interesting article about the longbow - although Id heard that it originated in Wales. Ie. Henry V's grandfather discovered it being used in there (My source Connections - James Burke)
and it was the weapon that decimated the French nobility in Crecy and Agincourt - plus the fact that the French Knights on horseback charged through marshy ground, getting stuck and making easy targets.

the other interesting tidbit - dont know whether its true, supposedly the UK two finger salute (reverse victory) comes from longbow references - ie. captured English longbowmen would have their index and middle fingers chopped off - rendering them useless for archery.
so often they would show their bow fingers to the French to show they still have them and to refer to Crecy & Agincourt.