This fascinating study examines the use of arms within British society, principally for the protection of life and property, from medieval and Tudor times to the present. Those Entrusted with Arms, produced in association with the Royal Armories, is a unique study of armed public servants and charts this complicated and neglected aspect of British history in an accessible and readable way. With chapters on early "police" forces, security guards, customs officers, those charged with carrying the Royal Mail, the modern police force, prison officers, and gamekeepers, this detailed book offers an insight into how British society has developed its own distinctive relationship with law enforcement and the rights of citizens to bear arms.