English Longbow - How It Works

When Henry V fought the battle at Agincourt, he had to pawn the crown jewels of England to pay for his war.  He had more archers than any other type of soldier because, as surviving documents show, the archers were cheaper. 

This video clip, from Battlefield Detectives - "Agincourt's Dark Secrets," provides background on the archers and explains how the English longbow was made and used. 

Move the video forward, to 4:00, for specifcs on the longbow.

Credits

Clip from Battlefield Detectives - "Agincourt's Dark Secrets," original air date December 6, 2003.  Online, courtesy The History Channel.