HISTORY: Although its origins go back much further, archery as a sport or recreation probably dates back to the late middle ages when, with the introduction of firearms, the bow ceased to be regarded as a weapon of war. From this period until Victorian times, landowners would erect targets (or 'butts') in their grounds, and guests could spend a pleasant afternoon 'shooting in the bow'.

Archery was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1900, and at the IVth Olympiad held in London in 1908, Britain took all medals except the Men's Bronze. Unfortunately, there was no international governing body for the sport at that time, and archery was dropped as an Olympic sport after the 1920 Games, and not reinstated until Mexico City in 1968.

There is a long tradition of archery in Exeter, with the area now known as Southernhay thought to be the practice and tournament ground during the Middle Ages. Lammas Day (August 1st) has always been associated with archery, and for many years a Lammas Day Shoot was held in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace.

TODAY: The present club, Exeter Company of Archers, was formed in 1952, and although it has had its ups and downs it is currently one of the larger and better equipped clubs in Devon and Cornwall. The club has had a number of homes during this period, including St Thomas' Cricket Club at Marsh Barton, and Westpoint. Since the early 1990s, the venue has been Exeter School, which provides excellent outdoor and indoor facilities. The club celebrated its half century in 2002, and a number of founder or early members re-visited the club, coming from as far afield as Canada. Top grade competitions are hosted each year, attracting top archers from the South West and elsewhere. There are also other active clubs locally, and throughout the South West counties.

Although classed as a 'shooting sport', archery has an enviable safety record, which is entirely due to the responsible attitude of its practitioners. Archery is often described as a 'Sport for All', as technique, mental attitude and control are far more important than age or physical strength. Many disabled archers can compete on equal terms with their able-bodied colleagues.

ARCHERY EQUIPMENT: The development of archery shooting equipment reflects advances in materials technology. Until the 1950s, the type of equipment used would have been similar to that used by the British archers at the battles of Crécy and Agincourt in medieval times. The bow would have been recognisable as a traditional longbow and wooden shafted arrows fletched with feathers would have been used.
During the 1950s, tubular steel bows were and arrows were introduced. These were a great advance on their predecessors, and well liked by their users. Unfortunately, they had an alarming tendency to break after a period of use, due to metal fatigue, and their popularity waned when laminated fibreglass and wood bows were introduced in the 1960s. This type of bow (known as a Recurve) has evolved into the current three piece bow consisting of a wood or aluminium alloy handle (or riser) and laminated upper and lower limbs. Latest developments include the use of carbon fibre in both the limbs and riser. Permitted accessories on a bow include a sight (basically an adjustable pin) and stabilising rods, which absorb vibrations and cause the bow to react in a predictable manner when the arrow is released.
An alternative form of bow, known as the Compound has been developed. Whilst constructed of similar materials to the recurve, the compound bow has a pulley or cam at each limb tip. These act in a similar way to a 'block and tackle', and take much of the effort out of drawing the bow. Compound bows are powerful and accurate, and are growing in popularity among both new and experienced archers.
Arrow technology has also advanced, with wooden shafted arrows giving way to steel and then to high grade aluminium alloy tubing. Aluminium arrows are still widely used, but are being superceded by carbon fibre or an aluminium/carbon composite, both of which are lighter than an aluminium shaft of the same strength.

Despite all this modern technology, the traditional Longbow is still alive and well, and most archery clubs (including Exeter) have a group of members who shoot the longbow at least part of the time. The traditional longbow material, yew (Taxus baccata), is difficult to obtain (as it was in the Middle Ages) and difficult to work. Fortunately several other native or imported woods are suitable for bowmaking, and are often easier to work. In fact anyone of reasonable DIY ability and access to a few basic woodworking hand tools should be able to produce a usable longbow.

Equipment costs vary enormously, but compare favourably with other equipment orientated sports and pastimes. Equipment is best obtained from a specialist archery retailer, although second hand equipment may occasionally be available through the club.

