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(With permission from Stevie Thurston. First play changed left foot to right foot.)
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{{Infobox manuscript
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{{infobox manuscript
 
<!----------Name---------->
 
<!----------Name---------->
| name             = [[name::Ledall Roll]]
+
| name               = [[name::Ledall Roll]]
| location         = [[inventory::Additional MS 39564]], [[museum::British Library]]<br/>London, United Kingdom
+
| location           = [[inventory::Additional MS 39564]], [[museum::British Library]]<br/>London, United Kingdom
 
<!----------Image---------->
 
<!----------Image---------->
| image           = File:Add. MS 39564 verso.jpg
+
| image             = File:Add. MS 39564 verso.jpg
| width           =  
+
| width             =  
| caption         = Top of the verso side of the roll
+
| caption           = Top of the verso side of the roll
 
<!----------General---------->
 
<!----------General---------->
| Index number     = [[WI::—]]
+
| Index number       = [[WI::—]]
| Wierschin's catalog=[[WC::—]]
+
| Wierschin's catalog= [[WC::—]]
| Hils' catalog   = [[HK::—]]
+
| Hils' catalog     = [[HK::—]]
| Beck catalog     = [[BC::—]]
+
| Beck catalog       = [[BC::—]]
| Also known as   =  
+
| Also known as     =  
| Type             = [[type::Fencing manual]]
+
| Type               = [[type::Fencing manual]]
| Date             = [[year::1535-1550|between 1535 - 1550]]
+
| Date               = between [[year::1535-1550|1535 - 1550]]
| Place of origin =  
+
| Place of origin   = England
| Language(s)     = [[language::Early Modern English]]
+
| Language(s)       = [[language::Early Modern English]]
| Scribe(s)       = [[scribe::J. Ledall]]
+
| Scribe(s)         = [[scribe::J. Ledall]]
| Author(s)       =  
+
| Author(s)         =  
| Compiled by     =  
+
| Compiled by       =  
| Illuminated by   =  
+
| Illuminated by     =  
| Patron           =  
+
| Patron             =  
| Dedicated to     =  
+
| Dedicated to       =  
 
<!----------Form and content---------->
 
<!----------Form and content---------->
| Material         = Vellum
+
| Material           = Vellum
| Size             =  
+
| Size               = 6 in × 24 ½ in
| Format           = Roll
+
| Format             = Roll
| Condition       =  
+
| Condition         =  
| Script           = [[script::Bastarda]] (?)
+
| Script             =  
| Contents         =  
+
| Contents           =  
| Illumination(s) =  
+
| Illumination(s)   =  
| Additions       =  
+
| Additions         =  
| Exemplar(s)     =  
+
| Exemplar(s)       =  
| Previously kept =  
+
| Previously kept   =  
| Discovered       =  
+
| Discovered         =  
| Website         = [http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/manuscripts/HITS0001.ASP?VPath=html/33338.htm Museum catalog listing]
+
| Website           = [http://searcharchives.bl.uk/IAMS_VU2:IAMS032-002059183 Library catalog entry]
| below           =  
+
| 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, England. 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 '''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 active in Britain in this time period was John Ledall/Ledale (ca.1515-1582), a [[nationality::British| ]] 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.
+
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.
 
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.
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== Contents ==
 
== Contents ==
  
{| class="wikitable treatise"
+
{| class="treatise"
 
|-  
 
|-  
! id="page" | Folio
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! id="page" | 1rv
! Section
+
| {{treatise begin
 
+
  | title = Anonymous treatise on the two-handed sword
|-
+
  | width = 60em
! 1rv
 
|  
 
{{hidden begin
 
  | title     = Plays of the [[longsword|sword]], possibly by John Ledall
 
  | titlestyle= background:#f2f2f2; border:1px solid #aaaaaa; font-weight:normal; padding:0em 0.3em; vertical-align:middle; width:28em;
 
| bodystyle = display:block; min-width:56em;
 
 
}}
 
}}
{| class="wikitable floated master"
+
{| class="treatisecontent"
 
|-  
 
|-  
! <p>{{rating|B|Modenization}}<br/>by [[Stevie Thurston]]</p>
+
! <p>{{rating|B|Completed Modernization}}<br/>by [[Stevie Thurston]]</p>
 
