WHereas in former times Bowes and Arrowes haue beene found seruiceable weapons for the warre , whereby great victories and conquests haue beene gotten , and by sundry Statutes the vse thereof hath beene enioyned , which Statutes are still in force , and Wee expect that our Subiects should conforme themselues thereunto , knowing the exercise of shooting to bee a meanes to preserue health , strength , and agilitie of body , and to auoide idlenesse , vnlawfull disports , drunkennesse , and such like enormities and disorders , which are too frequent among Our people .

And whereas Our louing subiect William Neade an ancient Archer , hath presented vnto vs a warlike inuention of the vse of the Bowe with the Pike together , whereby euery Pikeman may also bee a Bowe-man , which warlike seruice Wee together with Our Councell of State , and Councell at Warre haue seene exercised in Military Discipline , and Wee doe approoue the same to bee seruiceable and vsefull in time of Warre , And haue by Our Commission vnder Our great Seale of England authorized the said William Neade , and William Neade his sonne , whom hee hath instructed , to teach and exercise Our louing Subiects therein :

And to that end and purpose Wee doe by this Our Proclamation signifie and declare Our Will and pleasure , that the vse and exercise of the Bowe and Pike together shall bee put in practise within this Our Realme of England , and Dominion of Wales , that all Our louing Subiects who are fit to exercise Armes , and especially the chiefe Officers and all others of Our Trayned-Bands may bee instructed therein , by such wayes , and in such manner as shall bee prescribed , and directed by the said William Neade , and William Neade , or either of them , and those whom either of them shall haue sufficiently instructed , and deputed in that behalfe , at such conuenient times and places as shall bee appointed by the Deputie Lieutenants , or Iustices of Peace in euery Countie , Maiors , Bailiffes , Constables or other head Officers in euery Citie and Towne Corporate respectiuely , so that the same may bee done without preiudice or hinderance to generall Musters , Trayning , or other publike affaires ;

Willing and requiring them , and euery of them respectiuely , vpon notice giuen by the said William Neade , and William Neade , or either of them , or by such others as by either of them shall bee thereunto appointed , That they or some of them doe from time to time prescribe and appoint conuenient times and places for the exercise of this Warlike seruice , and by Warrant or such other Wayes and meanes , as shall seeme most meet vnto them , to cause such of Our louing Subiects as aforesaid , to bee present at such time and place , there to bee exercised and made perfect in the vse of the Bowe and the Pike together in Military Discipline .

And that this Our Proclamation may take the better effect , Wee doe hereby require and command all and singular Deputy Lieutenants , and Iustices of Peace , Maiors , Bailiffes , Coustables and all other Our Officers , Ministers , and Subiects whom it may concerne respectiuely , That they and euery of them be ayding and assisting vnto the said William Neade , and William Neade , and persons deputed as aforesaid , in the exercise and performance of the premisses , according to Our Will and Pleasure herein declared , as they tender Our Pleasure and will auoid the contrary at their perils .