Horrible Histories of Billiards

Lord Palmerston was a billiards pioneer and British statesman who served as Prime Minister in the mid-19th century.
Sadly, in 1865 at the age of 81, Palmerston suffered a heart attack while in hot pursuit of a pretty housemaid.
Indeed it is believed that he was discovered in flagrante delicto upon his billiard table by his wife and that precipitated his demise.Above is a photograph of Lord Palmerston's man cave which is preserved to this day.
It is said that a ghastly apparition of the grim reaper holding a billiard cue has appeared to those entering the room.
The fateful words are then heard... "Fancy a game mate ?"
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Twenty years later in the United States, in another tragic incident, Morgan Earp was shot by an unknown assailant through a door (note the shadowy figure) while playing pool in a Tombstone saloon bar.
The bullet passed through his back and shattered a ball.
As Morgan lay spreadeagled and dying on the pool table he whispered in despair into the ear of his brother Wyatt, unheard by anyone else and forever to remain secret, “That was the last game of pool I’ll ever play.”
Such was his love for the game!
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In January 2019, the film "Mary Queen of Scots" starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, had its Scottish Premiere in Edinburgh.
A special reception, hosted by Scotland's First Minister and accomplished cueist Nicola Sturgeon, was held for the film's makers and stars at Edinburgh Castle.
Mary, Queen of Scots, is one of the best known figures in Scotland's history.
Her extensively documented life was nothing if not eventful.
You may however be surprised to discover that Mary Stuart was a pioneer of cue sports.

Read more here about Mary Queen of 'Shots' the billiards player.