The world’s oldest surviving football, found behind the panelling of the Queen’s Chamber in Scotland’s Stirling Castle, dates back to the year 1540. Half the size of a modern football, it was made from cow hide; a pig’s bladder was used to inflate the ball.
Mary Queen of Scots was there at this time and later in life was known to have an interest in all sports but especially golf and football. She recorded a game of football in her diaries while at Carlisle Castle. The ball could have been used in the courtyards within the castle or taken to the royal gardens below the walls.
There is much speculation on how the ball got stuck between the rafters in the Queen’s bedroom.
It is now held by the Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling.
Picture Credit : Google
