How a Professional Medieval Bowman Actually Shoots the Longbow

Despite the fame of the English longbow at battles like Crécy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, there are surprisingly few detailed medieval descriptions explaining exactly how archers shot these powerful weapons. In this video, Kevin Hicks — former professional medieval bowman at Warwick Castle — explores the technique of the medieval archer, drawing on decades of personal experience with the longbow. Referencing historical sources including Roger Ascham's Tudor treatise Toxophilus, Kevin demonstrates his own developed style and makes the case that there was likely never a single "correct" way to shoot a war bow.