introduction to her third volume of village stories, Our Village, in which she updates readers to changes in the village: "And yet they have light hearts too, poor urchins; witness Dame Wilson's three sun-burnt ragged boys who with Ben Kirby and a few comrades of lesser note, are bawling and squabbling at marbles on one side of the road; and Master Andrew's four fair-haired girls who are scrambling and squalling at baseball on the other!"</p> +
T
<p>Attempting to retrieve a ball in a game of “tutball” almost led to a boy's death in the Hillfoot neighborhood of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. A newspaper reported that the boy, William Lamb, “was playing at a game called 'tutball' with several other lads, when the ball was knocked into the river at Hillfoot. Lamb went over the side of the river to recover the ball, and, overbalancing, fell into the water.” Fortunately, he was rescued from the water and taken to an infirmary where he recovered from the “asphixia” caused by being immersed.</p> +
E
<p>Boys playing “base-ball” was one of the complaints raised at a meeting of the Shoreditch Vestry, a neighborhood in the East End of London. According to newspaper coverage, a member representing the Hoxton district of Shoreditch decried the “hideous noises of the 'wretched Ranters and the ill-behaved Blue Ribbon people,' boys in the bye-streets playing at base-ball to the danger of females passing by, &c.”</p> +
<p>Entitled "A Picnic for Lunatics," a newspaper article reported that "base-ball" was played when members of the Southsea Rowing Club, Portsmouth, Hampshire, took male patients from the Borough Asylum at Milton for an unusual outing to Portchester: "Once there, wickets were soon pitched for cricket on the green under the shadow of the ancient Castle, and the contest 'Southsea Rowing Club v. Lunatic Patients' was commenced amid a good deal of interest...The party had then another stroll around the green, and while many of the ladies and gentlemen resumed the game of base-ball, the patients were greatly amused with shying at cocoa nuts.""</p> +
<p>Entitled “Ball Throwing Nuisance,” a complaint about “baseball” play in the Landport district of Portsmouth was the subject of a letter to the editor of a local newspaper: “SIR,--By the medium of your paper, I should like to ask how much longer the inhabitants of Landport are to be subject to the above nuisance which in some places has become unbearable? Take Central-street or Church-path for instance. Every evening for the past two months or more, from about half past six, a party of youths from sixteen to twenty years of age, make it a practice to indulge in a game of baseball until it is too dark for them to see. If you escape being knocked down by them or struck by the ball you cannot close your ears to the disgusting and obscene language which they make use of at the same time, and until the police make their appearance. Unless the ringleaders are made an example of we cannot hope that it will be much better. Hoping it will not be very long before something is done. I remain yours truly, A RESIDENT.”</p> +
B
<p>Following an unusual incident, the game “ball bias” was played at the annual outing to the nearby town of Battle (where the Battle of Hastings was fought) by children attending the St. Leonards Congregational Sunday Schools of St. Leonards, East Sussex. “We soon arrive...and the youngsters make a rush for the meadows. In one of these the hay has only just been cut, and here a large number of adults, as well as juveniles, amuse themselves for the space of two hours, when two gentlemen in blue make their appearance, and the party is requested—of course, in the politest manner possible—to adjourn to the next field. Why the police should be sent to do this we cannot imagine; but, surely, as the request of any other person would have been acceeded (sic) to with as much cordiality, it would have been better not to have brought the police into the question. Other games were then resorted to—cricket, 'tagger,' swinging, and ball bias.”</p> +
E
<p>For playing “base-ball” in a farmer's field near Basingstoke, Hampshire, six boys pleaded guilty to damaging the grass. According to a newspaper notice, a policeman “found the defendants playing base-ball in the long grass in a field near to the Worting-road allotments.”</p> +
<p>Games, including “base ball,” were among the amusements offered to those attending the annual festival of the Temperance Society of Luton, Bedfordshire, held in a meadow at the top of Upper George Street. A newspaper reported on the various activities at the festival, describing a band concert and copious refreshments, and mentioning that “there being plenty of room to engage in all sorts of games, cricket, trap bat, base ball, French tag, and kiss-in-the-ring, were indulged in pretty freely.”</p> +
<p>Games, including “base ball” were enjoyed by children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School of Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, at a summer outing. A newspaper reported that “upwards of 200 children and 30 teachers sat down to as many good things as in 30 minutes satiated, and after, notwithstanding falling showers, every one had (by fatigue in running matches, foot ball, base ball, cricket, twos and threes, French tag, and other games) fully gratified their appetites.”</p> +
<p>He was only playing “base ball” was the excuse given by a boy accused of assaulting a woman in the town of Reading, Berkshire. A newspaper reported on testimony at a court proceeding where “the defendant said he struck the complainant accidentally as he was playing base ball. They had to touch a base and this happened to be close to Mrs Simon's step.” The court rejected the excuse and fined the defendant 10 shillings or 7 days imprisonment.</p> +
<p>It was announced that a "base ball" match would comprise part of the season-opening entertainment at another London swimming pool, this time the Paddington Public Baths, Queens-Road, Bayswater. According to a newspaper notice, a series of swimming races would be held for prizes, and "Professor Whyte and Son will give their unrivaled exhibition. Diving for plates, Siamese twin race, Base Ball Match by members of the North London Swimming Club," and other attractions would complete the program.</p> +
<p>It was announced that “brace ball” would be among the entertainments at the upcoming annual picnic of the Brighton (East Sussex) Sacred Harmonic Society to be held in Henfield, a town in nearby West Sussex. According to a newspaper report, “a match of cricket is to be played between the married and single gentlemen. Trap, brace ball, and singing, will form some of the amusements of the day.”</p> +
<p>It was noted that “base ball” was a primary activity for nearly 100 girls and young women who attended the annual treat of the Girls' Friendly Society of Bicester (Oxfordshire) Rural Deanery held in Middleton Park. A letter to the editor of a local newspaper expanded upon the paper's brief notice of the event, and mentioned, among other things, that a storm had temporarily halted activities, adding “the rain having passed over for a time, swings and base ball became the order of the day till about six o'clock.”</p> +
<p>It was reported that "base ball" was played at the school treat of the Sunday and National Day Schools of the village of Lane End in Buckinghamshire: "After tea, a variety of games were introduced, such as cricket, 'Aunt Sally'--which appeared to be the most liberally patronised by the young people--while others found amusement in base ball and various sports."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "base ball" was played at an outing hosted for several hundred school children in Andover, Hampshire, by the local vicar's daughter in celebration of her birthday: "After tea, the boys amused themselves by playing at cricket and other games, and the girls by playing at base ball, &c."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "base ball" was played at the annual picnic of 200 students of the Established Church Sabbath School of Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: "A very pleasant afternoon was spent in running, jumping, base ball, and other games, for which prizes were liberally given by the Rev. Mr. Johnstone and others."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "base ball" was one of the entertainments offered at the Annual Tea Meeting of the teachers and children of the Primitive Methodist Schools of Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: "The children, in procession, paraded the town at one o'clock, with flags and banners flying, bearing suitable mottos, and headed by the Saxe-horn Band, proceeded to the ground, where, after tea, amusements of foot and base ball, cricket, &c. were entered into."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "base ball" was played at an outing of some 150 members and friends of the Portsmouth (Hampshire) Ladies' Liberal Association to the grounds of Blackwood Grove: "Arrangements had been made to provide the visitors with tea under the shadow of the trees, and a delightful al fresco repast preceded the robuster joys of base-ball, cricket, archery, and so on."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "base" was among the games played at an annual treat of workers from a Norwich textile factory that was sponsored by their employer and held in the small village of Whitlingham, Norfolk: "…there, joined by members of the firm and their friends, the sports began in good earnest with rowing and running matches, jumping, quoits, base, trap and ball, and other out-door amusements, which in conjunction with fresh air and the delightful scenery of the neighbourhood, fully prepared them to do ample justice to a most splendid dinner..."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "baseball" was enjoyed by students of the Baptist Sunday School of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat: "On the following day (Monday), the annual treat was given to the scholars in a field kindly lent by Mr. T. Bailey. The scholars met early in the afternoon, and at once commenced the day's enjoyment with baseball and other games."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "baseball" was one of the amusements at the annual treat of the parish schools of Clevedon in Somerset: "On arriving at the Vicarage several games were indulged in. About 500 sat down to a substantial tea...The children entered with spirit into the games, consisting of swings, cricket, football, baseball, running, jumping, &c., until evening, when they were marched to the front of the Vicarage-house to receive a bun each from Mrs. Marson."</p> +
<p>It was reported that "bass ball" was one of the pastimes offered at the annual festival of the Sunday Schools belonging to the Nonconforming bodies of Chesham, Buckinghamshire, a gathering of 900 children in all. "The weather was delightfully fine, and in the evening the number of visitors continued to increase. Games at cricket, bass ball, pony riding, swings, and the various other pastimes usual on such occasions were kept up with spirit till the shades of evening compelled them to relinquish them."</p> +
<p>It was reported that “base ball” was among the amusements offered at the annual outing for members of the choir of the Park Street Baptist Chapel of Luton, Bedfordshire. For their outing they traveled more than three hours to Aston Clinton, the lavish residence of Lord Battersea who had gained the property from his late father-in-law, Baron Anthony de Rothschild: “After partaking of a luncheon in the pavilion, . . . the party enjoyed themselves by playing cricket, base ball, &c., and rambling through the grounds.”</p> +
J
<p>Jane Austen employed the term "base ball" in a description of her character Catherine Morland in the novel Northanger Abbey: "It was not very wonderful that Catherine, who had by nature nothing heroic about her, should prefer cricket, base ball, riding on horseback, and running about the country at the age of fourteen, to books."</p> +
E
<p>Londoners in the 17th century played "Base Ball" on Shrove Tuesday according to a newspaper article entitled "Old English Sports and Customs": "The games of 'Football' and 'Base Ball' in this day used to be played in the streets of London in the 17th century. Billet, or tip cat, was also a favourite game for this day, and in some parts of the North of England it is customary for the girls to occupy some part of the festival by the game of battledore and shuttlecock." </p> +
<p>Mention of "base-ball" in a novel by Albert Smith: "...they went over to Bushey (sic) Park, where most of the party from the van had collected. And they were having such games! base-ball, and thread-the-needle, and kiss-in-the-ring, until their laughter might have been heard at Twickenham."</p> +
J
<p>Mention of "base-ball" in the novel Battleridge, written by Cassandra Cooke but published anonymously: "I came to bid adieu to my old playmate, Sir Ralph Vesey: how kindly did he part with poor Jack Jephson, as he called me! 'Ah!' says he, 'no more cricket, no more base-ball, they are sending me to Geneva.'"</p> +
G
<p>Mention of "bass-ball" in a religious-themed essay entitled "A Game at Skittles" that takes aim at the evils of gambling and liquor: "A village green, with its girls and boys playing at bass-ball, and its grown-up lads at cricket, is one of those English sights which I hope no false refinement will ever banish from among us."</p> +
<p>Mention of "bass-ball" in a short story entitled "The Gipsey (sic) Girl," that appeared in The Amulet, an anthology of stories and poems. In the story a school mistress is scolding a young girl: "You can't say three times three without missing; you'd rather play at bass-ball, or hunt the hedges for wild flowers, than mend your stockings."</p> +
J
<p>Mention of "baste-ball" in a journal article praising the attributes of the character Nausicaa in Homer's Odyssey: "…she is the very pattern of excellence,…she drives four in hand and manages her whip with utmost skill, …she sings most charmingly, and, in fine, is not above playing a game of baste-ball with her attendants."</p> +
M
<p>Mention of the game of "baseball" (twice) in a short story written by Mary Russell Mitford that was variously entitled "A Village Sketch" or "Jack Hatch": "Then comes a sun-burnt gipsy (sic) of six,…her longing eyes fixed on a game of baseball at the corner of the green...;" and, a few paragraphs later: "Then the little damsel gets an admission to the charity-school,...her thoughts fixed on buttonholes and spelling books,...despising dirt, baseball, and all their joys."</p> +
E
<p>On the same date as above, the same newspaper reported that “baseball” was played at a treat held for Sunday School students of the Poringland parish, Poringland being a small village just south of Norwich. The article stated that “before and after tea they had some capital foot races and also some good donkey races. After doing full justice to the refreshments provided, they again indulged to the full in cricket, baseball, jumping in sacks, flat racing, hurdle racing, throwing the cricket ball, swings, see saw, &c.”</p> +
<p>On the same day as above, a letter entitled "The Game of Base Ball" appeared in another London paper: "Sir,--The notoriety recently acquired by our Transatlantic cousins in connection with the above game...(has) led to the belief on the part of many... that the game owes its origin to America...It may inform some and remind others that base ball is thoroughly English, and during the 16th century occupied a foremost place in the list of our national sports. It is alluded to by Shakespeare and other writers as an old rustic game, and was an indispensable accompaniment to the amusements provided for the festive May-day gatherings on village greens during the reign of the Merrie Monarch and...his successors...However, the game of base ball gradually lost its patrons, and is now known to a comparative few. The knowledge of the game...lingers chiefly in our most remote rural districts, including some villages in the county of Suffolk, where, more than thirty years since, it was a common game between the lads and lasses...In Cambridgeshire it is known by the name 'Tut'."</p> +
<p>Prior to 1830, “base-ball” had been played against one wall of the ancient church of St. Thomas located in the village of Over-Monnow in Monmouthshire, Wales, according to an article in a Welsh archeological journal: “The west door is quite modern, having been first erected in 1830. Old people tell me that they remember the church, with simply a blank west end wall which served for the purposes of the game of base-ball.”</p> +
<p>Readying the grounds for “base ball” was reported by a newspaper to be among the new improvements being made to a park in Portsmouth, Hampshire: “The Play-Ground in the Park.--Very great improvements are now being made by the Park Committee in the portion of the ground allotted to the children. The rough stones have all been removed to make room for fine gravel which is now being rolled in. Orders have also been given for fixing some stones to act as bases for the games of rounders and base ball.”</p> +
W
<p>Reference to "base-ball" (or "baseball") appearing in the review of a book about calisthenics for women that appeared in a literary journal. The reviewer criticized the book's Italian author for not being aware of the many athletic activities that English women pursue. Among the games itemized by the unnamed reviewer were "base-ball, a nonsuch (sic) for eyes and arms."</p> +
"
<p>Reference to a game of "Base-Ball" in the satirical novel The Card, written by John Kidgell, a clergyman, but published anonymously: "…the younger Part of the Family…retired to an interrupted Party at Base-Ball, (an infant Game, which as it advances in its Teens, improves into Fives, and in its State of Manhood, is called Tennis.)"</p> +
S
<p>Reference to a game of "base ball" in a young man's diary entry for Easter Monday, March 31st, 1755. "After dinner went to Miss Jeale's to play at Base Ball with her, the 3 Miss Whiteheads, Miss Billinghurst, Miss Molly Flutter, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Ford, H. Parsons & Jolly. Drank tea and played till 8."</p> +
E
<p>Reference to a game of "bass-ball" in a naturalist-themed, fictional work for young readers: "The rest of the party strolled about the field, or joined merrily in a game of bass-ball or rounders, or sat in the bower, listening to the song of birds."</p> +
"
<p>Seven-page description of a game called "Ball mit Freystäten (oder das englische Base-ball)" in a German book on games and sports. This is the earliest description of a game called baseball and it details the familiar elements of pitching batting, base running and fielding.</p> +
T
<p>Stating that children should be provided space to play “tut-ball” and other games, a newspaper writer in Sheffield, Yorkshire, argued against the local Hallamshire council spending money to make a new park more suitable for adult sports: “I hope the Town Council will not think it necessary to spend money in levelling (sic) the land it is to acquire at Crookes moor. If it were to be a ground for cricket and football matches, no doubt a lot of money would have to be spent upon it. But I look to the children far more than to adults. For the children, a piece of ground, though rough, is sufficient, where they can fly their kites, and play little games at tut-ball, cricket, football, &c. If men were to have the ground for their matches that would mean clearing the children out of their way, which is far from my notion of what is right and desirable.”</p> +
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<p>That "baseball" was original to England was mentioned in a somewhat condescending newspaper article discussing the prospects of cricket taking hold in the United States: "Wherever an Englishman has 'put his foot down,' either as an abiding colonist or a temporary resident, there has cricket grown up and flourished. Causes not altogether removed from the domain of politics of the White House have militated against the spread of the game amongst the mixed races of the United States. It has been gravely stated by an influential Yankee journalist that cricket, being the pet diversion of an 'effete British aristocracy,' will never do for America! Baseball (the British original of which may be seen in operation on the nearest and most juvenile playground) is in his opinion the most appropriate game for a go-ahead people"</p> +
<p>That they were playing "baseball" was the alibi offered by four boys who were accused of damaging a fence in the village of Greenam, Berkshire. A police constable testified, according to a newspaper report of their court hearing, that he caught the defendants running through the fence "where about 20 boys and girls had been pulling down the boughs of trees and shrubs, and getting flowers. Each denied damaging the fence, alleging that it was done by some girls several days before. They themselves were playing baseball." The magistrate said they were among the group that caused the damage and fined them 5 shillings each.</p> +
T
<p>That “tut-ball” and other spring games were being played by children on Shrove Tuesday despite snowy and freezing weather was praised in a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper column entitled “Spectator in Hallamshire.” After mentioning that in days of old the typical holiday sports were violent ones such as foot-ball and cock-fighting, he wrote: “To this have succeeded in our day the innocent shuttlecock and tut-ball, and the law of habit seems like a law of nature, the boys and girls being as sure to resort to the usual games as the early lambs are to be seen beside their dams.”</p> +
E
<p>The "base ball" playing ability of Robert Browning, Senior, the father of the famous poet, was acknowledged in a biography of the son: "Mr. Browning enjoyed splendid physical health. His early love of reading had not precluded a wholesome enjoyment of physical sports; and he was, as a boy. the fastest runner and best base-ball player in his school."</p> +
<p>The fact that "base-ball" was originally English was briefly acknowledged in a journal column of short news blurbs entitled "Our Weekly Gossip": "The English cricketers are reported to have taken to the 'American game' of base ball. This game was English before it was American. 'Multa renascentur (apud Unitedstatesienses) quæ jam cecidere (apud nos).'"</p> +
