View source for Ledall Roll (Additional MS 39564)

{{infobox manuscript
<!----------Name---------->
 | name               = [[name::Ledall Roll]]
 | location           = [[inventory::Additional MS 39564]], [[museum::British Library]]<br/>London, United Kingdom
<!----------Image---------->
 | image              = File:Add. MS 39564 verso.jpg
 | width              = 
 | caption            = Top of the verso side of the roll
<!----------General---------->
| Hagedorn's catalog  = —
| Wierschin's catalog = —
| Hils' catalog       = —
| Beck catalog        = —
 | Also known as      = 
 | Type               = [[type::Fencing manual]]
 | Date               = between [[year::1535-1550|1535 - 1550]]
 | Place of origin    = England
 | Language(s)        = [[language::Early Modern English]]
 | Scribe(s)          = [[scribe::J. Ledall]]
 | Author(s)          = 
 | Compiled by        = 
 | Illuminated by     = 
 | Patron             = 
 | Dedicated to       = 
<!----------Form and content---------->
 | Material           = Vellum
 | Size               = 152.5 mm × 622 mm
 | Format             = Roll
 | Condition          = 
 | Script             = 
 | Contents           = 
 | Illumination(s)    = 
 | Additions          = 
 | Exemplar(s)        = 
 | Previously kept    = 
 | Discovered         = [[Sydney Anglo]]
 | Website            = [http://searcharchives.bl.uk/IAMS_VU2:IAMS032-002059183 Library catalog entry]
 | below              = 
}}
The '''Additional MS 39564''' is an [[nationality::English]] [[fencing manual]] apparently written by one J. Ledall between 1535 and 1550.{{cn}} The original currently rests in the holdings of the [[British Library]] in London, United Kingdom.<ref>"[http://searcharchives.bl.uk/IAMS_VU2:IAMS032-002059183 Explore Archives and Manuscripts]". [[British Library]]. Retrieved 08 August 2016.</ref> Along with the [[Man yt Wol (MS Harley 3542)|Man yt Wol]] and the [[MS Cotton Titus A xxv|Cotton Titus]] manuscript, this is one of only three extant treatises describing Medieval English martial arts.

The only fencer with the name J. Ledall currently known to be active in Britain in this time period was John Ledall/Ledale (ca.1515-1582), a British merchant born in York, England, between 1513 and 1518 and awarded Freedom of the City of York in 1529 or 1530. The only son of a glover, Ledall was himself a merchant and seems to have been quite wealthy; he was also a prominent member of the Guild of Corpus Christi, which he joined with his wife Elizabeth Vavasour in 1533. In 1547, Ledall was awarded the title Chamberlain of York, which indicates that he must have been a bridge-master at some point before that time. He died in 1582 and was buried at St. John's Chapel Micklegate.

However, this attribution is questionable as the name seems to refer merely to a scribe, not the original author. It appears in the phrase ''Amen Quod I Ledall'' ("confirmed by I./J. Ledall") tucked between two lines in the upper part of the back side of the roll, not at the end where a signature might be expected. Additionally, the sequence of plays suggests that it was copied by rote from an older document by a scribe who didn't understand the material well enough to recognize that the pages were out of order, which would argue against its being copied by any sort of fencer.

== Provenance ==

The known provenance of the Additional MS 39564 is:

* scribed by J. Ledall between 1535 and 1550.
* before 1917 - acquired by Rev. Alfred Fuller.
* 1917 - donated to the [[British Museum]].
* 1973 - moved to the newly organized [[British Library]].

== Contents ==

{| class="treatise"
|- 
! id="page" | 1rv
| {{treatise begin
 | title = Anonymous treatise on the two-handed sword
 | width = 60em
}}
{| class="treatisecontent"
|- 
! <p>{{rating|B|Completed Modernization}}<br/>by [[Stevie Thurston]]</p>
! <p>Transcription<br/>by [[Stevie Thuston]]</p>

|- 
| <p>'''The First Flourish'''</p>

A Quarter fair before you, delivered with one hand. Voiding back the right foot with another Quarter with both hands. A Downright stroke voiding back the left foot, standing still play 3 Rakes lightly cutting to the elbows, with a Quarter fair before you with both hands. And 2 Quarters after with 2 turns, a Downright-stroke voiding back the left foot. Standing still play the said 3 Rakes with a Quarter fair before you and 2 Quarters after with 2 turns. A Downright-stroke setting forth the right foot as forward as your left with a broken thrust upon the left side, another on the right side turning the sword under the right arm. Bring it with the same side with a broken thrust upon the left side, another upon the right side, turning your sword set the point soft before you upon the ground.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|1|lbl=1r}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Second Flourish'''</p>

