Member-only story

The Longbow: A Weapon of Mass Destruction in Medieval Warfare

Oscar Bell

·18k Followers· Follow

Published in The Longbow (Weapon 30) Mike Loades

4 min read · 3 weeks before

1.1k View Claps

80 Respond

Save

Listen

The longbow, a formidable weapon wielded by skilled archers, played a pivotal role in shaping the course of medieval warfare. In his captivating book, The Longbow: Weapon 30, Mike Loades delves into the intricate history, design, and devastating impact of this iconic weapon.

The Birth of the Longbow

The longbow emerged in the 13th century as a revolutionary weapon in England. Its origins can be traced back to the hunting traditions of the countryside, where archers used shorter bows to take down game. However, with the advent of warfare, the bow's design underwent significant modifications to enhance its power and range.

The Longbow (Weapon Book 30)

by Mike Loades

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13398 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	80 pages

Anatomy of the Longbow

The longbow was typically crafted from a single piece of yew wood, renowned for its elasticity and durability. Its length could reach up to 6 feet, and its weight varied between 80 and 120 pounds. The bowstring, made from hemp or linen, was attached to the bow's tips to launch arrows.

Deadly Precision

The longbow's true strength lay in its accuracy and range. Skilled archers could fire arrows with pinpoint precision, piercing through armor at distances exceeding 200 yards. This fearsome capability made the longbow a formidable weapon for both defense and offense.

The English Archers and the Hundred Years' War

During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453),English archers became synonymous with the longbow's destructive power. They formed the backbone of the English army, outclassing their heavily armored French counterparts. In key battles such as Crécy and Agincourt, the longbow's devastating accuracy decimated the French cavalry and infantry.

Tactics and Techniques

The effectiveness of the longbow was not merely attributed to its design but also to the rigorous training and tactics employed by English archers. They developed innovative methods for mass firing and coordinated volleys, creating a relentless hail of arrows that overwhelmed their opponents.

The Decline of the Longbow

As warfare evolved in the 15th and 16th centuries, the longbow gradually lost its dominance. The advent of gunpowder weapons, such as the arquebus, offered greater firepower and penetration power. Additionally, changes in armor design and warfare tactics made the longbow less effective against heavily armored troops.

Mike Loades: A Masterful Historian

Mike Loades, the author of The Longbow: Weapon 30, is an internationally renowned historian and expert on medieval weaponry. His book draws upon extensive research and firsthand experience in archery to provide an in-depth analysis of the longbow's impact.

Relevance in Modern Warfare

Although the longbow's use in modern warfare has diminished, its legacy remains. The principles of marksmanship, accuracy, and range it taught have influenced the development of modern firearms. Inoltre, the longbow continues to be a popular recreational sport, showcasing the enduring fascination with this legendary weapon.

The Longbow: Weapon 30 by Mike Loades is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in medieval warfare, weaponry, or the history of archery. It is a captivating read that unveils the power and precision of the longbow, a weapon that once transformed the battlefield and left an indelible mark on human history.

The Longbow (Weapon Book 30)

by Mike Loades

4.7 out of 5