Longbow Lengths: A Historical Perspective

The English longbow was a powerful weapon used to great effect in the Middle Ages. The bow was typically over six feet long, though its length could vary, and was constructed from yew wood. The draw weight of the bow ranged from 80 to 160 pounds, and it had a range of up to 300 yards. The longbow was first recorded in use in South Wales in 1188 and was later used by the English army in numerous battles, including Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, during the Hundred Years' War. The effectiveness of English archers with their longbows often proved decisive in these battles, and the weapon's strength and range contributed to its status as the leading weapon on the battlefield, even as guns and cannons were introduced.

The English longbow's average length

The English longbow was a powerful weapon used to great effect during the Hundred Years' War against the French. The longbow was typically slightly longer than the archer who carried it, with sources stating that it ranged from 5 to 7 feet in length. The most common estimate places the average length of the English longbow at 6 feet, or 1.8 metres.

The English longbow first appeared in historical records in 1188 AD and was used in a battle between the English and Welsh in South Wales. The longbow was constructed from yew, an evergreen tree indigenous to Great Britain, and was known for its strength and durability. The curing process for yew wood took up to four years, which contributed to the longevity and effectiveness of the weapon.

The length of the longbow allowed for a longer draw, increasing the range and power of the arrow's release. The draw weight of the English longbow was significant, ranging from 80 to 160 pounds, and it had an effective range of up to 300 yards. The longbow was so powerful that it could penetrate armour or chain mail, although using heavier arrows capable of piercing armour reduced the range.

The English longbow required skill and strength to use effectively, and archers underwent extensive training to master this deadly weapon. The longbow played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Europe during the Middle Ages, with its effectiveness in battle leading to legislative efforts in England to encourage archery practice and ensure a supply of skilled archers for the military.

The English longbow's dominance on the battlefield continued until the introduction of cannon and firearms, which marked the gradual decline of the longbow's use in warfare. However, the legacy of the English longbow endures, and it remains an iconic weapon in military history.

The history of the English longbow

The English longbow, also known as the Welsh longbow, is a powerful type of medieval longbow that was used to great effect during the Hundred Years' War against the French. The longbow's military dominance spanned from the 1200s to the 1600s, with its last known military use in 1644 at Tippermuir in Perthshire, Scotland, during the English Civil War.

The longbow is believed to have originated in Wales around 1180 CE, with the first major appearance of the longbow as we recognise it today towards the end of the Middle Ages. The longbow is a tall, strong piece of wood, roughly 6 feet tall and 5/8 inch wide, made preferably from yew wood, which was hardened and cured for up to 4 years. The curing process protected the wood from the elements, and yew was chosen because it is naturally elastic. The bow stave was formed from half of a branch, with the heartwood on the inside and the sapwood on the outside, allowing the bow to bend and store an enormous amount of kinetic energy.

The longbow was a significant military invention of the 1300s, changing the political face of Europe forever. It was the leading weapon of its time, with a longer range and faster rate of fire than the crossbow. The longbow's effectiveness in battle was due to its range, rate of fire, and the skill of its users. The longbow had an effective range of 75-80 yards, with less accuracy up to 180-270 yards. A skilled longbowman could release up to 20 shots per minute, with an average of 10-12 arrows per minute. In comparison, a crossbow had a rate of fire of only 2-3 shots per minute. The longbow's range and rate of fire allowed English armies to deploy a cloud of arrows on the advancing enemy.

The longbow was also a socially significant weapon, as it put power in the hands of peasants. A peasant armed with a longbow was able to kill a knight wearing full plate armour. This changed the social structure of the Middle Ages, as the nobility was no longer the only class with access to deadly force.

The English longbow's effectiveness in battle was due in part to the mandatory practice of archery in England. The English Archery Law of the 13th century, also known as the Assize of Arms, required all men between 15 and 60 years old to equip themselves with a bow and arrows. King Edward I reinforced this law by banning all sports but archery on Sundays. King Edward III further emphasised the importance of archery practice by decreeing that anyone who engaged in sports other than archery on Sundays or holidays would face the death penalty.

The longbow's military dominance began to wane with the invention and spread of firearms, which required less training and allowed leaders to raise armies more quickly. However, the longbow continued to be used through the 1640s and was even used by a lieutenant colonel during World War II. Today, the longbow is primarily used for sport and leisure, with target archery competitions taking place as early as 1583.

