Flipbook - TBF Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 24
From Schoolyards
to Championships:
The Timeless
Tradition of
Conkers
By The Images
In the heart of British autumn, as the leaves turn and the air
crisps, children across the UK eagerly await the fall of the horse
chestnut’s fruit, known affectionately as conkers. This traditional
game is deeply embedded in British culture.
The game of conkers, where the toughest horse chestnut seeds
clash in a battle of strength, skill, and a dash of luck, is more than
just a pastime - it’s a rite of passage. Under the watchful eyes of
autumnal skies, players test their mettle in a game that combines
strategy, preparation, and the time-honoured tradition of friendly
competition.
A Brief History
The game of conkers, as we know it today,
was first documented on the Isle of Wight
in 1848. It traces its roots back to the 19th
century, though its spirit might be as old as
the hills. However, its origins might be linked
to earlier games played with hazelnuts or
snail shells, suggesting a continuity of this
competitive spirit through the ages. The term
“conker” itself might derive from the French
word “cogner,” meaning to hit, reflecting the
The Banchory Fly |Autumn 2025 Page 24
game’s core action. Horse chestnut trees, from
which conkers are harvested, were introduced
to Britain from the Balkans in the late 16th
century, setting the stage for what would
become a beloved tradition.
Preparation: The Conker’s
Journey to Battle
First, one must select the mightiest conker.
The preparation of a conker is both an art and
a science. Not just any seed will do; it needs to
be hard, shiny, and have the spirit of a
