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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Honourable Artillery Company
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(HAC)
Britain's oldest regiment, now part of the *Territorial Army, which derives from a body of citizen archers trained to defend London and granted a charter in 1537 by Henry VIII. Their name then was the Artillery of Longbows, Crossbows and Handguns; 'Honourable' was applied to them informally from 1685, though not officially until the 19C. Volunteers from the company have fought in foreign wars from the Armada to World War II; they also fulfil ceremonial duties in London pageants such as the Lord Mayor's Show.
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