Message from the Master

The Worshipful Company of Bowyers can trace its detailed history back to 1363 when the craft of making longbows first appeared on the list of taxation for the City of London. Prior to that the first bowyer to be recorded is that of Ivo le Bowyre in 1293.

During the hundred years war and the great victories at Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt, when the longbow was at its zenith, the Company enjoyed unparalleled success supplying the medieval archer with the tools of his trade.

Today the Bowyers' Company prides itself with being involved in many charitable and educational activities and upholding the traditions of the City of London by supporting the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and the Corporation of London in promoting the City in a modern day environment.

I trust you will find our web site interesting and informative and if you would like to know more about us please feel free to contact the Clerk.

Michael Wren - Master Bowyer

New Master installed

The Worshipful Company of Bowyers installed their new Master, Mr Michael Wren, at St Botolph's Church without Bishopsgate, on Wednesday July 18th . An impressive installation service, attended by the Lord Mayor, accompanied by trumpeters and a drummer not only saw the Master installed for two years. His Upper Warden is the Rev John Hayton, and Renter Warden Mr Antony Kench...Read more

Indoor Archery and Curry Evening

High intensity from Upper Warden John Hayton

On Wednesday April 17th, the Bowyers' Company assembled a dozen intrepid amateur archers, most of us with little previous experience, for an evening's indoor archery practice. The venue was a hall in Pimlico, where we were privileged to be supervised and coached by four very kind and helpful members of the London Archers, who meet there weekly during the winter season.

Some good natural aptitudes were revealed, with a very high score by archery novice Toby Johnson, right up there with the more experienced Ben Glazier and Alex Cameron, and very respectable scores by Steve Dowbiggin, Simon Leach, Paddy Allen, John Clark, Bernard and Vicky Waples and Myles Archibald, The Upper and Renter Wardens gallantly brought up the tail...Read more