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Archery stands as one of the most ancient arts still practiced today, with its roots deeply intertwined with human history. Initially used for hunting and later in warfare, evidence of archery can be traced back to approximately 20,000 BC, and there is a possibility that its usage dates even earlier.         

Diverse styles of equipment and techniques emerged in various regions worldwide. In Asia, shorter bows gained popularity, favoured by warriors mounted on horseback, while in England, longbows crafted from yew wood played a crucial role in establishing military dominance during the Middle Ages. However, with the advent of gunpowder, archery eventually became obsolete in warfare, leading to its transition into a sport.

The Fletchers, as the 39th Livery Company in the City of London, hold a distinguished status among the 110 livery companies. While historically known for arrow making, nowadays only a small number of their members are engaged in this craft. Despite this, they continue to act to preserve their rich heritage in relevant and meaningful ways.

The Company's first mention occurred in 1371 when they submitted a petition to the Lord Mayor, acknowledging that it was in the best interest of all to keep the two trades of Fletcher (arrow makers) and Bowyer (longbow makers) entirely separate. They agreed that no individual from one trade should engage in the other, and if they did, they would be subject to a £4 penalty.

The introduction of wardens and masters for the Company appeared in 1385, with Nicholas Benet and William Jerberge taking their oaths. On 16 June 1403, the Company issued its initial Ordnance, and in 1423, Fletchers were prohibited from operating their shops on Sundays and high feast days.

The success of the longbow played a significant role in the victories at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. During the Hundred Years War in France and the Wars of the Roses in England, Fletchers were in high demand, continuously supplying arrows. By Henry VIII's era, they had established a hall in St Mary Axe, and historical records indicated the election of officials. Interestingly, the Company allowed widows to become members upon their husbands' demise, and unmarried women were granted admission. Despite the 1887 Commission being informed that "No women have hitherto been admitted," this practice continued into the 18th century.

Over time, the use of longbows as a weapon of war waned due to the rise of guns, leading archery to become primarily a sport rather than a military tool. Nevertheless, the Worshipful Company of Fletchers thrived, and it currently occupies Farmers and Fletchers Hall, one of the newest livery halls in the City of London alongside the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The Royal Toxophilite Society, founded on 3 April 1781 by Sir Ashton Lever and Thomas Waring, is on of the oldest English archery clubs. The Society initially attracted members from various backgrounds, including military men, clerics, authors, and politicians. In 1787, HRH the Prince of Wales became the first Royal Patron, continuing a tradition that persists to this day.

Membership is through invitation only and, in many cases, is awarded to those that have demonstrated deep or longstanding commitment to archery. Over the years, the Society has faced challenges, including fluctuations in membership due to events like the Napoleonic wars. The club initially lacked a permanent location and had to shoot wherever it could, but in 1834, it secured six acres in Regents Park, where it built a club house. By the mid-1840s, they adopted the prefix "Royal" and received formal recognition from the Home Office in 1996.

The Society's headquarters has moved to various locations, including Albion Mews and Burnham in Buckinghamshire, where they established their own shooting ground in 1967.

Despite being an independent, closed society, individual members actively participate in major tournaments as judges, organisers and administrators at both national and international levels. The passing of David Waring in April 2009 marked the end of the last link with the Society's founders.

The first Grand National Archery Meeting predates the formation of The Grand National Archery Society and was held on the Knavesmire at York in 1843. The competition, which is now part of Archery GB, has been running for over 160 years.

The Grand National Archery Society was founded in Liverpool in 1861. Because at that time GNAS was just one of many archery societies, our early activities were limited to organising the Annual National Championships.

The Fletchers, as the 39th Livery Company in the City of London, hold a distinguished status among the 110 livery companies. While historically known for arrow making, nowadays only a small number of their members are engaged in this craft. Despite this, they continue to act to preserve their rich heritage in relevant and meaningful ways.

The Company's first mention occurred in 1371 when they submitted a petition to the Lord Mayor, acknowledging that it was in the best interest of all to keep the two trades of Fletcher (arrow makers) and Bowyer (longbow makers) entirely separate. They agreed that no individual from one trade should engage in the other, and if they did, they would be subject to a £4 penalty.

The introduction of wardens and masters for the Company appeared in 1385, with Nicholas Benet and William Jerberge taking their oaths. On 16 June 1403, the Company issued its initial Ordnance, and in 1423, Fletchers were prohibited from operating their shops on Sundays and high feast days.

The success of the longbow played a significant role in the victories at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. During the Hundred Years War in France and the Wars of the Roses in England, Fletchers were in high demand, continuously supplying arrows. By Henry VIII's era, they had established a hall in St Mary Axe, and historical records indicated the election of officials. Interestingly, the Company allowed widows to become members upon their husbands' demise, and unmarried women were granted admission. Despite the 1887 Commission being informed that "No women have hitherto been admitted," this practice continued into the 18th century.

