Bowling Greens were mentioned by tourists but generally they had very little to say about them. They were found mostly in towns and often in the ruins of castles from the end of the 18th century but a few were constructed at private houses. It is probable that many date to an earlier period: indeed, it was recorded that King Charles 1st played bowls on the green at Raglan Castle in 1645 and/or 1646.
The site of Raglan Castle bowling green from the south-east end. The moat-walk is on the left.
The presence of bowling greens in castles suggests a link with the gentry and nobility who often owned, or had rights over, castles. One tourist recorded observing a game in progress (at Ruthin) and at least two mentioned that the greens were still in use.
1809-1811
Bowling is pretty generally known, but it is not now much practiced, as most of the greens seen by me have been in a very neglected condition.
Hall, Edmund Hyde, 1760s?-1824 (He was in the register of admissions to the Middle Temple in 1788), A Description of Caernarvonshire (1809-1811), University College of North Wales, Bangor, Penrhyn add. ms. 2942; Jones, E Gwynne, (ed.), A Description of Caernarvonshire, Transaction of the Caernarfonshire Historical Society, (1952), pp. 315-318
There were sporadic multiple prosecutions at the Court of Great Sessions and at Welsh assize courts in the early 17th century of those “that keepe not good order” when playing bowls on Sundays, especially at alehouses.
Suggett, Richard, ‘Festivals and social structure in early modern Wales’, Past and Present, No. 152 (August 1996), pp. 90-91
List of Bowling Greens mentioned by tourists to Wales (for details, see below).
It is likely that there were other bowling greens in Wales during the 18th and 19th centuries which were not mentioned by tourists. A brief study of the Welsh Tythe maps yielded a number of place names with the element ‘bowling’ in them, suggesting that there were more than those listed below.
Aberystwyth town
Gogerddan near Aberystwyth
Anglesey
Bangor Penrhyn Arms
Barmouth
Beaumaris Baron Hill
Beaumaris Castle
Brecon Castle
Cardiff Castle
Cardigan Castle
Carmarthen Abergwili
Denbigh Castle
Dolgellau
Edwinsford Carmarthenshire
Gwydir
Holywell
Llanarth, Cardiganshire
Llandrindod Wells
Llangollen
Llanover
Monmouth
Montgomery near the churchyard
Powis Castle Castle
Prestigne
Raglan Castle
Rhyl
Ruthin Castle
Talsarn, Cardiganshire
Tenby Castle
Welshpool Powis castle?
On the English borders
Bishop’s Castle
Ellesmere
Ludlow
Oswestry
Ross on Wye
There were bowling greens at some of the private houses which were rarely visited by tourists, such as Gogerddan, near Aberystwyth.
Many thanks to John Wiles for the entries for Aberystwyth, Gogerddan, Llanarth and Talsarn.
Aberystwyth
1524
Sir Edward Don, visited Aberystwyth to arrange for his daughter’s marriage played at bowls, loosing 4d on one occasion
Griffiths, R.A., ‘Town and Countryside in Cardiganshire Towards the End of the Middle Ages’, Ceredigion, vol 16, no. 1, (2009), p. 34)
Gogerddan Estate
In Genau’r-Glyn, the possessions of Thomas Knolls of Ynyshir, as recorded in 1680, included storehouses at the Garreg, a cottage and bowling green called ysgol vach, alias Ty wooding, (NLW Cwrtmawr 1391). ‘Wooding’, taking in wood, appears in 1613 in a nautical context (OED) and the cottage was presumably connected with the port of Garreg. Ysgol vach could be a nod to Gloucester Hall. The green might be regarded as a meeting place for gentry at the port or creek, as might Cae Bowling on Gogerddan land at Talybont, where the Society for the Mines Royal was working a mine in 1670 and fairs were held on 19 October by the eighteenth-century. This green survives as a distinctive levelled area, perhaps originally some 100m by 40-50m, on which the great Village Show pavilion is pitched each year. Parallel slabs observed in a gas pipe-line trench could have been part of a drain rather than a cist.
Jones, J.E.J., Fairs in Cardiganshire, Transactions of the Cardiganshire Antiquarian Society vol. 7, (1930), p. 107
Wiles, J., Earthwork Sites in Lowland Genau’r-Glyn (Ceredigion), Archaeology in Wales 56, (2016), p. 86
Anon, Archaeology in Wales, 26 (1986), p. 32
1755 Gogerddan
There had been a green at Gloucester Hall, a cottage on the Gogerddan estate but it had fallen out of use by 1755, when it was a meadow.
