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An
interview with Kevin Hicks, The Warwick Bowman
The Warwick Bowman, Kevin Hicks, can be seen most days entertaining, amusing, amazing and
informing crowds of visitors who come to that jewel of the midlands, Warwick Castle.
Impressing people with his bowmanship and providing a fascinating historical perspective
on the military history of England. His marksmanship, story-telling and wit make for a
great spectacle where history is made fun and where the horror, frenzy and tactical
manouverings of the battle of Agincourt come alive in one's imagination. Kevin kindly
agreed to answer some questions for www.retrosellers.com
Images as supplied by PF Digital
The Warwick Bowman
This article is the intellectual property of www.retrosellers.com and cannot be
reproduced without express permission.
Digger: How did your interest in history and passion for archery come about?
Warwick Bowman: My father always instilled into me a sense of pride in our history.
As a boy I was encouraged to play Robin Hood, which very quickly turned into a quest for
more knowledge.
Digger: How long has it taken you to get to the standard you have reached and how
difficult is it to maintain?
Warwick Bowman: I achieved a high standard of accuracy very quickly just by training
myself as a lad. I am long-sighted, so just look and instantly focus on the target and
release. A Cheyennen Indian saw me shoot and told me I was one with the bow which his
ancestors called the spirit of the bow living through me.
Digger: How do you think you would have faired in 1415?
Warwick Bowman: Having been a soldier in the British army, and serving in dangerous places
and situations, I already know that I can fight. Therefore I reckon I would have just got
on with it the same as everyone else.
Digger: What sorts of competitions have you been involved in and how did you get on?
Warwick Bowman: Only as a youngster and for fun at Warwick. Now I am hard to beat but as a
lad I was up against modern bows with sights whereas I had a long bow, but I still managed
to hold my own. They didn't like that and made me unwelcome, so I turned my back on the
sport.
Digger: If somebody wants to go about learning archery, what are the best steps?
Warwick Bowman: Go to your local sports hall and ask. If not, Yellow Pages - there are
plenty of clubs about.
Digger: What have been the funniest moments while you have been doing the archery
demonstrations at Warwick?
Warwick Bowman: I once shot the flag pole five out of six shots from the front of
the castle. The arrows that missed frightened the night security guard who forgot I was
shooting and had gone for a stroll. Also when the peacocks come to see where the arrows
come from, and two ducks that I feed often land in front of the target when I am
performing and I have to chase them off. The funniest times are when I play the audience
up - we really do have a laugh.
Digger: How would you describe the atmosphere at Warwick Castle?
Warwick Bowman: Great!
Digger: How popular is archery as a sport and recreational activity these days?
Warwick Bowman: It's growing all the time, especially with the longbow.
Digger: Is it true that there are still laws which say that we should be practising
archery on a regular basis?
Warwick Bowman: I am not sure. I think they may have been repealed at the end of the
seventies.
Digger: How are you with a Crossbow as opposed to a Longbow?
Warwick Bowman: Just as good with all shooting weapons - my whole family appear to be dead
shots.
Digger: Would you like to be able to go back in history, even if just for a short time?
Warwick Bowman: Oh yes, just to see if we have got it right. Also to taste the food, beer
and girls just in case it's different to today!
Digger: Do you think we learn from history and do you think that people have changed much
over the centuries?
Warwick Bowman: No we don't. Still people are starving and still we spend, spend, spend on
war. People must have changed but I think our basic instincts are still the same.
Digger: Are you a good darts player too or do you archery skills lose their relevance
then?!
Warwick Bowman: Not the best but I do enjoy a game.
Digger: Could you recommend any re-enactment societies, clubs or venues if people would
like to see demonstrations of archery, battles, jousting and so on?
Warwick Bowman: I could give a list but it would be too long. Best track down the
entertainment lists from English Heritage, Warwick and the National Trust.
Digger: Do you think mankind will ever lay down all arms and become peaceful by
nature?
Warwick Bowman: When we are all dead.
Digger: Why do you think people are so interested in nostalgia and retro, be it
recent history or more distant?
Warwick Bowman: Can it be that we have been here before and that our mind remembers or
yearns for things in our past? I once knew an old lady who was convinced she knew me as a
soldier in the first World War. I laughed, bless her, but you could have knocked me down
with a feather when I found out she was a tea girl at the barracks where my great
grandfather may have been before being killed on the Somme! Oh, by the way, I recreated
his character and tour schools depicting his experiences on the Somme. Spooky isn't it?
Especially as I keep being drawn to the same place on the Somme. Weird, but I pick these
psychic things up and it scares me to death!
My big thanks to Kevin for the interview.
Images as supplied by PF Digital
See the Warwick Castle
site
This article is the intellectual property of www.retrosellers.com and cannot be
reproduced without express permission.
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