12th Century Arms and Armour

Sir John de Bitton 1227 This figure from the Psalter of St. Louis dates from 1200AD is wearing a hauberk that extends to his mid thighs or knees and to his wrists. He has an integral coif covered by a steel conical helm with a nasal bar protecting the face.

Under the hauberk would be some form of padded undergarment to prevent chafing from the rings of the mail. His legs are covered by a form of mail chausses that are laced at the back but which do not completely enclose the leg.

Normal for this period would be a large kite shaped shield with a supporting strap over the right shoulder. The sword typical of this period is carried on a sword belt around his waist. No secondary weapon is shown.

In Chivalry and Sorcery terms this figure wears Super Heavy Battle Armour of Chain Mail (no direct C&S3 equivalent) with an integral mail coif over a quilted hood with a conical helm. His padded undercoat is the equivalent of an arming doublet although the correct term would probably have been an aketon.

Secondary Weaponry

The crossbow or arbalest was widely used from the late 11th Century first as a seige weapon and then in the field although mainly in Southern Europe until the end of the 12th century. The staff sling was another new weapon used in siege or naval combats. The battle axe continued in use as did the infantry spear which became longer. (The long spear 12 feet or more in length used by troops from Flanders and Brabancon aren't feasible as an individual weapon in C&S). Originating in the Iberian peninsular was a 'non-noble' weapon known as the 'guisarme' with a curved blade and a hook (C&S3 Billhook). The light mace was abandoned as of little use against the armour of western European cavalry. A heavier mace started being used by the end of the 12th century, although the heavy flanged version didn't come into use before the 13th century.

Helmets for non-mounted and mounted forces was the conical helm both with and without a nasal bar. A leather or padded coif is often worn by infantry and some troops would wear a leather jerkin or hauberk reinforced with metal plates (C&S3 reinforced cuirbolli). The long tear-drop or kite shield became larger and was carried by infantry as well as the knightly cavalry. To protect their torso infantry and some squires and sergeants wore a padded garment with long sleeves known as a gambeson, replacing the older mail haubergeon (short hauberk).

The heraldic surcoat, which may have been a padded defensive garment, was introduced to western Europe in the mid 12th century.

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Early 13th Century

Last updated on 1 Sep 1998, at 21:13 ADT.