THE Bow-mans Glory; OR, ARCHERY REVIVED.
GIVING An Account of the many signal Favours vouchsafed to Archers and Archery by those Renowned Monarchs,
- KING HENRY VIII.
- KING JAMES, And
- KING CHARLES I.
As by their several gracious Commissions here recited may appear.
With a brief Relation of the Manner of the Archers marching on several days of Solemnity.
Published by WILLIAM WOOD, Marshal to the Regiment of Archers.
London, Printed by S. R. and are to be Sold by Edward Gough at Cow-Cross. 1682.
To the most POTENT MONARCH CHARLES II. KING OF England, Scotland, France and Ireland, &c.
THE Credit and Esteem that ARCHE hath always had amongst your [Page] Royal Ancestors, makes me presume to Dedicate to your Majesty this little Treatise, which was almost lost in the Ruins of Time, as well as the Subject Matter of it. I must confess indeed, that this Art or Exercise holds not the same Rank and Place in Military Discipline, that it did before the Invention of Guns; but yet to assign it none at all, were [...] reflect upon the Prudence and Consideration of those Laws that have since that Time been made for its Encouragement.
And methinks that the many Victories which our Kingdom [Page] (famous for their Bows) owes to that sort of Arms, may at least recommend the Exercise to us, though it be but in Sport and Triumph. Besides, we are sure the Labour will not be wholly lost (if there were no Pleasure in it) it being (it may be) one of the most wholsom and manly Recreations us'd in this Nation, and Conduces as much, or more than other, both to the Preservation of Health, and the Improvement of Strength. But I fear I am unmannerly, your Majesty knows better than any body else, both the Usefulness and Pleasure of the Bow; and [Page] we were unjust to distrust your Countenancing it. Long may we live under the Government of so good a Prince, and may this, and all other worthy Exercises, fit and qualifie your Majesties Subjects to Defend your Crown and Dignity. This is the Prayer of
To the Honourable, Sir John Ernley Knight, one of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, and one of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesties Treasury, Sir Edward Hungerford, Knight of the Bath, Sir Gilbert Talbot Knight, and Sir Joseph Williamson Knight.
FOR me that am so Unlearned and Ignorant, to speak of the Antiquity and Worth of Archery, [Page] were a great weakness; for I find it to be almost as old as Adam: For in Holy Writ, Gen. 21. 20. it is said, That God was with Ishmael, and he became an Archer. And for the fierceness of the Bow and Arrow, Gods Vengeance is sometime in Scripture compared to it. But to come nearer home, and to speak of one or two of those great Victories that have been obtained against the Enemies of England by Archers. As for Instance; first, the Battel of Cressy in France, in the Reign of Edward the Third, where he himself in Person, with the Black Prince his Son, [Page] with an Army of Ten thousand Archers, overthrew and vanquished his Enemy, Philip King of France, and his Army, consisting of near One hundred thousand Men; in which Battel were Thirty thousand slain: See the Story more at large in Baker's Chronicle, pag. 124, and 125. But this is not all the harm that Archery hath done to our Enemies, nor honour it hath won to our selves; for in the Year 1415. in the Reign of Henry the Fifth, there was at Agincourt, in the Territories of France, such a Victory obtained, over the French, by the help of the Archers, that can scarce, if [Page] ever, be parallel'd in any History; where a considerable Number of Archers, under the Command of Sir William Orpington, who with an Ambush of no more than Two hundred Archers, gave the first Onset, (which take in Sir Rich. Baker's own words,) Causing the Bow-men to let fly their Arrows, which so gawled the French Horse, that either they cast their Riders, or through their unruliness so opened their Ranks, that the right Wing of the English Horse had way to come in upon the French Foot. The English Army being in Number not above Nine thousand, [Page] and the French six times, nay, some say ten times as many in Number. The Number of the French slain was above Ten thousand, whereof One hundred twenty six were of the Nobility bearing Banners; of Knights and Gentlemen Seven thousand eight hundred seventy four; and of Common Souldiers about One thousand six hundred, with a very small damage to the English; as may be seen at large, pag. 175. in Sir Richard Baker.
[Page] It were endless to recount what great Battels have been obtained by the help of the Archers, and what high Esteem the Turks have of it to this day, I'le refer you to Travellers and Historians; more particularly to that Ingenious Book of Sir Paul Rycaut, in his History of the Turks: and 'tis much to be lamented, that those Weapons by which our Ancestors gain'd so much Renown, should now be almost totally laid aside, save only by your Honours, and those Gentlemen that use it for their Health and Recreation. But we hope this drawing forth may be a means to increase and [Page] add to the Number of those that love Archery; which is the hearty Desire, and Prayer of,
In Praise of Archery.
THE PATENT OF King HENRY VIII. Concerning ARCHERIE.
[Page 2] We let yowe wyte, That of our Grace especyall, certeyn scyence, and mere mocyon, We have graunted and licencyd, and by thyes Presentys doo graunte and licence for vs and our Heyres, asmoche as yn vs ys, vnto our trusty and welbeloued Servauntys and Subgyettys Sir Crystofer Morres Knyght, Mayster of oure Ordenauncys, Anthony Knevett and Peter Mewtes Gentlemen of oure prevy Chambre, Overséers of the Fraternytye or Guylde of Saynt George; And that they, and every of them, shalbe Ouerséers of the Scyence of Artyllary, that ys, to wyt, for Long-bowes, Cros-bowes and Hand-gonnes, &c. which Syr Crystofer Morres, Cornelys Johnson, Anthony Antony, and Henry Johnson, that they and euery of them shalbe Maysters and Rulers of the saved Scyence of Artyllary, as afore ys rehercyd, for Long-bowes, Cros-bowes, & Hand-gonnes, which Syr Crystofer Cornelys, Anthony and Henry, we by thyes Presentys do ordeign, make, and conferme foure Maysters and Rulers of the sayed Fellyshyp of Artyllery for euer, [...]uryng theyr lyves: And that the sayed Maysters and Rulers, and theyr Successours, Maysters and Rulers, alwayes [...]eyng foure of oure Seruauntes, Englys [...]hemen or Denysens, maye begyn, founde, edefye, make, ordeygn, gadre, k [...]ytte [Page 3] and establysshe a certeyn perpetuall Fraternytye of Saynt George, and that they maye haue full power and auctorytye to chose accept, take, and admytte vnto theyr sayed Fraternytye or Guylde Al [...]aner, honeste parsonnes whatsoeuer they be, aswell beyng oure Servaintys and Sub [...]iettys as Straungyers, Denysens or not Denysens, at theyr lybertyes. And that the sayed Maysters and Rulers, and suche Brethern as they shall electe, admytte, take and accepte to them, shall yn thyng and name be oon bodye and Commynaltye Corporate, havyng successyon perpetually by the name of Maysters and Rulers and Commynaltye of the Fraternitye or Guylde of Artyllary of Long-bowes, Cros-bowes, & Hand-gonnes: And thesame four Maysters, Rulers and Brethern, and theyr Successours, we yncorporate and make oon Bodye by theys Presentys; And that the sayed Maysters and Rulers and Commynaltye, and theyr Successours, shall ymplede and be ympleded by the name of Maysters and Rulers of the sayed Bretherhed or Guyide; And also shall haue power and auctorytye to chose and elect among themselfys, wyth theyr assystence, foure vndre Maysters and Rulers of the same Fraternytye or Guylde, to ouersée and governe the same Fraternytye from tyme to tyme, and to have the governaunce and custodye [Page 4] of such? Landes, Tenementys, Reutys, Possessions, Goodys and Catallys, as hereafter shall happen to be purchased, betwethed, gyven, graunted or assygned by any maner parson or parsons to sayed Fraternytye or Guylde: And they euery yere as yt shall best pleas them, shall mowe, ordeygne, and chose successyvely foure undre Maysters and Rulers, Englysshmen, Straungyers, Denysens or not Denysens, of good name and fame; And they, or any of them, yf nede requyre, to amove, put out, and discharge, and an other yn hys or theyr nam [...] and place, as ofte as shall pleas them to name, put y [...], electe and auctoryse by the counsayll of the four Maysters and Rulers, and