THE TUDOR ARTE OF WARRE: Volume 3: The Conduct of War in the Reign of Elizabeth I 1558-1603 -- The Elizabethan Army

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Essentially an Elizabethan army handbook that explains its leadership, organization, tactics, and training and recruitment. Also describes how soldiers were paid, clothed, equipped, and provided for - or as was too often the case, not provided for. Wars are fought by armies; in Elizabeth's England the wars led to the creation of armies in a rather ad-hoc fashion, until the long-term commitments to Ireland and the Netherlands forced the creation of a semi-permanent institution. Considers the strengths and weaknesses of the county-based system that included a fair amount of endemic corruption.

An army is as good as its recruits and in Elizabeth's reign recruitment for service, either for the newly developed Trained Bands or for overseas service as pressed men, was predominantly managed by the counties. Provides a detailed explanation and description of infantry training and tactics and includes many diagrams from contemporary military handbooks which demonstrate how companies and larger formations could be deployed. Also summarizes the role of the cavalry.