Discover the evolution of warfare with the English army's shift from the longbow to the musket.
The longbow, a marvel of medieval craftsmanship made from resilient yew wood, once dominated the battlefield with its remarkable range and accuracy. Yet, the dawn of a new era was heralded by the invention of gunpowder - a powerful concoction of saltpetre, charcoal, and sulphur. Gunpowder’s explosive potential revolutionised warfare, leading to the creation of the musket.
Initially cumbersome and slow to reload, early muskets nonetheless offered unmatched firepower capable of piercing the toughest armour. As technology advanced, so did the musket, with improvements in design enhancing accuracy, reloading speed, and reliability.
This shift was not merely about weaponry but efficiency. Longbowmen required years of training to achieve proficiency, whereas musketeers could be trained in a fraction of the time. This advantage was crucial for building powerful, flexible armies capable of adapting to the rapidly changing dynamics of war.
Learn about the archery terms and musketry terms we still use today.
Hear about the captivating journey from the yew-crafted longbow to the gunpowder-driven musket, marking a pivotal transformation in military history.
The venue will need to supply 2 large village hall-type tables.
The travelling costs will be stated from the outset so there will be no nasty surprises. Payment is at the time of the presentation, or within 7 days if a prior agreement has been made. An Invoice will be supplied.
This presentation is NOT suitable for Zoom.
PLEASE NOTE - the audience is encouraged to handle the items, but the muskets may only be handled UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF THE PRESENTER.