theyr sayed Assystence. And furthermore, That the same Maysters and Rulers maye haue and use a Common [...]eale for all thynges and necessaryes [...]elongyng to the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde. And that they may be of babylitye or capacitye y [...] the Law, to ymplede or be ympleded, a [...]swer and be aunswered before any Judge or Justice, spyrytuall or temporall, whatsoeuer they be, y [...] any Court or Courtes of thys our Realm; And yn all and syngular Accyons, Demaundes, Duarre [...]ys, [...]l [...]s, Sutes reall or personall, lyke as all other oure Lygemen haue habylytye and capacytye. And furthermore, the sayed Maysters [Page 5] and Rulers and Commynaltye of the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde, amongy [...] themselfys, shall or may haue full auctorytye and power to make, ordeygne and estably [...]she Lawes, Ordynauncys and Statutys for the good state, rule and governaunce of the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde, for thencrease and good contynuance of the same, and suche Lawes, Statutys and Ordenaunces so made from tyme to tyme, as ofte as by them shalbe thought necessary and conuenient, to chaunce, and to transpose, or keap at theyr pleasure; And to put yn vse and execution wythoute hurte, challenge, greve or perturbaunce of us, oure Heyres or Successours, Offycers, Mynisters or Subgiettys, or theyr Heyres or Successours, whatsoeuer they he. And furthermore, That the sayed Mayster and Rulers and theyr Successours for the tyme beyng, h [...]ue full power and auctorytye to purchase Landys & Tenementys, and other Hereditaments whatsoeuer they be, which be not holdyn of us in Capite, To haue and to hold to the sayed Maysters, Rulers, and Commynaltye, and theyr Successours (the Statute of Mortmayn, or other Statute or Statutys, or any other thyng passed to the contrary notwithstandyng). And furthermore of oure habundaunce Grace, we haue [Page 6] graunted, given and lycencyd, and by thyse Presentys do gyve, graunte, and lycence vnto our foresayed welbeloued Servauntys, and to euery of them, and to all and euery theyr Successours, Maysters, Rulers, Commynaltye and Brethern of the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde that for the tyme shalbe, aswell beyng oure Servauntys and Subgyettys, as also Straungyers, beyng Denysens or not Denysens, beyng of and yn the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde, for the better yncrease of the defense of thys oure Realme, and mayntenaunce of the Dcyence or Feate of Shotyng yn Long-bowes, Cros-bowes and Hand-gonnes, that they, and euery of theyr Successours, honest parsonnes of the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde, for theyr dysporte and pastyme from tyme to tyme for euer hereafter and perpepetually, may use and exercise the shotyng yn their Long-bowes, Cros-bowes and Hand-gonnes, at Almaner, Markys and Buttys, and at the Game of the Popyniaye, and other Game or Games, as at Fowle and Fowles, aswell yn oure Citye of London, the Suburbes of the same, as in all other places wheresoeuer yt be wythyn thys oure Realme of England, Ireland, Calyce, and our Marches of Wayles, and ellyswhere wythyn any of our Domynyons [Page 7] (oure Forestys, Chacys and Parks, without oure specyall Warrant, and the Game of the Heyron and Feysaunt withyn two myles of any of oure Manners, Castellys, or other placys where we shall fortune to be or lye for the tyme onely excepted and reservyd) And also that the sayed Maysters, and Rulers, and Brethern, and their Successours, and euery particuler parsonne of them may reteigne and keap theyr sayed Long-bowes, Cros-bowes and Hand-gonnes yn theyr Houses, Chambres, and other places, and theyr Servauntys to here the same Cros-bowes and Hand-gonnes, when and as often as yt shall lyke them, at theyr lybertye for euer, without any damage, daungyer, penaltye, losse or forfaicture to ensué vnto them, or any of them, for the same. But neuerthelels the sayed Servauntes that so shall carry theyr Maysters Cros-bowes or Hand-gonnes, shall not by vertue of thys oure Lycence, shote yn the sayed Cros-bowes and Hand-gonnes at no manner of Fowle: And y [...] case be that any suche Servaunt be takyn shotyng at any Fowle with any Cros-bowe or Hand-gonne, the sayed Offender so takyn to forfacte the penaltie according to the Acte (thys Fraternitye or Lycense notwithstanding:) And also that none other then the Fraternytye or [Page 8] Guylde aforesayed, shall wythyn any part of thys oure Realme or Domynyon, keap any other Bretherhed or Guylde, oneles it be by lycence of the foresayed Maysters and Rulers of the sayed Fraternytye or Guylde. And furthermore of oure more ample Grace by theys Presentys we do lycence the foresayed Maysters and Rulers, and Commynaltye of the sayed Fraternytye or Guilde, or any pertyculer parsonne or parsonnes, and euery of them, to vse and weare any maner ynbrowdery, or any cognysaunce of syluer at hys or theyr lybertye, in theyr Gownes, Jack ttys, Cootys, and Dubl [...]tys, and any maner of Silkys, as Ueluet, Satten, and Damaske, (the Colours of Purple and Scarlet oonly excepted) yn theyr Gownes and Jackettys, and all and synguler Furres yn theyr Gownes or elswhere, not aboue Fu [...]res of Martirnes without renuying vnto any maner daungyer, forfeyture, loss or penaltye; Any Acte of Apparell, or any other Acte, Proclamacyon, thyng or matyer yn any wyse had, made, or gyven, or to be had, made, or gyven to the contrary notwithstondyng. And furthermore of our further Grace especyall, we haue lycencyd, and by theys Presentys doo lycence the foresayed Maysters and Rulers, and theyr sayed Successours, [Page 9] for the tyme beyng, that they, nor any of them, shall from hensforth be enpanelled, or compelled to be vpon any maner of Queste or Jurye, upon what matyer soeuer yt be withyn our Cytye of London, or other place withyn thys oure Realme. And ouerthis, we wott and graunte for vs, oure Heyres and Successours, to the sayed Maysters and Rulers and Commynaltye by thyes Presentys, that when and as often as the sayed Maysters and Rulers and Commynaltye, and theyr Successours, or any of them, shall vse, pronounce, and openly speke thys vsuall worde commonly vsed to be spoken before he or they shote, that is, to say this worde Faste. And after this worde spoken, yf yt shall happyn any parson or parsons, by the ouersight of any parson or parsons, ronnyng, passyng or [...]oyng betweene any suche shoter, and the marke or place whereto any such Maysters and Rulers and Comynaltye, or any of them shall h [...]reafter shoote, to be kylled or otherwyse hurt, so the same be a vsuall and a knowne marke set yn an open place, accustomed to be shote at, that then any such Mayster, Ruler, and Brother whatso [...]ver, shall happyn not by that occasion be attached, arrested, ymprysoned, sued, vexed, troubled, or otherwyse ynonpetted, nor shall not be [Page 10] ympeche [...] nor otherwyse molessed or troubled for the same, nor shall not suffer death, nor lose any membre, or forfeicte any maner, good, landys, tenementys or herediramentys, or any goodys, catellys, or other proffyttys for the same; Any Acte, Statute, Proclamacyon, Prouysyon, or any other matyer or thynge yn any wyse had, made, giuen, proclamed or prouyded, or hereafter to be had, giuen, made, proclamed or prouyded at any tyme to the contrary notwithstanding. And furthermore, we wott and graunte that thyes oure Letters Patentys shall passe vnder oure Great Seale wythout Fyne or Fée, great or small, in oure Chauncery, to oure vse, or to thuse of oure Heyres, or y [...] the hanaper of oure sayed Chauncerye to be contented or payed for the same. That expresse mencyon of the true yerely value, or of any other value or certentye of the Premysses, or of any of them, or of any other Guiftes or Grauntes by vs, or by any of our Progenitours or Predecessours to the aforesayed Crystofer, Antony, and Peter, or any of them before thyes tymes made in thyes Presents ys not made, Or any Statute, Acte, Ordynaunce, Prouysyon or Restraynt thereof to the contrary before thyes times [Page 11] made, ordeyned, or provyded, or any other thynge, cause, or matter whatsoeuer yn any wyse notwythstanding. In wytnes whereof we haue caused thyes oure Letters to be made Patentys, Wytnes oure self at Westminster the xxv daye of August, the xxix yere of oure Reigne.
THE PATENT OF King JAMES Concerning ARCHERIE.
