Mob Footy
Why?
Villagers enjoyed the barbaric nature of the holiday contests
Also, boisterous workers competed due to the aggressive nature of the game.
The pupils were aggresive, it enabled a fight for dominance among them
It was a favourable pastime of Public Schools
Some claim that the games started as a celebration of the defeat of the Romans
Who?
Often groups of workers from specific villages and factories
Not a family event due to it's nature
Workers often brought friends and co-workers
There was a separation between the Upper and Lower Class's
The upper class felt it was too 'common' and aggressive to participate
The rowdy lower class participated
How?
Rules
Earlier players used the inflated bladder of an animal
Involved groups of men from two connecting villages getting the ball from one end to the other
Any means could be used to move the ball to a goal, as long as it did not lead to manslaughter or murder
Consisted of unlimited players per side
It's Evolution
Ancient, bloody and aggressive - “Dane’s Head”
The head of a Danish soldier slain in battle was kicked from one village to another
What?
Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football
Boisterous, aggressive game
Very few rules
Known as a ‘free for all’
There were usually many bones fractured and joints twisted out of shape
When?
Highway Act 1835
Shrove Tuesday in 1847 - Last ever game played in Derby County
Derby provides the best example of the death of the ancient sport.
A local derby is still used to describe a match between neighbouring teams.
This act banned football on public highways
14th Century
Held in Public Holidays most commonly on Shrove Tuesday
1314 - The first recorded game.
Where?
From Village to Village
St Columb Major in Cornwall
Sedge field in County Durham
Atherstone in Warwickshire
Ashbourne in Derbyshire
Alnwick in Northumberland
Emerged from Medieval Europe
In the Public Highways
