William Wood (toxophilite)

Lore & Background

William Wood was born in 1609 and for many years held the office of marshal of the Finsbury archers, a society that held its meetings in Finsbury Fields. He was probably knighted by Charles II in recognition of his skill in the use of the bow. In 1676 his society or regiment purchased a badge or shield to be worn by their marshal; this decoration, known as the 'Catherine of Braganza Shield,' was passed to successive marshals until the office was abolished in 1736. Thereafter each succeeding captain of the Easter target held it until it passed into the hands of the Royal Toxophilite Society upon its formation in 1781, which also absorbed the few remaining Finsbury archers.

Wood died on 4 September 1691 and was buried at St. James's, Clerkenwell, on 10 September with archer's honours: three flights of whistling arrows were discharged over his grave by the regiment. A stone with an epitaph in verse was placed on the outside of the south wall of the church; upon the rebuilding of the church in 1791, the stone was removed to the interior at the expense of the Royal Toxophilite Society. Two portraits of Wood are in the possession of this society, originally decorations of the inner sides of the doors of a case made for preserving the Catherine of Braganza shield. One portrait was engraved and published in 1793.

Reader's Guide

Wood's significance lies in his long tenure as marshal of the Finsbury archers, one of the notable archery societies of London, and in his authorship of 'The Bowman's Glory, or Archery revived,' a work dedicated to Charles II that helped sustain interest in traditional archery. The Catherine of Braganza Shield, originally purchased for the marshal in 1676, became a ceremonial object passed through successive marshals and later captains, eventually reaching the Royal Toxophilite Society, which preserved it and absorbed the remaining Finsbury archers. Wood's burial with archer's honours—the discharge of whistling arrows over his grave—and the epitaph placed on his church memorial reflect the esteem in which he was held by his fellow archers. The preservation of his portraits and the reinstallation of his memorial stone by the Royal Toxophilite Society further underscore his lasting place in the history of English archery. His book, reprinted in part in Thomas Roberts's 'English Bowman' (1801), continued to be referenced by later generations of toxophilites.

Did You Know?

• The Catherine of Braganza Shield, purchased for the marshal in 1676, was later held by the Royal Toxophilite Society.
• Two portraits of Wood originally decorated the inner sides of the doors of a case made for the shield.
• Wood's work 'The Bowman's Glory' was dedicated to Charles II.