"
<p>The game of "Base Ball" is itemized among a footnoted list of additional amusements for young children in a book devoted to their education: "A few others, old-fashioned, it is true, but ever interesting to childhood, may be added. Blind man's buff; Puss in the corner; Questions and Commands; Forfeits; My Lady's Toilette; Hunt the Slipper; Prison Bars; Base Ball; Hide and Seek; Cross Questions; and Riddles; but these last should be selected with great care for tender and innocent minds.”</p> +
E
<p>The game of "base-ball" was cited in a London newspaper article discussing the origin of tennis. The author mentioned the theory that the character Nausicaa in Homer's Odyssey was the originator of tennis, but pointed out that Chapman claimed the game she played was stool-ball. The author continued: "The sober critic will admit that Nausicaa played neither tennis, nor stool-ball, but rounders, or base-ball, and that she threw at, and missed, an opponent who was running between bases."</p> +
<p>The game of "base-ball" was mentioned in a newspaper column complaining about the fencing off and posting of "no trespassing" signs by the town council at the "Old Recreation Ground," a popular play field on the banks of the river Orwell in Ipswich, Suffolk: "For several years past the youngsters have here, unchecked by frown of officious caretaker in brass buttons, indulged in the hearty enjoyment of their games of cricket, football, base-ball, and many other healthful pastimes which are the delight of every true juvenile Briton. Here were no trees to damage, no grass on which they might not tread, no flowers to pluck, no seats to damage, and consequently they were left entirely alone, unable to do any kind of mischief, as there was nothing they could possibly harm. No wonder, then, that when the schools were closed this patch of ground became a perfect elysium to the liberated youngsters."</p> +
<p>The game of "bass ball" was mentioned in the second chapter of a long story entitled "My Three Aunts; or, Lowminster" that was serialized in a monthly church youth publication: "I think the thing which made me most uncomfortable at first, was not being able to play at their games. I could get on with my lessons, but it was very sad to stand out alone and watch them amusing themselves. Bass Ball, Thread my Needle, Ladies' Toilet, and many others, of which I have forgotten the names, were great favourites with the girls, and as soon as I learnt how to play them, I was as fond of them as anybody."</p> +
S
<p>The game of "bass-ball" was recommended for girls in a book on education by Surrey physician William Newnham. Following a sentence where he commended cricket and football as suitable activities for boys, the author added: "with regard to girls, these amusements may be advantageously supplanted by bass-ball, battledore and shuttlecock, and similar active and playful pursuits."</p> +
E
<p>The game of “base” (almost certainly baseball) was among the pastimes enjoyed by the City Norwich Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars on outing to celebrate its second anniversary. After boating down a river in a steam boat, the group landed in Whitlingham and, according to a newspaper report, “enjoyed themselves at cricket, trap-ball, base and other amusements.”</p> +
<p>The game of “baste ball” was one of the amusements offered to young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A newspaper article began as follows: “On Wednesday afternoon the annual treat was held by permission of Mr. Jas. Maulden, at Hill Farm, in a pasture studded with fine elm trees, which afforded shelter from the sun and good arms on which to fix swings. The weather was delightfully fine for the event; and the afternoon was passed in cricket, football, swinging, trap-and-bat, baste ball, &c.”</p> +
P
<p>The game of “pie-ball” was among the entertainments enjoyed at a large picnic held on the grounds of Brancepeth Castle near the city of Durham by a combined group of teachers, friends and students of the U.P. Church Sabbath School and the Sunday Schools connected with the St. James Chapel, both of Newcastle, Northumberland. “The company amused themselves in rambling around the park, visiting the objects of interest in the grounds, and in various games. Cricket, football, pie-ball, and other games had their supporters, and were all carried out with unflagging till the close of day, when the company betook themselves to the train and safely arrived in Newcastle at half past ten.”</p> +
<p>The game “pize ball” appeared as an analogy in a newspaper column about a football match between the Burnley (Lancashire) team and Sheffield. The writer was critical of the shots taken by one of the Burnley forwards, and referring to the Sheffield goalie wrote: “A critic declares that some of the shots which Allen had to clear reminded him of his youth when he played at 'pize ball.' In other words, they were far too gentle.”</p> +
T
<p>The game “tut-ball” was mentioned in a Sheffield, Yorkshire, newspaper article discussing some events from the childhood days of Robert Leader, the paper's former proprietor. In one tale, related from a diary entry, the young Robert was visiting a farm with his father: “A humbler game than lawn tennis was then in vogue. 'Mister Wells has got a house at Steel bank, and I have engaged to go, and have a game at tut-ball with him and his ladies.'”</p> +
P
<p>The name “pie-ball” was mentioned in a traveller's journal that was serialized in a Leeds, West Yorkshire, newspaper. The writer described his stay at an inn in the Swiss Alps where he was reading through the guest book and coming across the names of friends of his who had stayed there previously. “Here is the well-known handwriting of Jack my old schoolfellow, who has become famous since we played together at pie-ball and prisoner's base.”</p> +
E
<p>The playing of “base-ball” was part of complaint lodged in a letter to the editor of a newspaper written by a citizen who objected to the “indecorous and unseemly behaviour of big boys” in a local park in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on Sunday afternoons and evenings. “The shouting and behaviour generally are most reprehensible,” he wrote, “and should not be tolerated on a Sunday in any well-conducted town. Base-ball, cricket, and football are played as if Sunday were a Bank Holiday, and to those of us who reside within sight of the park it is positively painful and decidedly annoying.”</p> +
<p>The subject of "base-ball" came up in a London newspaper article that discussed how certain words that are assumed be Americanisms were actually derived from other languages, or were imported English provincialisms: "These terms flourish on American soil, till their use is taken for a sign of American nationality, just as the old English game of base-ball met us this summer with a new face as a native Transatlantic institution."</p> +
<p>The subject of “base ball” was raised in a Parliamentary debate over whether the playing of ballgames should be legalized in Hyde Park. One member, a Mr. Hopwood, “asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the arrest and prosecution of a delinquent aged twelve years for the misdemeanour of playing at 'rounders' or 'base ball' in Hyde Park; and whether he would consider if it would not be for the public advantage that such games should be allowed in some part of the Park appropriated for the purpose?” A Mr. Adams responded to the effect that the boy arrested was 17 and not 12, and moreover he believed that Hyde Park was too heavily used by the public to permit ball play.</p> +
<p>The term "base-ball" was briefly mentioned in a young adult novel that was serialized in a weekly newspaper for boys. The story was set in a fictitious village in Devonshire, where at one point a boy was trying to explain an earlier deception: “The other day, sir, as I was playing base-ball with some of the fellows, I struck the ball out of bounds, and Carstone, seeing me do it, said he would tell you of it. I begged him not to, and at last he consented, on a condition that I should fag for him during the following week. I joyfully consented, for I had lost a ball out of bounds before, and I didn't know what Doctor Wright would do with me.”</p> +
<p>The term "base-ball" was cited in an entry from an British sports encyclopedia (An Encyclopædia of Rural Sports) entitled “Games of the Ball” that was previewed in an Irish newspaper. After describing hand-ball as as an appropriate game for young people of both sexes, the author of the encyclopedia added: "There are few of us of either sex but have engaged in base-ball since our majority; and the gravity of middle age is pleasingly broken in upon by the feats of pat-ball, as we see it practised among our children."</p> +
<p>The term "bass-ball" appeared in a magazine column called "Railway Rambles" that was a regular feature of "The Penny Magazine." The article laments recent changes to the pretty, south Buckinghamshire village of Stoke (now called Stoke Poges): "There was a village green some twenty years ago—the prettiest of greens; but now there is a straight road between two hedgerows; and the cheerful spot where the noise of cricket and bass-ball once gladdened the ear on a summer eve is now silent."</p> +
B
<p>The term “ball-bias” was linked to cricket, base-ball and rounders in a London magazine article examining the English use of sticks, i.e., walking sticks, sporting sticks, etc. After stating that “in Kent and Sussex...the stick is called a 'bat',” the author proceeded to write that: “cricket, born in the south of England,has naturally adopted the same nomenclature. The cricket-bat is simply the 'crooked stick;' it is merely a development of that game of ball, other forms of which exist in ball-bias, base-ball, rounders, hockey, cum multis aliis. Originally the person of the player is aimed at whilst he is running from station to station, and if struck he and his side are 'out;' and hence you have the 'run' in cricket as the standard of success.”</p> +
E
<p>The term “base ball” was used analogously in a review of the New Alhambra Theatre that appeared in a newspaper in the North Sea town of Hartlepool in County Durham. The pertinent sentence reads as follows: “Mr. Macdonald opened the second half of the programme, and made way for the Avringny Trio, jugglers of no mean ability, who flung round lighted torches with all the ease of children playing at base ball.”</p> +
<p>The word "base-ball" appeared in a speech given by the Sheriff of Norwich, Norfolk, in an awards ceremony for students in the city who had scored highly on competitive examinations. A newspaper reported that the Sheriff urged the boys and girls "to be fairly in earnest in any matter they undertook, whatever it may happen to be. Whether it were in competitive examinations or in their ordinary school lessons, let them not go to work in a half-hearted way. If they were playing a game of cricket or base-ball, they would not say 'thank-you' for a fellow who did not play in earnest, but laid down and took no part in the game; so in their studies let them take care that whatever they took in hand they did it fairly and earnestly."</p> +
<p>The word "base-ball" appears in a memoir written by Rev. J. Young. describing a visit to the Sussex countryside of his youth, he recalled: "…my mind turned mechanically to the period when upon the beautiful lawn…I had viewed, with a moment's pleasurable sensation, my friends bounding over the enameled earth, like the fawns by which they were surrounded, while playing at base-ball, and then, retiring..., refreshed themselves with wine and fruit..."</p> +
<p>The word "base-ball" was mentioned in a poem eulogizing the late Prince Albert Victor, the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, that appeared in a Coventry, West Midlands, newspaper. Entitled "The Death of the Duke," the poem began with these lines: "'The Duke is dead!' So ran the cheerless Tidings round the whole domain---entering Hall and cot, and laying its heavy Burden upon us all. Rude boys---alas! Accustomed to street cries--yet mindless Of the due import of that they told to-day--- Tossed the sad intelligence from each to Each---as though they played at base-ball Mid sunshine..............” </p> +
M
<p>The word "bass-ball" is found in an entry from the "Diary for the Month of July," a monthly feature of "The London Magazine." The entry for July 23rd decries the disappearance of playing grounds caused by growing city congestion, stating: "The unhappy boys of the metropolis are sadly off in this particular. Where can they assemble for cricket, or trap-bat, or bass-ball?"</p> +
E
<p>The word “base ball” appeared in a criminal case in Battle, East Sussex, where two young men were facing charges from an incident at the Westfield School. According to a news report, a witness stated that “on the day in question, at recreation time, the boys [students of the school] were playing base ball in the playground when a young man and a big boy came along. The ball was knocked down towards the gate and the young man came through the gate, picked up the ball, and kicked it in the playground.” The report went on to say that when the school boys complained, the intruders threw rocks at them, and when the schoolmaster attempted to intervene they threw rocks at him too and also got into a brief scuffle with him. The accused failed to appear in court, but were fined “₤2 each plus costs, or in default, a month's imprisonment with hard labour.”</p> +
<p>The word “base-ball” appeared in a corny joke contained within a newspaper announcement of a recent ball that was held by the Windsor and Eton Mechanics' Institute in Berkshire. It began as follows: “A MECHANICS' BALL was announced to be held on Tuesday last as the Institute. As the wording of the announcement was somewhat unusual, some were doubting what kind of ball it was likely to be—whether a cricket-ball, or base-ball, or fives—mechanics have been so fond of strikes. It proved to be a foot ball, and right merrily was it set going, under the able conductorship of Mr. R. Creswell...”</p> +
<p>The word “base-ball” was briefly defined in an English-German dictionary as “das Ballspiel mit.” The literal translation is “the ballgame with.” </p> +
<p>The word “base-ball” was worked into a sermon given by a preacher commemorating the 17th anniversary of the Acton (West London) Baptist Sunday School. A newspaper account of his text included the following excerpt: “God might have filled the land with stinging nettles instead of beautiful flowers, and thus have caused people to say that it was a dreary wilderness, but He never intended people to be miserable, but merry and wise. Cricket, base-ball, and rowing were amusements that they might all enjoy consistent with Christian character.”</p> +
<p>The words "base ball" appeared among the lyrics of a song entitled "Polling" that were published in the London satirical magazine "Fun." The song expressed the complaints of the women of Mayfair at how their men's focus on the current election campaign was interfering with the balls and cotillons that comprised the local social season. The lines of the chorus (of "Mayfair Maids and Matrons") read as follows: "Polling, polling, Keep the base ball rolling, Never mind your sisters, nor your cousins, nor your aunts, So you 'stump' for, 'Split' or 'plump' for Candidates that mock you with their miserable vaunts."</p> +
P
<p>The words “pize” and “pize-ball” were defined in a glossary of the local dialect of the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire. “Pize. To throw a ball gently for another to bat with the open hand, as at the game of “Pize-ball,” in which the 'pizer' 'pizes' the ball to a number in succession, who run to different places called 'hobs,' where they remain till they have a chance of escape. If one of them is hit with the ball while running, he or she becomes the 'pizer.' If all happen to be 'pized out,' the 'homey' is 'burnt,' i.e,the ball is thrown straight to the ground, and the last in the 'ring' has to go back, pick it up, and become the 'pizer.'</p> +
E
<p>Two boys were charged with playing “baseball' on a public road in Reigate, Surrey, according to a newspaper report: “Robert Gardiner and Percy Frost, two lads, were summoned for playing baseball on the highway. Inspector Jeffrey said that on the 27th ult. He saw defendants playing baseball with other boys in Holmesdale-road. When spoken to they said they were sorry.--Fined 1s. each or seven days' hard labour.”</p> +
<p>Under the heading of "Base-Ball," The Times of London published a letter to the editor from someone identified only as "Grandmother" at the time of the 1874 tour: "Sir,--Some American athletes are trying to introduce to us their game of base-ball, as if it were a novelty; whereas the fact is that it is an ancient English game, long ago discarded in favour of cricket. In a letter of the celebrated Mary Lepel, Lady Hervey, written in 1748, the family of Frederick, Prince of Wales, are described as 'diverting themselves with base-ball, a play all who are or have been schoolboys are well acquainted with'."</p> +
<p>Under the heading “Sunday School Field Day,” a newspaper reported that “baseball” was played in the town of Redhill, Surrey: “In connection with the Redhill Primitive Methodist Sunday School a most enjoyable field day was held on Wednesday in a meadow lent by Mr. E. Burgess. Cricket, baseball, swinging, etc., were heartily indulged in by both old and young, and a large company partook of an excellent and well-arranged tea.”</p> +
<p>Under the same title “BASEBALL IN THE STREET” as in the above entry, another group of youths were fined for playing baseball, this time in Portsmouth: “Ernest Taylor, 15, Albert Ball, 15, George Smart, 17, and George Eisey, 17, were charged with playing baseball in Willis-road on the 3rd, and were mulcted in a penalty of 1s. each.”</p> +
"
<p>Use of the term "base-ball" in a physics text tailored toward female students. In the book, a student named Emily offers an example to explain the principle of inertia: "In playing at base-ball I am obliged to use my strength to give a rapid motion to the ball; and when I have to catch it, I am sure I feel the resistance it makes to being stopped."</p> +
M
<p>Use of the term "base-ball" in a short story written by Mary Russell Mitford entitled "The Tenants of Beechgrove" and published in the second volume of her collection of Berkshire village stories Our Village: "Better than playing with her doll, better even than base-ball, or sliding or romping, does she like to creep of an evening to her father's knee."</p> +
E
<p>Water "base ball" was highlighted in a London front-page newspaper advertisement promoting an upcoming swimming competition: "CRYSTAL PALACE.-- Great Swimming Fete and Competition, Monday next, Aug. 24 at four o'clock. Swimming Races 100, 200, 400 yards, and one mile. Aquatic Steeple-chases. Water Base Ball. Pole Walking. Exhibitions of Ornamental Swimming by Professor Beckwith and others."</p> +
<p>Water "base ball" was highlighted in a London front-page newspaper advertisement promoting an upcoming swimming competition: "CRYSTAL PALACE.-- Great Swimming Fete and Competition, Monday next, Aug. 24 at four o'clock. Swimming Races 100, 200, 400 yards, and one mile. Aquatic Steeple-chases. Water Base Ball. Pole Walking. Exhibitions of Ornamental Swimming by Professor Beckwith and others."</p> +
<p>Water “base ball” was among the attractions at an aquatics competition staged by the Gosport Athletic Swimming Club of the southern Hampshire town of Gosport, held at nearby Stokes Bay. A newspaper report of the event revealed “there was much enthusiasm over a six a-side water base ball match, in which both ladies and gentlemen took part. The ladies were very keen, Miss Bell getting two rounders in easy style.”</p> +
<p>Yet another reference to "base-ball" in the works of Mary Russell Mitford. This one comes in a story called "The Carpenter's Daughter" in volume I of Belford Regis, a further, three-volume collection of Berkshire county stories and sketches. Following a description of a cricket game, she wrote: "What can be prettier than this, unless it be the fellow-group of girls--sisters, I presume, to the boys--who are laughing and screaming round the great oak; then darting to and fro, in a game compounded of hide-and-seek and base-ball. Now tossing the ball high,...now flinging it low along the common, bowling as it were almost within reach of the cricketers."</p> +
B
