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How The Long Bow Became The Deadliest Weapon Of Its Age

History Hit・53 minutes read

Evidence of hunter-gatherer ancestors in Yorkshire, earliest complete bow in Britain from 11,000 years ago, and the evolution of archery are explored, highlighting the importance of bows in hunting and warfare throughout history. The Battle of Towton in the Wars of the Roses exemplifies the deadly impact of war bows with archers playing a crucial role in the battle's outcome.

Insights

  • The discovery of the oldest complete bow in Yorkshire, made of Willowwood and dating back 11,000 years, offers valuable insights into Mesolithic hunting methods, highlighting the early use of archery in Britain.
  • Archery played a pivotal role in British history, evolving from a hunting tool to a powerful weapon in warfare, with bows made from yew trees becoming essential due to their natural laminated wood structure, shaping the dynamics of English Civil Wars like the Battle of Towton in the 15th century.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the bow in British history?

    The bow holds a crucial role in British history, with the discovery of the world's oldest complete bow in Yorkshire dating back 11,000 years. This finding marks the earliest evidence of archery in Britain, showcasing the beginning of a significant relationship with the bow. From its origins in hunting to its evolution as a powerful weapon, the bow has played a vital role in warfare and hunting practices throughout history.

  • How did archery evolve over time?

    Archery evolved significantly over time, transitioning from primitive hunting methods to sophisticated military archery. The journey of bow-making from hunter-gatherer ancestors to medieval Europe involved the shift from Birch to stronger woods like U, Witch Elm, and Ash. Bow strings also evolved from animal sinew to hemp, flax, and linen, showcasing advancements in materials and techniques. The development of arrowheads from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age marked a significant shift in weaponry, highlighting the continuous evolution of archery.

  • What role did archery play in medieval warfare?

    Archery played a crucial role in medieval warfare, with bows and arrows becoming essential weapons on the battlefield. The coordinated use of archers, like Welsh archers inflicting heavy casualties on Anglo-Norman invaders, showcased the deadly power of archery. The Hundred Years War saw the bow become England's main weapon, with a Royal Decree mandating archery practice for all Englishmen. War bows, like those found on the Mary Rose ship, were crucial for shooting heavy arrows and inflicting damage on the battlefield, emphasizing the importance of archery in medieval warfare.

  • How did archery impact the Battle of Hastings?

    Archery played a pivotal role in the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a significant moment in English history. The clash between Anglo-Saxon King Harold and William of Normandy saw archery as a crucial weapon on the battlefield. The site of the battle covered in thousands of dead bodies commemorated the victory and atoned for the bloodshed, showcasing the impact of archery in warfare. Archery became ingrained in British warfare after the battle, solidifying bows and arrows as crucial weapons in medieval conflicts.

  • What insights did the Battle of Towton provide into archery?

    The Battle of Towton, one of the bloodiest battles fought on English soil during the Wars of the Roses, provided valuable insights into the deadly power of archery in English Civil Wars. Yorkist forces, consisting of two-thirds archers and one-third professionals, highlighted the importance of archery in warfare. Lord Falconberg, the Yorkist commander, utilized the wind advantage to launch volleys of arrows at the Lancastrian forces, showcasing strategic archery tactics. The battle resulted in thousands of casualties, mostly Lancastrians, emphasizing the devastating impact of archery in medieval conflicts.

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Summary

00:00

"Earliest British bow reveals ancient hunting methods"

  • The Farmland landscape in Yorkshire has revealed evidence of hunter-gatherer ancestors, including the world's oldest complete bow found 10 years ago.
  • The bow discovered in Yorkshire is the earliest evidence of archery in Britain, marking the beginning of a significant relationship with the bow.
  • The series aims to explore the history of the bow, from its use in hunting to its evolution as a powerful weapon.
  • Traditional archery involves competitive practices like roing, where archers aim at marks to improve accuracy.
  • The oldest complete bow, made of Willowwood, dates back 11,000 years and offers insights into Mesolithic hunting methods.
  • Star Car, a crucial archaeological site in Britain, unearthed various organic objects from the Mesolithic era, shedding light on ancient practices.
  • Archaeologists at Star Car discovered headdresses made from red deer skulls, modified fungi, harpoon points, and Flint tools.
  • Dr. Barry Taylor leads a new dig near Star Car, aiming to find evidence of early Mesolithic occupation and organic materials.
  • The excavation at Star Car has provided valuable insights into the lives of hunter-gatherers, showcasing their carpentry skills and hunting methods.
  • Inspired by the excavation, the narrator visits the York experimental archaeological research center to craft a replica arrow using Mesolithic tools and materials.

