| Where: | Various Locations, rotating annually |
| When: | Saturday in May usually mid to late in month |
| Time: | 10 am onwards |
The Antient Scorton Silver Arrow Tournament is one of the longest established and recorded sporting fixtures in the World, dating back to the late seventeenth century (and the spelling IS Antient, no mistake). It has a different location year-to-year and takes its name from Scorton in North Yorkshire, where it originated. The Silver Arrow itself usually resides at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and is taken out once a year for the event – the winner gets to take home a replica and has to organise the following year’s competition. It’s a serious target archery contest in which traditional bows are used with classes for men only ; gentlemanly conduct is observed as well as strict rules. It’s always held during May; spectators are welcome, though most of the small crowd are connected with the scoring of the competition.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 the tournament took place on Saturday 18th May at Harrogate RUFC, Rudding Lane- 2025 details are yet to be confirmed.
Click here for the website :http://www.scortonarrow.com/
here for another page: https://www.scortonarchers.com/index.html
and here for the Yorkshire Archery Association’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YAAPRO/
and website: http://www.yorkshirearchery.co.uk
Your info is incorrect as tournament is open to MALE competitors only
Thanks Pat- article checked and amended accordingly!
Averil
Hello. I’m in the process of writing an article about the Scorton Arrow for our archery newsletter (Bourne 55 Archery Club, Southbourne in West Sussex). During my research I noted that in 1787 women were formally taken into an archery society and were permitted to participate in the Antient Scorton Silver Arrow contest. Do you have any idea why this privilege was withdrawn as it is now men only? I also noted on the excellent video on You Tube that Freestyle recurve bows were being used. Do I take it that the only bow not allowed is the Compound bow? Thanks for your time.
Bob
Hi Bob,
Apologies for the slow reply – we moved house this week and have no internet yet so I’m only able to connect spasmodically to the site. Unfortunately I have no knowledge about the participation of women in the contest or why their privilege was withdrawn, or the types of bow used. Sorry I can’t be more help – if you go to the contacts form for event’s own website at http://www.scortonarrow.com/contacts.htm
they may be able to assist.
Best of luck!
Regards,
Averil