CHAPTER XV

Fig.413.—Cabasset helmet.Fig.414.—Cabasset helmet, Hatfield House,c.1580.Fig.415.—Morion.The pikemen during the reigns of Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth were defended by back- and breast-plates with tassets, gorgets, gauntlets, and steel hats or cabasset morions (Plate XXVI., p.318). The breastplates were made much thicker than formerly in order to be bullet-proof, or at least pistol-bullet-proof, while the tassets were generally of one plate, though marked in imitation of several. Thepoint of the tapul gradually descended upon the breastplate until it assumed the peascod variety and eventually disappeared.The Arquebusierin the early part of the sixteenth century carried little body armour; he is usually represented in the slashed and ribbed dress of Henry VIII.’s time, with a bonnet bearing a feather upon his head. He was provided with a matchlock arquebus and a rest, with a sword at the left side, while hanging from a cord which crossed the body from the left shoulder were the circular powder-flasks and bullet-bag. The arquebusiers opened the battle, being in the van with the artillery.Fig.416.—Sabbatons, Hatfield House.About the year 1550 we find the arquebusiers clad in the armour termed almayne rivets, a name which was first applied to the system of sliding rivets invented in Germany, whereby lames and plates were given a considerable amount of play by the longitudinal slots in which the head of the rivet worked, but subsequently was applied loosely to suits of armour in which these rivets were used. Henry VIII., for example, sent to Milan for 5000 suits of “almayne rivets,” and in 1561, when an inventory was made of armour in the Tower of London, 3752 “almayne rivets” are catalogued, besides 350 “almayne corselets” (Harl. MS. 7457). The armour thus designated embraced a back- and breast-plate with espalier pauldrons to the elbows; three taces with pendent tassets of eight plates to the knees, fastened to the thighs by straps. A rigid gorget of plate and the headpiece completed the defence. This armour for the arquebusiers lasted during the century with but little variation; towards the end the tassets were much widened to accommodate them to the breeches then worn, and the breastplate was made so high in the neck that occasionally a gorget was dispensed with. Among the firearms used by the arquebusiers thecarabine,petronel, andcalivermay be mentioned; the petronel was so called because its straight and square butt-end was held against the chest when fired, and the caliver was a light piece necessitating no rest and largely in use during the succeeding century. An improvement was made in the loading of the arquebus, by having a single charge in a leather case, and aggregations of these cases were termed bandoliers; this system was in use until the invention of the cartridge-box. An example of the armour worn by arquebusiers and footmen toward the close of Elizabeth’s reign is given inPlate XXIV., taken from Edinburgh Castle, where the high breastplate is seen, covered, however, in this case, with a gorget. The pauldrons are large, and below them occur complete protection for the arms, the turners being very prominent. A similar suit is in the same museum which is furnished with the long breastplate strengthened with a placcate at the bottom; it exhibits a little more ornamentation and is better finished (Plate XXIV.).The Cannonierhad no particular uniform allotted to him, and his only distinction was an apron. His cannon commenced the battle, as is generally the case in modern times, but with this difference, that he was placed in the forefront of the fray instead of the rear. To afford him some kind of protection a large mantlet was part of the equipment, and in a combat a mantlet and a gun were placed alternately. The artillery used was the falcon and serpentin, and we have also mention of bombards, while in the waggons were carried the powder and stone balls, together with bows and arrows, for archers were in use at this period and for some decades of the succeeding century.Fig.417.