3-003-687 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

National Rifle Association meeting at Wimbledon: general view of the ground and tents, 1861. 'The white tents and gay flags of the National Rifle Association have again been set up on Wimbledon Common...Quite a formidable encampment had been established at the entrances to the ground, profusely decorated with the flags of various nations, and commodious tents were allotted to the council, the secretary, the inspecting General and his staff, and the representatives of the press. Large refreshment-booths, under the superintendence of Mr. Donald, of the St. James's Hall, stood in the immediate neighbourhood, so that all the arrangements were perfect for a successful and brilliant campaign...Almost every corps in the kingdom was represented by its elite shots, and the muster about the shooting station of those interested in their friends' success, as well as anxious for the honour of their corps, their native town or county, showed that the interest which England has taken in the volunteer movement, so far from abating, is decidedly on the increase'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.