Queen Victoria opens the first National Rifle Association Championship
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| Date Photo Taken | 14th July 1860 |
|---|---|
| Copyright 1 | Illustrated London News |
| Picture Reference | Wim_Sport_3-2 |
| Original Format | Sketch |
| Notes / History | The inaugural meeting of the National Rifle Association was held in July 1860. The event was opened by Queen Victoria, accompanied by several members of the Royal family, the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston and Sidney Herbert, Secretary of State for War. Her Majesty signalled the start of the competition by pulling a silk cord, which fired a rifle at a target some 400 yards away. Keen to please the patron the NRA organisers ensured that the Queen’s gun was carefully sighted to achieve a bull’s eye with her first shot. |