Albeit sundry verie good and laudable Statutes, Ordi [...]nces, Provisions and Proclamations [...]ofore have béen had and made, aswell by vs, as by our most noble Progenitors and Predecessors, for the mayntenaunce of Archery and Artillery within this our Realme of England, whereby the same being put in due execution in tymes past, [Page 16] hathe not onlie bredd and encreased a greate force and strength towards the mayntenaunce, defence, and safety of this our said Realme against Forein Powers, but also a feare and terror to all other Realms and Forein Enemies in tymes of Warr and Hostility: Yet the same good Statutes, Ordynances, and Proclamations made by vs and our said noble Progenitors, cannot nowe so well take place as they ought, and haue done in tymes past, and specially about our Citty of London, by reason that diuerse and sundry persons, having about our said Citty of London diuerse Landes, Tenements, and Hereditaments, and saeking to enclose the same, otherwise then hathe bine accustomed, to the advancement of their owne singuler benefitts and gaine, without respect of others Commoditie, haue pluckt away, and yet still do mind to pluck away from our lovinge Subiects, the necessarie and proffitable Exercise of shooting in such Feilds and [...]loses, as tyme out of mynde, haue bine allowed to be shott in, aswell by making of such Bankes and Hedges, as also by plucking up of the oulde Marks of ancyent tyme standing in the said Closes; Insomuch that our. said Subiects being in the common Feilds, and for diuersities and change of Markes, séeking to finde a Marke in the said Closes [Page 17] and seuerall Grounds, cannot by reason for the most parte, the Banckes and Hedges beinge made of such a height, sae the Grounds of the said Closes or Feilds within the said Banckes; As also by reason that where the Bancke or Hedge beinge but of indifferent height, the Ditches be made so broad and déep, and wanting Bridges and other convenient Places to passe through and over the same, that our said Subiects, the Archers, vsing their Trade and Pastime, be very much hind [...]e [...], lett, and discoraged therein, and often tymes in great perill and danger for la [...]ke of convenient roomes and places to [...]hoote in: And as we are [...]redibly informed, by reason of the aforesaid Ditching, He [...]ging, and Enclosures, it ys verie like there will grow a verie greate straight and want of roome about our said Citty of London, aswell for such as doe presently vse the said game of shooting, as also for those that shall hereafter exercise, vse, or occupie the said Game and Pastime, to the greate hi [...] drance and decay, aswell of the said vse and exercise of shooting, as also of the said Statutes, Ordynances, Prouisions and Proclamations, and contrarie to the ancyent Customes heretofore vsed about our said Citty of London, whereby might ensue to sundrie of our said Subiects occasion [Page 18] to haunt and frequent some other kynde of vnlawfull Games (wherevnto there are to many inclined) which our meanynge ys, shalbe in no wise suffered. For avoydinge whereof, and for reformation of the foresaid inormityes, and of all such other as might hereafter growe, by reason of takinge away of the libertie and scope of ancyent tyme, accustomed to be had about our said Citty of London for Archers; And trusting to your approved Wisdomes, Fidelityes, and good Discrecions, We haue assigned and appointed you to be our Commissioners, and by theis Presents doe giue vnto you, and everie of you, and to the number of any sixe of you, full power and authoritie, not onlie to survey all such Groundes next adjoyning to out said Citty of London, and the Suburbs of the same; and within twoe miles compasse on any parte of our said Citty and Subu [...]bes, as before haue bine accustomed, and vsed to haue had Markes in them for Archers to shoot at, or which any of our lovinge S [...] iects, or of our Auncestors, haue exercised themselves in shooting, and the same to reduce, or cause to be reduced to such order and estate for Archers, as they were in the beginnyng of the Raigne of the late Kinge of famous memorie, Kinge Henry the Eight; but also calling, before you, [Page 19] or any six of you, as well the Owner and Owners. Fermor and Fermors, and Occupiers of such Grounds about our Citty of London, In which, since the first yeare of the Raigne of the said Kinge Henry the Eight, haue bine made any broad déep Ditches, hight Banckes, and Quicksets or Hedges thereupon, beinge thought by you, or any sixe of you, to be overthrown and made plain; or otherwise to be reformed; And also such and as many honest and lawfull men of our said Citty of London, or Countie of Middlesex, or either of them; whose disposition, knowledge, and experience in the Premisses, or any part thereof, you shall thinke good to vnderstand and know, And you, and every of you, to examine, aswell upon their Oathes as otherwyse, touching the Premisses, as to the Wisdomes of you, or any sixe of you, shall be thought most convenient; And upon the knowledge of the defalts and annoyances in the Premisses, or any parte thereof, Oure pleasure ys, and We give vnto you, or any sixe of you, full power and aucthority by theis Presents, to cause the same to be, by the said Owner and Owners, Fermor and Fermors, or any Occupiers, at their own proper Cos [...]es and Charges, to be amended, reformed, altred and exchanged in such maner and forme, and within [Page 20] such tyme, as to the Wisedomes and Discretions of you, or any sixe of you, shall be thought méete and convenyend, whome our pleasure and commandement ys, that whatsoever shalbe in and about the Premisses d [...]n and executed by you, or any sixe of you, by vertue and aucthority of this our Commission, you cause the same firmely to be observed: Aucthorising you, or any sixe of you, further by theis Presents, That all such person or persons, being Owner or Owners, Fermor or Fermors, Occupier or Occupiers of the said Grounds, or any of them, as you, or any sixe of you, shall finde negligent, gay [...]saying, rebelling, resisting, or any mean or way in any wise notwithstanding against you, or any sixe of you, in the due execution thereof, or not oueying your Orders or Decrées in the Premisses, to be had or made by vertue of theis Presents, That you, or any sixe of you, cause him or them offending, to be punished or [...]ayned by Imprisonment, or otherwise by Fine and Amercement to our vse, as by your said Wisdomes shalbe thought requi [...]te, vntill he or th [...]y shall conforme him or themselves to your Order in the Premisses. And for the better execution of this ou [...] said Commission and Aucthority to you given, We charge and command all Ma [...]ors, Sh [...]riffs, Justices of P [...]a [...], Bayliffs, [Page 21] stables, and all other our Officers, Ministers and Subiects, to be ay [...]ing, helping and assisting you, and everi [...] of you, in the due execution thereof, as they will aunswere to the contrarie. In witnes whereof we haue caused these our Letters to be made Patents, Witnes our self at Westminster the firste Daie of February, in the thirde yeare of our [...]aigne of England, Fraunce and Ireland, and of Scotland the nine and thirtieth.
THE PATENT OF King CHARLES I. Concerning ARCHERIE.
Albeit sundry good and laudable Statutes, Ordinances, Provisions, and Proclamations heretofore have bin had and made, as well by Us as by our most Noble Progenitors and Predecessors, for the maintenance of Archerie and Artillery within this our Realme of England, whereby the same being put in due Execution in times past, hath not only bred and increased a great Force and Strength towards the maintenance, defence, and safety of this our said Realme against Forraine Enemies in time of Warr and Hostility; Yet the same good Statutes, Ordinances, and Proclamations made by us, and our Noble Progenitors, cannot now so well be executed as they ought and have done in times past, espetially about our Citty of London, by reason that divers and sundry persons having about our Citty of London aforesaid, divers Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, and séeking to inclose the same, otherwise then hath bin [Page 27] accustomed to the advancement of their own singuler profit and gaine, without respect of others Commodity, have pluckt away, and yet still doe minde to plucke away from our loving Subjects the necessarie and profitable Exercise of shooting in such Fields and Closes, as time out of mind have bin allowed to be shott in; as well by making of such Bankes and Hedges, as also by plucking up of old Markes of antient times standing in the same Closes: Insomuch that our said Subjects being in the common Fields, and for diversities and change of Markes, séeking to find a Marke in the said Closes, and several Grounds, cannot sée the ground of the said Closes or Fields within the Bankes and Hedges, because they be made of so great height; and where the Bankes and Hedges he but of an indifferent height, the Ditches be made soe broade and déepe, and wanting of Bridges and other convenient places to pass through and over the same, that our said Subjects, the Archers, using the commendable Exercise and Pastime, be very much hindred, letted and discouraged therein, and often times in great danger and perill for lack of convenient roomes and places to shoote in. And as we be credi [...]ly informed, by reason of the aforesaid Ditchings, Hedgings [Page 28] and Inclosures, it is very like there will grow a great straight and want of roome about our Citty of London, as well for such as do presently use the said Exercise of shooting, as also for those that shall be hereafter exercised in the said Game and Pastime, to the great hindrance and decay of the said Use and Exercise of Shooting, contrary to the purpose and true meaning of the Statutes, Ordinances, Provisions and Proclamations, and contrary to the antient Customes heretofore used about the said Citty of London, whereby might ensue to sundry of our said Subjects, occation to haunte and frequent some other kind of unlawful