TEE ORIGIN OF FOOTBALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1981, 27 October 1888, Page 2

TEE ORIGIN OF FOOTBALL.

The origin of football'la unknown, bu l the first mention of the game m In the reign of Edward 111. (1345), who loaned an edlot against it, not from any particular objection to the game, bat beoause it co-operated with other favorite amusements to impede the progress of archery. The penalty was one of Imprisonment at the King's pleasure. Ihe danger Attending the game occasioned King Barnes I. to say from his Court : "I cjebarre all rough and violent exercises &b the football, mßeter for lamelng than making able the asera thereof ? ' A Cheater antiquary aaye; '• It has been the oußtom time out of mind for the Bhoemakera yearly on the Shrove Tuesday to deliver to the drapers, m the preseppe of the Mayor of Chester, a*, the Cross on the Rodehee, one leather ball, oilled a football, of the va'ue of 3a 4d, or above, to play at from thenoe the Common Hall of the said oity, which praotjoe was produotlve of ranch Inoonvenienoe, and therefore this year (1640) by consent of the parties conoerned the ball was changed into six gayvea of Bilver of the like value as a reward to the best runner that day upon the aforesaid Rodehee. This waji the origin of the Cheater Cap liow ran for. 4 ' Football was played often between dtfereut parishes at the church alee or waken, the reepeotlve oharohee being the goal*. When played m the open the goal consisted of two sticks driven Into the ground about two or three feet apart.