The 2026 Livery Fair was a fabulous day once more and Bowyers’ Company members, alongside the Fletchers’ Company and Craft Guild once again had a stand at the Woolmens’ Sheep Drive & Livery Fair held on 27 September 2026. The passing public seemed to engage with the stall positively and, once again, the stall was very busy all day. The Bowyers’ Company, Fletchers’ Company and The Craft Guild of Traditional Bowyers’ and Fletchers’ have a interesting and, relative to one another, historic story to tell and it seems to engage those visitors that drop by.
From how bows and arrows were made, where their materials were sourced, who made them (and where in the City) are fundamental to this story. This background then leads into their history and use including the stories of archers in battles and warfare, to recreational participation historically and into the modern day. There was a lot of interest in the archery terminology that remains in use today, hundreds of years later, including: ‘keeping tabs on’, ‘highly strung’ and ‘rule of thumb’!
The Master and Officers pass their thanks to the Archery Committee volunteers who supported and organised the Bowyers’ involvement in the event and to the Fletchers’ Company for their role, again, in booking / liaising on the arrangements. Thanks are also passed to the Woolmens’ Company for their organisation of the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair.
The Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley DBE is pictured visiting the stand with Bowyers’ Archery Chair and Bowyers’ Freeman and Craft Guild Warden.
Image Credit (all featured): @Niki Gorick Photography
