Common Myths About Medieval Archery (And the Truth Behind Them)

[@Telarii]

Looks like this is the first video I'm watching with breakfast on my birthday, now that's an awesome start to my day.

[@garysmith3173]

Many happy returns T.🏹🏹🏹

[@kaboom4679]

Happy birthday and many more !

[@scrappydoo7887]

Happy birthday to you 🥳

[@phihelix8777]

🎉

[@unnamedchannel1237]

Happy 69th

[@scrappydoo7887]

Thats an excellent line there Kev, "oh thats a shame.... because thats just gone straight between his eyes" lol

[@PeterSolerom]

It was a perfect headshot!🏹

[@patio87]

That was bad ass.

[@harrrybee4715]

Legendary quote

[@scrappydoo7887]

@@PeterSolerom it was a thing of beauty and never to be underestimated. Guns are great but a determined and skilled bowman can and will end your day in a bad way

[@AuthenticDarren]

I liked the way that, especially in the first part of the video, you reacted to a myth then calmly turned and shot an arrow directly into the head each time. That's style :D .

[@phreak761]

​@@HistoricalWeaponsHe is shooting an English longbow in English attire, of course it's about English archers and archery!

[@theloafabread4341]

Dang, Kevin's still got it! Always a treat to see you upload

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@lazyman7505]

"Then you are not a bowman. Shame, innit..." Headshot. Nicely done, Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

.... I was thinking about him 😜

[@BMO_Creative]

Incredible wealth of knowledge! Great shots, and Kevin Hicks... What more could you want?!? Great video!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again, I'm so glad you enjoy them. 👍

[@2ndperky]

Knowledgeable AND talented, you can't ask for a better teacher, or entertainer than this. Great video as always!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!

[@dganim9196]

Your videos are Always a highlight of the week. What a day for shooting. Thanks Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Daryl 👍

[@leepalmer3634]

Mr Kevin, greetings from Alabama, USA. Love your content, you're a fabulous storyteller/ historian. Please keep it up

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Lee, I will 👍

[@bostonrailfan2427]

“oh, you’re not a bowman.” *fires a perfect bullseye*“well that’s gone right between his eyes”…that’s a hat doff moment right there 😎 it has been 32 years since the last time i ever shot an arrow and seeing that small target hit from that distance while talking and showing some insult over that snide remark against archers earned massive respect especially thanks to the historical accuracy.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers mate, it felt good 😜

[@andrewrobinson3030]

I’m absolutely amazed at how accurate you shot those arrows. Amazing well done

[@stayhungry1503]

the double arrow shot was so cool!

[@MajorTom6]

Another great video. I saw you a few times at Warwick, and your show was always the highlight of the day. I even acted as timekeeper for you once. Subscribed.

[@Raleos121]

Thank you for pointing out archers don't aim at the armor they aim for soft targets if they can see any

[@dibdap2373]

My worst pet peeve with Hollywood or any other type of media is when they shout "fire!" as a command to archers to shoot their arrows. I always give bonus points to movies or anything else that do it right.

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed!! Great point. 👍

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

Loose

[@theprancingprussian]

"fire?", "where?" commanding longbowmen to wait before shooting is almost guarantied to get you hated by the men lesser so organised volleys like far later but moreso getting the men to wait til the time was right to start shooting ( you may want them closer than max range so if they take flight you can shill shoot or to wait til your infantry can cover you or is ready to take the hit from the opposing force you just convinced to charge )

[@dashrendar5320]

Awww yes, new longbow video with Kev…day is made…week is made…month is made 💪🏹

[@thehistorysquad]

😃

[@bertenpetrasinagl2692]

2.35 in the video....Sir, you had and now DEFINITELY have my respect for your craftmanship in regards to shooting arrows....that shot, from the hip in modern gunslinging terms; wauww...I bow in respect, Kevin ❤

[@catherinewilkins2760]

Sir Thomas Erpingham of Erpingham in the County of Norfolk was at Agincourt, I believe. Just down the road from Erpingham village is the Town of Aylsham. Its Buttlands still exists, albeit in the form of a car park and somewhat shortened. It amazes me that they could see the target, let alone hit it. I often park there and wonder what tales it could tell.

[@thehistorysquad]

👍 Sir Thomas Erpingham is buried at Norwich Cathedral but his grave appears to have been moved or lost and they buried a bishop on top instead. 😳. I was so sad to hear this.

