Edward of Bristol - Household Archer

The life of a Household Archer

Although there was the potential under the posse comitatis to call out every able bodied man between the ages of sixteen and sixty to undertake up to forty days military service in a crisis, the professional soldier was always the preferred option.

It was these reliable and skilled individuals that formed the backbone of household and royal retinues throughout the Middle Ages. It was their skill with the War bow that led to the many famous victories against the French during the Hundred Years War.

Edward's story...

Edward, now known as Jim Crow was born in Bristol, at the very heart of the Earl of Gloucester's land. His father was a craftsman, skilled in making the great bows that proved so invaluable in the wars against the French and Scots. He became famous for using only the best Spanish Yew for his bows and was considered to be a master craftsman by many of his clients.

Edward also became a bowyer like his father before him and at the same time learned the skills necessary to use this devastating weapon.

During the 1330's he found himself working for lord Hugh Despenser. This in turn led to him accompanying the soldiers on campaign to repair their bows and provide replacements. It was not long before Edward found himself at the sharp end, using the bow in battle and taking part in the killing.

This was just the start, over the years he has campaigned from the frozen hills of Scotland to the green fields of Gascony. Step by step he advanced from being just another albeit very talented, bowman of the Despensers to a captain of archers.

War took its toll, campaign life has become much harder as Edward was no longer in the first flush of youth! With this in mind the commander of Lord Despensers archers sent Edward to be a household archer at the manor of Cosmeston. Here he is called Jim Crow to signify one of the most important tasks that he undertakes. He takes position upon the highest tower of the manor and surveys the surrounding lands ensuring that all is well.

This has caused a few altercations between Edward and Caradog, for Caradog is also Sir Williams scout and feels greatly affronted by this upstart Englishman doing part of his work. However, as far as Sir William is concerned he needs an Englishman and a Welshman in this role to keep an eye on all of the manor lands.

Edward the Jim Crow lives in the small barracks within the manor house defences.