England, Statutes, Henry VIII Anno Tertio... London, 1552, modern half morocco

ENGLAND. STATUTES. HENRY VIII

Anno tertio Henrici Octavi. The Kyng our souerayne lorde Henry the. VIII... at his parliamente holden at westminster the. iiii. daie of February... hath do to be ordeyned, made, and enacted certaine statutes and ordinaunces in maner and fourme folowyng. London: Thomas Berthelet, [1552]

folio (285 x 198mm.), black letter, woodcut initials, woodcut arms at the end, modern morocco-backed boards, some light damp-staining, a few nicks and tears to some leaves, a few tiny paper flaws and holes

This collection of Acts passed by Henry VIII contains several relating to military matters, including the promotion and encouragement of archery (using the long bow), the banning of the use of the cross-bow and hand-guns ("An acte advoydyng of shotynge and kepyng of crossebowes and hande gonnes", "An acte adnulllyng shotyng in crosbowes"), the payment of soldiers, and others. Both Henry VII and Henry VIII strongly promoted the long bow since it was felt it had been of far greater benefit to the nation. An important factor in the victory at the Battle of Flodden (1513) against the Scots and the French was the superior skill of the English archers.

LITERATURE:

ESTC S121432; STC 9362

PROVENANCE:

Frank Hammond, bookseller in Birmingham, typed letter signed to Lord Cottesloe dated 18 December 1958, offering this book, loosely inserted