Re: Carls, half carls and Gardeners

From: KYER, JEFFREY <jeff.kyer_at_...>
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 09:03:43 -0500

Peter Metcalfe wrote:
>
> David Boatright:
>
> >The other defination for Carl has them providing spear and shield to
> >the fyrd. Does that mean the majority of fyrd is armed with clubs
> >anbd the like.
>
> TR p44 says that about half the male population is available
> for the Fyrd. So if these are meant to be (mostly) carls and
> half carls than the rest of the male population would be cottars.
>
> --Peter Metcalfe
>

I suspect that the cottars would stay at home (someone has to mind the herds and sheep) or join the skirmishers with slings and bows? Perhaps they are lent equiopment by more wealthy relatives?

Hmm. And when they return from the raid, does anyone sing 'Welcome Back, Kotter?'

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