One of the most famous historical sources that depicts kite shields is the Bayeux Tapestry. The kite shield was common in the 1000s and is often attributed to the Normans. The medieval kite shield is one of the more recognizable types seen in art, films, and reenactments. Matilda of Flanders, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Cross sections include flat, concave, convex, and wavelike.Ģ) Kite Shield The Bayeux Tapestry displays kite shields used by foot soldiers and cavalrymen. Common categories include round, rectangular, oval, and teardrop. Today, the buckler is organized into typologies based on its shape and cross section. Knights and other fighters who used a buckler shield held it in their fist by a handle attached to the back of the shield. Paul Hector Mair, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Although an ancient design, the buckler shield remained popular through the Renaissance period. The size of this shield made it useless against projectiles like arrows, but it paired well with an arming sword or rapier. It typically measured 18 inches in diameter. The buckler shield originated in antiquity, but gained massive popularity throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods. Master of the Codex Manesse, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons They are listed in chronological order to help you better understand their evolution over the centuries.ġ) Buckler Shield The small buckler shield was most effective in hand-to-hand combat. The following are five of the most popular shield types used by knights during the early, high, and late Middle Ages. However, the shield as a symbol of the nobility continued to be important, with shields displaying the heraldry of royalty and elite European families. The extensive protection offered by plate armor eventually made most shields redundant. As the Middle Ages entered the Renaissance period, knights relied less on shields and more on innovate plate armor. Shields used by medieval knights evolved with the improvement of armor. Shields protected a knight in different battle scenarios, whether on horseback or on foot. Shields were essential components of most knightly uniforms. Unlike lesser soldiers, knights could afford the best protection. Sharp edges allow landing a strike with the shield while the opponent is open to quick counter-attack.Ĭombat shields have lost their value with the proliferation of firearms, however, at a subsequent time, there have been manufacturers of decorative shield replicas that served as heraldic emblems, decorations, and collectibles.Medieval knights relied on armor and specialized equipment when fighting on the battlefield. Medieval buckler was the smallest shield type, often used for fencing, and could also be used as a gauntlet in melee. Heavy infantry of the Middle Ages preferred sling and strapped shields to hand-held ones, so that two-handed polearms and crossbows can be used. For some, it is considered too heavy or cumbersome to be wielded in long drawn out fights. Tower and pavise shields were used in siege warfare to give cover to advancing troops. Aside from their defensive properties, they might be used as an improvised weapon in extreme circumstances. Curved metal boss made it convenient to deflect a blow. Round shield was a common warrior’s shield, constructed of wood and covered with leather. Period shields can be divided into several main types, most of which are represented in our medieval shields store:ĭuring the Middle Ages value of shields varied due to the development of armor and fencing. Their strength is sufficient to withstand both melee and polearm attacks, taking part in SCA heavy and reenactment fighting. Wood can be painted when covered with canvas. The body of the shield is usually made of wooden boards, reinforced with riveted metal shield boss. Today medieval shields for sale are made of plywood and metal. Some of them were covered with leather, which increased cushioning properties.
Here, in ArmStreet one can buy medieval shields, Viking shields, knight shields, bucklers, blank shields to paint and even small fist shields to protect the knuckles.Īncient shields were made of solid wood, metal, bark, and of exotic materials, such as tortoise shell. Armour and shield aid you in two ways - making it harder to land an effective blow and absorbing the damage when they do, increasing the soak value. The shields were defensive equipment intended to protect soldiers from melee and ranged weapons. Medieval battlefield was a dangerous place and shield was often all that stood between a warrior and a quick death.
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