Bowyers and Fletcher

Bowyer and Fletcher are historical terms referring to craftsmen specializing in making bows and arrows. A bowyer is a skilled artisan who crafts bows, typically from wood, shaping and smoothing the material for strength and flexibility. A Fletcher is a maker of arrows, choosing, fletching (adding feathers or vanes), and attaching arrowheads to ensure accuracy and performance. Together, bowyers and fletchers supplied archers with the tools needed for hunting and warfare. Their craftsmanship was vital in societies where archery played a central role, reflecting a high level of skill in woodworking and material selection.