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In 1569 Queen Elizabeth decreed that a nationwide muster be held. The purpose of this was to assess the number of men (horsemen and footmen) that could be counted on to defend the country. Also to check that everyone had the proper armour and weapons according to law. The categories that they were listed were; heavy and light cavalry, Archers (1st and 2nd class), Billmen, Pikemen and Harquebusiers (matchlock gun) Very few parishes could muster heavy cavalry, (Knights in armour as we would call them today) and few light cavalry. The muster listed all males of military age and the weapons they could supply for the national defence. As each man was expected to provide his own weapons, the equipment each possesses is therefore an indication of social status.

BRADSTON AND DUNTERTON PARISHES   Presenters sworen : John Clowberye Richard Hawkinge Who do presente as aforesaide   John Clowberye L 9 but 2 harqu instead of 1. John Dobell G 7 + 1 harq,2 pikes Thomas Cornishe G 7 John Hamlyn G 7 Richard Hawkinge G 7 + 1 harqu John Sergeante G 7 + 2 pikes Thomas Sergeante G 7 + 1 harqu The Inhabitants not particlarlie chardged by the Statute of Armor are acessed to fynde : null   The names of all thabell menne within the saide parishes of Bradston and Dunterton mustered beinge no tynners   Archers   Alexander Pearse John Courties jun William Preiste sen Nicholas Cornishe Gregory Dobell John Jordeyn John Oliver jun Thomas Joste James Pellowe John Tyllam jun John Harvye John Adam John Tyllam sen       Harquebusiers William Littleiohn William Prieste John Hille William Gerye Stephen Jackeman Gregory Sergeante Thomas Powde William Rede John Kinge   Pikemen Gregory Courtis Oliver Cornishe John Wise Christopher Dowbell James Sergeante Thomas Sergeant jun Thomas Pearse Nicholas Sergent John Lawrence   Billmen John Digorye     Digorye Sergeante John Adam Robert Combe

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