The longbow versus the crossbow

In my continuing efforts to educate readers about Robin Hood and Medieval history in general, I will turn my attention to your lesson for this week. The longbow versus the crossbow. What does it matter? I hear you cry. They both kill you. Isn’t that the most important thing? You would not be wrong, but each weapon has advantages over the other, and any historical fiction fan worth their salt will need to know the difference.

Whether he is portrayed in literature, TV or comic strip, you will never see Robin Hood without his bow. A longbow to be precise. The longbow was the commonly used weapon by most outlaws, given that most outlaws were peasants and would have been trained in the longbow since childhood. All men were expected to come to the defence of the manor if their lord was attacked. Henry III actually made archery practice compulsory. The longbow has an impressive range as it can be accurate up to two hundred yards and penetrate chainmail. It’s also possible to nock and loose several arrows in the time it takes to load a crossbow.

The crossbow has a far shorter range, but requires much less training. It’s also easier to carry and capable of penetrating plate armour. Crossbowmen were always paid less than a traditional archer as the added skill had to be taken into account. Providing the archer had a good position, a bowman could decimate a large force. Numbers don’t always equal success. One of the few things Hollywood does get right. The upshot, be grateful neither bow is used in fighting today.