Edward's army was recruited in several ways. First the traditional request for feudal service. Some Knights served for pay. Some bannerettes served voluntarily at their own expense. A writ of summons would have been issued, asking for as many men at arms as could be found. This would be in addition to their quotas as tenants of the crown. The King also demanded that all those with 40 pounds sterling worth of land should step forward and serve for pay.

Edward's household was like a small army, rather than a domestic establishment. The majority of his Knights were English, although he employed a few Gascons and Spaniards. Household Knights generally served together as a unit. Some would be detached to be constables of castles in Wales. Household Knights were often used in the early stages of a war to recruit troops and prepare for the coming campaign. In later years the make up of the King's forces would differ in that it would be completely made up of paid men.