I give you good day gentle folke. I have oft spoke to many, of the task of archery and of archers, and all in return have spake of an interest in the many divers piles or points that we fit to the shafts of our arrows. Methinks, it would be well to set down some matters of import that you also may find of interest.
Folke who claim themselves learned tell me that archery serves two worlds, that of hunting and that of war. Though there are many differences, there are also many likenesses, the main manner of difference being the power of the bowe used and the distance of the shotte. In truth, archery was brought about with just one purpose in mind, the ability to kill or cause damage to whosoever or whatsoever the archer wishes. With this in mind I do not readily ascribe certain arrow types to particular duties, many are used for both, in as many divers manners as the archer has wits and cunning to employ.
The Crescent.
Also called a Forker or Fowler, this pile has as many different shapes and sizes as there are smiths. Curved, ’V’ shaped and also, though rare, nearly square. Well used in the hunting of wild fowle, the head tends to bunch together the quills and mayhap cut them, a flightless bird being fare game for the dogs. As the head does not readily attach itself to the bird, nor easily become impaled in tree or ground, the archer has less chance to lose an expensive arrow in the event of missed shotte. Sometimes used for larger prey, deer and such, they tend to fall from the beast, having caused much hurt but oft do not get carried off, leaving a trail to follow. The crescent is able to break bone or even decapitate birds in given circumstances, they are said to have been used by the Roman Emperor Comodus as a spectacle in the decapitation of Ostriches.
Some knaves do claim to cut the rigging and sails of ships in times of battle but I have it from a friend who sailed aboard The Henry Grace a Dieu and Mary Rose that they carried nonesuch in their chests. In truth he saith that from a moving deck, in windy conditions they are much vexed to strike any mark withal, though our forefathers made great stock of the art at sea battles such as Sluys in 1340.
Of more possibility, crescents were likely used to disrupt cavalry charges, before knights learned to walk into battle, they and their mounts having suffered greatly at the hands of archers in the French wars. Good Cavalry charged with their Knights knee to knee, hardly space enough to allow air between, so most were protected on the flank. Armoured to the fore so level shottes from archers prospered little until a closeness worked to their favour. The ability of archers to shoot underhand, (where the target is below the bowe hand and the bowe raised), high into the air for the arrow to drop down upon lesser protected targets would disrupt the formation, causing horses to buck, rear and run amuck. On this matter the Crescent is well made, making much pain but mayhap sparing the horse for capture and re-use.
There are many more divers points in the archers arsenal such as, bodkins, broadheads, blades, field points, fire baskets, leaf points and blunts. Mayhap in future times, as wit allows, I will bring these to your attention also.
Ned Punge, Archer of the Parish.
The Great Pestilence
News from The King and Hys Ministers
Tis with some great relief we have the news from the Lord of the Manor that our gracious King Henry gives all the freedom to move about hys realm and that the time of confinement is nearing its end. But it must be known that there are ways and means by which thys can be done and be pressed upon you that great care shall be taken by all, for the preservation of our health and wellness.
The King and Hys Ministers do instruct that your mouth and nose be covered by a clout or some such contrivance for the stifling of ill breath and bad humours. Further, the King doth instruct that strangers and those abroad from their own Manor stay apart one from another by two paces or one Bowe length.
It is of greater benefit to all, that those who do frequent ale houses or any common meeting place be most vigilant in the use of said clout.
Our own barber surgeon, Diccon, has for hys own use some such contraption to keep hys body and soul safe from the pestilence and also for the protection of others. It is of some worth to note that though many might think it doth improve hys countenance, it doth not improve hys demeanour.
Our Good King Henry demands that all take heed and keep safe. The Reeve and Beadle will be about the manor to make certain of the observance of these Commands, so for the safety of your body and your purse take care, for a great fine or mayhap a spell in the stocks awaits those of a careless nature.
May God keep you and protect you.
God save the King, Huzzah
In Memorium. Lady Jane Grey
Good peoples of my Manor. It is with great sadness that I inform you this day, the 12th of February in the year of Our Lord 1554, of the death of our one-time Queen, known by all as Lady Jane Grey. She was executed before us, called as witnesses, on a scaffold erected for the purpose near the White Tower inside the Great Tower of London.
