FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
1. THE DEVIL’S GAME
2. THE PUBLIC HOUSE BALL COURT
3. TALES FROM THE BALL COURTS OF WALES
4. HENRY ROBERTS’ BALL COURT
5. HANDBALL IN THE RHONDDA, CYNON AND AMMAN VALLEYS
6. THE SPLENDID GAME OF HANDBALL AND THE NEW SPORTS
7. HANDBALL BETWEEN AND DURING THE WARS, 1914–1945
8. THE LAST BALL COURT STILL STANDING
APPENDIX
-Nelson ball court specifications
-Welsh Handball Three-Wall Rules
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READING
INDEX
NOTES
Today one handball court survives in Wales, in the village of
Nelson in the Rhymney Valley. But two centuries ago the game was a
national obsession, with people travelling from far and wide to
watch thrilling matches between the sporting heroes of the day, and
fortunes won and lost through side stakes and illegal gambling.
In this book, Nelson handball player Kevin Dicks’ meticulous
research traces the long history of this folk sport, from its
medieval churchyard (and possibly even earlier) roots, through its
glory years in the 18th and 19th centuries and its links with the
mining industry, to its sad decline in the 20th century, and its
modernisation today. He also considers its links to public school
Fives, and busts the myth of an Irish origin to the game in
Wales.
A revealing glimpse into social history and the passions of the
working man, as well as a fascinating insight into what can fairly
be claimed as Wales’ first national sport.
*Publisher: Y Lolfa*
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