In praise of the longbow......... and just before this thread closes off and
we get back to meaningful issues.
While living in France a few years ago, I had photocopied quite
comprehensive details of the longbow's size and structure - including the
arrows. Over the course of about a month, I did my best to make a replica -
using the correct timber but substituting ultra high strength nylon cord for
the important bit. Then I made some arrows, though the pheasants and their
associated feathers weren't to hand to make the 'flights.' I made do with
styrene sheet.
In a word, I can only say this killing instrument can be summed up in one
word - DEVASTATING. I made six arrows in total - and only found one, half a
mile away! From what I was able to learn from my photocopy, the longbow was
fired high so that the weight of the arrowhead gathered speed in its fall.
These were released from their longbows in two phases. First arrow goes
high, second arrow went horizontal - both arrived at the target at more or
less the same time.
My French neighbours were impressed at my doings in my little workshop and
enquired as to what it was and for what it might be used. When the words
Crecy Agincourt and Poitiers issued from my lips, it has to be said the
previous 'entente' I had enjoyed with them began to lack the hitherto proven
element of 'cordialite.' It seemed at that point better not to mention other
conflicts such as Trafalgar and Waterloo!
Never underestimate the Welsh - and they've got delightful tenor voices too
when assembled in a Choir.
Jonmac
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