Longbow supply, local bowyers, and compulsory practice

Was most English longbow wood imported from Italy?

No. Imported wood could serve wealthy users, but most bows were locally supplied and supported by widespread compulsory practice.

Most English longbows did not depend on prized Italian yew, although wealthy archers might seek imported timber. The ordinary supply was largely local, supported by village bowyers and the expectation that most able men practised archery regularly. Sunday practice and community competitions helped turn a weapon into a broad military skill rather than a specialist possession. This also explains why raiding northern England could meet resistance from a population with unusually widespread archery experience.