A history of and my first go at MEDIEVAL TENNIS

Thanks to Audible for sponsoring this video. New Audible members get a 30-day free trial. Visit audible.com/lindybeige or text "lindybeige" to 500 500 to try Audible today.
Tennis is a very old sport, going back at least to the 1200s. Here I try my hand at it for the very first (but not last) time, and talk about the history of it a bit.
Many thanks to Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club (www.jdrtc.co.uk) where this was shot.
Editing this took a LONG time. We had three cameras recording at the same time, and synching the footage up took an age. The sound consisted mainly of echoing footsteps and ball bounces, and the fact that the main microphone kept glitching did not help (you will notice some of the patches to the sound using other mics, but most I made fairly smooth).
Court map by Atethnekos at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Anne Boleyn picture by English school - thetudortravelguide.com/2019/..., Public Domain, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
Support me on Patreon: / lindybeige
Buy the music - the music played at the end of my videos is now available here: lindybeige.bandcamp.com/track...
Buy tat (merch):
outloudmerch.com/collections/...
More videos here:
All Lindybeige: • All Lindybeige
Lindybeige: a channel of archaeology, ancient and medieval warfare, rants, swing dance, travelogues, evolution, and whatever else occurs to me to make.
▼ Follow me...
Twitter: / lindybeige I may have some drivel to contribute to the Twittersphere, plus you get notice of uploads.
Facebook: / lindybeige
My website:
www.LloydianAspects.co.uk
Channel page:
/ lindybeige

[@lightningvini]

I love how he casually breaks into incredible acting, then goes back to monologue, then cuts to the ad Jingle, you're a legend Lloyd

[@carlislenightingale8853]

I want to see a play in a theatre where lindy plays some role in Shakespeare

[@jakeshaw4952]

Oh, let it be Macbeth!!

[@gwoody4003]

Truth. Better than half of Hollywood for sure.

[@deltavee2]

A man of many parts, from LARPER (he wrote many of his own, you know) to actor to adventurer to military re-enactments to historical geologist...too much else to count, all delivered with schoolboy enthusiasm in a decidedly adult head. You are always an enjoyment, Lloyd. Thank you for your considerable efforts and varied subject matter.

[@MrJC1]

i loved that section. it should deffo make it onto a best of video in the future. ahahaha. genius!

[@JillBearup]

Unexpected Shakespeare is always welcome 😁👌

[@ommsterlitz1805]

What is unexpected is him making a video about a medieval French sport

[@Simon_Nonymous]

and beautifully done too!

[@myparceltape1169]

Yes, I think Prince Hal would have slowed down his speech so that the Frenchy could understand him. Audible is for Englishmen and they can tell what he means.

[@Vespuchian]

The follow up ukulele solo was also a pleasure.

[@robbikebob]

A dedicated Shakespeare series would be very welcome. Lloyd has hidden, thespian talents!

[@danielkarmy4893]

You mention that Charles II had a bed installed next to the tennis court, so that he could 'spring straight into action'. I assume this would have been once he'd finished his tennis match...

[@perperson199]

Hahahaha 🤣 probably

[@mr.briton365]

Love it 😂😂

[@CraftQueenJr]

Considering everything else about Charles II, probably,

[@ValkyrieXI2]

“His jest shall savour but a shallow wit, when thousands more weep than did laugh at it.” well done mr Lloyd I've felt quite threatened, gave me goosebumps

[@carloshenriquezimmer7543]

Also that vein in his temple... That meant business...

[@PANDEAD2]

I honestly can't stand most Shakespeare but that line is scrumptious

[@AverageAlien]

Everything lindy talks about is immedietely interesting

[@1973Washu]

He should probably apply for a job at Audible and read us stories then. Turn that talent into money.

[@AverageAlien]

@@1973Washu pretty sure he makes money off youtube videos too

[@webz3589]

He could talk about paint drying and make it interesting

[@Japs_Eye_Of_The_Tiger]

@@webz3589 barf

[@paladro]

yer just bored... 13th century tennis is a fringe topic

[@IntensiveCareSecondary]

I'm surprised this man doesnt have a job doing documentaries Well, I guess he kinda does?

[@harrybellingham98]

he did make a program. If you search his videos you will find them.

[@billbolton]

He is best left doing his own thing, we don't know what he'll do next

[@atvheads]

I guess he makes more money on Yt, and/or can do and talk about whatever he want. And no dress code, make up or hair dresser.

