A report of the findings of the Defence Academy warbow trials Part 1 Summer 2005

Abstract

In 1992, Peter Jones established a scientific benchmark for the discussion about the effectiveness of the medieval longbow. Since then it has often been employed as the basis for those seeking to demonstrate, compare or contrast or re-evaluate the historical role played by this weapon system. While the authors of this paper acknowledge the importance of Jones's tests in establishing a foundation for the scientific analysis of the effectiveness of the medieval longbow, it must also be acknowledged that some of the assumptions in the tests made by Jones are now considered flawed or have otherwise been called into question by shifts and developments in historical opinion. The aim of these tests was to complete a series of trials repeating the work done by Jones to a standard that is satisfactory to traditional archery experts, historians, blacksmiths and academics alike, allowing a new evaluation of the power and effectiveness of the longbow and its performance against armoured targets concurrent with current historical opinions from a range of disciplines. Once the tests were completed, the team would try and recreate the results in the laboratory to provide a basis for future testing.