ARROWS made by Geronimo, medieval equipment from the Mary Rose and bronze relics from the battle fields of Syria - these are just some of the treasures at Samlesbury Hall, near Preston, this week.

The rare artefacts, all held in private collections, have been rounded up by the Bowmen of Pendle for the only exhibition of its kind in the country.

It features some of the more unusual bows and arrows used by the archers who practise in the grounds of the elegant Elizabethan Manor near Preston.

Former archer Gordon Aldred told us the story behind some of the more exotic pieces: "We have arrow heads made by Geronimo in the 1880s," he said. "The Apache Indian kept coming off the reservation, so in the end the man that ran the trading post used to employ him to make arrows."

Some of the Bowmen of Pendle also make their own equipment, often imitating traditional skills used to make ancient bows.

That's when they aren't out in the field practising: "Up until the 1930s, there was an ancient law which dictated that everyone should practise archery on Saturdays and Saints days," said Gordon.

"But at some time in the 1930s, laws which had not been updated or consulted was repealed."

The display is in the Harrison Room of the hall until this Sunday (May 4) and anyone who fancies themselves as a latter-day Robin Hood can call in and talk to the Bowmen to find out more.

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