Cotswold Olympic Games

The Cotswold Olympic Games are yearly celebrations held during Whit week on the hillside above Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. They were first organised in 1612 by Robert Dover, with the permission of King James I and consist of traditional pastimes such as wrestling, backsword fighting and horse racing. Other events include welly-wanging, tugs of war and shin kicking.

The Games stopped during the Civil War and were later revived continuing up to 1825. After a break of almost 150 years, the Cotswold Olympics were again revived in 1965 and continue to this day.

The Games were commemorated in Annalia Dubrensia, a collection of poems by 34 writers.

“The World with fame, shall to thy Cotswold Hills,

Give place and honour”

From Annalia Dubrensia (1636)