Court Tennis, also known as Real Tennis (and formerly called Royal Tennis in the
UK), is an early form of modern tennis and is played in an asymmetrical indoor court suggesting a medieval street but, in
reality, is a faithful copy of the original tennis court used by King Henry VIII in Hampton Court in the UK.
The rules are arcane and challenging but the action is direct and truly exciting - a great
work out. The back wall is used as in squash but the many irregular features of the court make for unpredictable returns.There
are only 43 courts in the world and most of the US courts are clubs, but many permit members of the public to play.
Members of Golds Dragoons are encouraged to try out this sport. We had planned to hold a tournament
in Newport, R.I. on Saturday the 3rd of February of this year as part of our annual trip to the annual Victorian Military
Society on February 2nd. Sadly, this was the same weekend as a major club tournament and we could not book court time. We
will try again next year. Excellent instruction will be available for first timers and all equipment is supplied.
Spectators are encouraged, but this can be dangerous for some. Queen Anne Boleyn was watching
a game when she was arrested prior to her trial and losing her head. King Henry scheduled a game for her time of execution
- as any caring husband would.
