Defence of the Realm Act 1803 explained

Short Title:Defence of the Realm Act 1803
Type:Act
Long Title:An Act to enable his Majesty more effectually to provide for the Defence and Security of the Realm during the present War; and for indemnifying Persons who may suffer in their Property by such Measures as may be necessary for that Purpose.
Year:1803
Citation:43 Geo. 3 c. 55
Introduced Commons:Charles Philip Yorke
Territorial Extent:United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Royal Assent:11 June 1803
Repeal Date:16 July 1806
Amendments:Levy en Masse Act 1803
Status:Repealed
Original Text:https://hdl.handle.net/2027/nyp.33433035285216?urlappend=%3Bseq=823
Use New Uk-Leg:no

The Defence of the Realm Act 1803 (43 Geo. 3 c. 55) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Act was bought before the House of Commons on 18 May 1803 by Charles Philip Yorke, then Secretary at War in the Addington ministry.[1] The Act required all counties to a full report on all able-bodied men aged between fifteen and sixty, classifying those in the volunteer regiments, those willing to serve, to drive waggons or act as guides, as well as the details of waggons, boats, horses, cattle, food and forage.[2]

Notes and References

  1. The Parliamentary Register or History of the Proceedings and Debates of the Houses of Lords and Commons, vol. 3, p. 215.
  2. Clive Emsley, British Society and the French Wars, 1793-1815 (Macmillan, 1979), p. 101.