The English longbow's effectiveness in battle

The English longbow was a powerful weapon in the medieval period, with a range of up to 300 yards and a draw weight of 80-160 pounds. The longbow was typically over six feet in length, making it taller than the average medieval man. The longbow was constructed from yew, an evergreen tree indigenous to Great Britain, although other types of wood were also used. The longbow was first recorded in use in South Wales in 1188, during a battle between the English and Welsh. The English soon adopted the weapon, and it became a defining feature of English armies for the next three centuries.

The longbow was used to great effect during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), where English victories at the battles of Crécy (1346), Poitiers (1356), and Agincourt (1415) were largely attributed to the skill of English archers. At Crécy, for example, English and Welsh longbowmen fired up to twelve arrows per minute, killing thousands of French crossbowmen and routing the rest. The English longbow was also effective at the Battle of Shrewsbury, where English archers fired approximately 60,000 arrows at the Royalist troops.

The longbow was a difficult weapon to master, requiring considerable strength and practice. The force required to deliver an arrow through the armour of the time was very high by modern standards, and skeletons of longbow archers show physical changes such as enlarged left arms and osteophytes on left wrists and shoulders. The difficulty of using the longbow led various monarchs of England to issue instructions encouraging their ownership and practice, including the Assize of Arms of 1252 and Edward III's declaration of 1363, which commanded the obligatory practice of archery on Sundays and holidays.

The longbow remained in use until the 16th century when advances in firearms made gunpowder weapons a significant factor in warfare. Despite efforts by the English Crown to promote archery practice, the advantage of handguns over any other missile weapon was their ease of use. The fundamental discipline of pouring ammunition down the tube, pointing, and firing could be quickly and easily taught, and over time, handguns also became more powerful than bows. The last recorded use of the longbow in an English battle was during a skirmish at Bridgnorth in October 1642 during the Civil War.

The English longbow's decline

The English longbow was a powerful weapon in the Middle Ages, but its decline came with the rise of handguns and cannons. The longbow's effectiveness was also reduced by the increasing use of plate armour, which was more resistant to arrows than chain mail.

The longbow was a difficult weapon to master, requiring years of practice to use effectively. In contrast, handguns were easy to use and could be fired from cover. They also required less physical strength than longbows, which needed considerable upper-body strength to draw. Handguns also became more powerful than longbows over time, eventually being able to pierce plate armour.

The longbow's decline was also due in part to the depletion of yew, the preferred material for their construction. The trade in yew wood had depleted stocks over a huge area by the 15th century, and the English were forced to source the wood from further afield. By the 17th century, there were no mature yew trees left to be harvested.

The longbow's effectiveness on the battlefield was also diminished by the development of cannon, which the French used to break up formations of English archers.

Despite their advantages, firearms had some drawbacks compared to longbows. They were slower to fire, less accurate, and had a flatter trajectory. Longbows were also quieter, an important advantage for hunters.

The last battle in which the longbow played a significant part was the Battle of Flodden in 1513, though longbows remained the main weapon of the militia until they were disbanded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1598. The last recorded use of longbows in an English battle may have been a skirmish at Bridgnorth in October 1642 during the Civil War.

The English longbow's modern use

The English longbow, also known as the Welsh longbow, is a powerful medieval weapon that played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War against the French. The longbow is about six feet tall, usually made of yew wood, and requires considerable skill and strength to use effectively. While the use of the longbow in warfare has declined since the introduction of firearms, it continues to be used in modern times for sport and hunting by traditional archers.

Historical Use

The English longbow was a dominant weapon during the Hundred Years' War, with notable successes in the battles of Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt. The combination of its long range, accuracy, and high firing rate made it a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled archers. The effectiveness of the longbow was such that English monarchs enacted laws to ensure a constant supply of skilled longbowmen, requiring all able-bodied men to practice archery and banning other sports on Sundays. The demand for longbows led to a shortage of yew wood in Britain, prompting the import of yew from mainland Europe.

Modern Use

Today, the English longbow is primarily used for sport and hunting by traditional archers. Modern longbows are typically made from wood, fibreglass, or laminated materials and have a draw weight of 60 lbf or less, making them easier to handle than their medieval counterparts. The longbow remains popular among archers due to its lightweight construction, quick preparation for shooting, and quiet release.

While the English longbow may no longer be a primary weapon of war, its historical significance and effectiveness have ensured its place in modern times as a tool for sport and hunting. The skills and techniques required to master this ancient weapon continue to be passed down and refined, ensuring the longbow's legacy endures.

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