History Of Lawn Bowls

 (brought to you by Dave Burrows)

PART 1: ANTIQUITY TO 1299

The history of bowls, in some form or other, reaches back into antiquity in various parts of the world, though its actual origin is still a matter of conjecture. Lexicographers agree the words bowle (Old English) and bowl (present day) are derived from bulla, Latin for bubble. The following all have a bearing on the subject: In French, boule (bowl), balle (ball), billes (billiard balls and marbles); Scotch for marbles, bools; in Icelandic, bollr; Old High German, balla and pall; Spanish, bala: Italian, balla; Greek, pila ... all meaning ball.

5200 B.C.

Sir Flinders Petrie, the well-known British Egyptologist, reported that during his excavations he found in the grave of a young Egyptian, various rounded objects which led him to believe that they were used for playing by rolling them along the ground in a game similar to what we now call Bowls. Sculpted vases and ancient plaques show a game similar to Bowls being played some 4000 years ago.

THE AGE OF THE ROMANS

At some time in the past, this game spread from Egypt to Greece and Rome. During Caesar's rule of Rome, the Romans played bocci, and that word is still used in Italy today. Other factual evidence of rounded rocks which were rolled or bowled to a peg or other marker exists in such far flung locales as the ancient Aztecs, North American First Nations, China, and in Polynesia.

​1000 - 1200 A.D.

The two oldest British sports are archery and bowls and, in centuries past, there was conflict between the two, mainly during periods of warfare or national strife. There is positive recorded history of bowls having been played in England as far back as the 12th century and it could well have been played much earlier than that. The game may have been brought to England by the conquering Normans in 1066 or shortly thereafter.

A form of bowls was also tremendously popular in Germany and, at one stage, the public felt a man's spiritual state was indicated by his skill. Chroniclers say the priests would use the clubs that were brought to church to dramatise a religious point. A club was stood in a corner and the peasant rolled a large round stone at it. If he hit the club, he was praised. If not, he was told to lead a less sinful life.

1250 A.D.

A tense game was held between the wife of Henry III and the "Fair Rosamond", mistress of Henry II.

1299 A.D.

The Southhampton Bowling Green was established in Southampton, England. This is the oldest known bowling green although other greens claim to be older than that.
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PART II: THE EARLY YEARS 1300 - 1554

Not long after the establishment of the Southampton Bowling Green in England, Bowls became exclusive to royals, and aristocrats only. For example, in 1319, Charles IV of France prohibited the game for common people.

1361 - 1409: BAN THE BOWL STATUTES

In the 14th century, Statutes were passed restricting or forbidding such sports as bowls and tennis as a result of the increasing popularity of bowls. The King & Parliament feared that the practice of archery was being neglected, lowering the effectiveness of the archers in battle or military operations e.g. during the reigns of Edward III in 1361, Richard II in 1388, and Henry IV in 1409. Henry III did, however, permit the common people to play on Christmas Day!

1400 - 1510: EARLY BOWLS

From the early 15th century, bowls were made of wood, usually yew, ash, oak, holly or boxwood. Nobody knows exactly when the era of wooden lignum-vitae bowls began in England, but the island of San Domingo in the West Indies (where lignum-vitae comes from) was discovered by Columbus on December 3rd, 1492, so we know that there were no lignum-vitae bowls in England at that time.

One particular variety of lignum-vitae, the blue flowering Guaiacum Officinale, is said to be the hardest and densest wood in the world. With a density of three-and-a-half ounces to the cubic inch, it sinks in water.

Lignum-vitae was introduced in Europe by the Spaniards in 1508 and likely found its way to England via Sir Frances Drake. Drake had equipped his ship, The Pasha, with bowls and quoits. Most probably, the bowls were made of lignum-vitae and crafted by his ship's carpenters while waiting in the harbour at Plymouth. Shavings obtained from turning the wood into bowls were carefully gathered and sold to druggists. The essential oils from the wood supposedly had health benefits and so lignum-vitae was known as the Tree of Life. Don't plan on planting one in your back yard, unless you are patient, as the tree takes hundreds of years to mature.

