The ball

 

 In the mid-1970s, during an excavation project at Stirling Castle in Scotland, a grey ball was discovered.

It was found behind some oak-panelling in a bedroom once used by Mary Queen of Scots during her reign in the 16th century.

It has since been declared the world's oldest football!

 The ball which looks to be made from a pigs bladder, was re-discovered in 1999 in the archives of Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

Tests confirmed that it was created between 1540-1570, that made the ball 436 years old!

 Mary Queen of Scots once refereed a ground-breaking game between a team of Englishmen and a Scottish-French side in 1568.

Mary would not have had the freedom to roam outside the castle, so the match would have taken place within its walls.

 Mary helped the teams keep their cool, in a match described as "without foul play".

The game lasted two hours, but the result was never recorded.
It is unknown if the Queen herself, used the ball.

The ball is currently on display at Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

The Tudor Intruders (and more)

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 Sources - guinnessworldrecords/oldest-football
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thefreelibrary. com

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 Picture credit - The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling, Scotland