DAVID 'EDWARD' PIPER

(b. c1457 d. ?)

BIOGRAPHY:

Orphaned at a young age, David was brought up by his Grandparents. Like all young boys he trained at the archery butts. David had shown determination from a young age and soon became as deadly a longbowman as any trained archer. His Grandparents were uncertain as to the year he was born and whilst he does celebrate his birthday he can only estimate his age to be around 13 - 15. David's skills at archery earnt him a place in Sir Edward Northwood's retinue after being spotted winning a village archery tournament. His Grandparents were approached on the matter by Sergeant Bill Bowman who, acting as herald for his Grace, offered them an annual salary for the boy, until he was 16 and would then keep his own earnings. At this point, his Grandparents decided that young David was but 13 years of age. He would be maintained and trained alongside all the other archers and given food and lodging all at the expense of Sir Edward who felt him to be worthy of the post.

Therefore, despite his humble beginnings he had succeeded, quite unexpectedly, upon his own merit!

David had joined The Great Northwood Bowmen in June 1470 and by May 1471 he was embroiled in the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury. There would be 14 years of peace before Henry Tudor would put an end to the Wars of the Roses...at the time, to a young lad such as David, it felt as though the war lasted a lifetime. David's comrades were amazed that the lad held his own and survived the battle and so he was nicknamed 'Edward' after the success of the King at diposing Henry VI.