James Herriot and Bezique

Bezique was a favourite game of James and Helen – their games are mentioned in the famous James Herriot books. During their early married life living up near the attic in Skeldale House (now The World of James Herriot in Thirsk) they would play this game in their rather austere surroundings during the 40’s. I decided to equip myself with this quaint set of Bezique cards dating back to 1933 to give me the feel of that age. But all you need is two sets of playing cards to have a go yourself.

It takes a little while to get your head around the rules but its really not that hard and I absolutely encourage you to learn how to play so that you can share in the enjoyment that James and Helen enjoyed back then without TV or computers or smartphones to distract them.

p.s. Yes the cards were chosen deliberately – Tricky Woo!