—Close helmet, Hatfield House, showing umbril.The Cavalryconsisted chiefly of demi-lancers clad in half-armour, and many suits of this character are preserved in museums. It was, as a rule, of better quality and finish than that served out to the footmen, the defences for the arms being complete, and lobster-tail tassets reaching to and covering the knees. The head was protected by the close helmet or open casque, which is furnished as a rule with a comb, an umbril over the eyes, hinged ear-pieces, and a neckplate at the back where a holder was affixed for a plume (Fig. 417). A light armour, especially adapted for infantry and light cavalry, consisting of a breastplate and tassets which reached either to the middle of the thigh or to below the knee, was much in use during the sixteenth century and known as theAllecret. During the Maximilian period the officers were furnished with allecrets as a rule, while the Swiss soldiers especially were partial to this system, which defended only the vital parts of the body, and did not hamper the free movement of the limbs. For light cavalry it was of great advantage, as it gavemuch less trouble to the horses when the legs of the wearer were only partially defended, as with tassets. To the lance and sword which were always carried the pistol was added, this being generally a wheel-lock dag with a long barrel, the charges or cartridges being enclosed in a steel case called a patron. Troops called Dragoons came into being, who dispensed with the lance and used as their chief weapon a long wheel-lock pistol termed a dragon from the shape of its muzzle, which was modelled similarly to the head of that mythical monster. The barrel of the dragon was approximately of the same length as the modern carbine. The mounted arquebusier either discharged his piece when on horseback, resting it in a fork which projected upwards from the front of the saddle, or else dismounted to fire in the same manner as the footman.There were a number of Courses or methods of combat in tournaments during the Middle Ages, but the three chief were the Das Deutsche Stechen, the Sharfrennen, and the Italian Course or Über die Pallia.1. The Das Deutsche Stechen. This is generally known as the German Course, and was in use in the early mediæval period. The chief object of the knight was to splinter his lance, or unhorse his opponent, and with that end in view the saddles were unprovided with the usual high plate at the back. The lance possessed a sharp point, and the small shield upon the left side of the rider, which simply depended from straps and was not borne by the left arm, was the part aimed at by the opponents. The shield in the Wallace suit (Fig. 418) is 14 inches wide, and made of oak over an inch in thickness. This form of tilting was run with lances having a rebated coronal head in the later mediæval period. The suit mentioned has no leg armour except the tuilles, and the right hand no gauntlet, according to custom. About the middle of the fifteenth century a salade was used instead of the heaume, but a special kind of heaume like a truncated cone was used in the sixteenth century.Fig.418.—Suit for the Das Deutsche Stechen Course,c.1485. (Wallace Collection.)2. Sharfrennen. The main idea in running this course was to unhorse the opponent, and with this end in view the armour and appurtenances were different in many essentials to those used in other courses. The saddle, for example, was unfurnished with any support either in front or behind, and no armour was worn upon the lower limbs, which could thus maintain the maximum “grip” of the horse without any encumbrance. To protect the thighs and knees of the riders large steel pieces calledcuisheswere attached to the saddle; these were necessary because the horses often collided in running this course, no central barrier being used. A pair of cuishes are preserved in the Tower which date fromc.1480; the edges aredecorated with a roped border. The lance used was thick and heavy and provided with a steel point; upon impact it was customary to drop it in order to avoid the risk of injury to the right arm by splinters in the event of the lance shivering. The vamplate used in this course was of unusual proportions, covering the whole of the right side of the body; an example may be seen in the Rotunda at Woolwich, No. XVI. 102, which is of much larger size than the one illustrated from the Tower Collection (Fig. 312). The body armour was of a ponderous nature, nearly every piece being duplicated. In this course, if one of the combatants was not unhorsed immediately upon impact, it was customary for his attendants to rush forward and aid him in recovering his seat.Fig.419. Tilting armour for the Über die Pallia Course,c.1580. (Wallace Collection.)3. The Italian Course, or Über die Pallia. This course was of later origin than the Stechen or Sharfrennen, and originated in Italy, as the name implies. It was introduced into Germany during the first decade of the sixteenth century, and became immensely popular. A wooden barrier with a height of about five feet separated the combatants, who rode on either side of it, left hand inwards. The suits of armour for the course are, strange to say, invariably provided with armour for the lower limbs, and a typical example is one preserved in the Wallace Collection dating fromc.1580, which has a closed helmet, breastplate of the peascod form with a lance-rest, tassets of two wide plates, and a backplate (Fig. 419). The pauldrons are of