There are two main types of English longbow. The Victorian pattern recreational longbow and the medieval warbow. Both differ in several respects.
The medieval style warbow has a segment or galleon profile and is used mainly for distance shooting rather than accuracy. These bows cannot be used for BLBS competitions except flight shoots due to the heavier weights. The weights for these bows are also considerably more than the Victorian bow typically between 80 to 150 pounds. For more info on warbow prices and specifications click here.
The Victorian pattern bows are tillered with a elliptical profile with a stiff handle area. This allows the bow to be relatively free from shock on release and steadies the bow as the shot is taken. This allows a more accurate shot and is normally used for target archery and BLBS shoots.
These are made specifically to the individual archer's specifications up to 70lb draw weight and a draw length to suit the archer. Victorian pattern longbows come complete with a single loop laid in Flemish string, black buffalo horn nocks, a horn or bone arrow pass and a leather or velvet handle.
All bows sold through this site also include a one year warranty from the date of receipt.
This backed longbow has a
hickory/bamboo backing and a
lemonwood belly. The handle is leather or trimmed velvet braid and comes complete with a horn
arrow pass.
Price: £220
The standard longbow has a hickory/bamboo backing
with a
lemonwood belly and a centre lamination. The handle is
either leather or
trimmed velvet braid. This bow is an improvement over the 2 laminate bow with
the
Price: £250
This three laminate bow is as the Standard Longbow but
with a yew central core instead of one of greenheart or purpleheart. The yew
core is tapered to fit the profile of the bow. The
inclusion of yew improves the cast and adds authenticity giving a bridge to the
longbows of the past. This bow is set back by one inch at the handle.
Price: £290
This is a yew bow that has been backed with hickory/bamboo. It makes for a tougher bow than a self yew bow as the hickory will not dent as easily as sapwood yew. This bow is set back by one inch at the handle. The handle can be either leather or velvet braid.
Price: £390
The self yew is the top of the range when it comes to the English longbow. The yew used is imported from the USA where the best yew is currently found. The sapwood is used as a natural backing with the heartwood as the belly.
Price on application
Other longbows can be made to individual specifications,
for example four or more laminates or a bamboo backing. Advanced tiller
profiles for all bows including Perry (forced) reflex is also available. Handle designs and
horn nocks are flexible and can be made to order. Carriage or take-down longbows
can also be made in all the styles above. Other bow woods are available for you to choose your own
custom design. There is currently a stock of yew, hickory, bamboo,
bubinga, purpleheart, santos rosewood and osage orange.
Price on application