Semantic search

“Basteball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children of the Free Methodist Sabbath School of Framlingham, Suffolk, at their annual treat. A local newspaper reported that “the afternoon was happily passed in swinging, cricket, basteball, racing, trap-ball, and other sports.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Oct. 7, 1876, p. 4

“Basteball” was one of the amusements offered at the annual treat for children of the Sabbath School connected with the Congregational Chapel of the town of Framlingham in Suffolk.The local newspaper reported that “the afternoon was passed in various games, such as cricket, swinging, basteball, croquet, scrambling for apples, pears, nuts and sweets.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 1, 1877, p. 4

“Base-ball” was one of the games played at the annual treat for children and teachers of the Sabbath School connected with the Wesleyan Methodists of Framlington, Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, after waiting out a rainstorm “the afternoon was then uninterruptedly spent in various games of cricket, base-ball, racing, scrambling, &c., but swinging was the favourite amusement.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 12, 1874, p. 4

“Baste-ball” was one of the games offered at the annual treat for students of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk. According to the local newspaper, the youngsters marched from the school to a nearby meadow “Where the afternoon was passed in swinging, cricket, trap ball, racking, baste-ball, &c.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 13, 1879, p. 4

"Basteball" was listed as one of the games played at the annual treat of the Church Day and Sunday Schools of Easton, Suffolk (near Framlingham): "Having mustered, they marched in procession to The Rookery, the residence of Rev. W.W. Wood, the rector, where they passed the time in various games, such as racing, jumping, basteball, &c., the winners being presented with appropriate toys as prizes."

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 16, 1871, p. 4

"Baste ball" was identified as one of the games played at the Boxford National School fete in Boxford, Suffolk: "After the repast the party engaged in various sports, consisting of cricket, baste ball, dancing, &c."

Ipswich Journal, Sept. 2, 1848

“Baseball” was mentioned in a nostalgic poem published in a Diss, Norfolk, newspaper about an aging workman returning to the location of his childhood home in the north Suffolk village of Redgrave and wallowing in sadness both because the signs of his boyhood had largely disappeared and yet the plight of working people had not improved. It's title is “Doggerel Lines by the Son of a Labourer,” and this is the first stanza: “Now 64 years from my own native home, Had a wish to visit once more The haunts of my childhood, I longed to roam Recalling the days of yore; I know all the places, and names can tell Where we played at the close of each day, Baseball, prison bars, and cricket as well, Quite green in my mind now I'm grey.”

Given that this is a reminiscence of some 50 years earlier, there is no doubt the reference is to English baseball.

Diss (Norfolk) Express, Sept. 2, 1898, p. 5

“Base-ball” and other games were played at the annual Church Sunday School treat in the village of Ousden, located in west Suffolk. According to a newspaper report, “after the distribution of prizes, which consisted of Church services, hymn and prayer books, as well as other suitable books, the children adjourned for games of cricket, base-ball, tug-of-war, and other sports.”

Bury Free Press, Sept. 2, 1899, p. 7

“Basteball” was identified as one of the games played at the annual treat of the Band of Hope of Framlingham, Suffolk. A local newspaper reported that “members of the society met and passed a fine afternoon in the park in the usual outdoor games of cricket, swinging, basteball, &c.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 3, 1881, p. 4

“Baste-ball was played at the annual treat for students of the Free Methodist Sunday School of Framlingham, Suffolk. A newspaper reported that “swinging beneath fine spreading elms, cricket, football, baste-ball, trap-ball, racing, &c. filled up a very pleasant afternoon and evening.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 3, 1892, p. 4

“Base-ball” was one of the games played at the amalgamated fête hosted by the Odd Fellows and Foresters societies of Ipswich, Suffolk, held at Wherstead Park located two miles south of the city. A newspaper article described some of the activities: “The usual games were early on the move. It was evident that those present determined to make the most of it; and it was pleasant to see the family parties picnicing (sic) under the shadows of the trees, enjoying not only their food with a good relish, but the spectacles around them. Cricket, base-ball, swinging—and, need we add, kissing in the ring, appeared to afford much gratification; and the pleasures of the day were further heightened by the Rifle Band, which played a variety of pieces in its usual capital style.”

