A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

ROYAL HOUSEHOLD BOWLING CLUB
• Founded 1920
• Frogmore Home Park, Windsor Castle
• Affiliated 1938
In 1663 the first bowling green was laid at Windsor Castle by the North Terrace at
a cost of £13.12s.0d, presumably for the King and members of the Royal Court. A
copy of the bill to lay this green is on display in the Clubhouse of the new green,
which was laid in 1920 for the staff at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. This green
was officially opened by King George V on 18th June 1921 and a newspaper report from
the times states “The Earl of Athlone, President of the Club, whom received the King,
asked him to throw the first jack and woods. In the subsequent game the King, who
showed considerable skill, was on the winning side”
Early records show a membership of 47, and today men members are only around 55 with a
further 20 ladies, the ladies section having begun in 1949.
By tradition the Club President is the Governor of Windsor Castle and whilst several have
ventured onto the green, none have yet to play regularly.
In 1985 we won the County Club Championship and have provided winners in the County
Pairs, Triples, Honorary Secretaries, Unbadged Singles and Champion of Champions. The
Club had two members of the winning Middleton Cup side in 1982 and George Wilson
completed over 90 appearances for Berkshire, before retiring from Middleton Cup duties.
Ken Blackall became our first County President in 2007.
Our Clubhouse is very traditional in style, but holds a great deal of Royal Memorabilia, which is
of great interest and fascination to the large number of visitors we cater for each season.
We get many requests from Clubs and associations celebrating anniversaries, and as a result
it is a very full fixture list, with many Clubs travelling far and wide, from Devon and Wales in
the West and Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in the North.
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