Has anyone heard of a game called Knurl & Spell, probably a victorian game or maybe even earlier?

Answer 1

Description of Knur and Spell

"Knur and Spell is one of a multitude of traditional games whereby players attempt to hit an object as hard as they damn well can (or otherwise swear violently when they miss!). The Knur, a hard ball, is propelled vertically into the air by a Spell, a mechanical device that is tripped when a foot or club presses a lever (like the Trap in Bat and Trap). The player then takes an almight swing at it and the player who hits it the furthest is the winner and must buy the next round... (or perhaps win a prize at the end of the village fete)."
http://www.mastersgames.com/cat/outdoor/bat-trap.htm

See also:

http://www.yorkshire-folk-arts.com/info/traditions/knurr.html

http://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Bat-Ball.htm#KnurSpell

Answer 2

It was popular in Victorian times. It's basically 2 sticks. One is tapered at both ends (the knurr). The idea is to use the spell to whack the tapered end of the knurr and when it flies into the air, whack it again as far as you can. Simple pastimes! (you can probably get it on Wii now)