Proclamation Inaugurating Archery Competition, 1726

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

54271

Title

Proclamation inaugurating the annual Silver Arrow archery competition, 1726

Description

Proclamation inaugurating the annual Shooting for the Silver Arrow and rules of the Contest. Printed on paper with the city's coat of arms at the top dated 20th May 1726. At the bottom is the name of the printer, John Moncur, with the address of his print workshop stated as being "in the Lawnmarket, at the Head of the Bank-Close".

Date

1726

Size

30.6cm x 28.7cm

Type

Document

Location

Museum of Edinburgh

Accession number

HH153/(50)

Copyright

City of Edinburgh Council Museums & Galleries ; Museum of Edinburgh

This document is from a book bringing together all sorts of official Acts of Council and Proclamations from the late 1600s to late 1700s. These acts were printed in Edinburgh, pinned to various public buildings such as the Mercat Cross for all to read. For a while, the contents were also read out by the town crier 'by tuck of drum', meaning they were accompanied by a drummer who would beat his drum to get people's attention.

The competition existed before this Act was passed, but it seems the date and detail of the rules were changed which required the publication of this document. Entry to the competition was open only to members of the Royal Company of Archers, a ceremonial regiment which still exists today as the King's official personal guard in Scotland. The annual competition was part of the Company's 'wapinscaw', or 'weapon's show'. This was an annual muster to show their arms and practice. The highlight was the competition to win the Edinburgh Silver Arrow. The winner kept the arrow for a year, and fixed to the arrow their badge which was then kept by the Treasurer of the Company.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Military > Arms and armament > Bows and arrows

People > Military activities > Archers

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith Links

Sport and leisure > Activities > Archery

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.

Proclamation inaugurating archery competition, 1726