CARISBROOKE ARCHERY SOCIETY

Letters between members of the Society (1836), Accounts of the Society with local tradespeople (1835-1837) and membership subscriptions and archery scores 1836-1837.

Records of the Carisbrooke Archery Society 1834-1837. This was a social group for the elite families of the Island. Names of members included the Oglanders of Nunwell House, Flemings of Quarr, Sewells, Blachfords and numerous others. Activities included practices alternating with picnics at which prizes were offered ranging from propelling pencils to arrows. Once a year in late August the society held their Great Day at Carisbrook Castle. This was the main competition of the year for which they had medals struck in London and was followed by the Archers Ball on the next day. For their Ball the society took over the Guildhall in Newport, paying compensation to the stall holders and reconstructing the hall to suit their requirements. These included bringing in plants, mending blinds, repainting and cleaning the hall and altering greatly the range of lighting available.