A Quarter fair before you with one hand standing still. Set in the right leg with a Dragon's Tayle, then set the left hand upon the sword, smiting a Quarter fair before you. With one hand, turning your body, set in your right leg as forward as your left, bringing the point of the sword over your head, set it down softly before you upon the ground. Then, standing still, play your Rakes upon any side, as often as you will, resting upon your right arm then smite a Downright-stroke voiding back the left leg, bringing after the right leg with a Rake. Lift up the sword, over your head, bringing forward the right leg as forward as the left, play a Broken thrust upon any side. Turning the sword over the right arm, setting the point softly before you on the ground.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|2|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Laying Down of the Sword'''</p>

A Proffer to his face, following in with the right leg with a rake. Standing still smite a Quarter fair before you with another after voiding back the right leg. Then smite a Down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, with a Rake following in with the right leg. Lifting up your hands on your right shoulder, turning again set in your right leg before your left, softly lay down your sword
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|3|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The First Chase'''</p>

A Full-stroke, a Fore-thrust, with a Quarter lightly delivered, and if it be twice played it will bring you to your ground.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|4|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Second Chase'''</p>

A Double Round, with a Back-thrust, and a Quarter lightly delivered. And it be twice played it will bring you again to your ground.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|5|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Third Chase'''</p>

A Double Round forward, an other backward. A Down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, a Back-thrust voiding back the right leg, following in with the left leg smite a Quarter backward. And if it be twice played it bring you to your ground.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|6|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Fourth Chase; called “The Bow-Thrust”'''</p>

A Double Round forward an other backward. A Downright stroke voiding back the left leg, a Back-thrust, with a Bow-thrust voiding back with the right leg, lithely smite a Quarter.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|7|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Fifth Chase; called “At the Rounds”'''</p>

Two Double Rounds forward and this follows contrary all to your man. And if you play it again it will bring you to your ground.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|8|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Sixth Chase; called “The Tumbling Chase”'''</p>

Two Double Rounds forward, with as many backward; all upon the left foot lithely delivered. Then tumble forward as round as a ball: that is to say; with a Down-right stroke set forward the right foot, bringing the sword over your head void back the left foot, with another Down-right stroke followed with the right leg. Then bring back the same foot with a back-thrust, set in the left foot and smite back a quarter.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|9|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Seventh Chase'''</p>

A Full-stroke, a For-thrust, followed with a Quarter. Playing a Broken-thrust upon the right side, another on the left side, thrust forth a For-thrust followed with 2 Quarters with the said Broken-thrusts played on every side, thrust forth a For-thrust at his face, voiding back with 2 Quarters.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|10|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Eighth Chase; called “The Spring”'''</p>

A Full-stroke, a For-thrust, setting forth the left foot with the left hand smite a Spring, voiding back the same foot with a Full-stroke then play a Back-thrust with another Spring. Voiding back the left foot with a Full-stroke then void back the right foot and play a Double-thrust with a Spring, voiding back the left foot with a Full-Stroke, playing another Double-thrust with a Spring, voiding back the left foot with a Full-Stroke and a Back-thrust.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|11|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 9th Chase: called “The Four Points”'''</p>

A Down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, suddenly play a Rake followed with the right leg. Standing still play a Quarter fair before you, then set in the left leg and smite back a Quarter.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|12|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 10th Chase: called “The Five Points”'''</p>

A Down-right stroke voiding back the left foot, suddenly play a Rake followed with the right foot. The void back the left leg with another Down-right stroke and play a Back-thrust voiding back the right leg, step in with the left leg and smite back a Quarter.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|13|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 11th Chase: called “The 3 points”'''</p>