<p>“Ball bias” was among the games enjoyed at the annual treat for children attending the Sunday School of the Robertson-street Congregational Chapel of Hastings, East Sussex. The scholars, to the number of about 500, assembled at the schools early in the afternoon, and marched to the valley under the guidance of the teachers. On their arrival they were dismissed and indulged in a variety of games, such as cricket, ball bias, swinging, racing, &c., till four o'clock when they were summoned for tea.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was among the games played at the annual festival of the Maidstone (Kent) Literary and Mechanics's Institution held on the large estate of one of the members located in the nearby village of Tovil. A newspaper reported that “the amusements consisted of quadrille and country dancing, to separate bands, drop handkerchief, ball bias, &c., in which a large portion of those present heartily participated.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was named in a newspaper advertisement as one of the amusements to be offered at the upcoming Grand Temperance Rural Festival to be held near Maidstone, Kent. According to the ad, “various amusements will be permitted during the day, as cricket, archery, ball bias, &c. &c.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was one of the amusements offered at an outing to nearby Fairlight Glen for high school students and friends of the St. Leonards School, of St. Leonards, East Sussex. “On arriving at their journey's end, various amusements, such as croquet, ball bias, and &c., were indulged in, and the refreshments, which had been taken in a van, were done full justice to.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was one of the games played at a picnic and “gipsy party” organized by an unnamed grouping of 40 adults and children, and held in a park near Cuckfield, a village near the eastern border of West Sussex.The ladies in the group prepared tea, but, according to a newspaper report, “just as the beverage was being served a shower brought umbrellas, mantles and rugs in request; but they kept it up merrily at stoolball, trap, and ball bias, there being swings on the branches for the little ones.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was one of the games played at the annual festival of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Tunbridge Wells, Kent: “The children to the number of 120 assembled with their teachers at the school, and thence proceeded straight to the play grounds just mentioned, the procession being adorned by a goodly number of beautiful banners. Cricket, ball bias, racing, &c. were engaged in till about five, when the scholars were assembled in the booth, and had tea, cake, &c., after which they resumed play till dusk.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was played along with other games at the annual summer festival of the Mount Pleasant Congregational Sunday School of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. According to a newspaper report: “The children began to assemble at 2:30 p.m. and a lively scene soon presented itself, cricket, ball bias, racing for prizes, scrambling for sweets, donkey riding and a variety of other amusements were freely indulged in, to the great delight of the youngsters.”</p> +
<p>“Ball bias” was played at a treat for children belonging to the Hastings Juvenile Temple of Good Templars of Hastings, East Sussex. “They mustered at the Temperance Hall, Castle-road, in the afternoon, and forming in order of procession, marched with banners flying to their destination, which being reached the children amused themselves with various sports, such as running, swinging, ball bias, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Ball-bias” was among the games enjoyed by members of the Band of Hope of the town of Wadhurst, East Sussex, on their annual treat. A newspaper reported that after a rainstorm had passed the children began their organized amusements. “The boys' races were exceedingly well contested, and the three-legged races, sack races, and obstacle races caused a great deal of merriment. The visitors and elder children appeared to enjoy themselves immensely with French tag, ball-bias, the jolly miller, and other games, while many swings and see-saws were in constant requisition.”</p> +
<p>“Ball-bias” was briefly defined in The English Dialect Dictionary in an entry provided by a correspondent from Kent. “Ken. Ball-bias, a running game, much like 'rounders,' played with a ball.”</p> +
<p>“Ball-bias” was mentioned in a religious-themed, young adult novel in which a Jewish teenager was a principal character. The pertinent sentence read: “Emilie...anxiously looked in all directions for Edward, whom she at length espied, at a short distance before them, superintending a game of ball-bias.”</p> +
<p>“Ball-bias” was one of the games enjoyed by 200 children at the annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Chapel Sunday Schools of Goudhurst, a village in Kent near the Sussex border. A newspaper reported that “the amusements provided for the children included swinging, cricket, the tug of war, ball-bias, bat, trap and ball, and some of the children of a larger growth amused themselves and the bystanders by playing French tag, &c.”</p> +
E
<p>“Base ball,” not football, protested one of the boys accused of playing the latter game in George-street in Oxford, and who were summoned to court in response to complaints leveled against them. “They pleaded not guilty,” according to a newspaper report. The arresting policeman said they “were playing with a small ball,” and “one of the boys said they were playing base ball,” the newspaper added. Nevertheless, they were found to have abused “the privileges of the streets,” and were fined.</p> +
<p>“Base balling” was mentioned in a heated letter to the editor of a newspaper on the Isle of Wight defending the town of Ryde and its pier when compared to the facilities in the town of Cowes. In the midst of the correspondent's argument, he wrote: “We are urging our point when we contend that the Y.M.C.A. should come out of their shell and formulate athletics, foot and base balling, rackets and cricketing.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” and rounders were both played at a summer treat for students representing several church schools and bible classes in the town of Diss, Norfolk. According to a newspaper report, the children first enjoyed a tea, and then the boys “indulged in cricket, rounders, base ball, jumping contests, &c., while the girls amused themselves in various ways under the supervision of the lady teachers.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” on horseback was reported to be one of the outdoor amusements contested by members of the Ranelagh Club of southwest London at a club gathering. According to an article in a sporting newspaper, “The members of the Renelagh Club on Tuesday last enjoyed some outdoor sports, consisting of tilting at the ring on polo ponies, base ball on horseback, and military pastimes. The principal competition was tilting at the ring for the ladies' prize, when thirteen members contended the prize, a beautiful silver cup... The base ball was a most interesting feature, especially as the generality of the competitors were renowned horsemen.” </p> +
<p>“Base ball” was again mentioned as one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual rural fête held at Stoke Park to raise funds for the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Literary and Scientific Institution. The festivities proceeded for many hours, notwithstanding unfavorable weather. A newspaper reported that “in the cricket match that was commenced in the morning between the Slough and Egham clubs, the players enjoyed some hours, if not of sunny weather, at least of immunity from the heavy rain which commenced falling between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, the time at which visitors in the greatest numbers poured into the park. . .Those engaged in trap and base ball seldom deserted their posts, while the swings provided for the juvenile portion of the crowd were unoccupied only during the heaviest showers.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was again one of the activities provided for children attending an annual treat sponsored by several Newbury area schools that was held in a park in the Berkshire village of Donnington. A newspaper reported that arriving in the park “A few hymns were sung, and then the children dispersed to the games, which included cricket, aunt Sally, swings, base ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was again played by adults attending the annual festival for Baptist Sunday Schools in Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire. According to a newspaper report, “In the evening the children scrambled for nuts, sweets, and biscuits, and ran races for prizes while their elders indulged in round tag, base ball, and other popular games until dark.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was again to be featured at the annual rural fête staged by the Uxbridge Muitual Improvement Society of West London. A local newspaper reported that “bands will parade the streets, and march in procession to the grounds, where Aunt Sally, bat and trap, base ball, archery, quoits, and other pastimes will be provided and a quadrille band has been specially engaged to enhance the pleasures of the dance.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among many activities enjoyed by youngsters attending the Children's Festival of the Co-Operative Society of Basingstoke, Hampshire. According to a newspaper account of the festivities, the large party proceeded by foot to the festival site where “arriving at the meadow the tent which had been erected for the disposal of minerals, cakes, sweets, etc., was stormed by thirsty children, and those waiting upon them had a very lively time of it. Games were indulged in for a time, such as cricket, base ball, etc., and there were swings erected for those who were thus inclined.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by young cadets of the Sons of Temperance from the town of Hadleigh, Suffolk, who were treated to a day and evening's outing on an estate in the nearby village of Layham. According to a newspaper report, “during the evening, amusements of various kinds, viz., cricket, skipping, base ball, and racing for money, were freely indulged in, the hunting for hidden treasures causing much fun.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the Church Schools Festival in the town of St. Neots, Cambridgeshire. A newspaper reported that “after partaking of tea, etc., the youngsters dispersed themselves over the grounds, where every provision had been made for their enjoyment in the shape of swings, base ball, &c., which were patronized with the utmost zest.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by attendees at the annual Rural Fête of the Mechanics' Institution of Basingstoke, Hampshire, held at Malshanger Park in the nearby village of Oakley. According to a newspaper, a large contingent of people traveled by train and road to the festival site. “On their arrival the party soon spread themselves far and wide in wandering through and admiring the beautiful and picturesque grounds and gardens, which were unreservedly thrown open to them, while many engaged in various rational amusements, such as cricket, foot-ball, base ball, trap-ball, bowls, quoits, &c. &c. much to the gratification of both players and spectators.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the annual treat of the St. Martin's Parish Church Sunday School of Dorking, Surrey. A newspaper reported that after sitting down to an “excellent tea,” the children “were amused by various games, including cricket, base ball, scrambling sweets, and pony riding; swing boats were also erected on the grounds.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by members of the Juvenile Temple of “Try Again” Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars of Littlehampton, West Sussex, at their annual outing held at the tea gardens in the village of Goring. A newspaper reported that: “After indulging in various amusements, including cricket, base ball, etc., the party partook of tea, and commenced the return journey, a very enjoyable day having been spent.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the amusements offered to youngsters at the united and annual treat held by the Diss Friends' Sunday School in conjunction with the Roydon and Diss Heywood Young People's Meeting at a farm near Diss, Norfolk. A newspaper reported that after the groups met up at the farm, “hearty cheers were given as the field games were entered upon, which included swings, cricket, base ball, football, high jumping, racking balloons, scrambling, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the entertainments enjoyed at a treat for the students of a private Sunday school called Burningfold Farm, the project of a saintly farming woman and located outside of the tiny village of Dunsfold, Surrey, just north of the Sussex border. A local newspaper reported that “All sorts of amusements were arranged to take place—such as stool-ball, trap-and-bat, base ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed by some 200 people attending the annual Astbury Garden Party held in the village of Newbold Astbury in the county of Cheshire. According to a newspaper report, “The beautiful grounds and gardens of the Rectory were thrown open and were greatly appreciated. Various games were also provided, including jumping, football, bowling, base ball, croquet, swings, and also old Aunt Sally, all of which were heartily indulged in, and were the cause of much pleasurable pastime and amusement.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed by students of the Greenham School of Greenham, Berkshire, together with the Newbury Workhouse children, at their annual treat. According to a regional newspaper “there were amusements consisting of swings, cricket, base ball, bobbing for sweets in flour bags, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed on a Good Friday outing by 200 boys and girls of the Lower Meeting House schools of Amersham, a town in the Chiltern Hills area of Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “after tea, they adjourned to a meadow close by, where base ball, drop glove, and other innocent amusements were freely entered into, not only by the young but by those advanced in years.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the games enjoyed by children attending the National School Fĕte of the village of Minster-in-Thanet located in the northeast corner of Kent. A newspaper reported that the children, joined by their teachers, were first treated to a tea. “After tea the company repaired to the abbey green and grounds, and the children engaged in cricket, base ball, trap ball, scrambling for fruit, &c. The villagers, in their holiday garb, took part in the amusements, and nothing occurred to mar the pleasures of the gathering.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the games played by children of the Church Sunday Schools of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat. After proceeding the the vicarage grounds and playing for a while, they sat down to a tea. “The usual amusements were then continued, many of the elderly matrons joining with great spirit with the children at base ball, drop glove, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the games played at a grand outing to Weldon Dale in East Yorkshire that was provided for the students of the Hull Deaf and Dumb Institution: “Here, after the luncheon had been partaken of on the slopes commanding views of the Humber and the Lincolnshire coast, cricket, base ball, tennis, and other exercises were heartily indulged in until about 3.30, when the whole party left the Dale.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the many activities on offer to employees of Hannington's Department Store of Brighton, East Sussex, who, along with their families, were treated by their employer to an afternoon's outing at Little Park in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. “Arrived on the ground it was found that a large tent had been erected, casks of beer were visible, as were bottles of ginger beer, by the gross, and various other comestibles, evidently intended for the day's consumption,” read a newspaper report of the event. “The 'weed' was freely indulged in, and all parties prepared themselves for the amusements of the day. Some betook themselves to a game at quoits, others to trap and base ball, others fond of 'the gentle art' betook themselves to ponds and lakes in the vicinity and proved themselves apt disciples of Isaak Walton.” This all was followed by cricket matches and various races.</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed at a large outing arranged for the citizens of Winchester, Hampshire, and held at Longwood House, the estate of the Earl of Northesk (a Scottish peer). A newspaper reported that some of the party played cricket, and, additionally, “various games were indulged in, those not engaged in cricket participating in a game of lawn tennis, quoits, base ball, bowls, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the pastimes made available to 420 students of the Established Church Sabbath School of the town of Keith, Banffshire, at their annual picnic. A newspaper reported that “the weather was delightful, and every meas possible were provided for the enjoyment of the youngsters, who were all keenly alive to take advantage of same, and to make the best of the few hours allotted for their sports. Prizes were liberally given to competitors in games of football, cricket, racing, jumping, and base ball.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the recreational choices for students of the United Free Methodist Church Sunday School in the Hampshire village of King's Somborne at their annual summer outing. According to a newspaper report, the children traveled on wagons to a nearby park. “After alighting, the children soon made themselves at home, and games of almost every description were indulged in. Some went for the swings . . ., while others preferred cricket, base ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the sports chosen by some newspaper employees of the Brighton Gazette of East Sussex who were participating their annual “wayzgoose,” which is a traditional outing unique to printers. According to a report in their own newspaper, “a party of about twenty took advantages of a trio of conveyances and journeyed to Arundel (West Sussex). It proved a most pleasant drive through beautiful scenery, which was much enjoyed, while a comfortable tea was partaken of at the 'Black Rabbit,' on the Arun bank. Others of the company preferred to play quoits, cricket, bat and trap, or base ball.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the sports enjoyed at the annual summer treat for children attending the Sunday school of the Primitive Methodist Chapel of Hadleigh, Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, “Notwithstanding the intense heat, cricket, base ball, and all kinds of outdoor sports were freely engaged in, and an American trapeze set up for the occasion was largely patronised.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the sports enjoyed at the annual treat for children attending the Sabbath Schools of the Edward Street Tabernacle of Dunstable, Bedfordshire. According to a newspaper report, after traveling to the countryside to a spot in Dunstable Downs known as “The Beech Trees,” the students sat down for a tea. Following this, the teachers and other friends took tea themselves, “while the youngsters in the meantime were enjoying themselves at base ball, trap and bat, cricket, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the the games played at a Saturday picnic for students of the Free Church Sunday School in the village of Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders council area of Scotland. A newspaper reported that “the weather being exceptionally fine, there was a large turn-out of children, teachers, and friends. Football, cricket, base ball, races, leaping, swings, skipping, and number of other games were gone into with great spirit.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was among the various games and entertainments made available to students of the St. John's Sunday Schools of Newbury, Berkshire, at their annual treat. A local newspaper reported that “Upon their arrival at the meadow, the children were entertained with various games including cricket, base ball, swings, etc., while egg and spoon, wheelbarrow, donkey, consolation, hopping, foot races, etc., and tugs of war, were also provided, prizes being awarded.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was announced as one of the amusements that would be offered at an upcoming rural fete to raise funds for the Slough (Buckinghamshire) Literary and Mechanics Institute, to be held on the grounds of Stoke Park. A newspaper reported that “the grounds would be thrown open at noon, and amusements, consisting of Archery, Cricket, Quoits, Trap and Base Ball, Rural Dancing, &c., will commence at One o'clock.” One week later, a second newspaper reported on the event itself, mentioning that all of the above amusements were part of the day's enjoyment, adding that they “presented an interesting picture of old English sports.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was enjoyed at an annual treat for students of the Church Sunday School of Ivinghoe, a village in Buckinghamshire near the borders of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. According to a newspaper report, after gathering at the school, “a procession was formed and marched to the Vicarage Field where cricket, base ball, and other games were played until tea was served.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was enjoyed by children participating in the annual summer outing connected with the Village United Total Abstinence Band of Hope Society of King's Somborne, a village in Hampshire near Winchester. A newspaper reported that “on arriving at their destination . . . games such as cricket, rings, base ball, and swings were freely indulged in till the call for tea came.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was enjoyed by students of the Union Chapel Sunday-school of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, at their annual outing. A newspaper noted that “Racing, cricket, base ball, and numerous other pastimes were participated in, till the tea-bell found their appetites whetted.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was enjoyed by students of the Newhaven Baptist Sunday School Bible Class of Newhaven, East Sussex, at their annual outing to Victoria Gardens in Burgess Hill, a town in West Sussex that borders on East Sussex. The children traveled by train, and, according to the newspaper article, “upon their arrival at Victoria Gardens games, cricket, base ball, &c., were indulged in, and the large lake came in for its share of their enjoyment.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was enjoyed members of the “Mothers' Meeting,” a group of mothers who supervised the Girls' Friendly Society of Hannington, a village in Hampshire between Basingstoke and Newbury. The Mothers had been invited to tea at the local Rectory to honor them for their work on the day following a similar event that had been held for the children in their care, including students of the local Sunday and Day Schools. At the children's event, the amusements included rounders, tug-of-war and races. However, at the adult event, a newspaper reported that, following their tea, “'the Mothers' entered with the greatest zest into some of the old games of their childhood—base ball, oranges-and-lemons, &c., and enjoyed them even more than their little ones had done the day before.