[MR] BBC: Norfolk Farmer at Bosworth

[Garth Groff]

Noble friends,

Here is an interesting piece from the BBC on the will of Thomas Longe, a 
Norfolk farmer who apparently was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 
1485: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14715466 . Longe's 
circumstances suggest several likely assumptions about common soldiers 
in the Yorkist armies (and no doubt the Lancastrian as well). They waere 
likely unarmored, and apparently provided their own weapons (one 
envisions them carrying spears, and most certainly daggers). This is 
very much in line with various assizes of arms, which usually required 
light armor and a helmet for men worth 10 pounds.

It is a sad tale, but fascinating.

Kind regards,


Lord Mungo Napier, That Crazy Scot