GREAT YARMOUTHS' EXERCISE.  
In a very complete and martial manner performed by their Artillery men, upon the twenty second of May last, to the great commendations and applause of the whole Town, according to the modern Discipline of this our Age. 1638.  
Non solum nobis, sed patriae.  
Written by john Roberts of Weston, near bath, Gent.  
LONDON, Printed by THOMAS HARPER, and are to be sold by Ellis Morgan, at his shop in Little Britain. 1638.   

To the Right Worshipful Henry Davie, Precedent of the Artillery Yard, and john Robin's Esquires, both Bailiffs; and to the worshipful Company of Aldermen of the Town of Great Yarmouth.  
Also to the worshipful Captain Meadows, Captain de Engain, Captain Call, Captain Man●rop, Captain Warren, Captain Bennet, and Captain Carter: and to the rest of the assistants and Company of the Artillery Men.  
THe principal and chiefest things, Right Worshipful & worshipful, that emboldens men to dedicate their labours unto any personage, is the affinity between the matter of the work offered, and the minds of them to whom it is presented. And as in ancient times the Comical Poets penned such Interludes as they imagined, would be plausibly heard of the auditory: so our modern Writers do fashion and shape the subject of which they entreat, according to the affection of him or them whose patronage they require in countenancing their work. These I make my precedents, for observing your diligence and furtherance towards the expense and putting in execution these Military and laudable exercises in so complete and martial form found by it, you were the fittest to patronise this Treatise, which is both excellent for imitation in general, and very necessary for diverse in particular. And although it is not so highly esteemed amongst the common sort of people by reason of their ignorance in Sciences, yet for the general good that accrue and come thereby to a Commonwealth, is nothing inferior to the best, especially where their study tendeth to good and virtuous exercises, or the practice and contemplation to laudable Arts, of which the Art Military being a principal member, as having participation with all the rest, or to say the truth the quintessence, nay, the very proof and trial of them, for though we hear and read never so much, yet without practice and experience is still imperfect, and how can perfection be attained but by action, which was completely performed according to our modern Discipline, which following in order, I make bold to present to your Worships?  
Thus praying the Almighty to lengthen and protract your lives beyond your fatal periods, and give you a will to live, and a desire still to further what may be available to both King and Commonweal, with these all good success in this World, and eternal happiness in his Kingdom; I conclude and will remain  
Your Worship's humblest john Roberts.   

To the Town.  
AT Honour's Altar and the Shrine of Fame,  
I offer up this Trophy to thy Name,  
For good desert should Titles great inherit,  
And ever correspondent be in merit:  
Such manlike actions, martiall-like were shown  
By thee, th' applause deservedly is blown,  
o'er Court and Country, which doth canonize  
In golden lines Great Yarmouths' Exercise.   

Great Yarmouths' Exercise.  
The whole scope of the exercise from the first Randevouze troop and march with the three several Alts, together with the first skirmish and setting down in the Field, as also the entrenching, with the advantages, and disadvantages both of those of the Field and Fort, with the raising, re enforcing, and recovery of every several Work. Lastly, the Summons, Surrendering, and Conditions between them, with many more remarkable matters, performed by those of the Artillery of great Yarmouth.  
BEfore I enter into the proceedings of this Exercise, I will relate the willing and forward minds of the Artillery men, who with a general and unanimous consent (upon the first proposition) liberally laid down their moneys for the furtherance of the intended purpose, so that nothing was either wanting, or any way scanting to forward the said Design. Insomuch that there was made a plentiful and large provision of all Materials whatsoever, and the Field and Fort made answerable to either store: They were made and fortified with Ramparts, Ditch, Counterscarffe, Pallisadoes, Baracadoes, Sally, Ports, Parapets, Redoubts, and Ravelin with Alarm Bells, Centre Bells, and Beacons, upon which was spacious platforms for the Ordnance, which were mounted to do execution upon the Assailants, and in which were erected two several Tents, one for Captain Call then Governor, and the other for Captain Mantrop, attended with good Fire-men and warlike Soldiers, fitly appointed for that purpose, with Lieutenants, Ensigns, Sergeants, and Corporals, in a correspondent way accontred.  
