The Fives Court
1. Geoff Graham
Hemsworth Grammar School, South Yorkshire 1 court - flagstone floors. Playable in the 1950s and 1960s.
Old Hemsworthian (Hilmian) reports in April 2002 "In my enquiries about the Hemsworth court I learned of a book written circa 1980 by another ex pupil. Called "Hemsworth High Hall", it recorded the history of the building which exists from the mid C18th. The building was either demolished or (more likely) had been added to in the 19th century. Three families had owned and lived in it - one with very high connections namely the Lindley-Woods. Charles Lindley-Wood 1800-1885, one of the sons of Sir Francis became Chancellor of the Exchequer and Viscount Halifax. The final owners were the Leatham family who were big in banking. They sold the house to West Riding CC in 1920 when it became the school I attended and adored. The court was very evidently built by one of the families as it was in a very beautiful, sequestered part of the grounds adjacent to the potting sheds (which were lean-tos on the outside of the court). The wear on the flagged floor bore testimony to many, many years of hard use too. As a Met man I was at Gatwick when the 1987 gale wreaked havoc in the south. Unknown to me at the time, my precious fives court lost one of its ancient walls in the same storm which was the (excuse) reason furnished for demolishing the remains".
To take you further:
www.etonfives.co.uk/
Hemsworth Grammar School, South Yorkshire 1 court - flagstone floors. Playable in the 1950s and 1960s.
Old Hemsworthian (Hilmian) reports in April 2002 "In my enquiries about the Hemsworth court I learned of a book written circa 1980 by another ex pupil. Called "Hemsworth High Hall", it recorded the history of the building which exists from the mid C18th. The building was either demolished or (more likely) had been added to in the 19th century. Three families had owned and lived in it - one with very high connections namely the Lindley-Woods. Charles Lindley-Wood 1800-1885, one of the sons of Sir Francis became Chancellor of the Exchequer and Viscount Halifax. The final owners were the Leatham family who were big in banking. They sold the house to West Riding CC in 1920 when it became the school I attended and adored. The court was very evidently built by one of the families as it was in a very beautiful, sequestered part of the grounds adjacent to the potting sheds (which were lean-tos on the outside of the court). The wear on the flagged floor bore testimony to many, many years of hard use too. As a Met man I was at Gatwick when the 1987 gale wreaked havoc in the south. Unknown to me at the time, my precious fives court lost one of its ancient walls in the same storm which was the (excuse) reason furnished for demolishing the remains".
To take you further:
www.etonfives.co.uk/
2. Frank Morley
During my first year at HGS (1953), I remember watching the older boys playing what was to me a new and intriguing game, but don't recall ever getting to play on it. Were girls allowed onto that hallowed court? That court, in the "very beautiful and sequestered part of the grounds adjacent to the potting sheds" as Geoff Graham recalls, and roughly behind the "New Block", became a casualty to make way for the new Science Block in the later 50s. A new court was built through the arch leading to the cricket nets and by the large wall separating the grounds from the gardens and grass tennis court. This was the court that must have lost one of its walls (not so ancient, though) referred to by Geoff, in the 1987 gales.
I do remember playing on this! We used to dash out of school at the sound of the break and lunchtime bell, suitably equipped with tennis ball, to get to the court first and thus reserve a game. Winner stayed on, I think was the rule. Did we play in pairs? Can anyone remember? And was it the last point when we had to "put one foot in t'clog"? I think we started playing House matches at Fives with the advent of the new court, believe it or not, but, it seems, this demanded we use a hard fives ball and a glove, or was it a pair of gloves? Did the rules allow you to be left handed, or use both hands? Nearly 50 years on and the game is almost as much a mystery as it was on my first day. Any enlightenment and other memories would be welcomed.
During my first year at HGS (1953), I remember watching the older boys playing what was to me a new and intriguing game, but don't recall ever getting to play on it. Were girls allowed onto that hallowed court? That court, in the "very beautiful and sequestered part of the grounds adjacent to the potting sheds" as Geoff Graham recalls, and roughly behind the "New Block", became a casualty to make way for the new Science Block in the later 50s. A new court was built through the arch leading to the cricket nets and by the large wall separating the grounds from the gardens and grass tennis court. This was the court that must have lost one of its walls (not so ancient, though) referred to by Geoff, in the 1987 gales.
