King James’s Sports was the first historical games event of its kind ever held in Britain.
The programme featured a variety of games and sports that have their origins in the Tudor and Stuart period, with a mixture of sports played in period style, modern cross-Border sporting contests and fun activities for everyone to join in.
Over 50 contestants took part in an archery contest organised by the Durham and Northumberland Archery Association, and the public were invited to “have a go” with the Whitby Company of Archers.
Members of the British Federation for Historical Swordplay staged demonstrations of swordplay and other European martial arts of the period.
Contestants including former World and British Champions travelled from all over northern England and southern Scotland for a Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling competition.
144 players from 18 clubs took part in the first ever England/Scotland Bowling Competition hosted by the Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal Bowling Clubs and the Pilot Inn in The Greenses organised a traditional quoits contest beside the Bell Tower.
Throughout the weekend, historical interpreters “Heuristics” provided a variety of games and activities for families and players of all ages.
On the Sunday, the games were interrupted by a group of “Puritans” who were objecting to the playing of games on the Sabbath.
