This figure of a heavily armoured knight is
based on the funerary monument of Sir Geoffrey de Magnaville, buried in the
early 13th century. He is wearing what would have been the most modern and
advanced style of armour available in the 1140s and so must be a rich and noble
lord, perhaps one of the earls. This figure wears an iron helmet padded with
leather over a mail coif. This type of helmet first appeared about 1140 and
remained common for more than 80 years. The heraldic charge on his shield is repeated
on the side of the helmet. The mail hauberk reaches to his knees and is slit
front and back to allow him to sit astride his horse. His mail leggings reach
from above the knee to the toes. His right arm would have been covered in mail
to the wrist, with a mail gauntlet protecting his hand and fingers. The left
arm, protected by the shield, lacked mail. The shield is attached to a strap to
save it being dropped. His lance is not shown, but his long sword hangs from
his belt.
from THE BATTLE OF LINCOLN by Rupert Matthews.
Buy your copy HERE
Book Description
A book dedicated to the Siege of Lincoln that marked a
turning point in the Wars of Anarchy during the reign of King Stephen. A
civil war between King Stephen and his rival Empress Matilda broke out
in 1136. By 1141 England had fallen in to near anarchy with nobles using
the unrest to pursue local feuds, slaughter rivals and pillage each
other's land. In 1141 Stephen moved to capture Lincoln Castle and put
down one such recalcitrant nobleman. While there he was surprised and
attacked by a larger army led by Matilda. The ensuing battle was complex
and confused, but it ended with Stephen utterly defeated - for now.
This book follows the standard pattern set by others in the Bretwalda
Battles series. The reasons for and course of the war in question are
outlined, then detailed analyses of weapons, tactics and strategies are
given with particular reference to this battle. The course of the
battleis then followed, with comment on what there is to see at the site
today. Short biographies of the commanders are also given. The
aftermath of the battle, its effects and importance to the progress of
the war are then described. The "Bretwalda Battles" series has been
running with increasing success as ebooks for some time. Now the first
books in the series are being published in print format.
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