The 98th Bournemouth Open Bowls Tournament has just finished, and Bournemouth are looking forward to hosting their centenary tournament in 2017.
This got us wondering what the oldest bowls club in the world is. Well, lo and behold, it is Southampton Old Bowling Green, which saw its first match take place in 1299.
God’s House Hospital was founded in 1185 to house pilgrims travelling to Winchester and Canterbury. Situated in the oldest part of the city, the green adjoining the hospital was originally created for the use of the hospital wardens during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. It was not until 1220 that the green started being used for a game using large wooden balls. In 1343, Edward II granted custody of God’s House with all its possessions to the newly founded Queen’s College, Oxford in whose care it has been ever since. In 1541, “inferior people” were banned from playing bowls, except at Christmas, when it was possible to play in their master’s presence.
The current bowls club was established in the17th Century, and is the only club that has a “Master” in charge. Southampton Old Bowling Green is home to a unique competition called The Knighthood. The first competition took place in 1776, and it is open to all club members who are not previous winners. It starts on the 3rd Wednesday of August, and the members play in top hats and tails. The winner becomes the “Knight of the Green” and is addressed as “Sir” by other club members. Once a member becomes a “Knight of the Green”, he is no longer eligible to enter future “Knighthood” competitions. The Knight of the Green is awarded a medal with the inscription “Win It and Wear It”, and it is tradition that in the event of a Knight’s death, his medal is returned to the club to form part of their impressive archive collection.
Southampton Old Bowling Green is open to the public when there are no functions or matches. Traditionally, if the side door is open then you are welcome to enter, but if it is shut there is probably a match or function taking place, and you will have to try again another time, but it might be best to check first if you are coming from far afield. Visit the SOBG website for more information.