[@AssassinAgent]

@@atvheads Well, there is a dress code. And it's beige

[@qdeqdeqdeqde]

he has his own style, which is like a stream of thoughts. i like that. a documentary is different, it cannot capture so much of the narrators personality.

[@SquireComedy]

Oh boy, Medieval tennis had better be played using a sword's pommel as a ball. *Edit* That was a really impressive performance, Nicholas. Not the backhand, the Shakespeare.

[@rexcentx2254]

didnt laugh

[@SquireComedy]

@@rexcentx2254 Good, Tennis isn't a laughing matter. Though it might be when you play.

[@rexcentx2254]

@@SquireComedy im not laughing yet, make me laugh

[@sirdiesalot2975]

@@rexcentx2254 he isn't under any obligation to, as unlike you he isn't a clown.

[@USN1985dos]

@@sirdiesalot2975 Now that made me laugh.

[@nickc8667]

Lloyd’s acting chops are pretty serious.

[@alisaurus4224]

He is constitutionally incapable of taking anything less than seriously.

[@andytyrrell5153]

Remember never marry a tennis player. To them, Love means nothing.

[@figo3554]

Lmao

[@jasonflay8818]

Ba dum dum diss

[@richardbonnette490]

@@jasonflay8818 I love how Google is trying to translate this.

[@pentelegomenon1175]

to them, love means "the egg"

[@drops2cents260]

@Andy Tyrrell Well played, Good Sir.

[@robbikebob]

I vote for a dedicated, Shakespeare series! Lloyd has hidden, thespian talents that must be shown!

[@pixelprincess9]

Not so hidden if you ask me!

[@catslino5037]

He must have practiced in order to do it in a double take. Not to mention that he has a decade of practice in making monologues entertaining

[@Evirthewarrior]

How he has not made it on TV or into movies is beyond me.

[@Cheepchipsable]

@@Evirthewarrior Poor mans, (early), Hugh Laurie - Sorry Lindybeige!

[@GetterRay]

@@Evirthewarrior He made a video about his experience trying to get a tv show running I think. All I really remember is him describing how a lesbian got mad at him for sewing his own clothes.

[@dainbramage3558]

hearing lindy saying "that was legit" is like hearing your grandfather saying "Poggers"

[@perperson199]

What's "poggers"?

[@dainbramage3558]

@@perperson199 young people speak

[@dathong608]

Surely give a time stamp

[@mr.briton365]

@@perperson199 some weird internet word

[@IAOIceland1984]

@@perperson199 twitch lingo

[@Morfeusm]

It’s not even an hour old and it’s already classic. What a legend Hoid is … I mean Loyd!

[@StephenDeagle]

Deal with your own planet. Don't make me come over there and slap you around again!

[@Morfeusm]

@@StephenDeagle There’s always another secret

[@anighyacrocker3591]

The inclusion of Anne Boleyn’s height change at 7:10 is one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

[@drink__more__water]

The serious tone of "Quakers aren't supposed to swear" got a solid giggle out of me.

[@mr.pavone9719]

I'm no connoisseur of Shakespeare but it's nice to hear someone deliver it at a slow pace so as to let the words sink in. Any time I've listened to or seen one of his plays, the actors seem to be in a hurry to spit their lines and GTFO the stage.

[@SimuLord]

The best Shakespeare I've ever heard in media was delivered by Captain Picard on TNG, who of course was played by a trained Shakespearean actor in Sir Patrick Stewart.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Well said - it can get very 'samey' and the actors forget they are to impart the meaning of the words, not just speak them.

[@princchessa4335]

its because traditionally it is spoken with iambic pentameter, (?) so a there was rhythm to it

[@monkeymox2544]

I thoroughly recommend the Hollow Crown, a BBC miniseries which covers three of the History plays. The actors are all great, and the lines are delivered with real feeling. Patrick Stewart plays John of Gaunt, which is a bonus.

[@myparceltape1169]

@@princchessa4335 You could get hold of a play and recite to yourself. That might give you the feel of what the actors were thinking.

[@Zhiperser]

There might be problems with the clock scoring history, but it explains tennis points to me much better than any other way ever has. I'm going to remember it.

[@dragons123ism]

I think the clock origin makes sense though they probably were not using a literal clock - rather just thinking of minutes in an hour. Then again, the French language's 60-based numbering system may also have contributed.