the espalier pattern with brassarts, vambraces, coudières, and fingered gauntlets. The cuisses are wide, a peculiarity noticeable in the armour of the latter end of the sixteenth century. Reinforced genouillières, jambarts, and sabbatons complete the suit. Additional defences are the largemanteau d’armeswith the lower edge turned outwards from the body and decorated with a trellis pattern to engage the lance of the opponent, and also a tilting reinforcement for the elbow on the left-hand side. A second suit of much interest is provided with a tilting helmet of great weight, the back of which is affixed in a peculiar manner to the backplate (Fig. 420was similarly fastened), which rises high in order to receive it, while the bavière is of the form of a mentonnière, being affixed by bolts to the breastplate. There is a manifere for the left hand as well as manteau d’armes and elbow reinforcement (Fig. 421). A third suit for this course has no sabbatons, the stirrups being made to protect the feet.Fig.420.—Tilting-helmet of Sir John Gostwick, 1541.The lance used was tipped with a coronal head; it was held upon the left side of the horse’s head, and the main idea at first was to unhorse an adversary, which was a matter of great difficulty, as the riders sat in a deep well-saddle with high projections both back and front. Subsequently, however, the shivering of lances became the chief object, and they were made light and hollow (the bourdonass) for that purpose, and riders very seldom lost their seats in consequence. The armour also began to lose that ponderous character it formerly possessed, and light Italian suits were in favour. These also were adapted for running the various courses prevailing, screw holes and adjustments allowing of the reinforcements being attached for each.Fig.421.—Manifere, left-hand tilting gauntlet,c.1560. (Wallace Collection.)Arising out of the three chief courses were various subsidiary ones, the Free Course being probably the chief. It was the Italian Courseused without the central barrier, and therein resembling the Stechen. A cap-à-pie suit in the Wallace Collection dating from about 1580 resembles that for the Italian Course, but has an addition to the manteau d’armes protecting the left side of the breastplate and the top of the left espalier, a small extra plate to fasten on this and the left-hand part of the breastplate, together with a reinforcing plate to fix to the right espalier. This course dates from the second half of the sixteenth century. The Foot Tournament was fought with lance and sword, and no leg armour was used—striking below the belt being forbidden. There was also a Club Tournament, in which a short wooden mace, the baston, was used by the combatants, and this caused a peculiar type of helmet to be evolved termed the “grid-iron,” which is shown inFig. 422, dating from the fifteenth century. A later variety (Fig. 423) is furnished with a latticed visor.Fig.422.—“Gridiron” helmet, 15th century.Fig.423.—Helmet, with latticed visor, end of 15th century.In connection with tournaments generally, the saddles preserved in many museums are of interest, the one dating from 1470, in the Tower of London, being exceptionally so from its enormous dimensions, inasmuch as when seated in it nearly the whole body of the tilter was protected.PLATE XXIVFootman’s Armour, late Sixteenth Century. (Edinburgh Castle)Cromwellian Armour,c.1644. (Edinburgh Castle)Pikeman’s Armour, end of Sixteenth Century. (Edinburgh Castle)CHAPTER XVTHE HALF-ARMOUR PERIOD AFTER 1600Fig.424.Although to the average student the armour prevailing after the sixteenth century possesses absolutely no interest whatever, yet as a certain amount continued to be worn, and it possessed characteristics entirely its own, it is necessary to be acquainted with these features in order to possess a comprehensive knowledge of the entire subject. Of cap-à-pie suits it may be broadly stated that none exist; of three-quarter and half-suits there are many to be found, but extremely few of these are of workmanship which can in any way compare in wealth of decoration with that of the latter half of the sixteenth century, or vie in elegance of form with the Maximilian or Gothic armour. The period exhibits a brutal strength and crudity in armour which forcibly suggests boiler-plate work. The defences are simply made to cover the vital parts of the body with the maximum amount of efficiency, without any consideration whatever for gracefulness of outline or beauty of surface. The helmet continued to be of the same pattern as that of the end of the Maximilian Period; variations, however, may be found; that, forexample, delineated inFig. 424, and dating fromc.1605, is more of the nature of a close-helmet than a burgonet, being entirely self-contained.Fig.425.