Norman Conquest Encyclopedia
Archers
Archers formed an important part of Norman forces as can be seen in the Bayeux Tapestry. The skill does not appear to have any particular association with class as both well-dressed and ragged archers are shown using the selfbow.The English, on the other hand, made little use of the bow.This upset Norman tactics at the Battle of Hastings as the number of arrows carried by an archer was limited and they expected to pick up and fire back the arrows of their opponents. As a result the failure of the first arrow-storm to shake the English warriors left the archers out of contention until fresh supplies of arrows could be brought up later in the day. Then, and crucially, Harold was wounded by an arrow in or near his right eye and soon slain.
Related Reading:
- The Normans (Elite 9)
- Saxon Viking Norman (Men-at-Arms 85)
- Anglo Saxon Thegn (Warrior 5)
- Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition)- The Fall of Saxon England
(Campaign 13 )
A Norman archer. Most were unarmoured, only one mailed man being visible on the Bayeux Tapestry. (© Osprey Publishing Limited from Campaign 13 Hastings 1066 , by Christopher Gravett, artwork by Rick Scollins)