[@SwtorSateleShanFan]

2:34 that was smooth as butter 😂😂

[@facina3390]

I know you've been shooting a long time, but that accuracy is just a wonder!

[@mitchel8522]

I can't begin to imagine the brutality of those medieval battles, nice video Kevin!

[@thomasbell7033]

Nor I. I'd always heard about the brutality of medieval warfare, of course, but it was seeing the trauma on the skeletons from Towton and Gottland that truly brought it home to me. The relentless hacking and bashing is horrifying.

[@Raycheetah]

@@thomasbell7033 I was once in the SCA, a medieval re-enactment group, and it was against the "rules" to strike a blow below the waist in battle. Imagine how I felt when it was discovered that many of the dead at Gottland showed signs of deliberate strikes to the legs and feet, meant to disable the opponent before the kill. ='[.]'=

[@kristo762]

You are a helluva good shot, Kevin!

[@totalnike03]

Okay that two arrow shot has to be the coolest thing ive ever seen. Beats any sniper shot

[@stephenbell5217]

4:21 you smug bastard haha! Love it

[@T3t4nu5]

in the biz, that is called a "hard flex"

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@alyssalee9165]

Perfect morning to watch! It's raining and I have coffee at the ready! Thanks!!

[@thehistorysquad]

😃

[@shinykazzadragon]

I loved archery in high school. I was a short, sinewy girl who stunned the instructor with the way I used the long bow. Apparently I was good - until I sneezed while releasing, and the bow string scraped across my face, chest, and left arm. I did enjoy archery, though.

[@thomasbell7033]

Yow! I felt that all the way over here.

[@thehistorysquad]

OUCH, that must've hurt

[@gfreeman9843]

Stunned??? 😳

[@Katze5335]

I watched it as soon as I got the notification! Another great video Kevin. I’ve already got some compliments on my arrow in its stand 😁, the green threading on the feathers is very cool it looks complicated

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent, I'm glad it's enjoying its new home. The 'whipping' is fiddly, but therapeutic to do 👍

[@TommyBoyByGodWVa]

As always, another great video. Im in the process of making my first homemade bow out of Osage. Can't wait till it's finished and sending arrows across the backyard. Thanks for another great video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent!

[@joanp105]

First time I’ve seen a real archer work, and also got all the true history I love. Many thanks for sharing such skill and knowledge about what actually happened during these terrible battles. You gave us such common sense responses to questions about war that most people would never even think of.

[@davesheppard8797]

@joanp105, Yes, he certainly is a true Archer. You can only get that good through years of practice!! I too am a longbow Archer and have practiced for many years. I am certainly not a patch on Kevin, but after years of practice and you and the bow are warmed up, you can just draw and shoot quickly without actually aiming or anchoring. Just drawing and loosing in quick succession. It's a great feeling, but it does take practice, practice & more practice. There is no quick way to instinctive Archery. Kevin is an amazing guy and an amazing Archer. I never get fed up of watching him!! Best wishes, Dave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Joan 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

@davesheppard8797 how lovely of you Dave, thanks buddy!

[@davesheppard8797]

@thehistorysquad Just telling it how it is buddy! You really are a joy to watch, with accuracy I can only dream of.

[@michaelpage4199]

This was soooooo great to watch. Always top shelf. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[@dewardroy6531]

Thanks Kevin! Fridays are always best with you presenting another wonderful video for all us history geeks. Great job, sir!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

You hit the Bullseye 🎯 once again.. Cheers..!

[@jamescarre6743]

Hi Kevin, Pergamos was well protected in 82/83 with your little armoury. My youngest son is in the RAF and is a bow shooter. He has a long bow which he loves to use. He has represented the RAF in Inter Service competitions. I really enjoy your postings and so does my neighbour who also is into bows and arrows. Keep them coming. 🐒

[@codeofclaw]

On your point regarding weight, I feel like people underestimate it. 60lb or even 45lb isn’t a whole lot of weight but when it’s force is focused on the sharp tip of an arrow head it becomes pretty devastating. With decent shot placement a 45lb bow can take down a whitetail.

[@johnwatters6922]

In Australia a whitetail is a type of spider.