The Suffolk Chronicle; or Ipswich General Advertiser & County Express, Sept. 6, 1862, p. 9

“Baste” (ball) was played by girl members of the Framlingham, Suffolk, Band of Hope at their annual treat. The newspaper covering the event reported that “girls without any delay betook themselves to swings, croquet, baste and trap ball; and the boys to swinging and cricket, and thus the afternoon was passed on the green sward with a splendid summer sun shining upon them.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 6, 1879, p. 4

“Baste-ball” was among the pastimes enjoyed at the combined annual treat for students of the Wesleyan Sabbath School and the Band of Hope in the market town of Framlingham in coastal Suffolk county. A newspaper reported that, at first, a heavy rain delayed the children's celebration. However, the skies cleared, and “having assembled at the Wesleyan Chapel they marched in procession through the principal streets of the town, flags and banners flying, to the Castle yard, where the afternoon was passed in various games such as swinging, cricket, baste-ball, kissing in the ring, racing, jumping &c. At five they were all regaled with buttered rolls, plum cake and tea.”

Framlingham Weekly News, Sept. 8, 1866, p. 1

“Base ball” was one of several games enjoyed by employees of the King Street Old Brewery of Norwich, Norfolk, on their annual outing which this year took them by river boat, first to the small village of Bramerton about five miles south of Norwich, and then on to historic Coldham Hall in Suffolk. According to a newspaper report: “Here various games were indulged in, including cricket, base ball, tug of war, and walking the greasy pole for a pig.”

Eastern Evening News (Norwich), June 15, 1895, p. 4

“Base ball” was among the entertainments enjoyed at a treat for the students of a private Sunday school called Burningfold Farm, the project of a saintly farming woman and located outside of the tiny village of Dunsfold, Surrey, just north of the Sussex border. A local newspaper reported that “All sorts of amusements were arranged to take place—such as stool-ball, trap-and-bat, base ball, &c.”

West Surrey Times (Guildford), Aug. 11, 1883, p. 5

Two boys were charged with playing “baseball' on a public road in Reigate, Surrey, according to a newspaper report: “Robert Gardiner and Percy Frost, two lads, were summoned for playing baseball on the highway. Inspector Jeffrey said that on the 27th ult. He saw defendants playing baseball with other boys in Holmesdale-road. When spoken to they said they were sorry.--Fined 1s. each or seven days' hard labour.”

Surrey Mirror, Aug. 11, 1905, p. 4

“Baseball” was among the games played at the annual treat for students of the Marshall Road Sunday School of Sutton, Surrey, which was held at nearby Cheam Park. A newspaper reported that after the children arrived at the park, “the various amusements provided were entered into with great gusto, the swings, roundabouts, &c., coming in for a large share of patronage. At 12:30 a substantial luncheon was provided for the children, which they heartily enjoyed. In the afternoon the superintendent, Mr. Carpenter, and several of the friends of the scholars indulged in cricket, baseball, &c. until five o'clock when tea was provided for both scholars and friends.”

Sutton was then in Surrey but is now part of London. It is interesting to note that apparently, in this instance, baseball was not played by the students themselves but by the superintendent and “friends” of the scholars, who, presumably, were adults or older boys who had previously attended the school. This admits to the small possibility that the baseball played may have been American-style.

Croydon Advertiser and East Surrey Reporter, Aug. 15, 1891, p. 8

“Base ball” was one of the recreational offerings at a Fête Champetre consisting of a flower show, fancy fair, archery and other amusements that was held in the town of Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey. The event was well attended, despite a rain shower, and according to a newspaper: “Cricket, base ball, and other games, had their share of admirers.”

