English Longbowman 1330–1515

Featuring illustrations throughout, an in-depth exploration of the English forces that used the most effective missile weapon of the Late Middle Ages.

Describes the uniforms, weaponry, military practices and daily life of the English Longbowman, most often recalled in connection with Henry V's victory at Agincourt but, as this volume shows, widely used from the 11th century onwards.

The English military ascendancy which lasted from the mid-14th to the early 15th century was founded upon defensive tactics based on the use of the longbow.

This weapon, distinctive in that it was used by English forces alone, was probably the most effective missile weapon of the Late Middle Ages. Its arrow had the same penetrative ability as a modern day bullet and the bow's rate of fire was not equalled by any weapon used by English forces until the adoption of the Lee Enfield rifle at the beginning of the 20th century.

Featuring illustrations throughout, this is an in-depth exploration of the life of an English longbowman.