Archery Demonstration

We can provide a display of the formidable English longbow versus its more powerful but slower opponent the crossbow. 

The longbow required many years of practice to learn how to use it efficiently and took a long time to master but was capable of loosing many times in a minute.  It was a very popular and much favoured weapon of the English.

The crossbow by comparison took very little time to learn  but had a slower rate of fire than the longbow.  The wounds it caused however could be horrendous and in early medieval times it was considered so barborous its use was restricted by the 2nd Lateran Council, as it was considered a weapon hateful to God!

The display includes demonstrations of target shooting using sharp arrows, and a comparison with the crossbow.  A speed test for each type of bow is also given.  A running commentary is provided.

Where sites allow we can also organise an 'Arrows versus armour' display with blunt arrows loosed at our brave volunteers to demonstrate the efficiency of armour in deflecting arrows.  

We can also organise an archery tournament, where spectators can watch the competition unfold and cheer on their favourite.

'Have a go' archery for the public can be also be provided for an additional cost.

Image courtesy of Rikk Cahill - www.rcphotographic.co.uk