West Middlesex Herald, Aug. 16, 1856, p. 8

“Base ball” was one of the games offered to youngsters attending the Annual Festival held in connection with the day and Sunday schools of the district of St. Paul's, Addlestone, in Surrey, along with schools in the neighboring town of Chertsey. A newspaper reported that “on arriving at the rendezvous a profusion of attractive amusements were presented, such as foot ball, trap and base ball, cricket, racing for prizes, etc.”

West Middlesex Herald, Aug. 21, 1858, p. 8

A newspaper reported that “baseball” was played on the grounds of Burstow Hall in the village of Burstow, Surrey on an outing by members of the Horley (Surrey) branch of the Y.W.C.A. “Tea was partaken of in the open at five o'clock, and afterwards, until seven o'clock, the beautiful grounds were inspected and games of cricket, baseball, &c. indulged in”

Surrey Mirror, Aug. 26, 1893, p. 5

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed by fifty boys and girls at the annual treat for students of the Meadrow Sunday School of Godalming, Surrey. A newspaper, in one weighty sentence, reported that: “The children and their teachers assembled at the school at two o'clock, and immediately repaired to an adjacent meadow, where cricket, trap, base-ball, football, drop handkerchief, kiss-in-the-ring, scrambling for sugarplums, and such like innocent and mirth-provoking amusements, were indulged in to the intense delight of the children, their little faces beaming with happiness, and many of the parents enjoying themselves in seeing the pleasures of the juveniles.”

West Surrey Times (Guildford), Aug. 9, 1862, p. 3

Under the heading “Sunday School Field Day,” a newspaper reported that “baseball” was played in the town of Redhill, Surrey: “In connection with the Redhill Primitive Methodist Sunday School a most enjoyable field day was held on Wednesday in a meadow lent by Mr. E. Burgess. Cricket, baseball, swinging, etc., were heartily indulged in by both old and young, and a large company partook of an excellent and well-arranged tea.”

Surrey Mirror, Aug. 9, 1907, p. 5

A “base-ball” captain was one of the officers elected at the annual meeting of Monotype Athletic Club of Salfords, Surrey. A newspaper reported that Mr. W. Denning was recipient of this honor, joined by other individuals who were chosen captains for football, cricket, tennis and cycling respectively.

Given the formality of this election, it is possible the club was playing American-style baseball, notwithstanding that the original English game was still being practiced in Surrey and other southern English counties at the time. The Monotype Athletic Club appears to be have been succeeded long ago by the current Perrywood Sports and Social Club of Salfords.

Surrey Mirror, Dec. 7, 1900, p. 7

“Baseball” was one of the activities enjoyed my members of the Wesleyan Bible and Physical Culture Classes of Farnham, an ancient town in far western Surrey, on a camping experience on the slopes of Hindhead, the hilliest area in Surrey. A newspaper reported that one morning “after breakfast, cricket was indulged in by the campers and other friends from Farnham, and baseball and other games occupied attention during the afternoon.”

Hants and Berks Gazette and Middlesex and Surrey Journal, June 13, 1908, p. 8

“Base ball” was played by holiday makers of every age when members of the Kingston Total Abstinence Society enjoyed a summer outing to St. Ann's Hill in Chertsey, Surrey. After traveling from Kingston in a large char-a-banc, the party arrived at the lovely hilltop park and promptly sat down for a tea. In the words of a writer covering the event: “Whether due to the exhilarating effect of the atmosphere or to the influence of the beverage just partaken of, after tea nearly all of the company from about three score years downwards became suddenly imbued with the taste for base ball and other games, keeping them alive till after 7 o'clock.”

At the time, Kingston-on-Thames was in Surrey; now it is part of greater London. The location of St. Ann's Hill was just five miles west of Walton-on-Thames where Prince Frederick played baseball nearly 150 years earlier.

