Originally, lists were made of men aged between 16 and 60 so that in times of need they
could be called upon to serve in a military capacity. They would supply their own weapons.

A Militia Act in 1662 charged owners of property to supply men, horses and arms.

Later lists in the 1700s are titled Muster Rolls or Militia Lists and by
the 1770s the age qualification was 18 to 45.