Shire levy facts for kids
A shire levy was a way to gather soldiers in medieval England and Scotland. Unlike armies made up of noble families, a shire levy involved calling up able-bodied men from a specific area, called a shire (like a county today). These men, usually between 16 and 60 years old, would serve in the army under the command of their local Sheriff.
Contents
What Was a Shire Levy?
A shire levy was a system where kings could ask ordinary people to join the army. It was different from when rich noble families provided their own soldiers. Instead, the king would ask each shire, or region, to send men.
Who Was Called to Serve?
Usually, men aged 16 to 60 who were fit and healthy had to join. They were led by the Sheriff, who was the king's representative in that area. This system helped kings get many soldiers quickly when they needed them for battles or to defend their lands.
History of the Shire Levy
The idea of the shire levy in England came from an older Anglo-Saxon system called the Fyrd. This was a local army that protected the kingdom.
Early English Levies
After the Norman kings took over England, they continued to use this system. A famous example is the Battle of the Standard in 1138, where a shire levy helped fight off an invasion.
New Rules for Soldiers
Later, kings made new rules to organize these armies better.
- The Assize of Arms of 1181 was a law that said all free men must have weapons and be ready to fight for the king. It also listed what kind of weapons they should have, depending on their wealth.
- The Assize of Arms of 1252 updated these rules, making sure more people were included and had the right equipment.
- King Edward I made even more changes with the Statute of Winchester in 1285. This law further organized how men were called up and what weapons they needed.
Importance in Wars
Shire levies became very important for England, especially during the Hundred Years' War (a long series of conflicts between England and France). As the fighting grew, kings needed more and more soldiers. The shire levies helped provide many of these fighters, alongside soldiers from noble families.
Scottish Shire Levies
In Scotland, the way a shire levy was called up was quite dramatic. Riders would gallop through towns and villages carrying a 'Fiery Cross'. This was a burning cross, and it was a powerful signal for all able-bodied men to gather and prepare for war.
See also