In all points answerable to them were those of the Field fitted with Materials necessary for Assailants to be provided of, as Commanders, Officers, Canon-carriages, Linstocks, Ladles, Sponges, Badge-barrels, pioneers, Scaling-ladders, Horse-tents, Sutler's, Forage-masters, Scout-masters, and whatsoever else was needful.  
And let me not forget to speak something of that worthy Gentleman Captain de Engaine, who was Sergeant Major for that day of the Field, and Captain of the Artillery-yard, a man well practised in Military Discipline, and the only man laid the ground-plot for this Exercise, from whom sprung all the directions for the managing thereof, to his great applause, credit, and commendations. In so much, I verily believe, if such Exercises were oftener practised in the Counties, Cities and Towns of this Kingdom so exactly and martial like, it would add a great applause to our Nation, and strike as great a terror in our enemies to hear and see every man so expert in Arms, and the Commanders and Officers so solid, sound, sufficient, and ready upon all occasions to do both King and Country able service. Now I will fall up●n the subject I am to treat of, and trouble you no more with what is impertinent to my intended purpose.  
And first of the General, Governor, Captains, and Officers of bo●h field and Fort.  
There being choice Commanders elected, the one to be General of the Field, the other Governor of the Fort, every way correspondent to noble, valiant, judicious, and trusty Martialists, were thou Commander-like accoutred.  
Who having for their proper Arms a Truncheon in their right h●nds coloured, and waved suitable to their several colours, fair Helmets on their heads, garnished with great plumes of feathers, th●y were completely armed for their bodies with rich scarves on there right arms, fair Swords and Belts embroidered and guilded with Pistols correspondent to the rest at their girdles, Captain Meadows was General of the Field, and Captain Call Governor of the Fort.  
The Sergeant Majors were chosen by the like advice, had Truncheons three foot long, some thing differing from the former, but of the same colours not waved, fair Head-pieces gorgeously plumed, and completely armed with all things fitting, as before, Captain de Engain was Sergeant Major of the Field, and Captain Bennet of the Fort.  
The Captains had their leading staves with their men attending to carry their Pikes and Targets, which were accommodated like Commanders, and men known both expert and judicious: their names were Captain Warren, Captain Mantrop, and Captain Carter, the first for the field, the two last for the Fort.  
The Lieutenants were armed with Headpieces Plun●'de, fair and large gilt Partisans, Buff Coats, Gorgets, with rich embroidered Belts and Swords, with Pistols taking their proper places, according to their Captain's seniority, whose names were these, Israel Ingram, Nicholas Cutting, john Roe, Henry Lunne, the two first were in the Fort, the other two in the Field.  
The Ensigns were gorgeously suited, being proper men of person, with their Headpieces plumed, their Colours advanced tucked and richly apparelled in every thing complete for those places, observing when there was a March beaten, their Colours were shouldered, their names as followeth, Daniel Wilgrace, Edward Denny, for the Fort, and john Darset, and john Lucas for the Field.  
The assistants to both the Sergeant Majors were Commander-like suited, and armed, their names were john Mallam, Thomas Godfrey.  
The Quarter-masters of the field in like nature provided, their names john Wish, john Robins for the Field, and Robert Gower for the Fort.  
The Captain of the Horse was wondrous well mounted, and not any thing interior in Arms, for whatsoever else became a Commander to be prepared and provided with: his name was Captain Thomson, his Lieutenant john Bucknam, the Cornet Robert Austin, his Corporal Thomas Wood, all men of good quality and well respected, and those which did perform their parts exceeding well, who deserved commendations for their seemly order and warlike behaviour.  
The Cannoneers habited correspondent to their places, with Field-linstocks in their hands.  
The Sergeants completely fitted, and thus was every man properly accommodated.  