Games, whereunto they be too much inclined, which our meaning is shalbe in no wise suffered: For the avoiding whereof, and for reformation of the foresaid Inormityes, and of all such as might hereafter grow, by reason of taking away the libertie and stop of antient time accustomed to be had about our said Citty of London for Archers, and trusting to your approved Wisdomes, Fidelities and good Discretions, We have assigned and appointed you to be our Commissioners, and by these Presents doe give unto you, and to everie or anie six or more of you, full power and authority, not only to survey [Page 29] all such Grounds next adjoyning to our said Citty of London, and the Suburbs of the same, as before have bin accustomed and used to have bin Marks in them for Archers to shoot at; or in the which anie of our loving Subjects, or the Subjects of anie of our Ancestors have exercized themselves in shooting, and the same to reduce, or cause to be reduced, to such order and state for Archers, as they were in the beginning of the Raigne of our late King James, our Father of blessed memorie, but also calling before you, or any six or more of you, as well the Owner and Owners, Farmer and Farmers, Occupier and Occupiers of such Grounds about our said Citty of London, in the which since the first year of the Raigne of the late King James have bin made broa [...] déepe Ditches, high Banks, and Quicksets or Hedges thereupon, being thought by you, or any six or more of you, to be overthrowne and made plaine, or otherwise to be reformed: And alsoe such, and as manie lawfull and honest men of our said Citty of London, and County of Middlesex, or either of them, whose dispositions, knowledge and experience in the Premisses, or anie part thereof, you shall think good to understand and know, and them, and everie of them to examine, as well upon their Oathes as otherwise, touching the Premisses, [Page 30] as to the Wisdomes of you, or [...] every or anie six or more of you, shall be thought more convenient: And upon the knowledge of the Defaults and Annayances in the Premisses, or a [...]ie part thereof, Our pleasure is, and we do give unto you, or anie six or more of you, full power and authoritie by these Presents, to cause the same by the said Owner, Farmer or Farmers, or any Occupiers, at their own proper Costs and Charges to be amended, reformed, altered and changed, in such manner and form, and within such time as to the wisdomes and discretions of you, or any six or more of you, shall be thought méete and convenient, Whom our Pleasure and Commandment is, that whatsoever shall be in and about the Premisses done and executed by you, or any six or more of you, by vertue and authoritie of this our Commission, you cause firmly to be observed; Authorizing you, or any six or more of you, further by these Presents, that all such persons, being Owner or Owners, Farmer or Farmers, Occupier or Occupiers of the said Grounds, or any of them, as you or any six or more of you, shall find negligent, gainsaying, rebelling, resisting, or anie meane or anie way withstanding against you, or any six or more of you, in the due execution thereof, or not obeying your Orders [Page 31] or Decrées in the Premisses, to be had or made by vertue of theise Prsents, that you, or anie six or more of you, cause him or them offending to be punished as by your said Wisdomes shall be thought requisite, until he or they shall conforme themselves to your order in the Premisses. And for the better execution of this our Commission and Authoritie by you given. We charge and command all Maiors, Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Bayliffs, Constables, and all other our Officers, Ministers and Subjects to be aiding, helping and assisting to you, and every one of you, in the due execution thereof, as they will answere the contrary. In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents, Witness our self at Westminster the 20th day of December, in the Eighth yeare of our Raigne.
A REMEMBRANCE Of the worthy SHOW and SHOOTING BY THE DUKE of SHOREDITCH, AND HIS ASSOCIATES THE Worshipful Citizens of London, UPON Tuesday the 17th of September, 1583.
Set forth according to the Truth thereof, to the everlasting Honour of the Game of Shooting in the Long Bow.
By W. M.
London, Printed in the Year 1682.
To the Worthy
SHOREDITCH DUKE, And his Two NEPHEWS, Sons to the EARL of
PANCRIDGE, AND To all the Worshipful Citizens and Chief Archers of the City of
London:
W. H. wisheth continuance of Health, with Increase of Honour.
BOldly have I presumed (Right Worshipful Members of this Ho nourable City) to publish unto the Eyes of the World, your late [Page] laudable Work, which not only beautified this City, but the whole Realm of England. Rare was the Sight, great was the Cost, yet greater your good Wills; the Report whereof will be in memory while London lasteth. Now seeing no man taketh in hand to describe the same as it deserved, and pitying greatly it should lye hidden, I considered that blind Bayard oft times seemeth boldest, and thereupon my self (though least able of all other) have presumed, under your Correction, to publish the Truth of what I noted in the Train: Therein purposing, that though to your own Ears it bringeth no matter of Delight, yet the Truth of this seemly Show (which Fame hath far spread abroad) may through this Realm be expressed; as also left in Remembrance unto your Childrens Children, and their Posterity after them: Beseeching therefore that your Wisedomes [Page] would accept my good Will, for which I remain thankful during my Life.
A REMEMBRANCE Of the Worthy SHOW and SHOOTING BY THE DUKE of SHOREDITCH, AND HIS ASSOCIATES, THE Worshipful Citizens of London.
THE Learned in time past have greatly commended the penning of Histories, because that by them their Posterity is certifyed, what hath been done in the days of their Ancestors; [Page 40] the benefit whereof is greatly considered in the wisest of this Age, and I would it were unknown to none. Our Elders heretofore that have registred the great Battels and Skirmishes in times past, mention that the Long-Bow hath done great acts, and been the overthrow of mighty Armies: Wherefore considering what profit and honour our Commonwealth of England hath gained by the Long-Bow, I have thought convenient to set down in Memory that most honourable Show of Archers, which was at London on the Seventeenth of September, 1583. chiefly for two Causes: First, To exhort our Country men to continue at home this laudable Exercise, the better to discourage our Enemies when they haply hear thereof, that by so notable a thing shewed but in a Merriment, may the better conjecture what English men could do, if necessity compelled them to the same. Secondly, To follow the Custome of our Ancestors, which is, to leave Enrolled such Matter as is worthy Memory, that so good a Work might seem new in such our Successors, and procure them to the furtherance of the like Causes in themselves.
The Prince of famous Memory, King Henry the Eighth, having red in the Chronicles [Page 41] of England, and seen in his own time how armies mixed with good Archers, have evermore so galled the Enemy, that it hath been great cause of the Victory, he being one day at Mile-end when Prince Arthur and his Knights were there shooting, did greatly commend the Game, and allowed thereof, lauding them to their Encouragement.
This noble King at another time keeping a Princely Court at Windsor, caused sundry Matches to be made concerning shooting in the Long-Bow: and to which came many principal Archers, who being in Game and the upshoot given, as all men thought, there was one Barlo yet remaining to shoot, being one of the King [...] Guard; to whom the King very graciously said, Win them all and thou shalt be Duke over all Archers. This Barlo drew his Bow, and shooting won the best. Whereat the King greatly rejoiced, commending him for his good Archery; and for that this Barlo did dwell in Shoreditch, the King named him Duke of Shoreditch. (A sign of a Princly mind to the encouragement of his poor subject.) The memory of all which, both by Prince Arthur and the Duke of Shoreditch, hath been greatly revived, and within these five years set forward [Page 42] at the great Cost and Charges of sundry chief Citizens, whose Names I omit. And now this present year 1583. much more beautified than ever it was, as hereafter is expressed. The worthy Shoreditch Duke, as Successor to the former Dukes his Predecessors, gave warning to all his Marquesses, Earls and Barons, with all their Train of Archers whatsoever, in and about the City of London, to be in a readiness to accompany him into the Field, every one with a Long-Bowe and four Shafts, upon the Seventeenth of September, and to meet him in Smithfield, which they did for the most part.
On which Day in the Morning, the Duke being at Marchant-Taylors Hall, there repaired unto him all those that were appointed for the Conducting of his Person to the place of Meeting, as Barons, and a Multitude of good Archers under his own Ensign; who, with sound of Trumpets, Drums, and other necessary Instruments for the beautifying of the same, passed along Broadstreet, where the Duke dwelleth, marching through Moorgate to Finsbury-Fields, and from thence into Smithfield, where a great many attended for him: then the black Train, and the Goldsmiths went forward into Holborn, the Duke and his [Page 43] Company following in a seemly order; where coming against Hatton-House, the Goldsmiths staid, and cast themselves into Ranks, that the Duke might have fair passage between them: So that the Train being now marching along, and the Duke passing by the Marquess Barlo, aliàs Covell, he presented to his Nobleness a Wedge of Gold, in sign of good will, which the Duke very thankfully accepted; then came the black Train, offering by a Page a Speech to this effect, That he was ready to aid him with all his Power, for his safety, into the Field: Whereat the Page, out of a Box, flung abroad, glistering like Gold, certain Spangles, in sign of Liberality.
