Anglo Saxon Spears and arrows

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Tengu

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Jan 10, 2006
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Wiltshire
My dissertation is going haywire. Google scholar is not helping much with my query. but some of you might know.

The Anglo Saxon Spear, and how far it could be thrown. (assuming its not a dedicated javelin, -though they had them.)

Also Anglo Saxon arrows, weights and ranges.

Phew!

Since this is for my impact testing (I have axes and will use a machete in place of the scramaseax) I need examples of these things.

I would like to borrow a spear (or buy, see what turns up) and I do need arrows. Has anyone anything suitable.

(I will add, Viking would be completley acceptable)
 
I have to ask....why would they want to throw their spear ? it's a close quarters/ melée weapon. If he's thrown it away he's unarmed, iimmc ?

Anyway, local re-enactment group is probably your best bet. I think the Morvleydh is down your way.
http://morvleydh.co.uk/index.html

Best of luck with it :)

M

p.s. Beaten to it by Hamish. Link added.
 
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Thank you. I will get in contact with them.

I want a generic spear to thrust with. more common, I feel.

Interestingly Riddle 23 in the Book of Exeter is about a bow
 
Try messaging Tod of Todstuff - he has a youtube channel. Mostly about crossbows, but covers other medieval and earlier stuff. Doesn't just talk about gear, he builds and tests it.
 
Weapons were not standardised in the past, so you might get a huge range in the variables you request.

Arrows were more standardised, I beleve supplied by the local lord the archer served. Made in the thousands and kept at the local stronghold.
Or is that after the Normand liberation?
 
There's a guy on YouTube with the handle Lindybeige who has some interesting history and historic weapon vids. You may find something there?
Yes check on that channel and a few others and you will find a wealth of information about historical arms and armour. Roland Warzecha is worth a look as well.
 

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