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was featured at the Sunday School Festival of Gamlingay, a village in southwestern Cambridgeshire near the Bedfordshire border. A newspaper reported that “The children ran races for articles of wearing apparel, and the elder ones indulged in various popular games, such as base ball, round tag, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was featured twice in a schedule of upcoming swimming fixtures that was published in a London sporting newspaper. It reported that the West London Club would hold a “base ball competition” on the 9th of September, and that the final heat of the competition would be held on Sept. 16th.</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was listed as one of the activities enjoyed by youthful members of the Band of Hope of Newbury, Berkshire, at their annual open air festival. A newspaper reported that “The afternoon and evening of the day were spent in various field sports, amongst which cricket and other amusements and sports such as football, base ball, sliding and swinging, kiss-in-the-ring, &c., seemed to find plenty of votaries amongst the juveniles present, and throughout the day the meadow presented a continued scene of mirth and activity.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was mentioned amid a large display advertisement announcing “A Grand Temperance Demonstration and Annual Festival of the Christchurch Temperance Society.” Christchurch, on England's southern coast, was then part of Hampshire but has since been reassigned to Dorset. The ad specified many activities for the day, among them: “For Juveniles there will be Merry-go-round, Gymnasium, swings, See-Saw, Rounders or Base Ball, Jumping Stocks, Mechanical Models in motion: -Windsor Park, a Railway Train, Musical Bells, &c., &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was mentioned in a letter written to the editor of the local newspaper in Windsor, Berkshire, by a member of the Windsor and Eton Mechanics' Institution wondering why that organization couldn't stage a fundraising fete similar to the annual fete held to benefit a similar institution in the neighboring city of Slough. Within the body of his long letter, the correspondent noted that “there need be no lack of amusements. For music we have at least equal facilities with neighbouring places. Dancing (not however to the exclusion of other amusements and other music), recitations, songs, even a speech or two (if not dry), trap and base ball, and dozens of ways of passing a pleasant afternoon will suggest themselves to every one.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was mentioned in an article entitled “Great Tournaments or The Chivalry of the Olden Times” that appeared in a newspaper for boys, and delved into the history of a medieval castle in Hertfordshire: “Time has worked marvellous (sic) changes in the castle of Berkhamsted. In the courtyard where knights and nobles mounted on horses used to battle, the grammar-school boys play at base ball, and toddling youngsters make daisy chains under the peaceful sunny skies of spring time.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was mentioned when an apprentice and his employer traded accusations in the course of a court hearing in the Cumbrian coastal town of Whitehaven a dispute over wages. The employer accused the apprentice of neglecting his work and employing his time instead playing marbles. According to a newspaper, the apprentice “denied playing marbles except during meal times and after the legitimate hours of work. He also alleged that his master had often played marbles and base ball during working hours, and had encouraged [the apprentice] to play with him.” </p> +
<p>“Base ball” was named in a display advertisement as one of the entertainments available to those visiting the Chinese Gardens, a public attraction located in Hurstpierpoint, a village in West Sussex. The ad highlighted a number of amusements for visitors, including boating, fishing, archery, bowls, croquet, skittles, and lawn billiards. Additionally, “Trap, Quoits, Giant's Stride, Base Ball, Boat, Plank and other Swings” were available.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was named in a newspaper announcement of a bank holiday Whitsuntide event to be held in the village of Thatcham, Berkshire. It read: “BANK HOLIDAY, THATCHAM. On Whit-Monday a Temperance Demonstration will take place at Thatcham, commencing with a Cricket Match (between North Heath and the Thatcham Star Cricket Club), Base Ball, and other Sports on the Marsh.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was named in a newspaper story submitted by a London journalist visiting the British Army training base at Aldershot in Hampshire. The article delved into the daily routine of the militiamen who were bivouacked there, and lauded their high level of fitness. “They would achieve a march of twenty miles, if called upon, without difficulty; their litheness after a long drill tells you of their strength; they are ready to furbish their arms, boil their camp-kettle, or play at base-ball—a favourite game in camp—after they have been for two or three hours under arms and in constant movement, as though they had done nothing at all during the day, and play was their only employment.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of many amusements made available to employees of a large firm on a summer's day outing provided for them by their employer, Mr. Alderman Allder of Croydon, Surrey. The gathering was held on the grounds of a country residence in Edenbridge in nearby Kent, where a newspaper reported that “every amusement conceivable was here supplied, swings, lawn tennis, cricket, base ball, cocoanuts, quoits, and many other games being indulged in by the company.” </p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of several games enjoyed by employees of the King Street Old Brewery of Norwich, Norfolk, on their annual outing which this year took them by river boat, first to the small village of Bramerton about five miles south of Norwich, and then on to historic Coldham Hall in Suffolk. According to a newspaper report: “Here various games were indulged in, including cricket, base ball, tug of war, and walking the greasy pole for a pig.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of several games, including rounders, that were enjoyed by some 460 children of the Buckingham (Buckinghamshire) National Schools at their annual treat and holiday, held in a nearby meadow. After a church service, according to a newspaper report, “the joyous juveniles made their way to the meadows and, in about as little time as it takes to place the fact on record, the children commenced to amuse themselves in a selection of games, including cricket, trap and base ball, rounders, &c., while the merry-go-round of horses and carriages . . . specially engaged for the day, tickled the fancies, and caused the eyes of hundreds of youngsters to sparkle with pleasure.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the activities provided for children attending one of several Wesleyan Society Sunday Schools at an annual treat that was held in a park in the Berkshire village of Donnington. The schools represented societies from four villages surrounding the market town of Newbury: Chievley, Stockcross, Thatcham, and World's-end. A newspaper reported that “the children dispersed about the park, a marked rush being made upon the refreshment tent where ginger beer, ginger ale, lemonade, sweets, buscuits, &c., were dispensed, the more hardy ones however entering at once into cricket, swinging, base ball, and other games which had been provided.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the activities enjoyed by members of the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, at a “rambling picnic.” A newspaper report stated that “all kinds of games were indulged in, including base-ball, blind man's buff, tugs of war, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements played at the annual treat for children of the Church of England Temperance Society, Juvenile Branch, of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. According to a newspaper report, after a “sumptuous tea,” the girls went to a garden “where they enjoyed themselves much with bat-and-trap, croquet, and the usual games, while the boys adjourned to a meadow . . . and indulged in cricket, base ball, races, and other rustic sports.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by members of the Conservative Associations of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, Kent, held at The Home Farm in Colebrook Park just outside of Tunbridge Wells. Following a cricket match between the two clubs, a newspaper reported that: “Many of the visitors indulged in rounders, base ball, and quoits, while others preferred a stroll through the hop garden, and inspected the crop which appeared to be thriving remarkably well.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements provided for juveniles associated with one of the local Band of Hope contingents participating in the annual fete of Newbury Temperance Society. A newspaper reported that the 600 persons in attendance first proceeded to the fete grounds, and that “here a variety of sports was provided, including swings for both juveniles and adults, cricket, base ball, cocoa nuts, archery, bran pie, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by teachers, children and friends of the Temperance Hall Baptist Sunday School of Newbury, Berkshire, at their annual outing, a “water party” that commenced with a two-mile barge ride down a canal. After landing at a meadow they were provided a tea, and then, according to a newspaper account, “The cake, &c., formed an industrial occupation for about a half-an-hour, after which the usual formalities of cricket, base ball, boating, &c., were entered into with great zest by old and young.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements offered to youngsters at the Annual Festival of Parochial Schools of Chesham, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “various games were indulged in, such as cricket, base ball, bat and trap, drop glove, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by large numbers of bank holiday celebrants from the south London town of Croydon who ventured to rural areas in nearby Surrey. According to a local newspaper: “Picnic parties without number were dotted about these charming resorts, while, wherever suitable places were found, cricket, base ball, quoits, kiss-in-the-ring, and other games found plenty of votaries.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual festival of the Marlowes Wesleyan Sabbaths School of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. According to a newspaper report, the teachers and scholars met at the school and then marched in procession to a nearby park, “where various games of cricket, bat and trap, base ball, swings, etc. were very heartily engaged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the amusements offered at a church treat given to students of the Day and Sunday Schools of St. Mary's, Princes Risborough, to the junior members of the choir, and to those in attendance at the Longwick National Schools, all situated in Buckinghamshire: “After tea, cricket, base ball, rounders, races, jumping, scrambles, &c., were held, affording considerable amusement, not only to the children but to the large number of neighbouring residents and parents of the scholars who were now present.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the attractions for the large crowds in attendance at the Uxbridge Mutual Improvement Society's rural holiday held at Cowley House near Uxbridge in far west London. According to newspaper coverage, “Games were numerous and had many votaries; whilst some preferred the mutilation of 'Ancient Sarah,' in erring attempts to frustrate her imitative enjoyment of a tobaccoless pipe, others played at trap bat or base ball, or tried their abilities at archery, generally missing the targets with great precision, and wondering more and more at the dexterity of the William Tell that had been a favourite hero of their youth.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the entertainments available to the large crowds in attendance at the Parochial Schools Festival of Chesham, a market town in Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “Cricket, base ball, drop glove, and various other games were kept up in different parts of the Grove, and the bells of the church rang out their merry peals at intervals during the day.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the entertainments offered to girls attending the Islington-area (North London) centers of the Sunday Evening Recreative Class Society on their summer outing to New Southgate. The party was about 40 in number, and according to newspaper coverage, “after tea, and down to the time fixed for departure, various games were indulged in, including lawn tennis, base ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the featured amusements made available to those attending the Berkhampstead and Chesham Temperance Societies Festival held in a large field near Chesham, Buckinghamshire. According to a local newspaper, “On arriving at the meadows, the usual out-door games, such as cricket, football, base ball, drop glove, French tag, and other games, including croquet, were resorted to by those who delight in such amusements.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the game played by teachers and older students of the Wesleyan Sabbath School of coastal town of Lowestoft, Suffolk, on an outing held to celebrate the conclusion of the Crimean War. According to a newspaper account, “After cricket, base ball, &c., and other juvenile games had been carried on for some time with high glee and great spirit, the party proceeded along Whapload way to a yard at the back of Mr. Tuttle's residence. Several pieces of music were then sung and a short and appropriate address on 'The Peace' was delivered by the superintendent.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games chosen by some of the many holiday makers from the Hackney district of London who streamed to the sylvan settings of Epping Forest in Essex to celebrate the Whitsuntide bank holiday. A newspaper reported that “tennis, bowls, cricket and base ball were the favourite pastimes in the parks.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games enjoyed by students and their parents of the Church Sunday School of Woburn, Bedfordshire, at their annual holiday and treat. According to a newspaper article, the children marched from the school to a nearby farm where they were served a tea. “Tea being over they dispersed to join in various juvenile games, also racing for a number of useful and amusing articles. While they were thus amused, a great number of visitors and parents of the children sat down to tea, afterwhich (sic) they also dispersed, some to watch the children, others to join in various games, such as base ball, French romp, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games enjoyed at the annual treat for students of the Church Sunday School of Gorleston-on-Sea, a community on the Norfolk coast near Great Yarmouth. A newspaper reported that “Before and after an ample tea the children indulged to the full in cricket, base ball, swings, &c., until the shades of evening, and before separating hearty cheers were given for all those who had so generously contributed to the happiness of the young folks.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games enjoyed by members of the Luton Industrial Co-operative Society of Luton, Bedfordshire, at a picnic held a three-hour carriage ride away in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire. A newspaper reported that “cricket, base ball, French tag, and other sports were engaged in till seven, when a start was made for home, which was reached soon after ten.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games offered to youngsters attending the Annual Festival held in connection with the day and Sunday schools of the district of St. Paul's, Addlestone, in Surrey, along with schools in the neighboring town of Chertsey. A newspaper reported that “on arriving at the rendezvous a profusion of attractive amusements were presented, such as foot ball, trap and base ball, cricket, racing for prizes, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games offered to students of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School of Maidenhead, Berkshire, at their annual treat held on the grounds of Taplow Court, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “the youngsters emptied their pockets of spare cash at some of the stalls, which were laden with toys, fruits, sweets, and refreshments . . . while others patronised Peter Cooley's cocoa nuts, &c. After dinner, French Tag, Base Ball, Cricket, and other games were indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games played at the annual “ragged” treat for children attending the the evening and Sunday schools held at Lower Waterside in the town of Dartford, Kent. According to a newspaper report, the children were first treated to a “substantial tea.” This was followed by a procession to a meadow “where balls and other articles connected with juvenile sport were distributed. Soon the meadow became an animated scene of enjoyment, the children, nearly without exception, being dressed in so smart a manner, that one could scarcely realise the fact of a 'ragged' school treat.” Following a pause for a musical program, “toys were plentifully distributed, and cricket, base ball, and other games enjoyed, till between eight and nine o'clock when the fete terminated.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games played at a Whitsuntide treat hosted in Carrow, Norfolk, by J. J. Colman, Esq., for his employees and their families, numbering nearly 1300 people altogether, on the meadows behind Carrow Abbey. A newspaper article reported that: “The young men had a game of cricket, the boys played at base ball and other games. Kissing in the ring appeared to be the favorite sport of the girls and children, while the men smoked their pipes and watched the games in calm enjoyment.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat of the Rockhope School, a small rural village in County Durham: “On Friday, the annual gathering of Vicar, wardens, teachers, scholars, parents,and the young men of the village took place in the Vicarage field, where a substantial tea was enjoyed. The customary games of cricket, base-ball, wrestling, races of all sorts, long ropes, and the high jump were indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games played at an outing for students attending the Wesleyan Sunday School, located in the small village of Wenhaston in northeastern Suffolk. On this occasion, according to a newspaper report, the youngsters were first served a tea, and then “after they had partaken of the good cheer they adjourned to a meadow . . . where they enjoyed themselves in games of cricket, base ball, running, jumping &c., till nearly dusk.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the games played by a group of 80 young members of the Buckingham Band of Hope at a rescheduling of their annual sports day which had previously been cancelled because of poor weather. A regional newspaper reported that “Some entered into the game of cricket, base ball, &c. The boys and girls ran for prizes, including gloves, belts, handkerchiefs, neckties, &c., purchased by the generosity of a number of friends interested in the promotion of temperance among the younger members of the congregation.</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the recreational offerings at a Fête Champetre consisting of a flower show, fancy fair, archery and other amusements that was held in the town of Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey. The event was well attended, despite a rain shower, and according to a newspaper: “Cricket, base ball, and other games, had their share of admirers.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was one of the treats awaiting children of the Newbury (Berkshire) Primitive Methodist Sunday School on a special school excursion to Marlborough Forest at Savernake in Wiltshire, Britain's only privately-owned forest. A newspaper reported that, after traveling by train and wagon, “the forest was reached soon after ten; and an hour afterwards each child received a large bun and was supplied with lemon syrup. Cricket, swings, base ball, and other games were provided, and rambles were made to the mansion, the column, the ruins,, the king oak, and various green retreats and sylvan shades, for which the forest is well known.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was part of a “mixed game” played by members of the Lewes (East Sussex) Cyclist Club as part of a day's outing to the village of Newick, also in East Sussex. After enjoying a strawberry tea and hearing some remarks from a club officer in a marquee set up in a meadow behind the King's Head public house, “a move was then made, and various amusements indulged in, which included a mixed game of cricket, base ball, twos and threes, &c. Soon after 8.0. (sic) p.m., machines were out out and a start made for home.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was part of the fun for young members of several Band of Hope groups associated the Newbury Temperance Society at their annual fête held in a meadow at Donnington, Berkshire. A newspaper reported that “arrived at the meadow, various games such as archery, cricket, racing, base ball, &c. were freely indulged in, and at four o'clock the children were regaled with an excellent tea.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played as part of the annual treat for boy and girl students of St. Lawrence's Sunday School in Reading, Berkshire: “The children, above 200 in number, assembled in a meadow adjoining the Forbury, where they amused themselves with cricket, base ball, and other recreations during the afternoon, and were afterwards assembled at the school room in the churchyard and were regaled with buns and tea.