The B’a Green

A 3-acre meadow located on the English side of the RiverTweed, holds a fascinating and unique place in history.

‍

Belonging to Scotland for an unusual reason, this land was won in a mediaeval game of "ba," or "mob football," a chaotic ancestor to modern football and rugby. Each New Year, the towns of Wark on Tweed in England and Coldstream in Scotland would compete, with the victor claiming ownership of the Ba' Green for the year.

‍

Overtime, Coldstream's growing population ensured their dominance, and eventually, the borders were formalised, making the Ba' Green a permanent part of Scotland. This is perhaps the only instance of a piece of land being won through a sports game.

‍