It was in the reign of Elizabeth, not long before the beginning of English colonization in America ... What to do with ... soldiers returning from her wars ... Able bodied and unemployed were given to riot, violence, theft. The disabled and maimed became vagabonds and beggars. The feudal system had been destroyed. Parliament passed the first statute ... for relief of Souldiours in the 1592–93 session. ... The Honor of our Nation, that such as have since the 25th day of March 1588, adventured their lives and lost their limbs ... be relieved and rewarded ... that others may be encouraged to perform the like.