Established 1906

Club History

From a purpose-built rifle gallery in Bull Lane to the club's present-day ranges at Foxbury Avenue, St. Nicholas Rifle & Pistol Club has more than a century of shooting history.

1876
Bull Lane building constructed
1906
Rifle gallery introduced
1910
Club affiliation established
1958
Foxbury land acquired

Our timeline

The key locations and events that shaped the club.

1876–1945

Bull Lane

Chislehurst

The building originally known as the Working Men's Social Club was constructed in Bull Lane, Chislehurst, in 1876.

In 1906, the building was redesigned by architect Sir Aston Webb. The redevelopment included a purpose-built rifle gallery on the upper floor, marking the first known appearance of the organisation as a shooting club.

The St. Nicholas name

In August 1910, the shooting club became affiliated with the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, now known as the National Small-bore Rifle Association. During the affiliation process, the club adopted the name St. Nicholas Rifle Club.

During the Second World War, the Bull Lane premises were badly damaged by fire on 13 March 1945. The fire was caused by the explosion of a nearby V-2 rocket and also affected furniture stored within the building.

The damage forced the club to leave Bull Lane and find another shooting range. The building is known today as Easdens.

1945–1950

Whitehorse Hill

Chislehurst

Following the loss of the Bull Lane premises, the club moved to a shooting range known as Whitehorse Hill.

Research using surviving photographs has placed the range on scrubland behind number 51 Walden Avenue, Chislehurst.

The club remained at Whitehorse Hill for approximately five years, until 1950.

The land now forms part of the Bromley Allotments at Elmstead Lane.
1950–1957

Hawkwood Estate

Chislehurst

In 1950, the club moved to the Hawkwood Estate through the generosity of Colonel Francis J. F. Edlmann, D.S.O., D.L., J.P.

Club members constructed new target butts for the range. Once the work was completed, Colonel Edlmann, who served as Club President, was invited to fire the first shot.

The opening was attended by club members, representatives of local clubs, and a specially invited team from Embankment Rifle Club.

Opening match

A friendly “through the ranges” match was held to mark the occasion.

St. Nicholas R.C.
2874 / 3000
Embankment R.C.
2887 / 3000
Top St. Nicholas score
297 / 300
J. R. Williams

Although Colonel Edlmann died later in 1950, shooting continued on the estate.

In 1957, Hawkwood Estate was purchased by Robert and Francesca Hall and donated to the National Trust. As a result, the club once again needed to find a permanent home.

1958–Present

Foxbury Ranges

Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst

The club's permanent home
Since 1958

“A new smallbore rifle range, described as the most comprehensive in the country, has been opened at Chislehurst.”

Contemporary local newspaper report

In 1958, the club acquired the freehold of the land that became the present-day ranges at Foxbury Avenue.

The acquisition was achieved largely through the generosity and work of Club President Hugh Williams and Club Chairman Leslie “Les” Nicoll.

At the time, the Foxbury site was heavily wooded. Club members spent several months clearing the land before construction of the ranges could begin.

Stage 1

Land cleared

Dense woodland was removed by club members over a period of several months.

Stage 2

Outdoor ranges

The first two outdoor shooting ranges were laid out on the cleared land.

Stage 3

Clubhouse and indoor range

The clubhouse and internal range were subsequently constructed.

The Foxbury ranges remain the home of St. Nicholas Rifle & Pistol Club today, continuing a tradition of shooting in Chislehurst that began more than a century ago.

Preserving the club's history

The club's story has been pieced together from surviving records, photographs, match results, newspaper reports, and the memories of members. Anyone with historical photographs, documents, or information about the club is encouraged to contact us.

Contact the club