January 1, 1970

‘The tired parts of the mind can be rested and strengthened not merely by rest, but by using other parts.’ (Churchill, ‘Hobbies’, 1925)

During Churchill’s lifetime, sport developed from amateurism to professionalism moving from the public schools to the terraces. Amateurs like Lottie Dod and W.G. Grace soon gave way to professionals like Fred Perry and Sir Jack Hobbs as participation expanded from the wealthy to the working classes. Out of the factories sprung football teams like Arsenal FC and West Ham and, with the development of new stadiums and radio, sport soon became something that people listened to and watched as well as played. Aided by the rise of television, the improvement of sporting facilities and the emergence of the Paralympics, sport continued to grow in popularity throughout the twentieth century.