The early history of
the army is found on the rolls of the Constables and of the Earl Marshall. They
record the names and retinues of those who appeared at the rendezvous and
proffered their service. There are also the Scruttage Rolls, and in the
15th Century the Commissioners of Array, which force in each county. In the reign of
Henry VIII, general musters of all the “fencible men” were held at intervals by
virtue of commissions under the great seal, the residents being assessed to
provide arms according to their wealth. The “press” was much abused. This led to
an act for the “taking of musters.” Below is one such muster roll taken in 1536,
a forerunner to the later militia lists.
Robert Curtes
} archers
Thomas Marshall
}
This towne to finde
horse and harnes for a man
Hen Mosse
}
Willm
Barnewell
} bylmen
John Wilson
}
Will Tyte
}
Sutton
John More
} archers
Nicol Beyll
}
This towne to
finde horse and harnes for a man
John Rose
}
Will
Nicholson
} bylmen
Will Wryght
}
Upton
Henry Browne
}
Richard Broke
} bilmen
Henry
Brewster
}
Hugh Style constbl
and all the residue of the sd towne to provide harnes for a
man
.
Marham
Thomas Idell
}
John Gyles
} bilmen
Nicholas
Wylkynson
}
John Slater
}
and the residue of
the towne to finde horse and harnes for a man