Difference between revisions of "Longbow"
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A '''longbow''' is a long, hand-drawn ranged weapon which sometimes exceeded 6 feet in length, made famous in [[medieval]] [[England]].<ref>http://www.thefreedictionary.com/longbow</ref> It is a common misconception that the longbow is a uniquely [[British]] weapon, when in reality longbows existed on every continent and arrived relatively late to England. <ref>http://www.thebeckoning.com/medieval/longbow/the-longbow.html</ref> It should be noted, however, that bow quality changed over time, and it was more than just size that made a longbow. It was the [[Welsh]] who actually developed the longbow that the English later adopted. Able to shoot further and with more power than conventional bows, it's affect was notable. In fact, at short range, an arrow from a longbow could penetrate 4 inches of seasoned [[oak]].<ref>http://www.archers.org/default.asp?section=History&page=longbow</ref> | A '''longbow''' is a long, hand-drawn ranged weapon which sometimes exceeded 6 feet in length, made famous in [[medieval]] [[England]].<ref>http://www.thefreedictionary.com/longbow</ref> It is a common misconception that the longbow is a uniquely [[British]] weapon, when in reality longbows existed on every continent and arrived relatively late to England. <ref>http://www.thebeckoning.com/medieval/longbow/the-longbow.html</ref> It should be noted, however, that bow quality changed over time, and it was more than just size that made a longbow. It was the [[Welsh]] who actually developed the longbow that the English later adopted. Able to shoot further and with more power than conventional bows, it's affect was notable. In fact, at short range, an arrow from a longbow could penetrate 4 inches of seasoned [[oak]].<ref>http://www.archers.org/default.asp?section=History&page=longbow</ref> | ||
Revision as of 20:45, May 10, 2007
Template:Expand A longbow is a long, hand-drawn ranged weapon which sometimes exceeded 6 feet in length, made famous in medieval England.[1] It is a common misconception that the longbow is a uniquely British weapon, when in reality longbows existed on every continent and arrived relatively late to England. [2] It should be noted, however, that bow quality changed over time, and it was more than just size that made a longbow. It was the Welsh who actually developed the longbow that the English later adopted. Able to shoot further and with more power than conventional bows, it's affect was notable. In fact, at short range, an arrow from a longbow could penetrate 4 inches of seasoned oak.[3]
The longbow proved to be a devastating weapon in the hands of British longbowmen, who demonstrated great success against armies with significantly greater numbers of troops. A good example of this was the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War.
