History of Billiards
This chronology of important events belonging to the history of the game of billiards is based, of course, on documented facts, on research, sometimes on educated conjecture. The events span a period beginning in the middle ages and extending through the year 1900, by which time billiards may be said to have assumed most of its modern characteristics. Of necessity the dates sometimes can place an event only approximately, and by reference to the earliest (or latest) documentation. The earliest documented existence of a billiard table, for instance, was in 1470. But it is entirely likely that a few tables existed even earlier. Of necessity only the more important events are listed here. A chronology can begin to give shape to a historical picture but should be used only as a supplement to the material from which it is taken in William Hendricks’ History of Billiards.
The book is part of the personal collection of Peter Ainsworth. The public section of the collection can be accessed via the following link: https://www.flipsnack.com/hylandbilliards/. We publish books and magazines in PDF format on our website with the owner’s permission.