For readers who do not live in Briain, here are some photographs from the annual Shrove Tuesday Football Match at the village of Ashbourne in Derbyshire. One of the strangest games in the world. Very possibly the inspiration for the game in Unseen Academicals.

If you want to see the game in progress there is a video at this link

The rules and history are explained here

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, just like grandpa. Not screaming and panicking like his passengers.
Don't drink and drive from The Lancre Tavern