Two plans by William Coombs of 1765 shows proposals for a square bowling green close to the Gogerddan Mansion.
NLW Maps Gogerddan 078, 80, 121
Palmer, Caroline, et. al., Historic Parks and Gardens in Ceredigion, (2004), pp. 46-47
Anglesey
1635
On Sunday 10th May 1635 [Robert] Bulkeley went ‘To ye towyn at Bowls all the eve’. There are at least 40 Tywyn placenames (a beach, sea shore) on the island. It is very unlikely be his spelling for ‘town’: the largest settlements on the island, Holyhead, (only about 7 miles away by road) and Beaumaris (at least 22 miles away) could hardly be called towns at that date (but there was a fives court and Bowling Green in Beaumaris castle by 1790).
NLW MS 3150B Owen, Hugh, ‘The Diary of Bulkeley of Dronwy, Anglesey, 1630-1636’, Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarian Society and Field Club, (1937), pp. 26-172
Bangor
1789 – 1801, Penrhyn Arms
Immediately below the bowling-green, into which the room opens, the observer has the busy scene of the port.
Bingley, William, North Wales including its Scenery, Antiquities, Customs and Sketches of its Natural History, delineated from two excursions through all the interesting parts of that country during the summers of 1798 and 1801, 2nd edition, 1804
18.9.1800 Penrhyn Arms Inn
to Bangor with Sir George and Lady Beaumont where we dined at a new house, the sign of Lord Penrhyn Arms. View of Beaumaris and Penmaenmawr from a bowling green near the house.
Joseph Farington’s tour of Wales 1800, Garlick, K., Mcintyre, A., (eds.) The Diary of Joseph Farington, vols 1-6, New Haven and London, (1978-1979), Vol. 4, p. 1424-1441
1808 Penrhyn Arms Inn
{View from Penrhyn Arms Inn bowling green}
Anon, (Dixon?) Denbighshire Archives, DD-DM-228-78, p. 75
1810 Penrhyn Arms Inn
Descend to the bowling green attached to a delightful coffee room.
Colt Hoare, Richard, A Tour through Caernarvonshire. Cardiff Public Library, mss. 4.302.2 (folio, part); 4.302.3 (folio, part), 3.127.6 (quarto)
Thompson, M.W., The Journeys of Sir Richard Colt Hoare through Wales and England, 1793-1810, (1983), p. 258
Barmouth
1764 Cors y Geddol
Rectangular earthwork enclosure c20m x 25m with simple entrance to E. Shown on 1764 Estate map as a possible fenced bowling green or garden feature.
1851 Barmouth
There are a billiard room, bowling green and baths
Cathrall, William, Wanderings in North Wales : a road and railway guide-book, …, (1851), p. 207
Beaumaris
There was apparently a bowling green and fives court at Baron Hill near Beaumaris, and a bowling green and tennis court (previously a fives court) within the castle. A bowling green and tennis court was established just outside the castle by 1900.
Baron Hill
1837
the lower lawn which includes a bowling green and a fives court
Beaumaris Bay: the Shores of the Menai, and the Interior of Snowdonia; Scenery Unrivalled in its Comprehensive Variety, the Interesting Objects Which it Includes, and the Sublime Prominence of its Features. (A new edition, Chester, 1832), p. 18
Llwyd, Richard, (the late, Bard of Snowdon), A Trip to Wales or the Steam Packet Companion from Liverpool to Beaumaris, Bangor, Caernarvon and Conway with a description of the Shores of the Menai, the Snowdonian Mountains, Lakes, Valleys, Castles, and Mansions in the Neighbourhood; as well as the Beauties, Curiosities and Antiquities of Cambria., (Chester, Edward Parry, [c. 1837]), p. 18
Beaumaris Castle
1790
Sir Hugh [? Sir Hugh Williams, 8th Baronet (c. 1718–1794)] fixed on a proper place in ye castle for a fifes [fives] Court and Bowling Green.
Ramage, Helen, Portraits of an island : eighteenth century Anglesey, (Anglesey Antiquarian Society and Field Club, 1987); 2nd ed. Llangefni : Anglesey Antiquarian Society 2001, p. 117
1833
Within the inner court are a tennis court and bowling green which are open to the public.
