Though gunpowder had been in use for two centuries, yet full suits of
armor were still worn during a great part of the period. An improved
matchlock gun, with the pistol, an Italian invention, and heavy cannon
were introduced. Until the death of Henry VIII foot soldiers
continued to be armed with the long bow; but under Edward VI that
weapon was superseded by firearms. The principal wars of the period
were with Scotland, France, and Spain, the last being by far the most
important, and ending with the destruction of the Armada.
Henry VIII established a permanent navy, and built several vessels of
upwards of one thousand tons register. The largest men-of-war under
Elizabeth carried forty cannon and a crew of several hundred men.