In days long ago, during the tenth and eleventh centuries, most of Lancashire was covered by forests rich in wild life which helped to sustain the sparse population. The means of obtaining meat was either by trapping or the use of the bow and arrow.

Following the Norman Conquest, many areas of the forest became the King's land, under the stewardship of various Knights who had helped with the conquest and in turn received land in return. The forest areas were protected by the steward and supported by men authorised to hunt and shoot the King's deer, these men were known as bowbearers. Anyone else caught carrying a bow or worse still, actually caught killing the King's deer, were severely dealt with. The locals, one suspects, continued to hunt with some success, stories of these characters helped to build the legend of Robin Hood. Their skill is also verified in that the legendary `English Archers' at Agincourt, Crecy, Poitiers, etc.. were in fact made up by Archers from Lancashire, Cheshire and Kent.

Today archery is still an active sport - we do not shoot game or Frenchmen - however much satisfaction is gained from following the old skills and developing the techniques to actually be able to hit the object you are aiming at!

The Bowbearers of Wyresdale still exist, without a Royal Warrant one hastens to add, but as an affiliated club belonging to the Grand National Archery Society. We are a fairly small club with the emphasis on fun and enjoyment. Twice in the last four years we have won our division of the national BA Postal League and our lady members have put the lads to shame with successful forays into neighbouring Cumbria to relieve them of some of their silverware.

If you are fed up with stress and the world of modern technology - fancy trying a sport with gentle exercise, skill and a social life, as well as being part of an ancient tradition? - give Archery a try. Equipment can be hired, help and instruction given, one to one lessons arranged.

If you fancy having a go contact one of the bowbearers on our contacts page