Playing Cards in The United Kingdom

English soldiers probably brought French cards back with them from battles and expeditions into French territory during the fifteenth century, and these cards served as models for the first English makers. None have survived from such an early date and little is known about early English card manufacturers.

Cards were probably imported (or smuggled) from France - most likely from nearby Rouen - and also possibly from Flanders or Spain. However, their importation was officially banned in 1463 upon the petition of the English artificers. About 1484 they seem to have become an important part of the Christmas festivities, at least among the upper classes, and in 1495 an edict of Henry VII forbade their use to servants and apprentices except during the Christmas holidays. Henry apparently enjoyed this new game, ‘cards for playing’, for among his private expenses are several entries for losses at cards. Read more →

Some odd single cards have survived in museums and country houses, and the name Stiven Bricket appears on a card dated c.1600. These cards all have the same stylistic resemblance to cards made in Rouen during the fifteenth century and which became the English pattern  see more →

The next most well-known English manufacturers are Hewson, Blanchard, Gibson, Hunt, Reynolds, Goodall, etc. The English pattern was widely copied and imitated by American manufacturers during the nineteenth century and has been adopted by manufacturers world-wide as the standard ‘International’ pattern for Bridge, Poker, Canasta, Bingo and so on.

Above: set of “Pope Joan” Game Trays with gilt and painted panels, c.1800-20.