Hi jonty I have been puzzling over this all morning, to no avail. Although I did wonder if marbles had anything to do with alleys, as we used to call them that when we were kids. Will keep on chewing it over - you nevr know!
Hi sallyw, how you doing? We used to call marbles jorries. This site makes me feel my age sometimes. (always) My stab at the answer Statu(t)e. As in Elgin marbles. I know, back to my havering best. Take care sallyw.
Hi Barrycat. Still much the same, have a doctors appointment later, so maybe something will come from that! Glad you're on the mend, and good answer. Isn't it interesting the dialect names for games etc?