'Yeoman of the Crossbows'

[jomaxie]

A man I am researching was a 'Yeoman of the Crossbows' in the mid 1500s, during reign of Henry VIII.  I've tried various searches but can't find out how someone came by that title or what their job or role was, etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
PS Please let me know if there's a more appropriate board

[jorose]

Yeoman was a rank for royal servants.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeoman_(household_servant)

It may have been that he was one of the "Yeomen of the Crown", who were an elite group - they acted, among other things, as bodyguards to the King. From this group some were given specific duties/titles, and Yeoman of the Crossbows would have been responsible for looking after the King's own weaponry. Henry VIII loved to hunt, and crossbows were a favoured hunting weapon at this time.

More in depth here: https://www.yeomenoftheguard.co.uk/anita-hewerdine-thesis

[jomaxie]

Thank you jorose for your suggestion and for the links.  It certainly fits with Dr Hewerdine's reference to the 'Archers of the Guard'.