FORGET Wimbledon, the real history of British tennis lies at the world’s oldest tennis court in Scotland.
Some 483 mile drive north of the home of Wimbledon sits the 483-year-old venue that only plays a sport coined “real tennis”.
The court is completely different from what you would expect[/caption]
Players play on a paved surface surrounded by four walls[/caption]
The Falkland Palace Royal Tennis Club in Fife is home to the world’s oldest tennis court, built in 1539 under the command of King James V of Scotland.
The incredible course doesn’t even nearly look how you would think it would.
Swap out the pristinely cut grass and perfect white lines for a paved floor and four walls surrounding the entire court.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the court was used for a different sport altogether, and truthfully it is.
The historic club’s 50 members play a 500-year-old version of tennis named “real tennis” or “royal tennis“.
The unusual sport is thought to be the origin of what we are used to now and is played within the confines of four walls.
While it uses intricate wall and floor markings for scorekeeping in a completely different system to today’s tennis.
Speaking to the Daily Record, club member Kevin Gilbert explained how it differentiates from the popular game of today.
The unusual venue has been around for almost 500 years[/caption]
Markings on the floor show how players of ‘real tennis’ can earn extra points[/caption]
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He said: “It’s played quite differently to lawn tennis, which originated in the 19th century.
“The game involves hitting the ball off a penthouse roof, and you’re allowed to hit it onto the walls and there are other quirks of the game that can win you points.”
There’s thought to be only 50 “real tennis” courts remaining worldwide with around half of them dotted up and down the UK.
Remarkably, anyone wanting to play on the historic course at Falkland Palace only has to pay £10 to get out on the court.
However there is one very large caveat to that tiny price – you have to know the rules of “real tennis” with no “absolute beginners” allowed.
The court is now looked after by the National Trust of Scotland but it’s the tennis club who are tasked with keeping a 500-year-old tradition going.
Gilbert added: “We get visitors from all over the world who visit us, and sometimes write or email us asking if they can have a game on the court and we always include them.
“We’re trying to keep alive the tradition of many centuries of play.”
Players can join in on the facilities for just £10[/caption]
