Nicopol final battle 1398
Nicopol final battle 1398
In 1363, Edward III issued a proclamation requiring able-bodied men to practice archery on Sundays and feast days, banning other sports like football and dice. This was not merely a prohibition of leisure activities but a strategic move to ensure a steady supply of skilled archers for England's military campaigns. This practice was part of a broader system that transformed regional archery skills into a national military asset. The English longbow, a simple yet powerful weapon, was central to this system. Crafted from yew, these bows required significant strength and skill to use effectively, skills that could only be developed through years of practice. See our article on the Arming the Archers: Yew, Statutes, and the Supply Chain Behind the English Longbow.
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