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A History of Pub Games From Roman taverns which offered games such as chequers (a common pub sign) to the modern pubs of the 21st century with electronic quiz machines, games have long been associated with drinking establishments. Henry VII's statute of 1495 restricted "the indoor games which were distracting Tudor pubmen from archery". Gaming activities associated with pubs ranged from card games such as cribbage and throwing games such as darts, through physical sports such as cricket to blood sports such as cock fighting. Balls Pond Road in Islington was named after an establishment run by Mr Ball that had a pond out the back filled with ducks, where drinkers could, for a certain fee, go out and take their chance at shooting the creatures. At the Aldborough Hall Farm Beer Festival we have supplied some traditional pub games within the Beer tent for all to play. These games will include darts, dominoes, draughts, ring the bull, skittles, quoits and shove ha’penny. We hope that they will add to the traditional atmosphere that we are aiming to create and that drinkers can relax and have some fun whilst enjoying their ale!
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