A game of 'real' tennis – an old engraving c. 1650
A game of 'real' tennis – an old engraving c. 1650. This Medieval form of the game evolved over three centuries, from an earlier ball game played around the 12th century in France which involved hitting a ball with a bare hand and later with a glove. By the 16th century, the glove had become a racquet, the game had moved to an enclosed playing area, and the rules had been established. Real tennis spread in popularity throughout the aristocracy in Europe, but suffered under English Puritanism. In Britain, during the 18th and early 19th centuries as real tennis declined, three other racquet sports emerged: racquets, squash racquets, and lawn tennis.
Size: 2717px × 2459px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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