Unlike in other places, where people feast on pancakes or hearty meals as a final act of indulgence before the 40-day fasting period of Lent, the market town of Atherstone in Warwickshire has a different tradition during Shrove Tuesday
For one day a year, the town becomes the stage for one of England's oldest and most physical sporting traditions: theAtherstone Ball Game.
On 17 February, residents of Warwickshire gathered at the market town of Atherstone to participate in the 826th edition of this historic clash. This year, two winners were crowned following a brutal opening.
But what exactly is this centuries-old event, and why is it frequently described as England's most brutal form of football? Here is everything you need to know about the game that turns a quiet market town into a medieval battlefield.
TheAtherstone Ball Gameis a century-old tradition that dates back more than 800 years. Its origins are linked to a medieval contest in 1199 between Warwickshire and Leicestershire.
Since then, the tradition continued and happens annually on Shrove Tuesday. The Atherstone Ball Game remains one of the few surviving examples ofhistoric mob football in England.
A specially made leather ball is decorated and prepared for the occasion each year, and a respected local figure is chosen to throw the ball into the crowd to officially begin the game.
The game takes place along Long Street, which is closed to traffic as shops and businesses board up their windows in advance because they know what's coming.
Players took part in the 826th Atherstone Ball Game. Locals battled for two hours for possession of the leather ball with the winner being the person holding it when the klaxon is sounded. The game honours a match played between Leicestershire and Warwickshire in 1199. Photos: PApic.twitter.com/LvcsBRww0U
Despite the chaos, the game is regarded locally as a cherished tradition as families, victors, and residents line the streets to witness the spectacle each year.
Source: International Business Times UK