Then came the Marquess of Clarkenwell with Hunters, who having been abroad with their Hounds, did wind their Horns, so that the noise of them, together with the yelling and yelping of the Hounds, and the whooping and [...]ollowing of their Pages which followed, there was such a delight taken by the hearers thereof, as is worth Memory; which Marquess coming with his Forester, profered his Service to the Duke, which he thankfully accepted; which Hunters were under the Earl of Pancridge, whose two Sons being Nephews to the [Page 44] Duke, came with their power of Knights, Barons and Squires, accompanied with many good and excellent Archers, taking place, to the honour of the Duke, into the Field. Then the Goldsmiths took their place behind the Duke, whose Gunners, when the Duke was even past, gave a worthy Volley of Shot, which rung in the Air like a Thunder Clap; and so took place in the hindward. Then went all the Train through Chancerylane, and turned towards London down Owen [...]ton her [...] [...]utenant [...]e Tow [...] Lon [...], Sir [...]land [...]ard, [...] divers [...]ermen London Fleetstreet, until they came to Ludgate, where stood ready to receive them into the the City, certain Knights of great worship, with many other of the Aldermen of the City, and sundry principal Commoners in the same, who being men of years, and had born great good will to the laudable Game of Shooting, entred with fair large Arrows in their Hands, in black Gowns, Citizen-like, and took their place behind the Duke; and as they yet passed through Pauls Churchyard Paul's [...]olcame [...] them Mar [...]t-Tay [...]in their [...]s, [...] one ha [...] a [...]air [...]d Ar [...] in [...] hands on the South-side, there came sundry Citizens forth unto them, all in their Gowns, and took place, every one having an Arrow, as before, to the better beautifying and setting forth of the same. Thus passed they through into Cheapside, who by that time they were come thither, all their Train was in place, & marched as followeth.
[Page 45] First came two Ensigns before the Marshal of the Field, the Marshal being clad in green Velvet and Sattin, with a Trunchion in his hand: Then followed him forty Foresters, apparelled all in Green, every one bearing a Bow and four Shafts by their side, with horns at their backs, which they winded as they went along.
And between every one of them Pages Mr Bea [...] in Pat [...] noster-Row, [...] Mr. S [...] in Pauls Church [...] chiefest. in white Frocks girt unto them, upon which was sowed green Oaken Leaves, with Caps made in the same manner, every One bearing a Tiller Bow or Cross-Bow, and broad Arrows in their hands, to the number of Forty, all whooping and hallowing when These [...] men w [...] prepared Mr. W [...] who b [...] contin [...] Rangers did both expriss name, [...] beautifie the Sho [...] His B [...] also bar [...] fair [...] upon wh [...] stood th [...] Sentenc [...] Morew [...] than or to the Wood. the Hunters did wind their Horns. Then came six Trumpets sounding, with Drums and Fifes, guarded with H [...]lberds; then came the Marquess of Islington with 12 Knights, and those several had six Gentlemen attendant on them, and Pages in white Fustian with black Stripes, and Caps agreeable, bearing Shields, with a seemly show of Archers, wearing about their Necks and Bodies green Ribbons, and large green Scarfs. Next followed a fair, large, red Streamer, with the red Lion, with Halberds, Drums, & proper Pages in green, with Taffety Nightcaps, bearing Shields & Shafts in their hands. Next five Swattrutters strangely apparalled [Page 46] with great Hose down to the small of their Legs, with strange Caps agreeable, bearing on their Necks long Swords, which Mar [...]s of [...]hns [...]d [...]ght the [...]d men. seemed very stearn in Countenance: Then followed five green men clad in Ivie, with Clubs on their Necks, which were young Trees, and the Roots upward; with a worthy Show of Bowmen, who for the most part wore Ribbons of coloured Orange Tawny, and Oringes hanging at them.
Then came the residue of the Earl of Pancridge's Train in the Fore-front thereof; the two sons to the Earl of Pancridge (himself not present, but his cost and Charges in sign of a willing mind did largely appear,) with a worthy Company of excellent good Archers acompanied with Trumpets, Halberds Drums, Ensigns, and all other things necessary to the beautifying of the [...]ame to their great praise, for their large Liberalities, besides the great bountifulness of the Earl their Father.
Next following the Felowship and neer Neighbours of Ludgate parts; who at the Furtherance of this Show, had been at great cost in provision of Trumpets, Drums, Ensigns, Fifes, and other Furniture, [...]ecially [...] Blamor [...]ef of [...]m. the most part were Haberdashers of London; [Page 47] who very orderly marched through the City of London, being sumptuously apparelled in Velvet Jerkins, and Hats agreeable, with Chains of Gold about their Bodies, and Pages bearing their Shields of fine workmanship, and a worthy Train of good Archers wearing green Scarses and Ribbons of the same colour. The show of Feryers proceeded, which was One hundred handsome Fellowes with Calivers on their Necks, all trimly decked with white Feathers in their Hats; so had all their Company of Archers throughout: Then their En sign and two Cardinals, wearing broad Hats of Tawny colour, with two silk strings buttoned under their Chins; the ends hanging down to their feet, a pparelled in red Velvet and Satten; next followed two Friers clothed in black Robes, with bald Crowns and Beads in their hands, seeming to pray very devoutly, and blessing them that passed by, causing great laughing and sport.
Then came the whole Inhabitants following, beautifying the Show, very costly aparelled, with a Child in the midst of them, mounted on a great Horse richly trapped, sounding a Trumpet, to the great wonder of many the beholders.
[Page 48] Then followed the Citizens and Inhabitants of Fleetbridge, Fleetstreet, and Templebar, with a Show worth the beholding, of seemly Archers, all bravely apparelled in Silks and Chains, with their Ensigns, Drums, Trumpets, and such other Furniture. Then the odd Devise of Saint Clements Parish, which but ten days before had made the same Show in their own Parish, in setting up the Queens Majesties Stake in Holborn fields, which Stakemaster Knevit, one of the Gentlemen of her Majesties Chamber, gave unto them at his cost and Charges. And a Gunn worth three pound, made of Gold, to be given unto him that best deserved it by shooting in a Peece at the Mark which was set up on purpose at Saint Iame's Wall; whereby was to be seen the [...] L. of [...]icester [...]ue them 2 [...]ks, & [...]s. in [...]. [...] E. of [...]ndel [...] lend [...]m his [...]se [...]o [...]t in, be [...]s a hogs [...]d of [...], and [...]ison, [...]ich be [...]e them. great good will of so bou [...]tiful and worshipful a Gentleman; who hath promised yearly, during his life, to give five shillings more to the same; the gift was given for a year to the Winner, and to the Parish for ever: The liberality of the right honorable Lords of the Nobility, their Bountifulness towards the feasting of the whole Parish also, is worthy remembrance. The maner of the Show was, first, Saint Clement wearing a Rochet and a Miter, having a long gray beard, rid upon a Horse, with [Page 49] his man before him, between two hampers full of small white loves, giving of Bread unto the poor, or any that would have the same: having also twelve men following on foot in white Canvas Caps, and Canvas Frocks girt to them, with Baskets on their shoulders, waiting upon him, having a blew Anchor painted on their breasts and backs, finding it so registred of him in their Legendary, That S. Clement was first a Baker, who for his good wit and honest life, was made a Bishop, and after a Saint. After this Show came all the young men of S. Clements Parish, very well apparelled with Chains and some Scarfs; every one having his Page attending upon him in black Frocks, decked with Silver, with Caps agreeable with Edgings of white Furrs, very seemly, bearing Shields and Shafts, which before did carry the Guns of the Batchelors, when they went to set up the Stake, and to shoot for the gilded Gun. Next followed the ancient Housholders of the same Parish, with their Pages, having an Ensign, with Drums, and such other Furniture, with a worthy Show of Archers following.
Then came the Marquess of H [...]gsden with a stately Ensign of red Crimson Damask, in the midst of the which Ensign there [Page 50] was a Phenix in silver carried by two men on two Staves, with sound of Trumpets and Drums; the Show beautified with Pages as before, Handswords to make room, and Halberds to guide and keep them in order.
After them came the Marquess of Shackelwell, chief Treasurer to the Duke, with his Men, every one with white and green Ribbons, and Badges in their Hats, before whom was carried a mo [...] fair and long Ensign of red Damask, in the which was the Golden Lion: After the Ensign followed two with Hand-swords, to make room, and then after them two Pages all in white Jackets, upon the which was painted with poudred Armour, and the one Page bare a Shield, on the which was painted a Well, on one side of the Well there was a a Leg, and on the other an Arm, both Arm and Leg shackled to the Well, and branches of Box springing out of the same; the other Page a broad Arrow in his hand.
