The science
A longbow is typically made from a single yew wood stave. The beauty of yew is that it is a natural lamination of two types of wood. The cream-coloured sapwood resists tension so is placed to the back of the bow. The dark honey-coloured heartwood resists compression and so is placed at the front.
These natural properties produce a weapon with incredible power. Arrows can leave a longbow at over 140mph, and their effective range can be as great as 180 metres (590 feet).
Against plate armour
Tests at the Royal Military College of Science Testing Ground at Shrivenham investigated longbow performance in both range and against plate armour. It was discovered that the arrow can lose velocity rapidly after leaving the bow and that accuracy and damage were more easily achieved at shorter distances.
In tests against a steel breastplate, a bodkin-tipped arrow would dent the armour at 80m (260ft), puncture it at 30m (98ft) and penetrate right through plate and underlying doublet coat to the flesh at 20m (65ft).
Longbow versus crossbow
Tests were also conducted to determine the rate of fire from a longbow compared to the crossbow used by some professional and mercenary soldiers. In a 30-second time trial, the longbow could loose nine arrows, whereas the crossbow managed only four bolts. At over twice as fast, the longbow was certainly a formidable weapon, especially at close range.
