Henry VIII

“ In 1541, the Parliament of England was concerned that the men of the realm were losing their archery skills, whittling away the time playing senseless board and coin games. This concern is clearly set out in the first paragraph of the Act for the Maintenance of Artillery and the Debarring of Unlawful Games, as well as a requirement for all men to practice their bow and arrow skills on a regular basis. ”

“ Every man being the King's subject, not lame, decrepit nor maimed (except spiritual men ... justices and barons) ... shall ... use and exercise shooting in longbows and also have a bow and arrows ready continually in his house to use himself ... ”