Helmets

One of the two helmets at Bignor in action. It is thought that the crossed reinforcing bars across the top of the helmet were added by squaddies who found that otherwise it was all too easy to cut or bash through the thin steel plate with a well aimed blow with a sharp instrument.

We found the helmets heavy and uncomfortable. The ticket did not say whether the real thing would have had more in the way of interior padding but as it was the idea of being bashed across the head while wearing such a thing was not appealing at all. Nevertheless, presumably the things worked or they would not have been worn.

I associated to the bit of chain mail that they have on show at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, chain mail which seemed very heavy indeed. One would have needed to be very strong to keep going with both helmet and chain mail on all through a long battle, such as the Battle of Hastings.

Strength which could only have come through good feeding and lots of relevant exercise. Which might not have been available to the average peasant or small holder. Bring on the military aristocracy.

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