Over time, the use of longbows as a weapon of war waned due to the rise of guns, leading archery to become primarily a sport rather than a military tool. Nevertheless, the Worshipful Company of Fletchers thrived, and it currently occupies Farmers and Fletchers Hall, one of the newest livery halls in the City of London alongside the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The Fletchers, as the 39th Livery Company in the City of London, hold a distinguished status among the 110 livery companies. While historically known for arrow making, nowadays only a small number of their members are engaged in this craft. Despite this, they continue to act to preserve their rich heritage in relevant and meaningful ways.

The Company's first mention occurred in 1371 when they submitted a petition to the Lord Mayor, acknowledging that it was in the best interest of all to keep the two trades of Fletcher (arrow makers) and Bowyer (longbow makers) entirely separate. They agreed that no individual from one trade should engage in the other, and if they did, they would be subject to a £4 penalty.

The introduction of wardens and masters for the Company appeared in 1385, with Nicholas Benet and William Jerberge taking their oaths. On 16 June 1403, the Company issued its initial Ordnance, and in 1423, Fletchers were prohibited from operating their shops on Sundays and high feast days.

The success of the longbow played a significant role in the victories at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. During the Hundred Years War in France and the Wars of the Roses in England, Fletchers were in high demand, continuously supplying arrows. By Henry VIII's era, they had established a hall in St Mary Axe, and historical records indicated the election of officials. Interestingly, the Company allowed widows to become members upon their husbands' demise, and unmarried women were granted admission. Despite the 1887 Commission being informed that "No women have hitherto been admitted," this practice continued into the 18th century.

Over time, the use of longbows as a weapon of war waned due to the rise of guns, leading archery to become primarily a sport rather than a military tool. Nevertheless, the Worshipful Company of Fletchers thrived, and it currently occupies Farmers and Fletchers Hall, one of the newest livery halls in the City of London alongside the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The Fletchers, as the 39th Livery Company in the City of London, hold a distinguished status among the 110 livery companies. While historically known for arrow making, nowadays only a small number of their members are engaged in this craft. Despite this, they continue to act to preserve their rich heritage in relevant and meaningful ways.

The Company's first mention occurred in 1371 when they submitted a petition to the Lord Mayor, acknowledging that it was in the best interest of all to keep the two trades of Fletcher (arrow makers) and Bowyer (longbow makers) entirely separate. They agreed that no individual from one trade should engage in the other, and if they did, they would be subject to a £4 penalty.

The introduction of wardens and masters for the Company appeared in 1385, with Nicholas Benet and William Jerberge taking their oaths. On 16 June 1403, the Company issued its initial Ordnance, and in 1423, Fletchers were prohibited from operating their shops on Sundays and high feast days.

The success of the longbow played a significant role in the victories at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. During the Hundred Years War in France and the Wars of the Roses in England, Fletchers were in high demand, continuously supplying arrows. By Henry VIII's era, they had established a hall in St Mary Axe, and historical records indicated the election of officials. Interestingly, the Company allowed widows to become members upon their husbands' demise, and unmarried women were granted admission. Despite the 1887 Commission being informed that "No women have hitherto been admitted," this practice continued into the 18th century.

Over time, the use of longbows as a weapon of war waned due to the rise of guns, leading archery to become primarily a sport rather than a military tool. Nevertheless, the Worshipful Company of Fletchers thrived, and it currently occupies Farmers and Fletchers Hall, one of the newest livery halls in the City of London alongside the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The Fletchers, as the 39th Livery Company in the City of London, hold a distinguished status among the 110 livery companies. While historically known for arrow making, nowadays only a small number of their members are engaged in this craft. Despite this, they continue to act to preserve their rich heritage in relevant and meaningful ways.

The Company's first mention occurred in 1371 when they submitted a petition to the Lord Mayor, acknowledging that it was in the best interest of all to keep the two trades of Fletcher (arrow makers) and Bowyer (longbow makers) entirely separate. They agreed that no individual from one trade should engage in the other, and if they did, they would be subject to a £4 penalty.

The introduction of wardens and masters for the Company appeared in 1385, with Nicholas Benet and William Jerberge taking their oaths. On 16 June 1403, the Company issued its initial Ordnance, and in 1423, Fletchers were prohibited from operating their shops on Sundays and high feast days.

The success of the longbow played a significant role in the victories at Crecy in 1346 and Agincourt in 1415. During the Hundred Years War in France and the Wars of the Roses in England, Fletchers were in high demand, continuously supplying arrows. By Henry VIII's era, they had established a hall in St Mary Axe, and historical records indicated the election of officials. Interestingly, the Company allowed widows to become members upon their husbands' demise, and unmarried women were granted admission. Despite the 1887 Commission being informed that "No women have hitherto been admitted," this practice continued into the 18th century.

Over time, the use of longbows as a weapon of war waned due to the rise of guns, leading archery to become primarily a sport rather than a military tool. Nevertheless, the Worshipful Company of Fletchers thrived, and it currently occupies Farmers and Fletchers Hall, one of the newest livery halls in the City of London alongside the Worshipful Company of Farmers.