The English longbow was copied from the Welsh who did not use yew. It may well have been ash, but I can't remember exactly. English longbows were made from imported yew grown in warmer climes. They were in fact levied as duty on imports such as brandy. 25 staves per barrel or somesuch. English yew grows too slowly and not straight enough, so planting in churchyards was definately not for bowmaking. The most plausible reason is to keep stock out of the chuchyard. There is still a law in England which says that the local priest must maintain and provide the butts for archery practice. Our local vicar didn't seem too impressed however.

Two fingers to you and especially the Argentinians.