From:World Rugby Museum
Name/TitleRugby Ball, Pre 1823
About this objectThere has always been an air of mystery surrounding this ball. No-one quite knows how old it is and what it was used for. The previous owner believed it dated to the 1820s as it is very similar to a ball depicted in Thomas Webster’s painting ‘Football’ from 1823. Tests by conservators to date the ball have been inconclusive, but it was speculated that the ball was made relatively recently, as 180 year old leather is not normally so soft. Could the ball be a fake? However, the most interesting aspect of the ball is its weight – a hefty 1.8kg! Heavy balls were commonly used in England to play Mob and Folk football, both of which pre-date Rugby and Association football. Perhaps the ball is older than initially thought?
Date MadePre 1823
Medium and MaterialsLeather
Credit LineDonated, 2002
Object TypeBall
Object numberLDWRM:2003/30
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
