The Purbrook Bowmen are one of the country’s premier archery display teams. We are dedicated to accurately showing archery of the past, as opposed to the Hollywood myths. Our aim is to educate and entertain in equal measures, not only through our displays, but also by taking time to talk to the public and answer questions between shows.

Our standard display lasts for ½ an hour and features the bows and costumes of the middle ages, effects of different arrows, including the armour-piercing bodkin points, and crossbow archery. Our display can easily be adapted to suit your requirements.

All our archers are highly experienced and we have within our ranks:

• 2 Hampshire County Champions
• 2 National Champions
• 3 Hampshire Record holders
• 1 National Record holder
• 3 GNAS Coaches
• 3 Bowyers

We can run a supervised “have-a-go” session (space permitting), with safe beginners equipment and a "Knock the Knight down" castle, and/or with “real” bows and sharp arrows.

Whilst we accept that 100% authenticity is not possible, we do strive to get as close as we possibly can. Our displays are carried out in full period costume. We also try to ensure that anything that we say has been checked to be historically accurate. We try not to repeat clichés and myths with no firm basis in fact.

We have done experiments with reproduction bows and arrows to check our theories on the ways that these weapons were used, and dispel some common misconceptions.

We are all members of the Grand National Archery Society (GNAS), which provides us with public liability insurance of £5,000,000 indemnity.

We are very safety conscious and always work to GNAS guidelines. We have safety nets that are set up in the event of the absence of a safe overshoot. We also have our own qualified first aider.

We are a non-profit making organisation, all our shows are done at cost price.

Most of our shows have led to repeat bookings, and these include The Mary Rose Trust, Portsmouth Museums Trust, English Heritage and The Royal Armouries.