I do remember playing on this! We used to dash out of school at the sound of the break and lunchtime bell, suitably equipped with tennis ball, to get to the court first and thus reserve a game. Winner stayed on, I think was the rule. Did we play in pairs? Can anyone remember? And was it the last point when we had to "put one foot in t'clog"? I think we started playing House matches at Fives with the advent of the new court, believe it or not, but, it seems, this demanded we use a hard fives ball and a glove, or was it a pair of gloves? Did the rules allow you to be left handed, or use both hands? Nearly 50 years on and the game is almost as much a mystery as it was on my first day. Any enlightenment and other memories would be welcomed.
3. Terry McCroakam
The original 5's Court was opposite the 'New Block' next to the gardener's shed, 'Happy' the caretaker's garage and the arch to the fields. When the new Science Block was built in 1957, all that was knocked down, and a new court built on the other side of a wall where the lawn tennis courts were. Unfortunately, due to deterioration of the walls etc., the need for more space for parking and a bus terminus, the whole thing was knocked down in the mid to late 80's.
The original 5's Court was opposite the 'New Block' next to the gardener's shed, 'Happy' the caretaker's garage and the arch to the fields. When the new Science Block was built in 1957, all that was knocked down, and a new court built on the other side of a wall where the lawn tennis courts were. Unfortunately, due to deterioration of the walls etc., the need for more space for parking and a bus terminus, the whole thing was knocked down in the mid to late 80's.
4. Sam Hughes
HGS Turns Democratic
After the recent revolution led by the intelligent bourgeoisie, the headmaster was forced to grant a constitution. The school is now under a small parliament with representatives from all creeds and "colours". At present the "Pref." party has a small majority over the "Asses". The following is a report on a recent session. Mr. (S.B.) Hughes, a member of the "Prefs" cabinet, complained of being knocked down near the New Block by charging "fiends" at break. A proposal was put forward to the effect that a 30 m.p.h. sign should be erected en route to the fives court. Strong protests were lodged by fifth form members but the motion was carried.
From the School Magazine 1952
HGS Turns Democratic
After the recent revolution led by the intelligent bourgeoisie, the headmaster was forced to grant a constitution. The school is now under a small parliament with representatives from all creeds and "colours". At present the "Pref." party has a small majority over the "Asses". The following is a report on a recent session. Mr. (S.B.) Hughes, a member of the "Prefs" cabinet, complained of being knocked down near the New Block by charging "fiends" at break. A proposal was put forward to the effect that a 30 m.p.h. sign should be erected en route to the fives court. Strong protests were lodged by fifth form members but the motion was carried.
From the School Magazine 1952
5. Geoff Graham
Hi Dave,
Terry told me that the original court which backed on to Mr Rhode's shed, was demolished in 1957 so that the new Science Block could be built on the site. There was a replacement court then built in the area of the tennis courts. It was THAT court which was then demolished in the 1980's and the reason for its removal was so as to make room for a 'bus terminus. All of this was long after my departure and so I can only imagine the changes. I am surprised that a 'bus terminus was put in so far back from the entrance to and from the Pontefract Road. Maybe my recollection of distance is typical of childhood memories and that the actual distances are much less than I recall.
I can't imagine where the story of the gale damage came from. However, I was the Met Officer at Gatwick during the October 1987 severe gale which an earlier informant's story alleged to have caused damage to a wall adjacent to the original Fives court subsequently requiring its demolition. Gatwick was in the thick of the severe winds but the ferocity fell off dramatically north of a line East/West and running through London roughly. I don't think they would have been strong enough to damage a large wall so far North as Hemsworth so in that respect this new explanation fits with my recollection of the meteorological facts. I suppose that there was gale damage to a wall somewhere and sometime and that this became confused with whatever decisions eventually affected the old court. We may never know unless of course someone out there can elucidate?
Hi Dave,
Terry told me that the original court which backed on to Mr Rhode's shed, was demolished in 1957 so that the new Science Block could be built on the site. There was a replacement court then built in the area of the tennis courts. It was THAT court which was then demolished in the 1980's and the reason for its removal was so as to make room for a 'bus terminus. All of this was long after my departure and so I can only imagine the changes. I am surprised that a 'bus terminus was put in so far back from the entrance to and from the Pontefract Road. Maybe my recollection of distance is typical of childhood memories and that the actual distances are much less than I recall.
