Medieval armour evolved over time, with differences depending on the location, period, and social status of the wearer. However, some common features include chain mail (a type of armour made from interlocking metal rings), plate armour (a later development that provided more complete protection), helmets, shields, and fortifications. Explore popular medieval armour of Great Britain and Europe – including types of shields, vambraces, cuirasses, pauldrons, sabatons, faulds, hauberks and more.
The Cuirass is a piece of armour that covers the torso and consists of a chest plate and a back piece.
The medieval Helmet was a form of protective gear worn to protect the head, or for ceremonial use.
The Vambrace is a forearm guard that offers defence as part of a suit of plate armour.
The Greave or Jambeau was a piece of armour used to protect the tibia from attacks.
The Spaulder is a piece of armour, typically a single plate of steel or iron, that covers the shoulder.
The Mail Coif is a type of armour made of flexible chain mail and worn over the head.
The chain mail is a type of armour made of small rings liked together in a mesh.
The Rondel or Basegew is a circular piece of metal attached to a helmet, breastplate, or gauntlet.
The Sabaton or Solleret is the part of a knight’s armour that covers the foot.
The Faulds were pieces of plate armour worn below a breastplate to protect the waist and hips.
Castles, walls, and other fortifications were essential for defense during the medieval period. They were built to withstand attacks from siege engines, such as trebuchets and battering rams.
Explore medieval weapons of Great Britain and Europe, including various types of swords, maces, hammers, daggers, bows, crossbows, clubs, and more.
Explore medieval siege engines and devices designed to help to besiege armies and breach the defences of a castle, including springalds, mangonels, warwolves, trebuchets, caltrops, and more.
