longbow

     

A longbow is a type of bow that is tall (roughly equal to the height of a person who uses it), is not significantly recurve and has relatively narrow limbs, that are circular or D-shaped in cross section. It will normally allow its user a fairly long draw, at least to the jaw; the average length of the Mary Rose arrowshafts is 75 cm (30 inches). Organizations which run archery competitions have set out formal definitions for the various classes; many definitions of the longbow (see links section) would exclude some medieval examples, materials, and techniques of use. According to the British Longbow Society, the English longbow is made so that its thickness is at least ⅝ of its width, as in Victorian longbows, and is widest at the handle. This differs from the Medieval longbow, in that the Medieval Longbow was made to a width to thickness ratio of between 1:3 to 2:5. Also, the Victorian longbow does not bend throughout the entire length, as does the medieval longbow. Longbows have been used for hunting and warfare, by many cultures around the world, a famous example being the English longbow, during the Middle Ages.

Trivia about longbow

  • The remarkable elasticity of yew led to this new weapon that made history at a 1346 battle
  • Its greatest use as a military weapon was during the Hundred Years' War; just ask the French at Crecy
  • This weapon with a rapid rate of fire was an early English asset