English Longbow Instructions

An English longbow is a weapon first used in medieval times. Longbows were usually made out of yew, ash or elm, and were over 6 feet in length. The weapon has entered folklore due to its use by Robin Hood and at the Battle of Agincourt. It is not a difficult weapon to use, but is hard to master because it requires a large amount of physical strength to get the velocity and distance required on the arrow.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow string
  • Arrows
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Instructions

    • 1

      Warm up the bow wood before attaching the string so the shaft is suppler. Do this by rubbing it with a soft cloth.

    • 2

      Place the loop of the bow string over the top of the bow and slide it down the shaft until it fits into the nock, or groove, at the base of the bow.

    • 3

      Run the shaft of the bow behind your left leg and place the bottom, where the string is attached, behind your right foot. This will give the appropriate bend to the shaft when pressure is applied.

    • 4

      Put pressure on the top of the bow with your left hand, pushing it down and away from you until the string can be looped over and attached to the nock on the upper limb.

    • 5

      Place the nock of the arrow onto the string so the shaft rests roughly in the middle of the bow above where your hand will be. Modern long bows have a cloth handle attached, but original bows did not.

    • 6

      Draw the arrow back, holding it between your thumb and index finger. Look down the shaft of the arrow toward the target, then release. When aiming, remember to factor in the vertical distance the arrow will drop as it travels to the target.