The sources we have for English country dance are all from the 17th century, but there are 16th century references to the style, and many of the dances are similar in form to Italian set dances of the 15th and 16th centuries. Other dances in Playford's books - longways progressive dances, sarabands, etc. - are more akin to the Baroque dances of the 17th century and later.
Though Playford was a printer and bookseller, not a choreographer, he is listed as the "creator" of these dances since they are often referred to as "Playford dances". Also, this serves to differentiate these dances from those choreographed during the 20th century ECD revival.
Database of all editions of Playford, with facsimiles
Estienne's Country Dance Book