Sheriff of Chester re-establishes historic association with the archers of Cheshire

The Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Simon Eardley, has re-established the historic link between the ancient office of Sheriff and that of the archers of Cheshire.

Alongside the Sheriff’s Lady, Kate Vaughan, Councillor Eardley attended an archery practice session hosted by the Cheshire County Bowmen Archery Club at the Cheshire County Sports Club, in Upton, Chester. The Sheriff and Sheriff’s Lady received expert archery guidance from members of the Club, John Wood, Mark Disley and Carol Bladen.

The link between the office of Sheriff and archery in Chester and the wider county goes back several centuries. The annual Sheriff’s Breakfast, likely first held in 1511, originally consisted of an archery competition on the Roodee for the city’s leaders followed by a very protein rich meal of calves’ heads and bacon. The event was traditionally held on Easter Monday and involved the Recorder of the City, Aldermen and gentry participating. The winners paid 11d each towards the breakfast and the losers 4d. Today the event, held in 2026 on 20 March, is the principal means for the Sheriff to raise funds for his chosen charities during his year in office.

The Sheriff of Chester said:

“It was fantastic to have the opportunity to join the Cheshire County Bowmen and take part in their ancient sport of archery in our city. Historically the bowmen of Cheshire were renowned for their prowess and expertise and much feared and sought after. It is likely they played a significant, probably decisive, part in some of the most famous battles of our country’s history, including at Agincourt in 1415 when archers from Cheshire and Flintshire were specifically recruited to King Henry V’s cause such was their reputation. One of my aims during my year in office was to make the connection again between the shrievalty and those who enjoy the sport.

“Nowadays the Cheshire County Bowmen meet in less conflict ready circumstances, enjoying the skills of their sport for recreation and competitions. I was struck how popular the Club was and has participants spanning all ages and abilities. The long tradition of archery is thriving in Chester and amongst those I had the privilege to join were some people who have excelled on the national and international stage. The Sheriff’s Lady and I were grateful for the warm welcome we received and the opportunity to learn something new.”

John Wood, Chairman of the Cheshire County Bowmen, arranged the Sheriff’s visit added:

“As Chairman of Cheshire County Bowmen, it was a real pleasure to welcome the Sheriff of Chester and the Sheriff’s Lady to our club and to share with them the tradition of Archery that is woven deeply into the history of Chester.

“Our members thoroughly enjoyed hosting the Sheriff and Sheriff’s Lady, both of whom approached the sport with enthusiasm, curiosity and good humour. Their interest in the heritage of Cheshire archery, as well as in the modern sport we practise today, was evident throughout the visit. We are proud of the inclusive and thriving community we have built, one that spans generations and abilities, and it was wonderful to see our visitors embrace that spirit.

“Re‑establishing this historic link reminds us that while the context of archery has changed, the values it represents, discipline, skill and camaraderie, remain as strong as ever.”

Councillor Simon Eardley is the 1372^nd Sheriff of Chester having commenced his term of office in May 2025. The office of Sheriff, understood to be the oldest in the country, was first mentioned in a charter of the third Earl of Chester, Ranulf I, in favour of St Werburgh’s Abbey (now Chester Cathedral) in 1121 – 905 years ago.

The Cheshire County Bowmen were founded in 1966 by the late Evelyn Donaldson and her husband Jim when they had to move from Overton Archery Club in North Wales. Both Evelyn and Jim had been in archery for a number of years, and Evelyn rose to become the Ladies Champion Archer of Wales. The Club at that time was known as Cheshire County Officers Archery Club, based at Newton Lane.

Membership gradually grew and in 1976 the Club changed its name to Cheshire County Bowmen. The then club badge was the result of a competition in 1976. It comprises the Cheshire Sheaf, the CCB Logo and Queen Margaret’s Swan.

Queen Margaret of Anjou, consort to Henry VI, who, unlike Henry, managed to escape capture from Richard, Duke of York, visited Chester in 1455 during the War of The Roses canvassing support for the Lancastrian cause. When Cheshire Bowmen fought, particularly at the Battle of Blore Heath(1459), those who supported the Lancastrians wore the silver white swan badge of the queen.

The Club meets all year round and is open to new members.

More details can be found here: 

www.ccbarchery.co.uk

Pictured - Sheriff and Archery Club Group.