Crossbowman, 14th Century

Product History

The crossbow was used by William of Normandy in his invasion army which defeated the army of King Harold at Hastings in 1066. It was popular in England until the late 13th century but from the beginning of the 14th century it was replaced by the long bow. Richard I was an expert with the crossbow and was eventually killed by one at the siege of Chaluz in 1199. At the battles of Crecy (1346) and Poitiers (1356) the best mercenary soldiers were the crossbowmen from northern Italy, chiefly Genoa, who fought for the French against the English.

This crossbowman is wearing a coat of scale armour, which could have been made from metal, horn or leather. He is also wearing a quilted undertunic that would cushion the blows from weapons. He is armed with a crossbow and a sword that would be used if he ran out of arrows or was fighting in close combat.