|
The
Crossbow > Chapter 6 > Shortbow
and Longbow in Relation to the Crossbow > p.31
Chapter VI
The Shortbow and Long Bow in Relation to the Crossbow
Fig. 13. - Archer and Crossbowman of About 1370.
The kneeling figure is fitting his belt-claw
to the string of his crossbow, preparatory to bending its bow. 2
In the Bayeux Tapestry, though no crossbows
are shown, many Norman soldiers are depicted carrying bows and arrows,
the bows being short bows and not longbows. The longbow
can usually be identified, as its length was about the same as the height
of the man who carried it. In this pictorial and contemporary representation
of the Conquest of England, there is only one British bowman to be found,
and he is bearing the ordinary Saxon shortbow
1. The bow was
little used by the Saxons at the time of the Conquest, their chief weapons
at that time being spears and axes, both of which they cast at the enemy
when he approached sufficiently near.
The shortbow, and the primitive crossbow
with its bow of solid wood, or of wood, horn and sinew, were probably equally
effective in early medieval warfare, the crossbow being, perhaps, the more
efficient of the two weapons in the case of men wearing mail, or carrying
leathern shields.
It was when the powerful longbow, as used
by foot-soldiers only, appeared, that the crossbow
with its wood, or horn and wood, bow was completely overmatched.
1 See Plate LXV. in the history and description
of the Bayeux Tapestry by F. R. Fowke, 1898.
In reference to the above, Edward A. Freeman in his History
of the Norman Conquest of England, vol. iii. p. 472, writes ' Only one
English archer is represented in the Bayeux Tapestry.'
2 See Chapter XV.
for a description of the belt claw.
The Crossbow
> Chapter 6 > Shortbow and Longbow in Relation
to the Crossbow > p.31
Save up to 50% with Multi-Plan Deals
|
2 Plans $19.95 FREE Shipping
- Save Over 30%
U.S. Orders Only |
|
Get a Book of Catapult and Trebuchet Plans
Book of Catapult Plans
On Amazon.com
"Build Three Working Model Catapults, Easy to Build Plans
and Instructions"
|
Build Three Working Model
Catapults, Easy to Build Plans and Instructions is ideal for anyone
looking to build authentic, working model catapults.
This book contains professionally designed, step-by-step plans and instructions
for building three working model catapults:
The Stone Throwing Ballista, da Vinci's Spring Catapult and The Highland
Trebuchet using parts and materials available from your local home center,
or hardware store.
The straightforward designs require no complicated layout or joinery
and include:
-
A Complete Parts and Materials Shopping List
-
Measured Drawings and Dimensions for All Individual Parts
-
Step-by-Step Assembly Drawings
-
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
-
Detailed Construction Notes
-
Step-by-Step Firing and Tuning Instructions
-
A Photo of the Completed Catapult
|
Working Model Trebuchet Kit |
|
Trebuchet
Kit
TK1
|
$75.00
FREE Shipping
U.S. Orders Only |
|
|
|
The trebuchet kit includes fully precut and drilled
frame parts, pins and axles, sling cord and sewn pouch, projectiles and
fully illustrated assembly and firing instructions.
Unlike the flimsy, snap together plywood trebuchet
kits, our all hardwood trebuchet kit does not require additional cutting,
trimming or shaping.
Requires only white carpenter's glue and a few
bar clamps (not included) to assemble.
Read
More >> |
Build a Trebuchet From Plans
|
|
-
Materials Shopping List
-
Complete Parts List
-
Measured Drawings for All Parts
-
Step-By-Step Assembly Drawings
-
Construction Details and Notes
-
How a Trebuchet Works
-
Illustrated Firing Instructions
-
Illustrated Tuning Instructions
-
Picture of the Completed Trebuchet
|
Fully Assembled Working Models |
|
daVinci
Trebuchet
T4 |
$299.00
FREE Shipping
U.S. Orders Only
|
|
|
|
Inspired by the great war machines and siege catapults of Leonardo da Vinci
, this all Red Oak
hardwood trebuchet features
an open counterweight cabinet for range and trajectory adjustment.
Individually crafted from cabinet-grade red oak, the da Vinci Trebuchet
stands 14 inches tall in the cocked position, 24 inches tall in the fired
position and will hurl a projectile up to 60 feet. Includes six projectiles
and fully illustrated instructions.
Read
More >> |
|