Longbowman

Longbowman is a modern term used to decribe English soldiers whose principle weapon was the longbow. In actuality many of these soldiers would be Welsh or French as well.

In the 14th and 15th century longbowmen were recruited by Commission of Array or they also might be part of the retinue of a lord as part of a Contract of Indenture.

Generally a longbowman could expect to receive around 6d (sixpence) a day for his service in England or France, twice that of a footsoldier. Like footsoldiers, longbowmen were able to supplement their pay during war with ransoms and plunder.

In England, the practise of archery was greatly encouraged and a number of statutes were issued reinforcing this point. Boys of seven would begin archery with them being required to keep and use a bow and arrows weekly and on holidays.

Equipment

A typical longbowman of this time could be expected to found with a:

• a padded jack/gambeson/aketon possibly enhanced with a short mail shirt. This might be replaced in the 15th century by a brigandine or pieces of plate armour either purchased or plundered.
• helmet (a bascinet or later sallet or possible kettle helm)
• longbow
• bracer
• sword (typically an arming sword or falchion)
• buckler
• dagger
• badge or a livery coat or jacket
• hose (split for earlier periods or single piece for later)
• shirt
• arming doublet if plate armour was being used
• shoes (boots and spurs if mounted)
• possibly a pourpoint under a jack

Arrows were carried by wagon and were issued as required. They were often stored in arrow bags and barrels. Quivers were not part of a longbowman's usual equipment. Arrows would be tucked into belts or drawn from arrow bags which would sometimes be attached to the waist.