Lewis, Samuel, Topographical Dictionary of Wales, (1833), ‘Beaumaris’
1850
Within the inner court [of Beaumaris castle] are a tennis-court and bowling-green
Cliffe, Charles Frederick, The Book of North Wales, Scenery, Antiquities, Highways and Byeways, Lakes … (1850), p. 102
Cliffe might have derived this information from Samuel Lewis (1833).
Brecon
1752
[Brecon castle] the area of it is spacious, and contains in one part of it a Bowling Green
Andrew, Robert, tour 1752, Northampton Record Office, (Andrew 280)
9.8.1787
bowling green in the castle
Byng, John, (Viscount Torrington), A Tour in South Wales with John Osborn, Monmouth, Swansea, Brecon, Hereford, Cardiff Central Library, MS 3.237; Andrews, C Bruyn, (Editor). The Torrington diaries: Containing the tours through England and Wales of the Hon. John Byng between the years 1781 and 1794, vol 1, p. 308
Cardiff
31.7.1787
Bowling green in the castle ?
Byng, John, (Viscount Torrington), A Tour in South Wales with John Osborn, Monmouth, Swansea, Brecon, Hereford, Cardiff Central Library, MS 3.237
Andrews, C Bruyn, (Editor). The Torrington diaries: Containing the tours through England and Wales of the Hon. John Byng between the years 1781 and 1794, vol 1, p. 281
1807 Cardiff
{The green around the keep was occasionally used for bowling}
Anon, A Tour in Monmouthshire and part of Glamorganshire. By a Gentleman, in July 1806, (Halesworth, 1807), p. 48; (2nd ed: c. 1808)
Cardigan
There was a bowling green in the Castle but very few tourists visited the castle and so far, no references to it by them have been found.
18th November 1713
Ordered then agreed that there shall be so much soadds or Turf put on ye Commons as shall be needful to make a Bowling Green at ye Castle Green of Cardigan, provided Lewis Pryce, Esq., Lord of the Manor Consents thereto.
Transcription of Cardigan Court Leet Records by George Eyre Evans, NLW MS 13493C
Carmarthen
There was a bowling green at Abergwili according to Mary Yorke but she had a good sense of humour and this might have referred to a very bumpy piece of ground.
‘Our garden is a good one; and our Bowling Green useful in supplying hay for the horses.’
Wrest Park papers (Lucas), Bedfordshire County Record Office
Transcriptions of the letters at Gloucester record Office, D2240/box 22
Jones, Anthea, Letters from the Bishop’s wife during the Episcopal visitations of the diocese of St David’s, 1774-1778, Carmarthenshire Antiquary, XXXVIII, (2002), 14-35.
Denbigh
15.6.1795, Denbigh
views from the bowling green
Michell, J.H., The Tour of the Duke of Somerset, and the Rev. J. H. Michell, Through Parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, in the Year 1795. (1845), p. 33
1796 Denbigh
Bowling green in the castle with ‘a most ridiculous room to smoke in and keep their bowls.’
Lady Sykes, University of Hull, DDSY(3)/10/11 (Typed transcript)p. 258
5.8.1796, Denbigh
Bowling green on part of castle with fine views
Anon [Mr M? of Belmont, in or near Hereford], NLW Mss 9352A
4.9.1807 Denbigh
At a good bowling green within the yard some Goth has erected on part of the ancient walks a white miniature fort/font? which in taste resembles the gold wire wig on the virgin Mary placed on the head of an ancient statue.’
Trail, Thomas Stuart, [Sometimes spelt Traill] ‘Notes taken during a Tour of Wales in 1807 by T.S. Traill [sic] in three volumes, Vol I, Liverpool’ National Library of Scotland (NLS) ms 19348, p. 43
1810 Denbigh
See, on stern Denbigh’s towered brow,
The bowler’s smooth and level green
O’erlook, ‘mid ruin-heaps forlorn,
Fair Clwyd’s tranquil vale, one sea of waving corn!
Aikin, Lucy, Epistles on Women, Exemplifying Their Character and Condition in Various ages and Nations with miscellaneous poems, (1810), p. 107
1819, Denbigh Castle
Bowling green mentioned,
Dewing, Lynn, NMW 163682, p. 11
1820, Denbigh
Adjoining [the castle] is a beautiful bowling green.
Jackson. Richard M., Journal of a weekend excursion from Liverpool to North Wales in 1820 Caernarfon Record Office, Gwynedd Archives Service, XM/6319), p. 9
15.9.1828 Denbigh
‘I took Mr and Madame Puzzi to the bowling green’
The Eisteddfod was held on the bowling green in the castle.