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played at a large gathering of “the teetotallers” held in and near the village of Washington in West Sussex. According to a newspaper report, after attending church they proceeded to the nearby Highden Clump, “where nearly 200 met and enjoyed a dance on the green sward; others amused themselves at cricket and base ball.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played at a treat provided for the boys' choirs of the St. Nicolas and All Saints' Churches in the town of Witham in Essex: “A cricket match was played between the choirs...The St. Nicolas choir won by a few runs. Base ball was also indulged in. After these sports the youngsters partook of a capital tea in the Chipping Hill Schools.” </p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played at an outing of students and teachers of the Sayer's Street Sunday School of Norwich, Norfolk, to a park in nearby Whitlingham. According to a newspaper report, after taking a short river boat cruise on the Jenny Lind, “the grounds being reached, cricket, base ball, and other games were engaged in until five o'clock, when the ample tea provided was found both refreshing and appetising.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played by boys attending the Sunday School connected to the Working Lads' Institute in the Whitechapel district of east London on an excursion to a retreat in Chingford in northeast London. According to a newspaper story: “Everything was done to help the children to have a happy day. Some were sent for donkey rides, some for brake rides, some put in swings, and such games as football, skipping rope, base ball, and hunt in the Woods were engaged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played by children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School of Uxbridge, West London, at their annual treat. According to a newspaper report, about 130 students and adults spent “a happy time,” adding “throughout the day the scholars enjoyed themselves at cricket, base ball, and other games, and races were also indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played by holiday makers of every age when members of the Kingston Total Abstinence Society enjoyed a summer outing to St. Ann's Hill in Chertsey, Surrey. After traveling from Kingston in a large char-a-banc, the party arrived at the lovely hilltop park and promptly sat down for a tea. In the words of a writer covering the event: “Whether due to the exhilarating effect of the atmosphere or to the influence of the beverage just partaken of, after tea nearly all of the company from about three score years downwards became suddenly imbued with the taste for base ball and other games, keeping them alive till after 7 o'clock.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played by men and women of the Whitehorse-road Cycle Club of Croydon in South London while stopping at Burgh Heath near Banstead in Surrey at the midpoint of a day's ride. A brief newspaper notice mentioned that “on the heath, a game of base ball was taken up and good fun was got out of it.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was played by men and women of several bicycling clubs from Portsmouth, Hampshire, who enjoyed a day's excursion to the village of Rowland Castle on the Hampshire-West Sussex border. “Altogether there could not have been fewer than 100 wheelmen at the village,” reported a newspaper, “and the place was en fete in the afternoon when base ball and other games were held on The Green.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was put forward as one of the pastimes cited in a lecture presented before the Working Men's Institute in Bowness-on-Windermere in England's Lake District (now Cumbria). The topic of the talk, given by Mr. J. W. Ballantyne, RM, of Edinburgh, was school hygiene and overstrain in education. Mr Ballantyne was a powerful advocate for the role of sports and games in education, saying “A school without a playground, a gymnasium or public park near, I look on as a garden without sunshine or a boat with one oar,” according to a newspaper report on his lecture. He disagreed with those educators calling for a return to classic Greek sports such as racing, wrestling, discus, etc., saying “such are very good in their way, but can never equal in excellence the games we have in vogue in our public schools. The training of the muscles, eyesight, will, and all the bodily functions in cricket, football, rackets, base ball, hare and hounds, &c., is unequalled by any stereotyped exercise in racing round a race course, or swinging rhythmically backwards and forwards on a bar for so many hours a day. No, our old games are manifestly superior to any such cut and dried exercise. Let all our old sports and pastimes be encouraged in schools.” </p> +
<p>“Base ball” was reported to be among the games played at the annual fete for members of the Mechanics Institute of West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The festivities were held on the vicarage grounds where, following a concert by Mr. John Youens and his celebrated Saxhorn Band, “the company now began to assemble and swinging,, trap bat, base ball, drop glove, &c. were the order of the day.”</p> +
<p>“Base ball” was the subject of a brief news squib in the Barnsley (Yorkshire) Independent, in which the paper reported that “English ladies have taken to playing the American base ball game. Eleven ladies of the parish of Nash, Buckinghamshire, have beaten a similar team from Great Harwood, by 115 against 86 runs and an innings to spare.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball,” surprisingly, was one of the games played by students attending the Free Church Sabbath Schools of Rogart, a small village in the Scottish Highlands, at their annual summer treat. According to a report in an Inverness newspaper, “After tea, all set off to the glebe, where a most pleasant afternoon was spent in skipping, playing base-ball, running exercises, and other games.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” and other games were played at the annual Church Sunday School treat in the village of Ousden, located in west Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, “after the distribution of prizes, which consisted of Church services, hymn and prayer books, as well as other suitable books, the children adjourned for games of cricket, base-ball, tug-of-war, and other sports.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” and rounders were among the games played by school children in the village of Oakley in Hampshire when school was cancelled and a celebration begun after news of peace in the South African war had arrived. A newspaper reported that “a band of ringers were summoned and the Church bells rang out their joyful and rejoicing sounds in honour of the glad event. The school children were engaged in games of cricket, rounders, base-ball, &c., with their teachers for the morning, and at 12 o'clock some very hearty and lusty cheers were raised.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” and rounders were played by some of the many visitors to a day-long event in Seer Green, a village in south Buckinghamshire, an event that was primarily focused on an exhibition of flowers, vegetables, needlework and knitting. A newspaper reported that “Cricket, base-ball and rounders, and other games were freely indulged in during the afternoon, while later in the evening a successful series of athletic sports were carried out.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was a featured game at the annual treat held for children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that as soon as the children arrived at a local park, “they commenced playing at cricket, foot and base-ball, &c., and the usual games resorted to on such occasions.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was a popular game in Jacobean times according to a Penzance, Cornwall, newspaper article entitled “Whitsuntide Amusements.” The writer began with the claim that “when King James I ascended the throne, he encouraged the people in their Whitsun customs, including the drinking of the celebrated Whitsun ales, of which we have heard so much and know so little.” He then alleged that “outdoor amusements naturally predominated, and we read of gay picnic parties, and rude musical gatherings and games of every kind of sport were freely indulged, one of the most popular being base-ball.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was again enjoyed at a children's outing in the town of Buckingham, Bucks, this time as one of the games played at the Juvenile Templars' treat held on a nearby field. According to a newspaper report, “on arriving at the field the children soon began to make the best use of their time, and to thoroughly enjoy themselves in various games, including cricket, base-ball, kiss-in-the-ring.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was again one of the activities offered to those attending the annual Grand Rural Fete held at Stoke Park in Slough, Buckinghamshire, as a fundraiser for the Literary and Scientific Institute of that city. According to a newspaper report: “On arriving in the grounds the party deployed into sections, each taking the portion of the park allotted, whee some betook themselves to cricket, some to archery, base-ball, and other amusements.” A display advertisement promoting this event, and announcing that baseball would be played at it, appeared in the same newspaper a week earlier.</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the activities enjoyed by members and friends of the Luton (Bedfordshire) Harmonic Society at their annual fête held at Lilley Hoo, a large, commons area in nearby Hertfordshire. A newspaper reported that “the games of cricket and base-ball were carried on with manly spirit, and dancing to the excellent music of the brass band, wound up a very pleasant meeting.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the amusements enjoyed at the Sunday school feast held for children and families of the village of Hockliffe, Bedfordshire. After a procession led by a brass band, the children went to the church for a small service, which was followed by an “excellent” tea, and then some game-playing. A newspaper reported that, following some further speeches, “the various games and amusements were then again indulged in, including cricket, swings, base-ball, bat-and-trap, races for prizes, and dancing to the strains of the band that played at intervals throughout the evening.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by students of the Boys Secondary School of Portsmouth, Hampshire on their annual outing held at the resort of Seaview on the Isle of Wight. A newspaper reported that “the boys and teachers had a very enjoyable time. They boys broke up into parties for cricket, base-ball, swimming, boating, and photography.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the enjoyments offered to the older children attending the Church Sunday School of Boxmoor, Hertfordshire, at their annual treat held on the grounds of the nearby stately home of Ashridge Park. A newspaper reported that the students traveled to the estate by wagon, and a tea was provided to them at four o'clock. “The amusements of the day were swinging, base-ball, bat and trap, cricket, French tag, etc., but the chief attraction was ascending the monument.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the entertainments offered to families attending the annual fete of the Great Western Railway Temperance Union of Maidenhead, Berkshire, held in the lovely nearby Buckinghamshire village of Bourne End. A newspaper report mentioned some of the activities of the day, including “a steam circus (galloping horses), shooting galleries, a bottle-smashing saloon, cocoa-nut enclosures, Aunt Sally, a toy stall, and 'all the fun of the fair,' while there was ample room for games at cricket, base-ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games enjoyed by boys and girls of the Portsmouth Royal Seamen and Marines Orphan Home at a summer outing to Hambledon Downs. A newspaper reported that the scene did the accompanying naval men “a real amount of good to see the little ones enjoy themselves in their games of cricket, base-ball, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games offered to children of the Union Workhouse of Newbury, Berkshire, at a special treat on the rectory grounds sponsored by the Rector of Newbury. According to newspaper coverage, “A bountiful tea was provided, to which the little folks did ample justice; when swinging, base-ball, merry-go-rounds, and other amusements were indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games played at a united outdoor gathering of the Bands of Hope of Stow Bardolph, a village in eastern Norfolk. According to a report in a local newspaper, “sports and amusements, including cricket, a scramble for nuts and sweets, swings, base-ball, and other games, were enjoyed until the hour for tea arrived, at 4 p.m.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual treat of the Congregational Church Sunday School of Little Ilford, Essex: “Upwards of 100 children were regaled with a substantial tea. During the afternoon and evening a variety of amusing games were indulged in, including cricket, base-ball, swinging croquet, football, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games played by family, friends and members of the Hanbury Volunteer Corps. of Hanbury, Worcestershire during their daylong excursion to historic Raglan Castle, located some 63 miles distant in Monmouthshire, Wales. After the party arrived at the castle and the nearby village, a newspaper reported that “some went to inspect and admire the ruins, others to play at foot-ball and enjoy themselves in a variety of ways, such as base-ball, fencing, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual outing for choir members of the Christian Endeavour Society of West Hendon in northwest London. After traveling to the far west London village of Harmondsworth, a newspaper reported that “here cricket, base-ball and many other games were entered upon till tea time, when a splendid spread was placed before them.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the games played at the annual treat for children attending the Sunday school connected to the Nicholas-street Chapel of Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that 400 students “betook themselves to various sports, such as cricket, foot-ball, base-ball, swings, and racing for pocket- handkerchiefs, braces, &c. Tea took place about five, after which they returned to their games.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the many amusements offered at the annual fête of the Odd Fellows and Foresters societies of Ipswich, Suffolk, held on the grounds of The Chauntry. The newspaper coverage of the event reported that “here the most popular game was, as usual, 'Kiss in the ring,' which was carried on with untiring energy at several rings during the whole of the afternoon. Dancing, too, was entered into with great gusto . . . whilst in another part of the grounds there were foot races, archery, &c. Besides these more public amusements, in various nooks and corners one came upon family parties engaged in at base-ball and other games, and all appeared to be doing their best to enjoy themselves, and to succeed admirably.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed on Whit Monday at the annual gala of the Temperance Society of Ipswich, Suffolk, held two miles west of town on the grounds of The Chauntry. According to a newspaper report: “The Rifle Band, under the direction of Mr. Gunning, was in attendance, and to their music not a few 'led the merry dance,' whilst foot-ball, base-ball, cricket, swinging, see-saws, Aunt Sally, and, of course, kissing in the ring--(this being a great occasion for such mutual interchanges)--were going on in different parts.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was among the usual street games enjoyed by boys in the Norfolk coastal town of Yarmouth before being chased away and pursued by a policeman who appeared to have gone insane. The tale was related in a newspaper article headlined “A Mad Policeman” that reported: “The most convincing proof that he had 'gone wrong' was the unwonted energy that he displayed in the attempt to capture a number of boys who were playing about the streets, and who as a rule are allowed to enjoy their games of whip-top, base-ball, and other pastimes in the middle of the public streets unmolested by 'Mr. Bobby.' [The policeman], however, had apparently conceived an idea that this normal state of things should be stopped, and he at once put in practice his conviction by 'running in' several boys who playing about the streets.” It was suspected that something was wrong with him, and following a police surgeon's examination he was declared insane. </p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was announced as one of the amusements that would be offered to those attending the upcoming Grand Rural Fete to be staged in Christchurch, Hampshire, by the Working Man's Institute. A newspaper advertisement heralded the event, to be staged at the local Pleasure Gardens, Flower Gardens and Park. It announced that “in the Park, the following amusements have been provided—Archery, Cricket, Croquet, Quoits, Football, High Jumping, Merry-go-round, Gymnasium, Swings, See-saw, Rounders or Base-ball, Skittles, Aunt Sally, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was enjoyed by 40 to 50 youngsters attending the annual summer outing of the Chiltern House School of High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper account reported that “after tea, various sports were indulged in, such as racing, jumping, base-ball, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was enjoyed by members of the church choir of the small market town of Acle, Norfolk, at an event hosted by the rector and his wife. A newspaper reported that “after tea, croquet, tennis, and base-ball were much enjoyed, until darkness set in.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was mentioned by a correspondent writing to a Norwich, Norfolk, newspaper in response to another letter published in the same paper which had complained strongly about children playing games in the streets. The second writer said that it was natural and proper for children to play, and citizens of the city should help make more playgrounds available for them. He added: “No one can blame children for wanting to play, even on Sunday, and unless their desires and the means of gratifying them are helped into a more healthy groove we shall still have the tip-cat, base-ball, &c., in the back streets and squares as much as ever.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was mentioned in a Victorian novel of the type that conveyed moral lessons to its young adult readers. In one scene a young woman was reading a poem to some of the children in her care: “She had just finished, when one of the servants appeared to relieve her of her charge, and the children, repaying her with eager thanks and kisses, rushed off to the fresh delights of a game of base-ball, leaving Margaret free to follow her own inclinations.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was mentioned within a young man's diary entry describing a romantic outing with his future wife. The diarist was an 18-year-old medical student named John Henry Salter, then a resident of Arundel, West Sussex. He wrote: “Aug. 2. A boating party with myself as Captain. After dinner, archery, and cricket, then separation and a stroll. Laura and I found a beautiful sequested (sic) spot, and never did time pass more quickly and delightfully. She vowed she loved me—God knows I do her. She gave me a ring to wear for her sake when absent, and I will wear it too so long as I have a finger. After tea base-ball and bat-and-trap. After a bit the damp came on and it was time to pack up and be off.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was named as one of the pastimes enjoyed at the annual outdoor feast for students attending the National Sunday School in the village of Waltham, Lincolnshire: “From the church, the children marched with their many-coloured banners to the Rectory grounds, where they sat down under canvas to a well-provided tea . . . Tea over, groups were formed for various games, and cricket, jumping, base-ball, &c., were freely indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was named in a novel as one of the games practiced by students on a playground adjoining a private school situated in rural Yorkshire in 1825. The author wrote: “The playground . . . was large, . . . it must have comprised a few acres, since though not actually set apart for the purpose, an adjoining field, known as the calf-garth, was in constant use for all special games, such as base-ball, chevy, shinty, or any sport requiring extra space.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of entertainments offered to children attending the Parish Elementary and Sunday Schools of the villages of Burnham, East Burnham and Cippenham in southern Buckinghamshire at their annual treat held at Burnham Beeches, a large natural parkland. A newspaper reported that “the children, about 500 in number, quickly dispersed to the various games of their choice, some preferring a game of cricket, others base-ball, whilst some went for races. The teachers and friends meanwhile took rambles into many pretty spots.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at an outing for residents of Woodcote, a neighborhood in Graffham, a village in West Sussex. A newspaper reported that: “The inhabitants of Woodcote and neighbourhood spent yet another very pleasant time at Fairacre on Wednesday last week by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. D. Guillond. Tea was served in the grounds, followed by bowls, base-ball, &c., for which prizes were given.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by youngsters attending the annual treat of the Congregational Sunday School of Blackthorn, Oxfordshire. A newspaper reported that the children gathered in a field and played various games, after which they adjourned to the chapel for a tea. The, “after tea they returned to the field, where they again joined in the games, including cricket, base-ball, swings, &c., until eight o'clock.