Hobbies And Interests
Medieval Tournaments
Knights who proved worthy in battle earned money and prestige during tournaments. Jousting was vital in these sporting events. Feudal lords and knights used weapons such as lances, swords and battle-axes, which offered exercises in skill and technique against opponents. Fighting with quarterstaffs showcased agility and strength. Winning tournaments brought the victor prestige, wealth and recognition from the monarch. Annual fairs presented the occasion for sports and games that included hammer throwing, quoits, skittles and wrestling.
Skill and Strength
Wrestling and archery were practiced among the peasants of the day. Any recognition of extraordinary skill could lead to catching a king's eye. Once only found among the youth of the nobility, gymnastics, running races, high and wide jumping, leap-frog, ball games -- croquet, lawn bowling, soccer and ground billiards --- and other exercises for strengthening the body became favorites of middle class and villagers of the day. Tennis was a popular sport in Henry VIII's court as it was among monks of the time.
The Hunt
Fox hunting was a favorite of nobility and was a central activity when not waging war. Stag, bear, wild boars and hare were other spoils of the day. The game would be cooked up for feasts in honor of the hunt. Hawking or falconry was a delightful hunting sport of the nobles and served as a mark of dignity and wealth. Not everyone could afford falcons, as various kinds of game were needed for training, not to mention a staff of huntsmen, falconers, horses and dogs.
Blood Sports
Fights between animals remained a part of medieval games as it was in Roman times. Wild animals were caught and pitted against each other. Dog and cock fights paired animals in a ring where they attacked their own kind until dead. In medieval France, lions --- a symbol of royalty --- were employed in fights to the death with bulls and dogs in the presence of the King and his royal court. Bull and bears were captured, tied to a pole in a large pit. Then a pack of hunting dogs was turned on the tied animal until either it or the dogs were killed.
Parlor Games
Gambling became a popular, yet sometimes forbidden, entertainment in the middle ages. Once again, wealth and skill were at stake. Card games such as piquet, basset and primero --- an early form of poker --- were played among medieval lords and ladies. Primero, played by Elizabeth I, was one of the first card games that featured betting based on different combinations. Piquet, first reported in 1400's France, or the British version, Cent, is based on knights and chivalry. The game of basset originated from Italy and migrated to France in the 15th century. Tavern dice games were also popular and eventually outlawed. Wagers of clothing, livestock even wives and children were lost in competition.