In the morning, the Drums of both parts went about the Town beating a Call, to summon every Officer and Soldier▪ to their Colours. And when the Governors' Clerk and the Captains, had called them by their Lists over, and found appearance in them all, than they drew them up in a body thus, having two Ensigns caused them to advance to the heads of the Pikes, where they made a stand, their Colours advanced turked, one Ensign took the right hand, the other the left, according to their seniority and due place: every Officer did the like, the Governor took his about six foot from the Pikes in the Centre, his Sergeant Major upon his left hand, the Captains one on the right hand, and the other on the left, between the Fileleaders of the Pikes and Musketeers on both Flanks, after which they marched by Squadrons into the Fort, in every way answerable to them were those of the Field, as you shall understand in its due place.  
In the Artillery Yard was the first Randevouze, of those of the Field, where after the said Call beaten abroad in the Town, and also every man upon that Summons found ready; some small time spent thereafter the word of Command was given, the Drum beat a troop, they all advanced and shouldered, and so trooped into the Market place, where their Cannon, Horse, Ammunition and Wagons were ready to attend them, there they drew them into a main body.  
Having a sparious place for the ordering of their Companies and Troops in a warlike manner, marched into the Field in this order, the pioneers being prepared there before.  
First, a Cornet of Horse trooped into the Field, next a Squadron of Musquetiers, with a Drum in the third rank of Captain Meadows Company, being elder Colonel, in the Rear of whom the Colonel in person very laudably and commander-like attended, marched, the Colours and a Squadron of Pikes, and a Drum following, than the eldest Sergeant in the front of the second Squadron of Pikes, after them the second Sergeant and second Squadron of Musquetiers, with a Drum, and finally, the Lieutenant in the Rear.  
After whom marched the Company of Captain Warrens in every point correspondent to the other, and in one and the selfsame uniform.  
At the Rear of which two Companies marched the Cannon and Baggage, and another Cornet of Horse to secure the Rear.  
Thus in this martial manner they marched into the Field, in which march they made three several Alts; and at the last Alt, they were all drawn into form of battle, the Pikes in the Centre flanked with Musketeers with the Ordnance, Horse and Baggage upon the Wings.  
Being upon the last Alt, and thus marching a party of Pikes and Musketeers issued from out of the North Sally Port, and fired upon the Army presently, a Squadron of Pikes and Musketeers, advanced from the Army, and fired upon the Defendants Squadron, after whom instantly a troop from the Army also seconded the assailants Squadron, to reinforce these of the Fort, but they were as soon repelled by their Ambuscado, who routed the Assailants and retreated them to the Army, at which time those of the Fort took two prisoners from them of the Field.  
The while this was in agitation, the Assailants sat down and raised their Tents, made their Huts and settled their Ordnance, they of the Fort firing their Ordnance, all the while on them, which was answered after a short time by the Cannon of the field shot for shot.  
But speedily the aforesaid two prisoners were missed, whereupon the Drum Major beat a parley, which being answered by a Drum of the Fort, made their demand which was embraced, & the Drum of the Field blinded, about ten paces from the Fort, was led into the Governors' Tent, and laying down a months pay for captives was led out, and so ransomed them both again.  
The Army martially settled in the field in their several quarters, were presently disturbed by the Ordnance of the Fort, those of the Field answered them by their Cannon, and set forth their Sentinels, with several Guards for the Ordnance. At this instant happened a sudden fire in the quarters▪ which was done by a traitor from the Fort, for the finding out of whom, it was ordered that by the beating of a Drum and word of mouth, a Proclamation was made, that upon pain of death, every Officer and private Soldier should repair presently to his own private Hut, and proper quarter, which being done, and the traitor found alone without a Hut, instantly was apprehended and committed to the custody of the Provost Martial. And when there was a cessation of Arms, he was to undergo the penalty of the Law, which was to be bound to a stake, and Muskateered.  
Then the pioneers were drawn up to the Front of the Army, where they were divided into three parts, two thirds, for the Trenches in the Quarters, and one third for the battery, to draw the Cannon nearer to the Fort, and to raise platforms upon several occasions to advantage the Assailants.  
The Cannon were drawn up by the out-wings of the Front of the Army, and their mettle placed in a horizontal Line of level towards the work of the Fort, where the breach should be made to do execution.  
After which the horse-troops were drawn from both the Flanks, and distributed into two Guards, a good distance one from the other, right behind the Quarters of the Army.  