[@666kingdrummer]

I don't care, I'm going with it. and it would be a great learning tool for someone who wants to learn tennis.

[@_mwk]

That ball collection hole on the ground with the net is the single most amazing thing I've seen in a while. I want a ball basket hole on lawn tennis courts as well.

[@666kingdrummer]

Just make sure it has a cover of some kind. It sure would suck to be in a hard-fought Doubles Rally, go for an around the net saving shot, accidently step in it and twist your ankle or something.

[@RonJohn63]

@@666kingdrummer more like snap your leg in half...

[@MrDDiRusso]

I tried to be a tennis player, but that just wasn't my racket. Then I became a bowler, and that was right up my alley.

[@Destroyer_V0]

You are the worst. Have the dad joke award.

[@Patriotic_Brit]

Very clever

[@tinoderyanto7668]

Yeah the door is right there

[@MrDDiRusso]

@@Destroyer_V0 no, German sausages are the wurst!

[@drops2cents260]

@David DiRusso Good point, although sports do have one little disadvantage: you won't be able to get baked every time after you manage to score.

[@djavuleniv6266]

I've watched Lloyd for around a decade now and I believe this is the first time I've ever seen him acting. A wonderful performance.

[@julemanden32199]

Fascinating how the rules for original tennis was like a modern day slot machine. Full of complicated rules for a jackpot and special bells and spots that can be hit for a payoff. Certainly it was developed with gambling in mind. Good thing I wasn't born in the olden days, I would as broke as the duke of York!

[@lastEvergreen]

Also like pinball

[@A.Martin]

Its also modelled after a specific courtyard somewhere like those nets were balcony openings and that square board in the corner a window probably, the sloped areas balcony roofs.

[@jeremymain7303]

The rules aren't that complicated. You score by hitting the windows, which means there's an offense and defense side. Chases aren't even all that complicated. If the ball gets knocked past you, you're charged with knocking it even further past your opponent when the two of you switch sides. That's the chase. You're chasing how far they got it past you. You don't win or lose the point until you switch sides and play the chase. Which means you can totally screw up and still get the point if your opponent screws up worse. And you switch either when both of you have a chase, or one of you is one point away from winning. Here ends the basic rules. It can also be advantageous to not hit a weak shot back to give yourself an easy chase. I don't think it's gambling. I think it's more like boring tennis meets medieval combat. There's just more strategy and attack and defense in this game then boring tennis. There are a few particulars I don't quite get yet. Like what happens if you're playing the chase and you just score normally. Does the chase stay? Or what happens if both of you are playing a chase and you win. Does the other guy's chase just go away? Can you have more than one chase in a game? I think the answer to that is yes.

[@lastEvergreen]

@@jeremymain7303 You just typed four paragraphs.

[@jeremymain7303]

@@lastEvergreen Only the first of which was about the rules. The rest was me talking about how the rules open up strategies you don't have in boring tennis. The last paragraph was me asking questions trying to figure out how far those strategies can get pushed.

[@lomax343]

7:09 - The height of Anne Boleyn joke made me laugh so much I had to stop watching for a bit.

[@perperson199]

Cruel it was

[@omariscovoador7486]

He said it so casually that at first i just went "ah okay i know her...wait what did he say?" 😂

[@lomax343]

It's a shame he didn't follow through and give the heights of Mary, Queen of Scots and Charles I before and after execution.

[@Emil-Antonowsky]

That one went right over my head, pun attempt intended, thanks for that.

[@michaelskinner4786]

Anybody else notice Anne Boleyn's height change from 5'2"-4'1" along with her birth-death? I love his humor!!

[@MonkeyJedi99]

There's a similar 'bit' in Monty Python's song about Oliver Cromwell.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

I’m embarrassed at how long it took me to ‘get’ the joke. But now I have, it’s going to make me giggle unexpectedly all day…

[@maddockemerson4603]

It’s amazing the things you can learn on the internet. I had no idea that Anne Boleyn was born fully grown!

[@NoNameAtAll2]

I don't get it Is it about beheading? Does the head really take a whole foot of height?

[@alisaurus4224]

@@maddockemerson4603 7:08 It’s the dates of her reign as Queen, not her birth and death…she wasn’t killed at 3 years old!

