Handball Court

It's lovely having a Grade 2 listed building right on your doorstep. Handballs can be borrowed from the pub next door if you want a go.

Unusual thing to find in Wales much like an open air squash court marked up for handball

This is the only Handball Court, originally built circa 1865, featuring the old Irish game of One Wall Handball, remaining intact and in regular use in mainland U.K., making it an historic landmark, something the people of the village of Nelson are very proud of. The game was brought to the U.K. by Irish immigrants after the terrible potato famine of 1847 to 1852, who came to work on the construction of local railways instrumental in Welsh coal and iron ore exports during the Industrial Revolution. Irish emigrants also took the game to America and Australia, where it is still played today. The original structure of the Nelson Ball Court has been upgraded and attracts players and audiences from all over South Wales; indeed, even beyond, because during the latter part of August 2023, it, and the village of Nelson, will host an international event. In the past, even smaller competitions have drawn crowds of excited spectators and, as with any sporting event, much wagering takes place. It’s a fast game, much like squash without the racquets. Blink and you’ll miss it!

The Hand ball court in Nelson is a landmark and also a place where generation after generation have enjoyed playing sport. It is almost unique now and we are very lucky to still have it in the village.