A Brief History of Curling

From Scotland to Canada

The invention of curling is not clear because the history was not recorded well. However, the sport was invented by the Scottish with the earliest evidence being the Stirling Stone. This early curling rock has the date 1511 craved on it. The next earliest evidence is in 1541 when an issue of a curling challenge was found between John Slater to Gavin Hamilton. The game was commonly played by Scottish farmers to help endure the coldest winter when the ground itself has even frozen. Curling eventually found itself in North America with Scottish soldiers during the Seven Years’ War (1756-63). The story goes that it was the 78th Fraser Highlanders who were part of Wolfe’s army that was sent to capture Quebec. Post battle of Ste, a man named Foy wanted permission to melt down cannonballs for curling stones. To make things clear this story of turning cannonballs into iron rocks is just a fun story that is told in the curling world. It makes little logical sense and the soldiers probably used something else as rocks. A more realistic story was the game came to Canada with the British immigrants. From the Scottish Clearances and the Irish Potato famine to the upheaval sweeping England, immigrants came to Canada in large numbers to find a better life. Canadians soon fell in love with Curling because it fits perfectly in the winter. Just like in Scotland, curling was the perfect way to make it through the tough Canadian winters.

Curling in Canada first started outside on frozen bodies of water and games were held within clubs. That did not last forever because it was too cold, so curling found its way inside. The first indoor club was built in 1859, in Toronto. Slowly indoor clubs became more popular across Canada until the 1880s and 1890s when ice hockey took precedence. Then by 1835 curling games started to be played between cities, then between provinces by 1958. Canadian curlers then went on to play internationally and soon were playing games all over.

Curling was first popular in the east, but it eventually would move west. With the boom of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 people started to move west and they brought curling with them. Winnipeg especially picks up the game quickly and saw their first club in 1876. Games started to be played and their first bonspiel was held in 1884. The west adopted the game like it was their own and by 1910 curling could be found everywhere in the western providences.

It was reported that by the 1840s curling was becoming a Canadian sport. Eventually today Canadians claim the game as their own. Canadians have scatted themselves all over the sport. Canadians like to say we are the best in the world. You will find some of the best players and coaches come from Canada. Most big events are held here and there are lots of international teams that come to Canada to play and practice. Canadian curlers have developed the mentality that they are the best at the sport, and it is a Canadian game.

Curling became a game that welcomes everyone who wants to try it. The game can be played by people from all walks of life including those from high to low society. Curlers can be any age, young or old. A beautiful thing about the game is that pretty much anyone could play, and you will find many people out on the ice having a great time.