Parry, John Orlando, (1810-1879), ‘A Journal of a tour in the Northern part of Wales, made in September, 1828’, NLW minor deposits 293B, 15 September 1828
11.8.1828 Denbigh
Saw view of the Vale of Clwyd from the Bowling Green (of which a Mr Roberts [Rev. Roberts of Bryn Gronw] was a member)
Clark, Charles B., Tour of Wales in August and September, 1828, NLW MS 15002A
1833 Denbigh castle, Denbighshire
Within the walls of the fortress are numerous cottages, which materially diminish the interest commonly excited by these extensive ruins; and on the south-west front of the castle, and on the boundary wall on this side, are an extensive terrace and bowling-green, commanding one of the richest and most interesting views of the fertile Vale of Clwyd …
Lewis, Samuel, Topographical Dictionary of Wales, vol. 1, (1833), ‘Denbigh’
5.9.1837 Denbigh
Within the walls is a well arranged bowling green from whence the views of Clwyd vale are splendid in the extreme.
Turner, Thomas, Narrative of a Journey associated with a Fly, from Gloucester to Aberystwith and from Aberystwith through North Wales, July 31 st to September 8th 1837, (London, 1840), p. 174
1843
Denbigh castle … On the south west front of the castle there is an extensive terrace and a splendid bowling green, which is most enchantingly situated, commanding one of the most delightful views of “Dyffryn Clodfawr Clwyd,”
Parry, Edward, (1798-1854), Cambrian Mirror …(1843), pp. 34-35
1851 Denbigh Castle
within the walls of the Castle are numerous cottages, and boundary wall adjacent, are an extensive terrace and bowling-green, commanding one of the richest and most delightful views of the fertile Vale of Clwyd
Cathrall, William, Wanderings in North Wales : a road and railway guide-book, …, (1851), p. 207
Dolgellau
c. 1598
Edward ap Dafydd, a servant of Hugh Nanney, was murdered by two gentlemen, one a JP, whilst playing bowls on the Marian at Dolgellau
A green adjoining the Marian, enclosed by a channel resembling a moat, is shown on eighteenth-century estate maps.
Edwards, I.O., A Catalogue of Star Chamber Proceedings Relating to Wales, Board of Celtic Studies, University of Wales History and Law Series, No. 1, University Press Board, Cardiff, (1929), p. 91
Cadw, Dolgellau: Understanding Urban Character, Cadw, Cardiff, (2009), figs 3-4)
late 1770s
A bowling green near the town, on the flat upon the bank of the river westward.
Jackson, John, (1742-1792), Letters from and relating to North Wales now first published from originals and transcript copies written at different periods, comprising a series of observations and incidents introductory to a general history of the Principality at large, with a treatise on the origin of hills and the formation of Strata by J Jackson with sketches by the late W Parry, Esq., Cardiff Central Library, MS 4.1163, letter 22
Anon, Journal of the Merionethshire Historical and Record Society, vol. 6, (1972), p. 357
1798 Dolgellau
The view from its bowling green is peculiarly grand
Skrine, Henry, Two successive tours throughout the whole of Wales … 1812 (2nd edition), Chapter IV
1810 Dolgellau
{mention of Bowling green}
Bruce, William Joseph, A Peregrination through part of the Counties of Somerset, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire with a portion of South Wales and a tour round north Wales as performed in the Autumn of the Year 1810, NLW, mss. 19405 C, p. 149
29.9.1819, Dolgellau
We obtained admission to the bowling green whence the surrounding heights appear to great advantage. This is an enclosed spot on all sides and is kept in excellent order.
Mr and Mrs Woolrych, ‘Journal of a Tour performed during the summer of 1819’, NLW, 16630B, pp. 141-142
1825, Dolgellau
The prospects [of the town] from the Bowling Green are singularly fine.
