The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

ARTICLES OF WAR

Before the establishment of a standing army in 1660, when war broke out 'Articles of War' were issued by the crown to govern the troops when actually engaged in hostilities. the earliest articles of which records remain were those issued by Richard II and Henry V on the occasion of wars with France. The punishments awarded for crimes were very severe, death or loss of limb being inflicted for trivial offences. The prerogative power of the crown to issue articles was gradually encroached upon by Parliament and finally superseded by a corresponding statutory power in 1803.
Research Articles of War