Tony is the bowyer fletcher of the Ferrers household. Bow makers, called ‘Bowyers’ would make the war bows, a famous 15th century weapon, from woods like yew. These are the strong woods that enable the bow to be placed under tremendous pressure and tension.
Bows carry a poundage. The bigger the poundage, the pulling strength, the better and more dangerous the bow. The archers on the field were formidable soldiers and highly skilled. They would start being trained from the age of 8 and by adulthood would have strongly developed arms, chests and backs.
The arrows used on the battlefield would have been ‘fletched’. This is the process given to adding the feathers to the arrow shaft. This is a skill in itself as each feather is perfectly placed, angled and cut for a desired effect. Each feather is glued in place using a 15th century resin and a yarn is used to secure firmly in place. Arrows were made and designed for different purposes, so a hunting arrow would look much different to a battlefield arrow or those used for practise. The arrow heads, made by our blacksmith, would be one difference, the feathers the other.
Why not ask Tony, Captain of our archers or the blacksmith to explain and demonstrate in more detail. There are many sayings that have arisen from archery in the 15th century. Sayings such as ‘keep it under your hat’ and ‘that’s a cock up’. To find out more about these sayings, fletching, bow making be sure to ask Tony at one of our events.
