The role of archery in history of London

The English regarded archery as a vital combat skill from the earliest days of the nation's military history.

Royal decrees actively promoted archery training throughout England. A 1369 law mandated that able-bodied Londoners practise with bows and arrows during their leisure time and holidays, whilst prohibiting other pastimes like handball and football under threat of imprisonment. The 14th and 15th centuries saw widespread archery practice at the butts, creating skilled archers for military campaigns. Medieval London's outskirts provided space where men practised with yew longbows at earthen targets, employing techniques passed down through generations.

In 1537, Henry VIII established the Guild of St George to enhance national defence through archery. This organisation evolved into London's Honourable Artillery Company. However, archery's prominence waned due to emerging pastimes and growing urbanisation, which made bow practice increasingly impractical.

Elizabeth I attempted to preserve London's archery grounds, but by 1595 the longbow was deemed obsolete. A 1627 initiative sought to revitalise archery in the City, establishing ward-based regiments that competed annually for prizes. This marked archery's transition from military training to recreational pursuit. 'Rovers', emphasising distance shooting, gained popularity in Finsbury, St George's Fields and Moorfields until urban expansion encroached in the late 18th century.

The Finsbury Archers, active until 1770, gave rise to the Toxophilite Society in 1781, which received royal patronage at its Leicester Square headquarters. This period established standardised target shooting practices that persist today.

Whilst London's expansion claimed many historic shooting grounds, vestiges of Regency-era archery survive in place names like the Archery Tavern in Bayswater and the Butts at the Elephant and Castle. Various pleasure gardens, including Vauxhall and Ranelagh, incorporated archery ranges amongst their attractions.

Political changes displaced the Royal Toxophilite Society from Regent's Park to Buckinghamshire. Contemporary archery clubs throughout London maintain traditions established centuries ago, preserving this historic pursuit for modern enthusiasts.

Source: The London Encyclopaedia





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