The English longbow is a formidable weapon whose origins trace back to the early medieval period. This monster gained prominence during the 12th century and was capable of remaining a crucial element of English military strategy until the 16th century. Initially derived from the longbow used by the Welsh, the English longbow became a symbol of national pride and military prowess. This bow had been famously used in key battles such as Agincourt(1415), where the English archers’ longbows provided superior range and unstoppable power, which allowed for a decisive outcome against French forces. The effectiveness of the English longbow lay not only in its design but also in the skill of the archers who could shoot up to ten arrows per minute.^{2 3}

Constructed primarily from yew wood, which was chosen for its exceptional strength and flexibility⁴, the English longbow could exceed six feet in length and had a draw weight often ranging between 80 to 150 pounds.^{5 6}
This allowed for the high kinetic energy required to penetrate common types of armor used at the time, which led to the average archer being able to deliver lethal blows at considerable distances.
Its use extended beyond the battlefield, even influencing English law and culture. This was shown when King Edward III mandated that all able-bodied men were to undertake training with a bow, which further cemented the significance of the Longbow and ensured a steady supply of skilled archers.⁷ The English longbow’s prominence is not merely shown on the battlefield, but also in its profound impact on military tactics, social policy, and the very identity of England during the medieval era.⁸
The English Longbow remains one of the more recognisable bows to this day, and that should be of no surprise, as the impact it had on historic archery during the middle ages was significant.

Historical Comparison: Longbows & Asiatic Bows

Despite its seemingly simple design, the longbow holds a significant place in history, offering surprising depth in its craftsmanship and impact. The master bowyers of the East were highly skilled artisans who perfected the use of composite materials in complex designs, primarily utilizing resources that were readily available in their regions. Similarly, the historical bowyers of England and Wales were adept craftsmen who refined their art to a high degree of excellence.

The Welsh laid the foundation for a bow design that would profoundly influence European history, a design later refined and perfected by the English. By focusing on the strengths of these bows while maintaining a straightforward design, they ensured that the crafting process allowed these bows to become widespread throughout England, ultimately cementing their place in archery and European history.

Unfortunately there are no direct historical sources that document battles where longbows and composite bows were the dominant bow for two armies pitted against each other. However, there are several notable conflicts where one side could have had longbowmen(W) within their army, and we know the other primarily employed composite or Asiatic bows(E).

While these two styles of bows were significant in their respective regions, one might wonder how they would compare to eachother directly on the battlefield. Perhaps if English longbowmen of the early 1400s, during the height of the Hundred Years’ War, faced off against steppe archers who had perfected the use of composite bows. Furthermore, what if these steppe archers were without their horses, facing each other in a direct archer-versus-archer conflict? Who would truly come out on top?

These are the things I often lay awake at night, pondering, and losing sleep over…

Shooting Speeds: Asiatic vs. Longbow

If we take a statistic such as “How many arrows can each shoot per minute?”, and then analyze the documented historical speeds at which each bow could fire at the enemy, we will immediately notice that the English Longbow was slower, shooting only 6 arrows per minute³⁷, with a peak of around 10-12 arrows in short bursts.³⁸
The Turkish archers in the Ottoman Empire however, were capable of shooting an average of 8 arrows p/m on foot, and 6 arrows p/m on horseback. Their speed in shorter bursts was a whopping 14-15 arrows p/m on foot, and 8-10 arrows p/m on horseback. This was in part due to the use of thumb rings, and their ability to hold 6 or more arrows in their bow hand while shooting.

Conclusion

In the opinion of an archery enthusiast who enjoys research and thought exercises, distinct advantages are offered by both Traditional Longbows and Asiatic Bows, which have been shaped by their historical contexts. The design principles, versatility, efficient energy transfer, and formidable power of Asiatic bows are celebrated, often leading them to outshine longbows in practical applications.

Asiatic Bows also excel in compactness and maneuverability, which allows specialized techniques like mounted archery and skirmishing to excel far beyond what traditional longbows are able to achieve. These traits, paired with the skill of eastern archers, allowed them to shoot with speeds unseen in the west. Pairing their specialized techniques for warfare, and the speed of which they could shoot, meant that their role in eastern warfare was crucial in both historical and semi-modern combat scenarios.

On the other hand, longbows are renowned for their unmatched power and deep historical roots. However, their cumbersome size, limited maneuverability, and greater skill demands for effective use can constrain their versatility in diverse tactical situations. A volley of arrows sent from a regiment of English Longbowmen may have been deadly, and I can say with 100% certainty that I would not willingly put myself on the opposite side of the battlefield.

Ultimately, the choice between these iconic bow styles hinges on specific needs and preferences. Each offers unique strengths that contribute to their enduring legacy in the realms of archery and historical warfare, ensuring they remain pivotal instruments in the study and practice of ancient and modern combat strategies alike.