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40

What ancient English law required all men between certain ages to practice archery regularly?

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sports

Medieval English kings mandated regular archery practice to maintain a ready supply of skilled longbowmen for warfare. These laws, enforced from the 13th through 16th centuries, even banned other sports like football on Sundays to ensure men practiced with their bow and arrow (Deals) instead. The English longbow became one of the most devastating weapons (Review) of the Middle Ages as a direct result.