Did you know that Rounders is a sport with such deep historical roots that is has been played in England since Tudor times? Read more of the History of Rounders below.
Its early mention can be found in the 1744 children’s book “A Little Pretty Pocket-Book,” where it was referred to as “Base-Ball.” While the name baseball remained in use elsewhere, England adopted the name rounders for this lively and engaging sport.
You can find details of the history of rounders in lots of historical English literature, with Jane Austen herself referencing rounders in her novel “Northanger Abbey,” highlighting its presence in English society during the early 19th century. The game’s popularity was further solidified when “The Boy’s Own Book” of 1828 devoted an entire chapter to rounders. This period also saw the formalisation of the sport with the founding of the Liverpool and Scottish Rounders Association in 1889, which established official rules, including the elimination of putting a running batter out by hitting them with a thrown ball.
Rounders England
The first nationally formalised rules for rounders were established by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Ireland in 1884. Today, the GAA continues to oversee the game in Ireland through the GAA Rounders National Council. In Great Britain, the sport is regulated by Rounders England, which was formed in 1943. While these two associations are separate entities, they share similar gameplay and cultural elements, with competitions often held between teams from both traditions.
Regency Era
In the Regency era, rounders would have been a popular pastime among the ton, the fashionable high society of the time. Much like the lavish garden parties, soirees and family events depicted in the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” rounders would have provided a delightful and energetic outdoor activity for both the ladies and gentlemen. Imagine the elegantly dressed members of the ton gathering in the sprawling gardens of an English estate, engaging in spirited games of rounders! (Now compare that to the last time you played, or your own Rounders league evenings with us, playing on an astro or sports field in your gym kit and trainers!) This sport, requiring skill, coordination, and teamwork, would have offered a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie, just like the social interactions seen when the Bridgerton family played a friendly game of Pal-Mal in their gardens! Its inclusion in social gatherings and recreational activities would have made it a beloved sport during that time, celebrated for both its physical and social benefits, helping it to become a sport we all much love and enjoy today!
7 million people
Rounders remains a popular game among British school children, especially girls, and is played up to international level. The sport has maintained its charm, providing a perfect blend of physical activity, teamwork, and social interaction that appeals to players of all ages. From the popularity of rounders among the ton to the sport now being played by over 7 million children and adults in the UK, just showcases the timeless appeal of this quintessentially British pastime.
Find your Bridgerton name!
If your first name begins with:
A-D: Lady
E-H: Baroness
J-L: Viscountess
M-P: Duchess
Q-T: Queen
U-Z: Dowager
Followed by your Middle name.
(Optional Extra: add a past or current pet’s name).
Then add the name of the closest object to you with the word ‘ton’ at the end.
Add the word ‘of’.
Lastly, the place you were born with ‘shire’ on the end.
Could you Play Rounders?
Ready to take your love for rounders to the next level? Join Play Rounders and experience the thrill of social sports like never before. Joining a women’s rounders league as an adult offers a multitude of benefits, from making new friendships to keeping fit, being social, and embracing new experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there’s a place for you in our vibrant community. Sign up today and get ready to play, laugh, and create lasting memories with Play Rounders.
Sign up to Play Rounders today by either searching for your nearest league or emailing us at info@play-rounders.co.uk
Links to our other women’s sports leagues:
Find out more about Play Hockey
Join your nearest Play Netball League
Visit our Play 5-a-Side website
