Southampton Old Bowling Green

[1] The green adjoining the God's House Hospital had been established during the reign of Richard I the Lionheart for the recreational use of the Warden,[2] and was first used for a game of bowls in 1299.

[2] Bowling Green House, now occupied by Wainwright Bros. (shipping agency)[6] and the Consulate Of The Federal Republic Of Germany,[7] is a Grade II listed building.

Built in the mid-19th century, it is a three-storey brick building with a green slate roof with a central cupola on eight Tuscan columns, surmounted by a steep weather-vane.

[8] A unique occurrence called the "Knighthood" competition is held annually when the members (gentlemen commoners) compete to obtain 7 points, with the winner being awarded the title of "Knight-of-the-green" and becoming a sir (in lower case).

[3] Amongst the winners of the competition were the former Burnley and Southampton footballer Tom Nicol, who won the 133rd championship in 1907.