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by fifty boys and girls at the annual treat for students of the Meadrow Sunday School of Godalming, Surrey. A newspaper, in one weighty sentence, reported that: “The children and their teachers assembled at the school at two o'clock, and immediately repaired to an adjacent meadow, where cricket, trap, base-ball, football, drop handkerchief, kiss-in-the-ring, scrambling for sugarplums, and such like innocent and mirth-provoking amusements, were indulged in to the intense delight of the children, their little faces beaming with happiness, and many of the parents enjoying themselves in seeing the pleasures of the juveniles.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the amusements offered to the boys and girls attending the Slough (Buckinghamshire) British Schools on a “pleasure excursion” to nearby Langley Park. According to a newspaper report, “upon their arrival at the park the children amused themselves by cricket, kiss-in-the-ring, base-ball, and other congenial sports, and were afterwards regaled with a bountiful supply of tea, cake, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the entertainments for students attending the Congregational Sunday School of Burnham, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat. According to a newspaper report, after traveling to a park, “cake was distributed amongst the children, who then made off for play. All kinds of diversion could be indulged in. Some played cricket, others base-ball, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the games enjoyed at the annual fête of the Mechanics' Institution of Maidenhead, Berkshire. The proceeding began with a cricket match followed by dinner at local hotel. Toasts were given, and then, according to a newspaper report, “the company dispersed to the athletic games and sports, which consisted of cricket, quoits, trap, and base-ball, kiss-in-the-ring, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the games enjoyed by members and friends of the Independent Order of Good Templars of Basingstoke, Hampshire, at their summer outing. According to a newspaper report, the party consisted of 45 adults and 30 children, and that “cricket, base-ball, and other amusements were freely indulged in during the afternoon and evening.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat for children and teachers of the Sabbath School connected with the Wesleyan Methodists of Framlington, Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, after waiting out a rainstorm “the afternoon was then uninterruptedly spent in various games of cricket, base-ball, racing, scrambling, &c., but swinging was the favourite amusement.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the games played at the amalgamated fête hosted by the Odd Fellows and Foresters societies of Ipswich, Suffolk, held at Wherstead Park located two miles south of the city. A newspaper article described some of the activities: “The usual games were early on the move. It was evident that those present determined to make the most of it; and it was pleasant to see the family parties picnicing (sic) under the shadows of the trees, enjoying not only their food with a good relish, but the spectacles around them. Cricket, base-ball, swinging—and, need we add, kissing in the ring, appeared to afford much gratification; and the pleasures of the day were further heightened by the Rifle Band, which played a variety of pieces in its usual capital style.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the games played at a high school charity “Strawberry Fete” held in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, to benefit the Children's Country Holiday Fund that enabled poor London children to spend a fortnight in the countryside. Held on the grounds of a hotel, “a large table loaded with strawberries and cream was under the trees in the centre of the ground, and ices could not be made fast enough to supply the demand, Base-ball and rounders were played very energetically by the High School girls; potato, egg and spoon, sum, and needle and thread races, open to all comers, were very popular, and afforded much amusement to the visitors.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the highlights of what a local newspaper described as an”excursion of blanchisseuses,” (which I've learned is the French term for washer women). The paper reported that 46 employees of the Beach Laundry of Eastbourne, an East Sussex seaside resort town, were treated to an outing in the countryside by their employer. Following dinner “came a series of games in the meadow. Tea was provided at 5:30, after which all engaged in base-ball, dancing, nice walks and long walks.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the pastimes played by the young people of the Hackney Wick Wesleyan Band of Hope of Hackney (northeast London) on their annual excursion to Hainault retreat. A newspaper reported that after arriving at their destination, “donkey rides, swings, etc. were then indulged in.” This was followed by a tea and “a ramble through the woods.” During the evening, the story continued, “nearly 30 prizes were competed for in running, skipping, three-legged and other races, the elder ones indulging in base-ball.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was one of the pastimes provided for a party of nearly 400 students and teachers of the Mallinson Road Sunday School of Battersea in southwest London as they took their annual excursion to St. George's Hill in Weybridge, Surrey. A newspaper reported that, after reaching their destination, “in the morning a cricket match was played, teachers v. scholars. The children being provided with swings, skipping ropes, base-ball, &c., there were ample means for enjoyment.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was part of bank holiday festivities in the town of Harpenden, Hertfordshire. A brief notice in a local newspaper read as follows: “BANK HOLIDAY. Owing to the large number of holiday makers visiting Harpenden on Monday, the common presented quite an animated appearance. Cricket, base-ball, and various other games were started, and the visitors appeared to enjoy themselves.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played as part of large garden party held in conjunction with the Ladies' Sewing Society associated with the Wesleyan Chapel of Grovebury, a neighborhood of Leighton Buzzard, a town in Bedfordshire. Newspaper coverage noted that “the tennis court was continually occupied by exponents of the popular summer game, whilst bowls and 'bumble puppy,' or 'tether ball' as it is sometimes called, each attracted their moiety of devotees. Tea was provided in the large games room behind the house, a tasty and satisfying meal being enjoyed by all, and at its conclusion an adjournment was made by the young folk to a field near by, where base-ball and other open air games made the hours pass all too swiftly.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at a summer treat hosted for the more than 600 students of the St Luke's Sunday Schools of Maidenhead, Berkshire. After marching through town to the Crauford College meadow, the children played a variety of games and then had tea. Afterwards, according to a newspaper report, “cricket, base-ball, racing, &c., occupied the evening till about 8 p.m., and the playing of 'God save the Queen' brought a most successful school treat to a close.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at an outing of about 100 impoverished school children and their teachers from the Union Workhouse of Newbury, Berkshire. A newspaper reported “they were most hospitably entertained by the respected chairman of the Board of Guardians on the lawn of Shaw House, where piles of plum cake and other good things were speedily demolished, after which various sports were introduced, viz., cricket, trap bat, base-ball, kite flying, racing, &c., till night-fall came, when the national anthem being sung, and vociferous cheers given, the juveniles marched off, gratified for that benevolence which had not overlooked the orphan and destitute.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at the annual tea meeting of the members, friends, and children of the Union Chapel of High Wycombe, a large town in Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “upwards of 200 sat down to tea; after which amusements of cricket, foot and base-ball, &c. were indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at the annual treat for sunday school students of the Wesleyan Chapels of Swindon, Wiltshire. After marching to a nearby park, the children “enjoyed themselves with swinging, cricket, base-ball, and other suitable games.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at the annual treat for students of the Sunday School connected to the Free Methodist Church of Framlingham, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “Having met at two o'clock at the School Room, they marched with flags flying up to Hill Farm, where Mr. Brown placed a newly mown meadow at their service. Swinging, cricket, base-ball, up-and-down, trap and bat, racing and scrambling were among the pastimes indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at the annual rural fete of the Mechanics' Institute of Basingstoke, Hampshire, held on the grounds of Oakley Hall, a manor house in the nearby countryside. A newspaper described how “the grounds were gaily decked with flags of all colours and nations, which had a very striking and cheering effect. The party were soon seen dispersing themselves among the inviting and beautiful walks with which the park abounds, and which excited universal admiration. Cricket, bowls, quoits, base-ball, and other rational amusements were included in the programme of the day's proceedings, and were heartily engaged in and enjoyed by a large portion of those present.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played at the annual outing of “the employes (sic) of Messrs. J.E. Whittle and Co., cycle and motor engineers” of Portsmouth, held at the village of Rowland's Castle, Hampshire: “After the meal, sides were chosen for football, and the match between G. Whittle's team and F. Whittle's resulted in a draw 2-2. During the evening base-ball and various games were played, whilst some strolled into Rowland's Castle.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played by carpenters in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company at their annual holiday held in the village of Shalford just south of Guildford in Surrey. According to a newspaper report, “The party, numbering about ninety, arrived at the railway station at eleven o'clock, and immediately proceeded to the common, where cricket, trap-bat, base-ball, quoits, Aunt Sally—the old lady's first appearance at Shalford, need we add she was warmly received—and other games were carried on with immense vivacity, till dinner was announced. . .”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played by children whose families were inmates or staff of the Ludlow Workhouse in Ludlow, Shropshire, on the occasion of the annual public sale of goods manufactured by the inmates. According to a newspaper report, a tea was provided in the workhouse for attendees, and then “shortly after five the children were brought to the Castle Green under the charge of [the assistant matron], and were soon engaged in cricket, base-ball, tennis and foot racing.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played by members and friends of the Wanderers Athletic Club of Banbury, Oxfordshire, on an outing and picnic held at Edge Hill in southern Warwickshire. After arriving at their destination, according to a newspaper report, “At the Tea Gardens a cricket match was played between ladies and gentlemen, the ladies being victorious by three runs. Base-ball and other amusements were also entered into with spirit, and the natural beauties of the historic neighborhood also claimed attention.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played by members of the Ipswich (Suffolk) Early Closing Cycling and Recreation Club on an outing. According to brief newspaper notice, “[They] cycled to their meadow on Woodbridge Road on Wednesday, for cricket, base-ball, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was played in the 16th century according to the writer of a letter published in a London-based sporting newspaper who was taking exception to the viewpoint that the game currently being showed off by visiting American players was something original. Under the heading “The Game of Base-ball,” the writer, Mr. J.C. Reed, expressed the following: “The notoriety recently acquired by our Transatlantic cousins in connection with the above game...[has] led to the belief on the part of many... that the game owes its origin to America...It may inform some and remind others that base ball is thoroughly English, and during the 16th century occupied a foremost place in the list of our national sports. It is alluded to by Shakespeare and other(s) as an old rustic game, and was an indispensable accompaniment to the amusements provided for the festive May-day gatherings on village greens during the reign of the Merrie Monarch and...his successors...However, the game of base ball gradually lost its patrons, and is now known to a comparative few. The knowledge of the game...lingers chiefly in our most remote rural districts, including some villages in the county of Suffolk, where, more than thirty years since, it was a common game between the lads and lasses...I have no desire to depreciate the ability and skill of the Americans in playing this game, being only anxious to remove the prevailing impression that it is an importation from another country.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was recommended as one of the games suitable for girls by the author of a handbook on rescue work directed at “missionaries, superintendents of homes, committees, clergy, and others.” Within his section on activities for girls, he wrote: “In summer-time it is well in the evenings, when circumstances favour it, to let them have games in the garden such as Base-ball, Oranges and Lemons, Tick, Puss in the Corner, Nuts in May, etc., after the work is done.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was the principal game played by students of the Rural Deanery of Hurstpierpoint gathered for their annual prize-giving celebration in the hamlet of Westmeston, East Sussex. A church service and several speeches preceded the awarding of prizes, followed by a substantial tea. According to a newspaper “after the tea had been heartily enjoyed, the children amused themselves (and the older persons present joined in the games) by base-ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was the subject of a grouchy columnist's complaint which appeared in an issue of the Barnsley (Yorkshire) Independent within a column entitled “Fitful Flashes.” “There are a good many nuisances to put up with in this world,” he wrote, “and one of them is the continual playing of base-ball in the public streets, or, rather, bye-streets. Ancient fathers, middle-aged aunts and uncles, and the patriarchs of the whole group (including paterfamilias) look on and wonder. The marvel in which they are all really interested is as to the particular window the energetic propellers are going to break. Sometimes there is a fracture of glass, and then a regular stampede takes place—not of the glass but of the evil-doers. Nobody can ever catch one, and it is not likely he can do when the parents join in the exceedingly interesting pasttime (sic). Really sometimes a case might be made out for obstructing the pavement. The nuisance, I am told, in some of the side-streets, is something abominable.</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was, indeed, played at the first “Fête Champêtre” held by members and friends of the Windsor and Eton Literary, Scientific and Mechanics Institution on the grounds of St. Leonard's. The local newspaper reported that “in addition to cricket, a variety of other amusements had been provided by the committee, with the view of meeting the various tastes of the assemblage. Scattered in groups over the ground might be seen numerous devotees of other pastimes. Among which may be enumerated archery, quoits, trap-bat, base-ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base-ball” was, once again, among the amusements made available for the crowds of people in Stoke Park attending the annual rural fete benefitting the Literary and Scientific Institute of Slough, Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that “the sports, in addition to the music and dancing, included cricket, archery, quoits, trap-ball, base-ball, together with, for a miscellaneous company, that rather questionable amusement—kiss in the ring.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball' was part of the entertainment for hundreds of children attending the Sun Lane Sunday School of Norwich, Norfolk, as they celebrated their annual treat in a nearby park. According to a local newspaper: “On arriving at the park the children soon dispersed, and amused themselves at cricket, baseball, and other sports until four o'clock, when the junior portion of the school partook of tea.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the entertainments enjoyed by children attending the Trinity Church Sunday School of Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire) and those from other schools in surrounding villages at a Sunday School Festival. A newspaper reported that “they dispersed to indulge in the games that had been provided for them in such variety; croquet and baseball parties in one place, cricketing in another, football, bat-and-trap, and swings such as delighted the hearts of the younger children, and not a few of the older ones.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the entertainments offered to students of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Hook Norton, an Oxfordshire village near the Cotswolds, at their annual treat. Tea was provided upon the lawn, according to a newspaper report, and then following some hymns and speeches, the students “returned to the field where racing, pony rides, swings, baseball, cricket, and (notwithstanding the heat) football were vigorously pursued, closing with an amusing tug of war”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the games enjoyed by the youthful members of the Young Recruits Lodge of the Independent Order of Grand Templars (IOGT) at their annual retreat in Newhaven, East Sussex. According to a newspaper: “The members, numbering about 80, met on the green in front of Mrs. Williams' (superintendent) at two o'clock and proceeded to the hill above the workhouse, where cricket, baseball, bat and trap, and other games were indulged in until teatime.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the games played at the annual treat for students of the Marshall Road Sunday School of Sutton, Surrey, which was held at nearby Cheam Park. A newspaper reported that after the children arrived at the park, “the various amusements provided were entered into with great gusto, the swings, roundabouts, &c., coming in for a large share of patronage. At 12:30 a substantial luncheon was provided for the children, which they heartily enjoyed. In the afternoon the superintendent, Mr. Carpenter, and several of the friends of the scholars indulged in cricket, baseball, &c. until five o'clock when tea was provided for both scholars and friends.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the games played at the annual outdoor gathering of students and teachers of the “North Seaton Weseylan (sic) Sunday School” at a field in the village of North Seaton, Northumberland: “They met at the school, where the children were presented by their teachers with two oranges each, after which they marched to the above field, where the fun started. The smaller scholars ran races for nuts and sweets, given by their teachers, and the girls contested by skipping for their share. Some amused themselves with the football, and some with the game of baseball, also some with kissing-ring.” </p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the pastimes enjoyed by members of the Church of England Temperance Society of Newhaven, East Sussex, at an outing to the nearby hamlet of Bishop Stone. A newspaper reported that “the field was reached at about three o'clock, where stoolball, cricket, swinging, baseball, and other games were indulged in until five o'clock, when the company, numbering about 80, sat down to an excellent tea prepared by Mr. S. Stone. After tea the games were resumed until dusk, when the party returned to Newhaven by road, a very enjoyable time having been spent.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was among the the games played at the annual outing of the juvenile branch of the Nottingham Unity of the Ancient Order of Oddfellows of Newhaven, East Sussex, held at the seaside town of Seaford. A newspaper reported that: “about 30 members and a number of adult friends proceeded to a field near the beach, where cricket, baseball and other games were indulged in until tea time. Tea was capitally served in the field, and after it the games were resumed, and races for various prizes took place.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was identified in a brief newspaper report as one of the amusements enjoyed by children of the Congregational Sunday School of Chalfont St. Giles, a village in the Chiltern district of southeastern Buckinghamshire, at their end of summer treat. The paper said that “games, consisting of cricket, baseball, etc. were most heartily enjoyed.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was listed as one of the activities enjoyed by children attending the Congregational Sunday School of Burnham, a small village in southern Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat held in the nearby woodland of Burnham Beeches. A newspaper reported that “soon after their arrival various diversions were entered into—cricket, baseball, French tag &c.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was mentioned in a local council discussion about the cleanliness of the Whitehill School of Crowborough, East Sussex, as reported in a local newspaper. The medical officer, Mr. Stott, complained the school was not being cleaned adequately. Another participant, Mr. Corfe, “said the schools were swept and cleaned every night. When Mr. Stott called there was a little sand in one of the basins, and that was caused by a child washing its hands after playing baseball. He went to the school after Mr. Stott had left, and he denied that there had been any neglect on the part of the caretaker.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was mentioned in a nostalgic poem published in a Diss, Norfolk, newspaper about an aging workman returning to the location of his childhood home in the north Suffolk village of Redgrave and wallowing in sadness both because the signs of his boyhood had largely disappeared and yet the plight of working people had not improved. It's title is “Doggerel Lines by the Son of a Labourer,” and this is the first stanza: “Now 64 years from my own native home, Had a wish to visit once more The haunts of my childhood, I longed to roam Recalling the days of yore; I know all the places, and names can tell Where we played at the close of each day, Baseball, prison bars, and cricket as well, Quite green in my mind now I'm grey.” </p> +
