Posted: Wednesday 18 January 2012
Olympic countdown - No. 1 Archery
The history
Defined as the art, sport or skill of shooting with the use of a bow and arrow, the origins of archery can be traced as far back as 10,000 BC.
Whilst back then the bow and arrow was used for warfare and for hunting food, archery developed in medieval times to become a competitive activity with archery societies set up across England. It became compulsory for all males aged 7 and over to undertake archery training and rumour has it that the monarch Edward IV found it necessary to ban an early form of cricket because it began to interfere with regular archery practice.
Moving on to modern times, archery made its first Olympic appearance at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris (or Games of the II Olympiad to give its official title) and since then it has featured in a further 13 Olympic Games having become a permanent event since 1972. At the London Olympics later this year, 128 archers will compete in 4 separate events at Lord’s Cricket Ground with the ultimate aim (apologies for the pun) of winning a coveted gold medal.
Despite its more aggressive origins, archery is now regarded by many as one of the safest sports to participate in. The UK national governing body, Archery GB, publishes a wide range of guidance on its website (www.archerygb.org), including the “Rules of Shooting” and helpful information on how to go about taking up the sport.
The dangers of York!
If you are Scottish and a keen archer, you may wish to think carefully about making a visit to the English city of York with your bow and arrows.
Centuries ago, a law was passed which allowed the killing of any Scotsman found carrying a bow and arrow within the ancient city walls, except on Sundays. As this law was never formally repealed, in theory it remains in force along with other legal oddities such as the ban on eating mince pies on Christmas Day.
However, those of us born north of the border can take some comfort from the fact that it is extremely unlikely that this law remains enforceable. The legal doctrine of “implied repeal” states that where an Act of Parliament conflicts with an earlier one, the later Act takes precedence and the conflict parts of the earlier Act are repealed.
Given the raft of legislation passed over the last century dealing with violent crime, any person trying to rely on the ancient law as a defence would likely be given short shrift by a judge.
So if you are Scottish and planning a visit to York, rest assured the law will protect you. Maybe best keep your bow and arrows hidden away though, just to be on the safe side.