Surrey Comet, June 18, 1898, p. 3

“Base-ball” was played by carpenters in the employ of the South Eastern Railway Company at their annual holiday held in the village of Shalford just south of Guildford in Surrey. According to a newspaper report, “The party, numbering about ninety, arrived at the railway station at eleven o'clock, and immediately proceeded to the common, where cricket, trap-bat, base-ball, quoits, Aunt Sally—the old lady's first appearance at Shalford, need we add she was warmly received—and other games were carried on with immense vivacity, till dinner was announced. . .”

“Aunt Sally” is a game whereupon players attempt to knock a model of an old lady's head off a platform by throwing sticks at it. A modified version is still played to day in some southern English pubs.

West Surrey Times (Guildford), Oct. 3, 1863, p. 3

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by children attending the annual treat of the St. Martin's Parish Church Sunday School of Dorking, Surrey. A newspaper reported that after sitting down to an “excellent tea,” the children “were amused by various games, including cricket, base ball, scrambling sweets, and pony riding; swing boats were also erected on the grounds.”

Surrey Mirror, Sept. 21, 1889, p. 6

A game of “base ball” was one of the activities enjoyed by members and friends of the Mizpah Gospel Mission of Southsea (Portsmouth), Hampshire on their annual outing to Haslemere, located some 35 miles away in Surrey. A newspaper reported that after arriving by train, “the party, headed by the Mizpah brass band, marched to the Congregational Lecture Hall where refreshments were provided, after which the party dispersed, some going for a stroll, while a large number made their way to the recreation ground, where various games were indulged in, including a football and cricket match, and also a good game of base ball.”

Portsmouth Evening News, August 9, 1905, p. 5

Mention of "base-ball" in a novel by Albert Smith: "...they went over to Bushey (sic) Park, where most of the party from the van had collected. And they were having such games! base-ball, and thread-the-needle, and kiss-in-the-ring, until their laughter might have been heard at Twickenham."

Bushy Park is the second largest of London's Royal Parks, located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames. It was part of Surrey in the 19th century. Twickenham is a nearby town in the same borough.

The Struggles and Adventures of Christopher Tadpole at Home and Abroad, by Albert Smith, London, 1848, Richard Bentley, p. 121

“Base-ball” was one of the pastimes provided for a party of nearly 400 students and teachers of the Mallinson Road Sunday School of Battersea in southwest London as they took their annual excursion to St. George's Hill in Weybridge, Surrey. A newspaper reported that, after reaching their destination, “in the morning a cricket match was played, teachers v. scholars. The children being provided with swings, skipping ropes, base-ball, &c., there were ample means for enjoyment.”

South London Press, July 13, 1889, p. 7

“Base ball” was played by men and women of the Whitehorse-road Cycle Club of Croydon in South London while stopping at Burgh Heath near Banstead in Surrey at the midpoint of a day's ride. A brief newspaper notice mentioned that “on the heath, a game of base ball was taken up and good fun was got out of it.”

Croydon Guardian and Surrey County Gazette, June 16, 1906, p. 8

“Brace-ball” was identified in a county archeological journal article as one of the traditional games played in Sussex on Easter Monday. The author, describing the folklore and customs associated with every holiday and feast day, wrote the following: “(Easter Monday.) Mr. Rolf tells me that skipping takes place on this day as on Good Friday, and this the second 'Long-Line Day' for the women, whilst the fishermen indulge in 'brace-ball' (base-ball).”

The author's parenthetical insertion of the word “base-ball” demonstrates that he intended to indicate that “brace-ball” was the traditional spelling of the game in Sussex.

