Types of Medieval Knight's Helmets

Picture the clash of swords, the roar of the crowd. Knights, strong fighters in heavy armor, stood tall. Unlike other helmets, knight's helmets were made extra strong to protect them in fierce battles. From simple to fancy, these helmets changed over time, becoming better and better at keeping knights safe. Let's learn about these amazing pieces of armor.

Types of Medieval Knight's Helmets

Early Helmets

• Nasal Helm: This helmet was characterized by a prominent nose guard, offering rudimentary protection against sword blows. The shape was generally conical, providing a basic level of head protection.

• Norman Helmet: An evolution from the nasal helm, the Norman helmet was also conical in shape. It often featured a chainmail aventail to protect the neck. Worn by Norman knights during the 11th and 12th centuries, it represented a step forward in head protection.

• Great Helm: This helmet was a massive, bucket-shaped piece of armor that offered maximum protection for the head. However, its design severely limited visibility, making it more suitable for tournaments than the battlefield. Despite its limitations, the great helm was a symbol of knightly prowess and prestige.

High Medieval Helmets

• Bascinet: A more versatile helmet, the bascinet was bowl-shaped and offered a better fit for various head sizes. It was often adorned with a visor for facial protection. The bascinet provided a good balance of protection and mobility.
• Cervail: Not a helmet itself, the cervail was a neck guard worn under the bascinet to protect the vulnerable throat area. It was an essential component of a knight's armor.

• Sallet: Characterized by its distinctive bowl shape, the sallet offered improved visibility and mobility compared to the great helm. Often with a visor, it was favored by archers and lighter cavalry due to its practicality.

Late Medieval Helmets

• Visored Helmet: A development of the bascinet, the visored helmet featured more advanced visor mechanisms, providing better protection for the face. It was commonly used by heavy cavalry, and its design often incorporated enhancements like bevor (chin guard) and bevorrete (throat guard).

• Jousting Helmet: Specifically designed for the rigors of jousting, this helmet had a distinctive shape, often elongated or with a "frog mouth" opening to protect the eyes while allowing for breathing. It prioritized visibility and shock absorption.
• Barbute: A lighter helmet with an open face, the barbute was popular among lighter cavalry and archers. It offered less protection than other helmets but allowed for greater freedom of movement and visibility.

These helmets represent a progression in protective technology, reflecting the evolving demands of medieval warfare.

Materials and Construction

The primary materials used for crafting knightly helmets were iron and steel. Iron, being more readily available, was commonly used in earlier periods. Steel, offering superior strength and lighter weight, became increasingly favored as advancements in metalworking techniques progressed. Skilled blacksmiths employed various techniques, including hammering and forging, to shape the raw metal into the desired helmet form. The process involved heating the metal to a malleable state, followed by hammering it into shape using specialized tools. Forging further refined the metal, enhancing its strength and durability.

While the primary focus was on protection, some level of comfort was also considered. Leather padding was often incorporated into the helmet's interior to provide a buffer between the hard metal and the knight's head. This padding also served to absorb the impact of blows, offering an additional layer of protection.

Symbolism and Decoration

Helmets served not only as protective gear but also as a canvas for displaying a knight's social status and heraldic identity. The design and ornamentation of a helmet could communicate a knight's lineage, achievements, and allegiance.

Heraldic devices, such as coats of arms and family crests, were prominently displayed on the helmet, allowing for easy identification on the battlefield. Additionally, knights often adorned their helmets with elaborate crests and plumes. These served a dual purpose: enhancing their visual presence on the battlefield and striking a fearsome image into their adversaries.

For easy reference, here's a table summarizing the materials and construction aspects of medieval knight's helmets:

Famous Figures and Fun Facts

Certain helmet types are indelibly linked to specific historical figures. For instance, the great helm is often associated with William Marshal, a renowned English knight. Richard the Lionheart, a towering figure of the Crusades, is often depicted wearing a nasal helm, although the accuracy of such portrayals is debatable.

Fun Facts:

• The weight of a knight's helmet could vary significantly, from around 3 pounds for a bascinet to over 6 pounds for a great helm.
• To prevent fogging, knights sometimes applied honey or egg white to the inside of their visors.
• The term "helmet" is derived from the Old Norse word "helm," meaning "head covering."
• Some helmets were fitted with speaking slits or tubes to allow for communication while wearing the helmet.

Conclusion

The evolution of the medieval knight's helmet is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of medieval armorers. From the simple protections of early designs to the complex and refined helmets of the later period, these headpieces played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of battles. While their primary function was undoubtedly protection, helmets also served as symbols of status, courage, and identity.