Conwy's design multiplied the effectiveness of a garrison that was small on paper. About thirty professionals could be reinforced by a militia perhaps numbering around a hundred. The permanent soldiers included crossbowmen, while many settlers were expected to possess longbow skills developed through regular practice. Towers, walls, gates, and killing zones gave those missile troops protected positions from which to concentrate fire. An attacker therefore needed a much larger army to overwhelm the combined architecture and manpower than the garrison total alone would suggest.
Notable Point · 23:55-25:05
Crossbow professionals and longbow militia
Thirty professionals, specialist crossbowmen, and a larger longbow-trained militia could exploit Conwy's defenses and force an attacker to bring a disproportionately large army.