Mediaeval Mythbusting: Archers & Arrowheads

The fifth in the Triskele Heritage 2021-22 Winter Series of lectures.

Following on from the popular Lockdown Lectures which, ran from January to May 2021, this new series of monthly lectures by buildings archaeologist James Wright will examine commonly held myths about the mediaeval period.

The image of doughty English mediaeval archers is a common one that often inspires great pride and nationalistic fervour. Stories of the great arrow-storms which apparently defeated the French at Crecy or Azincourt are often told. Back at home, visitors to parish churches are frequently guided towards strange grooves in the walls which were apparently created by the very same archers whilst sharpening their arrowheads before going off to battle.

However, much of what we think that we know about mediaeval archery is derived from received wisdom. Using a close examination of the contemporary sources, buildings archaeology, anthropology and experimental archaeology this talk will attempt to better understand the lived experience of soldiers of the period.

The speaker, James Wright (Triskele Heritage), is an award winning buildings archaeologist. He has two decades professional experience of ferreting around in people’s cellars, hunting through their attics and digging up their gardens. He hopes to find meaningful truths about how ordinary and extraordinary folk lived their lives in the mediaeval period. He is the author of the popular Mediaeval Mythbusting Blog.

All you need to do is register via Eventbrite and – when the time for the talk rolls around – grab your favourite beverage of choice, get comfy and enjoy.

The event will take place at 17:00GMT on Wednesday 23 March 2022 .

Booking is now available via Eventbrite.

Due to our licensing agreement with Zoom tickets for each event will be limited to 495 places. If you cannot make it after booking, please do return your ticket so that someone else can enjoy the talk instead.

Please note that this live event will not be recorded and made available online afterwards.

If you have a question about the event – in the first instance please see our FAQs section. The answer will almost certainly be in there.

*** If you have any problems accessing this event please email with your booking reference to james@triskeleheritage.com ***