NEW CENTURY BOWMEN
History
The loosing of arrows from a bow is probably one of the oldest military disciplines still in practice today. It is probable that the bow was one of the first equipments of its kind in which energy could slowly be massed, temporarily stored and swiftly released with control and direction. Moreover, with regular practice this process could lead to great accuracy over distances of two to three hundred yards, a statement that is as valid today as it was five hundred years ago.
Almost every race on earth has used the bow and arrow at some time in their history.
The loosing of arrows from a bow is probably one of the oldest military disciplines still in practice today. It is probable that the bow was one of the first equipments of its kind in which energy could slowly be massed, temporarily stored and swiftly released with control and direction. Moreover, with regular practice this process could lead to great accuracy over distances of two to three hundred yards, a statement that is as valid today as it was five hundred years ago.
Almost every race on earth has used the bow and arrow at some time in their history.
In the 14th & 15th Centuries English bowmen became legendary. The bowman was the single most significant factor to revolutionise the medieval concepts and old traditions of warfare.
What's in a name?
New Century Bowmen continues to promote this noble skill taking on a more modern name from their predecessors from the 13th Century, not, as most people believe from the 21st. In 1277 at the beginning of the the Welsh Wars, Edward III hand picked a special force of "One Hundred Archers from Macclesfield" hence the use of the word "century".
So good and accurate were these bowmen he paid them 3d a day for their skill. Some of today's modern archers show similar expertise too, our secretary, Ann Shepherd has been Ladies National Field Archery Champion five times and World Champion twice. James Forbes, a club member, is currently on the GB compound bow squad and ranked 6th in the UK.
Times have changed, so has the humble bow, but both it and Macclesfield are still thriving. The principle however, remains the same. If you’ve never tried or considered archery as a sport, come and meet New Century Bowmen and find out for yourself by doing a beginners course, or "have a go" at any of the fetes and fairs we attend.
Times have changed, so has the humble bow, but both it and Macclesfield are still thriving. The principle however, remains the same. If you’ve never tried or considered archery as a sport, come and meet New Century Bowmen and find out for yourself by doing a beginners course, or "have a go" at any of the fetes and fairs we attend.
For the Techies
GPS location N 53.30711º, W 2.11377º.
OS Grid SJ 9250 7890
GPS location N 53.30711º, W 2.11377º.
OS Grid SJ 9250 7890
Multimap Link HERE.