7 Ways Children Used to Play Throughout History

Introduction

• Sudeley Castle & Gardens preparing for summer events.
• Focus on historical games and activities for children.

1. Life on the Road

• Era: Victorian Britain
• Context: Few cars, streets were play areas.
• Games: Sharing toys like hoops, marbles, skipping ropes. Playing tag and hopscotch.

2. Wheely Good Fun

• Era: 1930s
• Context: Economic hardship led to homemade toys.
• Activity: Scooters made from scrap wood and ball bearings.
• Note: More time spent improving designs than playing.

3. Life’s a Ball

• Era: Ancient Rome
• Game: Ball games with rules, akin to modern sports.
• Example: Game involving bouncing a ball in a circle to prevent others from catching it.

4. A Dangerous Game to Play

• Era: Tudor
• Findings: Child play linked to several infant deaths.
• Examples: Drowning, falling, and injuries during play.
• Statistics: 37 child deaths from play between 1551-1560.

5. Resourceful Play

• Era: Ancient Greece
• Context: Few manufactured toys.
• Games: Balls made from rags, pig bladders, games using sheep ankle bones.

6. Top of the Swaps

• Era: Second World War
• Context: Toy factories shifted to war production.
• Activity: Toy exchanges due to shortages.
• Note: War-themed toys from paper or card.

7. Fun Fit for a Queen

• Context: Queen Victoria’s children.
• Activity: Building Swiss Cottage, learning through play.
• Purpose: Educational play to develop skills.
• Note: Focus on becoming well-rounded adults.

Conclusion

• Historical context influenced children's play.
• Resourcefulness and creativity were key in different eras.