The Southampton (Old) Bowling Green is reputed to be the oldest bowling green in the World. Many other greens have made claims to this reputation but, whilst their claim might be considered on their inaugural date, they cannot claim to have had continual use since that time. It can,reasonably be claimed the the old green has been used to play the game of bowls since prior to A.D.1299. It can, therefore, be justifiably claimed that the Southampton (Old) Bowling green is the oldest bowling green in the world.
The History of our Green can be read in our book titled “The First 700 Years”
Copies are available from the club priced at £3 including postage and Packaging.
please email our secretary, ‘lady’ jenni Winney for further information
The First 700 Years
History of the Green
It was old even when Sir Francis Drake, the inspiration of romance and adventure to the boys of many generations, is reputed to have played the famous game on Plymouth Hoe in July 1588, before he sailed to meet the Spanish Armada.
From time to time, of course, alterations have been made for the improvement of the Green. It is recorded that in 1863, the members subscribed sufficient money wherewith to replace the hedge, which then existed, by a wall.