—Three-quarter suit, 1630. (Wallace Collection.)A typical three-quarter suit of English manufacture is that shown inFig. 425, dating from about 1630 and forming a part of the Wallace Collection. It is shown in the Museum as a cap-à-pie suit, but the sabbatons and jambarts do not belong to it and date fromc.1580. The close helmet is fitted with an umbril to which is riveted the face-guard, pierced with sight and breathing apertures; a gorget plate is affixed bearing the number 10 upon it. Under this plate is thegorget proper, consisting of three plates. The breastplate has a slight tapul and is marked 42. Upon the right-hand side an indentation has been caused by a musket ball. There is a backplate, and also a garde-de-rein of three plates. The espalier pauldrons have brassarts attached fitted with turners. The tassets of thirteen plates have the genouillières depending from them.Cavalry.—During the early years of the reign of James I. the cavalryman had his name altered from lancer or demi-lancer to cavalier, probably owing to Spanish intercourse. The general tendency to discard armour as being cumbrous and ineffective led to many noblemen and officers of regiments contenting themselves with a cuirass worn over a buff coat, and subsequently, in Charles I.’s reign, whole regiments were thus accoutred, and received the name of cuirassiers in consequence. The dragoons also, who were introduced into the army during the latter years of the preceding century, only wore as a defence a buff coat made long and full and a burgonet. Apart from these, however, we find that the regiments using the lance were equipped with a close helmet, gorget, back- and breast-plate, pauldrons, vambraces, gauntlets, tassets, and garde-de-rein, while a good buff coat with long skirts was worn beneath the armour. The weapons comprised a sword which was stiff, cutting, and sharp-pointed; a lance of the usual pattern or pike-shaped, 18 feet long and provided with a leather thong to fasten round the right arm, and one or two pistols, with the necessary flask, cartouch box, and appurtenances.The cuirassier was armed with two pistols carried at the saddle, and a sword similar to the lancers.The arquebusier wore a good buff coat, a back- and breast-plate, and armour generally resembling thelancer; he carried an arquebus 30 inches in length, two pistols, and the usual necessaries.Fig.426.—Casquetel (British Museum.)The carbineer had similar defences, but carried a carbine or petronel (Plate XLI.*, p. 368), instead of the arquebus, and a sword in place of the pistols.The dragoons carried a pike and also a musket.In 1645 the arquebusiers wore triple-barred helmets, cuirasses with garde-de-rein, pauldrons, and vambraces; at the same time the dragoons changed their muskets for the shorter piece termed the dragon, and four years afterwards again changed it for the caliver. The triple-barred helmet of the arquebusiers and dragoons is shown inPlate XXVI., from Edinburgh Castle, andPlate XXV., from the same source, illustrates a three-quarter suit of an officer of arquebusiers or lancers of the time of Charles I. A second suit, No. 32, is furnished with palettes over the goussets and an open-faced helmet called a casquetel (Plate XXV.).PLATE XXVThree-quarter Suits,temp.Charles I. (Edinburgh Castle)The Pikemanof the time of James I. was accoutred in a morion-shaped helmet with a comb of moderate size and a flat brim, not curved, but pointed back and front. It was provided with a holder at the back, in which four or five large feathers were inserted. A back- and breast-plate reached to the waist, to which were affixed two broad tassets meeting in front of six plates each (Plate XXIV.), which spread over the well-padded breeches, reaching to the knee and covering the front part of the limbs only. Nogorget or defences for the arms are shown. His arms are a pike and a sword. Grose in his “Military Antiquities” illustrates thirty-two different positions in the exercise of the pike. The pikeman of the Cromwellian period had a similar accoutrement, but his morion may better be termed an iron hat, inasmuch as the crown is low with a small comb, the brim wide and drooping and coming well over the eyes and the back of the neck, and it is without plumes (Fig. 427). Two cheek-guards are added. A back- and breast-plate with pendent tassets consisting of many plates formed with a leather coat and the helmet the sole protection. In Charles I.’s reign a rondache was served out to pikemen, but after a few years was discarded.Fig.427.