The Longbows

The English longbow is an iconic weapon with a complex history, crucial to England’s medieval military strength. Far from a basic bow, it demanded not only precise construction but also intensive training and physical conditioning for the archers. The English longbow’s craftsmanship, tactical advantages, and the training of those who wielded it made it legendary on the battlefield. This guide examines the English longbow in detail, providing specific insights only known to those who study medieval weaponry.

Construction of the Longbow

The English longbow was generally crafted from yew, chosen for its unique combination of sapwood and heartwood. This combination was essential; sapwood resists tension while heartwood resists compression, allowing the bow to withstand forces as it bent and released arrows. Here’s a deeper look at its construction:

• Length and Material: An English longbow typically measured 6 to 7 feet, optimized for reach and power. Yew was preferred due to its resilience and flexibility, though other woods like elm or ash were sometimes used if yew was scarce. Bowyers sourced yew from specific forests in England, Italy, and Spain, where older, denser wood ensured stronger bows.
• Seasoning Process: Bow staves required careful seasoning, a process taking up to two years. This slow drying process prevented warping and ensured stability, so the bow could hold its shape and tension over time. If the wood dried too quickly, it would weaken and break under the force of a full draw.
• Horn Nocks and String: Longbows were fitted with horn nocks at each end, crafted from horn or antler to prevent the bowstring from fraying the wood. The bowstring itself was often made from hemp, which provided strength and elasticity.

Bowyers, the craftsmen who built these bows, knew that an imbalanced bow would likely break under strain. They adjusted each stave through tillering, a process of gradual shaping and testing that ensured the bow could withstand repeated use. If a bow broke, the consequences in battle could be fatal; every bow was therefore inspected meticulously before reaching an archer.

Physical Requirements of Longbow Archers

The English longbow was a physically demanding weapon. Its average draw weight ranged from 100 to 180 pounds, which was significantly higher than most modern bows, which average around 50 pounds. Training with the longbow required intense conditioning, as archers needed to draw, aim, and release repeatedly, often for hours in battle.

• Muscle Development: Longbow archers developed noticeable asymmetry in their upper bodies due to constant practice. Archaeological studies show that skeletal remains from the medieval period often exhibit enlarged shoulder bones and spine curvatures, particularly on the drawing side.
• Daily Training Regimen: English archers began training from a young age. Laws in medieval England, such as the Assize of Arms (1252) and Edward III’s Archery Law (1363), mandated regular archery practice. By adulthood, experienced archers could maintain rapid-fire rates, averaging 10 to 12 arrows per minute.
• Armor and Endurance: Archers trained while wearing armor, a practice known as “shooting in harness.” The weight of the armor required even greater endurance, as drawing a bow in heavy gear limited their movement and taxed their strength. Shooting in harness allowed archers to stay agile yet resilient in battles.

Advanced Techniques and Battle Tactics

Mastery of the longbow went beyond physical strength. It required skill, precision, and experience. Different shooting techniques helped archers maintain accuracy, even under the unpredictable conditions of a battlefield.

• Draw and Loose: Unlike modern archery’s aim-based shooting, longbow archers used “draw and loose” techniques, where they would pull and release the bowstring in one fluid motion. This method allowed for faster shooting but required precision; the timing between drawing and releasing affected both range and accuracy.
• Volley Fire: Longbowmen often deployed in large, dense formations and fired in volleys, a technique where hundreds of arrows were loosed at once to cover a broad area. Volley fire was especially effective against infantry and cavalry, disrupting formations and causing panic within enemy ranks.
• Clout Shooting: Archers sometimes practiced clout shooting, a method designed for long-range shots that required them to estimate trajectory based on distance. In battle, clout shooting allowed them to target formations beyond visual range, raining arrows on troops from a distance of up to 250 yards.

Strategic Significance in Key Battles

The English longbow played a decisive role in several major battles, particularly during the Hundred Years’ War. Its effectiveness in these battles underscored the importance of strategic archery and allowed English forces to overcome numerical disadvantages. Two notable battles where longbow tactics shone were:

• Battle of Crécy (1346): The longbow’s role in this battle demonstrated its capacity to turn the tide against French forces, despite their superior numbers. English longbowmen, stationed on elevated ground, unleashed volleys that tore through advancing cavalry. This battle underscored the longbow’s strength in defensive tactics.
• Battle of Agincourt (1415): Agincourt remains one of the most famous examples of longbow effectiveness. English archers decimated the French army by targeting their advancing infantry and cavalry from a distance. Approximately 5,000 English archers fired arrows against an estimated 30,000 French soldiers, proving that strategy could overcome numerical disadvantage.

The Crafting of Arrows and Arrowheads

Each longbow arrow, known as a “clothyard shaft,” was carefully crafted for stability, accuracy, and penetration. Clothyard shafts were approximately 30-36 inches in length and varied in weight based on purpose. Expert fletchers—the craftsmen who made arrows—paid attention to each detail, from the wood to the type of fletching, to ensure each arrow was reliable.

• Broadheads and Bodkin Points: Broadheads, with their wide, cutting edges, were intended for unarmored targets, while bodkin points, long and pointed, could pierce chainmail and plate armor. Bodkin points, hardened by quenching, were effective against the heavier armor introduced in the later medieval period.
• Fletching Material: Fletching feathers were usually sourced from geese, particularly from the left wing, as they provided a natural spin, stabilizing the arrow’s flight. The fletching was typically cut in a helical pattern to induce a slight spin, improving accuracy over long distances.
• Weight Balance: Arrows needed a precise balance to ensure stability. An improperly balanced arrow veered off course, reducing its impact. Archers valued consistency; each arrow in a quiver was made to the same specifications for reliable performance in battle.

Reasons for the Longbow’s Decline

Despite its effectiveness, the English longbow gradually fell out of favor. By the 16th century, advancements in weaponry and changing military tactics rendered the longbow less practical on the battlefield.

• Rise of Gunpowder Weapons: Firearms emerged as more efficient alternatives, requiring less training and offering comparable range and power. A soldier could learn to fire a musket in weeks, whereas training an effective longbowman took years.
• Cost and Labor: The meticulous craftsmanship required for both longbows and their arrows made them costly. Yew trees took decades to mature, and with deforestation, the scarcity of yew wood added to the expense. Muskets and their ammunition, however, could be mass-produced more easily.
• Changes in Armor: Improvements in plate armor lessened the effectiveness of bodkin-pointed arrows. By the late 15th century, armor capable of withstanding longbow shots was common, diminishing the weapon’s battlefield advantage.

Legacy and Modern Reverence

The English longbow is still revered as a symbol of England’s medieval military prowess. Archery clubs and historical reenactments keep the tradition alive, celebrating the craftsmanship and discipline associated with longbow archery. Modern archers who study longbow techniques value the historical aspects, and archery competitions often adhere to traditional methods, honoring the skills of medieval longbowmen.