National Rifle Association Camp near Wimbledon windmill
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1889 |
|---|---|
| Area | Wimbledon Village |
| Copyright 1 | D.C. Harrods |
| Picture Reference | Wim_17_1-30 |
| Original Format | Photo |
| Notes / History | In 1859, when England feared invasion from France, a volunteer rifle corps was formed. This later became the National Rifle Association, founded to encourage skill in rifle shooting. The Association’s first meeting took place on the Common in July 1860 and lasted six days. In 1861 it was extended to ten days and attracted over 13,000 visitors. By 1887 it was no longer safe to shoot in the area which had become much more densely populated. The last meeting on the Common was held in 1889 and in the following year the Association moved to its new home at Bisley. |