I can't imagine where the story of the gale damage came from. However, I was the Met Officer at Gatwick during the October 1987 severe gale which an earlier informant's story alleged to have caused damage to a wall adjacent to the original Fives court subsequently requiring its demolition. Gatwick was in the thick of the severe winds but the ferocity fell off dramatically north of a line East/West and running through London roughly. I don't think they would have been strong enough to damage a large wall so far North as Hemsworth so in that respect this new explanation fits with my recollection of the meteorological facts. I suppose that there was gale damage to a wall somewhere and sometime and that this became confused with whatever decisions eventually affected the old court. We may never know unless of course someone out there can elucidate?
6. Barry Longden
To the Fives Court
As did the walls of ancient Jericho
So dost thou lie, a mass of dust,
And grey, unwieldy stone which lies,
A tomb, where once young voices cussed.
Recalling how we oft had spent the day,
A trusty friend or two our joy to share,
I wept, as others had on seeing thee;
I too had found the grief was hard to bear.
Me thinks already from this dusty pile
I see another court of sim'lar mould,
Another court where boys will prove their worth,
But 'till this birth my heart doth wax stone-cold.
Longden, B. L.VI.S. (Talbot)
From the School Magazine 1955
To the Fives Court
As did the walls of ancient Jericho
So dost thou lie, a mass of dust,
And grey, unwieldy stone which lies,
A tomb, where once young voices cussed.
Recalling how we oft had spent the day,
A trusty friend or two our joy to share,
I wept, as others had on seeing thee;
I too had found the grief was hard to bear.
Me thinks already from this dusty pile
I see another court of sim'lar mould,
Another court where boys will prove their worth,
But 'till this birth my heart doth wax stone-cold.
Longden, B. L.VI.S. (Talbot)
From the School Magazine 1955
7. John Hardy
My memories of the Fives Court is of mad dashes when the bell rang for break times to reach the court as quickly as possible and hope that you were quick enough to be able to get a game in the time remaining of the Break. We always played in two pairs and winning pairs stayed on the court until defeated. Losing pairs were replaced by the next in line i.e. first come first served (no pun intended). The game was invariably played with a soft ball - very often a badly worn Tennis ball, and no one, I recall, wore gloves. We were a tough lot in those days!
Our court was definitely an Eton fives court with no back wall and a small downward step right across at about half way. There was also a buttress protruding from the right hand wall measuring approximately 4ft high by 2ft. deep and 2 ft. wide. Serving was by hitting the ball above the ledge which ran around the wall at about 3ft. as opposed to a line that you would have on a Squash court. You had to hit the serve also onto either side wall and then onto the front wall before it was in play.
As your game developed, things became quite hectic but we did become quite adept at knowing the angles and very often partnerships stayed on for the whole of the break. I suppose the court would be approximately 30 ft. long by about 15ft. wide. The players were usually 4th or 5th formers if my memory serves me correctly. What I can't remember is the scoring system but it could have been first to ten points i.e. a point was lost if returns went below the ledge or bounced more than once. Other ex-players may remember more of the rules but I think I have covered most of them. Lets hope we hear more from other contributors.
My memories of the Fives Court is of mad dashes when the bell rang for break times to reach the court as quickly as possible and hope that you were quick enough to be able to get a game in the time remaining of the Break. We always played in two pairs and winning pairs stayed on the court until defeated. Losing pairs were replaced by the next in line i.e. first come first served (no pun intended). The game was invariably played with a soft ball - very often a badly worn Tennis ball, and no one, I recall, wore gloves. We were a tough lot in those days!
Our court was definitely an Eton fives court with no back wall and a small downward step right across at about half way. There was also a buttress protruding from the right hand wall measuring approximately 4ft high by 2ft. deep and 2 ft. wide. Serving was by hitting the ball above the ledge which ran around the wall at about 3ft. as opposed to a line that you would have on a Squash court. You had to hit the serve also onto either side wall and then onto the front wall before it was in play.
As your game developed, things became quite hectic but we did become quite adept at knowing the angles and very often partnerships stayed on for the whole of the break. I suppose the court would be approximately 30 ft. long by about 15ft. wide. The players were usually 4th or 5th formers if my memory serves me correctly. What I can't remember is the scoring system but it could have been first to ten points i.e. a point was lost if returns went below the ledge or bounced more than once. Other ex-players may remember more of the rules but I think I have covered most of them. Lets hope we hear more from other contributors.
