ABOUT US

THE HISTORY OF ARCHERY

Archery (or Toxophily), as in the bow and arrow, has existed as far back as 18,000 years ago. Originally used to hunt, it was quickly found that archers were a formidable force against opponents in battle. 

 

Crossbows were developed around the 10th Century, and the introduction of the longbow into battle was developed in the 'Hundred Years War' between England and France (1337 - 1453).

 

Horseback Archery was brought in by the Scythians - a group of people who settled in the areas between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea and practised by them for hundreds of years before the Crusades, where they were used effectively against Western Knights.

 

Archery was considered to be one of the most effective battle strategies used until the end of the 16th Century, where it started to decline in favour of more modern weaponry.

 

In the 18th Century, it was revived as a sport, with the Royal Company of Archers formed in 1676, and various Archery clubs set up throughout the UK.

 

Since then, Archery has made significant advances in standards and techniques; an example being where Archery was first included in the 1900 Paris Olympics.

 

Kilmarnock Barebow Archery Club was formed 5 years ago, as an official club for the town, by 4 keen enthusiasts.

 

As you can see, there are many forms of Archery that are interwoven into the history of man, making this sport a fascinating subject for study.

 

Below, we shall illustrate three of these types of Archery that we encourage shooting at the club.

 

 

LONGBOW

One of the oldest bows used, its popularity and effectiveness became known in medieval times as a formidable weapon, in numbers, against opposing armies. It takes a high degree of skill to use today, but still an enjoyable and satisfying form of the sport.  

RECURVE BOW

Recurve Bows are designed to shoot arrows further than other 'straight limbed' bows.  They originated in Egypt and are made up of: the riser, the limbs, sights, stabilisers and other equipment to aid precise accuracy.  Less skill required to shoot with, but the standards in competitions are higher.  

BAREBOW

Barebow are a modern variation to Recurve Bows.  The main differences is that Barebows are not equipped with the sights, stabilisers and other equipment to aid precise accuracy: just the riser, limbs and string. Therefore, Barebows require a higher degree of skill to shoot with and different aiming techniques.  

If you have any questions about the club or anything to do with Archery in general, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are always happy to answer questions to enable you to learn and master the sport.