I have just had a look at the Essex prices, UK price works out at about $2.50 a pack, US price is $4.18.

Ouch.

If you want to rationalise it, the longbowman ran out of arrows, had the indignity of being outshot by Cavalry who no doubt took out a few element leaders and the sight of all those horses heading ther way was the last straw.

Not sure how much having stakes around would help the thought process.

Yep, you pay VAT on your supplies so the only VAT missing is your added value and no doubt massive profit margin.

Unless its old stock your UK source wil be stocking at higher prices, so a good reason to buy now.

UK price includes tax at 15%, or quite possibly 17.5%