The Sentinels of Horse were set forth single, round about the outline, to keep and to discover the Enemies approach from indamaging the Quarters, or otherwise to relieve the Fort.  
The Army thus settled in their Quarters, the pioneers began according to the direction of the Sergeant Major of the Field, both in their Trenches, and for their Platforms, to break ground.  
The Commanders of the Fort seeing this fire their Ordnance upon the pioneers, to hinder, and beat them from their works, and broke the new begun Trenches.  
Nevertheless by the violence of the Field Cannon, the pioneers (maugre all opposition) advanced their Works, at one and the selfsame time from the Heads, of both the Quarters, leaving a good large Piasa between the Front of the Quarters, and head of the Trenches.  
Instantly were there Wings of Musketeers drawn from the Quarters, fell into the Trenches, & so followed the pioneers still for their Guard, with Squadrons to defend both the pioneers and Musketeers from the Sallyers' Pikes and Muskets.  
These Pikes and Muskets were many times relieved by parties sent fresh from the Quarters, and the former retreated to refresh themselves.  
A sudden sally was made from the Fort and Court of Guard, to frustrate the Assailants pioneers in the Trenches, and fired upon them to hinder their work, and beat them out of their Trenches, the Musketeers of the Trenches fire also upon them, that were the Sallyers of the Guard. After certain volleys thus interchanged, the Sallyers presently hasten to their Guard again.  
Hereupon certain Squadrons of Pikes and Musketeers were sent from the quarters towards the Fort, and Court of Guard, to the end suddenly to suppress and take it from them.  
Those of the Guard did as courageously withstand them, and in conclusion forced them into their quarters, but those of the Field seeing this sent out more force against them to relieve their first Squadrons, against which last reliefs those of the Fort and Works gives volleys, to stop their passage because they could not so conveniently fire before by reason they should have endangered, and done much damage to those of their own quarters being they skirmisht betwixt them and the Assailants.  
The reliefs from the quarters did proceed so on in their purpose (in despite of danger) that they joined with the first Assailants, and routed the Guardians by falling pell mel with the but end of their Muskets, and at push of Pike.  
In so much that those of the Guard finding an impossibility of keeping and holding it any jot longer resolved jointly with magnanimous spirits to cut their way through the weakest part of the Assailants, to abandon the Guard and fly into the Ditch, and next work of the Fort, as also those of the Redoubts did abandon theirs, and retreated into the Fort, both which were performed with great dexterity in a complete martial manner.  
Presently upon this they of the Field entered the Guards, and maintained it managing it with the supplies that came last unto them for their relief, and upon entrance instantly sent back the first Assailants to their quarters again, to refresh themselves, nevertheless are so charged that they are beaten back again by them of the Fort.  
In which time the Trenches and Works of the Army are still advanced forward with all advantage towards the Fort, both Works and Platforms raised, the Cannon drawn forward and mounted.  
The Trenches this while were often relieved by new parties of shot and Pike, and the old sent to their quarters.  
The batteries and works of the Trenches were continually attended by resolute stands of Pikes, placed behind them for the Guard of both the pioneers and Cannon.  
Those of the Fort conclude, and make a sudden violent sally out of their Ravelin, which enclosed the face and front of their horn-work, and suddenly did beat down some of the Enemy's Trenches, whereupon the shot from the Hornworke, and these of the Rampart do give their volleys, upon the Enemy being then laid open unto them, on the other side the Assailants and them in their Trenches, did as suddenly repair that breach, with such Materials as were useful, as sandbags, and other things prepared for their security and defence.  
The Army having sufficiently fortified their Trenches, and stopped the breach formerly made by the Salliers out of the foresaid Ravelin, desperately (with undaunted spirits) issued out of their Trenches and quarters; and recharged the Ravelin, and both beat and forced them out maintaining it a time, until those of the Fort made a sudden sally out of the Ditch with clubs: threshing Flails, and such like instruments apt for hard strokes, falling yet well upon the Assailants in the Ravelin, and by strong hand beat them out and repossessed it again, and forced those of the Field to retreat from whence they first issued.  
Whereupon those of the Fort being thus encouraged, suddenly made another sally upon the Trenches, but were quickly repulsed by them of the Field.  
