Its garnitures included full cavalry sets with interchangeable pieces for light cavalry, infantry and jousting. Greenwich plate armour ensured English soldiers were fully protected and most Greenwich armour was fully customisable, making it suitable for a range of scenarios. Henry VIII recognised the talents of European armourers and hired German specialists to craft his one-of-a-kind suits fitted to his size and stature. The armoury was established by King Henry VIII in 1511 and remained at the heart of English armour production until the 17th century. Read more about: Medieval History How to defend a medieval castleĪs the name suggests, Greenwich Plate Armour was a British invention, named for the Royal Armoury at Greenwich in London. Gothic armourers did not underestimate the importance of speed and designed their armour with quick movement in mind. The beauty of the armour did not detract from its functionality and even seemingly ornate elements were only included if they provided extra protection and aided manoeuvrability. A combination of rounded curves and fluting designs allowed for a fully customised fit and maximised protective capabilities. It was extremely strong and amongst the most effective armour ever created. Maximilian armour was named for Emperor Maximilian I. Regional styles also began to gain popularity, such as white armour and the very popular Maximilian style. Much of the style and function of Gothic plate armour was taken from Milanese armour, though some of their best techniques were also employed in Italy. It featured fully protective plates and moveable joints, with Augsburg and Nuremberg in Germany at the heart of all armour production in the region. Gothic-style plate armour originated in the Holy Roman Empire, with the earliest styles dating back to around 1420. Read more about: Medieval History The longest sieges in medieval history By the Renaissance period, it became more elaborate but the function remained just as effective. Milanese armour featured simple, rounded shapes and provided full protection to the soldier. It was recognised for its strength due to its closeness to the human form as soldiers had their suits made to their measurements. Milanese plate was in high demand in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was home to many world-renowned craftsmen capable of creating high-quality, strong armour. Milan was a recognised centre of armour production through the medieval period and into the Renaissance. ![]() Milanese armour is held in high regard and considered one of the strongest. Many different kinds of plate armour existed through medieval times. Mail armour was particularly difficult to pierce without quality weaponry and it offered a high level of protection against all kinds of attack, particularly arrows and bolts. Mail armour was most popular during the high Middle Ages and was used by the Templars when they invaded and conquered the Holy Land. This includes many different types including chainmail, coifs and greaves. Read more about: Medieval History The greatest swords of the medieval periodĪny armour made completely from iron was known as mail armour. ![]() ![]() Soldiers would still wear the gambeson below chainmail for additional protection and to add a buffer between the armour and flesh. The thick material and horsehair stuffing also made the gambeson a cumbersome and uncomfortable option, especially in warmer climates. However, it would not protect against thrusting or piercing so it soon became less popular as metal-based chainmail and plated armour were more readily available. Despite seeming quite simple and basic, it offered good defence against slash attacks. It also allowed peasants to become part of the armed forces without too much trouble. The armour was stuffed with cloth or horsehair and a typical type of medieval armour that most regular infantrymen could make themselves. The gambeson is a full-body, jacket-style armour made from quilted linen or wool. Imagining armour without the traditional metal plating on the outside may be difficult, but the gambeson is just that. Read more about: Medieval History 6 bloodiest battles in medieval history
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