2-995-923 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. Edward Ross, the Rifle Champion of England - from a photograph by Claudet, 1860. Winner of a shooting competition held on Wimbledon Common. 'The rifle contest...was brought to a close on Saturday last, the event of that day being the struggle for the Queen's prize of £250 and the gold medal of the association. The competition was severe, and was in the highest degree creditable to the competitors. The Swiss were not permitted to enter for this prize, the chance of securing the "blue ribbon," as it has been termed, being confined to volunteers. The winner of the enviable prize was Mr. Edward Ross, of the North York [regiment], who had previously carried off a Whitworth rifle and two other prizes - £35 and £20...He killed his first stag when ten years old, and has ever since been known as one of the surest shots at deer in the north of Scotland...Mr. Ross was warmly congratulated by the noblemen and gentlemen on the platform, and loudly cheered by his confreres, both English and Swiss. The proceedings were closed by a short address from Lord Elcho'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.