The Dominant Hand of English Longbowmen: A Misconception and Its Historical Evidence

For centuries, the traditional belief has been that English archers held their longbows in their dominant hand, typically the right hand for most archers. However, recent studies and evidence suggest a different story. This article delves into the historical facts and analysis that challenge this long-held belief and unveils the true method used by medieval longbowmen.

Dominant Hand Technique: Archery in the Medieval Period

In the Middle Ages, particularly during battles like the Battle of Agincourt, longbows were key weapons on the battlefield. The technique of handling a longbow involved drawing the bowstring back with the dominant hand, while using the other hand to stabilize and aim the bow. This method was crucial for effective shooting.

A Scientific Approach to Modern Archery

In contemporary archery, the concept of a dominant hand is less prominent. Modern archers often draw back the string with the hand corresponding to their dominant eye. This is based on the fact that a majority of individuals (around 70%) are right-eye dominant and thus, hold the bow in their left hand for better aim. The current approach emphasizes the use of the dominant eye for better precision and accuracy.

From Dominant Hand to Dominant Eye: A Shift in Technique

During the medieval period, the use of the dominant hand for holding the bow and the other hand for aiming was common practice. However, recent studies have shown that the bows themselves and the shooting technique of longbowmen were different from modern standards. Longbowmen would typically draw the bowstring to their ear, which meant that aiming through the arrow's shaft (as is done in modern archery) was impossible.

Archaeological Evidence and Superstitions

The remains of longbowmen discovered in various archaeological findings have shown that most archers were right-handed, even if they were right-eye dominant. There are a few possible reasons for this:

Ignoring Dominant Eyes: Medieval archers might not have been aware of the concept of dominant eyes. Therefore, they trained all archers the same way, regardless of their dominant hand or eye. Superstitions: The belief that certain actions, especially writing or archery, should only be performed by the right hand was prevalent in many cultures, possibly influencing the training and use of longbows. Shooting Technique: The intense power generated by longbows required a different technique. The need to draw the bow to the ear meant that aiming through the shaft was not possible. Therefore, the dominant eye became less critical.

Challenging the Movie Cliché

Common portrayals in movies often show archers holding their bows at full draw until the enemy comes into range. However, this is a significant misrepresentation. Longbowmen had to aim and shoot quickly to avoid being shot down themselves. Maintaining a fully drawn bow for a long period was practically impossible with the powerful longbows used in the Middle Ages. Any archer who could hold a bow at full draw for an extended period would likely be called out for it and forced to use a lighter bow.

Conclusion

The myth that English longbowmen held their bows in their dominant hand is just that - a myth. Historical evidence and modern archery techniques suggest that longbowmen were right-handed, even if they were right-eye dominant. The unique shooting technique required for medieval longbows played a significant role in shaping the method used by these archers. Understanding this historical context provides a more accurate portrayal of medieval archery and the skills required to master the longbow.