Contrary to what is often thought, the origins of croquet can be traced back to Italy in the 9th century, and then France. Louis XIV, fond of the 'jeu de mail', adapted it for winter play indoors, and thus 'le billard' was born.

It later crossed the Channel, becoming golf in Scotland, and croquet in Ireland. But it was in England that croquet really gained acceptance as a noble sport.

Here the Croquet Association was born, 100 years ago ; today its museum is at Wimbledon, in the 'All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club', where croquet long predated tennis.

It is now widely played in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and Egypt (the World Champions of 'Golf Croquet'). Mainland Europe is behind, but catching on fast.