[@BenjaminEmm]

Ah finally! I’ve been rewatching old videos for about 3 weeks now! Just this morning I watched the Sir Sidney Smith video for the 5th time!

[@SimuLord]

If it'd been any longer we'd all have turned into Didi and Gogo in "Waiting For Lindybeige".

[@attalan8732]

There is scarcely a better way of cheering up one's day than to appreciate the storied heroes of Britain's glorious past.

[@redram5150]

Badminton is a sport of kings and competed in the Olympics too. It's also played drunk during summer barbecues. Good times

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

Ahhh! So that where I was going wrong - forgot the liquid ingredient!

[@lifeforce99]

That seamless transition from informative talk into Shakespearean monologue was superb! As was the acting! Is there any vids of Lloyd in a full production?

[@ModernKnight]

brilliantly done and very entertaining!

[@MidnightSt]

At King Henry's disappointment over the gift/treasure, I was expecting a Lindybeige-style joke. I got a great Shakespearean performance instead. Not disappointed.

[@rivalx288]

I was just thinking there hasn't been a lindybeige video for awhile. I could watch him talk about anything.

[@rrobb9853]

Agreed. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't watch a video about Tennis if it wasn’t presented by someone as inherently interesting as Nicholas.

[@FunkyFyreMunky]

My favourite literary reference to court tennis is in Dumas' Three Musketeers. One of the Cardinal's guardsmen insults the play-style of the musketeers (I believe they were being mindful not to injure their faces because of an upcoming meeting with the king) and d'Artagnan invites him outside.

[@jamesswanson7213]

It never really matters what he talks about. He always makes everything so interesting. Even ladders and tennis.

[@benjaminloyd6056]

And beds, and hats.

[@egallagher41]

I have missed you, silly man, please do not disappear for a long period ever again, and your Shakespeare was very well done.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

"The pandemic will end and there will be dancing again." Thanks for those words of hope!

[@drops2cents260]

Yep, that sounds like a genuine British pep talk bit which I think even Churchill might have approved. Whereas I'm quite sure that the (rightfully highly respectable) "Great British Bulldog" would be utterly disappointed nowadays of the abysmal performance of his completely preposterous and worthless current successor a.k.a. Boris the Buffoon. So, pretty please (with a sprinkle sugar on top), fellow British _and European_ folks: please do get rid of those clowns (and the other stage hogs of the Brexit charade) and make an honest effort to reconcile any quarrels with us folks from The Continent in a way which is fair and square for the both of us. Because despite anything your (mostly "conservative") political leaders might have told you for decades: many of us Europeans actually _would_ like you to be part of the EU, because you always were a part of us right from the start (and in case you don't remember: you were in pretty early because Churchill already dreamed of the idea of the "United States of Europe" back in 1948). So, dearly fellow British blokes: if the Scots prefer their independence, let them have it. If the Northern Irish might someday decide to reunite with The Republic let then have their way, too. And if the Welsh may someday decide that them being independent might be a good idea, let then have their way also - because if you'll ever decide to come back and be true Europeans of English descendance, rest assured that we Europeans, the Scots, Irish and Welsh *shall* welcome you - as long as you agree to play by the rules. So come back, play nice as well as by the rules, and we all shall proit - sounds like a good plan, doesn't it? ;-)

[@morefiction3264]

It will end when we've decided it's ended.

[@SpaceMonkeyBoi]

Next video: playing historically accurate Roman gladiator fights

[@Brave_Sir_Robin]

27:29 never change Lindy.

[@tarnvedra9952]

It´s a boarding ramp , isn´t it?

[@failproductionsdk]

HALLELUJA FINALLY a new lindybeige video!

[@tttITA10]

This is so convoluted, it feels like a role playing game system turned into a sport.

[@SirDuckyOfAlfheimr]

My first thought when you showed the mysterious steps and ramp was: "Could it be for carriages?" The steps could be for a servant to quickly step up to open the carriage/assist the passengers, and the ramp for the passengers to gently descend?

[@benjammin2020]

thats exactly what i thought.

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

The explanation and demonstration of stringing the racquets and making the balls are just one more example of this man’s great vids. There’s just such a thoroughness to his presentations that isn’t seen in many others. Every single video is a “deep dive” Also, however, Did Lindy explain why the sloping sides were “penthouses”, and I missed it?

