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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.

BRIDSTOWE AND SOWERTON PARISHES (Bridestowe and Sourton) Presenters sworen : Henry Bidlake   Robert Lyllycrop   Walter Lyllycroppe   William Blacheforde   Who do presente as afforsaid   William Yeo G 7   Henry Walter G 7   John Browne G 7 Thomas Rise G 7   John Boroughe G 7   Henry Bidlake G 7 + 1 cors(?) The Inhabitants not particlarlie chardged by the Statute of Armor are acessed to fynde : null   The names of all the habell menne within the saide parishes of Bridestowe and Sowerton mustered beinge no tynners   Archers William Yeo William Harrye Roger Gowscott George Crosseman Henry Walter John White Richard Ebbesworthy Michael Yoldon John Williams   Harquebusiers Henry Bydlake William Cudlye John Yoldon Henry Steven Robert Wortham Richard Rowe Thomas Crosseman Roger Lyllycroppe Roger Rowe John Williams William Barber John Draper   Pikemen William Rise John Home John Browne   Billmen Walter Frinde John Lyllycroppe Edmond Lange Edmond Prigge John Rokefilde John Raddon thatcher William Harrye Martin Haywood

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