Her death brings to an end the shortest reign of any British monarch being just nine days.
It is a dread thing to learn of any royal death, but to witness the manner of such a death, and of one so young, is a dire thing indeed. She was so tender in years but faced her end by the axe with the strength, composure, and serenity of one much older than her seventeen summers.
Her good ladies, Mistresses Allan and Elizabeth Tilney, attended her to the last, each weeping quietly while she focused herself upon on her prayers.
You may recall that she became Queen as her cousin Edward VI named her his successor over his Catholic sister, Mary Tudor.
On July 9th a mere three days after Edward’s death, Lady Jane was told that she had been named his heir and was persuaded (I personally think against her better judgment), to accept the throne.
Her reign was cut short, as Mary Tudor was proclaimed rightful queen on July 19th amid popular rejoicing among those of the Catholic faith, and Jane and her husband, Guildford Dudley were thereafter imprisoned in the Tower, charged with treason. In November, they were condemned to death. It was thought by some, that the newly proclaimed Queen Mary would pardon Jane, as she was so young and naïve and ‘twas plain to see that she had been used by ruthless and ambitious men.
This January, Jane’s father joined with rebels who sought to prevent Mary’s marriage to Philip of Spain and replace her with her half-sister, Elizabeth. Young Jane attested that she had no knowledge of any rebellion but her fate was sealed and all possibilities of a pardon, lost.
Earlier this day sweet Jane watched as her young husband was led from the Beauchamp Tower to his place of execution on Tower Hill. The pain of separation and of seeing her beloved depart this world in such a fashion showed in her eyes as she was led out to face the same fate.
She followed the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir John Bridges, in slow procession to the scaffold. I caught her eye just once and her face, although serene, was drained of all colour, and her mouth did quiver, though whether from fear or reciting her payers I could not say.
Lady Jane mounted the steps of the scaffold, faltering only once as she spied the block awaiting her slender neck. With some effort, she turned to address the crowd.
‘Good people, I am come hither to die, and by a law I am condemned to the same. The fact, indeed, against the Queen’s Highness was unlawful, and the consenting thereunto by me: but touching the procurement and desire thereof by me or on my behalf, I do wash my hands thereof in innocency, before God, and the face of you, good Christian people, this day’.
She paused at this in obvious distress. But having taken a few deep breaths continued thus.
‘I pray you all, good Christian people, to bear me witness that I die a true Christian woman, and that I look to be saved by none other means, but only by the mercy of God in the merits of his only son, Jesus Christ: and I confess, when I did know the word of God I neglected the same, loved myself and the world, and therefore this plague or punishment is happily and worthily happened unto me for my sins; and yet I thank God of his goodness that he has thus given me time and respect to repent.’
She then implored all those present to join with her prayers ‘whilst I yet live’. That she wished for no prayers said for the dead, was a clear testament of her faith.
Her ladies supported her as she knelt, and in a voice breaking with emotion, she recited the psalm Miserere mei Deus (God have mercy on me), in English, then rose and with a gracious nod, handed her kerchief and gloves and to Mistress Tilney and her prayer book to Thomas Bridges, the brother of Sir John.
Coming forward, the headsman made to help Jane untie her gown. but she foreswore his aid, preferring instead, the help of her ladies, who by this time had faces wet with tears. After removing her gown, headdress, and neckerchief, the headsman knelt before her and asked for Jane’s forgiveness, which she graciously gave ‘most willingly’.
He then gestured toward the large mat of straw on which stood the great block. Seeing it so close for the first time, it was clear to my eyes, the fear that swept through her small frame, as she swayed a little so that I feared she would fall into a faint. Turning to the headsman she entreated him, “‘I pray you dispatch me quickly’, for I felt now all her courage was spent She knelt then near the block and did plead of him that would take her life, ‘Will you take it off before I lay me down?’ He replied, ‘No, madam I, dare not.’
