Explore the intriguing history of croquet, from its murky origins to its evolution into a competitive sport. Learn about the roots of the game in Western France, its migration to England and the US, and its resurgence in popularity. Discover the legacy of key figures like Walter Jones Whitmore and the growth of croquet internationally.
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Quick takeaways
Early croquet was a blend of hockey and golf, evolving from a winter to a spring game.
Croquet's rules were standardized in the 19th century, turning it into a competitive sport.
Deep dives
Origins and Basic Rules of Croquet
Croquet has a long history dating back to Western France in the 13th century. The game involves hitting wooden balls through willow branch hoops using mallets. There are different versions of the game with varying dimensions and gameplay styles. Croquet evolved from a winter pastime called hockey to a spring game similar to golf, eventually settling into the standard court layout seen today.
Health Benefits and Popularity of Croquet
Croquet was considered a healthy activity in the 19th century, providing fresh air and exercise without excessive physical strain. It was accessible to people of all ages and genders, making it a popular outdoor pastime. The game was praised for being intellectually stimulating yet not physically taxing, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy.
Evolution and Spread of Croquet
Croquet's rules were formalized by Walter Jones Whitmore in the 19th century, transforming it from a casual backyard game into a competitive sport. The All England Croquet Club was established, later evolving into the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Croquet gained popularity in the US as well, experiencing periods of both decline and resurgence.
Association of Croquet and Wimbledon
Croquet was initially associated with Wimbledon before tennis took over as the primary sport. The All England Croquet Club transitioned to include lawn tennis and eventually dropped Croquet from its name. Croquet resurfaced at Wimbledon briefly before becoming a secondary activity. Despite its history, Croquet continues to have a place in the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club's legacy.
This 2020 episode looks at croquet's murky origins. Because of its relative ease of play and low barrier of entry, it went through a surge in popularity almost as soon as it was documented.