! <p>Transcription<br/>by [[Stevie Thuston]]</p>
 
! <p>Transcription<br/>by [[Stevie Thuston]]</p>
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The First Flourish'''
+
| <p>'''The First Flourish'''</p>
A quarter fare before you, delivered at his hand, void back the right foot with a full quarter with both hands. A down-right stroke voiding back the left foot, standing still play three rakes lithely, ??? cleaving by the elbows with a quarter fare before you with both hands. And then another quarter with two turns and a down-right stroke voiding back the left foot. Standing still play three rakes with a quarter fare before you, followed by two quarters with two turns. A down-right stroke setting forth your right foot as far forwards as your left, with a broken thrust on your left side and another broken thrust on your right side, turning your sword under your arm on your right side, then make a broken thrust on your left side and another broken thrust on your right side. The turning your sword put the point carefully before you on the ground.
+
 
 +
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}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|1|lbl=1r}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Second Flourish'''
+
| <p>'''The Second Flourish'''</p>
A quarter fare before you with one hand standing still, set in your right leg with a Dragon's tail then set the left hand upon your sword and smite a quarter fare before you. With one hand turn your body and set your right leg as far forward as your left, bringing the point of the sword over your head and carefully put the point to the ground. Then standing still play your rakes upon any side, as often as you will until the sword rests upon your right side, then smite a down-right stroke voiding back the left leg. Void back the right leg with a rake, lift up your sword over your head and bring forth your right foot as far as the left. Play a broken thrust upon every side turning the sword over the right arm place the point carefully on the ground before you.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|2|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Laying Down of Your Sword'''
+
| <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 fare 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, lift up your hands over your right shoulder and turning again set your right leg before your left and softly lay down your sword.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|3|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The First Chase'''
+
| <p>'''The First Chase'''</p>
A full stroke, a for thrust, with a quarter lithely delivered. (If it is played twice it will bring you to your ground.)
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|4|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Second Chase'''
+
| <p>'''The Second Chase'''</p>
A double round, with a back-thrust and a quarter lithely delivered. (If it is played twice it will bring you to your ground.)
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|5|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Third Chase'''
+
| <p>'''The Third Chase'''</p>
A double-round forward, a double-round backward. A down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, a back-thrust voiding back the right right leg, following in with the left leg smite a quarter backward. (If it is played twice it will bring you to your ground.)
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|6|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Fourth Chase Called the Bowe-Thrust'''
+
| <p>'''The Fourth Chase; called “The Bow-Thrust”'''</p>
A double-round forward, a double-round backward. A down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, a back-thrust with a bow-thrust voiding back the right leg, lithely a quarter (void).
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|7|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Fifth Chase Called at the Rounds'''
+
| <p>'''The Fifth Chase; called “At the Rounds”'''</p>
Two double-rounds forward. And there follows contrary all to your man.(If it is played twice it will bring you to your ground.)
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|8|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Sixth Chase Called the Tumbling Chase'''
+
| <p>'''The Sixth Chase; called “The Tumbling Chase”'''</p>
Two double-rounds forward, two double-rounds backward, all upon the left foot lithely delivered the tumble forward as round as a ball (that is to say with a down-right stroke set forward the right foot, bringing the sword above your head void back the left foot, with an other down-right stroke followed with the right foot, then bring back the same foot with a back-thrust, set in the left foot and smite back a quarter.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|9|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Seventh Chase'''
+
| <p>'''The Seventh Chase'''</p>
A full-stroke, a fore-thrust followed with a quarter, playing a broken thrust upon the right side, another on the left side. Thrust forth a fore-thrust followed with two quarters, with said broken thrusts played on every side, thrust forth a fore-thrust at his face, voiding back with two quarters.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|10|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Eighth Chase Called the Spring'''
+
| <p>'''The Eighth Chase; called “The Spring”'''</p>
A full stroke, a fore-thrust, setting forth the left foot with the left hand smite a (full-)spring, voiding back the same foot with a full stroke. Then play a back-thrust with another spring, voiding back the left leg 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 full-stroke and a back-thrust.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|11|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 9th Chase Called the Four Points'''
+
| <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 fare before you, then set in the left leg and smite back a quarter.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|12|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 10th Chase Called the Two Points'''
+
| <p>'''The 10th Chase: called “The Five Points”'''</p>
A down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, suddenly play a rake followed with the right foot. Then 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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|13|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 11th Chase Called Three Points'''
+
| <p>'''The 11th Chase: called “The 3 points”'''</p>
A rake on the right side, standing still smite a quarter, voiding back the right leg strike another after.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|14|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 12th Called the Points (???)'''
+
| <p>'''The 12th Chase: called “3 points [same?]”</p>
A down-right stroke voiding back the left leg, lithely play a rake followed with the right leg. Then void back the same leg and suddenly play a quarter.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|15|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 13th Called the Getting Chase'''
+
| <p>'''The 13th: Called “The getting Chase”'''</p>
A quarter fare before you with both hands, standing still play a proffer at his face followed 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 two quarters all upon the left foot.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|16|lbl=-}}
 +
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The First Point of the Counter'''
+
| <p>'''The First Point of the Counter'''</p>
A proffer at his face standing still. Then set in the left foot with a rake and a quarter, voiding back the same foot with another quarter, then void back your left leg and stand at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|17|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Second Counter Called the Full Spring'''
+
| <p>'''The Second Counter called: “The Full-Spring”'''</p>
A proffer, a rake with a quarter, another void. Lithely smite a full spring, setting in the right leg with a quarter and another void, be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|18|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Third Counter Called the Short Spring With a Falling Stroke'''
+
| <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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|19|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 22nd Called the Large Proffer With a Rabett (???) Before a Quarter'''
+
| <p>'''The 22nd Called: “The Large Proffer with a Rabett ?? the for Quarter”'''</p>
A proffer large, standing still lithely play a rabbit at his leg, low by the ground. The lithely 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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|20|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 23rd Called the Facing With the Spring'''
+
| <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 then set in your left leg across before your right leg, lithely smite a full-spring at his leg and then void back your left leg and be at your stop. ????then foot set in the right with a full quarter and another void and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1r.jpg|21|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Stopping Rabetts'''
+
| <p>'''The Stopping Rabett'''</p>
Also standing at your defence with your sprite enemy, when he begins to play a proffer lithely set in your left leg with a rabett voiding back. Voiding back the same leg be at your stop. Otherwise, when your enemy plays a proffer with a rake and begins to pull back his sword to make a quarter, lithely set in your left leg with the said rabett, then void back the same leg and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|1|lbl=1v}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The Dragon's Tail With a Pendant'''
+
| <p>'''The Dragon's Tail with the Pendant'''</p>
A proffer with a rake standing still, with your right hand play an empty quarter above his head and as the sword waves about your head set in your left foot, then lithely with the right hand and foot thrust forth a thrust at his face. Standing still lithely bring back your sword with both hands and thrust a bow-thrust at his belly, then smite a full quarter, and another void, and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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|2|lbl=-}}
  
