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The Rest Is HistoryAugust 17, 2025
592. Mad Victorian Sport
About This Episode
How and when was football invented, and what are the origins of football clubs? What is the connection between public hangings, highwaymen, and early sporting events? Which is the most historically important sporting ground in the world? When was the first cricket test match played? What are the origins of rugby? Who was Richard Manks - the Lionel Messi of the Victorian period - and what did he achieve? And, what is the history of the mighty Ashes, one of the most celebrated sporting rivalries of all time? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the surprising history of some of the world’s greatest sports, sporting events, and stadiums. Watch The Long Walk exclusively in cinemas 12th September. Book now at thelongwalkmovie.co.uk Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude
Book Mentions
3 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to booksTip: Click “Mentioned at …” to copy a timestamp.
Tip: Click a cover image to open a book link.
Books Mentioned
This Sporting Life
Robert Coles
“Robert Coles, who is going to be talking about boxing, has written a brilliant book, This Sporting Life, and he makes the point that historians tend to neglect sport or condescend to it.”
ASIN: N/A
Search on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

A Short History of the Barclay Match
Derek Martin
“The speaker quotes Derek Martin, who has written a great book on the Barclay match, which is significant in the history of pedestrianism.”
ASIN: B086CDTBH6
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.

The Long Walk
Stephen King
“This is an adaptation of Stephen King's very first book, published in 1979, about 50 boys who must keep walking or face dire consequences.”
ASIN: B019NOEQGW
Buy on AmazonClick the book cover image to open the affiliate link.