Anon, The Cambrian tourist guide and companion, containing a concise account and description of North Wales [c. 1825] p. 8
Identical text in: Cathrall, William, Wanderings in North Wales : a road and railway guide-book, … (1851), p. 209
Edwinsford, Carmarthenshire
1773
Noticed some plants on the side of the bowling green at Mr Hodgkinsons, Edwinsford, Carmarthenshire, July 11, 1773
Dr John Lightfoot’s tour of Wales, 1773, Riddelsdell, ‘Journal of a botanical excursion to Wales’, Journal of Botany, vol. 43, (1905), p. 301
Gwydir (near Llanrwst)
1799, Gwydir, Llanrwst
Noble fir trees in adjoining lawn, … bowling green half way up under majestic rock sprinkled with shrub and verdure. … Gwydir introduced a taste for elegance and improvements of which Llanrwst exhibits traces that are not often to be met with in this part of north Wales.
Williams, Edward (Iolo Morganwg), Iolo Morganwg papers E5/18, formerly ‘IAW 144’, Elizabeth Williams, ‘Iolo Morganwg in Denbighshire: Extracts from his Itinerary in 1799’, Denbighshire Historical Society Transactions, vol. 16 (1967), p. 98
1821
Went to see the poor remains of Gwydir, once a noble mansion and wanted to see the bowling green but couldn’t find it.
Yonge /Younge? Plymouth and West Devon Record Office 308/41/2, volume 2, p. 38
1861 (pre)
The grounds [of Gwydir] wind up the hill-side, in delicious walks between nut and fir trees. At the top are the ruins of an old chapel, and a trimly-kept bowling-green stands as it did when gay cavaliers, all tags and ribbons, played here many a match.
Wynter, Andrew, Our Social Bees; or, Pictures of Town and Country Life and other papers, (1861), p. 366
Holywell
1796
Bowling green (no longer used?)
Pennant, Thomas, History of the Parishes of Whiteford and Holywell, 1796, p. 244
10.6.1817, Greenfield / Holywell
Walked to the bowling green
Scrope, Frances,? (1794-1858), ‘Journal of an excursion into North Wales, 1817’, North Yorkshire Record Office, ZPY5/18/5/3p. 10
Llanarth, Cardiganshire
1814-1816
A survey of shows a Park a Bowling nearby the site where four annual fairs were being held in 1752
Ceredigion Archive ADX/176
Jones, J.E.J., Fairs in Cardiganshire, Trans Cardiganshire Antiquarian Society vol. 7, (1930), p. 107
Llandrindod Wells
1760
There is a public house just by the church of Llandrindod not far from the wells, fit to entertain the best sort of company, a ball room for the ladies, with a bowling green, billiard tables, etc.,
Letter, Lewis Morris to the Secretary of the Cymmrodorion Society, 13 August, 1760, The Morris Letters, vol. 2, (Oxford, 1909), p. 237
Llangollen
1887 (about)
Ponsonby Arms, Llangollen, Allen’s Bowling Green and Picnic gardens
Advert in Darlington’s Penny Guides, Llangollen and Corwen : (Llangollen : Ralph Darlington ca. 1887 Oswestry and Wrexham, Woodall, Minshall, and Co.), [p. 13]
Llanover
1877
We had luncheon in a sort of wooden house close by there targets for archery & other things are kept, archery is practised on the bowling green.
Allen, Rachel, Pembrokeshire RO, MS HDX/132/2, Oct 9th – Oct 12th 1877
Monmouth
Part of the Bowling green at the Kymin, Monmouth with the tower in the centre background.
There was a bowling green in what is now known as The Nelson Garden in the town of Monmouth by 1718. There was another at the Kymin, a Georgian banqueting house and Naval Temple on a hill top overlooking Monmouth.
1781
the company of all the neighbourhood meet [at Vauxhall fields] every Thursday at 5 o’clock; and dance till 9 o’clock, upon two bowling greens, from which the views are delightful.
Byng, John, (Viscount Torrington),
27.7.1787
Mentions a bowling green.
Byng, John, (Viscount Torrington), A Tour in South Wales with John Osborn, Monmouth, Swansea, Brecon, Hereford, Cardiff Central Library, MS 3.237
Andrews, C Bruyn, (Editor). The Torrington diaries: Containing the tours through England and Wales of the Hon. John Byng between the years 1781 and 1794, vol 1, p. 267
Montgomery
1784, Montgomery
Bowling green in the castle
Byng, John, (Viscount Torrington), A Tour to North Wales, 1784, Cardiff Central Library, MS 3.235, p. 136
24.7.1791 Montgomery
Close to the churchyard there is a neat bowling green given to the Gentlemen of the town by Lord Powys where they meet daily in the summer season.
