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Dressing A Knight Getting a Knight ready for battle is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but it's not impossible. Here is a short rundown to how Sir. Austin, with a little help from Squire Fredrick, is prepared. |
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Stage 1: After
the knight has put on his Shirt,
Hose, Boots,
and Spurs, his Legs
are attached via straps round the backs of his legs, and a belt round
his waist. (Note: the leather straps at the top of the steel legs,
these are attached to the belt under the
Gambeson). The Gambeson acts as padding under the knights armour and absorbs a lot of the shock that can come through. Although not in this picture, a knight wears a leather neck guard known as a Bishop's Mantle. This is to help pad the shoulders from the weight of the armour. |
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Stage 2: Next to go on is the
Chainmaille Skirt. This is wrapped round
the waist, and buckled at the back. The idea is to protect the nether
regions from any stray sword swings After the skirt, The Brigandine is put on. This is a garment that works in a similar way to the polished metal chest and back plates that can be seen on the "Classic" suits of Armour. The Brigandine is made up of segmented metal plates, riveted between leather or cloth. The main bonus to a Brigandine, as opposed to breast & back plates, is that it flexes with the body giving a reasonable amount of freedom of movement. |
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Stage 3: Another use for the
Brigandine, in Sir Austin's case at least, is for hanging your Armour
off, as you can see here. The Arms are attached to at the shoulders by leather straps, and secured to the Knights upper-arm , elbow & forearms. Afterwards, the shoulder Pauldrens are added. These are flexible overlapping metal pieces that attach at the shoulder and then strap under the Knights armpit. Arm armour can also be tied to the shoulder by leather thongs known as Points. |
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Stage 4: The last stage is the Knight's
Colours, also known as his
Jupon, this is held in place round his
waist by a Belt from which can hang a leather
Pouch, and Dagger. Also around the waist hangs the Knight's Sword Belt with his Sword in it's Scabbard. Lastly, The Knight dons his Gloves and Gauntlets, and his Helmet, under which is his Arming Cap, a cloth cap that helps to pad the head and reduce the shock of head blows. |
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Another view of the complete Knight with a better view of his sword. |
