FOLLOW THE MONEY
For the past few years the subject of my ongoing historical research project has been the archery societies of the late 18th century England and Wales. The revival of archery practice at the end of the century formed the middle ground between the old traditions and laid the foundations for the great revival of the Victorian era and beyond. The interest in this particular area lies in the fact that there has never been a single study attempting to bring all the facts and figures together to form a more coherent picture. Evidence is fragmented or scattered, and secondary writing on the subject is often inadequate, and at times biased. The most important primary source is the societies’ rule books.
COMPOSITION OF THE RULE BOOKS
The rule book is a document, which originated in the founders’ first meeting, and was a result of a discussion between the original members of that society. Basic rules were outlined in manuscript in the form of minutes, court-style records. Once the society was more established, attracted more members, the minutes were formalised, and printed by and for the use of the members of that group only.
“IT WAS A GOOD TIME TO BE A LADY ARCHER, AT LEAST FINANCIALLY; LADIES WERE