Next after this Company came the Master Comptroller of the Duke's House with his Men, every man having a Bow and four Arrows as the rest, and green Ribbons about their Necks.
[Page 51] Then came a large Table, wherein was written a Description of the benefit of the Shooting in the Long-Bow, and how shooting hath been decayed, and by whom restored; advertising men from all unlawful Games, as Dieing Carding, Tipling in Alehouses, and such like, wishing to have the Exercise of Shooting to be had in use both by Masters and Servants to the strength and commodity of this Realm, as also to the terror of all Forreign Enemies, besides two Tables drawn with I [...]sc [...]iptions of honest Exercise: Then came two fair Ensigns, white and black, with Wh [...]fflers in Chains of Gold, with white Staves, and Henchmen following them bearing Shields, every Shield painted with a several Devise; then came the Duke himself, going betw [...]en two fine Pages bearing S [...]a [...]ts, the Duke bearing a Standard Arrow in his hand, and being apparalled in a long Gown, Citizen-like, with a Hat on his Head, agreeable to the order of the chief Commoners of the City; then after him followed Sir Owen Hopton Knight, Lieutenant of her Majesties Tower of London, Sir Ro [...]land Hayward, with other the Aldermen and Citizens of London, bearing Standard Arrows in their hands, [...] a seemly Company of Archers: Then came the [Page 52] Earl of Buckley close with Master Daye at Aldersgate, with a Show of Marquesses and Barons, accompanied with many Knights of Archery, beautified with Trumpets, Drums, Ensigns, and Halberds, all the Archers wearing green Scar [...]s; the black Prince having twelve Knights, and a Troop of Barons following him in Chains of Gold very orderly, and between them Pages in green Jackets and green Taffety Night-caps, all dropped with Gold and Conceits of rare Device on their Shields.
Then last of his Train came the Baron Stirrop, whose costly Stake will be in memory after he is dead, now standing at Mileend. This Baron brought a seemly Show of good Archers, all with green Ribbons about their Neck, and Escocheons in their Caps with the gilded Stirrop, expressing the truth of his Name: Who, besides his great Cost and Charges in Feasting of his Archers, did chuse many good Ringers of his Neighbours, who in the Morning early did Ring at the chiefest Churches about London, for the honour of the Duke and his Company, feasting them in most commendable manner for their pains, who in the going out of the Duke through the City, did also Ring the Bells in many chief Churches all the [Page 53] way he went, and likewise at his coming home, to their great pains and labour.
Last of all came the Goldsmiths, accompanied with some other Inhabitants in Cheapside and elsewhere, that joyned with them in Company. The Invention of the Show was worthy noting: First came Trumpets and Drums, with two Handswords playing, making room, with a fair beautified Ensign: Then the ancientest sort first in Gowns and Hats, with every one a fair large Arrow in his hand, expressing Marque [...] Barlo, as Co [...] was th [...] chief in [...] Forefro [...] of the S [...] ters. the good will to the Long-Bow, and now being aged, do give over that laudable Game to their Sons and Servants, yet still wellwillers to the Action; and every one of them had his Page seemly cloathed in red Mandilians, striped with silver, like broad Laces, and Caps of red Taffety, edged with white Furr; these carried their Shield [...] of sundry Devises, in the one of their hands, and an Arrow in the other hand: Then came a Ship ready rigged, carried Pagentwise, and cunningly made to toss and lean sometimes on the one side, and sometimes on the other, with a Sea-fish ready to overthrow the same, thrusting forth her Head, and plucking it in again, in the midst of the Waves, and two Indians or Blackmores [Page 54] [...]o go near unto it: On the one end of the Ship stood the Unicorne, on the other end the Maremaid. The Ship seemed as though it had newly come from India, and by great travel and danger had brought home her burden, laden with Gold and Silver: Then followed the younger Men of their Train, and for the most part apparalled in Sattin Dublets, silk Hats, Chains of Gold about their Bodies, and silk Hose, with a Bow and four Shafts, and every one had his Page going before him in red Mandilians, as before mentioned, and Caps accordingly sutable, some bearing Pickers, some Spades, and some Hammers, signifying as though they came from the Indies, and had thence, by great labour, brought home that Treasure which the Ship carried: And others carried Wedges of Gold, and some of them Silver, which by Workmanship is made out of the same Earth that the Ship bringeth; and every one of these Pages had upon their Mandilions these Sentences written both before and behind;
Thus every one had his Page bearing these Tools, like Workmen by whose Labor [Page 55] many things are made out of Gold and Silver to the use of all men, and to the avoiding of Idleness. Then upon a Staff was borne in the midst of the same Show, a Coronet, whereat hung three Arrows of Silver, very workmanly made; then followed a Consort of broken Musick, playing all the way, to the great delight of all the Beholders and Hearers of the same: And last of all an hundred Shot, being very ready and nimble to discharge, and these were well appointed with Powder. Thus went they along through Cheapside up Coruhill, and turned by Leaden-hall to Bishopsgate, where at the end of Houndsditch the Street was chained in, and there placed the Image of a monstrons Giant, which in times past dwelt in that place, being stoutly defended with long Morrice-Pikes, Halberds, and Wheel Guns of great shot ready charged against the Duke's Gunners and Archers, who valiantly shot many Arrows into the Giant, and discharged their Calivers, which the Giants men would not put up, but shook their Spears, shot off their Pieces in show to defend the Place, which since that Giant lived belonged to Prince Arthur: Thus for sport on both sides, the Trumpets sounded, the Drums, struk up, the Ensigns were tossed in seemly [Page 56] sort, and the Fencers with Tanswords made room, beginning a Battel in seemly show, the Shot of the Goldsmiths discharged their shot so fast, and in good order, to the shaking of the Giants Fort, that hardly the People near hand, might know one another. Thus the Train passed to Shoreditch Church, and then turned down into Hogsdon-fields, into a fair large green Pasture Ground of goodly Compass, where a T [...]nt was set up for the Duke and the chief Citizens, where, when they were come, they might sit to see the Shooters appointed to shoot at the Butt new set up for the same, being Sevenscore and eight yards from the other end of the Tent. The true number of Archers that shot, was Thirty hundred: The number that accompanied him into the Field, of Archers, Citizens, Whiffiers, and those which guarded them with Bills, was Forty and one hundred and odd Persons, besides Pages and Henchmen, which was in number Three hundred and odd. The Attire worn by all this Company (for the most part) was very gorgeous; some in black Velvet Jerkins, Dublets of Satten, with Hats of Velvet; the most part in Satten and Taffety, and Hats of Taffety, a great many wearing Chains of Gold. The true number [Page 57] of Chains of Gold worn among the Company, that I saw, was Nine hundred forty two; the rest of the Company did all wear green large Skarfs, some white Scarfs, othersome green Ribbons, Oringe tawny Ribbons, some black and white, green and white, but the most part was green.
Before they came to the Tent, the Train marched about the Field in Warlike manner, and forthwith cast themselves about and broke their Ray, every one hasting to the Tent where the Duke purposed to begin shooting. Then every Ensign brought in his Archers, and there with sound of Trumpet proclaimed by the Herauld, That every man should avoid Forty foot from each side of the Butt; otherwise to stand to their own perils. Thus went they to shooting, where by then three Ensigns had shot, which was about three of the Clock; word was brought to the Duke, That certain of Prince Arthur's Knights was coming into the Field, desirous to speak with his Nobleness; having answer that they should be entertained courteously. Forthwith the Goldsmiths made forth to meet them, staying at their own Stake against their coming, who anon came, and then the Goldsmiths Ensign, and some of their Pages very orderly, [Page 58] with some of the Archers in Chains of Gold, went and met these courteous Knights, mounted upon stately Palsreys, with ten Pages also on Horsback, and Irish Lackies with Darts running by their Horses on foot, besides a Trumpeter, a Herauld, and a Messenger, upon good Geldings: The Knights were apparelled in Cloth of Tissue, or Crimson Silk and Gold; their Pages in green Silk; having likewise a seemly Company of Archers very richly apparelled in Sattin Dublets and Chains of Gold, to the number of Two hundred, attending on Foot, half going before, the residue coming behind. (A worthy Show beseeming so noble a Game). Thus with great reverence they came near to the Tent, the Messenger clad in a Jacket of black Velvet, with a black Velvet Cap, and green Sattin Dublet; pronounced an Oration to the Duke, the Copy thereof followeth.
