Class rkVl/^S' Boot Rk% DOBELL COLLECTION w WJV. Hvv VcL|Wa-\o-wkf^^ \ ( r'*^^ 'mm: )AJ"' ^ A HISTORY ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY, FROM ITS INSTITUTION TO THE PRESENT TIME. EDITED BY -A. TOJXIOI^HIIjITE / 1 8 e r. PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY. 205449 '13 H. Abraham, Printer, Taunton. PREFACE, Jj^HE pretensions of this little Brochure are of a very ^^ humble character, and the Editor puts forth no claim for originality, for indeed it can only be considered as a compilation of extracts from the works of Roberts, Sir H. Ellis, Waring, Hansard, &c., bearing more par- ticularly on the history of the Royal Toxophilite Society, of which the Editor is a member, and also of accounts of some of the contests of it's earlier members, &c., taken from the Society's Records, for which, as also for a des- cription of it's various valuable and interesting relics, the Editor is indebted to the kind courtesy and unwearied labours of the present Hon. Secretary. Probably not many Archers have read the works of Roberts, &c , as they are now very scarce, and perhaps much of the matter would be considered rather dry and uninteresting, yet many of the Royal Toxophilites would, the Editor thinks, like to have put together in a small work, the information which has reference to their own Society, hence this publication, in the compiling of which he has had personal gratification, and hopes it may not be an unacceptable gift to his fellow members. As there may be many interesting facts relative to the R. T. S. known to old Toxophilites, of which the Editor is not aware, and which could be embodied in a future edition of this work, he will feel obliged by their being communicated to him to the care of W. Butt, Esq., Hon. Secretary, Archers' Lodge, Regent's Park. Mt |UpI feopMIitc ^oi'u% iser President. THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF DUDLEY. Vice- Pre side n ts , WILLIAM PETERS, ESQ. WM. F. POLLOCK, ESQ. SIR W. J. W. BAYNES, BART. Treasurer. JAMES SPEDDING, ESQ. Hon. Secretary. W. BUTT, ESQ. Suh- Treasurer. R. BUTT, ESQ. Committee. THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF DUDLEY, President, W. PETERS, ESQ. W. F. POLLOCK, ESQ. SIR W. J. W. BAYNES, BART. J. SPEDDING, ESQ., Treasurer. W. BUTT, ESQ., Honorary Secretary. R. BUTT, ESQ., Sub-Treasurer. A. T. MALKIN, ESQ. MONEY WIGRAM, JUNR., ESQ. J. A. FROUDE, ESQ. J. STOPFORD, ESQ. WM. W. SPOTTISWOODE, ESQ., F.R.S. T. BOULTON, JUNR., ESQ. Vice- Presidents. *Honourable Daniel Finch * Captain W. West * Reverend James Holmes William Peters George Holland Ackers *The Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., F The Earl of Dudley Money Wigram, Junr. Henry Peters Percival S. Wilkinson Henry Blanshard William George Campbell Nathan Wetherell James Spedding . Arthur T. Malkin Edward Headlam John J. Spedding Sir W. J. W. Baynes, Bart, Lionel Oliver Colonel Sir C. J. J. Hamilton, Bart Reverend W. J. Richardson William Frederick Pollock John Bentley James Anthony Froude J. Sidney Stopford Anthony J. A. Wilkinson Thomas Boulton H. A.Merewether, a.C. Frederic W. Steward F. E. Prothero . William Butt Richard Butt *Life Members. R.S. C.B. ELECTED 18.17 1828 1831 1834 1840 1850 1851 1853 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 1861 1862 1863 Philip Butt Sir Edward Archibald Hajmilton, Bart. Thomas Dawson . George E. Hicks Wm. Henry Barkwortli Edward Wilkinson William Longman Richard Addison W. C. Carbonell G. Hewett, M.D. W. W. Spottiswoode, F.R.J Samuel Banner Thomas W. Hinchliff Arthur Foster Stephen Dowell E. R. Willis Rev. W, R. K. Bedford John Clerk John Whitcombe Launcelot W. Dent R. Entwisle Sir R. M. Stephenson Captain Lewin, R.E. Reverend J. H. Ellis 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 Captain Norton. Sir A. Malet, Bart. (P^Dl^STfj^^ ffimiBlIEic ELECTED Archer R. Tawney 1858 Captain H. Walters 5) Chamberlayne Chamberlayne „ Reverend C. H. Everett 1859 J. W. Rimington " Reverend W. S. Miller . • )» Honourable R. Hely-Hutchinson 1860 Reverend J. M. Croker J5 Reverend G. E Golightly )J Edmund N. Snow 1862 Reverend Lymebear Harding >» Edward Maitland » L. T. Raines >» G. A. Muttlebury » Thos. Lane Coulson 5> Reverend W. Rimington 1864 Edward Calverley 1865 Reverend Fras. Turner Gill 55 W. E. Brymer . . . . 55 Reverend W. Weller-Poley 1866 J. R. Thomson 95 Richard Blanshard 55 Reverend J. C. Pigot 55 Captain C. F. Compton . 55 Reverend J. B. Wenn . . . 1867 Capt. H. H. St. Leger . 59 Colonel A. Robertson 55 Admiral A. Lowe 55 M. W. Thompson 55 Reverend 0. K. Prescott 55 Colonel M. Ward . 59 W. Bolitho 95 T. Mariot Dodington 95 JN a history of the Royal Toxophilite Society we are necessarily compelled to refer to that of the Hon, Artillery Company of London, and of the Finsbury Archers, in consequence of the. connexion which existed between them in former days. In the year 1514 the Citizens of London practised Archery in the Fields about Islington, Hoxton, and Shoreditch. Henry viii. was particularly fond of Archery, and commissioned in 1537 Sir Christopher Morris, Master of the Ordnance, to revive the amuse- ment, which at that time was rather drooping, by establishing a Society of Archers, which was called " The Fraternitye or Guylde of St. George,"* which obtained from the King many privileges ; they were constituted " Overseers of the Scyence of Artyllery, that ys, to wyt, for Long-bowes, Cross-bowes, and Hand-gunes," The Archers of St. George used to assemble in Lolesworth or Spital-fields, and the name of their place of exercise at this spot was " Teasel-close," so called from the thistles with which it abounded. * This ancient Fr^-ternity of St. George must not be supposed to be represented bj^n Archery Society bea]?^ng the same name, and existing not matny years ago at St. John's vVood. many 8 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. The Hon. Artillery Company had its origin about 1585, when London being wearied with continual mus- ters, a number of its gallant Citizens who had served abroad with credit, voluntarily exercised themselves and trained others to the ready use of War ; the Ground they used was at the North East extremity of the City, nigh Bishopsgate, the same which had before been occupied by the above mentioned Fraternity of Artillery. Fort Street, Artillery Street and Lane adjoin Spital Square, and by their names identify the spot. Within 2 years there were near 300 Merchants and others suf- ficiently skilled to train common Soldiers, and in 1588 some of them had commissions in the Camp at Tilbury, but their associations soon after fell into decay ; yet as the Company has never since its first creation been alto- gether extinct, it is at present the earliest representative of the English Standing Army. From the Company's Register, the only book they saved in the Civil Wars, it appears that the Association was revived in 1611, by warrant from the Privy Council, and the Volunteers soon amounted to 6,000 ; Three Years after this they made a general muster, when according to contemporary authority the men were better armed than disciplined, (NiccoU's London Artillerie, p. 104). In 1622 they erected an Armoury, towards which the Chamber of London gave £300, it was furnished with 500 sets of Arms of extraordinary beauty, which were all lost in the Civil Wars. Their Captain during a part of those affrighted times was a Mr. Manby who irrevocably detained for his own purposes the Arms, Plate, Money, Books, and other Goods of the Company; the Protector was in vain solicited to enforce their being restored. In 1640 they quitted their old field of discipline and entered upon the plot of ground they now occupy in Bunhill Fields, leased to them by the City. This ground is described as a parcel of ground consisting of Gardens, Orchards, &c., situate on the North side of Chiswell Street, and called by the name of Bunhill Fields, which was in 1498 converted into a spacious Field for the use of the London Archers, which is now known by the ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 9 name of the Artillery Ground. For many years they kept up an Archery Division, Archery being the Art cultivated by the Company in their earliest days, when the Bow was an instrument of War. In the course of time this Division was abolished, but Archery was still kept alive in the neighbourhood of London, by the Finsbury Archers ; even this remnant of Archery had almost died out when the few survivors joined Sir Ashton Lever in starting the Toxophilite Society in 1781. Some years later the Members of the Artillery Company appear to have resumed the Bow, as they occupied 2 pairs of Targets at the Grand Meeting of Archery Societies on Blackheath, in 1792, and the Toxophilite Society in its earlier years, mostly held their principal Meetings in the Company's Grounds, But the Finsbury Archers have never re-appeared, and the Archers division of the Hon. Artillery Company has also become merged into the Royal Toxophilite Society. In 1682 there was a most magnificent Cavalcade and Entertainment given by the Archers of Finsbury, Charles II. being present. So lately as 1753 Targets were erected in Finsbury-Fields during the Easter and Whitsun Holydays, when the best Shooter was styled Captain, for the ensuing year, and the second, Lieutenant. For many years previous to the Institution of the Toxophilite Society, there were but few Finsbury Archers surviving ; the most celebrated and vigorous of the survivors, W. P. Constable, brought with him the valua- bles of the expiring Society into the then infant Society, and those valuables hereafter to be more fully described form one of the most interesting links between Archery of ancient and modern times. It is stated that about 1776 Mr.' Waring (Father of the well known Bowyer of Caroline Street, Bedford Square,*) who has always been regarded as the Father * Mr Waring has long retired from business, but still resides in Caroline Street, and though advanced in years, enjoys a green 10 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. of modern Archery, being tlien resident with Sir Ashton Lever, Kt., in Leicester House, and having by con- tinued application to business contracted an affection upon his chest which the Doctors could not relieve, resolved to try the effect of Archery. He commenced, and continued the practice regularly, and ascribed his cure, which was perfect, solely to the use of the Bow. Sir Ashton Lever, himself observing from the good effects produced upon Mr. Waring, the healthy nature of Archery as an exercise, and its strengthening influence on the constitution, also adopted the use of the Bow, He was soon joined by several friends who formed themselves into a Society under the Title of the Toxophi- LiTE Society. They met constantly to practise Archery on the Lawn at the back of Leicester House. Here Butts were erected, but the space being limited in range,-}" the Society's principal Meetings and Prize Days were held on other Grounds of larger extent, such as Cannon- bury House, Islington ; Highbury Barn ; but principally the Artillery Ground, before mentioned. The Society a])pears to have been constituted from the first after the model of the Hon. Artillery Company, having a Presi- dent, Sir. Ashton Lever, himself; a Vice-President, Mr. R. Haworth, who it is believed, himself belonged to the Hon. Artillery Company ; a Chaplain, the Rev. "W. Watts; a Treasurer, Mr. Thos. Waring; a Captain; old age and interests himself in Parochial affairs. Mr. Waring, Sent., subscribed to the Hon. Artillery Company down to the year 1804, and at the dissolution of the Archers' Division, became possessed of, amongst other things, two large handsome China Punch Bowls, two large Jugs, and two Drinking Cups, all to match, and ornamented with the Arms of the Archers' Division, these are now in Caroline Street. f The Gardens behind Leicester House (now better known as Savile House) extended to the back of Gerard Street, Lisle Street not being then in existence, and several Noblemen residing in Gerard Street were allowed to have private entrances into the Gardens ; there w\as space for three pairs of Targets. Mr. Waring, Senr., was the last tenant of Leicester House, leaving it in 1791", ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 11 a Lieutenant, and other Members. This Society which numbered but few Members, at first about 14, used also to hold convivial Meetings in Leicester House, or, when their numbers were too considerable, at the London Tavern, or Freemason's Tavern, or some such other place of entertainment. Out of this small begining arose in a very few years the Royal Toxophilite Society, whose first Patron was H. R,. H. George, Prince of Wales. The Society at one time numbered about 170 Mem- bers, and became the parent of many other Societies, some of which have like the Woodmen of Arden survived with high repute up to the present day, but many died out again owing to the more serious employment of men during the Peninsular War, which during the period between 1800 and 1820 brought the Royal Toxophilite Society also down to a very small number again. It is but fair to mention that some of the Societies claim equal antiquity in uninterrupted succession, as for instance the Royal Company of Archers, of Edinburgh, who date back to the time of James IL of Scotland, and are now about 500 strong ; the Kilwinnmg Papingo celebrated their 384th Anniversary in 1866 ; the ancient Yorkshire Arrow Meeting was instituted in 1673, and has been held without interruption ever since ; the Woodmen of Arden revived in 1785 ; but some of these Societies have held so closely to the models of antiquity that in these Days of 'York Rounds ' modern Archers scarcely know whether they be Archers or not. 12 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. PATRONS. 1787, H. R. H. George, Prince of Wales. His Majesty King William IV. H. R, H. the Prince Consort. LADY PATRONESSES. ] 789, The Right Hon. Lady Jane James. 1801, Mrs. Crespigny, (afterwards Lady DeCrespigny.) PRESIDENTS. 1781, Sir Ashton Lever, Kt. 1788, The Right Hon. Heneage, 4th Earl of Aylesford. 1 788, His Grace the Duke of Norfolk. 1789, His Grace the Duke of Leeds. 1797, His Grace Francis, Duke of Bedford. 1802, His Grace John. Duke of Bedford. 1830 The Right Hon. Heneage, 5th Earl of Aylesford. 1850, The Right Hon. the Earl of Dudley. SECRETARIES & HON. SECRETARIES. 1781, Mr. Wheeler was Secretary, but was obliged to resign, and Mr. P. Constable, Junr., was appointed Hon. Secretary. 1783, Mr. Charles Scott, Hon. Secretary. From 1781 to 1S04 Mr. Waring managed the affairs of the Society as Secretary and Treasurer. 1804. Mr. Thomas Roberts, (Author of the English Bowman.) 1807, Mr. Swynfen Jervis, H. S. 1814, Mr. J. R. Arnold, H. S. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 13 HON. SECRETARIES, (Continued). 1819, The Hon. Daniel Finch. H. S. 1829, Mr. R. N. Gresley, H. S. 1837, Mr. Alex. Glen Finlaison, H. S. 1843, Mr. J. Green Wilkinson, H. S. 1849, Mr. H. Lysons Price, H. S. 1852, The Rev. O. Luard, H. S. 1853, Mr. Money Wigram, Junr., H. S. 1856, Mr. S. G. R. Strong, H. S. 1858, Captain E. Boggis, (now Boggis-Rolfe,) H. S. 1862, The Rev. W. J. Richardson, H. S. 1865, Mr. VV. Butt, H. S. TREASURERS. 1781, Mr. Waring. 1810, Mr. Francis Barker. 1814, Mr. Arthur R. Barker. 1829, The Hon. Daniel Finch. 1866, Mr. James Spedding. 14 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. JN the first year, 1781, the Subscription appears to have been 42s., and a further contribution of 25s. for Stock, &c., was paid by most of the Members ; Income £48 4s. ; Expenses £44 2s. ; the Annual Target was shot at Cannonbury House, Islington. 1782. The Easter, Whitsun, and Annual Target Days were held at Highbury; Members 17; Hon. Members 2, the Hon. Daines Barrington, and General Oglethorpe; the Subscription 21s.; Income £43 5s. ; Expenses £31 7s. 6d. 1783. The Easter, Whitsun, and Annual Target Days were held at Highbury Barn ; Members 19 ; Sub- scription 21s.; Income £42 18s. 9d. ; Expenses £55 8jd. In this year Chas. Stott was Hon. Secretary. 1784. The Easter Target Day was held at Vaux- hall, the Whitsun Target at Cannonbury House, and the Annual Target Day in the Hon Artillery Company's Grounds; Members 27; Subscription 63s.; Income £54 12s. ; Expenses £53 5s. e^d. 1785. The Easter, Whitsun, and Annual Target Days were held in the Artillery Ground ; Members 36 ; Subscription 63s. ; Income £98 3s. 4jd. ; Expenses £98 14s. 9d. 1786. The Shooting was still at the Artillery Grounds; Members 58; Subscription 63s.; Income £175 2si ; Expenses £184 9s. 8. The Society possessed the freedom of the Royal Company of Archers of Scotland. (Vide p. .) ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 15 1787. On June 18th, H. R. H. George, Prince of Wales, beeanie the Patron ; Members 67 ; Subscrip- tion 63s. ; Entrance Fee 21s.; Income £208 Is. 8d. ; Expenses £197 7s. 11. The Shooting on the 3 Target Days was still at the Artillery Grounds. The Society possessed the freedom of the Woodmen of Arden. 