Another Thread about The Norman Conquest.

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Does anyone know when the Welsh longbow was first created and put in the field? Because I had an idea about having Harold get a contingent of Welsh archers in time for Hastings. I know he fought in Wales, but whether the Welsh would help their old enemies I do not know. Longbows would outrange Norman short bows. At Hastings the English had only javelins and stones to throw at the Normans. If not Welsh longbowmen, then English archers would do. I know the English suffered at Hastings because they could not reply to the Norman missile fire.
 
Afaik, there is no consensus as to when the Welsh longbow was first created and used. I certainly think it is possible – it was the answer I had in mind to a question I asked a while back.

As to where the Welsh archers would come from…
In 1063, after defeating Gruffydd ap Llewelyn, Harold placed (after swearing of oaths and giving of hostages) Gruffydd’s half brothers Bleddyn and Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn in charge of north Wales.
South Wales (where the longbow is thought to have originated) was a more disputed area; in August 1065 Caradog ap Gruffydd destroyed a ‘hunting lodge’ at Portskewett that Harold had ordered constructed. Before Harold could retaliate the Northumbrians rose up against Tostig and chose Morcar for their earl. Morcar marched south to meet with his brother Edwin who had many Welshmen with him.
Who were these Welshmen? Doubtful if they were Caradogs. Treacherous Bleddyn and Rhiwallon? Maybe but more likely ‘exiled’ supporters of Gruffydd (who had an alliance with Edwin and Morcar’s father.)

Sorry for the history lesson. Hope it gives you ideas...:)
 
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