8. Ronnie Gorton
Cross-country Race – 1950 CRASH!
I was awakened from my daydreams by a sharp sound. They're off!! Bad start that, still, not badly placed. On! Ah, the pace was beginning to tell; the crowd was thinning out. In my stride now. Gasping, down the steps and on. Fifth now, must get fourth, can't let him beat me. Half way!! and we raced neck and neck, each refusing to admit defeat. On we raced, careful - rough ground. Why must we go the long way round? Passed him! The end was in sight. On I rushed in triumph, head back. Air! Give me air! My chest was heaving; a lump rising in my throat; everything was becoming a blur. That line. That line. I must get across that line. Hurry!! My pace was slackening. Not far to go. Feet changing to lead. Into the straight. Who was that behind? Nearly there now. Hurray! Over, fourth to the Fives Court. First Game! and from Room 11. WOT! NO BALL!!
Gorton R. U6S (Talbot)
Cross-country Race – 1950 CRASH!
I was awakened from my daydreams by a sharp sound. They're off!! Bad start that, still, not badly placed. On! Ah, the pace was beginning to tell; the crowd was thinning out. In my stride now. Gasping, down the steps and on. Fifth now, must get fourth, can't let him beat me. Half way!! and we raced neck and neck, each refusing to admit defeat. On we raced, careful - rough ground. Why must we go the long way round? Passed him! The end was in sight. On I rushed in triumph, head back. Air! Give me air! My chest was heaving; a lump rising in my throat; everything was becoming a blur. That line. That line. I must get across that line. Hurry!! My pace was slackening. Not far to go. Feet changing to lead. Into the straight. Who was that behind? Nearly there now. Hurray! Over, fourth to the Fives Court. First Game! and from Room 11. WOT! NO BALL!!
Gorton R. U6S (Talbot)
9. Fred Johnson
According to Pedro
In my first year, Pedro was either a Prefect or an Assistant Prefect, I think he might have run the Tuck Shop and I believe he might have come from the Kinsley/Fitzwilliam area. I can usually remember incidents very well but I'm terrible with names and always have been. I can't for the life of me remember his name only his nickname of 'Pedro'. I remember he was a big, stocky lad with dark hair and glasses. We used to be amused because in the library there was a Fives rule book and on the title page under the heading "The Rules Of Eton Fives" (or whatever) some wag had written "... according to Pedro". When I passed the Fives court as a sprog I remember seeing him playing but we were usually shooed away because it was the domain of senior pupils. We weren't so strict when we became senior pupils but it was incredibly popular regardless of whether you smoked or not.
According to Pedro
In my first year, Pedro was either a Prefect or an Assistant Prefect, I think he might have run the Tuck Shop and I believe he might have come from the Kinsley/Fitzwilliam area. I can usually remember incidents very well but I'm terrible with names and always have been. I can't for the life of me remember his name only his nickname of 'Pedro'. I remember he was a big, stocky lad with dark hair and glasses. We used to be amused because in the library there was a Fives rule book and on the title page under the heading "The Rules Of Eton Fives" (or whatever) some wag had written "... according to Pedro". When I passed the Fives court as a sprog I remember seeing him playing but we were usually shooed away because it was the domain of senior pupils. We weren't so strict when we became senior pupils but it was incredibly popular regardless of whether you smoked or not.
10. Les Brown
With reference to "The Gallery" and the three cartoons taken from various editions of the school magazine, the artist was a contemporary of mine, Jack McGillivray. His photograph is to be found among the Prefects for 1947/48. The one entitled "Which Way to the Fives Court?" is a true reflection of the actual situation at the time. There was a group of 4th/5th year boys who were very keen to play Fives using bare hands and a tennis ball. (Proper equipment was not available because of the war.) Thus at the beginning of morning break and at lunchtime there was a headlong rush for the Fives Court since the order of play was determined according to the principle of "first come - first served". Equally, at the end of break and lunchtime there was a reluctance on the part of the boys on court to stop playing and return to lessons.
With reference to "The Gallery" and the three cartoons taken from various editions of the school magazine, the artist was a contemporary of mine, Jack McGillivray. His photograph is to be found among the Prefects for 1947/48. The one entitled "Which Way to the Fives Court?" is a true reflection of the actual situation at the time. There was a group of 4th/5th year boys who were very keen to play Fives using bare hands and a tennis ball. (Proper equipment was not available because of the war.) Thus at the beginning of morning break and at lunchtime there was a headlong rush for the Fives Court since the order of play was determined according to the principle of "first come - first served". Equally, at the end of break and lunchtime there was a reluctance on the part of the boys on court to stop playing and return to lessons.