—Pikeman’s pot, 1620. (British Museum.)The Musketeerwore a morion in James I.’s reign similar to the pikeman but with no feathers, and this with a back- and breast-plate completed his metal defences. In 1625, the morion was discarded in favour of a jaunty felt hat with feathers, but subsequently the morion was again worn with the addition of cheek-pieces. No tassets are shown upon a musketeer’s uniform. Grose illustrates forty-five separate orders for the discharge of one bullet from the musket. In 1637 an elaborate drill-book was issued by a Colonel Munro, in which he states that musketeers should be formed in companies with a front of thirty-two men, but six ranks deep; the first firing at once and casting about and reloading; the second rank passing to the front between the files to give fire next; then the third rank, and so on until the whole ranks have discharged. Directions for handling the matchlock published in 1620 contain quaint directions to the musketeer: “He must first learn to hold the piece, to accommodate the match between the two foremost fingers and his thumb, and to plant the great end on his breast with a gallant soldier-like grace, and if ignorant let him acquaint himself first with the firing of touchpowder in his pan, to bow and bear up his body, and to attain to the level and practice of an assured and serviceable shot, ready to charge and, with a comely touch, discharge, making sure at the same instant of his mark with a quick and vigilant eye.”In the reign of James I. a long rapier blade was added to the equipment of the musketeer for protection after he had discharged his piece. It was variously called the “swine’s feather,” “hog’s bristle,” and “Swedish feather,” the latter probably indicating the country of its origin. The swine’s feather and also the musket rest were abandoned during the Civil War.PLATE XXVITriple-barred Helmet,temp.1689. (Edinburgh Castle)Cabasset Helmet, Footman,temp.James VI. (Edinburgh Castle)Archers.—The persistence of archers in the ranks of the English forces long after the introduction of firearms and cannon is a noteworthy feature. During the sixteenth century they formed a numerous force, and were the subjects of especial care by the military commanders in the time of Queen Elizabeth. In Harl. MS. 7457, being an inventory of the Tower arms in 1561, there are accounts of many hundred brigandines, jacks, salades (salletts), and skull-caps for furnishing the defences of archers, while regulations are extant of the same period which providethat: “Captains and officers should be skilful of that noble weapon, and to see that their soldiers according to their draught and strength have good bows, well nocked, well stringed, every string whip in their nock and in the middle rubbed with wax; a bracer and shooting glove and some spare strings; every man a sheaf of arrows in a leather case which contains twenty-four arrows, whereof eight should be lighter than the rest to gall the enemy with a hailshot of light arrows before they shall come within the danger of their harquebus shot. Let every man have a brigandine or a little coat of plate, a skull or huskyn, a maule of lead of five foot in length, and a pike, the same hanging by his girdle with a hook and a dagger; being thus furnished teach them to march, shoot, and retire, for these men can neither be spared in battle nor in skirmish. No other weapon can compare with the same noble weapon.” Even as late as the time of Charles I. special commissions were issued under the Great Seal for enforcing the use and practice of the long-bow, and the Earl of Essex at the commencement of the Civil War issued a precept in 1643 directing the raising of a company of archers for special service.In the time of Charles II., James II., and William and Mary officers still wore breastplates, but armour for the ordinary soldier was as a rule altogether discarded. As late as the commencement of the last century the officers of some regiments wore a small steel gorget, but all that remains to us at the present day to remind us of the days of chivalry and the steel-clad forces of bygone times, is the Life Guard with his back- and breast-plate and steel helmet.CHAPTER XVIWEAPONS OF THE EARLY AND MIDDLE AGESFig.428.—1. Halberd, 1470. 2. Bill. 3. Two-handed sword.The Guisarme.—This may be claimed with all confidence to be one of the most ancient of weapons, as its first inception occurred in the Bronze Period, and from that remote age down to the seventeenth century it was more or less in evidence (Fig. 428). It terminated generally in an extremely strong and sharp point; the two sides were approximately parallel, and both brought to a keen and almost razor-like edge, while a short way down the blade a hook was fashioned. During the Mediæval Period, when it was known by the name of the fauchard, an agitation for its abolition occurred in consequence of the deadly and ghastly nature of the wounds inflicted by this weapon. There are many forms, and additions of various hooks and spikes occur in varieties of the guisarme; the point also was at timesmodified, and instead of being straight partook more of the form of the curved bill-hook of modern times. The blade lent itself to elaborate ornamentation, and many examples of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries exhibit splendid specimens of the work of the engraver. It was used in England as late as the battle of Flodden (Fig. 429).Fig.429.