Sport for girls? "Croquet"
Till the last part of the nineteenth century, sports and vigorous exercise for girls was not a part of their education. Dorothea Beale, principal of Cheltenham Ladies College from 1858 to 1906, reported to the schools Enquiry Commission in 1864:
" ‘The vigorous exercise which boys get from cricket, etc., must be supplied in the case of girls by walking and … skipping.’ "
By the 1890s, school began acquiring playgrounds and allowing girls to play some of the games earlier considered male preserves. But the competition was still discouraged.
Dorothea Beale told the school council in 1893-1894:
"‘I am most anxious that girls should not over-exert themselves, or become absorbed in athletic rivalries, and therefore we do not play against the other schools. I think it is better for girls to learn to take an interest in botany, geology etc., and not make country excursions.’"
Croquet (not cricket) for women.
Sports for women was not designed as vigorous, competitive exercise. Croquet was a slow-paced, elegant game considered suitable for women, especially of the upper class. The players’ flowing gowns, frills and hats show the character of women’s sports.
" ‘The vigorous exercise which boys get from cricket, etc., must be supplied in the case of girls by walking and … skipping.’ "
By the 1890s, school began acquiring playgrounds and allowing girls to play some of the games earlier considered male preserves. But the competition was still discouraged.
Dorothea Beale told the school council in 1893-1894:
"‘I am most anxious that girls should not over-exert themselves, or become absorbed in athletic rivalries, and therefore we do not play against the other schools. I think it is better for girls to learn to take an interest in botany, geology etc., and not make country excursions.’"
Croquet (not cricket) for women.
Sports for women was not designed as vigorous, competitive exercise. Croquet was a slow-paced, elegant game considered suitable for women, especially of the upper class. The players’ flowing gowns, frills and hats show the character of women’s sports.
