This page for the most part will be set-up in a Myth and Fact format.

   The longbow was used primarly from the 13th to the 16th century.  During which time it was  the national weapon of the English army.  As it was and is considered the machine gun of the middle ages; accurate, deadly, possessed a long-range and rapid rate of fire.

Myth: The average bow man was around 6' and therefore the bow was 6' or taller.

Fact: The Average height of the medieval yeoman soldier was 5' to 5' 3". The bows were 5' 5" to 6' 3" depending on the draw length of its owner.

Fact: During the time of the longbows in Mid-evil Europe, they had Flemish weavers in Europe and the Standard yard was not yet set at 36". The Flemish Yard used during the time was known as the "clothyard or Flemish yard" and was Only 27 4/10".  Meaning that the archers used approximately a 28" to 29" arrow.

Fact: While Yew was commonly used during the time, it was not the only wood used.  Longbows were often made of the following woods: Yew (native & foreign), Elm, Hickory, Ash and Boxwood (?).  Later they also used Maple and Bodark (also called Osage) The foreign yew was considered to be better quality wood than the native English Yew. It was grown in the poor mountain soils of Southern France and containd less pin knots. The arrow shafts of the time were made mostly of the following:  Ash, Birch, Dogwood, Cedar and possibly sycamore.

    All of the longbows used during the time frame where Self bows.  This means that they were hand-made from a single stave of sap and centerwood wood (mostly Yew in the 13 to 15th century) with no arrow rest. With or without horn nocks for the string loop and were all around 5' 5" to 6' 3" or  65" to 75" tall/long . 
     The strings of the time were made of good hemp, fine flaxe, silk or sinew and could be reinforced by a whipping of fine thread (sort of like a string serving)

Last Updated: Sept 3rd, 2007