—1. Pole-axe. 2. Fauchard (guisarme). 3. Halberd. 4. Glaive, 1550.The Pole-Axe.—The battle-axe and the pole-axe may be claimed as one and the same weapon, simply differing in the length of the shaft, which necessitated the use of both hands in the case of the pole-axe, whereas one was sufficient for the other. It is essentially a weapon of the northern nations of Europe, and in its primitive form was the flint axe of the Stone Age, subsequently fashionedin bronze in the succeeding period. The form was as a rule very simple from the Saxon Period to the fourteenth century, consisting merely of an axe-blade upon one side balanced by a spike upon the other; in that century and also in the following it became one of the most important weapons of war, and saw many alterations and modifications. The blade, for example, became enormously lengthened, broadened, and flattened, and the spike occasionally became lance-shaped, or falcon-beaked, like a military pick, while the head of the shaft developed into a spike or a short, double-edged sword-blade. In the fifteenth century it became the favourite weapon for encounters on foot, when the pole was furnished with one or two guards for the hands, and was strengthened with iron splints; the lateral spike developed into the shape of a war-hammer having a broad head furnished with rows of pyramidal studs or spikes, the vertical blade at the head being retained. The earliest preserved in the Wallace Collection dates fromc.1350, and is similar in form to a pole-axe delineated in Roy. MS. 16, G. VI., which shows a straight cutting blade rectangular at the base, and with the top edge forming an acute angle with the cutting edge. Another, of datec.1420, has a strong semi-circular axe-blade balanced by a hammer with pyramidal projections upon the face, the head terminating in a strong spike. Two iron pieces almost cover the shaft for a distance of nearly three feet. In Edinburgh an axe is preserved dating from the Maximilian Period (Plate XXVII.) which shows an axe-blade with a circular cutting edge balanced by a spike, the head being furnished with a pike-blade. The shaft is protected for some distance from the axe-head.PLATE XXVIIArms from Edinburgh Castle1. Bill.2. Halberd.3. Military Fork.4. Two-handed Sword.5. Arquebus.6. Pole-Axe.7. Glaive.8. Halberd.9. Ranseur.The Halberd.—This weapon consists essentially of an axe-blade balanced by a pick, the head of the shaft being prolonged in the form of a spike. In the northern part of Europe the weapon had been in use from an exceedingly early period, but was not introduced into France and England until the end of the fourteenth century. The forms are many and varied, the blade developing from a crescent shape to that of a square, which prevailed in the fifteenth century and preceded the curved form. The spike also underwent changes, broadening and flattening at times until it presented a blade-like aspect, which was often curved downwards towards the shaft. It was essentially a weapon for the foot soldier, and although it is occasionally seen with a very long shaft, these are for pageant purposes, the war weapon seldom exceeding five or six feet in length. The form of the halberd probably lent itself more to ornamentation than any other weapon of the age, and those made for parade purposes exhibit at times a remarkable wealth of decoration. The halberd became obsolete when the pike came into favour. A beautiful example of a halberd of the datec.1470 from Edinburgh Castle is shown inPlate XXVII., which exhibits a singularly long and formidable spike, with a concave cutting edge to the axe-blade balanced by a drooping pick. The shaft is ironed for a good distance from the head.Fig. 428exhibits a halberd of the date 1470 where the axe-blade is crescent-shaped and the beak slightly drooping, as in the Edinburgh example; the spike, however, is not so long, but has a stronger section of diamond shape. The oldest specimen in the Wallace Collection dates from about 1430, in which the axe-blade possesses a straight cutting edge, and the spike is superseded by a strong tapering blade. A later example, dating fromc.1550, from the Edinburgh collection is shown inPlate XXVII.The Partisan.