Most noble Duke, first to your good self and next unto all your worthy Society and Company in general; I in the behalf of the most noble and renowned Prince Arthur, and all his noble Knights, gratifie you (and yours) with the choice of a thousand commendations: Fame blowing abroad, and in the Court of the Noble Prince Arthur [Page 59] that this day (in this place) should be practized the most excellent quality of shooting in the Long-Bow. Which news were no sooner blazed in that most Royall Court, but by the consent of their renowned Prince, these noble Knights mounted themselves on Horseback, (calling to mind) the great courtesie they received of your Nobleness, at the late Royal Show of their famous Prince. For requital of which your great Friendship, this Troop of noble Knights (for the honor they owe to the Long-Bow) are repaired hither to present unto your Nobleness a friendly Gift; which is, five Bows of Gold, and five Silver Arrows; requiring your Nobleness to bestow them on five of the most valiant, most active, and most expert of all your Train, in shooting in the Long-Bow, requesting (friendly) we may presently see the delivery of them to those persons most worthy: hoping you will accept these their friendly Gifts, springing from well willing minds, loth to hinder your worthy exercise, we omit for expence of time, that which else more largely shoul [...] have been discoursed. These actions being finished (we presume of your courtesie) we shall depar [...] friendly, alwaies wish [...]g the prosperous success of your worthy Exercise.
[Page 60] The Duke with hearty thanks accepted these their presents, promising with great protestation to match the Prince every way in good will and curtesie, wishing that this their amity might long continue.
Then the Knights departed with great grief to the Duke, because he had provided a Bankquet for them, which could not be served in by reason of the unruliness and throng of the People.
The Marquess Barlo chief of the Goldsmiths, to gratify them with some Show of curtesie, bestowed on them to Jugots or Wedges, one of Gold the other of Silver, and after did conduct them into their own liberties with a Volley of shot, which they very thankfully accepted.
And this one thing is worthy of memory, that upon the day of Prince Arthur's shooting, which was five weeks before this Show, The Duke willing to beautifie the same in some seemly sort, sent a Buck of that season by the Marquess Barlo, accompanied with many Goldsmiths; who coming in Satten Dublets and Chains of Gold about their Bodies, with Horns at their backs, did all the way wind their Horns, and presented [Page 61] the same to Prince Arthur, who was at his Tent, which was at Mile-endgreen; he not only accepted the same, but also promised to have the Dukes curtesie in mind if God lent him life.
Having now digressed in brief, I will return to the Duke, who seeing the night draw on, broke up the shooting untill the next day, which was Wednesday, where they all met again to try who could depart Victors of those Games then to bee won. Which were in value as followeth; The first Fifty three shillings four pence, the second five nobles, the third four nobles, the fourth Twenty shillings, and the fifth ten shillings. Thus every one having one shot at the But, the best five were young men; four of the best Games did the Earl of Pankridge's men win; the fifth one of the Dukes men did get. The best and the second were won by two of S. Dunstans in the East; the best was a Skinners man, the second a Brewers man, and he that won the first did dwell in S. Brides Parish, being a Sadlers Son, all which three were brought home in this manner. First, for that it was dark, they were brought out of the Field with Torch lights to the number of two hundred, and the Winners mounted upon great Geldings, sent [Page 62] to them from out of those parts where they dwelled, very sumptuously trapped with cloth of Silk, and Silver, and another of Gold, with eight Trumpets Drums and Ensigns, with shot which came from Fleetstreet to fetch them home: and others with Halbards safely to conduct them, they all three were clad in green; the first in green Taffety, with a white Scarf about his Body, and a great Chain of Gold about his neck, with a Cap of Velvet, and a golden Band about the same, bearing an Arrow in his hand, and a green Ribbon hanging thereat; And so had they all: To their great laud and honour were they conducted first into Grubstreet, then entred the City at Cripplegate, down Woodstreet, and so into Cheapside, continual shot was bestowed to bring them home, to the great delight of the beholders: Thus marching through Paul's Churchyard, they went to Ludgate, and so home, where their Trains was very thankfully received: Against they came home there was prepared great Banquets by their Masters and Parents, to the great delight of that Parish where they dwelled, who would not for mony have lost the honor of the same.
[Page 63] Then did the Marquess Barlo with all the Goldsmiths and his convoy of men at Arms safe conduct the Duke home to his Norrich Savage both n [...] table [...] shot in [...] Train. house, appointing one Jeffery Gates an ancient Servitor to them, to be the Leader, who marched in the forward untill they came to the Duke's house, where the Duke was no sooner entred his house, and the Marquess together, with the chief of the Train, but the Harquebussers, at the appointment of Gates, charged their peeces, and forthwith did bestow such a Volley of shot, as caused the Glass to shake forth of the Glass windows; to the honour of the Duke, and the good liking of them all.
Then every Baron and the whole Company of Governors were brought home to their joy and comfort, making good chear, shooting off their Peeces, sounding of Trumpets, and striking up of their Drums to delight and comfort.
Thus have I (as perfectly as I may) described the manner of the same, reporting the truth of what I saw. Then on the Monday following, the Duke had provided a sumptuous Feast, to which all the Archers came, being kept at the Bishop of Londons Pallace, who for the good will [Page 64] he bore to shooting, lent them his house freely, wishing that it might be as commodious to them, as the Show and Sight, for provision of so many Citizens in his house was comfortable to him. And for fear of disorder, there was unto every Archer given a token stamped with a Broad Arrow, who at the gate of the Bishops Pallace, delivered them to those they were appointed to receive them.
Which done, every man (for the most part having Ribbons about their necks) went to those Tables, which by good foresight were provided for them, every man taking his place vntill the Service was brought in, the Tables furnished before with Table-clothes, Salt Bread, and trenchers: The great Hall of the Pallace was filled, and over the heads of the People hung the most sumptuous E [...]signs, under which they were before conducted to the field. There might a man behold the great provision of meat, the Cooks in such good order dressing the same in quiet sort as was worthy noting. And when the service of meat was brought in, the Trumpets sounded, the Drums struck up, and every man in very good order placed to their contentment, so that the great Hall, [Page 65] the largest Parlor, the Galleries, and other Rooms in the House were filled with People, who with great rejoycing gave thanks to God for his providence and blessings, many wayes bestowed on them. Then was there served into one large Table, which was the highest Table in the great Hall, boyled Capon, rosted Beef, Venison Pasties, Custard, Tart, rosted Capon and Rabbets, with other Dishes necessary for the time, with Wine, Beer, and Ale, and ever was replenished with sufficient thereof to their contentation.
The rest of the Tables had this service to every' Mess. First boil'd Mutton, rosted Beef, a Pasty of Venison, and a rosted, Capon, and some had Rabbets, besides Beer and Ale which was sufficient, every Mess had a Bottle of Wine served in a Bottel unto the same: There were three hundred Messes of Meat served in, to the great joy and comfort of those that were there, being served in such good order as is laudable. When the Meat was served in, every man familiarly drunk one to another, and then the Duke very reverently drank to them all, whereat the Trumpets founded, the People hollowed, the Drums struck up, and such a noise was made that it was heard [Page 66] far off. Then the Duke with some of his Knights and Gentlemen, went about the whole House and visited every Table, with Drum and [...]ife, to the well liking of them all, so that with much melody they came in again into the great Hall, giving thanks to the whole Company. Then sundry times the Trumpets sounded, the Drums struck up, and the Company drank to the Duke, passing away the time untill Dinner was ended. Then another Company did wind their Horns, which in good order of measures they did. The People by this time beginning to depart, the Duke caused the Herald to stand up and make a proclamation, that the people might be silent; which done, he pronounced in short sentence, a thanksgiving to God for our gracious Queen, desiring God to send her long Life and Victory over all her enemies; whereat the People cried Amen; lifting up their Caps, heaving up the Tables over their Heads, in sign of joy of her Majesty, whereat the Trumpets sounded, the Company hollowed and showted. Last of all they praised God and so departed; giving the remnant of the broken Meat to the poor and needy, of which company a number gave diligent attendance for the same at [Page 67] the great Gate. (A charitable deed in the knitting up of so honorable a matter.) Thus they declared their courtesies one to another, to the maintenance of Christian unity, which I pray God long continue, that this her Majesties Realm of England may be kept still in Peace and Tranquility, to the maintenance of Gods Glory, the Fame and perpetual renown of of her Majesty; whose life, the God and giver of all life, prolong, that our lives which depend upon Hers, may the better be preserved and continued.
Amen.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOW MADE AT S. Martins in the Fields, In setting up Her MAJESTIES STAKE.
