Declaration of Sports

It was originally issued in consultation with Thomas Morton, bishop of Chester, to resolve a dispute in Lancashire between the Puritans and the gentry (many of whom were Roman Catholics).

James transmitted orders to the clergy of the whole of England to read the declaration from the pulpit, but encountering strong opposition he withdrew his command.

[1] The declaration listed archery, dancing, "leaping, vaulting, or any other such harmless recreation" as permissible sports, together with "May-games, Whitsun-ales and Morris-dances, and the setting up of May-poles".

Also allowed: "women shall have leave to carry rushes to the church for the decorating of it, according to their old custom."

As the Puritans gained power in Parliament in the lead-up to the English Civil War, hostility to the Book of Sports grew.