Genoese 1245.
Five hundred Genoese cross-bow men were sent against the Milanese in 1245, and these unfortunate men being placed in front of the line, were taken prisoners by the enemy, who, to revenge themselves for the havoc done by their bows, Treatment of.cruelly punished each with the loss of an eye, and amputation of an arm.
Cross-bows at Cressy 1346.
There were 15,000 Genoese cross-bow men in the front rank of the French army at the battle of Cressy, 1346.
At siege of Le Roche de Rién.
The next year we find that Charles, Earl of Blois, had at the siege of Le Roche de Rién no less than 2,000 in his army.
Corporation of Arbalisters 1359.
The “Corporation des Arbalestriers de Paris,” in 1359, consisted of two hundred members. In 1373, their number, as fixed by a royal ordinance, was eight hundred. They were not bound to serve beyond the limits of their district without the consent of the Provost of Paris. There were both foot and mounted cross-bowmen in this body.
Cross-bow encouraged by Edward III.
Edward III., though he wished principally to encourage the long-bow, could not help seeing the advantages which might be derived from the cross-bow, from the accuracy of its shot, and its convenience on horseback. No English in wars of Edward III.It does not appear that, in the long wars of Edward with the French in this century, cross-bowmen were raised in England, Genoese mercenaries.though they were supplied by Genoese contractors on various occasions for service at sea. In 1363 the king caused public proclamation to be made, in order to encourage its use.