ON Wednesday, being the Second day of October last past, standing at a Stall in the Old Baily, I heard the sound of Drums and Guns, and draw [...]g near to see it, there came Whifflers with [Page 70] Staves, red and white, with a lustie Company of good Archers, very well and seemly apparelled, bearing Bows and Shafts; every Archer his Page, clothed in red Mandillian, striped with silver, and Caps agreeable to the same. There came in number Two hundred Bowmen, mixed with Two hundred Calivers, besides Holbards, to beautifie the Show, mixed throughout. The Gunners were expert fellows, discharging their shot in very good order: All this Train going under sundry fair Ensigns. Forthwith the Trumpets founded, and a very fair Show followed. First men very strangely apparelled in long hairy Garments, made of Skins like unto Martens, hopping and skipping along as they went: Then came [...]wo Horsemen harnished, their Horses all over trapped in white silk: Then came a very sump [...]uous Stake, being the Queens Majesties, which they went to set up in S. Iames Field; upon this Stake stood a golden Lion holding a Shield with her Majesties Arms, the supporters whereof were Fortitude, Justice, Temp [...]rance, and Prudence, the Lion havin [...] [...] whol [...] Crown on his head▪ Then cam [...] seemly Pagent, very cunningly made [...]d with great cost, wherein sat the Gods; first [...]an, with Fame and Honour, attending [Page 71] on Vertue; then Saint Martin, and Eliza, as superior, accompanied with the sour Vertues, the Muses attending very seemly with Musick playing before the Pagent. Thus they passed very orderly through Holborn to Chancery Lane, and so to S. James's in the Fields: In the Train was carried three silver Games, as reward for the Winners of shooting in the Long-Bow, and a gilded Gun, as a reward unto the best that could handle their Peece. (Both Exercises of great strength unto this Realm.) They used many speeches in their Train as they went. And at night were brought home very worthily with Fireworks, which greatly beautified the same. To conclude, never saw I a fairer sight, upon such a suddain, which being worthy of commendation, I thought good to note the principal things therein, that it might remain in memory to their continual praise.
A BRIEF RELATION Of the several APPEARANCES OF ARCHERS Since His Majesties Restauration.
ON March the a [...]st. Anno Domini 1661. Four hundred Archers, with their Bows and Arrows, made a splendid and glorious Show in Hide-Park, with flying Colours, and Cross-bows to guard them. Sir Gilbert Talbot Baronet, [Page 74] was their Colonel, Sir Edward Hungerford, Knight of the Bath, their Lieu [...]enant Colonel, Mr. Donne was their Major. Great was the appearance both of the Nobility, Gentry, and Commonalty: Several of the Archers Shot near Twenty score yards within the compass of a Hat with their Cross-bows; and many of them, to the amazement of the Spectators, hit the Mark; There were likewise three Showers of Whistling Arrows. So great was the delight, and so pleasing the Exercise, that three Regiments of Foot laid down their Arms to come to see it.
Yet as delightful as if then was, this Exercise was intermitted by some unlucky neglective Fate, from the Yeare 16 [...]1. [...]ll 1675. and then indeed they began to Str [...]ng their Bows and handle their Arrows for a handsome appearance to complement Sir Robert V [...]er, then Lord Mayor: Their Randezvouz was in the upper Moo [...]-fields: There, about Three hundred and fifty most richly habited, were drawn up in a Body; From thence they marched through Moorgate, through Cripleg [...]te, and through Woodstreet into Cheap [...]ide; then they past by the north side of Saint Pauls, and marched round it into Cheapside again, and so to Guild-hall, where they waited to receive the King's most Excellent Majesty, [Page 75] and the then Lord Mayor. When the King had past by (who seemed highly pleas'd with the sight of so many Archers) then they march'd to Christ-Church, where a very noble Dinner was prepared for them at the expence of the Lord Mayor: Sir Rober [...] Payton Knight, was their Leader, and Mr. Michael Arnold was there bringer up, they marched under one Colour, Six men with Cross-bows being appointed to guard it: All the Officers had green Scarfs, and Every Bow-man wore a green Ribbon. There was not any thing more material to be mention'd in that days march.
Upon the 26th of May following, the Archers marched to Tuttle-feilds to Shoot their Whistling-Arrowes. They Randezvouz'd in the Military-Ground near Bloomsbury, and march't from thence through part of Holbourn, through Chancery. La [...]e, through Temple-barr, and so through the Strand to Whitehall. There were Six abreast; yet when the Van reach'd Whitehall, the Rear had not past through Temple-barr, so numerous were the Archers then; from Whitehall directly to Tuttlefeilds aforesaid. When they were drawn up in a Line, then came the King with his Guard and Coaches of State, together with His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, the Duke of Monmouth, and most [Page 76] of the Nobility attending him; to see them Shoot His Majesty march'd twice or thrice from one end of the body to the other to view them. The Archers were in number near a Thousand; the Spectators near Twenty thousand It was a great encouragement, and a mighty joy and satisfaction to the Archers to see the King behold them with such a Serene, Benign, Cheerfull, Princely and Favourable Countenance: His Majesty was pleased to stay an hour or two to look on, whilst they shot several Showers of Whistling-Arrowes to entertain him, with which his Majesty, and the Nobility, seem'd very much satisfi'd: Then the King was pleased to return to Whitehall: And then Sir Gilbert Talbot sent in several Barrels of Beer, and other Provision for the Archers; so did Sir Edward Hungerford, Sir Robert Peyton, and the rest of the Captains; After they had refresh'd themselves, then they marched home with Drums beating, and Colours flying. Sir Gilbert Talbot being the Colonel, Sir Robert Peyton Lieutenant Colonel, and Michael Arnold Major.
In the Year 1676. on St. Simon and Jude's day, Sir Ioseph Sheldon being Elected Lord Mayor, about 350 Archers march'd under the Command of Sir Robert [Page 77] Peyton Knight; they Randezvouzd in the upper Moor-feilds, and march'd as before mentioned in the time of Sir Robert Vyner's Maioralty, and were in the self same manner plac'd to receive the King and Queen, the Nobility and Gentry, who came to Honour the Lord Mayor with their presence at Dinner at the Guild-Hall: When his Majesty was past by, then they march'd to Christ-Church to Dinner. Amongst the variety of Sights, none seemed to give his Majesty more content and delight, more pleasure and satisfaction, than to see the Bows and Arrows, these Ancient Habiliments of warr reviv'd.
On the 14th day of July, 1681. the Archers march'd from London to Hampton-Court, under the Command of Mr. Edwards and Mr. Henry Warren: That was a Day appointed to Shoot for Several Pieces of Plate, worth Thirty pounds, at Eightscore yards distance. After a little time was spent, the King was pleased to honour them with his Presence, and Stay'd near Two hours to behold their Pastime, to the great joy, satisfaction, and honour of the Archers: And as though this had not been honour enough, so full of Goodness and Clemency was his Majesty, that he permitted as many of them as pleased [Page 78] to kiss his Hand, in token of his being well satisfi'd with that Heroick Exercise; The Prizes were two Silver Cups, and three dozen of Silver Spoons. The said Target was placed upon a Butt, erected on the Green, before the Kings Palace there; but it rained so fast that the King was forc'd to [...]etire before all the Prizes were won, which were Thirty in number; He stayed till six were won, and exprest his satisfaction very much; and without all question the Archers may reasonably hope for what favour they can humbly beg for the encouragement of Archery from this King, and it will be granted with as much readiness as by any of his Royall Ancestors in the like case whatsoever heretofore; for no King, unless his glorious Father, could ever match his goodness.
Postscript.
ON Friday the 21st. of April, 1682. the Archers met in the Artillery-Ground, marching through Cornhill, Fleetstreet, and the Strand to Tuttlefields. The chief Officers were Sir Edward Hungerford Knight of the Bath, Colonel, Mr. Michael Arnold Lieutenant Colonel, Mr. John Mould Major, Mr. Henry Warren Captain Lieutenant, Mr. Edward Done, Mr. George Walker, Mr. James Manley, Captains. The King's most Excellent Majesty, his Royal Highness, and most of the Nobility, were so favourable as to Honour them with their Presence; as likewise the Ambassador of the Emperor of the Kingdom of Morocco and Fez: There were at least a Thousand Archers in the Field; for now Gentlemen begin to be affected with the Divertisement, and pleased [Page] with this Manly Recreation: There were Three Showres of Whistling Arrows: such a Sight, such a Noyse, and such an Appearance, it's presumed was never seen in England on the like Occasion; yet we hope that every year will beget new Lovers of this profitable and harmless Exercise, for they are now resolv'd, at least once or twice a year to make such a Publick Appearance, if His Majesty will be pleased to permit them.