A blindfold was brought forth but now both of Jane’s ladies were too distressed, their hands shaking too much to blindfold their mistress. This last courtesy Jane had to do herself.
Now in complete darkness, the poor girl (for that is all she was), began to grope blindly about for the block. Unable to find it she began to panic and cried out “What shall I do? Where is’t?” No one stirred to assist her, not her ladies, nor the officials, nor the headsman himself made any move to help her. ‘Twas as if all were paralysed by the piteous and heart-rending scene unfolding before them.
Finally, I could bear it no longer. I left my companions, rushed past the guards who were staring unbelieving at the scaffold, and rushed up the steps. None moved to stop me as I gently took her hand which was as cold as ice, and guided her towards the block. I did manage to whisper “God Bless you, child, soon you will be at peace,” before the guards broke from their trance-like state and ushered me roughly down the steps.
My face was now as wet as Jane’s good ladies, and I turned in time to see her lay her pretty head upon the block. She then stretched out her arms and in a steady loud voice (I flatter myself that my words had lent her strength cried, “Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit!’
Mercifully, the headsman knew his work and was skilled at it. With one mighty swing of his axe, Jane was sent to her reward. I will remember the terrible sound of that axe blow till my last breath.
Jane’s mortal remains were removed before dark and were placed in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula near those of her husband and two other Tudor queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, as befitted her station.
As a loyal supporter of the Crown, I grieve for the passing of Queen Jane but now (as I also must urge all of you that live and work upon my manor, to do) give my loyalty and my allegiance to our new Sovereign Lady and pray that she rule over us in health peace and prosperity for many a year.
So now I say in all earnestness “God Save the Queen”.
Lord Matthew of The Shire
The Vagabond
Good gentles,neighbours, followers and friends all. It is with some sadness, that I must out of duty, inform and warn you about our local vagabond and beggar, Will Spooner. He was found in the courtyard of the Pilgrims Arms last even, in a very sorry state. At first, it was thought that he was in his cups (a normal state of affairs for him when he has foisted enough coin from the gullible) as he was incoherent, coughing and sneezing, and with a great sweat upon him. A Master Carlton (good Christian soul that he is) from a local village, did summon Diccon the barber-surgeon to tend to Will, and he did proclaim that the poor fellow had fallen victim to the great pestilence which doth stalk the land at this time. Master Diccon did treat Will as best he could with onion soaked in honey for his cough and willow bark for his bodily aches and pains and then sent him on his way. If you see Will abroad, you will be well advised to keep your distance, but please, out of Christian charity, do spare him a small coin or two or a little food, as all those who do live on our highways are suffering greatly at this time and tis only God’s good grace that we are not in the same position in life as these poor souls. Master Diccon was greatly moved, as upon examining Will, he came across a scrap of parchment, a copy of which I attach to this missive. I would urge you to read it and then examine your conscience, as I am sure that, not knowing of Will’s past, we have not always treated him or his kind as gently as we could. We thank you most earnestly.
THE PARCHMENT
What is’t you see master when you look down at me,
With my clothes all a-ragged, my beard full of flea?
My skin all is dirt-stained, my nails filled with mud.
My hair all a-grease caked and matted with blood.
But I once was as you are, a fine titled Lord,
Arrayed in fine clothing and bearing a sword.
With a wife of mine own, a fair child and a home.
Though I treated them well, my wife’s eye it did roam.
She left for another and I fell to despair.
Took to gaming and drinking, had many affairs.
My heart was sore broken, my fortune soon spent.
So out on the streets for to beg I was sent.
Please, Lord, do not condemn, I was once just like you.
Do not judge what you see, spare a penny or two.
I hope now for Heaven where I’ll gladly atone.
And an all-loving Jesu will welcome me home.
For He loves us each one, be we King, serf or scum.
And I pray in good earnest His Kingdom will come.
So do not see my rags lord, or my dirt or my fleas.
See beyond all this master, look closer – see ME.
