Nathaniel Spens

Nathaniel Spens (17 Apr 1728 -21 Jun 1815) was a Scottish medical doctor who qualified as Fellow of the Incorporation of Surgeons and then became increasingly interested in the practice of physic.

[4] On 12 April 1782 Spens was one of the founding members of the Harveian Society of Edinburgh and served as President in 1789.

Amongst the prizes for which the Archers compete to this day is the Pagodas Medal, presented to the company by James Spens, son of Nathaniel, in memory of his father.

[8] His yew bow, which was presented to the Royal Company by his son Dr Thomas Spens, is still on display in Archers’ Hall.

His portrait by Sir Henry Raeburn (1756 - 1823) in the uniform of the Royal Company hangs in Archers' Hall in Edinburgh.