1511

During the reign of Henry VIII, a Statute was passed confirming previous Acts of Parliament, banning the sport among the lower classes, and levied a fee of 100 pounds on any private bowling green to ensure that only the wealthy could play.

1522: THE BIASED BOWL

Bowls in the early years were merely rounded, without any bias. The bias was not introduced until 1522, due entirely (it is claimed), to the accidental breaking of a bowl by Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. The Duke rushed indoors and sawed off an ornamental ball from a banister. Accordingly, one part was flat and it took a curving direction at the end of its run, instead of continuing on a straight line.

1541

By the Act of 1541, by Henry VIII, "artificers, labourers, apprentices, husbandmen, servants or serving-men, and other 'low-born' people, were specifically forbidden from taking part in the game of bowls, except at Christmas on their master's grounds and in his presence." However, licences or permits were granted to some of the larger and more influential landowners to allow them to play on their own greens. This Act of 1541 was not officially repealed until 1845 during the reign of Queen Victoria.

1545

Protestant Roger Ascham wrote in his book Toxophilus that the teaching of youth to shoot with a bow should "pluck away by the roots all other desire to naughty pastimes as dicing, carding, and bowling."

1554: A TRAGIC TALE

The all powerful Manche, the ruling Inca of Peru, became annoyed at the poor play of one of his Spaniards. He lost his temper and "soundly boxed the player's ears." The player then hurled his bowl and killed the Inca.

1554: ...AND ALL THAT

In 1554, the green was laid and enclosed at the Falcon Bowling Club in Pairswick. William Shakespeare was a member.

​Part III: 1555 to 1700 BOWLS FIGHTS ON!

​July 9, 1588 

Despite all of the banning of bowls, there is historical evidence to substantiate that Drake played bowls, but whether the story of Drake finishing a game of bowls at Plymounth Hoe, losing to Mr. Hawkins, while the Spanish Armada was sailing up the English Channel is fact or folklore is not known for certain.

April 24, 1595

Kirk Session of Glasgow, Scotland: "The Session has directed the Drum to go through the Town that there be no bickering nor play on Sundays either by old or young. Games, Golf, Bowls, etc. are forbidden on Sunday."

January 19, 1596

Kirk Session in Elgin, Scotland: Goldsmith Walter Hay was "accusit of playing at the boulis and golff upon Sondaye in the tym of the Sermon" and was given a suspended sentence under a penalty of 5 pounds not to repeat the offence during the "preaching.

1604

​Lady Duchess Anne of Hamilton and Kinneil, Scotland: Her grandfather laid down a green in 1604 and gambled at bowls in 1616. She admitted to a liking for the game and even to losing "small sums" to her opponents.

​1611

The earliest documented use of the word "jack" in Bowls. "Was there ever man had such lucke, when I kist the jacke vpon and vp-cast, to be hit away?" Also, in 1697 R. Pierce wrote, "He had not strength to throw the Jack-Bowl half over the Green".

1600 - 1660: The Restoration

​The Puritan Revolution in England virtually ended all sports in England until 1660, and even then lawn bowling didn't make much of a comeback. However, in 1643, James I authorized "Bowles" on Sunday, providing there is no neglect of divine service". James I and his son Charles I enjoyed high stakes, Charles having lost $5 000 in one encounter with Barking Hill Merchant, Richard Shute.

1615: Bowls In America

​Bowls was first recorded being played in Boston in 1615, then New Amsterdam (New York City), and not long after, Washington and Virginia.

1626

​One of New York City's most treasured and historic sites is Bowling Green at the tip of Broadway where Peter Minuit landed. He founded the city of New Amsterdam for the Dutch and bowled for sport and recreation.

1632

​Williamsburg, Virginia had a bowling green as early as 1632, and another was built in 1670 at what is now Bowling Green, Virginia.

