Lecture: Bowmakers for the Lords of Blois

Lecture: Bowmakers for the Lords of Blois

07/11/2026 - 07/11/2026

Lecture: Bowmakers for the Lords of Blois

On Saturday, November 7, there will be a lecture on medieval bowmakers organized by the General Assembly of Friends of Archeon


About the lecture:
During the lecture, you’ll be taken on a journey through the lives of three medieval bowmakers. These bowmakers were in the service of the Counts of Blois in Schoonhoven from 1362 to 1393.
Who were these bowmakers, and where did they live and work? What did they eat and drink? What kind of clothing did they wear, and how much did it cost? What were their earnings?
Too many questions, you think? No, this is real history with realistic depth and a wealth of knowledge and insight into the lives and professions of the bowmakers.

Jankees Braam has written the book *Bogenmakers in dienst van de Graven van Blois* (Bowmakers in the Service of the Counts of Blois). It is a study of the lives and work of three medieval bowmakers in the service of the Counts of Blois in Schoonhoven. Drawing on accounts from the National Archives, the book paints a picture of their lives in medieval Holland.
During the lecture, several aspects from the book “Bogenmakers voor de Heren van Blois” will be explored in greater depth. Topics will include the differences between English archers and archers from the Low Countries, the differences between the use of the crossbow and the handbow, the construction of a crossbow, and the various components of bows and crossbows.

 

schutters2.jpg

About the speaker:
Jankees Braam from Boskoop is an enthusiastic archer who specializes in historical handbows—a hobby that has grown into much more than just that. He is also involved in crafting arrows using traditional methods, and his passion for history has led him into the world of reenactment and living history. After more than 15 years of demonstrating the craft and the art of archery at events both at home and abroad, this has resulted in the book Bogenmakers voor de Heren van Blois.

Auteur aan het werk als middeleeuwse pijlenmaker.jpg

Additional information:
Free admission for visitors to the museum park.


Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Lecture starts at 3:00 p.m.
Ends around 4:00 p.m.
Free tickets; registration required at: https://www.vrienden-archeon.nl/agenda
Location: Archeologiehuis Zuid-Holland, next to the entrance to Museumpark Archeon.

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