ARMS, ASSIZE OF

1181. This *assize extended the obligations of military equipment and service to those not previously affected. Under *fyrd law, only free landholders had been liable. This assize summoned all burgesses, all freeholders, regardless of wealth; also included were artisans and traders with income of 10 marks or more a year. Men worth 16 marks were to be equipped as knights. The rich were required to have sword, lance, helmet and mail shirt; the less well-off leather jerkin, lance and skull cap.

Cf. Arraiator