I recall there being some sort of decree in the early middle ages in England (I think). It talks about what each noble land owner was supposed to have in terms of wargear. What was this document, or decree?

M.

I know Anglo Saxons were required to have a maille shirt for so much land; I am sure the practice went on.

In the 15th century it varied on how much wealthy men kept; some guys supplied a small army with equipment.

Indeed there are. As James said the Anglo-Saxons had a system. Of the post ocnquest we have them fairly common from Henry II to Henry VIII at least. What are you looking for?

Check out the Statute of Winchester for starts. This is Edward I's attempt to do this.

cheers

RPM

http://medievalhistory.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/

"Technology and military polity in England 1250-1350" includes a list of different laws regarding the armament of different income classes.
Quite interesting piece.

I believe that the Statute of Winchester was decreed by Edward I, and wasn't replaced until the Militia Act of Philip and Mary in 1556 replaced the Sheriff and Commissioners of Array with Lords Lieutenant or each county.

Under both systems however, each person of substance, and each Hundred and Parrish were required to provide and house a certain amount of arms and armour for the common defence. The amount of course was predecated upon the income of the person, from a wealthy landowner who was required to supply several fully equiped cavalrymen, to a humble cottager who only had to supply a bill or bow, and jack.

Cheers!

Gordon

M.,

Nope thats right. Edward is the first to order the Statute of Winchester. Basically as I stated earlier Henry II issues two sets of regulations, one to his French lieges and to his English. In France the Statute of Le Mans in 1180, in England called just the assize of arms of 1181, which does not state a location as its title. This is redone and improved by Henry III in 1242 and then greatly redone under Edward I with the .... Statute of Winchester in 1285.

Basically after Henry II men just update arms requirements or assizes of arms (note not specifically the statute of winchester, which is used as a minimal standard). By Edward II and Edward III plate finds its way into the requirements. At least from Edward IV perhaps Henry VI all men of fighting age 16-60 had to own a jack, sallet, knife, bow and two sheaves arrows.

RPM