1788. Sir Ashton Lever died, and the Earl of Aylesford, who had become a Member in 1784, was elected President; he was shortly succeeded by the Duke of Norfolk, who had become a Member in April previous ; the Shooting was still at the Artillery Grounds ; Income £324 16s. Id.; Expenses £240 12s. lOjd. 1789. The Duke of Leeds was elected May 18th, 1789, and succeeded the Duke of Norfolk* as President, and held the office till October 6th, 1797 ; the Society possessed the freedom of the Kentish Bowmen, Dartford Heath, Kent. Previous to this period the Honors and Prizes on the Target Days had all gone to the Captains and Lieutenants of Targets, i.e. the maker of the best and second best hit, and the Officers held Challenge Jewels, presented by W. Haworth ; a Medal for the Captain of Numbers, presented by Geo. Biggin, (a Mem- ber in 1786-7-8); and another for the Lieutenant of Numbers, presented by the Hon. H. W. Fitzroy, (a Member in 1786-7-8-9), were added to the Valuables belonging to the Society, It seems by a list dated 1785 that Jewels for the President and Vice-President had been presented by Charles Sherwin, (Member in 1782 to 7) ; these Ornaments, it is feared, are now lost. The Spring and Annual Target Days were held on Lord's Cricket Ground ; the Prince's and Lady Patroness's Targets on the Artillery Grounds. Lady Jane James became the Lady Patroness in this year. Income £406 15s. Sjd.; Expenses £361 lis. Ud. 16 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. The following Letter will explain the origin of the Lady Patroness's Target : — "Madam, I am directed by the Toxophilite Society to offer to your Ladyship their sincere thanks for the Honor which your Ladyship has proposed to confer on them, by presenting to them an honorary Badge or some other mark of distinction ; your Ladyship has been pleased to desire that the Toxophilite Society would suggest what particular mark of distinction they would wish to receive, but as they cannot presume to dictate to your Ladyship, they request that your Ladyship will have the goodness to fix on that which will be most agreeable to yourself. If it should suit with your Ladyship's approbation, the Toxophilite Society will Shoot a Target in the Artillery Ground on Saturday the 31st instant, on which day the Toxophilites who shall shoot his Arrow nearest the centre of the Target will be declared the Captain, and shall have the Honor of receiving the mark of distinction which will be given by your Ladyship. It is the intention of the Toxophilite Society to have a Target called the Target of the Lady Patroness, to be shot in future on such day in the year as your Ladyship shall be pleased to appoint, at which Target, your Ladyship's present will be Annually transferred to the Toxophilite who shall be declared the Captain. I have the Honor to be Your Ladyship's most obedient and very humble Servant, Wm. ROUTH, Assistant Secy, to Tox. Sec. Tox. Hall, Leicester House. Lady James, Lady Patroness of the Tox. Soc. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 17 The Right Hon. Lady Jane James, was 5th and youngest Daughter of Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, and married in 1780 Walter James, Esq., created a Baronet in 1791. The Lady Jane James died in 1825. The Lady Jane James became Lady Patroness in 1789, and was succeeded by Mrs. Crespigny. 1790. 21s. was paid to Mrs. Smith for her Drawing of a Bugle, presented by the Lady Patroness, Lady Jane James ; this Drawing is often mentioned in the Records, but is now lost. It is mentioned that £21 was paid for one year's rent of residence at Leicester House. The four Target Days were again shot in the Artillery Grounds. Members 146; Subscription 63s. ; Entrance Fee 21s. ; Income £543 7s. ; Expenses £340 5s. 7d. 1791. Members 168 ; Subscription still 63s. ; but the Entrance Fee 63s.; Income £886 16s. 4f d. ; Expenses £739 14s. 4|d. The Shooting; now all took place in the Society's Grounds, rented from the Duke of Bedford at £80 per annum ; and £50 was annually paid for the Rooms and Cellars in Charlotte Street. 1792. The Prince of Wales' first annual Prize was shot for August 14th, and won by Mr. Glen. There were 2 Dinners at the London Tavern, costing £53 and £56; also one at the Freemason's Tavern, costing £34. A large Drum was bought for £5 15s. 6d. ; also Clothing for the Musicians. Members 147; Income £693 15s. lOjd. ; Expenses £670 8s. 7|d. 1793. A Grand Meeting of all the Archery Societies took place on Blackheath, July 2nd, Luncheon Bill £18 3s. 6d. 763 loads of Rubbish at 4d. per cart, were bought, probably for levelling the Shooting Ground. The value of the Prizes on the 4 Target Days was, the Spring Target £27 3s. ; the Annual or Summer- Target £30 lis. 6d. ; the Lady Patroness's Target £28 12s. 6d. the Prince's or Autumn Target £30 lis. 6d. Members ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 128; Income £673 Os. 9d. ; Expenses £626 Is. 8|d. An extra call of 42s. was made from each Member. At the Prince's or Autumn Target, August 6th, the principal Scores were Mr. Glen 61 — 64s. 6d. ; Mr. Cazalet 50 — 62s. 6d. ; Mr. Elwin 49— 55s. 6d. ; Mr. Glen shot with a Rest and therefore did not claim the Prize as Captain of Numbers, but it does not mention that he declined the 64s. 6d. Members 75 ; Income £305 10s. 11. ; Expen- ses £294 lis. lOjd. 1794. Mahmoud EfFendi was elected an Hon. Member. A general Annual Archery Meeting took place at Dulwich,* June 12th. By Cash paid for Lun- cheon at Dulwich £15 7s. The value of the Prizes at the Summer Target was £57 9s. 6d. ; at the Lady Patroness's Target £46 7s. ; at the Autumn Target £48 16s. 6d. ; Members 111 ; Income £603 7s. d^d. ; Expenses £558 6s. 9|d. Annual or Summer Target, June 9th, No. 1. Score. Mr. Bullock Rickards, Lieut, of Target Girdlestone Perrott - - - Vincent - - - 42 82 35 50 20 y^ .-— £ s. d. 2 7 4 8 2 2 15 6 1 3 6 £12 14 No. 2. Score. £ s. d. Doctor Ainslie — Mr. Shepheard - - 47 — 2 11 „ Palmer, Cap. of Numbers 104 — 6 6 6 „ Martin - - - 39 — 2 9 „ Hughes . - - 21 — 1 7 „ Kenyon - - - 37 — 2 6 £14 14 * Perhaps the Silver Gilt Star now worn on the Hon. Secre- tary's Ribbon of Office, was won by the Toxophilites for their Society on this occasion. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 19 No. 3. Score. Duke of Leeds, President - Mr. Elwin - - - 86 „ Cazalet - - - 58 „ Troward - - - 77 „ Waring - - - 59 „ Moorhouse - - 14 £ s. d. 5 3 4 3 13 6 5 6 7 6 9 5 £17 6 No. 4. Score. £ s. d. Mr. Haworth, V. P. — „ Glen, Lieut, of Numbers 98 — 5 15 l„ Cowper, Cap. of Target 60 — 3 12 6 „ Hussard - - - 36 — 2 6 „ Crunden - - _ 8 — 9 „ Horton - _ - 15 18 £13 1 6 Total £57 9 6 57 Double Ends. 228 Arrows. Mr. Crunden's Shooting on this day does not shine much, though he joined the Society in 1788, his name appears only 3 times in the Shooting Lists previous to tiiis occasion, viz : — once in 1791, and tvi^ice in 1792. The Scoring by Money Prizes disappears from the Records of the Society after this Year; and there appears to have been more Shooting, though the Society had become so much smaller. The method of Scoring by value of Prizes may be thus explained : each hit in the Gold counted, 2s. 6d. ; Red, 2s.; inner White or Blue, Is. 6d. ; Black, Is.; outer White, 6d. ; and the amount thus scored for each Shooter during the day, was paid to him out of the Society's Funds. No wonder they shot so many Arrows, when they were paid so well for shooting. This system 20 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. is still in use in the "Woodmen of Arden," and may- account for their otherwise unaccountable partiality for impossible distances, as it must be evident that tlie less the Targets get hit, the more prosperous is the financial position of the Society. 1795. Members 93 ; Income £675 17s. 6d. ; Expenses £682 9s. 4|d. It now became necessary to borrow £200 from 20 of the Members, (£10 each) which was never repaid ; they were Swynfen Jervis, T. Green, E. Baber, — Kenyon, R. Haworth, E. W. Shepheard, — Bullock, W. Barlow, J. Topham, P. Cazalet, T. Palmer, T. Waring, S. Girdlestone, J. Crunden, R. Troward, C. Wheeler, J. Brady, F. Newberry, W. Cowper, and W. Moorhouse; most of the above were Vice-Presidents at different periods. 1796. Members 75; Income £305 10s. lid.; Expenses £294 Os. lOjd. 1797. Members 59 ; an extra call was made of 63s. from each Member ; Income £325 17s. 6^d ; Expenses £283 12s. 2d. 1798. The Annual Subscription was raised to £5 5s., and an extra call of 89s. was made from each Member ; 3 years' arrears of Rent were cleared off, and there appears to have been Money raised by a Sale held in the course of the year. Members 31 ; Income £414 16s. 7id.; £136 lOs.; Expenses £401 16s. 9jd.; £96 3s. 1799. Subscription £5 5s.; Entrance Fee 21s.; Members 30; Income £235 2s. 5d. ; Expenses £188 Is. 4d. 1800. Members 25; Income £242 14s. 7d. ; Expenses £188 7s. lOd. 1801. Members 25 ; Income 241 ' Os. 2d. ; Expenses £210 13s. Ijd. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 21 The following is a copy of Mrs. Crespigny's Let- ter, accepting the office of Lady Patroness : — Sir, I must beg that you will assure the Toxophilite Society that I think myself highly flattered by the offer made me of being their Patroness. You will be pleased to add that I shall receive such a mark of distinction with a due sense of the Honor done me. With my sincere good wishes for the prosperity of your respectable Society, and my best thanks for the very polite manner m which you have communicated the request, I am. Sir, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, MARY CHAMPION CRESPIGNY. Champion Lodge, May 1st, 1801. 1802. Members 30; Income £244 14s. 6|d. ; Expenses £221 8s. 5|d. 1803. Members rather above 30; 14 Members contributed each £6 6s. extra; Income £261 12s. 6f d. ; Expenses £271 18s. 1 804. Number of Members unknown ; Income £277 18s. 2d. ; Expenses £245 19s. 2|d. 1805. The Society lost their Grounds at Bedford Square and there are no further Records extant showing the strength of the Society, the Income, or Expenditure, for many years subsequent to this date. The Records of the Shooting end with 1804. 22 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Annual or Summer Target, June 13th, 1810. — Resolved, that the two Bows presented by R. Haworth, Esq., be shot for on Wednesday, 27th inst. ; the Captain of Numbers to have his choice, the other to be as a Prize for the Captain of Target. That the Secretary be desired to write to Mr. Haworth thanking him for his present, and inviting him to Dinner at half- past Three o'clock. Wednesday, 27th. No Medals given up, none there- fore presented. Mr. Crunden as Captain of Numbers had his choice of the said Bows ; Mr. Cazalet as Captain of Target had the remaining Bow. Winter Meeting, Freemason's Tavern, Monday, February 18th, 1811.— The Treasurer's Accounts were Audited, and the balance in favour of the Society appears to be £16 10s. It was unanimously resolved that at the Public Target days, which the Secretary is requested to fix with Mr. Willoughby, any day nearest the 9th of the month, that the Dinner be a cold one, and on the Table at 3 o'clock precisely. Summer Target, Highbury, June 10th, 1812. — Sir Henry Martin read a Letter he had received from our Lady Patroness, (Lady DeCrespigny), wherein she informed him that she had ordered a Silver Goblet, for the best shot in the day's shooting, and a Medal for the Captain of Numbers ; the day to be fixed by the Society. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 23 The Members present settled that the same should be shot for at the next Target Day, the 8th July, to be shot at Mr. Willoughby's, Highbury Barn, (notices to the Members to be sent as soon as possible), also to mention that the Goblet and Medal are ready, and may be seen at Hamlet's, Silversmith, Princes Street, Coven- try Street. The Shooting to begin at two, to dine at four o'clock, to commence at six and conclude at eight. Lady Patroness's Target, Highbury, July 8th, 1812.— Sir H. Martin brought with him the Prizes presen- ted to the Society by Lady DeCrespigny, viz. : a Silver Goblet and Silver Medal. The Prizes of the day belonging to the Society, viz. ; the Silver Bugle is in the possession of Mr. Crunden, the Horn Bugle in Mr. Secretary Jervis's. On the close of the Shooting Sir. H. Martin was declared Cap. of Target, and Cap. of Numbers (24), but as it was previously understood that one Member could not carry away the two Prizes, but must make his selection, Sir H. Martin, as Cap. of Target, claimed the Silver Cup, and Mr. Baber being Lieut, of Numbers (22) was presented with the Silver Medal, for Numbers. The Secretary was requested to write a letter to Lady DeCrespigny thanking her for the honour she has done the Society, and acquainting her with the event of the day's Shooting. Sir H. Martin, Cap. 7 x. m c? i T • T • X r of Target. Swynfen Jervis, Lieut, y ^ Sir H. Martin, Cap. of Numbers, 24. E. Baber, Lieut, of ditto, 22. Sir H. Martin, 24; Baber, 22; Roberts, 14; Crunden, 14; Girdlestone, 14; Jervis, 9 ; Palmer, 6; A. Barker, 3. 38 double ends, or 152 Arrows Shot. 24 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Toxophilite Winter Meeting, Freemason's Tavern, February 20tli. 1815. — In consequence of the- low state of the Society's Funds, it was proposed that the annual sum. of 5 Guineas paid to Mr. Waring be discontinued at the expiration of the present year, of which notice shall be given by the Secretary ; and that the Treasurer be requested to take charge of the Society's Property, now under Mr. Waring's care, should Mr. W. object to keep it. Moved, that the Medals belonging to the Society be collected. Toxophilite Winter Meeting, Freemason's Tavern, February 28th, 1816.— The three years being completed, the Gold Medal was presented to Mr. Jervis, as Cap. of Numbers ; the Silver Medal* was left in the hands of the Treasurer, to be presented by him to Mr. Crunden, as Lieut, of Numbers. Read a letter from Mr. Waring, respecting his new Archery Ground. Resolved, that the Secretary do answer the letter. It being necessary to ascertain the exact number of actual Members of the Society, Resolved, that those Gentlemen whose Subscriptions are in arrear be requested to inform the Secretary whether they consider themselves Members of the Society, and intend to pay their arrears. That it is proper to ascertain in whose hands the Annual Prize Medals are, and that the Treasurer be desired to make enquiry thereon, and report accordingly. Toxophilite Winter Meeting, Freemason's Tavern, February 24th, 1817.— Resolved, that other Gentlemen than these,The Duke * This now forms part of the • Crunden Cup.' ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 25 of Bedford, President ; Thos. Palmer, Fras. Newberry, John Crunden, Sir H. Martin, Bart., Vice-Presidents ; Swynfen Jervis, E. W. Shepheard, Thos. Roberts, Ed. Baber, J. R. Arnold, C. Willson, Sam. Hurd, S. Jervis, Junr., A. R. Barker, Hon. D. Finch, Jas. Evans, be considered as having virtually or actually resigned. That the Treasurer do pay one Guinea for each of Target Dinners, out of the Funds. Toxophilite Winter Meeting, Freemason's Tavern, February 20th, 1818.— Resolved, that the Die for the Archer's Button being lost, the Treasurer do procure a new one, with the motto Centrum Pete, and the new Die do remain in his care for the use of the Society. Lady Patroness's Target, Highbury, June 5th, 1818.— Present, Messrs. Roberts, Jervis, Shepheard, Crun- den, Finch, Barker, C. Arnold. Woodmen of Arden : — Lord Aylesford, Messrs. Palmer, Hudson, Legge, Adams, Shirley. Memorandum of Shooting: — Roberts, 27; Jervis, 23; Shepheard, 12; Crunden, 14; C. Arnold, 11; Barker, 10. Aylesford, 16; Palmer, 16; Hudson, 13 ; hegge, 7 ; Adams, 25 ; Shirley, 1 ; Finch, 23 ; 48 ends. Barker, Cap. of Target ; Crunden, Lieut, ditto ; Roberts, (27) Capt. of Numbers. This day's Shooting was a Match between the 'Woodmen of Arden, and the Toxophilites ; the Arden gained by 4 Arrows. 26 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Toxophilite Anniversary, Freemason's Tavern, April 20th, 1820.— Resolved, that there be a Meeting of the Society on 4th May, to take into consideration the means of procuring a ground for Archery, the House at High- bury being shut up. That in future no money should be advanced by the Treasurer towards paying for the Dinner, on the Target Days. The Meeting 4th May, at the Clarendon Hotel. — Resolved, that if possible leave should be obtained to shoot our Targets this year on Lord's Cricket Ground, paying not more than 3 Guineas each day. Memorandum. — Mr. Lord accepted these terms. Toxophilite Meeting at the Freemason's Tavern, November 14th, 1820.— Resolved, that it was expedient to treat with Mr. Waring for the use of his Archery Ground, provided that the agreement be determinate by the Society on giving 6 months notice. That the following Members be appointed a Com- mittee for the purpose of making an agreement with Mr. Waring, and providing that the ground if taken, be put into proper order for Shooting: — Messrs. Crunden, Bolt, Briscoe, Hudson, Finch. That the Subscription for the ensuing year should be £6 each Member, that it should be paid on or before the Anniversary, and that after that day Mr. Waring be appointed to collect the arrears. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 27 Winter Meeting at the Freemason's Tavern, Feb- ruary 13th, 1821. — It was agreed, that the proceedings of the Com- mittee with respect to the taking and the improving of the Archery Ground at Bayswater, subject however to the future revision of the expenses incurred, be approved of. It was resolved, that the Treasurer should get the Property of the Society from Mr. Waring, and that the Treasurer and Secretary should get the Prizes belonging to the Society from the different persons in whose hands they are. Extra Target, May 18th, 182L— Resolved that it be referred to Messrs. D. Finch, Crunden, Jervis, Briscoe, and Kixon, to revise the laws,* and report thereon. That the Freedom of the Society be offered to the Society of Ancient Britons. Summer Target, May 25th. — Resolved, that the Secretary should draw up an address to His Majesty to request that he will continue his favor to the Society, which he had before shewn as Prince of Wales. Lady Patroness's Target, June 8th. — The Freedom of the Society was granted to the Ancient Britons. Second Target, May 27th, 1836. Resolved, that a Subscription of £1 each be opened for placing the Arms of the Patron, the President, &c.;, in the Western Window of the Hall. * The Laws of the Royal Toxophilite Society were Printed in this same year by Messrs. Rowe and Waller, 49, Fleet Street. 28 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Extra Target, June 1 7th. — A Silver Cupj-f" presented by Mr. Robert Quarme, was shot for at the 100 yards, and won by J. Norton, F. C. King's Target, July Ist.-^ 48 ends were shot at the usual distances, and the same sized Targets as last year. The Claret Jug was won by Captain Norton, and the second Prize by Col. Powell. Nearly 1000 visitors attended, and the cere- monies, the same as on former occasions. August 5th. — The Bows and Arrows of the late Mr. Bolt were Sold by Auction ; and a Match was shot between the Snuff-takers, and the Non-Snuff-takers of the Society, for a Snuff-box, which was won by R. N. Gresley, Esq., Hon. Secretary. March I7th, 1840.— Resolved, that a petition should be drawn up, the Treasurer requesting that H. R. H. Prince Albert will do the Society the honor of becoming their Patron. That the Treasurer make an appointment with the Treasurer of the Prince's Household, for presenting the petition. April 4th.— The Treasurer reported the proceedings which he had himself taken on the subject of the Patronage of H. R. H. Prince Albert, and further, that accompanied by Sir F. Shuckburgh, and Mr. G. Wilkinson he had placed in the hands of the Hon. G. Anson, Treasurer of H. R. H's. Household, a Memorandum, setting forth f This Cup has been lately presented by Cap. Norton, as a Challenge Cup, to be shot for annually, in Dublin, on the day following the Grand Leinster Meeting; 144 Arrows at 100 yards, not to be won, until held by the same Archer for 3 succes- sive years. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 29 the Establishment of the Society, and the illustrious Patronage with which it had formerly been distinguished ; and that in consequence thereof he had been^ favored with the following communication, — Buckingham Palace, March 30th, 1840. My dear Sir, I beg to acquaint you that I have submitted the Memorandum which you placed in my hands from the President and Members of the Toxophilite Society, to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, and have received His Royal Highness's commands to inform you that he has much pleasure in allowing this Society to make use of his name as its Patron ; His Royal Highness the more readily accedes to your proposition as this Society has so long been distinguished by the Patronage of the Royal Family. I remain, my dear Sir, Yours faithfully, G. E. ANSON. The Hon. D. Finch. The foregoing having been read to the Committee, it was resolved that a letter to the undermentioned effect should be written by the Treasurer to Mr. Anson, to be accompanied by a copy of the Rules, handsomely bound. — Archers' Lodge. My dear Sir, The President and Members of the Toxophilite Society beg leave to return you their best thanks for your obliging communication that H. R. H. Prince Albert will permit the Society to make use of his name as its Patron ; and they request that you will favour them by taking an opportunity of conveying to H. R. H. their deep sense of the Honour conferred on them. They beg leave to transmit to you, for the information of H. R. H. many points connected with the Society, a 30 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. list of the present Members, a copy of the Rules and Regulations, and a Card of the days of meeting for the ensuing year. If H. R. H. should be pleased at any time to wish to visit the Archery Ground and see the Shooting, the Society would feel highly gratified by altering any of the regular days of meeting to suit the convenience of H. R. H. I am, yours faithfully, DAN. FINCH, Treasurer. Committee, April 25th, 1845. — The Secretary stated that he had made an applica- tion to the Commissioners of the Woods and Forests, to have the Water cleared out, and that they had immediately very handsomely acceded to the request, and that 150 loads of Mud had been carted away. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY, 31 ^F the various Societies existing in 1790, it appears ^^ that no one of them signalised itself more, upon all occasions than that of the Toxophilites, who at the Grand Meeting of the Societies of Archers, at Blackheath, on May 29th, 1792, bore oiF the best Prize; at this time H. R. H. George, Prince of Wales, was Patron ; His Grace, the Duke of Leeds, President; and the Right Hon. Lady Jane James, Lady Patroness. It's Members, as well as those of other Societies, formed a brilliant assemblage of the Nobility and Gentry of the land, and it must certainly be considered no small favor conferred upon Archery at that period, that the Heir apparent to the British Throne, and many of the Nobility patronised its revival. At that Meeting, on Blackheath, the weather was beautiful, and the novelty of the scene attracted an immense number of spectators. The Tents of the various Societies were pitched in a line fronting the South, and fourteen pairs of Targets were fixed opposite, 100 yards apart. The scene was a truly magnificent one. In beau- tiful contrast with the gay green-sward, appeared numerous snow-white Tents, above which floated banners and other emblematical devices of the different Societies. Busy groups of Bowmen in their picturesque uniforms, tens of thousands of Spectators, attired in that beautiful costume which the Inhabitants of the Metropolis never fail to exhibit on a gala day, bursts of martial Music floating through the air, must have formed a scene equally novel and picturesque, and most gratifying to the Toxophilite Society, to which was owing the origin of the Meeting. 32 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. The following was the Programme issued by authority of the stewards : — GENERAL ORDERS. ^ At 11 o'clock, the leaders of the Targets are to arrange the Archers to shoot at their respective marks, and to set down their names. No greater number than 10 to shoot any one pair of Targets. Two Arrows to be shot at each end. Two Target Papers to be kept at each Target. At 12, the Shooters to form a line in front of the Tents, in the order of shooting. The signal for forming the line, to be a march of the music, playing the whole length of the Tents. The line being formed, the com- mand, to face to the right and march, to be given by three strokes of the Kettle-drums. The different Societies will then proceed to their respective Targets, and begin shooting when the music ceases. The leader of each Target to advance 10 paces when his party has done shooting, and proceed to the opposite Target, on hearing the bands, which will con- tinue playing until the shooting recommences. At three, Refreshments to be taken into the Tents. The signal to go into the Tents will be, by the music halting in the centre of the ground, until the Arrows are collected ; when each Society will fall into its own station. The line will then be formed, and the Archers are to march back to their res])ective Tents, the same signal being used as for the march to the Targets. At half-past three, the re-opening of the Targets will be announced, by a repetition of the signals before used. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 33 At six J the shooting will cease, by the same signal as before used for going to refresh ; the whole line to hall in front of the Tents, while the Stewards collect the target papers ; the At-chers are then to be dismissed, and proceed to dinner. Tickets to be collected at the door of the dining-room, and the Societies to be seated accord- ing to seniority, the Stewards making the arangements. The exploits of the day, taken as a whole, stand high in the annals of modern Archery. Amongst the Nobility present, Lord Aylesford distinguished himself by some very close shooting ; Mr. Anderson won two Prizes, as Captain of Numbers, and Lieutenant of the Target; Mr. R. Glen won one as Lieutenant of Numbers. The Captain of the Target was a Woodman of Arden. Mr. Anderson,* had 33 hits; Mr. Glen, 24; on every former occasion the highest number was 2L Mr, Anderson belonged to the Fraternity of St. George, and was considered one of the best shots in England^ In 1795, shooting with the Woodmen of Arden, he gained a Captaincy of Numbers ; he never declined a challenge, and rarely failed to win. * Mr Ford in his admirable "Work on Archery, 1856, at page 110, mentions 2 of Mr. Anderson's scores i 37 hits, 137 score, and 46 hits, and 182 score ; but has overlooked the following, made on July 9th, 1795 : 66 hits. On this occassion Mr. Palmer had 67y Cazalet 65. Mr. Anderson appears only 3 times on the Society's Records, as a visitor : July 9th, 1795 ; June 1st, 1796 ; October 14th, 1797. Note. — From the following entry in the Society's Records, it appears there must have been a Meeting at Blackheath, in 17 90 : — May 18th, 1790, by 2 Targets and additional Cards compleat, for Blackheath, at 84s. — £8 8s. Sewing on Targets, Lettering, &c., 8s. There are also these entries: — May 26th, 1792, Cash paid, Blackheath, Waiter, 5s. July 2nd, 1793, by Cash paid Mr. Walker, Blackheath, Luncheon, jgl8 3s. 6d. 34 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. HEN H. R. H. the Prince of Wales became Patron, the Society assumed the title of Royal, by which they have ever since been distinguished. In the various Challenges* from contemporary Socie- ties which they received, they were generally victorious, though in some instances they were unsuccessful. Previous to 1840, viz: on June 5th, 1818, at Highbury Barn, where in a match between the Wood- men of Arden, and the Royal Toxophilite Society, the Woodmen were victorious, their numbers being 101, and those of the R. T. S. 97; and on August 5th, 1834, when in a contest with the West Berks Society, they lost by a small number of hits. At Blackheath, in 1792, they carried off the Gold Medal ; at the second Meeting on Dulwich Common, when a Prize was given for the greatest number of hits made during the day, by five selected Members of any Society, the Royal Toxophilites won by 190 hits. At Mr. Anderson's Grounds, near Highgate, the Popinjay Game was practised ; the sport usually began by shooting at the Flemish Blazon, or square Target, somewhat larger than ours, its face bein» divided into 50 small squares, each marked as a blank or prize, the latter progressively increasing in value from 1 to 26. * Extra Target, June 4th, 1841.— "Motion made by- Mr. Hadow and seconded by Mr. Walford, to repeal or modify the Bye-law respecting the prohibition against accepting Challenges from other constituted Archery Societies, was taken into consider- ation, but after some discussion, was adjourned, sine die," thus^ at the present time no Challenge can be accepted by the Society. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 35 At a Meeting there in September, 1792, various Members of the Royal Toxophilites, Robin Hood's Bowmen, and Woodmen of Arden shot; the shooting lasted 3 hours, when J. Palmer, Esq., of the Woodmen, won the Medal for the central shot ; and Dr. Haworth, a Royal Toxophilite, won that for the greatest number of Prizes. The figure of an Eagle fixed on a perch 140 ft. high, was also shot at for about an hour, afibrding much amusement from its novelty ; at the expiration of that time, — Peacock, Esq., Robin Hood's Bowmen, shot it off the perch, and thereby won a Gold Medal. After dining with bis friends in the lodge, Mr. Anderson amused them with Fireworks, emblematical of the Archery of the day. The elder Mr. Waring was seen to put 20 successive Arrows into a 4 ft. Target, shooting two at each endy at 100 yds. In one minute he shot 12 Arrows into a mark 2 ft. square, at 46 yds. Mr. Crunden, when father of the Royal Toxophilites, shooting 2 Arrows at each end, put 10 successive Arrows into a sheet of paper, 8 in. square, at 30 yds. ; and once put 52 out of 100 Arrows into a 4 ft. Target, at 100 yds. ; and lastly, two other Royal Toxophilites, Messrs. Troward, and H. Greene, have at the same end put both Arrows into an 8 inch square paper, at 120 yds. In 1798 Mr. Troward shot on Moulsey Hurst, (an uncommonly level piece of ground, and when the wind was very still,) 1 7 score yards ; this was not an acciden- tal shot, but repeatedly done (both up and down the wind,) that same distance, and on that same day, in the presence of many of his brother Toxophilites, and this being done during a contest for a prize, each shot was measured with the greatest possible accuracy ; the field having been previously staked out in scores and half" scores. Mr. Troward shot with a Self -how, 63 lbs. ; the Arrows were flight Arrows, 29 inches, and about 4s. in weight. 36 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. There is a Portrait in the Society's possession thus described, in 1805 : — "James Rawson, known by several Members of the Society to be the best Archer in his time." It is mentioned in 1788 as having been presen- ted to the Society by Mr. Waring. Hargrove in his account of Lancashire and Cheshire, pub. 1792, gives a long account of the Rawsons. Mr. James Rawson (about 1794) told Mr. Waring that he once shot, on ground very little declining in his favour, 18 score yards. Mr. Rawson, whose father was one of three brothers famed for their skill in Archery, and lived in Lancashire, began Archery early in life, and was a very stout, middle sized man, and being a mans' shoemaker, had (in the exercise of his trade) increased the force and hardened the muscles of his arms to such a degree, that his power over the Bow was exceedingly great, as was his skill in its use ; from 18 to 60 he never refused a challenge, and was never known to have been beaten at inches. The late Mr. Benjamin Poole declared to Mr. Waring that he had frequently shot an Arrow (nearly 5s.) 15 score and 10 yards, at the Finsbury lengths. Mr. P. Constable also said, an Archer in his time shot 17 score yards. The Hon. Daines Barrington, an Hon. Member of the Society in 1782, writes thus, in 1783, — "of those who shot at the Targets, erected in the Finsbury Fields, in 1753, during the holidays, there are two now sur- viving, viz.: Mr. B. Poole, and Mr. P. Constable, who frequently became Captain and Lieutenant for the year ; the former is now rather aged and infirm, but the latter has been so obliging as to show me most of the marks in Finsbury Fields, as well as to communicate several anecdotes and observations relative to Archery." ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 37 Nr. Poole though not a Member of the Society, is often mentioned in the Records in 1781 and 1782, but not afterwards. In the " Aime for the Finshury Archers,^' most of the distances are from 12 to 16 score, and many from 16 to 18, and the greatest 19 score and 14 yards. By a Target Book of the Finsbury Archers, kept for the year 1671, (in the possession of Mr. Haworth, the Toxophilite,) 1 1 score yards was the farthest distance shot by them, before the Archers began to draw in. On October 29th, 1834, a display of Archery took place between the Royal Toxophilites, and the West Berks Club, for two valuable pieces of Plate. The first prize, a Claret Vase and Stand, was won by Edwin Meyrick, Esq., scoring 203, and 55 hits ; the second, a Silver Inkstand, by Rev. E. Scott, for best gold. In 1835, a Handicap, for a subscription piece of Plate, given by W. Merry, Esq., Hon. Sec, East Berks Club, took place at Benham Park, between the Royal Toxophilites, the East and West Berks Clubs, the Windsor Foresters, and the Welbourne and Clapton Archers ; at 100 yds., 70 ends, 3 Arrows each. The result was, — Marsh, Esq., Clapton, - 286—70 hits. — Moore, Esq., West Berks, 285—75 „ W. Peters, Esq., Royal Toxophilites, and E. Meyrick, Esq., West Berks, scored very near the above. The Prize given by Mr. Hughes, for most hits, was won by Mr. Moore. Contribution Gold Prize, by — Atwood, Esq., West Berks. 