A Rake upon the right side, standing still smite a Quarter, voiding back the right leg strike another [Quarter] after.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|14|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 12th Chase: called “3 points [same?]”</p>

A Down-right stroke voiding back with the left leg, lightly play a Rake followed with the right leg, then void back the same leg suddenly play a Quarter.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|15|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 13th: Called “The getting Chase”'''</p>

A Quarter fair before you, with both hands. Standing still play a Proffer at his face, following with your Rakes backward. Smite a Spring turning with a Full-stroke, following with your Rakes before you smite a Quarter, turning your body play 2 Quarters all upon the left foot.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|16|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The First Point of the Counter'''</p>

A Proffer at his face standing still, then set in the right leg with a Rake and a Quarter. Voiding back the same leg with another Quarter then void back your left leg and stand at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|17|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Second Counter called: “The Full-Spring”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter, another void. Lightly smite a Full-Spring, setting in the right leg with a Quarter and another void, be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|18|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Third Counter called: “The Short-Spring, with a Falling-stroke”</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter, another void standing still. A Short-Spring with a Falling-stroke, then set in the right leg with a Quarter, another void, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|19|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 22nd Called: “The Large Proffer with a Rabett ?? the for Quarter”'''</p>

A Proffer large, standing still lightly play a Rabett at his leg, low by the ground. Then lightly set in the right leg with a Quarter, and smite him to the ground, then void back the same leg and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|20|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 23rd Called: “The facing, with the Spring”'''</p>

Also standing at your defence, when your Enemy begins to come in with a Proffer, look steadfastly in his face and suddenly set in your left leg, across before your right leg, lightly smiting a full Spring at his leg, and then void a back your left leg and be at your stop. Otherwise set in the right with a full Quarter, and another void, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|21|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Stopping Rabett'''</p>

Also, standing at your defence, if you bepayste (deceive) your Enemy: when he begins to play a Proffer, lightly set in your left leg with a Rabett, voiding back the same leg be at your stop. Otherwise, when your Enemy plays a Proffer and begins to pluck back his sword to set a Quarter lightly set in your left leg with the said Rabett, then void back the same leg and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|1|lbl=1v}}

|- 
| <p>'''The Dragon's Tail with the Pendant'''</p>

A Proffer, with a Rake, standing still with your right hand play a void quarter above his head, and as the sword waves about, over your head, set in your left foot. Then lightly, with the right hand and foot, thrust forth a thrust at his face, and thrust a Bow-thrust at his belly. Then smite a full Quarter, and another void, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|2|lbl=-}}