[@alisaurus4224]

It’s from a Middle French word “pente” meaning slope, combined with a Middle English word “pentice” for a room at the top of a building that probably has a sloping roof, folk etymologized into “penthouse”.

[@mpetersen6]

As soon as Lloyd masters his basket making skills he's going to tackling making tennis balls

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

@@alisaurus4224 Thank you!

[@kris5582]

The ‘this is mysterious’ joke had me in stitches 😂

[@mark314158]

I thought for mounting a horse - the ramp being for wheelchair access ...

[@rancon265]

The years of Anne Boleyn were measured in millimeters ( converted to feet-inches). We live in the 2 meter era now. That's 6'-7" for those who have not succumbed to the French.

[@jestnutz]

This is the man that got me into the medieval era

[@SimuLord]

I can thank a high school history teacher who was also an absolute master of storytelling for my interest in classical and medieval history (the focus of the class my freshman year.) Discovering History KZbin as an adult was a delight-it's like being 14 again when I listen to the tales and am actually eager to learn (something I notoriously wasn't as a teenager except in Mr. D'Agnese's class.)

[@meyr1992]

@@SimuLord these kind of teachers are actual heros

[@sailorkek8672]

All this time we thought churches stone wears away from weathering, little did we know it was the monks playing ball games against them that left them in such a state

[@PhilosoFeed]

I love how you can hear such a distinct difference in the audio when he is facing the camera vs when he turns away. It's really interesting how significant the difference is.

[@franksmedley8619]

Hello Lindybeige. I had been exposed to Henry the 5th as a child, but all I remembered mostly was the battle of Agincourt. I remember seeing Kenneth Branagh's version of it and getting more of the plot, characters, and setting, since by that time I had learned more about history. But today, you've expanded my historical awareness about Tennis, it's ancient roots, and how it applies to Shakespear's play. Tennis is an exceptionally old game and would have been known to both Henry the Fifth, and Shakespear (who may have been a fan. One may never know), who sprinkled Tennis references into Henry's speach to the Fofan's Ambassador, early in the play. Darn it all... now you have me wanting to re-view Branagh's portrayal again! Excellent video Lindy. Keep it up.

[@noahgranger6749]

I always knew he could prattle on for hours without a script, but that sudden Shakespeare was a surprise to be sure But a welcome one

[@chriswarburtonbrown1566]

I grew up within a quarter mile of this place and passed it every day walking to school, but I've never seen inside it or understood its purpose. Many thanks Lloyd!

[@255schonqvist]

I never comment on youtube but this is so good. I have followed you for many years and this is the best thing i have seen you do. Just brilliant sir you had me glued throughout the entirety of the video

[@sarahbettany7546]

if there's an afterlife you've made my father very happy - an actor who worked well into his 70's he often used that scene, and the onomatopoeic use of 'mock' as an example of Shakespeare's brilliance.

[@tommullinerart]

I used to live at Hampton Court Palace when my father was the Chaplain there and played a bit of Real Tennis - one of the most enjoyable but fairly difficult ball games I've ever played. The Grille at Hampton Court has a portrait of Henry VIII in! lol

[@pteppicsmith1631]

Another brilliantly interesting video , the best thing is I don’t think you could make a duff one ,I have learned more about all types of history from you than I ever did from school in the 70s ,thank you

[@leddielive]

I agree, Lindy is a natural & just leaves the viewer thirsting for more, have you watched the rants play list, I highly recommend it?

[@WelshRabbit]

Lloyd, you are truly amazing. Watching you do the excerpt from Hen. V, I was absolutely transfixed. You, good Sir, have given us a tun of treasure with this posting. Well more than 3/4 of Wm Shakespeare's tennis allusions in Hen. V went straight over my head until today.

[@footrot17]

The production in this video is amazing. The editing is on point. Good work mate. I really enjoyed.

[@misterkefir]

love watching it from time to time very interesting game

[@dannyh5051]

I hate grass yard tennis. But I love this video. The fact i clicked on this to watch Lindy talk, my thought was: it doesnt matter what it is, I'll learn something suprising and fun from Lindy.

[@shanephillips617]

Greetings from Canada! Love your content, been watching you channel for years, happy to see you are still putting out content, anything you speak about is immediately interesting, keep it up.

[@kookwater456]

I have goosebumps all over. I really love it when you do historic quotes, especially Shakespeare. THAT WAS GLORIOUS and entirely unexpected!

