In an age where an Xbox or PlayStation is the go to means of entertainment for young people, we might be forgiven for forgetting how children enjoyed themselves during the latter part of the nineteenth century but, somewhat surprisingly, the games played in that bygone age are not as unfamiliar as you might expect.
Within these pages we will explain the games that Victorian children and their families played when television, the internet and digital media weren’t an option. You will recognise some of these games – many have stood the test of time and are still played in the playgrounds today.
As a parent of two (ages 7 and 2) I know only too well the struggles of finding alternative entertainment to minimise screen time and this is where the idea for this website from. I find my own children are enjoying these games as much as I expect they were meant to be enjoyed in their day and are quite happy with the balance struck between old and new.
Many of the games have been taken from a copy of Cassell’s Book of Sports and Pastimes. Published in the 1890s, at nearly 1000 pages, it is a wonderful resource. We will also endeavour to find games elsewhere and our readers are invited t contribute through the ‘Contact Us’ link at the top of the page.
We hope your family will get as much enjoyment from these games as we do.
