Reflex/Deflex Longbows

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by alanesq

looking at it from the other side; if arrows would kill even if the armour did stop the arrow then why would they bother wearing it ?

To protect then from sword or lance. Vee

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by cuddles

This type of bow was an artillerymans bow.If longbow archers want to shoot traditional should they not take off there elastic bands they use as sights.Surely they were not used on the bows used at Agincourt(not sure of spelling)

Once again we have to ask what we mean by traditional in the context of the longbow. And once again I have to say that the bow used by the BLBS is NOT a traditional war bow but a recreational one - the one they were using at the time when the Society was formed in 1951.

Vee

[English Bowman]

Originally Posted by cuddles

This type of bow was an artillerymans bow.If longbow archers want to shoot traditional should they not take off there elastic bands they use as sights.Surely they were not used on the bows used at Agincourt(not sure of spelling)

Where have you heard about the artilleryman's bow? I have never heard this before, and have to ask, why and artilleryman would carry a bow at all?

Daniel.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by English Bowman

Where have you heard about the artilleryman's bow? I have never heard this before, and have to ask, why and artilleryman would carry a bow at all?

Daniel.

Not everyone realises that although artillery todays means guns, it originally referred to bows - the king's artillerer oversaw the provision of bows. It is believed by some that the name may have derived from the ' tillering' of a bow. Others think that all projectile weapons were referred to as artillery. My etymological dictionary tells me that the word comes from the Old French word artillerie meaning to equip or arm and probably a by-form of artirier - to order. In other words our bowmen ancesters would most certainly have carried an artillery bow. Vee

[steve58]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Not everyone realises that although artillery todays means guns, it originally referred to bows - the king's artillerer oversaw the provision of bows. It is believed by some that the name may have derived from the ' tillering' of a bow. Others think that all projectile weapons were referred to as artillery. My etymological dictionary tells me that the word comes from the Old French word artillerie meaning to equip or arm and probably a by-form of artirier - to order. In other words our bowmen ancesters would most certainly have carried an artillery bow. Vee

I am sure I have seen a claim somewhere that the word artillery is related to the Frech " arc tirer" (to draw a bow). But where have I seen that? My French dictionary does not support this theory though.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by steve58

I am sure I have seen a claim somewhere that the word artillery is related to the Frech " arc tirer" (to draw a bow). But where have I seen that? My French dictionary does not support this theory though.

Hi Steve - it would appear logical wouldn't it ? The words do seem to have a connection with artirier as mentioned in my previous. However, it appears that at one time the word referred to just about any type of arms.

If you want the full story try the OED.

Aaargh ! I tried to paste the URL to the specific page for artillery but it does not allow me to submit (sorry). So you will have to search for yourself.

If you have a local library which has signed up to the agreement with the OED you can search it on-line by using your library card number.

Good luck. Vee

[steve58]

Originally Posted by Artemis

Hi Steve - it would appear logical wouldn't it ? The words do seem to have a connection with artirier as mentioned in my previous. However, it appears that at one time the word referred to just about any type of arms.

If you want the full story try the OED.

Aaargh ! I tried to paste the URL to the specific page for artillery but it does not allow me to submit (sorry). So you will have to search for yourself.

If you have a local library which has signed up to the agreement with the OED you can search it on-line by using your library card number.

Good luck. Vee

Found this at etymonline.com:

c.1386, "warlike munitions," from O.Fr. artillerie, from artillier "to provide with engines of war," which probably is from M.L. articulum "art, skill," dim. of L. ars (gen. artis) "art." But some would connect it with L. articulum "joint," and still others with O.Fr. atillier "to equip," altered by infl. of arte. Sense of "engines for discharging missiles" (catapults, slings, bows, etc.) is from 1496; that of "ordnance, large guns" is from 1533.

Looks as if that's another promising theory shot to pieces!