longbows

Longbows are tall bows, typically built from a single piece of wood, and used with arrows fletched with feathers. The most famous form is the English longbow, about six feet (roughly 1.8 meters) in length. Longbows rely on the wood's elasticity to store energy, rather than multiple laminations, and they are strung with a sturdy cord.

Longbows were typically carved from a single stave of yew, though ash and hazel were also used. The sapwood on the outer side provides compressive strength while the heartwood in the core supplies tension, yielding a balance of stiffness and resilience. The bow was tillered to share bending forces along its length. Draw weights commonly ranged from about 100 to 180 pounds, with a draw length near 28 inches. Strings were usually made from hemp or flax.

Historical use: Longbows played a decisive role in medieval warfare, especially in England and Wales. They gave archers long range and rapid rate of fire, enabling massed volley tactics. Iconic campaigns include the battles of Crécy and Poitiers in the mid-14th century and Agincourt in 1415, where disciplined longbowmen contributed to victory. Training began in childhood, with archery practice widely encouraged and sometimes mandated.

Later history and modern use: With the introduction of firearms and changes in military organization, the battlefield role of the longbow diminished by the 16th century. The longbow persisted in sport, hunting, and historical reenactment, and remains a focus of traditional archery. Modern recreations emphasize historical technique and craftsmanship, rather than battlefield deployment.