KNIGHT c.1250

An extract from Armies of Feudal Europe 1066-1300
by Ian Heath

11. KNIGHT c.1260

This figure is based on the effigy of Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, who died in 1221 but whose monument was probably only erected c.1260, or possibly a little earlier. There are several features worthy of notice here, especially the poleyns (knee-cops, or knee-guards, also called genouillières) attached to his vertically quilted cuisses. The poleyn first appeared c.1225, at this date no more than a disc-shaped piece of iron, often attached to the cuisse but otherwise fastened directly to the mail chausse. It was often at first of cuir-bouilli (boiled leather) but soon became principally iron or steel. However, even bronze was sometimes used. The couter (elbow-cop, or elbow-guard) is added from an earlier ms. It is often said that the couter only appeared in about the mid-13th century, but it seems more probable that it evolved at much the same time as the poleyn. However, judging from its general absence from contemporary sources it would appear that it remained extremely rare until the end of this era. He wears a jewelled circlet (apparent on several 13th century monuments) and his coif is separate from the hauberk. He would wear the usual heaume in battle but it is omitted on the effigy so that Earl Robert’s features may be seen.

[Based on the effigy of Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, at the Hatfield Broad Oak Church.]

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