Curling originated in the 16th century in Scotland, where games were played during winter on frozen ponds, lochs and marshes. The earliestknown curling stones came from the Scottish regions of Stirling and Perth and date back to 1511. The earliest reports of curling came from Paisley Abbey, Scotland, in 1541. In the early days of the sport, stones were taken from river bottoms. In the 1600s, stones with handles were introduced, allowing a delivery style similar to what is used today.

Website: http://www.olympic.org/uk/sports/programme/index_uk.asp?SportCode=CU