How did a game played by peasants in the English countryside as early as the 17th century evolve into one of the most popular sports in the world? Jon Hotten, author of 'The Meaning of Cricket', joins Tom and Dominic to discuss the origins of the game, its Victorian transformation and the inextricable link with Empire. To sign up to the brand new Rest Is History Club and enjoy benefits like bonus episodes, live streamed shows and ad-free listening, as well as membership of the RIHC Discord chatroom, go to www.restishistorypod.com *The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*: Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia! Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com Twitter:  @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook