The Draw Weight of English Longbows at Crécy, Agincourt, and Towton: A 400-Year Legacy of Archery Mastery

Understanding the English Longbow and its Draw Weight

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The English longbow, a significant weapon in the medieval arsenal, played a crucial role in the battles of Crécy, Agincourt, and Towton. This article explores the average draw weight of English longbows during these pivotal engagements and sheds light on the formidable impact of these bows on the battlefield. From the detailed estimates of draw weights to the exceptional accuracy and force they delivered, this piece delves into the history and effectiveness of the English longbow.

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Crécy 1346

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The battle of Crécy in 1346 saw English archers facing off against the knights of the French elite C_dep_squared. Historical records suggest that the longbows used by the English archers had an average draw weight ranging from approximately 100 to 150 pounds, with some exceptionally powerful bows reaching up to 180 pounds. This draw weight provided the archers with the necessary strength to shoot arrows with significant force and range.

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Agincourt 1415

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The battle of Agincourt in 1415 continued to rely on longbows, primarily ranging from 100 to 150 pounds. However, there is evidence that some archers employed bows with draw weights exceeding 150 pounds. This contributed to the devastating effect of their volleys, which played a critical role in the English victory. By modern standards, the draw weights of the longbows at Agincourt tended to be on the heavy side, with an average around 160 pounds.

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Towton 1461

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The battle of Towton in 1461 saw longbows with draw weights still within the 100 to 150-pound range. Some historical accounts suggest that some archers used even heavier bows, potentially up to 180 pounds. These draw weights were crucial for the longbows' ability to penetrate armor at effective ranges, further enhancing the English forces' success in battle.

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Training and Skills of the English Archers

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The training and skills of the English archers were a critical factor in their mastery of the longbow. In Wales, archery training began at the tender age of 7. By the time the archers reached 18, they were capable of comfortably handling a 160-pound bow. They were expected to achieve a remarkable rate of 12 arrows per minute, hitting a man-sized target at 220 yards. This was a formidable skill, and a well-hit target at 100 yards was often required to join the King’s Army.

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Accuracy and Impact of the English Longbow

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While the English longbow was known for its effectiveness in volleys, individual accuracy was also significant. At the battle of Agincourt, Henry V had 4,000 archers, and their names were even recorded. If each archer could lose 10 to 12 arrows a minute once combat started, the visual impact would have been tremendous. However, at local tournaments, such as the annual tournament at the village butts, many archers demonstrated exceptional accuracy by hitting the bullseye at 100 yards.

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This was not a mere suggestion but a reality. Archers like Howard Hill, who notably demonstrated accuracy in popular movies, were an approximation of the skill of medieval archers. Many medieval archers were simply better than the modern interpretations.

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Conclusion: A 400-Year Dominance

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The English longbow's draw weight varied over its 400-year history but consistently provided the required strength and range to be a dominant force in Europe. The combination of skill, training, and equipment made the English longbow a formidable weapon that continued to shape the course of battles and, by extension, the balance of power in medieval Europe.

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