38 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. THE CRUNDEN CUP AND BUGLE. N former times the Royal Toxophilite Society used to meet on four principal occasions during each year, — called the Spring Target, the Summer or Annual Target, the Lady Patroness's Target, and the Autumn Target, — on these occasions the maker of the best and second best hits, became the Captain and Lieutenant of Targets, respectively ; and the maker of the most and the next most hits, became the Captain of Numbers, and the Lieutenant of Numbers, respectively. Once in three years one Gold and one Silver Medal, were given by the Society, in addition to other Prizes ; on the Gold Medal was recorded the number of hits made by the Captain of Numbers, on each of these Target days ; and on the Silver Medal, the number of hits made by the Lieutenant of Numbers ; at the end of the third season the numbers of hits recorded on the Medals, for the different Captains and Lieutenants of Numbers were added up, and the Gold or Silver Medal became the property of the Captain or Lieutenant whose total proved the greatest. Mr. John Crunden won the Gold Medal for 1798-9 and 1800, having been Captain on 11 out of 12 Target days ; on the single occasion when he did not become Captain, that distinction was won by Mr. W. Palmer, with 79 hits, and this is the largest number of hits appearing on the Medals; on this occasion Mr. Crunden became Lieutenant, having made 68 hits ; at this time 48 double ends of 4 Arrows, i.e. 182 Arrows were shot. Mr. Crunden won the next Gold Medal, that for 1801-2 and 3, having been Captain on 6 occasions, and having ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 39 been beaten by Mr. John Brady, three times ; twice by Mr. Shepheard ; and once by Mr. Thomas Palmer. Mr. Crunden won the Lieutenant's or Silver Medal in 1807, 8 and 9 ; the Gold or Captain's Medal in 1810, 11 and 12 ; and the Silver Medal in 1813, 14 and 15. The following Lists (A) show the number of hits made by each of the Captains and Lieutenants, on some of the occasions where the number of hits appears very small, the full number of Arrows (182) could not be shot, on account of the badness of the weather. The names and figures are arranged so as to radiate towards the centres of the Medals. (A) On the 1st, Gold Medal, are inserted — 1798, W. Palmer, 79; J. Crunden, 70 ; J. Crunden, 63 J. Crunden, 64. 1799, J. Crunden, 57 ; J. Crunden, 67 ; J. Crunden, 64 J. Crunden, 45. 1800, J. Crunden, 62 ; J. Crunden, 68 ; J. Crunden, 56 J. Crunden, 54. On the 2nd, Gold Medal, — 1801, J. Brady, 54; J. Brady, 44; E. W. Shepheard, 49 ; J. Crunden, 63. 1802, J. Crunden, 43 ; E. W. Shepheard, 42 ; J. Palmer, 48; J. Crunden, 64. 1803, J. Crunden, 66 ; J. Crunden, 62 ; J. Crunden, Capt., 66 ; J. Brady, 55. On the 3rd, Silver Medal,— 1807, Eras. Barker, 24 ; Peter Cazalet, 23 ; J. Crunden, 39; J. Crunden, 16. 1808, Eras. Barker, 14; S. Jervis, 9; J. Crunden, 32; Thos. Roberts, 29. 1809, J. Crunden, 13 ; P. Cazalet, 13 ; J. Crunden, 29. 40 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. On the 4th, Gold Medal,— 1810, J. Crunden, (May,) 37 ; J. Crunden, (June,) 25 ; J. Crunden, (July,) 26 ; E. W. Shepheard, (Aug.,) 28. 1811, J. Crunden, (May,) 11 ; — N.B. Bad day, very little shooting."— .T Roberts, (June,) 25 ; E. W. Shepheard, (July,) 20; E. W. Shepheard, (Aug.,) 22. 1812, J. Crunden, (May,) 14; Sir H. Martin, Bart., (June,) 14; Sir. H. Martin, Bart., (July,) 24; Swynfen Jervis, (Aug.,) 9. On the 5th, Silver Medal, — 1813, S. Jervis, (May,) 17; J. Crunden, (June,) 26; J. Crunden, (July,) 22 ; T. Roberts, (Aug.,) 21. 1814, S. Jervis, (May,) 12: S. Jervis, (June,) 8; C. Wilson, (July,) 6 ; T. Roberts, (Aug.,) 22. These five Medals were placed in the sides of a handsome Silver Cup, manufactured by Messrs. Storr and Mortimer, at the cost of £45, for the Society, in Memory of Mr. J. Crunden ; and the Cup was appointed to be Shot for annually, at 100 yards. Originally 36 double ends of 4 Arrows, 2 at each end ; but now 24 rounds of 6 Arrows each, or 144 Arrows. It was first won in 1836, by Mr. W. Peters, 29 hits ; and the following list (B) contains the names of the subsequent winners, and the respective number of hits. There was no shooting for the Cup in 1845, otherwise it has been regularly shot for since 1836. The " Crunden Bugle,"* is also won annually by the Crunden Member. * One of the Prince of Wales's Prizes, won by Mr. Crunden, ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 41 (B) CRUNDEN MEMBERS. 36 ends — 144 Arrows. Hits. Value. 1836, W. Peters 29 81 1837, J. Norton 38 122 1838, W. Robinson 49 159 1839, W. Peters 48 166 1840, P. D. Hadow 35 131 1841, J. C. Walford 38 128 1842, W. Bowyer Smyth 39 125 1843, Cap. Norton 35 163 1844, )9 » 43 159 1845, 1846, H. Hippisley 35 105 1847, 5> » 34 124 1848, Octavius Luard 34 114 1849, 5> 5, 42 164 1850, C. H. Price 26 90 1851, W. Peters 46 170 1852, H. Hippisley 37 131 1853, H. C. Mules 35 119 1854, 55 55 35 189 1855, >5 55 73 259 1856, 55 55 55 215 1857, 55 55 82 362 1858, 55 55 77 297 1859, 55 55 73 293 1860, 55 55 76 214 1861, W. J. Richardson 69 267 1862, J. A. Froude 66 238 1863, J. Spedding 53 185 1864, 55 55 57 173 1865, W. Butt 54 176 1866, Thos. Boulton 62 244 1867, W. Butt 77 283 The Winner also holds the Silver Gilt Challenge Medal, presented by Mr. Anon, ijpi 1866. 42 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. The following is the Record of the Bow Meeting, at which, the Captain's Prize, — a Silver Cup, — was won by Mr. Lowton, and afterwards presented by him to the Society. Annual Target, at Highbury Barn, 3rd August, 1782.— Present. No. of Prizes. Value of Prizes. Sir Ashton Lever Pr. 5 s. 4 d. Hon. Mr. Pitt, (George) Mr. Haworth, V. P. 1 5 1 5 6 „ Fielden 3 4 „ Constable, Senr. 2 1 „ Wright* „ Lowton, Capt. „ Gibson 1 2 4 1 3 4 6 6 „ Constable, Junr. 4 3 „ Blundell, Lieut. 4 6 „ J. K. Sherwin 3 2 6 „ Stott 1 1 „ Waring „ Allen 4 1 4 1 6 £2 2 6 * Mr. Chas. Wright acted as Auditor of the Accounts of the Society, from 1781 till 1790. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 43 THE PRINCE'S PRIZE BUGLES. JN 1792, H. R. H. George, Prince of Wales, being then Patron of the Society, first presented a Prize — a Silver Bugle — to be shot for according to regulations prescribed by himself, and for 10 consecutive years the Prince presented a similar Prize. The regulations were that the shooting should be at 100 yds., 80 yds,, and 60 yds., called " The Prince's Lengths," instead of at the distances usual at that period, viz. : 120, 90, 60, and 30 yds., or 16, 12, 8, and 4 roods, an ' Archer's rood ' being a measure of 7J yds. ; the Targets, similar to those now in use, were 4 ft. in diameter at 100 yds., 3 ft. at 80 yds., and 2 ft. at 60 yds. ; and the scoring was conducted on the present plan, viz. : Gold 9. Red 7, Inner White 5, Black 3, and Outer White 1, and called " The Prince's Reckoning." Rounds, also, were shot of 6 Arrows each, 3 Arrows being shot by each Archer at each Target ; instead of ends of 4 Arrows, 2 at each Target. The total number shot on these occasions is often not mentioned. On three occasions it is stated that 42 rounds, or 252 Arrows were shot ; and on two occasions 46 rounds, or 276 Arrows. No mention is made of the method in which this number of Arrows was distributed between the different distan- ces, but as a very elaborate rule appears in one of the Society's Records of " Rules and Regulations," the object of which rule is to secure that the same number of Arrows shall be shot at each distance ; it is probable, that when possible, the same number of Arrows was shot at each distance. 44 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. The following is a copy of the official Letter of thanks sent to H. R. H. the Prince of Wales. — Sir, The Members of the Toxophilite Society with great submission presume thus to request your Royal High- ness's acceptance of their most grateful acknowledgments for your intended kindness to them, and which you have so obligingly condescended to communicate to the Society by Mr. Troward. Countenanced by your Royal Highness's Patronage the Toxophilites have flourished, and encouraged by your favor they doubt not to excel ; individually animated with hopes of obtaining the reward from your Royal Highness, all will be happy in the contest for it, but doubly gratified will be the Bowman whose anxious hand shall have directed his well-winged shaft to the wished for Prize. The Toxophilites, prompted by unfeigned affection for your Royal Highness, avail themselves of this oppor- tunity to assure you of their attachment and duty, and to express their most ardent wishes for a long continu- ance of your health and happiness. I am, Sir, Your most dutiful Servant, RICHARD HAWORTH, V. P. Toxophilite Rooms, Bloomsbury, 9th July, 1792.* H. R. H. was a great Patron of Archery, and fond of the exercise, and often shot in the Society's Grounds at Leicester House, after H. R. H. became King, he intended to have again practised Archery, and the • Vide No. 30, Min. Books, Vol. 2nd, Page 102. N.B. Unfortunately these Volumes of Minutes do not now exist. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 45 present Mr. Waring received his commands to take to Windsor a most complete set of Archery, which was accordingly done, but as it proved to be a very wet Autumn, the cases were not opened, and in the following year the King died. The first "Prince's Prize Target Day," was on August 14th, 1792, and the following is a list of all the Winners of the Prince's Prizes. — 1792, Robert Glen 1793, Hasting Elwin 1794, Richard Troward 1795, John Brady 1796, John Crunden 1797, Ed. W. Shepheard 1798, Peter Cazalet • 1799, Thomas Waring 1800, Sir H. Martin, Bt. 1801, Thomas Roberts 1st Prince's Prize Target, August 14th, 1792. — fNo. 1. Mr. Glen, Cap. 54 IJValue 208 54 208 76 276 252 Arrows shot. 76 266* 252 ditto 90 348 276 ditto 77 301 276 ditto 88 358 252 ditto 56 194 53 185 46 164 35 123 No. 2. Mr. Pitcairn 28 „ Routh 40 * The Targets supplied being too small, this score was increased to 361. f Probably other Shooters were at this Target, but they are not named. ^ This is the first entry in wbich number and value of hits is recorded. On all previous occasions the records give numbers of hits, and value in money of Prizes only. This old method of scoring disappears after 1794-; and the newer method, styled in an entry of a Meeting, held on September 10th, 1796, as "Prince's Reckoning," is ever afterwards used. 46 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Mr. Barlow 24 „ Pye 13 „ Norcross 37 „ Moorhouse 10 No. 3. Mr. Wright 8 „ Perrott 17 „ Hansard 15 „ Elwin 30 „ Earle 19 „ Troward 12 „ Crane No. 4. Mr. Greene, V. P. 16 „ Sermon 6 „ Cazalet 20 „ Vincent 12 „ Calvert 8 „ E-ooke 6 2nd Prince's Target, September 4th, 1793, at Prince's lengths.* — In. Out Hits Gold Red Wh. Blk. Wh. Value Mr. Cazalet 59 2 8 15 10 24 — 203 „ Routh 42 1 1 8 17 15 — 122 „ Clarke 36 3 3 5 11 14 — 120 „ J.H.Greene 69 1 7 21 20 20 — 243 „ Moorhonse 16 1 1 1 8 5—50 222 738 * It is not mentioned till 1801 that these lengths are 100^ 80, and 60 yards. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 47 Mr. Elwin 76 4 9 17 23 23 — 276 „ Shepheard 46 3 5 8 12 18 — 156 „ Barlow 21 3 2 5 4 7—85 .„ Girdlestone 29 1 5 6 7 10 — 105 „ Constable 8 3 2 3 — 24 180 646 Mr. Bullock 23 1 1 "6 7 8—75 „ Troward 40 1 5 12 10 12 — 146 „ Perrott 50 2 6 12 11 19 — 172 „ Barker 26 3 4 7 7 5 — 116 „ Waring 41 1 2 7 10 21 — 109 180 618 42 Rounds, 6 Arrows each, being 252 Arrows shot this dav. 3rd Prince's Prize Target, August 19th, 1794. — Hits Value ^r . Ainslie 59 4 5 20 17 13 — 235 5> Bullock 27 2 3 7 8 7 — 105 5> Girdlestone 42 1 4 9 13 15 — 136 )) Hansard 39 1 3 8 10 17 — 117 9> ^Jewberry 20 1 2 8 9 — 50 187 643 Mr. Troward 76 9 25 18 24 — 266 „ Shepheard 42 2 2 12 17 9 — 152 „ Barker 28 2 4 3 9 10 — 58 „ Cazalet 43 5 4 3 15 16 — 149 „ Crunden 15 1 2 5 3 4—61 204 726 48 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Mr. Greene 40 2 8 9 10 11 -- 162 „ Brady 30 5 5 3 8 9 — 134 70 296 252 Arrows shot this day. Note — It is mentioned on this occasion that owing to a mistake the Targets were 4 ft., 2 ft. 7 in , and 1ft. 9in., instead of 4 ft., 3 ft, and 2 f t , which it was estimated on calculation would make a difference of at least 95 to the winning number ; this added to 266 (Mr. Troward's score) made 361. 4th Prince's Prize Target, August 29th, 1795. — Hits Value Mr. Crunden 47 2 7 12 10 16 — 163 „ Cowper 45 4 5 11 8 17 — 167 „ Moorhouse 40 1 8 10 9 12 — 154 „ Wheeler 49 1 10 10 17 11 — 191 181 675 Mr. Baher 57 3 6 14 21 33 — 215 „ Cazalet 54 2 9 13 19 11 — 214 5J Girdlestone 74 2 10 24 20 18 — 286 Bullock 23 2 2 4 7 8—81 208 796 Mr. Shepheard 67 4 8 13 24 18 — 247 „ Wheeler „ Brady 90 4 17 19 24 26 — 348 167 595 Note. — It must be noticed that more Arrows were shot on this occasion. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 49 5th Prince's Prize Target, August 27th, 179G. — Hits Value Mr. Cowper 3 3 18 15 25 — 208 „ Vincent 2 1 7 3 — 43 „ J. H. Greene 3 7 3 10 — 75 Sir Hy. Martin 1 6 8 13 20 — 150 Mr, Barlow „ Girdlestone 1 „ Crunden 77 6 „ Moorhouse 1 476 3 3 12 10 — 82 7 19 15 15 — 213 10 17 24 20 — 301 4 3 13 8—97 693 Mr. Shepheard 2 5 16 20 26 — 219 „ Baber 1 4 4 14 19 — 118 „ Cazalet 4 13 18 18 24 — 295 „ J. W. Belcher 2 3 1 — 28 „ F. Newberry 1 2 4 2—31 691 46 Rounds. 276 Arrows were shot. Note. — 'On this occasion Mr. Crunden won the Silver Bugle now held by the Crunden Member. 6th Prince's Prize Target, August 31st, 1797. — Hits Value Sir Hy. Martin, Bt. 1 2 11 11 9 — 120 Mr. Shepheard 88 6 16 23 17 26 — 358 478 50 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Mr. Girdlestone „ Waring „ Thos. Greene 2 2 7 3 1 8 9 13 13 20 — 166 13 — 118 1 — 26 310 Mr. Cazalet „ Barlow 2 1 5 6 10 2 8 14 20 — 147 9 — 112 159 42 Rounds. 252 Arrows were shot. 7t!i Prince's Prize Target, August 17th, 1798.— Hits Value Mr. Cazalet „ Barker „ Waring „ Baber ,. Earle 56 32 46 40 11 154 1 2 3 2 1 8 6 10 7 1 14 2 8 12 3 13 9 11 6 20 — 194 13 — 110 14 — 184 14 — 166 6 — 37 691 Mr. Crunden „ Shepheard „ Troward V Captains, as winners in J former years » 8th Prince's Prize Target, August I3th, 1799. Hits Value Sir H. Martin, Bt. 8 8 11 14 12 — • 156 Mr. Waring* 53 1 9 13 9 21 — 185 „ Roberts (1st day) 1 2 5 5 — 37 378 * Mr. Waring won the Bugle, tho' very ill with nervous headache both days. ^ ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 51 Mr. Barker 2 8 5 8. 12 — 93 „ Jervis 1 2 4 8 12 — 79 „ Mason 1 1 7 5 7—73 245 9th Prince's Prize Target, September lOth, 1800. — Hits Value Sir H. Martin, Bt. 46 2 8 7 13 16 — 164 Mr. Barker 43 2 5 14 8 14 — 161 „ Jervis 3 2 3 4 9 — 77 „ Mason 1 2 3 4 10 — 60 „ Porter 1 1 2 3 7 — 42 504 loth Prince's Prize Target, August 12th, 1801.— Hits Value Ar» Brady 3 4 10 18 24 — 183 „ Shepheard 2 10 15 20 10 — 233 „ Crunden 10 12 14 14 — 186 „ Mason (half-day) 1 6 — 13 615 Mr. Roberts 35 2 „ Barker 1 „ Cazalet 1 „ Waring (half-day) „ Troward (2 rounds) 5 7 7 14 — 123 4 1 6 10 — 70 2 9 16 14 — 130 3 3 6 4—58 2 2 — 6 387 Note. — On this occasion it is mentioned that the Prince's Lengths are 100, 80, and GO yds. Six of the shooters present on this day having won the Prize Bugle previously, Mr. Roberts was declared the winner. 52 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Mr. PALMER'S PRIZE ARROW. N 1795 Mr. Palmer presented to the Society a Silver Prize Arrow, to be sh6t for, it was won by Mr. Crunden, bequeathed by him to the Hon. Daniel Finch, by whom it was again presented to the Society. The following is a record of the shooting for this Arrow in 1795, 6, 7, and 8, and also a copy of Mr. Palmer's letter. — Sir, I beg leave to inform you that I have ordered a Silver Prize Arrow to be made, which I mean to present to the Toxophilite Society, and which I hope they will do me the honor to accept. My wish is, if agreeable to the Gentlemen, that it be shot for the Butts down ; 12 double ends at each length, and no Arrow to score that may not be within the distances which follow, viz : — 16 roods 27 inches 12 „ 15 „ 8 „ 10 „ 4 „ 4 „ I likewise wish that it may be shot for four successive years, by those of the Members who chuse to come for- ward, and on the fifth year the winners only to contend for the propriety of it. The Society will determine upon some day prior to the Birthday, and which will be ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 53 considered as fixed for the succeeding years. The Silversmith has promised that the Arrow shall be forth- coming on the first day or week in May. I have the honor to be Your obliged and humble Servant, THOS. PALMER.* April 17th, 1795. The 1st year's shooting for Mr. Palmer's Prize Arrow. 12 double ends, at Butts, May 27th, 1795. — Ay. Barker 7 1 6 — 14 „ Elwin, Capt. 6 7 15 15 — 43 „ Shepheard 8 10 7 1 — 26 „ Cazalet 3 3 4 5 — 15 „ Baker 2 3 7 3 — 15 „ Girdlestone 3 3 7 7 . 20 „ Bullock 4 1 3 5 — 13 „ Vincent 3 2 3 2 — 10 „ J. H. Greene 3 7 6 5 — 21 „ Waring 2 5 — 7 „ Troward 4 3 9 8 24 „ Cowper 4 1 2 4 — 11 „ Thos. Sermon 2 1 1 — 4 „ Brady 4 7 4 2 — 17 „ Belcher 1 1 — 2 15 shot — 54 49 76 63 — 242 The second year, June 1st, 1796. — Inches Total Mr. Girdlestone 1 2 9 3 - - 15 „ Bullock 2 3 3 3 - - 11 „ Baber 2 6 6 8 - - 22 „ W. Palmer, Capt. 7 8 6 21 - - 42 „ Greene 2 3 - 5 * Mr. Palmer joined the Society in 1794, and was still a Member in 1817. y4 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Mr. Brady 5 9 10 9 — 33 „ Cazalet „ W. Cowper Sir H. Martin Mr. Waring „ T. Palmer 1 5 I 1 4 1 7 2 3 5 6 8 4 5 7 13 8 7 — 15 — 33 — 3 — 16 — 31 „ Shepheard „ Crunden „ Troward „ Barker 9 8 6 6 8 6 1 2 9 10 7 2 12 11 11 6 — 38 — 35 — 31 — 16 15 shot - - 58 71 88 129 ^- 346 The third year, May 31st, 1797.— 4 8 12 16 roods roods roods roods Total Mr.. Baber 8 6 3 9 — 26 „ Cowper 9 14 6 11 — 35 „ Shepheard 10 8 9 11 — 35 „ Crunden 12 13 9 12 — 46 The fourth year, June 1st, 1798. — Mr . Troward 9 9 7 14 — 39 5» Shepheard 10 11 6 2 — 29 55 Cazalet, Capt. 12 12 12 6 — 42 55 Cowper 16 13 4 1 — 34 55 Brady 14 9 13 4 — 40 55 Baber 10 6 7 7 — 30 Sir H. Martin 4 4 4 — 12 Note. — The records give no account of the final struggle 'between Messrs. Elwin, 43 ; Palmer, 42 ; J. Crunden, 46 ; P. Cazalet, 42. On one of the Medals attached to the Prize Arrow, it is stated that Mr. Crunden won the Arrow with 45 hits. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 55 JTTHE old custom, among the Finsbury Archers, in ^^ shooting for Prizes, was, that the fii^st Gold won ; probably this was when the distances were greater than now. But the Royal Toxophilite Society remodelled the plan by declaring that the most central shot during the whole shooting should be considered the best and win. This method gave the opportunity for a longer contest of skill, but yet did not altogether decide superiority in shooting, therefore the Society instituted another Prize entitled the Medal of Numbers, or for most hits regard- less of the colours. In order to carry the display of skill still further, they ordained that the Bugle (annually presented by their Patron H. R. H. the Prince of Wales) should be shot for at Targets of different sizes at the different distances (see page 43), giving a value to each colour in proportion to its proximity to the centre ; and as an encouragement to the younger Archers, it was a rule, that no member having won a Bugle, could shoot for a second, till each Member had once won one ; this was a very old rule in prize shooting, having been practised at a match, on the Marriage of a Son of Edward iv. to a Daughter of the Duke of Norfolk. The Butts erected by the Royal Toxophilite Society used to be in three sets, called, ' Shaft,' ' Centre,' and ' Bow,' each set consisting of four, and each Butt being 30 yds. distant from the other ; forming a chain of 30, 60, 90, and 1 20 yds. ; so arranged as not to stand in the way of the Archer, when shooting at any of the lengths. Upon these Butts about 3| feet high, was placed the mark, a circular piece of thin white paste-board, 4 inches in diam. G 56 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Afterwards a new kind of Butt (said to have been invented in Scotland) was adopted by the Society, con- sisting wholly of Straw, laid first in trusses, and then screwed down as tight as possibje ; the ends afterwards being cut smooth. It was shot under cover, at the four- rood length ; this was a very pleasant Butt to shoot at, was durable (if kept under cover from the wet) and never injured the Arrow. The Royal Toxophilite Society to save the trouble of frequent admeasurement when the inches were shot, placed their white or mark on a blue or dark ground, forming an exterior circle of as many inches in diameter as were allowed ; so that as every Arrow counted which came within the inches, so every Arrow within the inches must be in the paper. Hence it was called the Paper- game, and was seldom shot but at the four-rood length. The Finsbury rule allowed an Arrow to reckon in that ring broken or depressed nearest the centre ; but in the Royal Toxophilite ground, an Arrow dividing two colours could only reckon in the colour farthest from the centre ; of course this rule has now been reversed to suit the modern custom. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 57 Mr. FINCH'S BRACER. Of HE Silver Arm Guard or Bracer was presented by ^ the Hon. Daniel Finch, to be shot for at 100 yards, (192 Arrows,) and to be held by the winner until he be beaten by a challenger on any one of the Target Days. If the challenger failed to beat the holder, he had to forfeit a dozen of Claret to the Society. In 1853 and subse- quently until the introduction of the York Round in 1858, when the Rules were revised and altered, 144 Arrows were shot at 100 yds., and the forfeit was altered to £1. It used to be won by most hits, but during the time that 144 Arrows were shot and subsequently, it has been won by greatest score. The Field Captain or hol- der of the Silver Bracer used to have second rank, next after the President, but now he holds third rank, i.e. next after the Captain of Targets, and in 1866 the Challenge was abolished, and the Bracer is now shot for on the York Rounds, on the first Target Day of the Season. The winner also holds the Arrow Brooch, pre- sented by Mr. W. Butt, in 1865; and a Silver Gilt Challenge Medal presented by Mr. Anon, in 1 866. Here follows the list of field Captains, — 1833, May 17, W. Peters, F. C, June 14, J. Norton July 12, R. Barclay 1834, May 9, W. Peters 1835, „ 22, J. Norton 54 1837, „ 17, W. Robinson 47 58 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 1.837, May 31, J. Norton 60 1838, „ 25, C. Lawrence 48 June 8, W. Peters 71 July 13, R. Arabin 60 1839, May 24, J. Norton 62 July 5, W. Peters 86 1840, May 22, R. Arabin 58 June 12, Bowyer Smijtli 52 July 31, W. Peters 64 1841, „ 16, W. Robinson 50 „ 30, J. G. Walford 54 1842, May 20, Bowyer Smijth 45 July 29, J. Norton 43 1843, „ 14, Bowyer Smijth 65 1848, „ 7, Octavius Luard 46 4 Arrows at 100 yards. 1853, May 20, H. C. Mules 50- -196 1854, „ 19, „ 61- -215 1857, „ 21, „ 74- -280 1858, „ 20, „ 72- -292 At a general Meeting in 1858, it was determined that the Shooting for the Field Captaincy should be on the ' York Round,' on the first Target Day in 1859. 1859, May 19, W. J. Richardson 89—443 1860, 1863, 1864,. 1865, 1866, 1867, 10, H. C. Mules 86—380 20, J. Spedding 82—350 19, W. Butt (right-handed) 63— 311 18, G. E. Hicks 65—271 17, W. Butt (left-handed) 79—309 16, Lt. Col. A. Robertson 70—286 No record remains of the Shooting on the first four occasions, when the Bracer was won by Peters, Norton, Barclay, and Peters, respectively. In 1835, Norton and Troward shot a tie, being each 54 — 202. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 59 After July 14th, 1843, the Records are omitted till 1848; then another omission occurs till May 20th, 1853. On May 19th, 1854, Col. Phillipps challenged H. C. Mules the F. C. and lost, making only 55 — 185. On May 20th, 1857, W. J. W. Baynes challenged H. C. Mules the F. C, and lost, making 72—292. 60 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. THE KING'S CUPS, N 1834, His Majesty King William the 4th's Silver Cup was shot for on the ' King's Target Day,'* June 20th. 29 shooters were present. The shooting was at 120, 90, and 60 yards. 36 double ends or 144 Arrows. J. Norton made the best score, 18 hits, 50 score, and won the Cup. In 1860, Captain J. Norton presen- ted this same Cup to the Society, and it was resolved that it should become an Annual Challenge Prize, to be shot for at 120 yards only, 144 Arrows. 1861, July 25, J. Spedding 27—103 1862, „ 31, „ 14— 58 1863, June 18, T. Boultonf —156 1864, „ 23, J. A. Froude 21— 75 1865, Aug. 3, „ 30—112 1866, April 12, W. W. Spottiswood 37—133 1867, „ 4, „ „ 36—158 In 1835, the ' King's Cup ' was shot for July 3rd, when Glen Finlaison made the highest score, 45 — 157 ; * Part of Rule 20, printed 1834. — Shooting on tlie King's Prize Day. — The course of shooting on this day shall be as follows : before dinner, 8 ends at 120 yards, 8 ends at 90 yards, and 8 ends again at 120 yards, if the time will admit — not beginning a new end after a quarter past three. After dinner there shall be shot, first, the same number of ends at 60 as were shot beyond the number of 8 before dinner at 120, and secondly, the same number at 90, and thirdly, 8 ends at 60. t No Record was kept of the No, of Mr, Boulton's hits. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 61 Norton's being second, 39 — 133. The shooting was at 120, 90, and 60 yards; 33 double ends, or 132 Arrows. 32 Shooters present. In 1836 the 'King's Cup' was shot for July 1st, when Captain J. Norton made the highest score, 65 — 239, (W. Peters being next, 63 — 221). The shooting was at 120, 90, and 60 yards ; 48 ends, or 192 Arrows. 26 Shooters present. His Majesty died June 19th, 1837, but had already presented a Prize Cup to be shot for by Society in that year, but it was not shot for till June 29th, 1838, at 120, 90, and 60 yards, when the following scores were made : W.Peters 4 10 17 19 18—68—266 Cap. Norton* 3 11 18 17 13—62—258 On this occasion 47 instead of 48 ends were shot, owing to a storm coming on at the end of the day's shooting. The Cup was awarded to Mr. Peters. 21 Members shot. 1500 tickets of admission were issued, and 1147 were received at the gates. * Cap. Norton having left England, and consequently with- drawn from the Society, it was resolved at the Annual Meeting, May 8th, 1846, that he be elected an Honorary Member. Captain Norton died at the Club House, at Bray, on the 2nd Feb., 1867. 62 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Mr. BUDWORTH'S BUGLE. R. PHILIP BUDWORTH became a Member m 1841, and in the same year presented a silver-gilt Bugle and Chain to be shot for and won under such con- ditions as the Committee should lay down. These con- ditions were that it should be shot for on the President's Prize Day in the first instance, and on future occasions on the first Target Day of the year, to be won by the Captain of those days, and to remain in his possession until the first Target Day of the season, next in succession. WINNERS. Mr. Walford 1841 „ Bowyer Smijth 1842 Cap. J. Norton 1843 No Shooting on 1st Target Day, 1844 No Shooting on 1st Target Day, 1845 Mr, . J. G. Walford 1846 J? H. Hippisley 1847 >5 J. G. Walford 1848 55 55 1849 55 55 1850 » Money Wigram 1851 J) R. Snow 1852 5) H. C. Mules 1853 Col . Phillipps 1854 No Record of 1855 1. Mr. , James Spedding 1856 j> S. G. R. Strong 1857 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 63 Mr. P. S. Wilkinson 1858 „ H. C. Mules 1859, when it was shot for on the Crunden Target Day, because in this year the ' York Round ' was first introduced into the first Target Day. Mr. James Spedding 1860 „ L. Oliver 1861 „ J. Spedding 1862 JJ 5> 1863 „ J. S, Stopford 1864 „ R. Butt 1865 „ Thos. Boulton 1866, on the Crunden Day. In this year the rule re the ' Budworth Bugle' was altered so that it was shot for as previously, on the ' Crunden Day,' but it could not as formerly be won by the Crunden Member, and also on the 4 Target Days during the shooting at 100 yards, to be won by the maker of the best gold, but the Bleld Captain, the First Lieu- tenant, the Barker Member, the Second Lieutenant, and the Captain of Targets, or Gold Medallist, were all to be ineligible. Mr. W. Spottiswoode 1866, on the 1st Target Day „ E. Wilkinson jj on the 2nd „ „ „ J. Spedding j> on the 3rd „ „ 5) »• »j on the 4th „ „ „ J. S. Stopford 1867, on the Crunden Day „ S. Banner >) on the 1st Target Day „ G. E. Hicks JJ on the 2nd „ „ „ E. Wilkinson J5 on the 3rd „ „ „ G. E. Hicks JJ on the 4th „ „ The winner also holds the Silver Gilt Challenge Medal, presented by the Hon. Sec. 64 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. THE BARKER BUGLE. ^T a Committee Meeting held April 7tli, 1857, it O was resolved that the Silver Bugle presented by A. R. Barker, Esq., June 13, 1834, should be shot for as a Handicap Prize, to be held for the year by the Member winning it. This handicap match was shot on June 4th, 1857, and the Bugle was won by Mr. P. S. Wilkinson. In 1 858 it was decided that the same Bugle should be shot for as a Challenge Prize, on the York Hound, to be won by the greatest gross score, (the Field Captain not com- peting,) the winner to be called the Barker Member, and to hold rank in the field next after the Crunden Member. When the Society's Rules were revised and altered in 3 866, it was decided that on the third Target Day, the maker of the greatest gross score should become the Barker Member, and that the Field Captain, and First Lieutenant should be ineligible. The Barker Member now holds rank next after the First Lieutenant. The list of winners since 1857. — 1858, Rev. W. J. Richardson 98—442 1859, H. C. Mules 99—453 1860, Rev. W. J. Richardson 104—516 1861, Rev. T. G. Golightly 96—446 1862, Money Wigram 65—262 1863, F. Prothero 64—234 1864, James Spedding 83—371 1865, W. Butt (omitted to shoot7 ho ooq 9 arrows at 60) y 1866, Thomas Boulton 92—416 1867, W. Butt 77—343 The winner also holds the Silver Gilt Challenge Medal presented by Mr. Anon, ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 65 SIR H. MARTIN'S* MEDAL. QIS the Book of Minutes and Transactions of the C3^ Society begins with June 14th, 1837, there is no record of the original intentions of Sir H. Martin, when he presented his Silver Medal in 1836, which, till 1867 has been laid aside. The other Minute Book which begins with the Season of 1836, mentions that Sir H. Martin's two Silver Goblets were won in a handicap match, by Mr. P. D. Hadow, but does not allude to this particular Medal, but it is probable that it was presented on that occasion. The Committee have now decided that it shall in future be won by the maker of the greatest gross score on the Crunden Day, but not by the Crunden Member of the same day. It was first won on April 18th, 1867, by Mr, W. Spottiswoode, with 274 — 72; 144 arrows, at 100 yds. In 1836 the third Target was on July 8th, on this occasion the Prizes were Sir H. Martin''s Cups ; and a somewhat unusual system of handicapping was adopted, the shooters being divided into classes, A, B, &c., accord- ing to their proficiency ; the various colours bore different values respectively in the several classes, thus — * Sir H. W. Martin, became a member in 1793, and con- tinued so till his death. 66 ROYAL TOXdPHILITE SOCIETY. Gold Red Blue Blk. White A — 6 4 2 1 B — 7 4 3 1 C — 7 5 3 2 D — 8 6 4 2 1 E — 10 7 5 3 2 F — 12 9 6 4 3 G — 16 12 8 6 4 It is mentioned that -Hadow (Class B) won — his score being recorded thus, — Gold Red Blue Blk. Hits Score 2 10 17 12 - - 41 — 117 48 ends, at 100 yards. A Silver Prize Cup presented by the Hon. C. L. Butler, was shot for on July 4th, 1851, and won by Mr. H. A. Ford, without his blacks and whites. — Gold Red Blue Blk. Wh. Hits Score 11 37 54 42 50 - - 194 - - 804 Mr. Peters made the next best score. — 5 12 17 27 43 — 104 — 338 288 arrows were shot, at 100 yards. A Gold Medal and a Silver Medal presented by Mr. H. C. Mules, to be won by the best scores in two day's shooting, (96 arrows at 100 yds., 72 at 80 yds., and 48 at 60 yds., being shot each day,) were shot for on May 26th, and June 9th, 1854. The Gold Medal was won by Mr. H. C. Mules, hits 239, score 1,007. The Silver Medal was won by Col. H. PhilHpps, hits 229, score 979. A Silver Prize Cup presented by Mr. James Sped- ding, was shot for on May 13th, 1856, and won by Rev. James Cook. The York Round was shot. This was a handicap match, Mr, Cook's score was, hits 55, score 239. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 67 A Robin Hood Prize presented by Mr. H. C. Mules, for most hits in a willow wand, 3 inches wide, and 4 feet high, was shot for on June 27th, 1856, and won by Mr. P. S. Wilkinson, with 8 hits. 144 arrows were shot, divided amongst the three distances, 100 yds., 80^'yds., and 60 yds., as in the York Round. £5 was presented by Mr. H. C. Mules, to be shot for on a handicap of the scores of the last two York Rounds, and was won by Mr. S. G. R. Strong, with hits 56, score 214, on the 18th of June, 1867. A Prize was presented by Mr. W. G. Campbell, and shot for on Mr. James Spedding's handicap system, on the York Round, on July 1st, 1858, and was won by Mr. A. R. Tawney, with hits 84, score 350. The handicap was taken in the case of each Archer on the best score he had made during the last 12 months, and decided by the most advantageous relation between this greatest score, and the score made by each Archer this day. Thus Mr. Tawney's score as above is 350, multi- plied by the largest score returned by any Archer, 550, 350 550 17500 17500 340 I 192500 566 and divided by the largest score made by this Archer, viz : 340, gives 566 as his handicap. A Silver Prize Cup presented by Mr. N- Wetherell was shot for on July 14th, 1859, on the York Round. This was a handicap match, and the mean between each Archer's highest and lowest scores made during the pre- ceding 6 months was taken as his handicap. The Cup 68 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. was won on the " Spedding system," by Mr. Money Wigram, who made 58 — 240 ; Mr. W. J. Richardson made 100—469, and Mr. Henry C. Mules 93—461. The result of the handicap was, Mr. Wigram 607, Mr. Headlam 510. Mr. Richardson 480, Mr. Mules 461, and Mr. Oliver 448. A Silver Prize Cup presented by Col. Sir C. J. J. Hamilton, Bart, C.B., senior Vice-President of the year, was shot for on June 28th, 1860, at 100 yards, and to be won by the best gold. This Cup was won by the Rev. W. J. Richardson. Mr. H. C. Mules made the best score, 43 hits, 155 score. 144 Arrows were shot. A handsome Clock, presented by Mrs. W. F. Pollock, was shot for on July 12th, 1860, on the York Round, and was won by Mr. H. C. Mules, he having made most hits, 98 hits, 390 score. A Silver Prize Cup, presented by Mr. H. C. Mules, senior Vice-President of the year, was shot for on June 27th, 1861, on the York Round. This was a Handicap Prize Day, and the Handicap was taken on the mean of the highest and lowest score made during the present season by each Archer compared with his shooting this day. The Cup was won by Mr. G. F. Boultbee, who was handicapped at 132, and who made 51 hits, 227 score. A Silver Prize Cup, presented by Mr. S. G. R, Strong, was shot for on July 11th, 1861, on the York Round. Mr. H. C. Mules made the best score 78—336. The Cup was won by Mr. H. C. Mules who made most hits (13) in the Willow Wand, (3 in. wide and 4 ft. high. A handsome Clock, presented by Mr. James Spedding, was shot for on July 17th, 1862, on the York Round. This was a Handicap Match, and the Clock was won by A. T. Malkin, whose handicap was 205, and who made 54 hits, 226 score. