The Longbow

The bow was a crucial part of medieval warfare, appearing in three forms during battle - the shortbow, the composite bow and the longbow.

The longbow played a significant role during the Hundred Years War, helping the determine the outcome of many important battles, and was also used during naval battles by highly trained English archers. This was the case during the Battle of Sluys in 1356, where the longbow was responsible for significant death on French shops.

The longbow also played a vital role in the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, where it was responsible of the deaths of 2,000 French knights, the highest ranking troops in the French army.

In total, 20,000 English soldiers defeated 60,000 French soldiers, and it is believed that the longbow was the reason for the success of the English.

Keen on ensuring this success continued, English kings regularly provided prizes as sponsors for tournaments, which would be awarded to the best archers. Archery was also the only sport that could be practised on a Sunday as it ensured there were many archers available should war break out. Lords would also encourage this as it was the law to provide the king with a certain number of archers each year.

Historians believe the first longbow was designed in Wales, from which is spread across England. In fact, Edward I himself witnessed its used when he conquered the Welsh during the 1280s, and subsequently helped to boost its reputation.