B., A., ‘Sketch of a short tour into north Wales in July 1791, by AB and WD’, NLW MS 24019B, p. 75
4.9.1804, Montgomery
Bowling green below the churchyard
Winnington, Elisabeth, ‘Tour into North Wales September 1804’, National Museum and Art Gallery, Cardiff, 147085/913(42.9)W73.
Powis Castle, Welshpool
1629
Humfrey Bleaze’s map shows a ‘bowling place’, overlooked by Ladies’ Mount, in the New Park of Powis Castle
NLW Powis Castle M257
Silvester R.J., ‘Humfrey Bleaze’s Map of Welshpool and Powis Castle, 1629’, Montgomeryshire Collections 96, (2008), pp. 1-14.
1771
Plan of Powis castle, gallery and Pleasure Grounds showing the old Bowling Green.
Pritchard, Thomas Farnolls, A Survey plan of Powis Castle and Gardens, 1771
Harden, Bettina, The Most Glorious Prospect, Garden Visiting in Wales, 1639-1900 (2017), p. 70
1841
25.8.1841
In evening went to the Bowling Green [?at Powis Castle or in Wellshpool] a very pretty place and from which there is a lovely view of the country around.
Spurrett, Eliza, Journal of a Tour in North Wales, 1825, The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland, 7D542/3
Prestigne
1805
Presteigne, 17 miles from Penybont, was in the fine Vale of Lugg. The town seems to be large, and we are comfortably sitting in a good Inn, the Radnor Arms, where we found half a dozen Gentlemen playing at Bowls which seems to be much the fashion of the Country.
Hon. Anne Rushout in Bright, G.A., A Tour in Central Wales in 1805, Radnorshire Society Transactions, xxviii, 1958, 7-10
Raglan
Raglan castle
The Bowling Green was probably created by the 4th earl of Worcester (Edward Somerset, Earl Marshal, c. 1550 – 1628) when the moat walk, below it, was created.
The owners of the Castle supported King Charles 1st against Parliament during the Civil War. He stayed at the castle in June 1645 and again in 1646 when he played bowls there.
Tribe, Anna, Raglan Castle and The Civil War, (2002), pp. 6-7
The site of Raglan Castle bowling green from the north-west end showing a reconstruction of an early grass-cutting machine
1645
King Charles 1st played on the green below the walls of Raglan Castle.
Whittle, E.H., ‘The Renaissance Gardens of Raglan Castle’, Garden History, vol. 1, (1989), pp. 85, 87
[1674]
The Bowling Green: Two hundred and sixty feet long, and seventy-seven broad: much admired by his late Majesty (King Charles the First) for its situation Westward, now towards Abergavenny, and the meadows towards Chepstow was a most charming prospect.
This account, (first printed by me in 1792), written soon after the castle was destroyed, was found among a collection of papers belonging to a gentleman in the County of Monmouth, and given to me by the Rev. Mr Jones, of Pisthill, Vicar of Wonastow and Lansanfraed [J.P.] Heath, Charles, Historical and Descriptive accounts of the ancient and present state of Ragland Castle, (1797), pp. 1, 5
A manuscript copy of this description in the Thomas and David Pennant Manuscripts, (NLW MS 2539C) dates this to 1674
1797
About 40 years ago [about 1767] this green was planted with apple trees as were many other places about the castle which were overgrown with bushes {by Mr Evans, and they are now mature}. In the Civil war, when this castle was converted into a Garrison, this bowling green was turned into a bastion,
The following is from the Notes and Observations of Mr Tregoze:
THE BOWLING GREEN. This lies at the south-west corner of the Great Terrace on the south front of the Castle. It is called by some people the bowling green, but the appellation is very erroneous.
Heath, Charles, Historical and Descriptive accounts of the ancient and present state of Ragland Castle, (1797), p. 9 and subsequent editions.
1800
There is an elm tree on the bowling green, where the King amused himself frequently
Wigstead, H., Remarks on a Tour to North and South Wales in the year 1797, with [22 coloured] plates from Rowlandson, Edward Pugh, Howitt etc (aquatinted by I Hill [Actually John Hill]), (London, 1800), p. 67
1804
What is called the bowling green, now an orchard, was turned into a bastion prior to the [Civil War] siege, as plainly appears by the remains of the parapet wall.
