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How did the Grand National Archery Meetings begin in Britain?

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A modern archer stands with a recurved bow drawn, aiming at a circular recreational target on a stand. The archer wears protective gear and carries arrows in a quiver at his side. — Archery Archer with a recurve bow and recreational target.

The Grand National Archery Meetings, which serve as the British championships, began in 1844 when the first event was held at York. Following the establishment of these meetings, the Grand National Archery Society was formed to act as the governing body for the sport in the United Kingdom.1