<p>“Baseball” was mentioned in an angry newspaper article that complained about how hundreds of children had overrun a park in the coastal Norfolk city of Yarmouth. The author of the piece reported that St. George's Park had been carefully maintained, and that users previously had remained on the paths except for permitted play of lawn tennis. But complaints that children were being denied access to a suitable playing ground “resulted in the free use of the park by hundreds of children, who for the past week or two have taken possession of the place, and done more damage than good . . . , and have undone in large measure what has taken years to do at considerable expense. The tennis-courts have been made use of for football, baseball, and other juvenile games, the nets enclosing one of the courts has been torn to pieces, and damage has also been done to the flowers and trees.” Several remedies were discussed by local ratepayers, according to the article's author.</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was named in a newspaper article as one of the games played in Petersham Park, located in the town of Richmond, Greater London.This observation was made because the park was the destination of a day-long excursion by boy and girl students of the Hendon Congregational Sunday School of Hendon, a northwest suburb of London: “Petersham Park is a portion of Richmond Park, and is admirably adapted for a school excursion. It contains some very fine old trees. It is level on the Petersham side, and here boat-swings, cricket, baseball, skipping, etc. can be indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the activities enjoyed my members of the Wesleyan Bible and Physical Culture Classes of Farnham, an ancient town in far western Surrey, on a camping experience on the slopes of Hindhead, the hilliest area in Surrey. A newspaper reported that one morning “after breakfast, cricket was indulged in by the campers and other friends from Farnham, and baseball and other games occupied attention during the afternoon.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the activities enjoyed by adults attending the annual Baptist School Festival in Gamlingay, a village in south Cambridgeshire. A newspaper reported that after the children separated for races and sweets, “the friends amused themselves with the round tag, baseball, Captain and round games, and had a lively and busy time of it keeping up the fun till the field was cleared at 10 p.m.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the activities offered at an amusement park in the seaside village of Littlehampton in West Sussex, that a neighbor complained about in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. Under the headline “Fair or Unfair,” the neighbor wrote: “Dear Sir.--A rifle range open, swing boats in full swing, baseball, bowls (tournament at 7:30 p.m., prizes for the highest score), a large tent filled with 'Penny in the slot' machines, a crowd of young people, a miniature fair; this is what I am obliged to look out upon as I sit in my rooms in Empress Maud-road, Liottlehampton, this (Sunday) evening.” The writer went on to protest how the noise of the attraction was disturbing the peace of the otherwise quiet village, and that it was especially scandalous that its hours were not limited and that it was open on Sundays.</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the amusements offered to members of the Norwich Seventh Ward Liberal Association at their annual outing to the large park in nearby Whitlingham. Accompanied by their wives and sweethearts, the party totaled more than 500, according to a local newspaper's coverage, which added, “On arriving at their destination the company found ample amusement provided for them in the form of sports, quoits, swings, baseball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by 200 children and friends attached to the Portsmouth and Gosport Seamen's Mission who went to their annual outing at a farm in coastal Hill Head. The newspaper article about the event reported that “after tea, the Sports Committee entertained the children with swings, cricket and baseball, and various races, in which every scholar secured a prize.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual picnic of the Ravenscraig Lodge of the International Order of Good Templars of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, that was held in the small, nearby village of Inverguie. According to a newspaper report, “A most enjoyable day was spent. Some of the party had a game at cricket; others played football, baseball, with other games and amusements of various kinds.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by children attending the Sunday School connected to the All Saints Church of Fleet, a town in eastern Hampshire, at their annual summer outing to nearby Odiham Woods. A newspaper reported that “on arrival all were regaled with refreshments, after which they soon dispersed, some to find enjoyment in the various glades and shady nooks so abundant there, some to enjoy a game of cricket, some to the swings which had been quickly fastened up, while games of baseball &c., were indulged in by others.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the entertainments offered children of the Carey Sunday School of Reading, Berkshire, at their annual summer outing. A newspaper reported that “useful prizes were given to the scholars for racing, &c. Others indulged in donkey rides, cricket, football, baseball and other amusements.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the games played by some of the 450 children participating in the Providence Sunday School Festival in the Uxbridge area of far northwest London. A newspaper report described the roundabouts and swings that had been erected for the youngsters, then added: “Besides these never-failing amusements, for they were full all day, there were games of all sorts, including cricket, baseball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the games played by children attending the “Brethren” Sunday school of Maidenhead, Berkshire, on a half-day outing to the Burnham Beeches woodland in nearby Bucks. A newspaper reported that “About eighty children and friends started arriving in conveyances at about 1 o'clock, and arriving at the Beeches various games, including cricket, baseball, skipping, &c., were indulged in, after which tea was provided.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the games taken up by lady members of the Amersham (Buckinghamshire) Traders Association to the nearby hamlet of Mop End. While the men were engaged in a spirited match of cricket, a newspaper reported that “the lady members had been indulging in tennis, cricket and baseball.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was one of the pastimes offered to a large party of guests entertained by Lord and Lady Edward Spencer-Churchill at their estate, Queensmead, in the royal town of Windsor, Berkshire. This seemingly democratic gathering included--according to a local newspaper report—policemen, postmen, porters, telegraph boys, and others, as well as their wives. The paper reported that “the visitors arrived shortly after three o'clock, and foregathered on the lawn, where numerous games were indulged in. There were plenty of easy chairs for those who did not care to play at either tennis, cricket, baseball, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was part of the fun for members of the Wesley Institute of Maidenhead, Berkshire, who spent the holiday romping in Maidenhead Thicket, the wooded area west of town. A newspaper reported that “they spent the afternoon until 4 o'clock on such games as baseball and cricket, and at that hour sat down to a much-appreciated tea.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was played at an excursion by members of the Portsmouth police force, along with friends and family to the number of 300, to the village of Brockenhurst, Hampshire, in the New Forest area. “Tea was served early in the afternoon, the tables being laid in a large marquee in the park; and here, under the shade of the majestic trees beautifying Mr. Morant's estate, the policemen and their friends afterwards engaged in various sports, cricket, baseball, and races for the children included in the programme.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was played at the annual outing for children of the Wesleyan Sunday School of Cookham, Berkshire, to the woods and greenery of Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire. A newspaper reported that: “After arriving at the Beeches games were started, such as cricket, baseball, swinging, &c. About 4 o'clock an excellent tea was provided..., after which the games were carried on with renewed vigour till about 8 o'clock.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was played at the first annual outing of the “Newhaven Fort” Lodge of Good Templars of Newhaven, East Sussex, that was held in the small milling village of Barcombe Mills. A newspaper reported that: “arriving at their destination, cricket, baseball and other games were indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was played by ladies alone, or possibly with men as well, at a half day's outing of officers and teachers of Park-street Baptist Sunday School of Luton, Bedordshire. A newspaper report, that was not altogether clear, stated that various games were played, including a remarkable football match, which was responsible for many stiff limbs on Sunday morning for those unaccustomed to such strenuous exercise. The ladies, meanwhile, contented themselves with the less boisterous game of baseball, but when sports in which both sexes could take part came on the fun waxed furious indeed, and it was whispered that the tremendous atmospheric vibration set up brought great showers of autumn leaves from the stately old trees that looked down on the revels.”</p> +
<p>“Baseball” was played when the fishermen and boatmen of Brighton (East Sussex) and Worthing (West Sussex) along with their families and friends enjoyed their annual excursion to East Grinstead in West Sussex. After arriving by train, the party of 400 attended church and then sat down to a dinner that was followed by various speeches and presentations. According to a newspaper report, “the company then dispersed through the field and town, and all seemed to enjoy themselves greatly. Baseball, cricket, bowls, and a variety of other games were carried on with much vigour, while the elder portion smoked their pipes and were highly amused with the various sports.”</p> +
<p>“Base” balls were among the wares advertised for sale in a newspaper listing by a Luton, Bedfordshire, manufacturer and purveyor of wooden implements for various purposes, including bats, wickets, etc. for cricket, croquet and trap-ball. At the bottom of his display advertisement, after listing his prices for traps and trap bats, and for cricket bats of all sizes, the tradesman, John Spratley, added a final line which read: “All Kinds of Cricket Balls supplied. Also Trap, Tennis, Base and Foot Balls.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was again a featured game at an annual treat for workers from Norwich at an annual treat held in Whitlingham, Norfolk. This time the celebrants were employees of “Messrs. Clark and Hunter,” a company of upholsterers and carpet layers. According to a news report, “after dinner the men enjoyed themselves for a time at cricket, base &c.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was among the pastimes enjoyed by those attending the annual summer party of the Sun Lane Sunday School of Norwich, Norfolk. The local newspaper reported that “Various games, including cricket, base, trapball, football, &c., were indulged by the teachers and scholars.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was among the pastimes played alongside cricket at the autumnal festival of the Chalvey and Slough Temperance Society held at Chalvey in Buckinghamshire. The main feature of the festival was a cricket match between 11 members of the society and 11 members of the Slough Mechanics' Institution Cricket Club. According to a newspaper, “during the progress of the match, the company were variously engaged at trap, base and foot-ball, &c., the larger number, however, preferring to be spectators of the match.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was included among a list of “olden time” games in a Norwich, Norfolk, newspaper commentary that appears to belittle the current sports played by boys when compared to sports of old. The writer's precise meaning is a little obscure due to his use of the term “æsthenic.” He wrote: “A little go of sports had been got up by the little boys of the present day, in a meadow near the Ferry, which, as far as they went, showed a certain amount of agility and strength. Such play has been honoured by the fine name of 'æsthenic,' but is as far from the athletic sports of olden time as base, cricket, bandy, and camp, and the jumping, where broken shins, and sometimes broken heads and arms were got, and where determined energy of character, and vigorous activity of muscle, were brought into play unfettered, as the amusements of an age of hardihood can differ from an age of words. 'Æsthenics' were not then invented, but nature found the strength and the power, and boyhood the energy and the spirit, which has continued to maintain the glory of England in India, and in the Crimea, and on the broad blue ocean, under a less sounding title than æsthenic.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was listed as one of the games enjoyed by children and teachers attending the Independent Sunday School Festival of Soham, a small town in eastern Cambridgeshire. A newspaper reported that “French tag, base, jolly miller, and other games were freely indulged in, and all present appeared heartily to enjoy the amusements.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was named as an athletic sport of “olden time” in the introduction to a Norwich, Norfolk, newspaper article giving the results of the local grammar schools sports competitions. “In Olden Time,” the writer stated, “the Athletic Sports of Boyhood were Hockey, Base, Cricket, Camp, Racing, and now and then a little Wrestling. Now-a-days, however, athletic exercises are become as regular an affair of study and practice as any other part of education, and the Gymnasium is once again in active force in public schools.” The article went on to provide the results of various races held on the recent “public day.”</p> +
<p>“Base” was played at an excursion to Coldham Hall, a grand country house, by workmen in the employ of Mr. Welton, a coach builder in Norwich, Norfolk. A newspaper mentioned that “After spending a most agreeable day at cricket, base, and other sports, they say down to a well-spread table furnished by Mr. Welton.”</p> +
<p>“Bass Ball” was played at a picnic in Ickworth Park, near the town of Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, according to a breathless journal entry written by a 13-year-old girl who would later become a well-known novelist: “...we lighted the fire and then spread the cloth on the grass (and) we had glorious fun for the little spiders got into the tea and all manner of disasters happened—some cows then frightened Grandma and Arnie by coming near us but we frightened them in return with the Cornet and they all took to their heels, after that we had a game of Bass Ball then Rick got on the donkey and I made it gallop and finally we all returned home.”</p> +
<p>“Bass ball” was among a selection of games played at the annual Parochial Schools Festival held in the town of Chesham, Buckinghamshire. According to a newspaper report, “a great variety of amusements had been provided for the children, and also for the public, including pony and donkey riding, a merry-go-round, toy stalls, swings, and various races, both for boys and girls, the successful competitors receiving a number of useful articles.” In the evening “there were groups engaged at bass ball, drop glove, bat and trap, cricket, and many other similar sports.”</p> +
<p>“Bass ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the Congregational Sabbath Schools of Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, at their annual treat. The local newspaper reported that “During the afternoon games consisted of croquet, cricket, foot ball, bass ball, were entered into with great spirit, and at five o'clock the children were regaled with tea current cake, buns, &c. &c.”</p> +
<p>“Bass ball” was played along with other games at the annual summer treat for children of the Congregational Band of Hope of the town Buckinghamshire, held on a nearby estate. A newspaper reported that “the weather, though cloudy, was fine and pleasant, and from 2 o'clock till 4-30 various games including cricket, bass ball, captain, French tag, &c., were freely indulged in and thoroughly enjoyed.”</p> +
<p>“Bass ball” was played historically in Ireland if we are to believe the unusual claim made in a speech by the chairman of the YMCA in the city of Waterford, Ireland, to the annual reunion of the Essay and Debating Department of the Y in that city. As reported by a local newspaper, the speaker emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for athletic sports in order to deter youths from “being allured into places where no Christian young man ought to be seen.” He continued, “We must remember that we are a Young Men's Association, and while our forefathers were satisfied with a game of bass-ball, we must suit ourselves to the times by establishing those innocent amusements and keeping them in our own hands which are in many of our homes, such as tennis-court, gymnasium, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Bass-ball” was a traditional local game according to a columnist for a newspaper in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. He wrote: “Our readers will remember that Good Friday used to be the red-letter day in the year's calendar of sport, and marked the opening day of all kinds of out-door amusements. The Kine Croft was alive with townsfolk engaged in games of all descriptions, cricket, quoits, bass-ball, &c., each claiming its large quota of devotees. In those times football was not, much less the ubiquitous cycle, and winter was then a true period of hybernation as regards sport.”</p> +
<p>“Bass-ball” was among the amusements offered to attendees of the United Temperance Pic-nic, an event organized for the various temperance and Band of Hope societies in the Aylesbury Vale district of Bucks, and that was held in Claydon Park near the town of Winslow. A newspaper reported that “after the refreshments, the company dispersed about the Park. There was no restriction. Some proceeded to the lakes, and with a rod and line baited for fish, others . . . pitched wickets and enjoyed a game at cricket, others played quoits, bass-ball, and other sports, indeed it may be imagined with the large company the amusements were of endless variety.”</p> +
<p>“Bass-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed by teachers and students of the Wesleyan Sunday School of the town of Buckinghamshire at their annual treat held in a nearby field. According a newspaper report, “the scholars met at the Schoolroom about half-past 1 o'clock, and marched in procession through the town to the field, where various games, including cricket, bass-ball, races, swings, &c., were indulged in by the children till 4 o'clock, at which time they all sat down to tea.”</p> +
<p>“Bass-ball” was one of the pastimes enjoyed at an outdoors anniversary celebration held for families and friends of members of the Providence Lodge of Ancient Shepherds of Soham, a small town in eastern Cambridgeshire. After an indoor lunch and speeches, a newspaper reported that “the members, accompanied by the Soham band, adjourned to the orchard, and were then joined by their wives, children and friends to the number of about 2000. Rural sports were commenced in great variety, and carried on with much spirit, including pony, mule, and donkey races, jumping in sacks, foot races, hurdle races, aunt sally, &c., concluding with a wheelbarrow race in the river, for all of which good prizes were given. Mr. Wilkerson burnt a variety of coloured fires. Kiss-in-the-ring, bass-ball, and other games were introduced, and the Soham band frequently played some good music.”</p> +
