'A fun shoot to commemorate': Preston's 'medieval archers' line up for Hundred Years War shoot
The Samlesbury Longbow Archers have been meeting since 2004, and this week kicked off a medieval competition inspired by the 1415 Battle of Agincourt.
More than 6,000 people have been killed and at least 700 captured after a clash between French and English soldiers in northern France.
Thankfully, it was 611 years ago - but that doesn’t mean the Battle of Agincourt (or Azincourt, in its native French) isn’t still being remembered today.
On Friday (October 23), the Preston Grasshoppers Ruby Union Club found itself besieged by medieval soldiers, all part of the Samlesbury Longbow Archers.
The group hosts a range of events across the year, including an annual ‘Battle of Agincourt’ shoot - often their most popular date of the year.
Far from a re-enactment, Preston’s Battle of Agincourt sees archers from Lancashire and beyond compete in shooting down targets depicting English and French knights.
Awards are given out for the sharpest shooters, the best dressed, and also to the archer who hit the most of their own side’s targets.
Agincourt Day commemorates a historic battle which took place near Azincourt, France, on October 25 1415.
It was said to be a battle which turned the tide of the Hundred Years War in England’s favour: it saw Henry V lead at least 9,000 English and Welsh soldiers against 12,000 French soldiers, though the numbers have long been disputed and may in fact be more imbalanced.
King Henry V of England won a decisive victory against the French, led by Charles d’Albret, the Constable of France, and used it to make his claim for the French throne.
That said, though Henry may have won the battle, he did not ultimately win the war - the Hundred Years War would continue until 1453 with a French victory at the Battle of Castillon.
The main reason that England is said to have won the Battle of Agincourt is the sheer strength of their longbowmen - a tradition which, through groups like the Samlesbury Longbow Archers, continues to this day.
The Archers, who are based in the Preston Grasshoppers Ruby Union Club, have more than 40 members, and have been shooting since 2004.
According to one archer, it’s all done in the name of fun and friendship.
“[Agincourt Day] is just fun, it’s a fun shoot,” he told the Lancashire Post. “It’s a fun shoot to commemorate. We don’t dislike the French - we love the French, of course.
“A lot of people just come for the friendliness. It’s a bit of company.”
The Samlesbury Longbow Archers meet on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, though members may shoot on any day once a probationary period has passed.
Further details on how to join the Samlesbury Longbow Archers is available on their website.