“Sussex Folk-Lore and Customs Connected with the Seasons,” by Frederick Ernest Sawyer, appearing in “Sussex Archaeological Collections, Relating to the History and Antiquities of the County,” Vol. XXXII, 1883, Lewes, Sussex, p. 242

“Base ball” was among the sports chosen by some newspaper employees of the Brighton Gazette of East Sussex who were participating their annual “wayzgoose,” which is a traditional outing unique to printers. According to a report in their own newspaper, “a party of about twenty took advantages of a trio of conveyances and journeyed to Arundel (West Sussex). It proved a most pleasant drive through beautiful scenery, which was much enjoyed, while a comfortable tea was partaken of at the 'Black Rabbit,' on the Arun bank. Others of the company preferred to play quoits, cricket, bat and trap, or base ball.”

Brighton Gazette, July 26, 1894, p. 6

“Base-ball” was one of the highlights of what a local newspaper described as an”excursion of blanchisseuses,” (which I've learned is the French term for washer women). The paper reported that 46 employees of the Beach Laundry of Eastbourne, an East Sussex seaside resort town, were treated to an outing in the countryside by their employer. Following dinner “came a series of games in the meadow. Tea was provided at 5:30, after which all engaged in base-ball, dancing, nice walks and long walks.”

Eastbourne Gazette, Sept. 17, 1890, p. 8

“Base-ball,” surprisingly, was one of the games played by students attending the Free Church Sabbath Schools of Rogart, a small village in the Scottish Highlands, at their annual summer treat. According to a report in an Inverness newspaper, “After tea, all set off to the glebe, where a most pleasant afternoon was spent in skipping, playing base-ball, running exercises, and other games.”

English baseball so far north is unusual, but still it is unlikely that this was an American-style game.

Inverness Courier, Sept. 25, 1894, p. 5

An indication that “base ball” was played historically against walls in Wales was conveyed in a Gloucestershire newspaper column that related a story about a Methodist Englishman bicycling in Wales on a Sunday who found an otherwise Sabbath-observing Welshman willing to repair his broken bicycle. The columnist went on to write: “The above true anecdote reminds me of a fact that was impressed on my memory last summer that in 'ye olden times' Welshmen were not so straight-laced as regards Sunday observance, as instanced by the fact that churchyards still show that the sacred edifice was used as the wall against which base ball or fives were played; and that in the walls of old fabrics are to be found niches into which a football would be put during divine services, but as soon as the service was over there was generally a rush among the young men for the ball—the game being played in the churchyard.”

Stroud News and Gloucestershire Advertiser, Nov. 29, 1895, p. 4

“Bass ball” was played historically in Ireland if we are to believe the unusual claim made in a speech by the chairman of the YMCA in the city of Waterford, Ireland, to the annual reunion of the Essay and Debating Department of the Y in that city. As reported by a local newspaper, the speaker emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for athletic sports in order to deter youths from “being allured into places where no Christian young man ought to be seen.” He continued, “We must remember that we are a Young Men's Association, and while our forefathers were satisfied with a game of bass-ball, we must suit ourselves to the times by establishing those innocent amusements and keeping them in our own hands which are in many of our homes, such as tennis-court, gymnasium, etc.”

There is no evidence that baseball was played in 19th century Ireland or earlier, as this speaker suggested. It's also not clear what he was saying about baseball, possibly implying it was a children's game and not up to the athletic standards of healthy young men.

Waterford Standard, March 28, 1888, p. 3

The word "base-ball" was mentioned in a poem eulogizing the late Prince Albert Victor, the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, that appeared in a Coventry, West Midlands, newspaper. Entitled "The Death of the Duke," the poem began with these lines: "'The Duke is dead!' So ran the cheerless Tidings round the whole domain---entering Hall and cot, and laying its heavy Burden upon us all. Rude boys---alas! Accustomed to street cries--yet mindless Of the due import of that they told to-day--- Tossed the sad intelligence from each to Each---as though they played at base-ball Mid sunshine..............”

The Duke of Clarence was the eldest son of Albert, Prince of Wales and grandson of Queen Victoria and, as such, second in line to the British throne. He died of influenza at the age of 28 only six days before this poem was published. It is not clear why the author of the poem chose to use a baseball metaphor, and whether he intended it to refer to the English or American version of the game.

