A Remembrance of the Worthy Show and Shooting by the Duke of Shoreditch

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; 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 Chro- nicles 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 BarloI.e., Thomas Covell. yet remaining to shoot, being one of the Kings 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 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 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 hollowing 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 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;Sir Owen Hopton her Majesties Lieutenant of the Tower of London, Sir Rowland Haward, and divers Aldermen of London and so took place in the hindward. Then went all the Train through Chancery lane, and turned towards London down Fleetstreet, until they came to Ludgate, where stood ready to receive them into the theThe first the appears at the end of the line. The duplication of the word was likely a compositorial error. 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; andPaul’s School came unto them the Marchant–Taylors in their Gowns, every one having a fair broad Arrow in their hands as they yet passed through Pauls Churchyard 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.

First came two Ensigns before Mr Beadel in Paternoster-Row, and Mr. Smith in Pauls Churchyard chiefest.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.

AndThese green men were prepared by Mr. Wood who being continual Rangers did both expriss his name, and beautifie the Show. His Badge also bare a fair Shield upon which stood this Sentence, More ways than one to the Wood. between every one of them Pages 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 the Hunters did wind their Horns. Then came six Trumpets sounding, with Drums and Fifes, guarded with Halberds; 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 apparal- led with great Hose down to the small of their Legs, with strange Caps agreeable,The Marquess of S. Johns wood brought the wild men. bearing on their Necks long Swords, which 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 same 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 greatEspecially M. Blamor chief of them. cost in provision of Trumpets, Drums, Ensigns, Fifes, and other Furniture, the most part were Haberdashers of London; 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 Scarfes 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 Ensign and two Cardinals, wearing broad Hats of Tawny colour, with two silk strings buttoned under their Chins; the ends hanging down to their feet, apparelled 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.

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 MarkThe L. of LeicesterI.e., Sir Robert Dudley.gave them 2 Bucks, & 40 s. in money. The E. of ArundelI.e., St. Philip Howard. did lend them his house to feast in, besides a hogshead of wine, and Venison, which he gave them. which was set up on purpose at Saint Iame’s Wall; whereby was to be seen the great good will of so bountiful 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 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 Hogsden with a stately Ensign of red Crimson Damask, in the midst of the which Ensign there 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 most 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 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.

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 Dicing, 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 Inscriptions of honest Exercise: Then came two fair Ensigns, white and black, with Whifflers 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 between two fine Pages bearing Shafts, 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 Rowland Hayward, with other the Aldermen and Citizens of London, bearing Standard Arrows in their hands, with a seemly Company of Archers: Then came the 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 Scarfs; 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 Mile-end. 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 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, expressingMarquess Barlo, alias Covell was the chief in the Forefront of the Shooters. the good will to the Long–Bow, and now being aged, do give over that laudable Game to their Sons and Servants, yet still well willers 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 Shields of sundry Devises, in the one of their hands, and an Arrow in the other hand: Then came a Ship ready rigged, carried Pagent-wise, 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 to 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;

Honest labour procureth health, By honest labour men come to wealth.

Thus every one had his Page bearing these Tools, like Workmen by whose Labor 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 Cornhill, 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 intimes 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 seem- ly 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 Tent 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, Whifflers, 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 num- ber 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, with some of the Archers in Chains of Gold, went and met these courteous Knights, mounted upon stately Palfreys, 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 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 should have been discoursed. These actions being finished (we presume of your courtesie) we shall depart friendly, alwaies wishing the prosperous success of your worthy Exercise.

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 pre- sented the same to Prince Arthur, who was at his Tent, which was at Mile-end green; 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 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.

Then did the Marquess Barlo with all the Goldsmiths and his convoy of men at Arms safe conduct the Duke home to hisNorrich & Savage both notatable for shot in this 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 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 fore-sight 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 Ensigns, 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, 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 sounded, the People hollowed, the Drums struck up, and such a noise was made that it was heard far off. Then the Duke with some of his Knights and Gentlemen, went about the whole House and visited every Table, with Drum and Fife, 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 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.