What was it like to be a MEDIEVAL ARCHER?

Even with the long reach of a lance, the knight had to contend with the enemy archers before he could engage in hand-to-hand combat. Jason is joined by archer Luke Woods to discuss how archers trained, their role in battle and the power of the English longbow. They also accept a challenge to prove their worth as archers in the English army.

• Executive Producer: Jason Kingsley OBE
• Executive Producer: Chris Kingsley
• Senior Producer: Brian Jenkins
• Producer: Edward Linley
• Director: Dominic Read
• Presenter: Jason Kingsley OBE
• Subject Matter Expert: Luke Woods
• Director of Photography: Ed Mash
• Camera: Jo Taylor
• Editor: Lindsey Studholme
• Stills Photographer: Kasumi
• Associate Producer: James Howard
• Audio: Frank Newman
• Sound Design: Liam Flannigan
• Location Medic: Kevin Case
• Music licensed from PremiumBeat
• Additional Camera: Darren Cook
• Additional Camera: Neil Phillips
• Additional Sound: Elizabeth Carlyon

Special Thanks:

• Chris Payton
• Ed Savage

Twitter: @ModernHistoryTV

[markarato]

As an archer I can tell you guys: 75 pounds for an absolute beginner is insanely strong. Big congrats for even being able to draw the bow, and actually hitting the target! Amazing channel!

[oxcart]

All teachers should be like him. No pressure, just good, clear advice.

[emmarichards]

That archer is a really good teacher: clear instructions and only corrects one thing at a time.

[stevemccart]

I would rather watch this than any other show on the tele.

[dfgdfg_]

What a pleasant video, with two nice people being friendly and discussing history.

[Nanocon]

Its lovely to see an English knight and an English archer finally getting along with one another.

[todalio]

Luke Woods is an amazing guest to have. Great sportmanship, encouraging to a newbee and acting humble. I love that.
He looks so happy everytime he just hands another arrow.

[madmeerkat]

Have met and shot with Luke. Total gentleman and very nice guy!

[isaytheenay]

A life spent training for that one special moment where you finally hit an adventurer in the knee.

[antonrudenham]

That big bloke is exactly how I reckon 'Little John' of Robin Hoods Merry men fame looks.
I've now got to try and unsee him in green tights though!

[karatechop]

I love how damn POSITIVE they are with each other! They’re both so respectful and chill! I’m having fun just watching them have fun.

[rinunculartoo]

I shot a bow for over 40 years, started at age 9. By the time I was in my late 20's I practiced 2 hours a day over 60 metres range with postage stamp sized targets. I could group 3 arrows on a postage stamp from 60 metres 65lb draw weight 3 fixed pins. I have a drawer full of gold, silver and bronze medals competed for in Field Archery. ( Bowhunting)
One day, I realised I was not actually using those pin sights, but shooting instinctively, so threw them away and went bare bow, without pins, and continued scoring into the 500's.
At age 63 I now have Scoliosis of the spine, as did most of the ancient Archers. Had to give up bow shooting all together. I really miss my bow shooting
and if I could repeat my life, I would do it all over again. Great vid guys, keep it up. The secret to being a good Archer, is start at young age, about 8 and slowly work up to heavier weight bows over a long period of time. Practice on very small targets, this hones your natural instinct and ability to judge depth of field and arrow trajectory. It's like a force that dwells within.
When you shoot targets at competition level, you have something most if your competitors do not, you can pick out a spot on the target face, or 3D animal target, much smaller than your competitors can, and strike hard with your first arrow.
A young man with a bow that is too heavy, will never shoot well. A well disciplined archer with the right weight bow and well spined arrows can be as accurate as a target rifle, in absolute silence.

[ichifish]

I really like that this wasn't "reality show style" where the host trains for a month before the show. Really liked the authentic instruction.

[jasonmgavitt]

This mans demeanor is awesome.hes all smiles I love it!

[FORGIVEN]

very patient and relaxed teacher, absolutely no pressure. It is a pleasure to watch him to instruct the other guy.

[Tamiro]

Time & Time again i am taken in by the clear straight forward, non-Hollywood style of documentary. I am impressed by your simplicity and yet great depth of knowledge. Thank you!

[alexkok]

Those 12 minutes just flew by like they were nothing

[gregorheuer]

How could you not show the other guy shooting?! HOW?

[Aerophina]

So wholesome, so out of place for YouTube these days. Love this kind of content. This is what modern history channel and discovery lack.

[kuna]

:) Little John discussing the warfare with a knight! That's so super!