Line 192: Line 210:
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 4th Called the Rabett With a Down-Right Stroke'''
+
| <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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|3|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 5th Point Called the 3 Quarters'''
+
| <p>'''The 5th called: “The 3 Quarters”'''</p>
A proffer, a rake with a quarter full. Standing still play another empty above his head, with another at his leg, then void bake the right leg with another quarter and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|4|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 6th Point Called the Cross-Rake'''
+
| <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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|5|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 7th Point Called the Down-Right Stroke'''
+
| <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 fore-thrust with a quarter and another void be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|6|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 8th Called the Rabett With a Down-Right Stroke'''
+
| <p>'''The 8th called: “The Rabett with a Down-right Stroke”'''</p>
A proffer, a rake with a quarter, a void. A downright stroke followed with the right leg, with a fore-thrust. Setting in the left leg lithely play a rabbit then set in the right leg with a down-right stroke, a fore-thrust with a quarter, another, a void, be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|7|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 9th Called the Double Round With Two Foins'''
+
| <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.
+
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|8|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 10th Called the Snatch'''
+
| <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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|9|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 11th Called the Short Spring With Two Thrusts Following'''
+
| <p>'''The 11th called: “The Short Spring with 2 Thrusts Following”'''</p>
A proffer, a rake with a quarter full, another void. Lithely 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 such another thrust at his face, followed with the right leg play a quarter full with another void and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|10|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 12th Point Called the Fool'''
+
| <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.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|11|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 13th Point Called the Down-Right Stroke Standing Still'''
+
| <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 full quarter, with another void be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|12|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 14th Point Called the [Turning Quarter]'''
+
| <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 rabbit fare above his head. Lithely 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.
 