Evans, John, B.A., 1768-1812 (Jesus College, Oxford), Letters written during a tour through South Wales, in the year 1803, and at other times : containing views of the history, antiquities, and customs of that part of the principality; and interspersed with observations on its scenery, agriculture, botany, mineralogy, trade and manufactures. (C. & R. Baldwin, London, 1804), pp. 381-393
1806
The bowling-green is a resort for parties to spend the day at Ragland, and a table is spread under a huge yew-tree for their accommodation.
Spence, Elizabeth, (1768-1832), Summer Excursions through Parts of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Herefordshire, Derbyshire and South Wales, (1809), Letter 6, pp. 36-43
1810
there is yet an elm tree, 28 feet in circumference, on the bowling green – where Charles 1st frequently amused himself.
Bruce, William Joseph, A Peregrination through part of the Counties of Somerset, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire with a portion of South Wales and a tour round north Wales as performed in the Autumn of the Year 1810, NLW ms 19405C, p. 54
1822
At one extremity on the green, which, I believe is called the bowling green stands a most magnificent elm still splendid even in decay.
Anon, Journal of a tour through parts of Monmouthshire, Glamorgan and Breconshire, in the summer of 1822, NLW ex 2962 (i), f. 9
[The Elm tree fell during a storm on the 5th December, 1822
Heath, Charles, Historical and Descriptive accounts of the ancient and present state of Ragland Castle with a variety of other particulars deserving the stranger’s notice relating to that much admired ruin and its neighbourhood. Collected from original papers and unquestionable authorities. 8th edition, (1823)]
1877
archery is practiced on the bowling green.
Allen, Rachel, Diary, Pembrokeshire RO, MS HDX/132/2
Rhyl
1831, Rhyl
In 1831 hot and cold baths were formed, to which are attached billiard and news-rooms, and a spacious bowling green.
Bingley, W., Rev, Excursions in North Wales including Aberystwith and the Devil’s Bridge, intended as a guide to Tourists by the late Rev W Bingley. Third edition with corrections and additions made during Excursions in the year 1838 by his son W.R. Bingley B.A. of Trinity College, Oxford, with a … map by J. and C. Walker. London, 1839,
Ruthin
1797, Ruthin castle
bowling green
Vernon, Thomas Shrawley, Denbighshire Archives, NTD.1240 (copy of an original in Warwickshire Record Office CR2886), p. 12
22.7.1797, Ruthin castle
Walked after tea to see the ruins of the Castle, and the Bowling Green, beautifully situated on part of the ground where the Castle stood.
Twinning, Thomas, A Holiday Tour in England and Wales. in ‘The recreations and studies of a country clergyman of the 18th century’ (1887), p. 203
1798 Ruthin
Ruthin castle {history} – the inside is made for a Bowling Green … and found half a dozen gentlemen playing bowls
C.J. Harford, UCNW ms 35, p. 20
23.8.1799 Ruthin
[The Castle] converted to the peaceful purpose of a bowling green.
Green, Thomas, Diary of a Lover of Literature (1810), p. 157
21.8.1800 Ruthin
Bowling green and tennis court in Ruthin castle
Trevenen, John Rev [Probably] (Rector of Creed, Cornwall, 1817-1829) (1781-1829)
Journal of a Walk Through Wales in the Autumn of 1800, NLW facs 501 (photocopy), p. 22
12.8.1808 Ruthin
Bowling green in the ruins of Ruthin Castle
Anon, (Dixon?) Denbighshire Archives, DD-DM-228-78, p. 107
2.7.1813 Ruthin castle
Parke, T.J., and Parke, B., Journal of Tour of North Wales 1813, Northumberland Record Office ZRI/31/2/7, p. 10
1815, Monday 14th August
Visit the ruins of Ruthin Castle, … one of the courts turned into a bowling green.
Irving, Washington, Tour of Wales, 1815, The Journals of Washington Irving, Volume 1, edited by William Trent and George Hellman, (The Bibliophile Society, Boston, 1919), p. 18
1820, Ruthin castle
‘Here is a beautiful bowling green’ [in the castle]
Jackson. Richard M., Journal of a weekend excursion from Liverpool to North Wales in 1820 Caernarfon Record Office, Gwynedd Archives Service, XM/6319), p. 10
Talsarn, Cardiganshire
Caebowling was a 1¾ acre (0.7ha) field adjoining the common (Trefilan 1841).