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 69 A Gold Pencil Case, presented by Mr. Money Wigram, senior Vice-President of the year, was shot for on July 16th, 1863. The Handicap was taken on the * Spedding System,' and the Pencil Case was won by Mr. W. F. Pollock, whose handicap was 135, and made 35 hits, 167 score. Mr. James Spedding made the best score 80 hits, 360 score. A Silver Inkstand, value £25, presented as a Handicap Prize by Mr. W. Peters, one of the oldest Members of the Society, was shot for on July 26th, 1864, on the York Round, and was open to Members of the R. T. S., the West Berks, and the Harlow (Essex) Societies. In addition to the above a Self Yew Bow was presented by Mr. Buchanan, (215 Piccadilly), for the second gross score. Mr. Coulson won the Ink- stand with 414, and 33 given, total 447. The Bow was won by Mr. W. J. W. Baynes, (now Sir W. J. W. Baynes, Bart.,) with 261, and 130 given, total 391. Best gold at 100 yards, Rev. C. H. Everett, £1 2s.; ditto at 80, Mr. W. J. Richardson, £1 2s.; ditto at 60 yds., Mr. R. Butt, £1 2s. £5 presented by Mr. James Spedding, V. P., was shot for on May 25th, 1865, on the Y'ork Round. The Handicap was taken on the last 5 rounds shot on the ground. The Prizes were won by W. J. Richardson* 71—315; G. E. Hicks 78—324: R. Butt 36—134; J. S. Stopford 50—202; L. Oliver won the best gold Prize. A French Bronze Gilt Moderator Lamp, presented by Mrs. W. F. Pollock, was shot for on June 22nd, 1865, on the York Round. The Handicap was taken on the last 5 rounds shot on the ground. The Prize was won by Mr, A. T. Malkin with 63—277, and 183 given, total 460. * On this occasion Mr. Richardson shot left-handed, after a very short period of practice. 70 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. The Subscription Prize was won by Sir W. J. W. Baynes, Bart., with the second Handicap, score 68 — 320, and 71 given ; best gold, Mr. B. Butt. Col. Sir C. J. J. Hamilton, Bt., C.B., senior V. P., presented Prizes for shooting at 120 yds., 144 arrows ; the best scores were, Rev. J. M. Croker, 38 — 158 ; Mr. W. Spottiswoode, 32—130; Rev. C. H. Everett, 29— 125; Mr. T. Boulton, 34—120; Mr. T. S. Coulson, 30 — 104. Prizes : — best score Mr. Croker, £2 ; most hits Mr. T. Boulton, £1 10s.; 2nd score, Mr. W. Spottiswoode, £1 ; most golds (3), Mr. Everett 10s., (tie with Mr. Froude) ; best golds, Messrs. Froude and Spottiswoode, Messrs. Croker and Boulton, each landed all three arrows in the target at one end, each scoring gold, red, and blue. This distance is now but seldom practised, the best score hitherto recorded was that of that admirable shot, the late Mr. Henry C. Mules,* 155. Mr. T. Boulton on a previous occasion, the records of which have unfortunately been lost, made about 156. Mr. Anon's Gold Challenge Medal, for most points on the 4 Target Days, and on the 4 Extra Target Days, when the Shooting is at 120, 100, 80, and 60 yards, respectively, was first shot for during the Season of 1865, and won by Mr. J. A. Froude, with 12 points; Mr. A. T. Malkin had 10; Mr. W. Butt, 10; Mr. G. E. Hicks, 8 ; and Mr. Sotherton, 2, towards the Gold Medal that same year. During the Season of 1866, it was won by Mr. Thos. Boulton, with 34 points ; Mr. W. Spottiswoode had 25 ; and Mr. W. Butt, 7 points towards the Gold Medal, in 1866. During the Season of 1867, it was won by Mr. W. Butt, with 41 points ; Mr. W. Spottiswoode, had 24 points; and Mr. J. Spedding, had 3 points towards the Gold Medal, in the same Season of 1867. Gold Clasps with the Winners' Names are annually added to the Medal, by the Society. * Mr. Henry C. Mules became a Member in 1852, and continued so till his death, in 1862. He was a celebrated Archer, and a very zealous, warm supporter of the Society, and was a Vice-President; his loss was universally regretted, both as a member and as a friend. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 71 Mr. Anon's Silver Gilt Medal for the 1st Lieutenant for which the Field Captain cannot compete, was first shot for June 7th, 1866, and won by W. Spottiswoode. York Round shot. 34 116 — 26 108 — 21 101 — 81 325 And was again won by Mr. W. Spottiswoode, on the 6th of June, 1867. 42 174 — 39 151 — 22 108 — 103 433 Mr. .A.non's Silver Gilt Medal for the 2nd Lieuten- ant, which cannot be held by either the Captain of Targets, the Field Captain, the 1st Lieutenant, or Barker Member, was first shot for August 2nd, 1866, and won by Mr. R. Butt. It was won by Mr. James Spedding on the 1st of August, 1867. In 1866, it was resolved to have 144 arrows shot at 80 yds., on some one day. Mr. T. Boulton scored on this occasion 113 hits, 501 score. In 1867, Mr. Anon presented a Silver Gilt Challenge Medal, for the winner of this distance, and it was won by Mr. W. Butt, with 107 hits, 453 score. In 1866, it was resolved to have 144 arrows shot at 60 yds., on some one day. Mr. T. Boulton made 142 hits, 828 score. In 1867, Mr. Anon presented a Silver Gilt Challenge Medal, for the winner at this distance and it was won by Mr. W. Butt, with 133 hits, and 661 score. "On Thursday, the 20th of July, 1865, an extra target day of the Royal Toxophilite Society, the York Round was, as usual, shot by the members. The weather was not very favourable for Archery, and the attendance was very scanty, owing, no doubt, to the existence, just at present, of so many exciting events in the provinces. The principal scores were as follows ; 100 yds. 80 yds, 60 yds. Total. h. s. h. s. h. s. h. s. J. A. Froude 32 114—27 127—20 94—79 335 Wm. Butt 18 70—31 127—21 93—70 290 W. J. Sotherton 19 69—29 121—17 73—65 263 72 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. " Messrs. Hedlam, Pollock, Stopford, Spedding, and Holmes were also present. Mr. Froude missed a few arrows at 100 yards. At the conclusion of the shooting, and after the ballot, a Meeting was held of the Committee of the Society. It was resolved that Mr. Anon's hand- some donation of a Gold Challenge Medal, to be won and worn under the following conditions, be gladly accepted. This decoration will be awarded at the con- clusion of the present Archery Season, to the town member who is the maker of the most points on the Crunden and Budworth Target Day, and the first, second, third and fourth Target Days. On the Crunden and Budworth Target Day, twelve dozen arrows being shot at 100 yards, the points will count four for score and four for hits. On the first, second and third Target Days — the Y'ork Round being shot — the points will count on each occasion as in the case of the Grand National Society's Champion Challenge Medal. On the fourth Target Day, when twelve dozen arrows are shot at 100 yards, the points will count two for score and two for hits. The Society will add a Silver Gilt Clasp each year, for the name of the winner for that year. The winner is to wear the Medal on all Target and extra Target Days during the succeeding season, under a penalty of 2s. 6d. for each omission. The Medal is to be presented to the winner on the fourth Target Day of each season, and delivered up again on the fourth Target Day of the succeeding season, annually. In cases of ties on hits or scores, the points will be counted to the maker of the best score or hits ; and in cases of ties in total points the Medal will be awarded to the maker of the better score on the York Round, in the course of the season. It was also resolved that Mr. Anon's offer of a decoration to be -worn by the Field Captain be accepted. It was further resolved that Mr. Anon's offer to provide a die for a badge to be worn by Members of the Royal Toxophilite Society, be gladly accepted, subject to the approval of the design. The thanks of the Meeting were offered to Mr. Anon for his munificence, and further matters of business were transacted." ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 73 « On Thursday, the 7th December, 1865, the Royal Toxophilite Society held its Anniversary Dinner in the Archer's Hall, Regent's Park. Colonel Sir Charles Hamilton, Bart,, C.B., was in the Chair. The Meeting congratulated the President of the Society, the Right Hon. Earl Dudley, on his maariage, and thanked Mr. Anon for his many handsome donations, which will add much to the interest of the next Archery Season. In addition to the Gold Challenge Medal, which was won this year by Mr. J. A. Froude, and whose owner- ship next year will be decided by the result of the shooting on the four Target Days and four of the extra Target Days,* Mr. Anon has presented decorations for the Field Captain, the Barker Member, the Budworth Member, and the Honorary Secretary; and another Member has presented a decoration to be won on the third Target Day. A condition is annexed to these ornaments, that no two of them shall be won by one Mem- ber, but this condition, of course, does not apply to the Gold Medal or to the Honorary Secretary's ornaments. Mr. Anon has also had a die executed, from which a badge, to be worn by Members of the Society, is struck. This badge is a Silver Gilt Brooch, a very handsome ornament, consisting of a shield with the arms of the Society surmounted by a crown, and surrounded with a * These four extra Target Days, and the Norton Day, when 144 Arrows are shot at 120 yards — two points are counted for greatest score, and two for most hits. The Crunden Day, when 144 Arrows are shot at 100 yards — four points are counted for greatest score, and four points for most hits. The 80 yds. Target Day, when 144 Arrows are shot at that distance — four points are counted for greatest score, and four points for most hits. The 60 yards Target Day, when 144 Arrows are shot at that distance, four points are counted for greatest score, and four points for most hits. The total number of points to be made on the four Target Days, and these four extra Target Days, being 68. 10 — 1st Target 10 — 2nd Target 10 — 3rd Target 10 — 4th Target 4 — Norton Target 8 — Crunden Target 8 — 80 yds. Target 8 — 60 yds. Target 68 74 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. scroll containing the description of the Society and the date of its institution. The first specimens of this badge appeared on the occasion of the Anniversary Dinner, on the 7th inst., and were very justly admired." " On Thursday last, May 3rd, 1 866, was held the Annual General Meeting of the Royal Toxophilite Society. It appeared that tlbe receipts of the year 1865 amounted to £832 15s. 7d., and the expenditure to £758 lis. 3d. ; and the estimated receipts of the present year amounted to £698 13s. 5d. ; whilst the correspond- ing expenditure amounted to £617 9s. 8d. The repairs executed last year by Messrs. Cubitt have given great satisfaction, and further repairs, more particularly for the convenience of Ladies, will be executed this year, and a new outer Gate will soon be substituted for the present one. The Officers and Committee for the cur- rent year were duly elected, and a vote of thanks offered to the Officers of the past year. The alterations in the Eules to suit the programme, rendered necessary by the very liberal donation of decorations for the different Officers by Mr. Anon, were sanctioned, and the Meeting closed with congratulations to the Society for its steady and advancing prosperity. A fund, now amounting to £11, has arisen to reward the maker of the first exactly central hit on any Target or extra Target Day, made by a Subscriber to the fund at the rate of 2s. 6d. per season, or 6d. each meeting. One-half of the fund will be paid to the maker of the successful hit, the other half being retained by the Society to assist the re-creation of the fund. It should have been mentioned that on Thursday, the 26th of April, Mr. E. Wilkinson got very close to the exact centre ; and it is highly probable that, in the course of 144 arrows at 60 yards, on Thursday next, some lucky arrow may find the exact centre." In 1866 the Silver Gilt Practice Challenge Medal, presented by E. Wilkinson, Esq., was shot for April 14th, 1866, on the York Round. 4 Shooters present^ ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 75 and won by Mr. Thomas Boulton, with the following score : Total. 100 80 60 Hits. Score. 43 175 — 40 186 -- 24 148 — 107 509 Mr. T. Boulton afterwards made 48 206 — 46 208 -^ 23 133 — 117 551 Similarly authenticated, and held this Medal under the condition that it must be surrendered to the first Member who should make a greater score similarly authenticated. On Saturday, July 6th, 1867, this Medal was won by Mr. W. Spottiswoode, who made. At 100. At 80. At 60. Hits. Score. 50 244 — 41 201 — - *23 129 — 114 574 Golds. Reds. Blues. Blacks. Whites. 4 4 2 — 16 10 10 — 13 14 5 — 7 6 5 — 10 7 1 Mr. W. Spottiswoode has added Clasps to this Medal recording the progressive scores by which it has been won, and the names of its holders. A Silver Cup presented by Mr. T. Boulton was shot for on July 4th, 1867, on the York Round, and won by the maker of most blues. Mr. W. Spottiswoode made 26, and won the Cup ; Mr. W. Butt made 21, and Col. Robertson 19. Mr. Spottiswoode's score was. Total. 37 147 — 34 190 — 23 127 — ' 94 464 * The one arrow omitted at 60 yds. did not fail to reach the target, but actually passed through it, the target being old and unsound. 76 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. SIR ASHTON LEVER. ^IR ASHTON LEVER, Kt., Founder of the ^ Society, was Son of Sir D'arcy Lever, of Alkington, near Manchester. He finished his education at Corpus C. C. Oxford ; and on leaving the University, vrenl to reside with his Mother, and afterwards settled at his Family Seat, Alkington, which he rendered famous by the best Aviary in the Kingdom. He next extended his views to all the branches of Natural History ; this taste for Natural History is said to have arisen from his having shot and preserved a white Sparrow. He became possessed of one of the finest Museums in the world, sparing no expense in procuring specimens from the most distant regions. This was removed to London about 1775, and opened to the public in Leicester House, Leicester Square. From want of public patronage Sir Ashton was in 1785 obliged to dispose of it by way of lottery, and it fell to the lot of a Mr. Parkinson, who built Rooms on the Surrey side of Blackfriar's Bridge, for its reception, and did everything in his power to render it interesting to the Public, but he was obliged to dispose of it by Auction in 1806, when the whole was dispersed. Sir Ashton Lever died in 1788, (either on January 30th, or February 2nd,) of an apoplectic attack, while sitting on the Bench with the other Magistrates at Manchester. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 77 JjfHE Society was first resident at Leicester House, ^ Leicester Square, (better known of late as Savile House,) but the shooting took place at Highbury, Can- nonbury House, and the Artillery Ground. In 1791 the Society rented from the Duke of Bedford, Grounds lying on the east side of Gower Street, where the Houses on the west side of Torrington Square now stand ; and also rented rooms and Cellars in what was at that period called Charlotte Street, but now, 34, Bloomsbury Street, (not many doors from New Oxford Street,) at the back of this house there still stands a long range of lofty Work-shops looking northwards into Streatham Street, the ground-floor and Cellars of this building were occupied by the Society, (the Suppers were held here, the Dinners being in the Pavilion in the Gower Street Grounds,) Mr. Waring's Work-shops occupied the upper floors. In 1805 the Archery Grounds being required for building purposes, the Society's property remained in charge of Mr. Waring, in Caroline Street, Bedford Square, till 1821, when Mr. Waring rented a piece of Ground of about 4 acres in extent, at £7 per acre, situate at Bayswater, on the estate of the Bishop of London, opposite the point of separation between Hyde Park and the Kensington Gardens, lying on the east side of West- bourne Street, and extending from the Oxford Road northwards, to the Grand Junction Road at Sussex Gardens ; the descent of the Oxford Road opposite the Archery Ground, was then much more steep than now, and forty years ago somewhat solitary. Mr. Waring having put the ground into proper order for Archery, 78 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. and having built a Pavilion in it for the use of the Members, the Society in 1821 rented it. There was space for three pairs of Targets, with a range of about 200 yards. Here the Society, having taken up the remainder of Mr. Waring's lease, and having renewed it at an advanced rent of £110, remained till 1834. In this year the Society obtained possession of a most eligible piece of Ground, of about 6 acres in extent, from the Woods and Forests, situate in the Regent's Park, adjoining the Royal Botanical Society's Gardens, and bordering the ornamental piece of water, and created there one of the most delightful suburban scenes near London. The Ground, on account of the plantations, is seldom visible from the road : there is a gravelled path enclosing th6 whole area, which, except the greensward reserved for the Targets, is tastefully laid out with clumps of Trees and Flowering Shrubs, and beds embellished with a profusion of flowers. In the centre of the Ground is erected, from the design of E. Moore, Esq., Architect, an elegant Building, in the Swiss or Rustic Gothic style, opening on to a broad Verandah, and called the ' Archers' Hall." The prin- cipal apartment is large and lofty, being 39 ft. long, exclusive of the Bay, 23 ft. wide, and 16 ft. high ; having 4 large French Windows on the north side, each being 10 ft. high, filled with richly painted glass, having the armorial bearing of various Members of the Society. The Bay Window is also enriched with armorial bearings of the Patrons, and various Members. The Arms of the Society adorn the ceiling, and around its walls are placed a range of 53 " Aschams," of solid oak, for the Members' Archery Equipments, and each having painted on the door the crest, &c., of its possessor. A very massive set of Tables, of solid oak, (they cost £72,) adorn the centre of the Hall ; at the sides are ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 70 two Tables of the same material, (they cost £14); the Chairs are of similar wood, (they cost £41). The Bay Window is at the west end. On the south side is the Fire- place with a Clock above, (the ornamental case of which ■cost £17,) between 2 doors opening on to the S. Veran- ■dah ; at the east end is a door opening into the Dressing and Committee Rooms. This noble Apartment is used as a Banqueting Hall. The Dressing Room for Members is appropriately fitted up, and has on its walls a Portrait of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales, engraved after a painting by Russell; and a proof Engraving by J. Beugo, after a life-size painting by Raeburn, in the Archers' Hall, Edin- burgh, of Dr. Nathaniel Spens, a favorite Member of the *' Royal Company of Archers," in the royal uniform ; this Engraving was presented in 1867, by Mr. Waring. The Committee Room is large and commodious, and on its walls is a Portrait in oils of H. R. H. George Prince of Wales, presented by Mr. J. H. Greene; also two Portraits in oils of Sir Wm. Wood (fully described hereafter,) pre- sented by Mr. P, Constable; also a Portrait in oils of Mr, James Rawson, (vide p. 36,) presented by Mr. Waring, Senr. ; and a proof Engraving by J. Heath, after a draw- ing by J. Slater, published March 4, 1 789, of an Archery Meeting held at Blackheath ; the Archer in the act of •shooting is said to be Mr. Waring, Senr.