Did The Longbow Dominate Medieval Warfare?

Published on November 18, 2023
Duration: 32:19

This video delves into the effectiveness of the English Warbow in medieval warfare, contrasting its capabilities with early firearms. It features practical demonstrations of draw weights up to 165 lbs and arrow weights of 1500 grains, testing penetration against chainmail and plate armor. The content highlights the extreme physical demands on archers and briefly touches on historical figures like Mad Jack Churchill, concluding that while longbows were formidable, firearms eventually prevailed due to reduced training requirements.

Quick Summary

The English Warbow was a powerful medieval weapon with draw weights up to 165 lbs, capable of firing 1500-grain arrows that could penetrate average armor at close range. Despite its effectiveness as a 'force multiplier', firearms eventually replaced it due to their significantly lower training requirements, allowing for more adaptable military forces.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Longbow's Lethal Potential
  2. 01:08The English Warbow in the Hundred Years' War
  3. 02:15Bow Specifications & Draw Weight Demonstration
  4. 04:11Armor Penetration Testing: Arrows vs. Plate
  5. 06:16Heavy Bow vs. Plate Armor Results
  6. 09:15Chainmail Effectiveness Test
  7. 11:19The Archer's Physique & Demands
  8. 13:13Mad Jack Churchill: WWII Longbow Kill
  9. 16:37Transition to Firearms: Arquebus & Musket

Frequently Asked Questions

How powerful was the English Warbow in medieval combat?

The English Warbow was a formidable weapon, with standard models featuring draw weights of 100-105 lbs and heavy variants reaching 165 lbs. This allowed it to penetrate average armor at close range, acting as a significant 'force multiplier' on the battlefield during conflicts like the Hundred Years' War.

What kind of arrows were used with the English Warbow?

Arrows varied in weight, with common examples including 500-grain arrows tipped with bodkin points for armor penetration and heavier 1500-grain arrows designed for maximum impact against tougher defenses. The selection of arrow weight was crucial for effectiveness against different types of armor.

Why did firearms eventually replace the longbow in warfare?

Firearms like the Arquebus and Musket eventually replaced the longbow primarily because they required significantly less training. While the longbow demanded a lifetime of dedicated practice and immense physical strength, firearms could be operated effectively with much shorter training periods, allowing for larger and more adaptable military forces.

Did the English Warbow's draw weight have physical effects on archers?

Yes, the extreme draw weights of warbows (up to 165 lbs) placed immense physical stress on archers. This often resulted in permanent skeletal deformations, making medieval archers identifiable by their bone structure due to the constant, strenuous effort required to draw and hold the bow.

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