No Pie, No Priest: A Journey through the Folk Sports of Britain

Harry Pearson explores the survival of lost folk sports in rural Britain, unmodified by contemporary tastes and shunned by the media and sports ruling elites. He visits the championship of Knur and Spell, Irish Road Bowling, Popinjay, Aunt Sally competitions, Stoolball, and Toad-in-the-Hole, featuring a cast of bucolic eccentrics and regional accents.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

In the dazzling world of the Premier League and Sky Sports, where football reigns supreme and cricket is meticulously codified, a curious journey takes place. Writer Harry Pearson ventures into the heart of Britain, seeking out the lost folk sports that somehow manage to survive amidst the glitz and glamour. These ancient games, with their roots dating back to pagan times, have managed to cling onto existence in isolated pockets of rural Britain, untouched by contemporary trends and shunned by the media and sports ruling elites.

These hidden worlds remain small, secret, and untouched by the glare of media scrutiny and the controversies surrounding VAR (Video Assistant Referee). They are a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition and the unique culture of the British countryside. No Pie, No Priest! embarks on a captivating journey through Britain, exploring the nations traditional rural sports. From the West Yorkshire moors, where the championship of Knur and Spell (a Viking forefather of golf) is held, to County Armagh, where Irish Road Bowling captivates, to Kilwinning Abbey in Ayrshire, where Popinjay takes center stage, and the Aunt Sally competitions of Oxfordshire, the book delves into the world of these lesser-known sports.

What sets No Pie, No Priest! apart is its unique blend of sports reporting, travelogue, and history. The author weaves together a captivating narrative that brings these forgotten games to life, while also delving into the rich cultural and historical context that surrounds them. The book features a cast of eccentric characters, each with their own unique story and impenetrable regional accent. From the hardy farmers who participate in these sports to the local historians and enthusiasts who have dedicated their lives to preserving them, the book offers a glimpse into the world of these rural sports enthusiasts.

Through its pages, readers are transported to a bygone era, where the values of athleticism, teamwork, and community are still cherished. These folk sports, often considered a dying breed, serve as a reminder of the rich heritage and diversity of the British countryside. No Pie, No Priest! is a testament to the resilience of these sports and the people who keep them alive. It is a call to arms to celebrate and preserve these hidden treasures of British culture before they fade into obscurity.

In conclusion, No Pie, No Priest! is a captivating journey that takes readers on a quest to uncover the lost folk sports of Britain. Through its blend of sports reporting, travelogue, and history, the book offers a unique perspective on these forgotten games and the characters who keep them alive. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition and the rich cultural heritage of the British countryside. As we navigate the modern world, let us remember the importance of preserving these hidden gems and the stories they tell.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 142 x 224 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471198304