[@alexp5569]

I never knew learning about tennis could be so much fun. You're awesome.

[@666kingdrummer]

Try playing it. It gives you a whole new perspective and respect.

[@SASW4NN4B3]

Babe wake up, new Lindy just dropped

[@sellyshootsandscores9300]

The number of important topics I skip because the videos are too long but lindy manages to make me watch 30 minutes of history about ancient tennis. It’s nothing less than wizardry

[@Macto5]

As an avid Real Tennis player, thanks Lindybeige for shining some light on this great game! Two chases, change ends!

[@kenobi90000]

I can understand why this version of the sport fell out of fashion. Modern tennis just needs a court, a net and for covenience some fencing around the court so the balls aren't lost. This needs a whole building around the court to play in.

[@cillyhoney1892]

I can also see why it's still alive in England. You can still play even if it's raining outside. Spectators get to stay dry too.

[@umartdagnir]

Or a narrow medieval street _around_ you. I suppose there was always a version where kids just played in their backyard with their own rules.

[@Kneong]

It's also not very practical for spectating, not to mention the overcomplication of the rules compared to lawn tennis

[@cillyhoney1892]

@@Kneong lol you don't get it, the point is not to watch the game the point is to drink beer and bet on the game and the more rules there are the more bets can be made. You sweet summer child. Most of the spectators will be talking to each other anyway.

[@mjbull5156]

It is also a lot more complicated and has a lot more areas in which to dispute calls.

[@michaelkores6860]

That's exactly the stuff that I come to the Beigeman for. Very interesting and entertaining!

[@Adshercott]

Right off the bat, I appreciate the switch fro. lapel mic audio to camera audio dramatically emphasizing words such as "KINGS".

[@paulmurphy5648]

Another brilliant, fun and educational video. Thank you for al your hard work.

[@TheJakeHawk]

Really interesting video, had no idea Tennis traced that far back!

[@alisaurus4224]

I remember seeing Henry VIII & Charles Brandon playing it in one of the first few episodes of The Tudors, or i wouldn’t either!

[@sweepingtime]

"This game was big, REALLY big." *cavernous Lindybeige voice for emphasis*

[@witmoreluke]

That bit with Anne Boleyn and her heights about killed me! What a note!

[@GregSherlock]

Wonderful to see an explanation of the game as I recall seeing such tennis courts at Lord's Cricket Ground and The Melbourne Cricket Ground where the tour guides could not answer any of my questions about the game.

[@petehall889]

Loved your Shakespearean acting - I feel you may have missed your vocation! We had a Real Tennis court at Canford when I as there. I used to watch, though I preferred rowing as an activity - I was not built for speed on the hoof!

[@greyareaRK1]

It has the silly randomness of any game invented by unsupervised 10 year old boys, save these had stacks of servants to actualise every half-baked dribbling. What a gift to have Shakespeare write your dialogue after the fact. I'm guessing the actual response was, 'Well, screw you too, Frenchy.'

[@morpheusgreene2704]

i like that one better

[@scotth6814]

Yeah, like the Ambassador was going to remember all that by the time he got back to Paris. He probably just said "The King was pissed at your joke. His army is on the way."

[@obiwanskywalker2000]

Brilliant again Lindibeige... you have enlightened my darkness yet again. Cheers

[@anggellos87]

Bravo! sir came for the knowledge and stayed for the show! Much love from Australia

[@trogdor8764]

It surprises me that this sport was so popular in medieval times, considering it seems to require an indoor court with rather specific features. Were these purpose-built at the time, or were they modifications of existing buildings that could be thrown together quickly after the day's work was done so you could get a few games in before you ran out of daylight?

[@nicholasvandervelden450]

the court looks astonishingly like half an outdoor courtyard with a covered gallery around the edge, and then a washing line strung up halfway along. the flat wall (and optional tambour) is about all one would have to add

[@A.Martin]

This is modelled after an outdoor courtyard, likely early games were a real courtyard of a monastery so they varied in layout according to where they were played.

[@TheJoker137]

Lindy-speare, Shakesy-beige whatever it is we need more of it! Do a series putting Shakespeare in historical context or something. Then you can give us more monologues!

[@chrislintott1]

How wonderful to see a proper introduction to tennis, which captures the history, challenge and plain ridiculousness of this wonderful game. Thank you!

[@ralphlivingston894]

First time I visited… Absolutely love his descriptions… Charming, quirky and informative. Good stuff!