1658

​The early Puritans of Massachusetts used to like to bowl, although the game was forbidden as being worldly. Robert Haron made his confession including these excerpts: "The weather is tantalizingly warm, but I was tempted to do that which I have refrained from doing before. The game of bowles has bewitched me, I fear. For I played it today and for funds. Yes, I was fortunate, for the bet was 10 pounds. Woe unto me!" ..... "I like the game, my ability to win, and the fine folks I meet on the greens." 

Part IV: Bowls in North America from 1615 through to 1804

1615

Bowls was first recorded being played in Boston in 1615, then New Amsterdam (New York City), and not long after, Washington and Virginia.

1626

One of New York City's most treasured and historic sites is Bowling Green at the tip of Broadway, where Peter Minuit landed in 1626, founded the city of New Amsterdam for the Dutch, and bowled for sport and recreation.

1632-1670

Williamsburg, Virginia had a bowling green as early as 1632, and another was built in 1670 at what is now Bowling Green, Virginia.

1658

The early Puritans of Massachusetts used to like to bowl, although the game was forbidden as being worldly. Robert Haron made his confession including these excerpts: "The weather is tantalizingly warm, but I was tempted to do that which I have refrained from doing before. This game of bowles has bewitched me, I fear. For I played it today and for funds. Yes - I was fortunate, for the bet was 10 pounds. Woe unto me!" and " I like the game, my own ability to win, and the fine folks I meet on the greens."

1714

A Boston green was advertised in 1714.

1726

George Washington's father, Augustus, took over management of the family estate at Mt. Vernon, and in 1732, the year George was born, constructed the bowling green. George grew up playing bowls, and never lost his love for the game.

March 12, 1733

The first of three Common Council resolutions that year in New York City regarding lawn bowling was adopted when John Chambers, Peter Jay, and Peter Bayard leased the site from the Common Council for the symbolic fee of "one peppercorn a year" for a period of ten years for the exclusive use of lawn bowling. Bowling Green Park, at what is now Battery Park, is North America's and New York City's first official park.

1734

The earliest records of Bowls in Canada is sketchy, but it appears the sport was introduced around 1734 when an enclosure was reserved as a green for the officers of the garrison of Annapolis (Port Royal) in Nova Scotia.

The Duke of Kent, grandfather of King Edward VII, had a green laid down in his grounds at Prince's Lodge, Bedford Basin, Halifax.

1740

The first official bowling club in Scotland was Kilmarnock Bowling Green. It must be noted here that although bowling remained banned by Royal Decree in England for commoners for hundreds of years, Scotland remained a staunch advocate of the game. In fact, Scotland also invented other passionate activities such as golf, curling, and drinking scotch!

July 4, 1776

Unfortunately, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the United States, all the greens, which symbolized British rule, were confiscated, plowed up, converted to campgrounds, or planted with flowers or trees.

July 9, 1776

Bowling Green Park is liberated from the British in celebration of American Independence.

1790

In 1790, Government House, the official residence of the President, was erected at the foot of Bowling Green Park. George Washington had bowled here as well as on greens at Mount Vernon.

1804

From the book, Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery: "Having for many days past confined myself to the boat, I determined to devote this day to amuse myself on shore with my gun and view the interior of the country. The shortness and (freshness) of grass gave the plain the appearance... of (a) beautiful (sic) bowling green in fine order." (Meriwether Lewis, 1804)

​1899

Southern California was the next area of expansion when in 1899, the Society of San Francisco and Oakland combined to construct the first bowling green in Golden Gate Park. This was followed in 1908 the first Southern California lawn bowling club was formed in Los Angeles.

1901

Electric Lights first used for night play. First official match between England and Australia in London. England won.
Alcock & Co. appointed by Victorian Bowling Association as official bowls testers August 21. Then in 1902, Alcock & Co.          became official testers to the Western Australian Bowling Association.

1903

The English Bowling Association (EBA) was formed. The first President being Dr. W.G. Grace who is much more acclaimed       and remembered for his game as a cricketer.

