[MR] Westminster Abbey and the Westminster Arrow

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

On this date in 1065, Westminster Abbey was consecrated. This was the
previous building, of which only traces survive, rather than the current
structure which dates to 1245.

The current Westminster Abbey is neither a cathedral (not being the seat of
a bishop since 1556), nor an abbey (the monastery was dissolved by Henry
VIII in 1539). It is answerable directly to the British Sovereign, and is
called a "royal peculiar". Well, this is England, after all, and much of
this lovely country and its traditions seem peculiar to us. Charming, but
peculiar.

More about this remarkable church can be found at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Abbey

Which brings me to the Westminster Arrow. This shaft, sans fletching, was
discovered in the turret of Henry V's Chantry during renovations in the
19th century. It can date to no later than 1437 when the chantry was
completed. For years this was the only known surviving medieval arrow (a
similar arrow was discovered in a barn several years ago, and the Tudor-era
Mary Rose arrows evolutionarily distinct). The Westminster Arrow is in the
care of the Dean of Westminster, and I understand is not currently on
display, though hopefully it will be shown in the new museum at the church
which will open next year.

My fellow archers will surely be interested in seeing photos of this arrow
and reading the description at
http://warbowwales.com/warbow-arrows/4588842944 . You will have to scroll
down about 3/4 of the page to reach the part about the Westminster Arrow
(if you can force yourself past the other gorgeous replica arrows).

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Archer of Mallard Lodge