William of Orange troops may have given us road bowling
That’s the claim from a man who has carried out extensive research on the sport as part of a book which throws the spotlight on the exploits of arguably its greatest exponent — Mick Barry.
Author Noel Magnier believes William’s Dutch troops brought the sport with them when they defeated James II’s forces during the 1689-1691 war. “They were using small cannonballs to play during their recreation time. I believe that is how it came here,” he said.
