“A longbow is defined as the traditional type with stacked belly, horn nocks, and limbs made of wood only. All surfaces shall be convex.” From “Longbow, a social and military history by Robert Hardy” It is thought that the weapon form of archery has been around approximately 50,000 years. This from cave paintings to arrowheads found in caves across Europe and Africa. Sadly, no bows have been found but considering that they are made of wood it is understandable. During the Longbow’s high point, England’s royalty made it law that all males from ages 8 to 60 daily. As well as Archer’s pay went up as English Kings became aware of just how handy it was to have scores of archer’s on the fields of battle. It was noted at one point, an archer was paid better than the Chancellor to the King himself.
Marinus Archers a few in numbers but great in desire to participate and travel far and wide to compete with other archers in the Kingdom. Two years ago, our archers attended an annual event “Defending the Gate” in which archers shoot as a group, scored as a group and won the event! What a proud day for myself and our Barony. I started, or should I say re-started the Archery Program in Marinus. When I started “playing” in the SCA and Marinus there were no archers. It has taken time but we have grown, though our numbers rise and fall like the tide. We continue to try and bring new archers to the barony through demos and word of mouth.
The one thing about archery and the SCA, it is one of the few yet growing activities that children can get involved in to learn. I hear from parents from time to time who wonder how to keep their children occupied at events and keep them out of trouble. Archery could be the answer.
Marinus archers try and hold practice each Saturday during the year. This of course also depends upon events, weather and demos. Though, if we have a demo scheduled, our practice will be at the demo. Practice “fields” would either be at the Oceana Air Station Archery Range on Oceana Blvd across from the Horse Corral’s or at Lord Marco’s house. We would love to hear of any other location that archery could be held.
If you would be interested in joining our archers for practice, we do have a couple of loaner bows and arrows, both for adults and children. You can email Lord Marco(link my email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for direction or more information.
I will be adding more information in the future.