[@nicoaustin5595]

Yes 40lbs is plenty for killing an unarmoured person

[@PeterSolerom]

you're carrying as many arrows as Legolas in this video. I loved it.

[@cwebb4872]

I find your history channel very informative, and I love it. Thank you Kevin

[@dougwatt6303]

You’re incredible. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Welcome to Canada from a Saskatchewanite!

[@90762709]

Love the episode Kev! Could you please do another episode like this?

[@thehistorysquad]

Sure, we have snow here now in Canada, but I shot another two videos before the snow came so they'll be released in the coming months 👍 Did you see the one on the anatomy of the bow? I've also done a couple on making & repairing arrows 👍

[@conemadam]

I love when you share your knowledge with us. It is so unambiguously genuine that I feel that you were there!

[@thehistorysquad]

Some days I feel like I was 😜 👍

[@conemadam]

@ 🤣🤣

[@pipmeister2103]

Excellent and interesting upload as per 🏹 👍🏻

[@davesheppard8797]

Hi Kev, I put quite a long comment on here when I first watched it earlier. It isn't showing up now though. But never mind. Another great video mate. Much love to you and Julie. Dave.

[@projectinlinesix]

Great stuff, Kevin! Love this sort of trivia and de-bunking!

[@bexxy629]

Love the videos, Kevin, I have noticed your cross and your rosary in this video and love to see it

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks. It's a soldier's rosary, shorter than the normal, if I remember correctly it represents 15 saints?

[@a.p.g.2728]

Great video. Love seeing how things are compared to how things are thought to be.

[@UrielShlomoGarcia-fi4yu]

This video is most brilliant, sir! Thank you and keep making them.

[@BarbarosaAlexander]

Kevin is a stone cold badass today! And I'm here for it.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@Sandwichking-hikes]

I would not want to be a foot soldier approaching Kevin with his bow.

[@davesheppard8797]

@@Sandwichking-hikes Yes!....Ere, is that Kevin Hicks in the front rows of Archers?....yes?...... Er.....I think it's time for tea chaps or should I say "oh maird". 😂😂😂

[@ducomaritiem7160]

Imagine you have to approach a thousand Kevin's with bows...😮

[@davesheppard8797]

@@ducomaritiem7160 Oh God yes!! I am a Bowman myself and shoot numerous different English longbows. After a good few years I'm not too bad and can shoot well instinctively without having to aim.....not that I have anything to aim with! But I'm sure you know what I mean. You teach yourself to shoot where you are looking. I am not in Kevin's league but our shooting styles are virtually identical. I don't shoot anything heavier than my 52 or 53# Yew selfbows. And a number of really nice 48# laminated bows that Pip Bickerstaffe made for me. Kevin's 7' 4" Yew bow was originally about a 90# draw weight. Dave.

[@allanburt5250]

Excellent as always Kevin 👌

[@cbhlde]

Wow, what a glorious setup! 😍

[@andrewrice2376]

Brilliant video as always, Kevin. I had the same discussion with regard to the archers being placed on the flanks, in that this had developed in the 15 years between Bannockburn and Dupplin Moor, and was very effective given the more vulnerable areas to the sides of the enemy's soldiers, and of course the larger target aspects of both men and horses from the side versus the front, where the target is slimmer and the armour thicker.

[@mickusable]

Always enjoy your videos Kev, with you every day’s a school day 🤘🏹

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mick!

[@Etrius690]

That long explanation for myth 2 just to nail the dummy in the same shot. I was flabbergasted lmao

[@lanzknecht8599]

Some horseback cultures like Huns, Mongols and early Magyars did actually use bows as a distance weapons where they charged, shot volleys of arrows in the sky, showering the enemy, then turned their horses to regroup and starting the next attack. This tactic though could backfire when the riders did not have enough space to manoevre. In the battle of Lechfeld (955) the Magyar army was squeezed betwen a river and a forrest with the German heavy cavalry charging from the front to close the distance between them and enganging the lightly armored Magyars in close combat with devastating results. Like always - great video Kevin!

[@vincentlavery2568]

Richard green and robin hood. Brilliant. We were the first family to get a small black and white TV. In our tiny kitchen (which was the living room because the kitchen was the scullery) there were about 20 local children crammed in to watch robin hood. My mother was a very kind lady who allowed this because everyone had very little. Imagine the battles after the show ended with our home made bows! Thanks Kevin. It all came flooding back.