COMPETITIVE ARCHERY: Whilst many people enjoy archery on a purely recreational basis, one is constantly aware that it is an extremely competitive sport. Archers normally compete as individual representatives of their club rather than as a team, and ultimately each archer is shooting against him or herself in an attempt to improve scores and reduce handicap ratings. Even so, there is much friendly rivalry between clubs and individual archers.
The Competition normally takes the form of a 'Round', which specifies the number of arrows and the distances over which they will be shot. The maximum outdoor distances are l00 yards or 90 metres for men, and 80 yards or 70 metres for women (although there is nothing to prevent women shooting the longer distances if they so wish.) Shorter distances are specified for junior and novice archers. A typical round would consist of 12 dozen arrows shot over three or four different distances. This type of round would take several hours to shoot, so there are breaks for meals etc. A four foot (128cm) diameter target would be used in most cases, and while this may seem large, it appears almost microscopic when viewed through a bowsight at l00 yards.
Competitions traditionally take place on Sundays, and as archery is a popular sport in the South West it is possible to compete almost every weekend during the summer months without travelling great distances.
During the winter months, target archery moves indoors to school halls and sports centres, where the standard distances are 20 yards or 18 metres. Although not as frequently as in summer, indoor competitions take place throughout the region.

Novices and juniors are catered for at most competitions, so new archers need not feel apprehensive about entering.

OTHER FORMS OF ARCHERY: Most people are aware of the existence of Target Archery, as described above, but there are other forms, all of which have their enthusiasts.

Field Archery: is probably the next most popular form. This differs from target archery in that the archers negotiate a course set up in wooded or mixed terrain, and encounter targets at intervals along the course. Important differences are that the shooting distances are often not accurately known to the archer, and the area is normally far from flat. Field archery organisers show great ingenuity in making life difficult for the archer. Shooting through forks in tree trunks, across lakes or from a rock in the middle of a stream are the order of the day. Field archery enthusiasts argue that this type of shooting is a much more severe test of an archer's ability than can be offered by target archery, although many archers compete successfully in both forms.

Clout Shooting: This involves shooting at a small post or 'clout' at a distance of up to 180 yards. This is thought to be similar to the type of training undertaken by military archers in the Middle Ages.

Flight Shooting: This is basically shooting for distance. It is not commonly encountered in the UK, due to the large amount of space required (the British record is about 800 yards, and a 50% safety distance is required!)

Popinjay: This form is not often encountered in the UK, but is popular in other parts of Europe. It involves shooting at small targets on a 30 metre vertical mast, using blunt tipped arrows shot from below the mast. A horizontal version may also be encountered.

There are also agreed rules whereby an archer can shoot in direct competition with a darts player or a golfer.

JOINING A CLUB: The usual method of becoming an archer is via a beginners' course run by a local club. For insurance and other reasons, courses have to be organised some time in advance, so prior booking is essential.
Exeter Company of Archers runs a number of six week courses during the year. On successful completion of a course, club membership is normally available to those interested in taking up archery as a sport or recreation. Membership fees include affiliation to all the relevant bodies, and insurance. An archer can then shoot at any affiliated archery club in the UK and many other countries.

Club equipment is normally available for use by members, but most enthusiastic archers purchase their own. Advice about suitable equipment is readily available at the club, and it is most important that an archer does not obtain equipment without the advice of an experienced archer or specialist retailer.

There is no upper age limit for archery; in fact many active archers are senior citizens. Exeter Company of Archers has a normal minimum age of ten years, but this may depend on the availability of equipment suitable for small children. It will be necessary for a parent to remain on site during the course for the younger age group.
Physically disabled people are welcome, all Exeter Company of Archers' venues have easy level access, and in recent years, several disabled people have successfully completed courses.

GNAS Clubs DA662 (Senior) & DA1571 (Junior)

©Exeter Company Of Archers 1999-2009