The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Behind the Bell
The often neglected English game of quoits takes centre stage in this absorbing film shot in the Suffolk village of Kersey.
From the collection of:
Overview
This film offers an intriguing introduction to the game of quoits. It opens with shots of lovely thatched houses in Kerse; The Bell Inn is identified by a narrator. Behind the pub, two squares of land are prepared, and a game is soon underway. The victor enjoys a pint of beer and looks forward to the next game.
The Bell Inn remains a popular pub in Kersey. The village is known for its architecture that dates back to the 14th Century and earlier. The English game of quoits, although similar to the game horseshoes, is thought to originate from Ancient Greece. Quoits was banned by Edward III and Richard II due to its immense popularity in Medieval England. The English kings wanted their subjects to spend more time practicing their archery as preparation for future armed conflict.
Related
Watch for free
Village and Country Scenes 1934-1938 Village and Country Scenes 1934-1938
Amateur film 1934 6 mins Silent Location: Colchester
Pretty 1930s scenes of Essex and Suffolk villages and countryside
Watch for free
Countryside Club Present….. Countryside Club Present…..
Travelogue 1952 7 mins Silent Location: Lavenham
This travelogue film captures the chocolate box image of some the villages in rural Suffolk which have inspired artists and enthralled visitors over the years.
Watch for free
Sudbury, Suffolk and District Sudbury, Suffolk and District
Non-Fiction 1963 12 mins Location: Sudbury
Sudbury is steeped in history as a market town and in the wool and weaving industry. But its main claim to fame is as birthplace and inspiration to Thomas Gainsborough.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.
Watch for free
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.