Wapenshaw

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 in 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.  One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Wapenshaw". Encyclopædia Britannica. 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

• Wapenshaw as a Woodcraft ceremony. Retrieved June 1, 2005.
• National Rifle Association of Great Britain list of events including a wapenshaw by the Historic Breechloading Smallarms Association. Retrieved June 1, 2005.