"Livery?" Topic

Will someone please explain the system of livery soldiers to me? This is specifically in relation to War of the Roses English and Welsh troops.

Would a single lord raise several (lets say three for the sake of the argument) units under different captains and have all three in his own livery?

Or would only a single household unit wear the lord's livery, and the other two units wear the livery of their own captains?

Cheers,

Nic

I think they would all wear their lord's livery but I am no expert. If I were you I would ask this question on the Lead Adventure Form as there are some very clever chaps there and I am sure they would be happy to help you.

It would be interesting to hear what those clever chaps on LAF say, meanwhile;

TMP link

TMP link

The captains would be like sub contractors but they are all working for the same company so would all wear the main contractors livery.

It could be layered. for example, Lord A is indentured to raise (say) 20 men-at-arms and 60 archers. His own riding retinue (the 'permanent' troops he pays to protect him) comprise, 12 men-at-arms and 15 archers, and all have been issued with his livery coat in blue-and-white, with his badge of a boar's head.

He has to find another 8 men-at-arms and 45 archers, so turns to his cousins, who has a riding retinue of 5 men-at-arms and 30 archers. These men weear B's livery of red-and-green and the badge of a swan. However, bevcause they are serving under Lord A, they all get given a 'bend' (or sash) in blue-and-white.

For the last 3 men-at-arms and 15 archers, Lord A turns to a professional captain, C. C raises his men from the stews of Portsmouth (mostly returning soldiers form the Calais garrison). As a result, they don't have any livery at all. When they arrive, Lord A gives them bends of blue-and-white. If Lord A has a bit more money, he might give them coats in blue-and-white.

These men weear B's livery of red-and-green and the badge of a swan. However, bevcause they are serving under Lord A, they all get given a 'bend' (or sash) in blue-and-white.

What evidence can you offer to support this idea of a sash?

I'm intrigued at the suggestion of indentured troops during the WotR – do you have any examples in mind?

I'd be interested too.