In England the yeomanry were given economic and social incentives to practice archery. Anyone who practiced archery at twice-weekly practices given by the Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant of the County or Muster Sergeant (usually the latter) for a quarter was excused the next quarter's salt tax. Anyone who could pass a specific archery test was automatically a Freeman, regardless of prior condition. King Edward III, who instituted these and other inducements for the commons to become proficient archers, also came down hard on nobles and gentry who abused the archers.
After Agincourt (1415) the French tried to establish their own corps of longbowmen. However, they didn't provide the economic or social incentives the English did, so the French effort failed.
Source: Joseph Dahmus, A History of the Middle Ages. New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, 1995, pp 320-322.
After Agincourt (1415) the French tried to establish their own corps of longbowmen. However, they didn't provide the economic or social incentives the English did, so the French effort failed.
Source: Joseph Dahmus, A History of the Middle Ages. New York: Barnes & Noble Publishing, 1995, pp 320-322.