[@oliverpedder-platt9629]

I love how Lindy's sport kit is Chenos and a dress shirt

[@sirrathersplendid4825]

The key to Lindy’s sartorial elegance is the colour beige.

[@Idontwantyourcookie]

I was really amused upon trying to look the game up on wikipedia that the name of the article there actually is "real tennis"

[@Jivvi]

That's the name of sport. He was just having a dig at people who call it by its actual name Instead of confusingly calling it "tennis", and calling tennis "lawn tennis", even when it's not played on grass.

[@suburbanbanshee]

This video was amazing. It has a little bit of everything, and my world is now enlarged. Thank you. Seriously.

[@alexkfridges]

I was just thinking about wanting a new lindy video!! Perfect timing!

[@garethellis2889]

I'd never considered standing ukelele surface to belly friction until today. Great Henry V rendition.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

I love the little smile on your face when you realise you're just about to launch into an amusing tangent.

[@drum5ormore2]

Excellent. Superb. Wonderful. All the superlatives. These are the sorts of history facts and details I wish they taught you in school.

[@eliarts.e.a.s.i6756]

Always wanted to know more about this game! Thanks so much for doing this!

[@rainbowkrampus]

Speaking of word origins. Tambour lead me to hypothesize that it may be related to the word timbre. And after doing some quick work on the Garggler, I think there may be some weight to the idea. They both share the same latin root for drum. Medieval tennis (and thus, tambour) was seeing a brief revival and recognition at around the same time that the French timbre was beginning to shift from meaning drum to meaning several things, eventually settling on its modern musical meaning. Tambour are unique architectural irregularities in tennis courts which would have made each one unique which maps quite well onto our current definition of timbre. Nothing conclusive obviously. But maybe some enterprising linguist could take the idea and run with it.

[@michelguevara151]

HUZZAH! Lindybeige upload! Henry the Eighth's favourite game, after hunting fauna and women..

[@grayfiresoul]

I never thought I'd appreciate the history of tennis so much. Thanks for the visit and the lesson, Lloyd!

[@thomasandersson9454]

This video was everything that I love with this channel. And what a great acting performance!

[@nicosmind3]

Earliest I've ever been to this channel. Normally I'm years late :P

[@julianscaeva4334]

I love how he knew he was going to play tennis and still chose to show up in a long-sleeve shirt and slacks.

[@nickabbott6278]

traditional tennis dress.

[@Jivvi]

As was the style at the time.

[@julianscaeva4334]

@@Jivvi What time?

[@coupledyetivonvanderburg5385]

@@julianscaeva4334 THE time

[@suburbanbanshee]

If you can dance in it, you can play sports in it.

[@LordSathar]

This is the kinda content i dig Lindy for, i knew about courtyard tennis, but this is a deeper dive into specifics.

[@_vinterthorn]

Awesome to finally see a well-researched video about real tennis. I haven't had a chance yet to play a game of it, but the topic has caught my attention way back during my studies at university when one of my professors was the late Heiner Gillmeister who happened to have written "Tennis: A cultural history"...

[@oliverave1234]

One of the best Bard Bill renditions ever!

[@nicosmind3]

I love how the volume keeps going and we get a lovely echo, but it's mostly clear otherwise

[@atwcat9370]

to be fair, I think that's intended

[@lyrisio]

@@atwcat9370 rly? or are you just on copium?

[@666kingdrummer]

A good follow up video would be on Basque Pelota. Its a series of sports played in the Basque region first recorded in the 13th Century between France and Spain, that eventually spread to other Latin Countries, and it's existence can be directly attributed to the decline of Medieval Tennis. Whats truly interesting, is that you begin to see where the games got their inspirations, particularly on the Trinquet courts, which actually still uses the penthouses from Medieval Tennis on the side of the court.

[@notoriouswhitemoth]

"Gunstone" (or "gonnestone" for what was probably a more period-accurate spelling) is a term I haven't come across before. I like it.

[@AAAAAAAA-vd6zv]

12:25 Half the budget must have gone into this scene love it

[@varyingredbeard9827]

Shakespeare would be proud...good performance

[@emmtea5092]

Thank you so much for this Lindy 💗

[@LaneLibra]

My god man! I've been thirsting for some proper Lindybiege content like this for ages! Dare I say, you've slaked me off! Good show!