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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.

MARYTAVY AND SIDNAM PARISHES (SYDENHAM DAMAREL) Presenters sworen : John Cake John Hanaford William Redclief William Coundey   Who do presente as afforesaide William Cundey G 7 + 1 harqu Stephen Hollock G 7 + 1 harqu   The Inhabitants not particlarly chardged by ye statute of Armor are acessed to fynde : null   The names of all the habell menne within the saide parishes of Marytavy and Sidenham beinge no Tynners mustered as biffore saide   Archers Stephen Francklyn William Yeo Thomas Toudye John Trenaman George Crosseman William Lona John Phillip Richard Ebsworthy Walter Soper Philip Richard Henry Walter John Lona   Harquebusiers Thomas Yolde Walter Bloye William Sowrton   Pikemen Thomas Cornishe John Cundye Pascowe Spitnege Thomas Runell David Hornedon Thomas Redclief   BilImen illiam Burley Richard Dodge John Rison John Sundell of Wnood (? for Wonwood) John Bellye John Gerence   William Taylor

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