1904

Both the Irish Bowling Association and Welsh Bowling Association formed. First Canadian Tour to Great Britain. Lawn Bowling first begins in Calgary, Alberta

1905

Formation of the International Bowling Board. Foundation members were Scotland, England, Ireland, and Wales. First EBA       Championships were held. Winners: Singles – J.G. Carruthers (Muswell Hill) Fours – Carlisle Subscription (Cumberland).
Edinburgh Winter Bowling Association formed with players participating on two gas lit twenty-seven yard long rinks            situated in the basement of the Synod Hall in the City’s Castle Terrace.

1907

Formation of British Crown Green Amateur Bowling Association. Formation of Victorian Ladies B.A. of Australia, oldest          women’s bowling association. Manitoba Lawn Bowling Association formed. (first clubs are: Fort Rouge & Assiniboine)

1908

W.D. Hensell develops the first 36 foot testing table greatly improving upon the existing 12 foot tables. First Irish B.A. Championships. Winners: Singles – R. Archer (Ormeau); Fours- Kenilworth

1909

Kelowna L.B.C. & Victoria L.B.C. in British Columbia begin

1910

Formation of Kingston Canbury Ladies B.C., probably England’s first women’s club.

1912

First Regina L.B.C. in Saskatchewan formed. Highland L.B.C. in Edmonton begins

1915

The American Lawn Bowls Association (ALBA) founded on July 27.

1916

The St. Petersburg Lawn Bowling Club Inc., was started by three Canadians, A.J. Mercer of Toronto, Frank Bull of Yorkton        Saskatchewan, E.W. Bull of Weston, and an American Walden Hastings of Ellsworth, Maine.

From a club of few members in 1917, it grew to be the largest bowling club in the world in 1938 with a membership of over 420, 40% of whom were Canadians. The club in 1938, had 21 rinks, a large club house and a library of over 1500 boks. The Woman’s Bowling Club in 1938 was completely separate, with six rinks, it’s own club house and library. It had 92 members, half of which were Canadians. By the 1952-1953 Winter Season, membership topped out to 483 members.

1918

W.D. Hensell develops along with Dunlop Rubber Co., the world’s first vulcanite (hard rubber) lawn bowls. By 1924, Australia no longer imports lignum-vitae bowls and begins to export vulcanite bowls.

1919

First Welsh B.A. Championships. Winners: Singles – J.P. Williams (Grange); Pairs – W.R. Evans, T. Taylor (Penarth); Fours – H.G. Hill, A.E. Fiddes, F.W. Alty, A.H. Emery (Windsor)

1920

The Dominion Bowling Tournament in the Toronto Area reaches a peak with 208 mens fours teams participating in the same event (832 men)

LAWN BOWLING IN ONTARIO 1832 - 1920

You can see the explosion of growth escalating after the Twentieth Century began. From 1832 until 1881 – just 6 clubs. From 1887 to 1900 - 11 more clubs.

From 1901 to 1920 – an amazing 47 clubs in just 20 years!!!

I welcome any additional information on clubs formed either during this period or were in existence during this period. The list I have to date including clubs before 1900 include:

1832 – The Caer Howell Bowling Green, Toronto

1838 – Guelph Lawn Bowling Club
1853 – Hamilton Thistle Club

1865 – Chatham

1877 – Niagara on the Lake, London Thistle Club

1881 – Ottawa Tennis & Lawn Bowling

1887 – Granite Club, Toronto
1889 – St. Mary's

1890 – Prescott

1891 – Mitchell Early

1890’s - Brampton
1895 – Grimsby

1895 - Ayr

1897 – Dundas

1898 – Chesley

1900 – Port Hope, Belleville

1901 - New Toronto, Ridgetown

1901 – Peterborough, Hamilton Gun Club

1902 – Kitchener

1903 - Balmy Beach, Lindsay
1904 or before: The Hamilton Victoria Club, Hamilton Calvary, The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, The Hamilton Southside Residents L.B.C., Hamilton Fernleigh L.B.C.
1904 – Burlington, Seaforth, Orangeville, Oshawa
1905 - The Hamilton Asylum L.B.C.

