Neil's OPC Web Site

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.

KELLYE PARISHE   Presenters sworen : Oliver Kellye John Bacon (or Baton) Who do presente as aforesaide Oliver Kellye L 8 but 2 harqu instead of one   William Orchard G 7 + 1 harqu John Spree G 7 George Gaye G 7 The Inhabitants not particlarly chardged by the Statute of Armor are acessed to fynde : null   The names of all the habell menne within the saide parishe of Kellye mustered beinge no Tynners etc   Archers Roger Adam Gregory Harvie George Harvye Gregory Gilbert William Spree Thomas Gerye John Cruse Richard Harvye     Harquebusiers James Bawdon Thomas Loveley Anthony Gay Roger Orchard Richard Spree Patrick Wolrudge John Delve John Sleeman     Pikemen John Dawe Oliver Orcharde William Sleeman John Prieste Oliver Gerye Constantine Edgecomb William Pellowe       Billmen John Cruse Oliver Spree

Return to Kelly Page

Return to OPC Home Page Enquiries to Neil STANTON