See also: Army
The militia was an armed force raised by the county for national defence. During the Middle Ages all local men aged between 16 and 60 were liable to perform this military service. Their arms and equipment were provided by landowners, and formal inspections of the men were known as musters. In 1660 the militia forces were placed under the command of the county's Lord Lieutenant, and in 1757 the organisation of the militia was updated. There are two Gibson Guides, Tudor and Stuart Muster Rolls and Militia Lists and Musters, which provide useful background information.
Militia muster rolls for 1522-1640 are held at the National Archives in Kew. Photocopies of the muster rolls for 1595 and 1607 are available here (accession 2474/1-6).
The position of Lord Lieutenant still exists today, although his duties today are mostly ceremonial. Nineteenth century papers concerning him can be found in the Hinchingbrooke Collection. If you are interested in the Lord Lieutenant's role during the 20th century, you may consult a file of letters and papers concerning Huntingdonshire's Lord Lieutenant 1919-1933 (HCP/11/1937/1).
In 1850 voluntary service was introduced, which changed the character of the militia completely. For post-1850 forces please see the Army entry in this Guide.