<P> Although the practice of rock climbing was an important component of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps , it is generally thought that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the 19th century in at least three areas : Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony near Dresden , the north of England including the Peak district and Lake District , and the Dolomites in Italy . Rock climbing evolved gradually from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right , making it imprudent to cite a primogenitor of the latter in each of these three locales . Nevertheless , there is some general agreement on the following : </P>
<P> Although the practice of rock climbing was an important component of Victorian mountaineering in the Alps , it is generally thought that the sport of rock climbing began in the last quarter of the 19th century in at least three areas : Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony near Dresden , the north of England including the Peak district and Lake District , and the Dolomites in Italy . Rock climbing evolved gradually from an alpine necessity to an athletic sport in its own right , making it imprudent to cite a primogenitor of the latter in each of these three locales . Nevertheless , there is some general agreement on the following : </P>
when did rock climbing become a sport in england
when did rock climbing become a sport in england
the last quarter of the 19th century
the last quarter of the 19th century