Archery in Cheltenham

Depending just how 'merry' the men are, a sporting stag competition that involves handing them potentially lethal medieval weaponry might not seem like a great idea. However, archery is really simple for most lads to pick up and a great way to get some rivalry going. And while we might just, it's worth knowing that an arrow from a fully drawn English longbow was capable of piercing armour.

You'll be given an all-important safety briefing (we don't want the groom to have to go home and explain a new piercing to the bride-to-be) and some basic instruction on holding the bow, placing your feet, aiming, correct way to hold the string and arrow, etc. After a few practise sessions you'll then get your game faces on and let fly. You can opt to shoot individually or put yourselves in teams.

Archery QI

• The practice of archery was a legal requirement for Englishmen during the medieval ages to help defend us from invaders.
• Henry the VIII banned football as men were playing football rather than practising with their bows.
• He was also the first man ever to own a pair of purpose-built football boots. Slightly hypocritical perhaps?
• The archery practise field was known as "the butts" (a target was called a 'butt'). You'll see evidence of this in most towns and cities with streets still named "The Butts".
• Big screen Robin Hoods include; Sean Connery, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner.
• Big screen Robin Hoods with bad/non-existent English accents include; Sean Connery, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner.