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11TH CENTURY NORMAN, FRENCH OR BRETON MEDIUM CAVALRYMAN

An extract from Armies of the Dark Ages 600-1066
by Ian Heath

127. 11TH CENTURY NORMAN, FRENCH OR BRETON MEDIUM CAVALRYMAN

This is one of 4 generally ignored figures in the Tapestry, these being shown in action at Dol in the campaign against the Bretons.

Only one wears a helmet and coif, while all carry shield and lance/javelin. Later-11th century mss. show identical figures, usually with helmets and also swords. The Tapestry figures probably also carry swords, but their left sides are away from us.

'Off-duty' knights shown in the Tapestry are identical except that they are bare-headed. They carry lance and shield everywhere when mounted.

[Based on the Bayeux Tapestry]

Next: 128 & 129. NORMAN ARCHERS in Armies of the Dark Ages 600-1066 by Ian Heath