Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.
Arms, Assize of — 1181. This *assize extended the obligations of military equipment and service to those not previously affected. Under *fyrd law, only free landholders had been liable. This assize summoned all burgesses, all freeholders, regardless of wealth;… … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases
Array, Commission of — Raising a large fighting force presented problems during the 13c and 14c. The procedure adopted was the Commission of Array. Commissioners were sent out by the crown to assess all men between 16 and 60 years of age in every township and *hundred… … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases
Contract captain — In the mid 14c, the feudal system of summoning by writ knights to fight for the king was disappearing fairly rapidly. In its place, two systems of recruiting fighters were emerging: hiring by contract and volunteers. Contract captains, who were… … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases
