Archery

Archers made up the bulk of late medieval English armies and were highly valued. The principal weapon was the wooden longbow (a victorian name). This weapon proved devastating during the Hundred Years War and beyond. Arrows are typically fletched with goose feathers and tipped with iron heads of various design, from 'bodkins' to 'broad-heads'.

Reenactment arrows are rubber tipped ('blunts'). During a battle arrows are 'lobbed' skywards and allowed to fall a little short of the opposing line. Most people have a set of sharp arrows for exhibition shooting and use the group stock of blunts for battles.

Most battles have an 'archery duel' after which the archers withdraw. It is the policy of the Woodvilles to allow archers to duel and then become mobile. A non-combatant can be handed archery equipment and alternative weapons can be picked up by the archer if they wish.

The group has an appointed Archery Captain who has responsibility for all of our archers on the field. This is largely a safety measure.

A good bow can be bought for around £120 (see our Links Page).
Crossbows

Crossbows were common in all medieval armies. Although they are slower to load than a longbow they are often more powerful and accurate over long distances. They are also mastered with less practice.

A crossbowman, or 'arbalestier' was particularly useful in targeting individuals and defending fortifications. Because of the time needed to reload a bow, the crossbowman would sometimes use a shield called a 'pavise'. This would be carried forward and propped up in front of the crossbowman providing a shelter behind which to reload.

Crossbows shoot 'bolts'. Blunts can be purchased for battle displays. Sharp bolts can also be bought and fitted with a number of different heads. The Woodvilles do not hold their own stock of blunts, but do have a pavise.

Guns

Guns generally come in two forms: handguns and cannon. By the 15th century gunpowder had been in use for over 250 years.

Handguns range from the simple 'pole-gun' (like a small cannon on a pole) to the 'arquebus' (with a butt and trigger mechanism). Many gunners of the period were paid mercenaries. Like the crossbowman the gunner might use a pavise during reloading.

Cannon were less used in the field due to difficulties in transportation, mobility and weather conditions. They were more useful in siege warfare.

For legal details surrounding the ownership of guns, 'black powder' and their use, the group gunnery captain should be consulted (see contacts section). If you are thinking about purchasing a gun it would also be a good idea to consult your local police force.

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