Playing Tig, 1885

Fun in Peckles-Wood Shire.

Image of children playing game of Tig (tag).

Simple Games. Lasting Memories.

Long before televisions, computers, and video games, children discovered that the greatest adventures didn’t come from a store—they came from imagination, friendship, and the world around them. Join the Whitaker children on their Northumberland farm in 1885 and discover how simple games became lasting memories.

“You’re it!” Will called as he lightly tapped Rance on the shoulder.

“Oh, no!” Rance laughed. “You’ll wish you hadn’t done that!”

With a shout, the eight Whitaker children scattered across the barnyard. Boots pounded over the hard-packed ground as they darted around the old ash tree, slipped behind the watering trough, and raced past Molly the mule, who watched the excitement with curious ears.

James dashed toward the garden fence.

“You’ll never catch me!”

“We’ll see!” Rance answered with a grin.

Rance changed direction so quickly that James nearly ran into him.

“Got you!”

James laughed as Rance tagged his arm.

“My turn!”

Now James was “it.”

The others ran in every direction. Stacy ducked behind the rain barrel while Clarabelle slipped between two apple trees. Will sprinted toward the gate, but James was already closing the distance.

“You’d better run faster!” Will teased.

“I don’t need to,” James replied. “You’re slowing down!”

With one quick step, James reached out.

“Tag! You’re it!”

Will threw his hands into the air.

“I almost made it!”

The chase began again.

Round and round the yard they ran, laughing until everyone was out of breath. Even Father looked up from mending a harness and smiled as the children raced past the barn.

Mother stepped to the back door and rang the supper bell.

“Time to wash up!”

The children slowed to a walk, still laughing as they caught their breath.

“We never did find out who was the fastest,” James said.

Rance smiled.

“Maybe tomorrow.”

The eight children hurried toward the house together, already looking forward to the next game of tig.

Did You Know?

In Northumberland and many other parts of northern England, children often called the game tig instead of tag. The rules were simple: one player was “it” and chased the others until someone was tagged. Because the game needed nothing more than a little open space and willing friends, children have enjoyed playing it for generations.

How to Play Tig (Tag)

Tig is a fast-paced chasing game that has been enjoyed by children for generations. In 1885, the Whitaker children needed nothing more than a little open space and plenty of energy to play.

What You’ll Need

Three or more players
An open area free from obstacles

How to Play

Choose one player to be “It.”
The player who is “It” counts to three while everyone else runs.
When counting is finished, the chase begins.
The player who is “It” tries to gently touch another player.
Once tagged, that player becomes the new “It,” and the game starts again.

Simple Rules

Stay within the agreed playing area.
No pushing, grabbing, or rough play.
A gentle touch is all it takes to tag someone.
Everyone should take turns being “It.”
The game continues for as long as everyone is having fun.

Play Safely

Watch where you’re running.
Avoid steep hills, streams, and stone walls.
Be mindful of farm animals and wagons.
Help younger children enjoy the game.

A Whitaker Family Memory

There was no winner in a game of Tig—only plenty of running, laughter, and cheerful cries as brothers and sisters raced across the farmyard. Before long, someone new would be “It,” and the chase would begin all over again.

Welcome to Peckles-Wood Shire.

Thank you for visiting Peckles-Wood Shire. We hope your journey through 1885 brings wonder to every road you travel.