Uppies and Downies

Workington in Cumbria is home to a tradition known as "Uppies and Downies", a traditional version of football, dating to Medieval times. Workington still holds annual Uppies and Downies matches every Easter, raising money for various local charities.

The goals are about a mile apart, one being a capstan at the harbour, and the other the park wall of Workington Hall. There were traditionally no rules, except those suggested by cunning and skill, while brute force is of the greatest importance. The 'Uppies' attempt to hale the ball over the park wall; the 'Downies' over the capstan. Whoever is successful in doing so wins a sovereign, given by the owner of Workington Hall.