Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
If you would like to write a summary for this topic, email phil [at] gyford [dot] com
A game that be so well known amongst hoi polloi but it being the enjoyment of the lessors there be little rit until there was money to be made, ie watching grown men chasing bladder full of [hot ] aire.
more info here:
http://expertfootball.com/history/soccer_history_mob_football.php
The sport of footeball has caused many conniptions for the lauded ones.
from the OED:
1583 STUBBES Anat. Abus. I. (1879) 137 Some spend the Sabaoth day..in..*foot-ball playing, and such other deuilish pastimes.
1589 COGAN Haven Health i (1612) 2 Some are vehement, as dauncing, leaping, *foote ball play.
1653 WALTON Angler i. 35 Where, for some sturdy *foot-ball Swain, Jone strokes a Sillibub or twaine.
In order to play one went to the butcher and you got a bladder.
Pigs bladder [also spelt blather???]
1607 TOPSELL Four-f. Beasts 546 The bladder of a wilde Boar..The blather of a Goat.