Note 397 — Chapter XXIV · SWORD-PLAY AND OTHER SPORTS. GARDEN, ETC.

There was cudgel-playing—for a new hat; 'he that breaks most Heads to have the Hat; he that plays puts in six-pence.' Quarterstaff was played, and there was a somewhat dangerous game—'there will be three bouts with threshing flails.' 'A Tryal of Skill is to be fought &c. between John Parkes[397] of Coventry, and John Terrewest. Note—They fight at the Ancient Weapon called the Threshing Flail.'