[@AlanThomas-h8f]

You taught me something I never knew once, Kevin. When I was an apprentice draughtsman I attended 'The Butt's College in Coventry. I did not know that Butts was the shooting range for archers back in the day, especially the end where the targets are. Thanks for that Kev. Fred Dinage..HOW!!

[@loganpollock1689]

I killed a deer with a 75# longbow when I was 16 YO. I never had a heavier bow than that. Fifty two years and two heart operations later I am shooting a 40# longbow. Historians tell us that we are considerably taller and healthier men now, so how they managed 120# bows, 700 years ago is a mystery to me.

[@thorwaldjohanson2526]

It's definitely constant training from a young age. But is also technique. If you watch Joe Gibbs, you can see how he uses every muscle in his body to draw his bows (up to 215lbs). That would be impossible with the modern shooting form. That's also something games and movies get so wrong. Bows require a LOT of strength. And you can't keep them drawn for more than a few seconds.

[@kenthatfield4287]

Sure we are healthier now we are in our 60s then they did back then. But we live a soft life compared to them. If you wanted fuel for the fire you had to go out and chop some. If you wanted hey for your animals you had to go out and cut some and then lift it up and put it in the barn. There are just a number of things that a man had to do in his regular duties of life that needed strength. People today compared to people 700 years ago or nothing but marshmallows.

[@TheAsj97]

It's because they used their whole body to draw, not just their arms, watch Joe Gibbs shoot his 210lbs longbow, then watch how he has trouble drawing a modern 130lbs compound bow (in Tod's channel), it's because you can't use the historical technique to draw modern compound bows. I assume you're drawing your bows with a modern technique.

[@chrisdonlon5603]

Wonderfully informative as always - great stuff

[@russelrogers2540]

ALWAYS entertaining!! Love watching your videos.

[@alucardgd2523]

Im abit late to this video but i wish to just say ive been binging kevins videos and this man is seriously entertaining, thank you kevin for sharing your knowledge

[@nickwebb9290]

Short but sweet, another superb video, thank you Kevin 🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@heneagedundas]

Nice. I collected my new longbow today, and will be making arrows next week. Looking forward to getting back in the field.

[@jefftucker201]

You absolute legend Sir Hicks!

[@AlexVanEks]

I would never have guessed you eere such an accomplished archer! Watching you just drop arrows perfectly into that target was incredible, especially at such a distance. Im just starting archery and it was a great video to learn from. Im only at 40lb draw but its all about fun and form for me. Hope to be half as good as your aim someday 👍🏼

[@thehistorysquad]

Great - just enjoy the sport. 👍

[@johnrichard6639]

Fatastice shooting great lecture, education & myth busting. ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS! KUDOS TO YOU SIR KEVIN HICKS BOWMAN!🏹👍

[@Blondie42]

Even though it is just a game: In World of Warcraft they made a change to the firing range of the hunter class. When I started playing the game, in late December 2010 hunters had a minimum range where anything closer than 5 yards would be considered to be too close for use of their main weapon and high damage dealing abilities. Later on after the minimum range limiter was removed a friend commented that getting shot point blank by a bow would still hurt/kill. Jason Kingsley over at Modern history TV did an armor piercing video where he featured a huge guy who shot a 140lb bow. Jason had wanted to show that armor worked the it was made to.

[@hound3000]

For the Myth 4, I think the reason medieval archers didn't raise their bows upwards to the sky and loose the arrows was because it was inaccurate. They would have wasted so many arrows just to hit the target, even if the target is stationary. They fired straight and waited for their targets to come closer so that the arrows would be penetrative and more accurate shooting. I feel that it is hard enough to hit a moving target, especially a guy on a moving horse. Basing on Todd's Workshop (another good history YT channel), a very good quality armour definitely can stop arrows, but I'm sure not every knight on a horse could afford a good quality armour. I'm sure that armours, especially in the Battle of Agincourt, had varying degrees of quality. Some were better, some were not as good. If an archer can fatally hit the target with one arrow, it was usually a lucky hit on an open face or weaker joints of the armour. One more thing, if a guy on a horse is charging at you, I'm sure you, as an archer, would be very nervous to shoot accurately even if you are well-trained, right?