1906 - Sarnia, Elora Rocks, Brockville

1907 – Georgetown,  Port Credit, Newmarket, Cobourg

1908 – Port Perry

1909 – Markham

1910 - Hamilton Strathcona, Hospital for the Insane, Toronto

1911 - High Park, London Elmwood, Brantford Dufferin

1912 - Kew Beach, West Toronto, Almonte

1913 – Aylmer, Milton

1914 – Aurora, Kingston, Niagara Falls

1915 – Highland Park, Preston

1916 – Lambeth
1918 – Aldershot, Richmond Hill

1919 – Campbellford
1920 – Hamilton Mossfield Park, Beamsville

If from 1900 through to 1920 were the years of rapid growth in clubs, then 1921 through 1939 saw rapid growth in the membership increases throughout the world.

1924

Canadian Lawn Bowling Council Formed

1926

In the United States, the Beverly Hill L.B.C. was founded, and literally everyone who was anyone including Walt Disney, and the “Getty Girls” bowled.

1927

Excerpts by Robert Stanley, The Bowls News

We really are a wonderful people, we bowlers. We are such sociable human folk. Let a stranger show but a passing interest, and what do we immediately do? We invite him to come along and take an end. …………….. We bowlers get some shoes from the pavilion and say, “Come along, sir; we’re one short, come along now, please , and have a go.” Oh yes, we trust him with an expensive wood, and tell him about bias and all the rest of it and fill him full of technicalities – and he, in return, spoils the whole evening.

1928

New I.B.B. Members were New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the U.S.A.

1929

Alberta Lawn Bowling Association formed

1930

First Plastic Bowl produced by W.D. Hensell, and in 1931, the first “Henselite” Bowl was introduced. By 1937 the first unidisc plastic bowl was produced. In the same year, the first all white plastic jack was produced. The first official British Empire Games in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada at Roselawn Lawn Bowling Club. (First official size greens in Canada built in 1925)
Winners: Singles – R. Colquhoun (England); Pairs – T. Hills, G. Wright (England); Fours – E. Gudgeon, J. Edney, A. Hough, G. Frith (England)
Canadian Medalists included Mens Fours Silver Harry J. Allen, Jimmy Campbell, Mitch Thomas, William Rae; Mens Pairs Bronze W. W. Moore, Arthur Reid

1931

English Womens Bowling Association formed. The Ontario Lawn Bowling Association holds its first Ontario Championships. 1931also saw the OLBA begin with 91 clubs. Membership grew quickly to 157 clubs in 1932, 180 clubs in 1933, and 200 clubs by 1934.

It is very worthy to note that the OLBA Provincial Championships were very different than they are now. During the 1930’s :

1. – All rinks and pairs games were 21 ends. All singles to 21 shots.
2. – Teams had to win their Club Championships by July 15th, in order to qualify for the District Playoffs
3. – The District Championships were declared by August 15th.
4.- The Semi Final stage saw four groups of four districts (Zones) play in round robins on Labor Day.
5. - Final Stage saw the four group winners play in a Semi Final and Final Games.

1934

2nd British Empire Games held with Canadian Andrew Harvey winning a Bronze in Singles; W.G. Hutchinson, A.A. Langford winning a Silver in Pairs.

1935

Eddie Ecrepont opens the first Scottish Indoor Bowling Club in Ayr.

1921- 1939

As of June 2016, the following clubs have records of joining the OLBA:

1922 – Owen Sound Roselawn,
1924 – Staynor L.B.C., Ingersoll L.B.C.,
1925 - Hamilton Roselawn L.B.C., Port Dalhousie L.B.C., Moore Park L.B.C., Brighton L.B.C.,
1927 – Whitby L.B.C.,
1929 - Cosburn Park L.B.C., Glebe Manor L.B.C., Wells Hill L.B.C.,
1932 – Windsor L.B.C.
​1934 – Beeton L.B.C., Iroquois L.B.C.