|- 
| 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|Ledall|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 4th called: The Rabett with a Down-right  Stroke'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter. Set in your left leg with a Rabett, then set in your right leg with a Down-right stroke with both hands, with a thrust and a Quarter with another void, be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|3|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 5th called: “The 3 Quarters”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter full. Standing still play another void above his head, with another at his leg. Then void back the right leg with another Quarter and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|4|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 6th Point called: “The Cross Rake”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Cross-Rake, with a thrust at his face with a Quarter full and another, a void, be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|5|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 7th Point called: “The Down-right Stroke”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter, another, a void. A Down-right stroke followed with the right leg, then standing still lithely play a For-thrust, with a Quarter, and another void, be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|6|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 8th called: “The Rabett with a Down-right Stroke”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter, another, a void. A Down-right stroke followed with the right leg, with a For-thrust. Setting in the left leg lithely play a Rabett, then set in the right leg with a Down-right stroke, a thrust, with a Quarter, another, a void, be at you stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|7|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 9th called: “The Double Round with 2 Thrusts”'''</p>
A Double Round forward, with a thrust at his face, another at his belly. Standing still play a Quarter full, with another void, be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|8|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 10th called: “The Snatch”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter full. Voiding back the right leg with the left hand smite a Snatch, then void back your left leg and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|9|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 11th called: “The Short Spring with 2 Thrusts Following”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a quarter full, another void. Lightly play a Short Spring, voiding back the left leg set hands upon the sword, setting up a thrust by the left shoulder. Bring it forth before you, set in your left leg with a such another thrust at his face. Followed with the right leg lightly play a Quarter full, with another void, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|10|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 12th Point called: “The Fool”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter full, and another, a void. Standing still lightly, with the left hand, to his head cast a Fool. Then set in your right leg and smite a Quarter full, with another void be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|11|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 13th Point Called: “The Down-right Stroke Standing Still”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a full Quarter, another, a void above his head standing still. Move your body, bringing your sword over your right shoulder lightly smite a Down-right stroke at his head, with a thrust, and a Quarter full, with another void, be at you stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|12|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 14th Point'''<ref>Text continues "called: The Broken Spring with the thrust", but this title seems to be misplaced.</ref></p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a full Quarter, another, a void, then softly set in your right leg, be at your stop. That done, set in your left leg with a Rabett fair above his head. Lightly set in your right leg with a Down-right stroke at his head, with a thrust and a full Quarter, with another, a void. Be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|13|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 15th Called [“The Broken Spring with the thrust”]'''<ref>Text reads "The Turning Quarter", but this title seems to be misplaced.</ref></p>
A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter, another, a void. Standing still hold your sword with both hands and bend your body as you would smite a Full Spring. Then loose your right hand, with the left hand thrust forth a thrust at his side, setting in the right leg, lightly, with a full Quarter, another, a void. Be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|14|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 16th and the Defence it Named Shall Close You'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a Quarter full, with another Quarter largely a void. Then lightly turn your body with a full Quarter, an other void, be at your stop.<ref>This paragraph may be the misplaced text of the "Turning Quarter"</ref>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a full Quarter, then loose your left hand from your sword. Voiding back your right leg bring it back with your right hand fair before your breast, ready to thrust, and run in with a Rake, and a full Quarter, playing the same play twice. Then bring back again your sword, with the said right hand and leg and smite a Full-Spring, lightly with a full Quarter, and another, a void, and be at you stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|15|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 17th Called: “The Double Spring”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, a Full Quarter, with another, a void. Lightly caste out a Full Short Spring at his face. Standing still when the sword comes about your head, ?????? it with your right hand at your right shoulder, then lightly smite a Full-Spring with a full Quarter, another, a void. Be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|16|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 18th Called: “The Double Rabetts”'''</p>

A Proffer, a Rake, with a full Quarter, lightly set in the left leg with a Rabett. Standing still lightly play another Rabett with a Full-Spring at his leg. Other wise, set in the right leg with a Down-right stroke at his head and a full Quarter, another, a void, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|17|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 19th called The Cross Rakes with a Quarter'''</p>

A proffer followed with as many rakes as you will, then suddenly smite a full spring to his elbow, with another quarter voiding and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|18|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 20th called The Broken Quarter with a Thrust'''</p>

A proffer, a rake lifting up your arms as if you were to smite a quarter, then suddenly thrust at his chest with your left hand, followed with the left foot. Then set in your right leg with a full quarter and another voiding, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|19|lbl=-}}

|- 
| <p>'''The 21st called The Broken Thrust with a Spring'''</p>

A proffer, a rake with a full quarter, then set in your left leg and with the left hand bring the sword over the top of your head. Void back and start to play a rabett, breaking the rabett to strike a full spring at his leg with a full quarter, and another quarter and a quarter void, and be at your stop.
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|20|lbl=-}}

|- 
| class="noline" | <p>The end.</p>
| class="noline" | {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|21|lbl=-}}

|}
{{treatise end}}

|}

== Gallery ==



== Additional Resources ==

{{bibliography}}

== References ==

{{reflist}}

== Copyright and License Summary ==

For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the [[Talk:{{PAGENAME}}|discussion page]].

<section begin="sourcebox"/>{{sourcebox header}}
{{sourcebox
 | work        = Images
 | authors     = 
 | source link = 
 | source title= 
 | license     = copyrighted
}}
{{sourcebox
 | work        = Modernization
 | authors     = [[translator::Stevie Thurston]]
 | source link = 
 | source title= Private communication
 | license     = noncommercial
}}
{{sourcebox
 | work        = Transcription
 | authors     = [[transcriber::Stevie Thurston]]
 | source link = 
 | source title= [[Index:Ledall Roll (Additional MS 39564)]]
 | license     = noncommercial
}}
{{sourcebox footer}}<section end="sourcebox"/>

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