Recreating The Famous Robin Hood Bow - English Longbow Build

Making a traditional yew longbow using hand tools. English longbow is one of the most famous and appreciated traditional bow designs. This legendary bow used by Robin Hood has proved its value in many battles throughout the ages.

English longbow were made mainly from yew wood. Their cross-section was D-shaped with flat back and rounded belly (sapwood on the back, heartwood on the belly). Due to the certain softness of yew sapwood the tips of these bows were reinforced with cow horns to prevent the string carving through the wood.

Building this bow I wasn't aiming for a very powerful one, as the wood I had was fast growing, what makes it a bit worse compared to the slow growing yew material. Therefore for the tips reinforcement I could use red deer antlers. I left these a bit too big, but I loved the effect and couldn't help myself.

I named this bow "Cervus" due to lovely full of character antler nocks. The bow shoots sweet, smooth and quick. Love the outcome!