Welsh bow facts for kids

A Welsh bowman from the 13th century.

The Welsh bow, also known as the Welsh longbow, was a powerful weapon used by Welsh soldiers in the Middle Ages. Unlike many other bows, it was often made from elm wood. This made it very strong and effective in battles.

What Made the Welsh Bow Special?

The Welsh bow was known for its incredible strength. It was not only good for shooting arrows far away, but also tough enough for close-up fighting. This made it a versatile weapon for Welsh warriors.

How Powerful Was the Welsh Bow?

A writer named Gerald of Wales described the Welsh bow around the year 1188. He wrote about the bows used by men from Gwent, a part of Wales. Gerald said these bows were "stiff and strong." He even shared a story about how powerful they were.

An Example of the Bow's Strength

Gerald of Wales told a story about a battle where a Welsh archer shot an arrow. The arrow hit a soldier who was wearing strong iron armor on his leg. The arrow went right through his armor and then through his leather tunic. It even went through part of his saddle. Finally, the arrow went deep into his horse, killing the animal. This story shows just how much force the Welsh bow could deliver.

Did the Welsh Bow Inspire Other Weapons?

The amazing power of the Welsh bow might have had a big impact. Some historians believe it helped inspire the creation of the famous English longbow. The English longbow later became a very important weapon in medieval warfare.