<p>“Bass-ball” was one of the sports enjoyed by a group of 150 adult music lovers at a picnic in Chesham, a Chiltern Hills market town in Buckinghamshire. The unusual event first offered a round of sports and games for the attendees. This was followed by a tea and then by several choruses of Handel's Messiah. A newspaper noted that “In addition to the usual sports upon such occasions, such as cricket, bass-ball, &c., vocal and instrumental music was in requisition.”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball' was named as one of the amusements enjoyed at the annual picnic of the Church of England Young Men's Christian Association held in Woolverstone Park near Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper article reported that 200 members and friends of the society traveled to the park by a steamboat engaged for the occasion, and that “cricket, croquet, baste ball, and other sports had been provided, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent.” </p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was again a featured game at the annual treat for students attending the Sunday School connected with the Free Methodist Church of Framlingham, Suffolk. According to the newspaper report, “At 1:30 the children assembled at the schoolroom and marched in procession to a meadow kindly lent by Jas. Scott, Esq., of Fairfield House, where cricket, swinging, baste ball, trap ball, and football were engaged in with youthful zest.”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was identified as one of the activities enjoyed at the annual “gipsy party” held for the families of workmen of the Orwell Works of Ipswich, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “various games, such as cricket, baste ball, and the much patronised one of kissing in the ring, &c., were heartily indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was included among a list of “Ye anciente sports of Albion” by the writer of a newspaper column entitled “Here and There” who was musing on the reactions of people in the London district of Putney to crews of rowers practicing on the Thames. In an aside, the author wrote: “I remember once seeing a rowing match in Harfleur (a seacoast town in Normandy). There are not many English people who stay at Harfleur, but those who do have innoculated (sic) the natives with Ye anciente sports of Albion. They have taught the Frenchmen to play cricket and even football; they have made the lovers of dominoes leave the café and dance the fandango known as 'baste-ball;' they have educated them into tip-cat, and, in fact, every other game except ring-taw...”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was named as one of the outdoor games played at a “conversazione” hosted by gentlemen who had taken part in the Reading and Musical Entertainments the previous winter in Framlingham, Suffolk. The newspaper covering the event reported that the guests, comprising sixty male and female friends, first sat down for a tea. Then, “the tables were spread with choice fruits; and speeches, recitations, music and singing, with outdoor games of croquet, baste ball, kissing in the ring, dancing, etc., took place and were heartily entered into.”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was one of the amusements to be offered at the upcoming “grand picnic party” for members of the New Brompton and Gillingham (Kent) Reading and Lecture Room Society, according to a newspaper announcement. The article mentioned that the event was to be held on the spacious grounds of an inn in the nearby town of Sittingbourne, adding that “cricket, baste ball, a concert, and dancing on the green, with other sports of a rustic character will form part of the day's amusements.”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was one of the many enjoyments made available to attendees of the annual “out” of the Framlingham, Suffolk, Mutual Improvement Society. The newspaper covering the event reported that “the grounds were thrown open to the public, at a charge per head, at 2:30 and several hundreds entered and roamed over the pretty park, and entered with zest into the following games, which were provided by the committee, “viz. Cricket, quoits, archery, croquet, swinging, red-white-and-blue, foot and baste ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Baste ball” was played in Cardiff Gaol circa 1820 according to the first of a three-part series on the jail's history that appeared in two Cardiff newspapers. The writer, citing two prison documents made available to him by the current governor, described the relatively comfortable conditions for prisoners, primarily debtors under the administration of the former governor Charles Le Breton (or Lebreton). Beer, wine, and spirits were permitted if passed in from the outside, he wrote, and added: “For amusement during the day they were allowed in fine weather to play at baste ball, rounders, or other outdoor amusements, in the courtyard at the back of the prison. The new governor, Mr. Le Breton, found many irregularities which he endeavored to check, and on some occasions he considered it necessary to 'stop supplies' when the debtors would persist in playing 'baste' against his orders, or in refusing to to give up the ball when he demanded it.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball was played at the annual treat for students of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “swinging beneath fine spreading elms, cricket, football, baste-ball, trap-ball, racing, &c. filled up a very pleasant afternoon and evening.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was among several game enjoyed by young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, who were joined by a contingent of fellow members from Earl Soham, also of Suffolk, for an outing celebrating the abstinence organization's anniversary. After gathering at the Free Church they marched to a nearby park. A newspaper reported that “Here fine spreading oaks formed splendid standards for a number of swings; and the spacious pasture a capital ground for cricket, baste-ball, trap-ball, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was among the games enjoyed by 150 students and teachers of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. After assembling at the school, the party marched to a meadow and barn made available by Mr. Calvin Smith. A newspaper reported that “after singing a hymn on his lawn, the company repaired to the meadow, where cricket, trap-ball, baste-ball, and other games were soon entered into with juvenile zest.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed at the combined annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Sabbath School and the Band of Hope in the market town of Framlingham in coastal Suffolk county. A newspaper reported that, at first, a heavy rain delayed the children's celebration. However, the skies cleared, and “having assembled at the Wesleyan Chapel they marched in procession through the principal streets of the town, flags and banners flying, to the Castle yard, where the afternoon was passed in various games such as swinging, cricket, baste-ball, kissing in the ring, racing, jumping &c. At five they were all regaled with buttered rolls, plum cake and tea.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was enjoyed along with other amusements at the annual amalgamated festival of the Independent Wesleyan Sunday School and the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk. The children marched from the Wesleyan Chapel to a nearby meadow where, according to a newspaper report, “the afternoon was passed in youthful games, viz., cricket, football (kindly lent by the Rev. A.C. Daymond), swinging, trap-ball, baste-ball, racing, kissing-in-the-ring, scrambling for nuts, apples, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was named as one of the games played at the annual outing for young members of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk, that was held in a park made available by J. Tetley, Esq. A newspaper reported that “The company having entered the park they formed into a half-circle and game three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Tetley, in true juvenile fashion; after which they dispersed for games, including swinging, baste-ball, trap-ball, cricket, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was noted as one of the amusements enjoyed by large crowds of people from London's East End celebrating Whitsuntide in the Epping Forest of Essex. The author of a long piece in a London newspaper described how thousands of people deserted the East End to join public celebrations held in both the Epping Forest and Victoria Park, with the greatest number going to the former. There, he wrote, “In rings for kissing, at cricket and baste-ball, at racing and jumping, and here and there in courting, they amused themselves with an energy which spoke volumes for their contentment...”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by youngsters of the Framlingham (Suffolk) Band of Hope at the celebration of their annual festival. Each child was given a bun before they set off to rural Letheringham Mills where they would spend the day. According to a newspaper report, “after being presented with another bun, they dispersed and with their attendants spent the afternoon in various games in a meadow near to the watermill. The games included swinging, cricket, croquet, baste-ball, trap ball, bathing, boating, kissing-in-the-ring, up-and-down, racing in sacks, scrambling, &c. About five o'clock, the whole company sat down under the shady willow tree beside the running stream and enjoyed a good tea.”</p> +
<p>“Baste-ball” was one of the games offered at the annual treat for students of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk. According to the local newspaper, the youngsters marched from the school to a nearby meadow “Where the afternoon was passed in swinging, cricket, trap ball, racking, baste-ball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Basteball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children of the Free Methodist Sabbath School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A local newspaper reported that “the afternoon was happily passed in swinging, cricket, basteball, racing, trap-ball, and other sports.”</p> +
<p>“Basteball” was identified as one of the games played at the annual treat of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk. A local newspaper reported that “members of the society met and passed a fine afternoon in the park in the usual outdoor games of cricket, swinging, basteball, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Basteball” was identified as one of the amusements offered to students of the Wesleyan Reform Sabbath School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A newspaper reported that “the afternoon was passed in various outdoor games, viz., cricket, trap-ball, swinging, croquet, up-and-down, basteball, racing, kissing-in-the-ring, &c. &c.”</p> +
<p>“Basteball” was one of the amusements offered at the annual treat for children of the Sabbath School connected with the Congregational Chapel of the town of Framlingham in Suffolk.The local newspaper reported that “the afternoon was passed in various games, such as cricket, swinging, basteball, croquet, scrambling for apples, pears, nuts and sweets.”</p> +
<p>“Baste” (ball) was played by girl members of the Framlingham, Suffolk, Band of Hope at their annual treat. The newspaper covering the event reported that “girls without any delay betook themselves to swings, croquet, baste and trap ball; and the boys to swinging and cricket, and thus the afternoon was passed on the green sward with a splendid summer sun shining upon them.” </p> +
<p>“Brace ball” was again identified as one of games played at a large outdoor gathering in Leicester, this time at a well-attended Church of England Sunday School Festival: “On arriving at the grounds, games of various kinds were provided for the youngsters, such as cricket, football, swings, Punch and Judy, round-about horses, brace ball (sic), &c.”</p> +
<p>“Brace ball” was named in a newspaper article as one of the pastimes offered at a bank holiday gathering in Leicester: “Shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon a large number of persons assembled in Mr. Spencer's fields on the Burton-road, where games of various kinds were provided, such as cricket, quoits, brace ball (sic), swings, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Brace-ball” was identified in a county archeological journal article as one of the traditional games played in Sussex on Easter Monday. The author, describing the folklore and customs associated with every holiday and feast day, wrote the following: “(Easter Monday.) Mr. Rolf tells me that skipping takes place on this day as on Good Friday, and this the second 'Long-Line Day' for the women, whilst the fishermen indulge in 'brace-ball' (base-ball).”</p> +
P
<p>“Pie ball” was played by students of the St. John's Sunday School of Gateshead Fell, Durham, who had travelled to the village of Gilsland on the Northumberland-Cumbria border for their customary Whit-Monday outing: “On arriving at Rose Hill station, they proceeded up the stream to enjoy themselves with the amusements of sack racing, foot racing, and pie ball, of which Mr. Atkinson took an active part in keeping good order.”</p> +
<p>“Pie's Ball” was identified as on of the amusements enjoyed by adults and children at a fundraising garden party hosted by the sewing circle of the United Methodist Free Church of Barnsley, South Yorkshire. After tea, a number of attendees took part in games of cricket and Aunt Sally while, according to a newspaper report, “in other parts of the grounds such games as 'Jolly Miller,' 'Pie's Ball,' and 'Tease 'em' were extensively indulged in, whilst a mixed, though select, company were observed to be wandering about in a state of unsettled rest. Eventually they retired to an obscure place, and commenced a game known as 'Kiss in the Ring.' Although this was not largely or popularly attended, many seemed to be anxiously looking in the direction in which the game was practised, and yet had not the courage of their convictions.”</p> +
<p>“Pie-ball” was again played at a picnic in rural Northumberland, this one held for members and friends of the United Methodist Free Church of Newcastle, along with students attending the church's Sabbath schools. The large party traveled by train to the coastal village of Warkworth with its historic castle and hermitage. Following a very delightful meal, according to a newspaper report, “the excursionists set about enjoying themselves, and by their hearty manner it was apparent that their 'outing' was going to be made the most of. Pie-ball, tarsey, 'the widow,' and other games were freely engaged in, as well as foot-ball, quoits, and others more masculine in their character, till tired nature was obliged to seek a moment's rest before commencing again the almost endless round of amusements.”</p> +
<p>“Pie-ball” was among the amusements offered at the annual gala picnic of the friends of the Young Men's Temperance Association of Gosforth, Northumberland, which at the time was a suburban area of Newcastle. “For the entertainment of this vast host, a great number of varied means of amusement were provided. In one part of the grounds Aunt Sally reared her venerable but much-abused head; in another, archery and rifle-tunnels were the chief attractions; whilst quoit, crickets (sic), and pie-ball all found their ardent supporters. The green sward was covered with groups of young folks, either footing it merrily to strains of a violin, or engaged in the favoured sports of tarzey, and kiss-in-the-ring.”</p> +
<p>“Pie-ball” was one of the games played at a day-long celebration of a wedding in the small village of Earsdon in Northumberland, just northeast of Newcastle. A newspaper reported that “the afternoon was spent by the young people of Earsdon at a field in the east end of the village, from whence a beautiful view of the sea was obtainable, in a variety of innocent games, such as foot-ball, kite-flying, pie-ball, and the like.”</p> +
<p>“Pie-ball” was played at a picnic by members of a large party of literary and theological students who had taken a train from Newcastle to a park in the town of Alnwick, Northumberland, for the occasion. “The day was remarkably fine, and the park, so famous for his beauty and extent, presented a gay appearance, relieved as its natural advantages were with the associations of tersie, cricket, pie-ball, &c. The admirers of mediæval remains strolled in groups to the old abbey, and others whose tastes were less romantic were content to amuse themselves in the pastimes to which reference has been made.”</p> +
<p>“Pies ball” was one of the games played by youngsters attending the Sunday School connected to the United Methodist Free Church of Barnsley, a large town in South Yorkshire, at an afternoon celebration of the school's anniversary. The children were directed to a nearby cricket field, where, according to a newspaper report, “a plentiful supply of nuts and fruit was indiscriminately distributed among the scholars, and a number of games, including football, leap-frog, kiss-in-the-ring, and pies ball, were extensively indulged in.”</p> +
<p>“Pies ball” was the game being played by group of teenage girls in Leeds, West Yorkshire, when they were allegedly attacked by several young men, according to testimony in a rape trial where the defendants were ultimately acquitted because several witnesses said they saw the girls laughing with the men after the supposed attack took place. “On the evening of the 10th of June, (Sarah Smith) got home about seven o'clock from her work. She remained at home about half-an-hour, and then went to Richmond-hill, with Fanny Shaw, Harriet Dunwell, Alice Varey, Ann Dunwell, and others, to play at 'pies ball.'</p> +
<p>“Pise-ball” was compared to rounders and baseball in a Leeds, West Yorkshire, newspaper article entitled “Child Life in America: “The national game of America is 'rounders' or 'pise-ball' developed to a science. It is more exciting than cricket. Whether it requires as great a degree of skill is a question which the country of cricket is not likely to decide in favour of the country of base-ball; but there is no doubt that when played according to rule—and it is seldom played otherwise—it is a game in which spectators take almost an equal interest with the participants.”</p> +
<p>“Pise-ball” was mentioned in a letter written by an 11-year-old girl from Earlsheaton, West Yorkshire, that appeared in a Leeds newspaper column entitled “The Children's Corner,” the letter apparently having been submitted as part of some sort of contest. “ Went to a farmhouse to our teas, it was out of the park, and we saw a lot of flowers and a peacock, and it got to the top of the house. We played at rings and pise ball, we went in a waggonette, and we saw a man's and a woman's head made of stone.”</p> +
<p>“Pise-ball” was mentioned in a newspaper piece commemorating a Sheffield teacher's 40 years of service. During her time at the school, according to the article, “there have been exactly 5,378 Abbeyville girls, who have lined up in the mornings, played 'pise-ball' in the corner by the boys' school, squatted around on the tennis pole stones on hot afternoons, and made slides down the playground on frosty ones.” </p> +
<p>“Pise-ball” was mentioned in a newspaper column where the writer was protesting how children were being deprived of their opportunities to play games in a Sheffield park because so many adults were swarming in to play sports. He wrote: “The point is that the children are being robbed 'all ends up,' to use a local term. Adults are catered for by works and church sports clubs, and it is not fair to rob the children of their cricket pitches, their football grounds, or their 'pise-ball' corners.”</p> +
<p>“Pise-ball” was mentioned in another newspaper column, this one entitled “A Crying Need: More Town Playgrounds for Children.” The writer wrote: “What they need in the hours in which they are not in school, is a space large enough to be swept by the swift, sweet, cleansing winds of heaven, and open enough to be drenched in light and all the sunshine there is to be had. A space which is their own, where they are out of street dangers, both physical and moral, and have room for the free play of their lungs and limbs without getting in one another's way. A space where organised games, football, cricket, tennis, hockey, pise-ball can be played, and the cooperative spirit, the community sense, be engendered.”</p> +
<p>“Pise-ball” was named as one of the games played at the annual excursion for children of the St. Philip's Church of Sheffield, South Yorkshire: “After tea, the children passed an enjoyable afternoon in an adjoining field playing at cricket, pise-ball, skipping, etc.”</p> +
<p>“Pize-ball” was included in a childhood reminiscence of a Shipley, West Yorkshire, man recalling how he celebrated Whitsuntide 50 years earlier. A newspaper reported that among other things, “different games were played, 'pize' ball, kissing in the ring, etc.”</p> +
T
<p>“Touch ball” was mentioned in a letter to the editor of a Barnsley (South Yorkshire) newspaper in which the writer was defending his position upholding religious singing in Sunday schools. “A Sunday-school . . . is a fitting place of psalm and hymn singing. I would as soon think of mixing mustard for dinner in a place of worship, during service, as I would bring the religious exercise of singing into a gala-park or playground, amongst young persons whose thoughts and intentions are on cricket, touch ball, terzy, &c.”</p> +
<p>“Touch ball” was mentioned in newspaper coverage of a court case where an injunction was sought against a boys' camp for using the village green of Wisborough-Green, West Sussex, as its playground. The article reported that the plaintiff's (the chairman of the parish council) complaint of nuisance appeared to be that on one occasion a cricket ball passed very near his bicycle, and on another occasion, while playing at touch ball, the ball went very near his white horse.”</p> +
<p>“Touch-ball” was referenced in newspaper article about the British tour of American professional baseball players. “Base ball, as we were prepared to find, is an American modification, and of course an 'improvement,' of the old English game of 'rounders,' or, as it is called in the West Riding, 'touch-ball.' The children in those districts play it without a bat or club; they strike the ball with the open hand, and have posts or stones at the corners of the playground, which correspond to the 'bases' of the American game. If the ball was caught before it reached the ground, or the fielders could hit the striker with it before he reached the 'touch,' he was out.”</p> +