Archers were themselves generally peasants or freemen. You’re talking about a huge stretch of time and a wide range of cultures so absolutes are less true than trends.
Conscription and use as it applied to semi professional soldiers like archers was very much a thing because they were quite useful. By semi-professional I mean their training was encouraged rather than subsidized by the governments outside of wartime.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assize_of_Arms_of_1252
“Whereas the people of our realm, rich and poor alike, were accustomed formerly in their games to practise archery – whence by God's help, it is well known that high honour and profit came to our realm, and no small advantage to ourselves in our warlike enterprises... that every man in the same country, if he be able-bodied, shall, upon holidays, make use, in his games, of bows and arrows... and so learn and practise archery.”
Henry the 3rd’s decree about practicing archery drills regularly across the peasant population really worked out well for the English during the 100 Years War- they were able to field high numbers of dangerous and skilled ranged warriors and allowed for the massive victories like Crécy and (of course) Agincourt.
Yes but we should be careful with the word “drill” as I’m not sure how much formal and coordinated training occurred vs just being told to go to the archery range before or after work every day. A quick search didn’t tell me the details.
Not that I think you’re claiming this, but the Assize of Arms 1252 certainly didn’t mean archers were training in volley fire.
I believe it was legal obligation on the weekends- so in that way it was semi formalized. I think the results of the English bowmen speak for themselves, but I don’t think volley fire was necessary or present on the battlefields of the 100 years war.
Conscription and use as it applied to semi professional soldiers like archers was very much a thing because they were quite useful. By semi-professional I mean their training was encouraged rather than subsidized by the governments outside of wartime.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assize_of_Arms_of_1252 “Whereas the people of our realm, rich and poor alike, were accustomed formerly in their games to practise archery – whence by God's help, it is well known that high honour and profit came to our realm, and no small advantage to ourselves in our warlike enterprises... that every man in the same country, if he be able-bodied, shall, upon holidays, make use, in his games, of bows and arrows... and so learn and practise archery.”