* In a glass case on the wall are contained a Persian Bow and Arrows, and equipments, presented by Mahmoud Efiendi (in 1794), principal Secretary to the Embassy of the Sublime Porte. The Bow is now worm-eaten, the Arrows are light, and have very small feathers cut like those now called " Para- holic.'^ Mahmoud shot these same Arrows ■j~482 yards ; he stood in the New Road and shot them over some inter- vening fields into the Society's Archery Ground behind * The Portrait of Mr. Waring, Senr., (ob. May 20th, 1805, set. 74,) who was so intimately connected with the Society in its earlier days, and which was painted for them by Sir R. Ker Porter, was presented to Mr. Waring on his retiring from the Society ; this same Portrait is now in the possession of his Son Mr. Waring of Caroline Street, Bedford Square. f This fact ou reference is verified by a Gentleman now living, K 80 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Gower Street, and the exact distance was afterwards measured by the three Toxophilites who were present. The Ladies' Room is well arranged, for though there are no Lady Members, yet the Ladies belonging to many of the Members' families, often shoot on such days as are not appropriated to the Members, and on the ^Ladies' Day' numbers of fair Archeresses grace the festive scene ; therefore the Society has studied their comfort and convenience also. In the building are also rooms for the domestics, well appointed Kitchens, &c. In the four north Windows in the Banqueting Room, are the Armorial Bearings of the following Members : IL I. 34 31 28 25 22 19 35 32 29 26 23 20 36 33 30 27 24 21 16 13 10 7 4 1 17 14 11 8 5 2 18 15 12 9 6 3 IV. III. 70 67 64 61 58 55 71 68 65 62 59 5Q 72 69 QQ 63 60 57 52 49 46 43 40 37 53 50 47 44 41 38 54 51 48 45 42 39 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 81 1 Thomas Bridges 2 Sir J. Yarde Buller, Bt. 3 Dukeof Buccleugh,K.G. 4 Sir H. P. Fleetwood, Bt. 5 Toyophilite Society 6 Established A.D. 1781 7 Alex. Nelson Hood 8 Andrew Gammell 9 Geo. Holland Ackers II. 19 Thos. Ramsden 20 Chas. Griffiths Wynne 21 Isaac Lyon Goldsmid 22 J. Green Walford 23 Archers' Lodge 24 Erected A.D. 1834 25 James Mercer 26 Rd. Bereiis 27 Eras. Newdigate 37 Hy. Seawell 38 C. Barnard 39 Hy. Parmenter 40 J. G. Wilkinson 41 His Majesty William iv. 42 Patron 43 Samuel Long 44 J. Ogilvie Fairlie 45 Henry Berens 55 W. Bagot 56 C. W. G. Wynne 57 R. N. Gresley, Sec. 58 Sir F. Shuckburgh, Bt. 59 Sir Ash ton Lever, Kt., 60 Founder 61 Keneage Legge 62 John Bott 63 John Finch III. IV. IOC. Wyndham Rawdon 11 William Robinson 12 G. Abraham Crawley 13 G. Rob. Marriott 14 Sir Ash ton Lever, Kt., 15 Founder 16 John Collett 17 Randell E. Plunkett 18 R. Barclay, Field Capt. 28 William Peters 29 Sir J. Mordaunt, Bt. 30 W. E. Powell 31 Rev. J. Holmes 32 Earlof Aylesford 33 President 34 Sir A. Malet, Bt. 35 Hy. H. Hutchinson 36 Henry Legge 46 A. Glen Finlaison 47 W. Avery West 48 Ar. C. Legge 49 W. Grant 50 Archers' Lodge 51 Erected A.D. 1834 52 J. W. Lyon Winder 53 Thos. Mist 54 John Norton 64 Swynfen Jervis 65 Ar. R. Barker 66 Dan. Finch, Treasurer 67 Sir Hy. W. Martin, Bt. 68 Toxophilite Society 69 Established A.D. 1781 70 John Crunden 71 Thos. Roberts 72 J. R. Arnold m 0) o o i-H CO J>000iOr-(NC0^i0Ol> OOOiOrHCMCOTJHVOOJ^OO H. R. H. the Prince Regent at Champion Lodge was created a Raronet in 1805, and resumed the prefix of " de " before his surname, as formerly used by his Norman ancestors. The Archery Fetes at Grove House, Camberwell, the residence of the handsome, witty, and accomplished Mrs. Crespigny, Lady Patroness of the R. Toxophilite Society, may still live in the remembrance of some veteran Toxophilite. This Lady was an early and enthusiastic advocate for the adoption of the Bow by her own sex ; yet in her ardour to promote a fashionable amusement, she exhibited the same spirit of benevolence which rendered her life one lengthened scene of active usefulness. Selecting " utile cum dulci " as her motto, she very adroitly made her gay and thoughtless visitors contribute to the support of a Sunday School by levying fines on the unskilful. She was very musical and wrote many songs ; here are the two concluding stanzas of one intended to be sung by a chorus of gentlemen in which Archery, on the score of humanity is made to bear the bell from every other rural post. " The huntsman pursues, too, an innocent foe, And drives the poor suffrer with shouts to and fro, That, distracted by fear, and perplex'd in its way. Made bold by despair, e'en in death stands at bay ; ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 109 So I think my good friends, I shall prove what I say, That the pleasures of Archery carry the day. Then, sons of the bow, 'Tis meet, ere we go. That, to wish it success, ev'ry glass should o'erflow. For no devastation here follows our gain ; Our pleasures to no one productive of pain. Though we pierce through the centre, and bear off the prize. The wound never rankles, the victim ne'er dies. Where humanity points you will sure lead the way, So the pleasures of Archery carry the day. Then, sons of the bow, 'Tis meet, ere we go, That to wish it success, ev'ry glass should o'erflow." Of course this specimen of Mrs. Crespigny's muse was a mere jeu d'esprit of the moment. This amiable woman addressed the following lines to Sir H, Martyn,* when a child, accompanied with the present of a Knife : — " Whilst there is so much cutting in high life, No present, sure, is equal to a Knife ; But you, dear boy, will very shortly know How far your cutting may in reason go. That tyrant, fashion, whom so many seek, Can only govern, unrestrained, the weak ; So with its follies sometimes you'll dispense. And never cut good humour or good sense." Her letters to her Son were once deservedly popular. Fortunate did the votary of fashion esteem himself who received an invitation to her Archery Breakfasts. The company shot ^^ games'^ as they are termed in » Probably this Sir H. Martyn, is the Sir H. W. Martin mentioned at p.p. 22 and 65, and who presented the silver Medal, in 1831. 110 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. archer's language. 11 was the winning^ number, and each arrow counted as in these days, 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1. Tiie^targets were 100 yds. apart. When the gentlemen had shot, they escorted the ladies within 70 yards, and at that unusual distance they shot. 2s. 6d. forfeits were paid by the unsuccessful ; and the little orphans of the charity attended in dresses of grass green, the whole forming a very interesting group. The presence of ladies is now regarded as indispensable to the perfect enjoyment of these genuine /e/es champetres ; for the trim shaft, launched from the hand of some fair Toxophilite, fault- less in face and figure, inspires us with an enthusiasm which belongs not to the most adroit display of Archery in the^other sex. It was this sort of gallant admiration that inscribed the following record of a fair victor's achievements on the walls of the Royal Toxophilite banqueting room. "October 1st, 1790, a match was shot at Mr. Wyboroucjh's, Branhope Hall, Yorkshire, at 100 yards, between Miss Littledale, Mr. Gilpin, and Mr. Wyborough, in which Miss Littledale was victorious. During the shooting, which lasted 3 hours. Miss Littledale hit the gold 4 times ; and what evinces superior skill, the three last hits^made by Miss Littledale were all in the gold." " This inscription is placed in a glass frame, and was copied April, 1798. Banke's M.SS."* * There is no account of the above feat in the Society's records, and the glass frame is not now in their possession. Thos. Wyburgh was a member of the Society in 1788, 89, 90, and Wm. Gilpin was member from 1789 until 1803. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Ill Jj^HE Society's favorite Cockatoo * Charley,^ well known ^ to and admired by all who visited the Archers' Hall, died on May 25th, 1867,* and the donor of the Bird on being made acquainted with the fact, wrote the following amusing letter, Richmond, 10th June, 1867. Sir, I am extremely obliged by your note of the 4th inst., conveying information of the death of the Cockatoo which I gave the Toxophilite Society about 36 years ago. And in order to comply with your request that I would give some facts as to his early history, I have postponed my reply to your communication with a view to pick up among the members of the family any details which might serve to illustrate the Biography of the illustrious deceased. I regret to state that the particulars of his early career in this country, as far as they have been brought under my notice, are extremely scanty. It is pretty well established that the Bird was in my Father's posses- sion in 1826, having been given to him by a naval friend about that time. It is beleived among us that " Charley " came from Australia, and his habit of purloining small articles and unconsidered trifles upon every occasion when he had the opportunity, did not incline his friends to cast any doubt on the reputed place of his incubation. When he came into our hands he was apparently at maturity, being of the same size and appearance then, as when I last saw him about 20 years ago. * Charley's head has been preserved, and was placed in the Banqueting Room on July 9th, 1867. 112 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. He had always a great talent for mischief, and a considerable sense of humour, as it seemed, for when put on the carpet, if there were ladies in the room, he would make for their feet, and enjoy their alarm with particular satisfaction to all appearance. Sundry exploits at my father's expense, who used to study in his dressing gown and slippers, and who did not altogether appreciate Cocky's biting jests, caused him to be handed over to my care and instruction, and with very little trouble I taught him a few tricks. I am bound to say that although " Charley " came to this country in a Ship of War, he never when on land, indulged in that strength of language which is thought to be indispensable at sea. I think I must have taken the bird on a visit (from which he never returned) to the Archery Ground soon after 1830. Having the benefit of cheerful society there, he joined very soon on jovial occasions in the Hijp, Hip^ &c., of after dinner toasts, and being of High Tory poHtics in 1833, he learned to call persons who fell under his displeasure, " Radical Rascals,'^ but I have no doubt that with age and change of times he must have forgotten all such uncomplimentary expressions in 1867. I remember when Griffith Jones (the man of all work about the place) died, " Charley " for a long time per- sisted in distressing his Widow, Betty Jones, by calHng the defunct in to dinner at one o'clock, in imitation of her diurnal cry of Griff! Griff! which could be heard all over the grounds at Bays water at that time. The result for about a twelve-month was a daily burst of grief on poor Betty's'part. I have troubled you with an unconscionable letter, but the merits of the departed bird, and a desire to meet your wishes will I hope be my excuse. I remain Sir, Yours very truly, GLEN. F. LAYSON. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 113 ^1)ULE XXIX. of the Society used to ordain that no C^ game or pastime except Arcliery should be exercised in the Toxophihte Grounds by any Member, and Mem- bers were liable to a heavy penalty for any infraction of this rule. It has been thought advisable to relax the strictness of this rule in favour of Croquet, provided ths game be so managed that it interferes in no way with the practice of Archery. In the Minute-book of the trans- actions of the Society appears the following entry arising out of the application of this rule : — "Extra Target, 26th July, 1839.— After dinner (an incessant rain fell throughout the day, and it was found impossible to proceed with the shooting, neverthe- less the Medals were awarded) the Chairman (W. B. Agot, Esq., V.P.) called the attention of the Meeting to an infraction of Rule 29, (prohibiting the practice of any game or pastime except Archery within the Society's Grounds) which had been committed in the course of the day by three Members present at table, inasmuch as he, the said Chairman had been a witness to Cap. J. N. Orton, Messrs. R. O. Binson, and Wood Ruffe, actively engaged in a certain diversion, commonly known under the name of ^ pitch and toss,' under the very porch of the Society's Lodge." " Motion made, and question put, that it be an in- struction to the Committee that they have cause to put in effect the power of fine vested in them by Rule 12. Members divided — Ayes, 8 ; Noes, 3." " Whereupon such of the Committee as were pre- sent ; Mr. Chairman, V. P. ; Mr. Treasurer, the Hon. D. F. Inch ; Mr. Secretary, Glen. F. Layson, Esq. ; Mr. 114 RO^AL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Sub. Treasurer, H. P. R. Menter, Esq. ; and S. Green Kinson, Esq., deliberated. Motion made by Mr. Treasurer, and question put, that the delinquents be each fined in the sum of half-a-crown. Amendment proposed by Mr, Secretary, that the Chairman be further requested to admonish the transgressors in a manner suitable to the very great gravity of the offence. At this point, infor- mation was conveyed to the Committee, that the Chair- man had throughout acted as umpire in the illegal pastime in question, and therefore was particeps crimims by giving advice, opinions, and decisions on sundry critical points of the play. The Chairman in some sort admitted the charge. Mr. Secretary's amendment (with leave imme- diately withdrawn. Motion of Mr. Treasurer, also (with leave) withdrawn, and the following substituted, and question put, that the Members infractors of Rule 29, be fined Is. each, and the Chairman 2s. 6d., — agreed to. The Sub Treasurer was instructed to collect the fines, which were forthwith duly paid." ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 115 THE PLATE AND OTHER VALUABLES. JTTHE most ancient piece of Plate possessed by the ^ Society is an Arrow, 28j inches long, the stele being of iron very thickly plated with silver, and the barbed pile (1 5 in. long) of solid silver, the three feathers are also of solid silver. On the stele are these inscriptions : Sir Reginald Foster, Kt., and Bart. Warwick Ledgingham, Esq., Stewards in Finsbiiry. Ano. Dom. 1663. This Arrow was presented to the Society by Mr. Philip Constable.* Two Arrows (also presented by Mr. Constable), of solid silver, and each 11 oz. in weight, and 27 inches long ; their piles are parallel, similar to those now in use. On one is engraved " Mr. John Salfery won this Arrow, being the Captain's Prize at an eleven score target, and gave it to the Society of Finsbury Archers, Anno. 1751." On the other is engraved " Mr. James Whitworth won this Arrow, being the Lieutenant's Prize at an eleven score target, and gave it to the Society of Finsbury Archers, Anno. 1751-2." Both these Arrows bear the London Assay Office mark, 1751-2. * Mr. Constable was an original member in 1781; he is mentioned in the Hon. Daines Barrington's Essay on Archery, in the 7th Vol. of * Archaologiaf' as one of the oldest Finsbury Archers. 