When the Commanders of the Fort perceived how the Field Trenches and Works did increase daily upon them, fired their Beacon.  
The Assaylans seeing this took their advantage, and sent out Squadrons of Pikes and Muskets from the quarters, who instantly charged that part strongly, where the intended breach was to be made.  
All this while the pioneers proceeded forward, and railed their works nearer and nearer, also brought the Cannon nearer to force a breach the sooner.  
There were six selected Soldiers sent from the quarters to view the Hornworke, armed with Arms of proof, Pistolets, and Targets.  
Those of the Fort made many firings upon them from the Ravelin, hornwork, and adjoining parts within the Fort.  
Notwithstanding these noble Spirits finish their Enterprise, (maugre their fiery onset) returned and gave an account of their action unto the Commanders.  
But to encourage those of the Fort, certain troops of Horse appeared at the back of the Armies out-laid for the relief of the Fort.  
Whereupon those of the Fort embracing the advantage made a strong sally out of both their Ports to beat those of the Field out of their Trenches next unto them, and did put their purpose in execution with clubs, threshing flails, and the but end of their Muskets, having thus effected their Enterprise fell back from whence they issued.  
The Trenches and batteries of the Field were by this time wrought so near the Ravelin and Hornwork, that they are resolved upon the first opportunity to enter there.  
The shot from both Works and Fort did continually play upon the Assailants, they out of the Trenches and Guards did the like upon them of the Fort.  
The Cannon and small shot of the Field did continue their volleys both against the Fort and Rampart adjoining, as also upon the Hornwork, so as they were constrained to abandon it, and fly into the Fort.  
In which time the main batteries of the Field were so much advanced, and so near the Bulwarks of the Fort that they dismounted their Cannon, and fired so much upon that part where the breach was to be made, that the said breach was thereupon made accessable. Those of the Fort in despite of danger mount the inside of the breach, and repaireth it with Sandbags, etc.  
Nevertheless, the battery continued & made a sufficient breach in the Rampart, though their Ordnance are dismounted, yet they continue their firings out of the Fort fiercely upon the Assailants.  
The Cannon of the Field having made an accessible breach, there presently choice Commanders sent from the quarters presently to view it, during which time the Cannon silenced themselves, and bartered not during the time the viewers were upon that service.  
Who return and signify that the breach is accessible, whereupon the Counsel of War presently determined of the assault.  
Lots were drawn for the avoiding of exceptions amongst the Commanders, by which means it was instantly known who should mount the breach first, who second, and who last, and the means how consulted likewise of.  
The first Assailants were courageously beaten back by those of the Fort, the second advanced and joined with the first, and as manfully repelled with threshing styles and clubs from behind their Sandbags.  
The third time the breach mounted by all three parties which did force back the defendants, and lodge themselves near the top of the breach. During their assault, the small shot in the Trenches did not fire at all upon that part for fear of annoying the Assailants.  
Those of the Fort being shrewdly gauled by the Musketeers of the neighbouring Trenches of the Field, keeps close within for fear of further danger.  
Upon this there was a general cessation of Arms, during which it was ordered that the Assailants were drawn off from the breach, and stand at the foot thereof, as it was a guard divided into two equal parts on either side the breach, and a Fugitive taken and hargubasted, and the Traitor that fired one of the quarters.  
This was no sooner effected, but that the Drum Major by command, beat a Summons to surrender the Fort.  
The Fort returned no other answer but by a Musket shot made full at him from the Rampart.  
The Drum returneth and certifieth the truth hereof to the Counsel and Commanders of the Field, hereupon the battery is renewed, and a general assault given by the whole Forces of the Field, who were drawn down from their quarters of purpose, and invironeth the Fort round, assaulteth it on all parts at once, and a fresh assault made to enter the breach. Which general alarm and assault did cause them in the Fort to ring out their alarm Bell thereupon, the Burghers flocked about the Governors, and persuaded a yielding.  
The Governor entering into the resolution of the Soldiers and Townsmen consented to their desire, and with the chief of his Officers mounts the Rampart, and sends a Drum to another part to beat a parley upon the top of the Rampart.  
