What sports were banned in Scotland in 1457 by King James II?

James II's Act of Parliament of 6 March 1457 banned golf and football. The Act is the earliest known written evidence for the golf game in Scotland.

With a weak monarchy, powerful nobles and a constant threat of invasion, military training was compulsory for all males over 12. However, instead of practicing archery, ordinary people preferred to spend their leisure time playing golf and football.

People often played in enclosed public spaces, such as streets and churchyards. This was considered dangerous and a nuisance, as well as 'unprofitable'.

Golf and football were so widespread and popular that Parliament considered them a problem serious enough for legislation.

More Info: digital.nls.uk

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15 Comments

Mike Reidy

It’s funny that neither sport was recognised before the 19th century

Bob Fowler

I agree with Mike.

Karin Johansson

David MacGregor, no they didn't. But they came up with the modern variant of it.

Karin Johansson

comment. My phone has its own life.

Karin Johansson

Colin James Frost, i don't thikk it is the midern foitball. Rather the old kind that is something between Rugby and Football. The Gaelic Football where you don't have protection as the american weak gootball players have.

Karin Johansson

Mike Reidy, i think it means the Gaelic football. Not the modern football. But Golf has been recognized since at least the 16th century. It is a very old sport. I don't like the modern version of it because you no longer needs to be fit to play it.

John Bateman

Sorry, but as a Brit, I was used to hearing the game called Soccer as well as Football when I was growing up. .Admittedly, that was many moons ago, but it's clearly a derivation from the word Association, and is not invented by Americans. So please don't be snobby because the USA calls it Soccer.

Carmel Herbert

Us Aussies call it soccer too, but we know that it’s the original football. We call ours AFL football

Fred Keogh

Christine McKenzie this is a well known historical fact here in the UK. Len Johnson it IS football, it's only referred to as SOCCER in the US. Sam Manavi Football goes back before this date, even mentioned in Shakespeare plays. Also mentioned in writings of 13/14 centuries.