Charting the sporting and recreational heritage of a borough at play - Camden may lack any professional or senior sports clubs, but it has a rich and varied sporting heritage. In this illustrated lecture, Simon Inglis, editor of the English Heritage series Played in Britain and author of Played in London, traces the roots and routes of sporting development in the area, taking in early bowling greens and swimming pools of Holborn and St Pancras, gymnasiums in and around Marylebone (predating the German Gymnasium), rugby in Hampstead - birthplace of the famous Harlequins – and cricket in St John's Wood.  He will also revisit Camden's lidos, the last Old English Skittles Alley in London and other forgotten or little known locations with a sporting connection.

Resident in the borough since 1986, Simon Inglis has written a number of books on sporting history and heritage, and is best known for his research on football grounds and stadiums.. For a taste of his work, see www.playedinbritain.co.uk. He lectures regularly around the country and says that the most common remark he hears after events is along the lines of 'Do you know I hate sport, but had no idea it was so interesting...'  Signed copies of Played in London and other Played in Britain titles will be available at a discount on the evening.

Price: Free to members. Non-members welcome (£1 at the door).