Poitiers Supper – Scintillating Talk, Much Bowyer Conviviality !
On Wednesday 13 November 2024, 40 Bowyers and guests met at Davy’s Truckles Wine Bar by the British Museum, to be entertained by a brilliant talk by our long-standing member, Court Assistant Myles Archibald, and to enjoy a highly convivial 3-course Bowyers’ meal together, of Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Sauce, Sirloin Steak and Chips, and Sticky Toffee Pudding or Cheese.
Myles began his talk with the 14th/15th century battlefield (and naval) supremacy of the longbow, in its ultimate sophisticated form exemplified by the bows surviving from Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose in 1545, averaging 6’6″ in length with 150lb draw weight, shooting 30″ steel-tipped arrows.
He then moved on to what we know about older large bows. Going back several thousand years every part of the world except Australia had bows and arrows; some particularly large bows have survived from being icebound in Denmark, Germany and the Alps, including Ötzi’s 6′ bow from before 3000BC. Bows then were quite rarely made from yew; they could be made from any wood that was to hand. Bows over 100lb draw weight have been found made of plum, ash, wych elm and holly. Fascinating stuff!
The Master, Sir David Wootton, wrapped up the formal part of the evening with very warm thanks to Myles for his superb talk, and to Past Master Tony Kench for organising the event.
