Editing English longbow (section)

=== Length ===

A longbow must be long enough to allow its user to [[bow draw|draw]] the string to a point on the face or body, and the length therefore varies with the user. In continental Europe it was generally seen as any bow longer than {{convert|1.2|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The [[Society of Antiquaries of London]] says it is of {{convert|5|to|6|ft|m|abbr=off}} in length.<ref>{{harvnb|Kaiser|1980}} footnote 5, citing "The Berkhamsted Bow", Antiquaries Journal 11 (London), p. 423</ref> Richard Bartelot, of the [[Royal Artillery Institution]], said that the bow was of yew, {{convert|6|ft|m}} long, with a {{convert|3|ft|mm|adj=on}} arrow.<ref>{{harvnb|Kaiser|1980}} footnote 6, citing Major Richard G. Bartelot, Assistant Historical Secretary, Royal Artillery Institution, Old Military Academy, Woolwich, England. Letter, 16 February 1976</ref> [[Gaston III, Count of Foix]], wrote in 1388 that a longbow should be "of yew or [[boxwood]], seventy inches ({{convert|70|in|m|disp=output only}}) between the points of attachment for the cord".{{sfn|Longman|Walrond|1967|p=132}} Historian [[Jim Bradbury]] said they were an average of about {{convert|5|ft|8|in|m}}.<ref>{{harvnb|Bradbury|1985|loc=|p=75}} </ref> All but the last estimate were made before the excavation of the ''Mary Rose'', where bows were found ranging in length from {{convert|1.87|to|2.11|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}} with an average length of {{convert|1.98|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}}.{{sfn|Staff|2007|p=6}}