116 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. A silver Shield or Badge, (also presented by Mr. Constable), weighing about 25 oz. It is of an irregular ' upright oval shape 14 J inches high, and 12 inches broad. In the oval centre stands an Archer, in relief, dressed in the uniform of the Archers' Company of the Hon. Artillery Company; his Bow is fully drawn, and he is on the point of discharging his arrow, which has the military barbed pile ; in the back ground are two Companies of similar Archers attacking a fortified place. The principal figure of the central design is 6 inches high, and above it in the clouds is this inscription " Reginae Catherinse Sagitary." Above this oval centre is a shield with the Arms of England and Portugal, surmounted by a Crown, and supported by the Lion and Umcorn, with the mottoes " Honi soit qui mal y pense." " Dieu et mon Droit." Two figures, 7 inches high, in Roman Costume, with their bows unstrung, stand on each side of the Shield, on scroll work intermixed with oak, vine, and other leaves ; beneath the central figure is a trophy of bows and arrows, and a scroll thus inscribed " Ed. Hun- gerford of ye Hon. order of ye Bath Kt., Ashfield, Gen. Stewards, Anno. Domini 1676." A silver Cup, gilt inside, 6 inches high, and weigh- ing 8 J oz., with the London Assay Office mark, 1788-9. On one side is engraved " This Cup was won by Henry Fielden, Esq., as Captain's Prize. 26th June, 1781,* and by him presented to the Toxophilite Society." On the other is engraved Mr. Fielden's Coat of Arms. A silver Cup, gilt inside, almost 6 inches high, and weighing 8| oz., with the London Assay Office mark, 1782-3. On one side is engraved " This Cup was won by Thos. Xiowten, Esq., as Captain's Prize, August 3rd., 1782, and by him presented to the Toxophilite Society." On the other is engraved Mr. Lowten's Arms. * The records of the Society do not give an account of this meeting. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 117 A silver Cup,* gilt inside, 6| inches high, and weighing 10 oz., with Edinburgh Assay Office mark, 1804-5. A border of vine leaves and grapes is engraved under the rim. A silver-gilt Arrow, 28 inches long with an iron tapering pile, having two large Medals attached to its feathers by strong chains, and weighing 19j oz. It has the London Assay Office mark, 1 794-5. On the obverse of one Medal is engraved "The silver Arrow presented to the Toxophilite Society by Thomas Palmer, Esq., is to be shot for by the winners at four annual contests. The Butts down 27, 15, 10, and 4 inches. 12 double ends at each length. Won by John Crunden, Esq., 1799, with 45 hits." On the reverse is engraved r. h. Hastings Elwin 16 6 1795 12 7 8 15 4 15 Total 43 William Palmer 16 7 1796 12 8 8 6 4 21 Total 42 John Crunden 16 12 1797 12 13 8 9 4 12 Total 46 * There is no inscription upon this Cup, and no mention of it can be found in the Society's records. 118 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. Peter Cazalet 16 12 1798 12 12 8 12 4 6 Total 42* On the obverse of the other Medal is engraved " This Arrow bearing the marks of Thomas Pahner, and John Crunden, Esqrs., is again presented by the Hon. Daniel Finch, to whom it was bequeathed by the late winner, to be shot for in the year 1838, by any of the members who, at one of the 4 annual contests shot as on the former occasions, shall have scored 40, but not to be won with. less than 45 hits."'!' On the reverse it is blank. Twelve silver Medals, weighing altogether 5j oz. On the obverses of the Medals are engraved respectively, 1st. The annual Captain's Prize was won by Henry Fielden, Esq., August 28th, 1781. 2nd. The annual Captain's Prize was won by Charles Sherwin, Esq., August 12th, 1788. 3rd. The annual Captain's Prize was won by Thomas Lowten, Esq., August 3rd, 1782. 4th. The Annual Captain's Prize was won by Thomas Waring, Esq., August 12th, 1784. 5th. A duplicate of the preceding but smaller. 6th. The annual Captain's Prize was won by Robert Fielden, Esq., August 6th, 1785. 7th. A duplicate of the preceding but smaller. 8th. The annual Captain's Prize was won by Charles Wright, Esq., August 3rd, 1786. 9th. The annual Captain's Prize was won by George Biggin, Esq., June 11th, 1787. 10th. The annual Captain's Prize was won * The Arms of Thomas Palmer are engraved in the centre of the Medal, around which, the ahove names and figures are arranged in concentric circles. f The ahove conditions have never heen complied with, the shooting at the 4 annual preliminary contests having always fallen below the standard. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 119 by Geo. Fred. Parry, Esq., June 13th, 1788. 11th. The annual Captain's Prize was won by Geo. Fred. Parry, Esq., June 5th, 1789. 12th. The annual Cap- tain's Prize was won by Robert Fielden, Esq., June 5th, 1790. All these Medals, with the exception of Mr. Biggin's have on the reverses the ^ Coats of Arms^ of the respective winners. Mr. Biggin's reverse is blank.* The Crunden Bugle is of silver, weighs 8 oz., and has the London Assay Office mark 1795-6. It bears this inscription "the Bugle was presented to the Tox- ophilite Society by George Prince of Wales, 1795 ; won by John Crunden, Esq., and bequeathed to the Hon. Daniel Finch and by him given to the said Society, to be won by the Crunden Member, 1835." A handsome silver Medal weighing 2 oz., with the London Assay Office mark 1836-7. On one side is this inscription " For merit, presented by Sir H. W. Martin, 1836." On the reverse is a trophy composed of different Archery Equipments in high relief, there is a wreath of oak leaves in high relief around each side.-t" The Crunden Cup, — a very handsome and massive piece of silver Plate, weighing 65 J oz., with the London Assay Office mark 1 835-6, hexagonal in form, having three gold and two silver Medals (vide page 40) intro- duced into five of its sides, the handle being on the sixth. The Cup bears no inscription beyond those on the Medals, and the names of the respective Winners and their hits, * These Medals were made for the Society, each apparently being in duplicate, one being given to the Captain, and one being retained by the Society. Out of the 12 Medals now in possession of the Society, 8 are single, and the other 4 are in duplicate, being those of Waring and Fielden, i.e., the Society holds that which belonged to the Captain, as well as it's duplicate. t Sir H. W. Martin, Bt., was a member from 1793 to 1839, and was Vice-President in 1812. 120 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. which are annually engraved on it. It was made for the Society in 1836, in memory of Mr. John Crunden.* A handsome silver gilt practice challenge Medal, presented in 1866, by E. Wilkinson, Esq., it weighs ij oz., and Clasps with the winners' names and scores are now added to it. A silver Wine Strainer, weighing 5 oz., with the LondonAssay Office mark 1788-9. The Society's Arms, Crest, and Supporters are engraved on it, with the in- scription "presented to the Society by Mr. Charles Calvert, May 11th, 1789." J Six Decanter Labels, three being for Wine, dated 1791-2; and three for Spirits, 1792-3. || The * Barker Bugle ' is of silver, and weighs 6 J oz., with the London Assay Office mark 1834-5. On it is inscribed 'presented by A. R. Barker, 1834." The Society's Coat of Arms is engraved between two branches of oak.l[ The silver *Arm Guard or Bracer,' weighs 3 oz., on it is engraved " presented by the Hon. Daniel Finch, to be won by the Field Captain for the time being ; 192 Arrows at 100 yards, &c." * Mr. John Crunden became a member in 1788, was an honorary member in 1835, and died in 1836. X Mr. Calvert became a member in 1786, and after 1797 his name is not in the records. [i These are mentioned in the list of the Society's val- uables in 1804, as having been presented by Mr. Haworth, who was an original member in 1781, and was the first Vice-President, and remained a member till 1807. ^ Mr. A. R. Barker became a member in 1810, Treasurer in 1313, and was an Hon. member in 1835. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 121 A handsome silver Cup, weighing 49 oz., with the London Assay Office mark 1834-5 . On it is this inscrip- tion in raised letters, " the Gift of His Majesty "William the 4th, 1834." Engraved round the bottom is "won by John Norton, Esq., 1834, and by him presented to the Toxophilite Society."* A handsome silver Cup, weighing 51 oz., with the London Assay Office mark 1836-7. On it is this inscrip- tion in raised letters, " the Gift of His Majesty William the 4th, 1836."1| The Hon. Secretary's ' Badge of Office,' is of silver, and weighs Ij oz. It consists of two cross Pens, each nearly 4 inches long, and connected by a ribbon scroll of silver. This ornament is now added as a pendant to a wide green ribbon forming a Collar, upon which is also fixed a massive silver-gilt Star, weighing about 3^ oz., and with the London Assay Office mark 1794-5. The circular centre is 2 J inches in diameter with 6 large and 6 smaller radiations surrounding it. On one side is a bugle with bow and quiver, and a blank scroll surrounded by oak leaves. On the other side is engraved the figure of an Archer and beneath it the following names, &c. — J. H. Greene, 45 H. Elwin, 39 Rt. Glen, 43 R. F. Richards, 39 T. Perrott, 35l[ The ' Budworth Bugle ' is very handsome and silver gilt, probably of foreign workmanship, weighing about * This Cup was presented by Captain J. Norton in 1860, and is annually competed for as a Challenge Cup. II This Cup was also won by Captain J. Norton, and presen- ted by him to the Society in 1846, it has no Challenge owner, though both Cups are called the Norton Cups. ^ No record can he found of any contest in which these five gentlemen scored the hits added as above to their names ; it is supposed the above Star was won at Dulwich, June 12th, ITS'!;. 122 ROyAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 12 oz., with its silver-gilt chain. It has no inscription, but is ornamented with raised bands surrounding it, and enclosing a scroll of oak leaves. A Toxophilite Challenge Medal, which, with it's appointments, is of solid gold, weighing Ij oz., and is attached to a green silk ribbon ; it was presented in 1865 by a member who at present assumes the name of Mr. Anon'; gold clasps with the winners' names are annually added to it. Nine silver-gilt Toxophilite Medals, each weighing 1| oz., attached to green silk ribbons, having handsomely engraved silver-gilt clasps with distinctive ornaments, also presented in 1865-6 and 7 by Mr. Anon. They are to be won respectively by the Captain of Targets, the Field Captain, the First Lieutenant, the Crunden Member, the Barker Member, the Second Lieutenant, the Treasurer, the Hon. Secretary, the maker of the greatest gross score at 80 yards, on the third extra Tar- get Day ; and the maker of the greatest gross score at 60 yards on the fourth extra Target Day. A similar silver-gilt Medal, to be worn by the Bud worth Member, presented by the present Hon. Sec. in 1866. A steel Die for a silver-gilt Badge, to be worn by the Members, presented by Mr. i^NON in 1866. Two steel Dies, with the Arms of the Society, for stamping note paper, presented by Mr. Anon in 1866. ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 123 ADDENDUM. |HE following account of the 6th * Ladies' Day ' ex- tracted from the ' Field,' was accidentally omitted at p. 89 :— " The gentlemen who are Members of this Society gave, on Tuesday, July 12th, their annual entertainment with its liberal and courteous encouragement, to the ladies united with them in the appreciation of one of the healthiest, most innocent, and most agreeable of pastimes, of one of the most interesting of pursuits ; for Archery taken up now and then, merely as a harmless recreation, is good, because it is carried on in the open air, and because it exercises muscles otherwise indolent, in a manner conducive to health ; and on the other hand it is capable when the Archer makes it his object to handle his weapon with all the dexterity required for its proper use, of calling out many excellent faculties of the mind. " The Man who would be a perfect Archer must study to be perfect in temper and in nerve ; he must look for vigour and resolution, he must seek to be patient under his reverses, he must learn to take the roughest truths from his target in the gentlest spirit, he must know how to repent and begin anew ; he must be neither elated by success nor cast down by failure ; he must bear and forbear, for any undue emotion, whether in the fulness of pride or the exhaustion of despondency, will communicate itself through the ways of the heart, along the fibres of the arm, down to the tender points of the fingers which press the bowstring ; and therefore who would shoot well must have their emotions well under 124 ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. command. The cultivation of such qualities as these must be for the good of all society, and all society should be grateful to those who encourage it. Or if we look at it from another point of view, Archery is one of the prettiest of amusements ; it is equally becoming to men and to women ; it adds charms to the beauty of youthj while it is not unworthy of the serious interest of the mature in age. Such a pursuit should be welcome any where, and especially in London, where the wholesome exercise in the quiet garden, the shelter from noise and dust, and the relief of the green sward under the pres- sure of the feet instead of the hard unrelenting pavement, is a boon to be much desired ; and where a change from the eternal business of visiting and shopping must bring a blessing with it to the victims of that severe discipline. " The Royal Toxophilite Garden in the Regent's- park, though not large, accommodated comfortably the shooters (numbering 68) and their friends who were invited to be present on this occasion ; and the weather — so often the archer's enemy — was a friend this day— kind, generous, and liberal, lavish in favour, showing no frown, free from cloudy threats, not marring the fair presence of happy sunshine with the fear of rain ; and under such an influence the scene was bright and alluring. The glowing colour of the well-ordered flower-beds suggested the thought of rural delights without a hint of the faults of a city atmosphere, and the grass was deliciously green on which the candidates advanced to take their places at the targets, in pretty variety of costume, in gay emula- tion, in the joyous stir of hope and expectation, tempered with a moderate doubt, for women are not in general much inclined to self-sufficiency (vanity being the very reverse of that quality), and the teaching of the target has a tendency to check any excess of conceit, wherever it may exist. " Now came the cheerful sound of the successful hit, the frequent thud in the central ring, and the delicate music of the stretched bowstring. Now many faces ROYAL TOXOPHILITE SOCIETY. 125 watched the flight of the arrow with deepening interest, and saw it take its right place with radiant pleasure : and when the shooting of the 4 doz. arrows at 60 yds. was completed, figures were added up and compared, and whispers went about naming the winner of the first prize. After this little pause, with new hope and animation, the competition began at the shorter distance of 50. As soon as the two dozen arrows here — which complete the ladies' round — were shot, a handicap match was arranged, which gave fresh opportunities for distinction, and the proceedings terminated with the distribution of prizes — a pleasant task, well fulfilled by Mr. Edward Headlam. The prizes were worthy of the skill that contended for them, and gave evident satisfaction to the winners ; and so the throng that had for a few hours broken the silence of the garden gradually dispersed, as gaily as they had come, and the afternoon closed pleasantly, with a general hope that, though this day was done, it was to have many renewals in summers yet to come." FINIS CORONAT OPUS. ERRATA AND ADDITIONS. Page 9. Third paragraph, fourth line. For "W. P. Constable," read "Mr. P. Constable." Page 15. Third paragraph, fourth line. — For " Kentish Bowmen," read " Royal Kentish Bowmen." Ninth line.~For "W. Haworth," read "Rd. Haworth, M.D., (a member in 1781 to 1807)." Page 18. First paragraph, fourth and fifth lines. — " Mr- Glen, Gl hits,— 64s. 6d. ; Mr. Cazalet, 50 hits ; Mr. Elwin, 49 hits." Eighth and ninth lines.— Omit "Members 75; Income £305 10s. lid.; Expenses £294 lis. lO^d." Instead of the words "Score," in head-lines, read " Hits." Page 19. Instead of the words " Score," in head- lines, read " Hits." Target No. 4.— For " Mr. Hussard," read "Mr. Hassard." Page 21. Records for 1805, first line. — For "at Bedford Square," read "near Bedford Square." Page 26. Ninth paragraph, last line. — For " Bolt," read " Bott." Page 28. Sixth paragraph, first line. — For " Bolt," read " Bott." Page 29. Last paragraph, last line. — For " many- points," read on any points." Page 37. Fourth paragraph, fifth line. — Add after "Esq.," "now Rev. E. Meyrick." Page 39. Head-line of List A. — For " are inser- ted," read "are inscribed." Page 42. Annual Target, 1782.— For " Lowton," read " Lowten." Page 46. Target No. 3.— For "Mr. Hansard," read "Mr. Hassard" Page 47. Third Prince's Prize Target. — For " Mr. Hansard," read " Mr. Hassard." Page 51. Ninth Prince's Prize Target. — Add after "Mr. Porter," "afterwards Sir R. K. Porter." Page 94. The 9th Ladies' Day, " 48 Ladies shot." •:^