The Longbow-Crossbow Shootout At Crécy (1346): Has The "Rate Of Fire Commonplace" Been Overrated?

Abstract

Then the Genoways again the second time made another leap and a fell cry, and stept forward a little, and the Englishmen removed not one foot: thirdly, again they leapt and cried, and went forth till they came within shot; then they shot À ercely with their crossbows. Then the English archers stept forth one pace and let Á y their arrows so wholly [together] and so thick, that it seemed snow. When the Genoways felt the arrows piercing through heads, arms and breasts, many of them cast down their crossbows and did cut their strings and returned discomÀ ted. When the French king saw them Á y away, he said: "Slay these rascals, for they shall let and trouble us without reason." Then ye should have seen the men of arms dash in among them and killed a great number of them: and ever still the Englishmen shot whereas they saw thickest press. 1