Polo In Britain

Ever since British soldiers returning from India in the mid-nineteenth century introduced their homeland to a fast-paced ball game on horseback, polo has remained the quintessential British sport. Although its origins lie in Asia, British pioneers are credited with both modernizing the game and spurring its spread worldwide. This volume chronicles the history of polo in the British Isles from its beginnings in the 1860s through the summer of 2011. It recounts the development of polo clubs, including the rise and fall of once mighty citadels of the game; describes the major competitions and many of the lesser tournaments in England and Ireland; and gives particular attention to international contests. Biographical sketches of top players, from early innovators to current superstars, and reflections on current issues affecting the game, including the rise of commercialism and the decrease of civility and sportsmanship, complete this vivid panorama of British polo.

The author reminds us all of the huge part that British capital, British people and British technology played in transforming Argentina into a modern 20th century economy. He also analyses the reasons for Argentina's loss of momentum in the post-war world.Much of the history has been forgotten and/or misjudged. That does not make it any less important. In fact, it deserves to be recognised as there are lessons that could be learned from the “golden decade” of development. Those who have an interest in history and development, especially in Argentina, including academics, journalists, historians, and economists will all find this economic and social history of interest.

Has appendices.

The book describes the history of a humble family that migrated from England to Ireland in the mid 17th c and put down roots at Kilconnor in County Carlow. By the end of the century many members of the family had joined the Society of Friends and concurrently the family had elevated its social and economic status as it enjoined with the landed gentry. During the late 17th c and 18th c family members left County Carlow and established themselves in other places in Ireland, including Counties Wexford, Tipperary, Dublin, Kildare, Laois and Offaly and later again in England Australia and New Zealand. Diversification in occupation followed, members entering the legal, military, banking and medical professions. Others stayed with the land and were caught up with a fascination for horses, fox hunting, polo and racing in Ireland, England and Australia some members acquiring formidable reputations up to the present day. Family members have, for example, contributed to the growth of theatre and prison reform for juveniles in England, the early banking system in Ireland, the growth of the dairy farming in Victoria, Australia, the fostering of pride and interest in exotic gardens in Ireland, the invention of revolutionary instruments for detecting submarines and the invention of the “backhand stoke” in the sport of polo. To this day the family continues to produce exceptional people whose achievements are memorable. John Watson, now living at Ballybolger in County Carlow, is one such example having represented Ireland recently at Olympic equestrian events.

Sport, in its many forms, is an important part of British heritage and our family histories are littered with amateur and professional sporting references. As people moved from country to town, sport became fashionable and organised, and our ancestors left us with records of their sporting deeds. Newspaper reports, minute books, club histories, team photographs and even cartoons are all available to the family historian. Discover which sports were played when, where and why. Read example case studies, find out how to begin your own research and learn what resources are available to help you progress. From Victorian prizefighters to Edwardian ladies' archery, from inter-war football teams to the shin-kicking contests of the Cotswold Olimpicks – Sporting Ancestors is the essential guide for those wanting to explore what part sport has played in their national and family history.

The 1900 Olympic Games have been termed “The Farcical Games.” The events were poorly organized and years later many of the competitors had no idea that they had actually competed in the Olympics. They only knew that they had competed in an international sporting event in Paris in 1900. No official records of the 1900 Olympics exist. Based primarily on 1900 sources, the sites, dates, events, competitors, and nations as well as the event results are compiled herein for all of the 1900 Olympic events, including archery, track and field, cricket, equestrian, fencing, soccer, pelota basque, water polo, and rowing, among other sports.