The English war bow was feared throughout Europe in the 14th century. The English at one time had to train with a war bow by law from an early age. They were the “kings of the battle field.” The terror however caused by the English and their war bows were not only down to their magnificent weapon but also because of the ammunition it fired.

Broad head arrows

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The broad head arrows were designed to cut through flesh unprotected by armour, horses were prime targets, the broad head would slice through flesh ripping deep into man or beast driving the target mad with pain. Also the broad heads had long barbs which made it even more painful and dangerous trying to get them out. Before firing these arrows it was easier to have them sticking up from the ground. This made the process of firing faster but also had the effect of the dirty ground (often urinated on first) making the arrows yet more deadly sometimes infecting a wound.

Bodkin arrows

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The bodkin arrows were designed to pierce armour and they were very good at it. The design of the bodkin was intelligent and deadly. The best bodkin arrows around would have a normal arrow shaft apart from one small difference: the first six inches after the point were made of oak to give the arrow extra punching force and weight. The point itself was described to be as long as a man’s middle finger. It had no barbs for that would make it harder to go through armour (it would try to split it instead of just punching a hole in it).