Skittles is a game steeped in history, with its roots tracing back several centuries. Despite all the 21st century distractions available on our phones, it remains an iconic part of British pub culture. We all know what a great night out it is, getting together with your mates for a game of skittles, a pint or three and a bit of banter. But it’s also important to remember that we’re all playing our part in preserving this wonderful legacy. And that continues to be celebrated in huge swathes of the UK.
So this month let’s take a moment to look back at the fascinating history of Skittles, its rise in popularity, its dominance in pubs, the rise of ten-pin bowling, and how enthusiasts can still enjoy the game today.
Where Did Skittles Originally Come From?
The origins of skittles are somewhat murky, with various theories suggesting it began in different parts of Europe. The ancient Egyptians, the Greeks, Romans and even the Lydians in Southern Turkey may well have fallen in love with the idea of hurling a ball at a few stones. However, it is widely believed that skittles evolved from early European lawn games, which involved knocking down pins or objects with stones or balls. The game is thought to have developed in medieval Germany, where it was known as “kegel” or “kegling.” Apparently the monks decided the kegels represented sins or temptations that needed to be knocked over. Today we try to get all the pins down ASAP so we can get back on the beer. Same difference1
In England, skittles really got going during the Middle Ages, with records suggesting that it was played in the country as early as the 14th century. It became especially popular in rural areas, where it was often played outdoors in villages, on greens, or in courtyards. The game quickly became a favourite pastime for people of all classes, with variations emerging across different regions. Nothing on the telly in those days!
The Rise of Skittles in Pubs
Meanwhile through the 18th and 19th centuries, pubs and inns were becoming central to social life in Britain. And with it, the game of skittles began its move indoors. Skittles alleys were built inside or adjacent to pubs, allowing patrons to play the game regardless of the weather. The transition from outdoor to indoor play marked the beginning of a golden era in the history of Skittles. Suddenly an iffy weather forecast wouldn’t stop you getting in a few games.
In pubs, skittles evolved into a communal activity, bringing people together for friendly competition and camaraderie. Pub owners recognised the game’s popularity and began hosting skittles tournaments and leagues, further cementing its place in British culture.
By the 19th century, skittles had become a staple of pub entertainment, with dedicated alleys found in establishments across the country, particularly in the West Country, Midlands, and Wales.
The Sport That Gripped the Pub for Decades
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, skittles reigned supreme in pubs. The game was simple to understand, yet difficult to master, yet with a little bit of beginner’s luck thrown in, making it accessible to a wide audience. So long as you could hurl a ball in the right direction, you could be part of the fun. Skittles leagues were formed, with teams representing different pubs competing against each other. These leagues provided a sense of community and friendly rivalry, further embedding the game into the social fabric of British life.
By now, Skittles was not just a casual pastime; it had become a serious sport for many. Skilled players honed their techniques, and local heroes emerged, celebrated for their prowess on the skittles alley. The game’s simplicity and the skill required to play it well kept it popular for decades, with people of all ages participating.
Despite its popularity, skittles began to decline in the mid-20th century. Several factors contributed to this decline:
- Changing Social Habits: Post-World War II, societal shifts saw a decrease in traditional pub activities. The rise of television, new forms of entertainment, and changing social habits meant fewer people spent their evenings in pubs.
- Urbanisation and Development: As cities expanded, many pubs were modernised or demolished, and with them, many skittles alleys were lost. Newer, smaller pubs often did not have space for skittles alleys, leading to a decline in the game’s accessibility.
- Competition from Other Sports: The emergence of other indoor sports like darts and snooker also contributed to skittles’ decline. These games required less space and were easier to accommodate in smaller pubs.
- Ten Pin Bowling: Skittles was the precursor to one of the world’s most popular forms of bowling. These dedicated skittle alleys featured a more accessible and manageable layout, complete with side gutters.
So as we see, the history of the Skittles game has evolved over hundreds of years, and there is space to enjoy the modern and classical versions of the game.
How Can You Still Play Skittles Today?
Here at Serious About Events, we are playing our part in helping the next chapter in the Skittles story. We take our portable alleys to venues and create weekend competitions on a much bigger scale than pubs and inns could ever do. We’re all very proud of the fact that we are part of this important legacy by taking skittles on tour.
And let’s face it, there aren’t many sports where you can fling a ball down an alley, while holding a beer and joshing with your mates. Multi-tasking taken to a new level!!