11. Geoff Booth (HGS 1939-45)
I suppose the rules were similar to Squash. The ball was about the size of a squash ball and struck by the hand. A glove was worn which had a padded extension up the inside of the arm for protection because the ball was HARD. Two men in a team. The server bounced the ball once and struck it (on the bounce) into the right hand corner to the right of the serving line. The ball went through the corner to the striker who slammed it back against the right hand wall (a must). Then the ball was struck by each side in turn until it bounced twice, or was missed or went out of court, each infringement cost a point. We used to practice with a tennis ball but that was much slower and easier to hit. A game was 11 points.
I suppose the rules were similar to Squash. The ball was about the size of a squash ball and struck by the hand. A glove was worn which had a padded extension up the inside of the arm for protection because the ball was HARD. Two men in a team. The server bounced the ball once and struck it (on the bounce) into the right hand corner to the right of the serving line. The ball went through the corner to the striker who slammed it back against the right hand wall (a must). Then the ball was struck by each side in turn until it bounced twice, or was missed or went out of court, each infringement cost a point. We used to practice with a tennis ball but that was much slower and easier to hit. A game was 11 points.
12. Geoff Manning (HGS 1945-52)
Fives should have been played to the Eton rules as the court was of that style with a two level floor and a buttress on the left hand wall. I have a copy of the official rules but I suspect we often played to local variations, and often without gloves causing many scrapes and grazes. I wasn't a regular player so I can't add much. Scoring was up to 12 with the serving side able to score or lose a serve (like badminton used to be until recently) and the essential was to return the ball to the front wall above the ledge. There are a lot more and finer points .......
Fives should have been played to the Eton rules as the court was of that style with a two level floor and a buttress on the left hand wall. I have a copy of the official rules but I suspect we often played to local variations, and often without gloves causing many scrapes and grazes. I wasn't a regular player so I can't add much. Scoring was up to 12 with the serving side able to score or lose a serve (like badminton used to be until recently) and the essential was to return the ball to the front wall above the ledge. There are a lot more and finer points .......
13. Peter Hryschko
I remember the rate of wearing shoes out whilst playing fives. There was a footwear company, Tuf shoes who brought out a shoe with a six months guarantee. They obviously did not test it on a Fives Court. They were not the most attractive of shoes but we gave it a go. First pair went back and true to their word a new pair came back from Tuf. Second pair went back which were returned with a new sole and heal. Third pair went back and a letter returned apologising but saying they had to abandon their six months guarantee. I don't know if the company is still in production, but I hope they did not go bust because of Fives.
I remember the rate of wearing shoes out whilst playing fives. There was a footwear company, Tuf shoes who brought out a shoe with a six months guarantee. They obviously did not test it on a Fives Court. They were not the most attractive of shoes but we gave it a go. First pair went back and true to their word a new pair came back from Tuf. Second pair went back which were returned with a new sole and heal. Third pair went back and a letter returned apologising but saying they had to abandon their six months guarantee. I don't know if the company is still in production, but I hope they did not go bust because of Fives.
14. Keith Twigg
I remember playing Fives regularly. So much so that returning late for lessons finally resulted in a visit to the Headmaster. The same happened after touch and pass in the playground. I can remember the pain of the cane to this day.
I remember playing Fives regularly. So much so that returning late for lessons finally resulted in a visit to the Headmaster. The same happened after touch and pass in the playground. I can remember the pain of the cane to this day.
15. Jean Colley
I seem to remember fives being played on the side of the gym wall.
I seem to remember fives being played on the side of the gym wall.
16. Peter Hryschko
I think handball was played on the gym wall. No obstructions, just a line above which you had to hit the ball
I think handball was played on the gym wall. No obstructions, just a line above which you had to hit the ball
17. Peter Cooper
My abiding memory of the Fives Court was never being able to get on and playing with a tennis ball which often resulted in scraped knuckles when playing a shot when the ball was near the side wall
My abiding memory of the Fives Court was never being able to get on and playing with a tennis ball which often resulted in scraped knuckles when playing a shot when the ball was near the side wall
Photo: Batey
