19th-Century Equivalent of Swingball Uncovered from Historical Archives: A Long-Ago Tennis-like Game Exhumed
In the late 1800s, a unique board game known as Spiropole emerged, offering an alternative for tennis enthusiasts who lacked access to courts. The exact origins of Spiropole remain unclear, but historical records suggest it was developed in Europe, possibly in France or Germany, during a time when innovative board games were being designed.
First appearing around **1897**, Spiropole gained moderate popularity in urban centers. Advertised as a game suitable for all ages, it was marketed in toy catalogues and game stores until the early 1900s. The game's unique board design, featuring a spiral or polygonal layout, provided an innovative twist on movement and strategy compared to other contemporary games like chess or checkers.
Spiropole was also known by the names Bumblepuppy (for the garden version) and a table top version. It was often recommended as an indoor family activity, particularly during colder months, and clubs and social groups occasionally hosted tournaments, adding to its community appeal.
However, by **1904**, Spiropole's popularity began to decline. New games with more complex rules and broader appeal, such as Monopoly, started dominating the market. Changing social interests towards outdoor sports and new technologies like the phonograph and cinema also played a role in reducing the time dedicated to traditional board games.
Limited marketing and production, as well as the game's unique mechanics being less accessible compared to simpler games, caused it to lose casual players. By **1906**, references to Spiropole virtually disappeared from popular publications and catalogues, and the game faded into obscurity, surviving only in a few private collections or as a historical curiosity documented by early game historians.
Today, Spiropole serves as a rare historical board game, mostly of interest to collectors and historians. If you're intrigued by this vintage game or would like to explore similar games, feel free to ask for suggestions!
Melanie Bryan, a freelance picture editor and writer, and the former Archive Manager at our platform magazine, provides insights into this fascinating period. Melanie lives and works in rural Ryedale, North Yorkshire, and oversees the Image Archive, containing more than 150,000 images documenting British culture and heritage from 1897 to the present day. An additional 50,000 assets from the historic archive are scheduled to be added this year.
Spiropole required a space of 15ft and consisted of a vertical pole with a cord attached to the top, a tennis ball at the end, and small racquets for players to hit the ball. It was a form of tennis that could be played indoors or outdoors.
Melanie enjoys exploring God's Own County on her bicycle and visiting cafes and hostelries. Subscribing to our platform Newsletter provides updates on houses, nature, and tips for improving one's life. Registration is required to search and purchase images directly from the Image Archive, which covers news, politics, sport, features, and more. The completion of the Image Archive's expansion is expected in Summer 2025.
Melanie has worked for national and international publications and publishers throughout her career.
Despite its decline in popularity by 1904, Spiropole still held a unique place in history as a tennis-inspired board game. Different from traditional tennis played on courts, Spiropole required a space of 15ft, a vertical pole, a cord, a tennis ball, and small racquets for players to engage in an indoor or outdoor game of Spiropole.