Lastly, the parley was assured and agreed upon by the Assailants conditions propounded and consented unto by Field and Fort, and ordered thus.  
INprimis, that they should march out of the Fort in a complete martial manner.  
Item, that they might depart the Fort with bag and baggage without impediment.  
Item, that the Soldiers should march out with their Muskets loaden and shouldered, matches lighted at both ends, bullets in their mouths, their rest in their right hands, head-piece upon their heads, and swords by their sides, Pikes in complete Arms shouldered, Colours flying, and Drums beating like men of Honour.  
And thus those of the Fort are in a Soldierlike manner provided according to the aforesaid Conditions, marched out of the Fort, all which was completely performed in a very seemly and martial manner, who marched out at the North palisado, & wheeled their march towards the Southeast, betwixt the Field Forces and the Ravelin, something aloof from the Counterscarff, until they arrived at the South Port of the Town where they marched in and after a volley given at their Commanders doors, lodged their Colours, and past to their several chambers.  
The Fort thus rendered unto the dispose of the Conqueror, a counsel is called by whom it is appointed that the Sergeant Major and his assistance with twenty of the primest Pikes, and twenty choice Musketeers were selected out of both the bands, and being placed in a martial order, the Musketeers in Front, and Pikes in the Rear, with a large space left for the Colours to march, and thus they advanced and marched into the Fort. At the North Sally Port rounding the Fort within under the covert of the walls, continuing so privately concealed to view, search and find out whether there had been any treacherous practices left behind by them that last issued out, but assured themselves that all was secure and no danger to be feared. Then the eight Majors commanded his two Assistants to draw their Companies into two distinct Files, Pikes in Front, and Musketeers in the Rear, than w●● held them off to the right and left, this done, the right hand File mounted close by the North palisado to the top of that part of the Rampart.  
The left hand File mounted the Rampart by the South palisado, then both marched upon the top of the Work, and meet upon the midst of the breach where the Sergeant Major took his stand, and presently in a short space marched down before them through the said breach, and so continued their march to their proper places.  
This being done in form as aforesaid, the Colonel, Sergeant Major, and the principal Officers (the Lieutenants only excepted, who in the interim attended the Army) guarded with Squadrons both of Pikes and Musketeers, entered the French, and possessed themselves solely of the Fort, after leaving a sufficient strength to fortify it, marched in a seemly and military manner into the Town.  
Notwithstanding this Exercise thus in every particular performed, and a world of Spectators in every place, and near both Cannon and small shot, God be glorified, there was not either man, woman, or child had the least hurt done at all, such was the providence of the Almighty, and such the care of the Commanders and Officers: as also the expert Musketeers were so respective among themselves that not one Bandeleer took fire to annoy the other, or to endanger the unruly multitude in the least.  
This Exercise was performed with a great deal of charge and care, to the great honour and applause of the Artillery men and Town. And if I should forget one Alderman that is worthy the memory, one Master Owner, I should do him apparent injury, for he was the motive and principal benefactor who did forward this exercise, not only with his own servants and cattle, but liberally with his purse, and painfully with his own hands, in so much that he was seldom from the work while it was in action, setting forward what might be the furthering thereof, sparing no charge, nor horseflesh upon the prefixed day, but road well mounted here and there to keep the concourse of people from danger: would there were more of his noble and worthy disposition, which Gentleman hath done many good deeds beside for the good of the said Town to his credit and applause.  
It was my fortune to be present when this plausible Exercise was put in execution, and although I have seen good service in the Netherlands and other places, yet never saw a thing better performed and more Soldierlike imitated. And this I say more they are very expert in Arms, and do perform all their Postures and Motions with judgement and dexterity. I could wish that others in this Kingdom were so well disciplined, and were able to do such service as these can or might, if occasion did importune them thereunto.  
To conclude, when all was thus finished and brought punctually to a period, that noble and free minded Gentlemen Captain Meadows invited his Officers and Soldiers to Supper, where I was myself in person, and there found great store of diversity of dishes, and I am sure plenty of Wine in a very liberal well beseeming way bestowed on them.  
In the same manner did Captain Warren provide, and gave free entertainment, together with the rest of the Captains.  
FINIS.