Margery,a scrivener
I, Margery the scrivener and housekeeper wish to address all those personnes who do live and work in the places near my cott. The Master has saith that he will not pay good coin to me as I do not attend on him and the Mistress at thys tyme of the grate pestilence. The Mistress has also saith that she does not care for having to do my work for me.I wish for an honest way to find the coin to pay for the rent on my cott whych is due within a few daies. I be most willing to write a message for any who do not have their letters but wish to send word to their kinsfolke as they may not visit them at thys tyme. I will take coin or a barter whych can be sold at the market when it doth continue if folke do not have spare coin. A peice of cheese would be most welcome as all I have is pottage and a common loaf now I do not share the Master’s fine food. I do dream of the fine foods made by Maggot, Martin and Mary as they are such good cooks, whych none may now eat at the Master’s house.Mayhap words of a privy nature should not be sent as I must hear the words of the message from a distance and others may listen too. I may be found within my cott or while I do walk round the places near my cott each daie.Diccon, the barber surgeon, did say that all should take a walk each daie for their health as long a they do not breathe foule air or draw neare to any person. I always carry about me a pomander made by Rose for thys purpose and a posie of sweete herbs made by the wisewoman Anne. I also wish for a little coin to buy charms from Mathew the cunning man as he did say that he would only take coin in these hard tymes. By mine owne hand, Margery
Goody Rose, Sottler
Goody Rose, one of The Companye of Merrie Folke sottlers hath reminded us to keep our good health by eating as well as we may. The scrivener hath written the words she spoke. “Good friends, mayhap you are concerned about not getting to market and the higgler not visiting your hovel with her goods during our present troubles? Perchance you worry about scurvy afflicting your family,your good husband or your childer? Help is at hand in the form of food used for thousands of years and offtimes overlooked. I speak of the humble or not so humble stinging nettle. You will need gloves to gather them in and you will need a goodly amount as they cook down much like unto spinach. Just harvest the tips of the plants and discard any coarse stems. There is an abundance of growth in March and April, but young fresh crops will also appear later in the year. Cooked nettles go with bacon most well. The bacon should be cooked first and then the cleansed nettles should be cooked in the remaining fat, adding mayhap a little sprinkle of water. Nettles can also be cooked in fat or oil in which an onion is already cooking. Just before the onion is well soft add the nettles with a sprinkle of water and fry till soft. Nettles can also be boiled in faire water with a little salt and then drained. Nettles also make a fine beer or wine, they are good for you and are provided by nature. A great boon when many of our kind cannot undertake our normal work and coin is lacking.” Keep well and please remember goody Rose in your Prayers.
The Cunning Man
God give you good day good folk. I am called Matthew, and I am a Cunning Man. Although I have much knowledge of cures and charms. I do not have my letters and so Margery the scrivener is taking down my words. As this great pestilence (not unlike the sweating sickness) does stalk the land, I am under sufferance to remain in my hovel to help protect his Majesties realm. This means I am no longer able to tend to your ailments and sicknesses. I thought that this being the case, I could give guidance on how you may help yourselves.I aim to give you remedies and cures here and pray God that you will follow them to the betterment of your bodies. I will start with the symptom of coughing. This is most irksome to both the sufferer and those about. To ease the cough, take sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and mint and seeth them all together in a pot on the fire till the vapours do rise. Then place the pot upon your board, put your head within the vapours and cover your head with a thick clout. Breathe deep.To ease the soreness of the throat caused by the coughing, collect as many snails as you will, (mayhap send your childer to collect them), rinse them in faire water and tie them in a linen clout. Hang them near your fire with a dish beneath, and collect the drippings from them overnight. On the morrow, take the drippings and (if God has blessed you with wealth) mix with sugar. If you cannot afford sugar (as in truth it is of great expense), use honey instead. When mixed together, take a great spoon full as thou wilt, as oft as you wilt, and you will find that the sugar or honey does ease the throat, and the snail slime will coat the throat and calm the cough. I will issue more cures should God spare me, but if you have aught that ails you. please let me know and, if able. I will try to help. God Be with you and may He keep you safe and well. God save the King.
The Companye of Merrie Folke 