Hands on History: Arms and Armour Replica-Handling Session
When: Wednesday 08 July, 19.00-20.30
Where: Michael Sadler Building: LG.19
Open to: IMC Delegates
Price: £13.00
How to Book: Advance Booking Required via IMC Registration.
Presented by The Society for Combat Archaeology
Ever wonder what it would be like to take a museum object out of its case for a closer look? As that is not always possible, you could try the next best thing and get up close to facsimiles of museum artefacts.
This workshop will consist of a presentation of arms and armour from across Northern Europe considering the evolution of the 'knight', from the 10th-century Viking jarl to the fully armoured warriors of the late 14th and 15th centuries. This presentation will focus on the materiality of the pieces, followed by the hands-on 'handling session' of replica objects - including a range of swords, helmets, and armour for you to handle and try on.
The evolution of arms and armour among the knightly class from the 10th to the 15th century is a remarkable journey through history, reflecting both technological advancements and shifting battlefield tactics. In the early medieval period, the Viking jarl or warrior would typically be equipped with a maille shirt, conical helmet, and a round shield, their swords and axes forged for both cutting and thrusting. As the centuries progressed and the feudal system took root, the image of the knight transformed: by the 12th and 13th centuries, maille hauberks became more extensive, covering limbs and hands, while the introduction of the kite shield offered greater protection on horseback. The 14th century witnessed the emergence of plate armour, initially as reinforcing pieces over mail, then later as full suits of articulated steel plate, offering unprecedented defence against the increasingly powerful longbows and crossbows of the period. By the 15th century, the fully armoured knight, encased from head to toe in expertly crafted plate, stood as a symbol of both martial prowess and social status, with visored helmets, gauntlets, and specialised weapons such as the longsword and pollaxe reflecting the demands of both tournament and battlefield. This progression not only illustrates the ingenuity of medieval armourers but also the adaptability of the warrior elite in response to the evolving nature of warfare.
All the arms and armour presented are researched and referenced against archaeological finds and museum artefacts, or are based on manuscript illustrations (with a detailed breakdown of information related to each piece). Photography is actively encouraged!
The Society for Combat Archaeology (SoCA) is an international organisation committed to the advancement of knowledge about the nature of combat and conflict in the past in all of its varieties. Its mission is to research, interpret, and convey material and issues on the subject of combat and to encourage interdisciplinary interaction between researchers in a variety of fields. To this end, SoCA cooperates extensively with an international network of expertise consisting of persons with academic and practical backgrounds in subjects related to combat, most notably from archaeology and martial arts. SoCA thus draws upon a vast array of sources and critical assessments, which ensure a high level of consideration in the presented material and the maintenance of academic integrity in all its mediums of knowledge.
This workshop can only accommodate a limited number of participants. Early booking is recommended.