English Longbows

An English longbow is defined by its length, the cross-section, and the curves of the tiller. The English longbow, as found in the warship the Mary-Rose, is a simple bendy stick, usually a fist-measure longer than the archer's length. The crossection is almost as deep as it is wide and resembles the shape of a capital "D:" With the minimal width to depth ratio of 8:5. In medieval times, English longbows or warbows were made from a single piece of yew (Bot. Taxus Baccata) or white woods such as Elm or Ash. The bows had Horn nocks (so the string does not eat through the softer wood). English bows were relatively easy and fast to make and required little or no engineering, making is affordably available for the English armies.

Nowadays, English longbows require very little practise to give satisfying results. As English longbows were drawn to the ear (historically) they are longer than more modern longbows like the American style bows. The full wooden construction requires a long bit of wood usually 190-200 cm making the bow fit for drawlengths over 28 inch.

Historically, English longbows were for very heavy arrows and had very high drawweights. These days we are no longer used to such straining archery practises and draw weights usually range between 25 and 60 lb measured at a 28 inch drawlength. Experienced archers usually get into the bow a bit more and use a drawweight around 50 lb for 3d archery and hunting. Do not start with a high draw weight, as you will not achieve proper form and may develop bad habits in your archery routine.

At fairbow bow woods are selected with great care. Only the best woods survive the selection. After cutting bowwoods to size for lamination, the wood is graded again, and only the best is stored for kits or our own laminations. Laminating is performed in a temperature- and pressure-controlled environment using modern techniques and adhesives. The staves are shaped in and tillered by hand. After tillering real horn nocks are glued on and the bows are again checked for correct tiller. All the English bows are scrutinized so we can give you a full-year warranty. After varnishing and oil treatment, the bows are checked again and fitted with a leather grip. We stock bows for immediate delivery, and we also make English longbows to your specifications. Custom bows can take up to 5-7 months to make. Our bows need little aftercare apart from periodically replacing the Flemish strings, and an occasional wipe with furniture wax.