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A Game of Football in the Streets of London, c. 1314
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A Game of Football in the Streets of London, c. 1314
Illustration of a game of football being played in the streets of London during the 14th century. Football of this time, played without rules in narrow medieval streets, was both fantastically popular and equally violent. In 1314 a group of London merchants petitioned King Edward II to ask him to ban the playing of football, due to the impact it was having on their business. The King was happy to ban the game, feeling that many evils might arise... from the playing of football
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Media ID 4377454
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10219013
1314 Business Equally Evils Feeling Football Impact Merchants Narrow Played Rules Violent 14th
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This historical illustration captures a scene from the bustling streets of London in the 14th century - a game of football being played with fervor and intensity. In this chaotic and lively depiction, we see a group of individuals engaged in a spirited match, showcasing the popularity of football during this time period.
However, as much as it was loved by many, football was also deemed as equally violent and disruptive by some. In fact, in 1314, a group of London merchants felt compelled to petition King Edward II to ban the playing of football due to its negative impact on their businesses. The King ultimately agreed with their concerns and issued a decree to prohibit the game altogether.
The illustration beautifully captures the essence of medieval street football - played without rules or boundaries in narrow alleyways. It serves as a poignant reminder of how sports have always been an integral part of society, shaping culture and history through both joyous moments and controversies.
Through this artwork, we are transported back in time to witness firsthand the passion and chaos that surrounded this beloved pastime. It is a fascinating glimpse into an era where football was not just a sport but also an important social phenomenon that sparked debates and led to significant decisions by those in power.
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