TRAD: THE GERMAN STYLE

English archery traditions date back to the Middle Ages, to the Welsh and Scottish wars, to the French battlefields of Crécy and Agincourt, and to the mandates of Edward III and later kings, making archery practice compulsory for every able-bodied man throughout the realm.

When the bow became obsolete as a weapon of war in the 16th century, it remained in use for hunting and for recreation in the hands of a number of enthusiasts, from those of royal and noble blood down to the common man. Then popular disciplines like roving the marks, clout, wand shooting, or shooting at the butts still echoed the military practices of old. Change came slowly, though perhaps inevitably, but archery, and in particular the longbow, have always remained part of the English heritage.

In this historical development, however, England stands out among all other European countries. Germany, for example, has no military archery tradition to speak of. In medieval times, the