Played in Britain update

Launched in 2004 in conjunction with English Heritage, Played in Britain set out to research and celebrate Great Britain’s extraordinarily rich sporting heritage – its historic architecture, its artefacts, its art and even on occasions its archaeology.

With our brilliant team of sports and architectural historians, backed up by a legion of sponsors and fellow travellers, we published books, organised events, hunted down forgotten gems, supported campaigns (for example Historic Pools of Britain), helped to get buildings listed (eight to date, two more pending), and, we hope, provided a fresh insight into the study of sporting history. Putting the power of place at the core of play.

If you’ve only just come across Played in Britain, please note that we will continue to host this site so that you may continue to purchase books from our remaining stock

We will continue to respond to enquiries whenever possible.

Plus you can find a large selection of images taken especially for Played in Britain, at the Historic England Archive, details of which can be found on our images page.

To all those who were part of this endeavour – whether to point out a building, identify an old ball, dig out a programme from the attic, or simply to buy a book – many thanks.

Simon Inglis (Played in Britain editor) – March 2025*

* to keep up with any announcements or events that might involve Played in Britain, Simon Inglis can be found on BlueSky / Twitter and on Instagram

(above) After a morning of messing about on the river, members of the **Thames Sailing Club** talk tacking in what is thought to be oldest club boathouse on the river, dating back to 1870. This is one of over 2,500 images taken for the **Played in Britain** series between 2004-20, now held by the **Historic England Archive**. (*Historic England ref:* PLA01/03/0892). For more information click here.

Contact us: comment@playedinbritain.co.uk (please note that we cannot guarantee to respond to every email)

Sales enquiries: sales@playedinbritain.co.uk