Archery was a skill which could be developed from childhood and it was years of practise from a young age which would create a skilled archer.
Archery had mixed fortunes during the medieval period with laws sometimes banning the use of bows and arrows and at other times, dictating that it should be practised. From one point of view, a bow and arrows was seen as a dangerous weapon, which in the wrong hands, could cause death and injury, either by accident or design.
At other times, medieval authorities valued the potential of an army of skilled archers who could be drawn from the ranks of ordinary men. Many castles and villages had their own butts, where anyone could practise their aim and compete against others. This was usually just a fun sport, but had the serious purpose of developing the archery skills which may some day be needed in battle. A man who had practised archery from childhood could be a formidable enemy on the battlefield.
As with the Viking warriors, most archers would use whatever armor and weapons they possessed when fighting. Armed and uniformed forces did exist, but many soldiers had to pay for and provide their own equipment.
