BRITSBURGH FESTIVAL - Stoolball @ Woodville Plantation

Stoolball is an ancient English game which has been played for over 500 years. It is the origin of baseball and perhaps cricket too, and is mentioned in Shakespeare’s ‘The Two Noble Kinsmen’.

Once popular right across England, it has been played at Lord’s cricket ground and in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, and overseas including Sri Lanka, India and Australia – even on ocean liners! 

Step back in time at Woodville Plantation, when this living history museum presents a special event. Visitors are invited to join Woodville's historic interpreters in the 18th century game of stoolball, the forerunner of modern baseball. The game of stoolball was enjoyed by both men and women, the gentry and working classes, and was even played by General Washington and his troops during the American Revolution.

Who can play stoolball?  Anyone! You don’t have to be really fit to play, and it’s a great way to make friends. Children start playing at around 8 or 9, and some people play league stoolball right into their 70s.

Programme:

Programme will be hourly (1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.) and will include a 15-minute demonstration game, 15 minutes of instruction and a 30-minute pick up game. 

All are welcome, but please register to guarantee attendance at each of the three available sessions (1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.)  - up to 10 players per hour.  No limit and no need to choose time slot if observing only.

For more information on this event, contact Woodville Plantation at 412-221-0348 or info@woodvilleplantation.org.

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of the Britsburgh Society. Society members enjoy our Britsburgh Arts Society, the Britsburgh Beer Society, the Britsburgh History Society, the Britsburgh Literary Society and the Britsburgh Tea Society. If you are not already a member, I would like to invite you to consider becoming a Britsburgh Society member. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page.

Members:  During the Britsburgh Festival only, bring your friends to events at the SAME PRICE as members.  Please encourage them to join our membership.

THE BRITSBURGH TEAM