Description
Also known as the “Forest Bill,” the “Black Bill,” or the “Brown Bill,” this polearm was a common sight on medieval battlefields. George Silver, a 16th-century English swordsman and weapons writer, counted it among the deadliest two-handed arms of his day,long before the advent of firearms or flying machines. English infantrymen wielded the bill from around 1300 to 1620, appreciating its reach, cutting power, and ability to adapt to many combat situations.
Crafted by blacksmiths from high carbon steel, the blade was carefully shaped and heat-treated to endure the hammer blows and strain of battle. This toughness meant the bill could deliver heavy slashes and also hook or pull riders from their horses. Typically, the blade was mounted on a strong wooden shaft,often ash or oak,to provide the necessary balance and leverage. In the forge, the union between blade and shaft was crucial; a secure fit ensured the weapon would not fail when swung or thrust. For modern displays or reenactments, a simple wooden dowel can serve as a shaft, though it lacks the seasoned resilience of traditional timber.
Fun fact: The English Bill’s design grew out of farm tools used for pruning and cutting branches, transformed into a weapon capable of both cleaving and hooking,qualities that made it particularly effective against armored knights and cavalry.
