DarylS
(.700 member)
16/12/14 04:22 AM
Full length shot of the Arrows - Warbow thread

A better picture of the arrows.



I should note here, that the bows brought up on Henry VIII's flag ship, the Mary Rose, varied in weight from around 85 pounds, up to about 180 pounds. These weights were arrived at from carefully drying out many of the bows, then knocking, stringing and weighing them. Also, comparisons were made to today's bows, of the same stature and sizing. Of course many of the originals broke in this endeavor, however this range of draw weights was ascertained, regardless.

The Mary Rose rolled and sank in the harbour in 1535. Some speculate she was too top heavy with the cannon of the day. Most of her crew, marines, bowmen as well as the sailors, were drowned.

I have read- couldn't say just where, now, that by the time a lad reached puberty - maybe 15 then? that he was expected to pull an 80 pound bow.
Henry VIII was much involved in archery and other sports, as was Elizabeth his daughter. Henry was so enamoured with archery as a weapon of war, he outlawed some the popular games of the period, one of which was 'Bandy Cock' and some others of equally odd names,, decreeing that any leisure time be spent at the (archery) butt's in practice. Also- there were range limitations, or rather than no one (other than women) shall shoot at a mark closer than 100yards.



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