[@thecarrot4412]

But archers *did* shoot upward for targets at distance as it would be necessary for targets beyond about 30 yards. it is documented in manuscript and tapestry that bows were shot with elevation rather than just point on when required for distant targets. And as someone who shoots routinely at 70-90 meters myself I guarantee you it would not be inaccurate by any measure. Once you can get the elevation correct a well shot arrow will drift only by the wind which you can also read and account for, be that crosswind, headwind, or tailwind.

[@hound3000]

@thecarrot4412 Good to know.

[@janicehill-es1br]

You're a good marksman Kevin, amazing, thank you for sharing, I like history on the medieval 😊

[@kayb9979]

I still love watching the Richard Green Robin Hood series. Aside from its humour, one of the great things about it is the introduction of mediaeval statutes and legal issues. They may not necessarily have been applicable to the time of Richard the First but they were very interesting.

[@AlbertaGeek]

Always a pleasure, Kevin.

[@4estral]

@thehistorysquad Regarding poison on arrows: I have read this myth was based on the presence of copper verdigris on the arrows found in the Mary Rose. Though it is toxic and would cause a wound to become poisoned, it is said to also be a good preservative for the glue that was used to affix arrowheads to the shaft and that is the primary reason for its presence.

[@dougbryant5417]

Fascinating video, you make it look easy! Double arrow headshot.. stone cold killer…☠️

[@jackdorsey4850]

Thank you for that informative talk as far as poison rust on the arrow can cause infection

[@supernoodles91]

A new History Squad video.......Excellent!!!

[@zerotonic2659]

I love your channel and I adore your shooting skills!

[@angusmacleod7377]

Very nice video Kev as always 🏹🙌😁 I think exactly the same about all these myths...

[@Niodium]

"...these guys are running, so they've got their arrows with them" quick smile and thumbs up. That made me laugh. Nicely done

[@TheFlual22]

It's refreshing to see a guy, who doesn't treat archery like it's complicated science. There are so many archery channels on YT that do that. Meanwhile Kevin does a short draw with an arrow of unknown spine and hits perfectly :D

[@thehistorysquad]

Yep, it's just two pieces of wood and a bit of string 😜

Great video as always, thank you Kevin!

[@doconline]

You look like one hell of a bowman to me there Kev. Great video as always.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Brother Kevin: Enjoyable vid, and it is informative as well. You did mention the bane of docents and historical interpreters: the visitor who read "one book", or "saw something in a movie".

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed, cheers brother 👍

[@addersbowman]

Wonderful Kev, you beat me to the punch re draw lengths and poundage. Horses for courses really, I do recall this chap I met recently, an archer we were discussing bows and he told me his bow was100llb @ 32", I said and whats do you draw? Why he said 100llb! so I said cool. He was barely 5' tall. I have made the video a while ago but wasn't completely happy with it, so I have been planning a re-shoot (pun intended) as I shoot different bows at different poundage and draws, basically I was saying not to get too anal regarding draw length, as long as the arrow is flying fast on the target, what's not to like. On another subject, I did see a thing about in the 13th century that an order for arrows from London royal armory to Bristol for 10,000 arrows. It demanded the shafts be 'fully seasoned' and the heads being 'steeled and tallowed'. I am thinking the steeled is what we would describe as 'case hardened' and the Tallow would be to prevent the heads rusting and becoming useless. I have made a video where I shot an 3/4" ply board with a dry field tip and it barely got through, but with tallow the arrow flew through and I suspect it would have carried to the fetching if it hadn't smashed through a piece of pine 3"x1" sideways. I am planning to do a test with some 16 gauge mild steel tomorrow, if I feel well enough tomorrow, (I currently have Bronchitis and my broken shoulders and ribs are killing me). I will not say that this test will prove anything definite but if there is major penetrative improvement, it could answer another myth. We shall see. Sorry for the longer missive, but I watch all your vids even my wife joins me too, she has also become a fan. Keep them coming Kev you are the best and lovely to see uncut shots of you nailing it!

[@gfreeman9843]

I remember reading something about the use of lead to lubricate arrow points for greater penetration???

[@addersbowman]

@@gfreeman9843 humm now that's interesting, my own personal issue with lead, is that after a career making stained glass, leaded lights and blowing 24% lead glass, I have enough lead inside me to be able to sit on the bottom of a swimming pool with a lung full of air:-))). But I do still have a lot of the stuff in my workshop to try it. Thank you.

