This unique reference work chronicles the interconnected histories of Britain’s NRA and the British Railways Companies. The National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom was founded in the mid-nineteenth century and was granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation by Queen Victoria in 1890. Created for the encouragement of the Volunteer Rifle Corps and the promotion of rifle shooting throughout Great Britain, its popularity soon influenced the development of railway expansion. The London and South Western Railway Company even built unique tramways to connect the NRA’s camps and ranges. This book sheds light on the fascinating relationship between the NRA and the British Railways Companies. Beginning in the 1860s, the NRA held annual marksmanship competition at Wimbledon Common, a site chosen for its accessibility from across the existing railway network. The NRA later established its new home at Bisley Camp in Surrey, some 35 miles outside London. The L&SWR built a spur from Brookwood Station and offered a discount on return fair to uniformed volunteers.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in the mid-nineteenth century and was granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation by Queen Victoria in 1890. It was created for the encouragement of the Rifle Corps of the newly formed Volunteer Movement and the promotion of rifle shooting throughout Great Britan. .This would be accomplished by establishing a great Annual National Meeting, where marksmen could compete for valuable prizes and ensuring that the location was easily accessible to all comers over the developing railway network. Situated in Bisley, some 35 miles from London, the base of NRA had very little infrastructure and soon enough, the Council invested, buying land and providing permanent accommodation. The London and South Western Railway Company built a spur from Brookwood Station to accommodate the camp whilst the tramway was relaid to connect the camp and ranges. The original range layout still remains today in its basic form. Nowadays, the NRA is predominantly concerned with civilian full-bore target rifle shooting, yet it still maintains its military heritage and continues its links with the British Armed Forces.The book relates the extraordinary relationship which developed between the NRA and, primarily, the London and South Western Railway Company and its successors in fulfilling these aims, together with the fascinating story of the associations own unique tramways.