History of Darts

A lot has been written over the years about the history of darts, but finding good credible darts history information is a completely different story.

One fact no-one can dispute when it comes to the history of darts is that the game of darts originated in England. Darts has been played in pubs and taverns all over the UK for the past 100 years and more.

History of Darts during Medieval Times

Much is speculated but if rumor holds true, the game of darts had its origin during the reign of King Henry VIII of England. It is believed that he told his archers to practice their arching skills all year round so they would be sharp and ready for battle at any time. While practicing outside some archers, instead of shooting, started throwing their arrows as a means of fun. Maybe the thinking was, "anyone can shoot accurately lets see who can throw accurately". Needless to say, everyone knows England’s unfavorable weather, and it wasn’t long before this outdoor past-time or game was taken indoors to the comfort of the local pub. To handle the arrows better and make the game easier to play while indoors, the arrows were shortened.

The bottom of an overturned wine or ale (beer) barrel was used as a “target”. An interesting fact about the word "target". The bottom of a wine / beer barrel was called a “butt”, which originated via archery from the French word “butte”, meaning “target”. When these barrels became in short supply some innovative darter decided to use a cross-cut of a log (slice of a tree trunk) as the target. The age rings of the tree served as markers or areas where to throw. Later the wood started to crack, which further divided the target into different parts which evolved into the dartboard of today.

What probably just started as a means of fun quickly became a game of skill, and it wasn’t long before the soldiers started exhibiting their skills at the drinking establishments. Many started to make their own shortened arrows, which they would bring with them to the pub, to challenge their friends and to display the great skill they had developed.

News travelled fast, and it wasn’t long before the news reached the upper class, who also became interested and wanted to show-off their dart throwing skills. Even the King, Henry the VIII, was impressed with this new game. Reports state that Henry VIIIenjoyed the game so much in 1530 that Anne Boleyn, his wife to be, gave him a set of richly ornamented darts to win his favor.

The game didn’t just stay in England. It wasn’t long before people in other countries started to enjoy the game. Reports suggest that the Pilgrims who left England in 1620 aboard the Mayflower, played darts for fun and entertainment on their voyage across the sea to America.