In 1594 the trained bande members for the Warden Hundred (of which Sulgrave is one of the villages) were 1 musket, 2 caliver and 4 pike. The names of all are given but not unfortunately which role each was.
We have assumed that Thomas Bateman at this point was one of the shotte as a musket is included in his later inventory. Here he demonstrates his prowess with the caliver.
Note how the butt swings down, this early design argueably intended for firing from the brest-bone. However it is much more practical when fired away from the body as is shown here. A similar pose is depicted in woodcuts of English engagements against the Spanish.
A further picture of the loading sequence is here.
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