This Is the World’s Oldest Football And It Has a Fascinating Story

How did it get there? Some evidence suggests that this ancient relic was either kicked to a great height and subsequently forgotten, or intentionally positioned in the rafters to serve as protection against evil spirits during James V’s reconstruction of the castle between 1537-1542.

The oldest football that we know of. Image credit: Smith Art Gallery & Museum
Did you know that the world’s oldest football was discovered in Stirling Castle, Scotland, UK? It was found in 1981 during enabling works in the castle, which was used by Mary, Queen of Scots, during her reign in the 16th century. The ball had been hiding lodged in the rafters of the Queen’s Chamber, and was gifted to the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

How did it get there? Some evidence suggests that this ancient relic was either kicked to a great height and subsequently forgotten, or intentionally positioned in the rafters to serve as protection against evil spirits during James V’s reconstruction of the castle between 1537-1542.