Lawn Bowls: Its History

Many historians believe the game of bowls developed from the Egyptians who used to play skittles with round stones;others maintain it originated from a similar game played by Roman soldiers.

Whatever its origin, it has spread across the world and versions of the game are played in places like Italy (Bocce), Denmark (Bolle), France (Boules) and even Polynesia (Ula Maika). The growth of the British Empire ensured its spread to places like Australia and New Zealand. The oldest bowls green still played on is in Southampton, England, where records date back to 1299 A.D.

Bowls is high on the list of most played and most watched sport in many countries. Far from being a sport for O.A.P.s, bowling is enjoyed by thousands of young people throughout the country.

The English Bowling Association (Bowls England) was founded in 1903 and organises numerous competitions from club to national level while World Bowls, based in Scotland, aims to provide leadership and governance of the sport and encourage its growth internationally. The English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) is responsible for the indoor side of the game.