Coventry Evening Telegram, Jan. 20, 1892, p. 3

“Base ball” was enjoyed by students of the Newhaven Baptist Sunday School Bible Class of Newhaven, East Sussex, at their annual outing to Victoria Gardens in Burgess Hill, a town in West Sussex that borders on East Sussex. The children traveled by train, and, according to the newspaper article, “upon their arrival at Victoria Gardens games, cricket, base ball, &c., were indulged in, and the large lake came in for its share of their enjoyment.”

Sussex Agricultural Express, July 8th, 1910, p. 6

A “base ball” match was the featured game at an outing of employees of Mr. W. Beuttell, whose gas fitting business was located in the Landport district of Portsmouth, Hampshire. The employees were driven in a “char-a-banc” (sic), an early motorized vehicle, to the coastal village of Bosham in West Sussex. After having their tea in a hotel, “the party adjourned to a spacious meadow opposite, where games were indulged in including a match at base ball between married and single.”

Portsmouth Evening News, July 31, 1899, p. 3

“Base ball” was played at a large gathering of “the teetotallers” held in and near the village of Washington in West Sussex. According to a newspaper report, after attending church they proceeded to the nearby Highden Clump, “where nearly 200 met and enjoyed a dance on the green sward; others amused themselves at cricket and base ball.”

Sussex Agricultural Express, April 18, 1857, p. 5

“Base-ball” was mentioned within a young man's diary entry describing a romantic outing with his future wife. The diarist was an 18-year-old medical student named John Henry Salter, then a resident of Arundel, West Sussex. He wrote: “Aug. 2. A boating party with myself as Captain. After dinner, archery, and cricket, then separation and a stroll. Laura and I found a beautiful sequested (sic) spot, and never did time pass more quickly and delightfully. She vowed she loved me—God knows I do her. She gave me a ring to wear for her sake when absent, and I will wear it too so long as I have a finger. After tea base-ball and bat-and-trap. After a bit the damp came on and it was time to pack up and be off.”

Though born and raised in West Sussex, Dr. Salter spent the last 70 of his 92 years in Essex. He was described as a “medical man, freemason, sportsman, sporting-dog breeder, and horticulturist.” He began keeping diaries at the age of eight and continued doing so without significant interruption until his final days. It is fortunate that they were transcribed and published in 1933, because his original, hand-written manuscripts were destroyed in a World War II bombing raid. Though being an avid cricketer, this entry indicates he was happy to engage in a social game of baseball when in mixed company.

Dr. Salter of Tolleshunt D'Arcy in the County of Essex, entry for Aug. 2, 1859, compiled by J. O. Thompson, London, 1933, John Lane The Bodley Head Ltd., p. 19

“Base ball” was named in a display advertisement as one of the entertainments available to those visiting the Chinese Gardens, a public attraction located in Hurstpierpoint, a village in West Sussex. The ad highlighted a number of amusements for visitors, including boating, fishing, archery, bowls, croquet, skittles, and lawn billiards. Additionally, “Trap, Quoits, Giant's Stride, Base Ball, Boat, Plank and other Swings” were available.”

Surrey Gazette, July 26, p. 1

“Base-ball” was one of the amusements enjoyed at an outing for residents of Woodcote, a neighborhood in Graffham, a village in West Sussex. A newspaper reported that: “The inhabitants of Woodcote and neighbourhood spent yet another very pleasant time at Fairacre on Wednesday last week by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. D. Guillond. Tea was served in the grounds, followed by bowls, base-ball, &c., for which prizes were given.”

Appears to have been traditional English baseball.

