Archery

Archery is the chosen sport and method of hunting for Robin Hood. In medieval England the sport was hugely popular and archery was in common use. Most people associate Robin with using a longbow and it is likely that this type was around during that time as it is mentioned that the Normans used the weapon in the Battle of Hastings.

The longbow is traditionally five to six-feet tall and actually firing from a medieval longbow took some effort in comparison to today’s modern bows. Draw weight could be up to twice as heavy (tight) than current bows and arrows. Given the size and effort, it seems unlikely then that Robin would have practised archery from horseback.

The preferred wood for making a longbow was yew and it is thought that making one could take up to four years as the wood had to be treated and dried. The average longbow could also fire arrows of around 200 metres and again due to the effort of firing, around six arrows a minute could be fired by archers in battle.

Where To Find Archery

You can try your hand at archery at several venues around Nottinghamshire. During main visitor periods, it is not uncommon to see have-a-go archery taking place near the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest. In fact it’s a certainty at the Robin Hood Festival.

You can also enjoy testing your archery skills at Nottingham Castle as part of their Robin Hood Adventures programme! This can be booked as part of your day at Nottingham Castle, so be sure you add it to your ticket.

Pick up a bow and arrow at Rufford Abbey Activty Centre for a fun experience, which is all about giving people the chance to try archery in a safe environment. With excellent equipment and facilitated by skilled coaches, you are sure to have a wonderful time. Come and try and hit the bullseye before moving onto the boating lake, adventure golf or more!

We even have archery manufacturers in Nottinghamshire, head to KG Archery near Newark and you may get the chance to see traditional longbows being made.

The Silver Arrow Competition

Archery takes on a particular relevance in the Robin Hood legend during the tale of the Silver Arrow competition. Did Robin really split an arrow? The legend comes from the ballad the Gest of Robin Hood where Robin disguises himself to defeat the Sheriff in the competition.

Early references mention Robin ‘splitting the Wand’ which was a small piece of wood placed against the target. Whilst it wasn’t quite as difficult as an arrow tail, it would only have taken a practised archer to achieve such a feat.

With so much history and activities available in Nottinghamshire, we’re the spiritual home of archery.