43 - The History of Tennis

Have you been enjoying watching tennis this summer, like Wimbledon or the US Open? Have you ever thought about how tennis was played centuries ago? Then this episode of the Alnwick Castle Podcast is for you! Host Deborah spoke to award-winning researcher Selene, who has been thoroughly exploring the game of "real tennis" in the early modern period and how it relates to ideas of masculinity at the time. 

What does this have to do with Alnwick Castle? Through podcast favourite Henry Percy, the Wizard Earl of Northumberland, who was a keen tennis player and a big fan of the sport! Selene goes into detail about his plans for a tennis court at Syon House as well as other connections he had.

You will also hear about the different ways tennis was played and perceived in the 1500s and 1600s, the records and sources used to find out about it, and more of the famous players like Henry VIII, James VII & II and Mary, Queen of Scots.

CONTENT NOTE: From 25:00 - 28:00 there is discussion of an early modern play which features sexual innuendo and language about tennis.

We hope you enjoy the episode. If there's anything you'd like to know about Alnwick Castle, please let us know and we'll answer your questions on our upcoming 50th episode! You can email us on podcast@alnwickcastle.com .