West Sussex Gazette (Arundel), July 8, 1915, p. 9

“Baseball” was one of the activities offered at an amusement park in the seaside village of Littlehampton in West Sussex, that a neighbor complained about in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. Under the headline “Fair or Unfair,” the neighbor wrote: “Dear Sir.--A rifle range open, swing boats in full swing, baseball, bowls (tournament at 7:30 p.m., prizes for the highest score), a large tent filled with 'Penny in the slot' machines, a crowd of young people, a miniature fair; this is what I am obliged to look out upon as I sit in my rooms in Empress Maud-road, Liottlehampton, this (Sunday) evening.” The writer went on to protest how the noise of the attraction was disturbing the peace of the otherwise quiet village, and that it was especially scandalous that its hours were not limited and that it was open on Sundays.

Although we cannot know what type of baseball was offered at this fair, it more than likely did not resemble formal American baseball.

West Sussex Gazette (Arundel), June 27, 1912, p. 3

“Base ball” was among the amusements enjoyed by members of the Juvenile Temple of “Try Again” Lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars of Littlehampton, West Sussex, at their annual outing held at the tea gardens in the village of Goring. A newspaper reported that: “After indulging in various amusements, including cricket, base ball, etc., the party partook of tea, and commenced the return journey, a very enjoyable day having been spent.”

Sussex Agricultural Express, June 30, 1894, P. 6

A “base-ball” match between teams made up of men of the 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, was part of a sports day held at the “North Camp,” a locale that may have been in either Sussex or Surrey (see note). The day's program included a series of running and specialty races, and then, according to a newspaper report, “during an interval Messrs. Brewer and Bott game some clever examples of step-dancing. A base-ball match took place between Officers and Sergeants, the teams being composed as follows: Officers.--Captain Crawford, Lieutenants Griffin, David, Crawley-Boevey, Richards, Bazett, and Surgeon-Captain Winter, A.M.S. Sergeants.--Colour-Sergeants Willis, Wayman, Sergeants Plews, Weston, G. Kemp, Eldgridge, and Brewer. The latter team won after a close and exciting game by seven points to five.”

The location of this match is unclear. The article states it took place at the “North Camp,” which research suggests was part of the Aldershot military encampment in Surrey. Yet other indications in the article, including its headline, seem to place the activity in Broadwater, a village near Worthing on the West Sussex coast. It is more likely that the type of baseball being played here was of the original English variety rather than American, given that the score was tallied by points rather than runs, and that the teams were comprised of seven players each. And whether the venue was in Surrey or Sussex, it fell within the traditional territory of English baseball.

Worthing Gazette (West Sussex), July 7, 1897, p. 3

That "baseball" was original to England was mentioned in a somewhat condescending newspaper article discussing the prospects of cricket taking hold in the United States: "Wherever an Englishman has 'put his foot down,' either as an abiding colonist or a temporary resident, there has cricket grown up and flourished. Causes not altogether removed from the domain of politics of the White House have militated against the spread of the game amongst the mixed races of the United States. It has been gravely stated by an influential Yankee journalist that cricket, being the pet diversion of an 'effete British aristocracy,' will never do for America! Baseball (the British original of which may be seen in operation on the nearest and most juvenile playground) is in his opinion the most appropriate game for a go-ahead people"

Huddersfield Chronicle, Aug. 21, 1873

A "game of base ball" was identified in a newspaper account as one of the events competed for at a swimming fete held at the Dewsbury Corporation Baths in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Little more was written about it except to provide the name of the winner (an individual), and to describe it as "a game of base ball in the water."

The precise nature of this "base ball" is far from clear, especially given that the winner was identified as an individual and not a team.

Huddersfield Chronicle, Sept. 15, 1874

“Base-ball” was played at the annual treat for sunday school students of the Wesleyan Chapels of Swindon, Wiltshire. After marching to a nearby park, the children “enjoyed themselves with swinging, cricket, base-ball, and other suitable games.”

Swindon Advertiser and North Wilts Chronicle, Aug. 7, 1897, p. 4