ABSTRACT
K. Edwards has calculated that the cost of grain fed to horses had almost quadrupled between 1547 and 1603, the price of animals having increased similarly. It is surprising that Tudor England was able to feed its people and animals despite the rapid increase in numbers and several disastrous harvests. Deliberate refusal to provide a horse against a Privy Council warrant was a serious matter. Throughout the century there were many complaints about the reliability of the post and a variety of methods were tried to improve the service. One device used was drawing the sign of a gallows alongside the address, often with the addition of the words Tor life, for life’, thus threatening the bearer with severe punishment should he fail to make a speedy delivery. Sixteenth-century royal messengers appear to have been treated with respect and any assault on them was an unusual and serious matter.