17:03

Evolution of Bows and Arrows in History

  • The journey of bow-making from hunter-gatherer ancestors to medieval Europe involved the transition from Birch to stronger woods like U, Witch Elm, and Ash.
  • Bow strings evolved from animal sinew to hemp, flax, and linen over time.
  • Todd, an engineer specializing in historically accurate tools and weapons, demonstrated the development of bows from the Mesolithic era to the Middle Ages.
  • A Mesolithic-style arrow, made with tiny stone tools, showcased the early hunting methods.
  • The transition from primitive hunting arrows to sophisticated military archery was a significant advancement.
  • The evolution of arrowheads from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age and beyond marked a shift in weaponry.
  • The Bayeux Tapestry, post-Battle of Hastings, provided insights into medieval warfare and weaponry.
  • The draw weight of bows, crucial for their effectiveness, was highlighted during testing.
  • Armor and weaponry, including arrows with leaf-shaped heads, were tested against mail armor for their impact.
  • The Battle of Hastings in 1066, a pivotal moment in English history, saw the clash between Anglo-Saxon King Harold and William of Normandy, with archery playing a crucial role.

32:33

Evolution of War Bows in English Battles

  • The site of the Battle of Hastings on October 15, 1066, was covered in thousands of dead bodies, commemorating the victory and atoning for the bloodshed.
  • Archery became ingrained in British warfare after the battle, with bows and arrows becoming a crucial weapon.
  • Yew trees were essential for making bows due to their natural laminated wood structure, providing the necessary power and stretch.
  • The slow growth of yew trees led to a shortage of bow wood, pushing the development of archery further.
  • The Middle Ages saw the coordinated use of archers on the battlefield, with Welsh archers inflicting heavy casualties on Anglo-Norman invaders.
  • The Hundred Years War saw the bow become England's main weapon, with a Royal Decree mandating archery practice for all Englishmen.
  • The development of arrowheads evolved to counter tougher armor, with different types designed for specific purposes like piercing through armor.
  • War bows, like those found on the Mary Rose ship, were crucial for shooting heavy arrows and inflicting damage on the battlefield.
  • Armor, like breastplates, evolved to resist arrows and other weapons, with layered protection and fluting to deflect arrows.
  • The Wars of the Roses in the 15th century showcased the deadly power of war bows in English Civil Wars, with the Battle of Towton being one of the bloodiest battles fought on English soil.

49:52

Tudor Archery: Key Role in Warfare

  • Yorkist forces consisted of two-thirds archers and one-third professionals, highlighting the importance of archery in warfare.
  • Lord Falconberg, the Yorkist commander, utilized the wind advantage to launch volleys of arrows at the Lancastrian forces.
  • The battle involved hours of brutal hand-to-hand combat, with the Yorkists eventually breaking the Lancastrian lines.
  • The remaining Lancastrians fled to a valley where thousands were cut down by pursuing Yorkist troops.
  • The battlefield terrain funneled combatants towards a lake, leading to a chaotic and deadly situation.
  • Estimates suggest between 28,000 to 36,000 casualties, mostly Lancastrians, in the ghastly battle.
  • Skeletons from the Battle of Towton show evidence of violent deaths, including sword and arrow injuries.
  • Archery practice led to a condition known as os acromiale, evident in skeletons from the period.
  • The Mary Rose, a famous shipwreck, provided insights into Tudor archery with the discovery of well-preserved longbows.
  • The longbows recovered from the Mary Rose shed light on the true role of archery in Tudor warfare, showcasing the significance of this weapon in history.
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