  
''Note that the titles to the 14th and 15th Points seem to be reversed. This has been corrected here.''
+
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|13|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 15th Called the [Broken Spring With a Thrust]'''
+
| <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 if you will smite a full spring. Then loose your right hand and with the left hand thrust forth a thrust at his side, setting in your right leg lithely with a full quarter, another, a void, be at your stop.
+
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|14|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 16th and the Defence It ''Nowed Shalt ????'''''
+
| <p>'''The 16th and the Defence it Named Shall Close You'''</p>
A proffer, a rake with a quarter full, with another quarter, a large void. Then lithely turn your body with a full quarter, another void be at your stop. 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 fare before your chest 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 lithely with a full quarter, and another, a void and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|15|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 17th Called the Double Spring'''
+
| <p>'''The 17th Called: “The Double Spring”'''</p>
A proffer, a rake, a full quarter, with another, a void. Lithely cast out a full short spring at his face. Standing still, when the sword comes about your head bring it with your right hand at your right shoulder then lithely smite a full spring with a full quarter, another, a void, be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|16|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 18th Called the Double Rabett'''
+
| <p>'''The 18th Called: “The Double Rabetts”'''</p>
A proffer, a rake with a full quarter. Lithely set in the left leg with a rabbit, standing still lithely play another rabbit, with a full spring at his leg, (otherwise set in your right leg with a down-right stroke at his head) and a full quarter, another, a void and be at your stop.
+
 
 +
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|17|lbl=-}}
  
|}
 
 
{| class="wikitable floated master"
 
 
|-  
 
|-  
! {{rating|B|Modenization}}
+
| <p>'''The 19th called The Cross Rakes with a Quarter'''</p>
by [[Terry Brown]]
 
! Transcription
 
  
 
|-
 
| '''The 19th Called the Cross Rakes with a Quarter'''
 
 
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.
 
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|18|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 20th Called the Broken Quarter with a Thrust'''
+
| <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.
 
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|19|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| '''The 21st Called the Broken Foin with a Spring'''
+
| <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.
 
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=-}}
 
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|20|lbl=-}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
|  
+
| class="noline" | <p>The end.</p>
| {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|21|lbl=-}}
+
| class="noline" | {{section|page:Add. MS 39564 1v.jpg|21|lbl=-}}
  
 
|}
 
|}
{{hidden end}}
+
{{treatise end}}
  
 
|}
 
|}
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{{reflist}}
 
{{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
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| work        = Images
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| authors    =
 +
| source link =
 +
| source title=
 +
| license    = public domain
 +
}}
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{{sourcebox
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| work        = Modernization
 +
| authors    = [[Stevie Thurston]]
 +
| source link =
 +
| source title= Private communication
 +
| license    = noncommercial
 +
}}
 +
{{sourcebox
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| work        = Transcription
 +
| authors    = [[Stevie Thurston]]
 +
| source link =
 +
| source title= [[Index:Ledall Roll (Additional MS 39564)]]
 +
| license    = noncommercial
 +
}}
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{{sourcebox footer}}<section end="sourcebox"/>
  
 
[[Category:Treatises]]
 
[[Category:Treatises]]
 
[[Category:Manuscripts]]
 
[[Category:Manuscripts]]
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[[Category:Content]]
  
 
[[Category:Scanning]]
 
[[Category:Scanning]]
 
[[Category:Research/Background Information]]
 
[[Category:Research/Background Information]]
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[[Category:Longsword]]
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[[Category:Greatsword]]
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[[Category:New format]]

Revision as of 17:23, 21 October 2021

Ledall Roll
Additional MS 39564, British Library
London, United Kingdom
Add. MS 39564 verso.jpg
Top of the verso side of the roll
HagedornLeng
WierschinHils
Type Fencing manual
Date between 1535 - 1550
Place of origin England
Language(s) Early Modern English
Scribe(s) J. Ledall
Material Vellum
Size 6 in × 24 ½ in
Format Roll
External data Library catalog entry

The Additional MS 39564 is an English fencing manual apparently written by one J. Ledall between 1535 and 1550.[citation needed] The original currently rests in the holdings of the British Library in London, United Kingdom.[1] Along with the Man yt Wol and the 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

1rv

Gallery

Additional Resources

  • Bradak, Benjamin "Casper", and Heslop, Brandon. Lessons on the English Longsword. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2010. ISBN 978-1-58160-734-5
  • Bradak, Benjamin "Casper", and Heslop, Brandon. "A Brief Introduction to the Boon of the English Flourysh." Masters of Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts. Ed. Jeffrey Hull. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2008. ISBN 978-1-58160-668-3

References

  1. "Explore Archives and Manuscripts". British Library. Retrieved 08 August 2016.
  2. Text continues "called: The Broken Spring with the thrust", but this title seems to be misplaced.
  3. Text reads "The Turning Quarter", but this title seems to be misplaced.
  4. This paragraph may be the misplaced text of the "Turning Quarter"

Copyright and License Summary

For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the discussion page.

Work Author(s) Source License
Images
Public Domain.png
Modernization Stevie Thurston Private communication
CCBYNCSA30.png
Transcription Stevie Thurston Index:Ledall Roll (Additional MS 39564)
CCBYNCSA30.png