[@markwatson3135]

Hello Mr. Hicks, I’ve been watching your videos and have decided I’d like to give archery a go! What is a good starting pull weight for a beginner? Also, I have friends who love mounted archery and go to clinics to practice. Could you, or have you done a video on the role and tactics of the mounted archer? Thank you for the informative and fun videos!

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Mark, depending on your strength maybe try a 35-40lb bow to start with and go up from there if you enjoy it and need to. I'd love to do a film on mounted archers but don't have a horse. I have had a go, years back at Warwick Riding School with the Knights of Middle England, maybe check them out 👍

[@vincentlavery2568]

Great stuff as usual Kevin. I have been reading about my ancestors, Irish woodkerns. Hit and run, war chant of "Abu" which means victory. The O'Neill had it down to a fine art. Apparently this is where the word hullabaloo came from. The English called it a hullabaloo when they heard it. Love your channel Kevin. I always shout Abu for every new post. 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 I've often created a hullabaloo 😜 Cheers for watching 👍

[@SparkleDonkey]

Superb shooting and story telling. Speaking as a trad archer. Chapeau.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍

[@ManFarmer]

Some absolutely badass moments in this video

[@DS-sn9jk]

"Right between the eyes" This man just demonstrated the midevil equivalent of John Wick.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 love it!

[@rexanguis214]

God bless, love your work.........enjoy your medieval videos quite a bit, which, to be honest is quite unusual for me..........I greatly enjoy the more mysterious.........would greatly enjoy to watch you do some prehistory or dark ages type of videos, sub roman, pre norman, pre roman........stonehenge culture et cetera.......love your work, god bless

[@seeyouanon29318]

Loved it Kevin, your an absolute master!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly!

[@cordellkent4790]

Kevin. This was a great clip. Thanks (again). I have been thinking about the Medieval use of poisons. I heard about a French mother of 4 (?) kings. She was part of the Medicini family. She was supposed to be an expert in poisons. Not only were poisons ingested, but also absorbed through the air, and by touch (inside gloves). How real and widespread were the various types of poisons in years gone by?

[@thehistorysquad]

Ooh, a great question but I'd have to do some research 👍

[@Hero1117a]

Always informative

[@timwin7613]

What a skill full bowan, great info

[@3rdsmite766]

AH YES! ANOTHER VIDEO, love the archery gear your wearing, looks good : D

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!

[@W4iteFlame]

I remember turning mounted archers into a shock cavalry in the first Total War game when the situation called for it... And I suspect in was done in real life too. Normal archers also have sidearms in this game, so...I have no idea how that myth was born

[@bathhatingcat8626]

Haha the landing craft and the final arrow shot are the only two things I remember about the Russel crow Robin Hood movie.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 yeah, if I remember correctly they were Higgins boats from WW2

[@ducomaritiem7160]

Yeah those landing craft made my head explode back then...😢

[@thehistorysquad]

@@ducomaritiem7160 😂 mine too

[@brandywell44]

When I was a youth I was given a Bullworker. I could barely compress it a couple of inches. However after a month or so I could compress it and hold it. Is it the same with a high tension bow, difficult but then much easier over time?

[@jamesflint9584]

The film Ivanhoe 1952 when the Normans came out of the castle and forced back by the hail of arrows. they shut the gate and about 50 arrows was fired and stuck in the door just as the Normans closed it. One of the most memorable moments for me

[@ZAV1944]

In the Arrows vs. Armor thing they often forget that there is a person in that suit of armor and they will react reflexively to being hit with an arrow whether or not it penetrates, not to mention the horses who have much less resolve than their knight counterparts when under fire.

[@RR-mg7zx]

I love Archery and this man is great wow lots of practice time

[@wendellfugate4225]

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Christmas Mate! Your English longbow seems jolly useful to the Queen.

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Queen Camilla...?

[@deedoublejay]

Entertaining and informative as usual. It's really impressive how quickly you acquire the target. How much does a change in your position or the target's affect that? Also curious how close you would let an enemy get before you switched to a melee weapon.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, I'll have to give that a try - and advertise for a willing volunteer 😜 👍

[@forevertoremain]

Good advice. Shall remember next time I’m involved in a pitched medieval battle