A wapenshaw or wapinshaw (from the Old English for "weapon show") was originally a gathering and review of troops formerly held in every district in Scotland.[1][2] The object was to satisfy the military chiefs that the arms of their retainers were in good condition[1] and that the men were properly trained in their use.

Use of 'Wapenshaw' in Lawn Bowls

The term is still in use, to describe some competitions by bowling clubs[3][4] in Scotland.

Use of 'Wapenshaw' in Shooting

Wapenshaw is also occasionally used, in Scotland and elsewhere in the United Kingdom for rifle or other gun shows, particularly those involving historic weapons.[5][6]

The Woodcraft Folk

Wapenshaw is also widely used by The Woodcraft Folk to describe a daily ceremony when camping, which involves each camper removing all belongings from their tent and laying them out on a groundsheet in a fixed order. This serves two purposes: to air out the tent, and to ensure that no items have been lost.

References

  1. ^ a b  One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Wapenshaw". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 28 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 304.
  2. ^ reference to wapinshaw at barracks in Glasgow
  3. ^ notice of wappenshaw competition at Prestwick Howie bowling club
  4. ^ report of Wapinshaw competition at Gourock Park bowling club
  5. ^ Report on Aberdeen shooting club Wapinshaw, 2011
  6. ^ Results of the Aberdeen Wapinshaw, 2013-2016

Further reading

Categories