Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on January 30, 2026, 05:54:55 pm

Title: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: stuckinthemud on January 30, 2026, 05:54:55 pm

These are the drawings of finds from Waterford in Ireland.  The archaeologist identified all of them as bow fragments but noted some quirks, like one had a completely straight edge.  I think some are now, but some are not, more likely being crossbows. Anyway , I hope you find them interesting and I'd love to hear your thoughts.


(https://stuckinthemudsite.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/screenshot_20251025-193656-e1769805361399.png)

Title: Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: jameswoodmot on January 31, 2026, 04:56:47 am

Thanks for posting that, got a link to the original paper?

Title: Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: stuckinthemud on January 31, 2026, 06:49:08 am

(https://stuckinthemudsite.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/screenshot_20260131-095641.png)

Title: Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: stuckinthemud on January 31, 2026, 06:54:40 am

(https://stuckinthemudsite.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/screenshot_20260131-095506.png)

This is the full catalogue entry from the last page of the book, which has only a very short discussion on archery of the period.  For what it's worth, they believe that fragment 4, 6 and 7 are bows (archery) where I believe they are not  >:D

Title: Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: jameswoodmot on February 09, 2026, 08:01:45 am

Here are some photos

https://scytta.wordpress.com/2023/06/28/archery-material-in-the-national-museum-of-ireland/

Title: Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: stuckinthemud on February 09, 2026, 07:12:32 pm

You are amazing, I have been trying to get some photos for a very long time. Thank you !

Title: Re: Medieval Irish bow and crossbow drawings
Post by: jameswoodmot on February 09, 2026, 08:16:02 pm

glad to help. I was actually looking for pics of the Ashcott heath bow if anyone knows of any?