The Saint Sebastian Guild of Archers in Bruges
By: Koninklijke Hoofdgilde Sint-Sebastiaan vzw
Publisher: Koninklijke Hoofdgilde St.-Sebastiaan Brugge
Published: 198u
Place of publication: Bruges
Language: eng
Subjects: Shooting; Societies; Schuttersgilde Sint-Sebastiaan Guigoven
Notes: The Guild of Saint Sebastian is an archers’ guild that has already been in existence for more than 600 years, which is unprecedented anywhere in the world. It originated possibly around1379, shortly after the Welsh longbow was introduced on the continent. There is a record of the Guild's existence dating from 1396 up to the present day, therefore making it the oldst sports club in the world.The members of this longbow guild are exclusively male, with two notable exceptions: Queen Mathilde of Belgium and the Queen of England. Ever since the exiled English king Charles II took up residence in Bruges in the 17th century, the city and the British Royal Family have always been closely associated. Within the St. Sebastian Archery Guild, Charles founded both the British Grenadier Guards and the Life Guards Regiment. A visit includes the royal chamber, the chapel chamber and the garden.