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
1808, Tenby
The Watering and Sea Bathing Places, 1808, pp. 408-415
Welshpool
31.7.1844, Welshpool
Bowling green and Powis Castle park visited three years ago
Dewing, Lynn, NMW 163343, [p. 16]
ON THE ENGLISH BORDERS
Bishop’s castle
2.7.1784 Bishop’s castle
[bowling green in castle]
Byng, John, (Viscount Torrington), A Tour to North Wales, 1784, Cardiff Central Library, MS 3.235, p. 134
1799, Bishop’s Castle
Richard Colt Hoare, Tour in the Marches and North Wales in Thompson, M.W., The Journeys of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, 1983, pp. 104-116
Ellesmere
1773, Ellesmere
Giffard, Elizabeth, (of Nerquis Hall)
Flintshire Record Office D/NH/1076, p. 2
28.9.1786 Ellesmere. Went up to the bowling green situated on an eminence.
Hervey, William, (General William Hervey, fourth son of John, Lord Hervey) Journals, mainly of tours in Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland 1767-1770, 33 vols. Suffolk Record Office, Bury St Edmunds Branch, 941/53/5-9
Digitised version of Hervey’s notebooks, Journals of the Hon William Hervey, condensed and with notes by S.A.H. Hervey published in 1906. http://www.archive.org/stream/journalsofhonwil00inherv/journalsofhonwil00inherv_djvu.txt
1788 Ellesmere
Bowling Green visible from Oteley Park
Butler, Eleanor, Journal, 13.7.1788 (Sunday), Hamwood, Bell, The Hamwood Papers of The Ladies of Llangollen and Caroline Hamilton (1930), p. 113
5.9.1809 Ellesmere
Walked up to the bowling green, from whence the Wrekin may be seen.
Hervey, William, (General William Hervey, fourth son of John, Lord Hervey) Journals, mainly of tours in Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland 1767-1770, 33 vols., Suffolk Record Office, Bury St Edmunds Branch, 941/53/5-9
Digitised version of Hervey’s notebooks, Journals of the Hon William Hervey, condensed and with notes by S.A.H. Hervey published in 1906.
http://www.archive.org/stream/journalsofhonwil00inherv/journalsofhonwil00inherv_djvu.txt
15.8.1812, Ellesmere
Bowling green at Ellesmere
Gray, Jonathan, North Yorkshire Record Office, ZGY, Letter J52b, Denbigh 17.8.1812
1833 Ellesmere
bowling green in the castle
Sinclair, Catherine, (1800-1864), Hill and Valley, or Hours in England and Wales 1833, (1st edition, New York), 1838, p. 75; 2nd Edition, (Edinburgh, 1839), p. 92
Oswestry
1785, Oswestry
18.7.1785
Inn called The Bowling Green
Panton, Paul, Itineraries, 1784-1795, NLW Add. MS 66 A
1787, Oswestry
[we] dined with at the Bowling Green, an excellent inn
Mrs Elinor Goddard: Journal, 1782-1788, NLW Ms 22995B, ff. 83.
1788, Oswestry
Sat in Mrs Barrett’s bedroom ‘beholding an amazing number of Oswestry masters and misses parading on the bowling green in all manner of dresses and with all manner of gaites.
Butler, Eleanor, Journal, 13.7.1788 (Sunday), Hamwood, Bell, The Hamwood Papers of The Ladies of Llangollen and Caroline Hamilton (1930), p. 113
24.1.1791 Oswestry
‘Bowling Green, Oswestry’
Davies, Walter, notebook, ms 1712 on a line in the inside front cover of a notebook, where the other notes are in Welsh.
17.8.1796 Oswestry
Bowling Green Inn
Anon [Mr M? of Belmont, in or near Hereford], NLW Mss 9352A
12.9.1804 Oswestry.
Cross Foxes inn with a bowling green just behind it.
Winnington, Elisabeth, ‘Tour into North Wales September 1804’, National Museum and Art Gallery, Cardiff, 147085/913(42.9)W73
20.7.1822 Oswestry
Oswestry pretty inn nice garden and bowling green
Brinkley, Sarah, Denbighshire Record Office DD/PR/133
25.7.1867 Oswestry
Wynstay Arms, an old-fashioned inn, with a bowling-green.
Sargent, Henry Winthrop, Skeleton Tours through England, Ireland, and Scotland [and Wales] (New York, 1871), p. 69
Ludlow
1776 Ludlow
Ludlow Castle ‘an excellent bowling green in it’
Anon, (A Liverpool merchant), Tour in the Summer 1776, through Wales, NLW MS2862A, f. 13v
Early Tourists in Wales 