English archery - tradition & heritage
At “Now Strike!”, we celebrate the rich history and unparalleled skill of the English longbowmen, whose prowess in medieval warfare remains legendary. The English longbow, a deceptively simple weapon made from yew wood, played a pivotal role in defining the outcomes of key battles during the Hundred Years’ War.
A Weapon of Historical Significance
Although the English longbow is often credited as a Welsh invention, the longbow actually dates back much further to the Stone Age period. The oldest known example was discovered with Ötzi the Iceman whose 5000 year old mummified body was found by hikers in the Italian/Austrian Alps. Ötzi’s bow was made from Italian yew and the draw weight is estimated to be well over 100lb!
Since the Scottish Wars the English had learnt to fight on foot regardless of status and employed professional soldiers instead of relying on conscription and honour. Edward I had seen the potential of archers during the Welsh campaigns that he actively employed Welsh archers into his ranks and adopted the Longbow as a primary weapon. It becomes known as the “English Longbow” by later historians simply because the English mechanised the weapon in such large numbers both in deployment and in manufacturing.
The English longbow was instrumental in several decisive battles, including the Battle of Crécy in 1346, the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, and the renowned Battle of Agincourt in 1415. These conflicts showcased the longbow’s ability to decimate heavily armoured knights from a distance, turning the tide in favour of the English despite their often smaller numbers. In addition this simple weapon system turns society up on it’s head and changes warfare forever.
The English longbow continues in military use until 1599 when gun powder weapons officially take over.
Design and Mechanics
Bows were constructed primarily from yew which is known for it’s ability to compress, store & release energy from the heartwood, and the springy stretch nature of the sap wood. Although plenty of other woods such as Elm and Ash are also suitable, the English went to great effort importing high altitude, slow grown and tight grained yew from countries such as Italy and Spain to ensure the Livery Guilds in London had the very best material to work with.
Medieval & Tudor bows were tipped with cow horn nocks which helped protect the wood when the string was tensioned. Longbows were finished by scraping the wood smooth and applying bees wax to help seal the timber from moisture.
The military longbows typically measured over six feet in length and its draw weight probably averaged between 100 to 180 pounds, demanding years of rigorous training for archers to develop the necessary strength and precision to master such a weapon.
Training and Physical Impact
Regular archery practice was mandated by English kings, ensuring a steady supply of proficient archers ready for battle at any time. Starting by law at the age of 7, archery practice occurred every Sunday and public holiday at the local Butts. This intense training left its mark on the archers’ bodies, with skeletal changes observed in remains from historical sites like the Mary Rose shipwreck. These archers exemplified dedication and physical prowess, attributes we honour and teach on the Master Classes.
The evidence for this regular practice often exists in road names such as “Butt Lane” or can often be seen on older maps labelled as “Butt Field”.
Longbow Versus Crossbow
When compared to the crossbow which was often in the hands of mercenaries employed by the French armies, the English longbow boasted a much higher rate of fire as the crossbow used levers, cranks and winches to pull the strings back to the cocked position often leaving crossbowmen vulnerable to bowshot. The crossbow however was much easier to point and shoot making it easier to equip a soldier whereas the longbow required much more extensive training. The longbow was much cheaper to produce and simpler to maintain, making it an ideal choice for mass deployment.
Enduring Legacy
The English longbowmen’s success cemented their place in military history, and their tactics and strategies influenced warfare for centuries. Even as gunpowder weapons began to dominate, the legacy of the longbowmen endured, celebrated in literature and remembered in historical accounts. At Now Strike!, we draw inspiration from their legacy, striving to embody the same precision and excellence in our endeavours.
In conclusion, the English longbowmen were more than just warriors; they were symbols of innovation, strength, and strategic brilliance. At Now Strike!, we honour their legacy by promoting the same values of dedication, skill, and efficiency in all our pursuits. Join us in celebrating this rich heritage and strive for excellence in your own journey with Now Strike!
If you have never shot a longbow before then be sure to book yourself onto one of our popular archery taster experiences here in Essex for your chance to put history into your hands and shoot arrows down range.
