Real tennis, from which the more commonly known
lawn tennis
derived, has its origins as far back as the 12th century. Evolving over
the centuries from the French
jeu
de paume (a reference to the earlier sport played without a racquet),
to the game we are familiar today,
real tennis, or,
court tennis
as it is sometimes known, was a prominent force in Europe during the 16th to
19th centuries. It was exceedingly popular with Royals in Britain and France,
including Henry VIII, and in the late 19th century courts were built in
Australia and America.
Real tennis is still played today and of the 47 remaining courts, the
Merton court in Oxford is the second oldest in the world.
A perfect rainy day activity!
Games
With The Ball - Tennis , The Court at Lords
R.S. Groom, Wilkinson & Co
Lithograph with hand colour
London: Henry Lea & Co 125, Fleet Street. 1863
Image 165 x 251 mm
A lovely print illustrating real tennis from
The Sportsman's Companion
by Henry Downes Miles, Esqr
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