—This weapon was introduced into England in the middle of the fourteenth century, and from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries was used extensively on the Continent, but especially in France. It consists of a long double-edged blade, wide at the base, where it is provided with projections of various forms, hooked, crescent, &c., and tapering to a point. It is always symmetrical, both sides balancing in form. The Ranseur and the Spetum are modifications of the partisan. InPlate XXVII.a ranseur is shown from the Edinburgh Collection, dating from the early sixteenth century: here the two points on the lateral projections give a graceful outline to the weapon, while at the same time increasing its efficiency. A spetum from the Wallace Collection is shown inFig. 430; it dates fromc.1490.The Pike.—The pike was the “bayonet” of the mediæval and later periods, and only disappeared at a comparatively recent date. It was one of the simplest of weapons, being merely a long, narrow, lance-like head of steel strengthened by lengthy strips of metal, which ran for a considerable distance down the pole, rendering it almost immune from sword-cuts. The length of the weapon varied very considerably, from over twenty feet to less than ten, but the latter was the usual length. For resisting a cavalry charge the base of the pike was fixed into the ground, an iron shoe or point being provided to protect that part. The long strips of steel down the shaft may be considered one of its special features, as it could not be put out of action by any ordinary cuts of the sword, axe, &c.Fig.430.—1. Spetum (partisan), 1490. 2. Partisan, 1570. 3. Partisan, 1580.Fig.431.—1. Glaives. 2. Ox-tongue partisan. 3. Guisarme. 4. Bills, 1540.During the eighteenth century a half-pike was carried by infantry officers which was known as the Spontoon. It had a long shaft with a leaf-shaped head, the latter having as a rule a cross-guard beneath it.The Voulge.—This weapon may be regarded as a cousin to the guisarme, from which at times it differed but little. In its simplest form it consists of a broad blade fixed at the side of a shaft, and attached to it by two or more rings which spring from the back of the blade. The latter is invariably carried up to a sharp point over the axis of the shaft, and some examples show a spike upon the side opposite to the blade. The voulge is a Swiss weapon, and was in use by that nation at a very early period; it did not become popular among the Continental nations, although the French seem to have used it in the fifteenth century, when the arbalestiers were armed with it.The Fork.—The military fork undoubtedly owed its conception to the agricultural implement, and in its earlier forms was of equally simple construction. The two prongs were eventually made of unequal length, and examples are to be found having three prongs, all unequal. As usual with shaft weapons, hooks were added with which a horseman might be dismounted from his charger, and barbs were occasionally added to give effect to side blows. During the fourteenth century it was much used; it appeared as early as the eleventh century, and was not entirely discarded until the end of the seventeenth.Plate XXVII.from the Edinburgh Collection is a scaling-fork with a particularly long shaft, the very prominent hooks being designed to drag defenders off the battlements.Fig.432.—1. Military fork. 2. Halberd. 3. Corseque (partisan). 4. SpetumFig.433.—1. Spontoon (partisan). 2. Partisan. 3. Glaive. 4. Halberd.The Bill.—The bill was in its incipient condition the agricultural scythe mounted on a staff, and as such was used for many years following the ninth century, but developments took place in its structure, and it subsequently became much altered in form, invariably, however, preserving the one characteristic feature of a crescent-shaped blade with the inside edge sharpened. A small portion of the point was double-edged. This weapon was usually referred to as the “brown” bill, which suggests that their usual condition was a rusty one. It remained in use until about the fifteenth century, when it was superseded by the pike. The term “bill” is essentially a generic one, and all shafted weapons of peculiar form which do not fall readily under any particular heading are classified as bills. Thus the weapon shown inPlate XXVII., and classified under the term “bill” in the Edinburgh Collection, has a very strong resemblance to that variety of the guisarme called the fauchard, but its extreme narrowness in the centre of the blade disqualifies it. It dates fromc.1470.The Glaivediffered from the bill in having the cutting edge upon the convex instead of the concave curve of the blade, and also in being much broader. Hooks, spurs, and other projections appear upon the base of the blade. This weapon was more in use upon the Continent than in England, chiefly in France and Germany, and did not become obsolete until the beginning of the seventeenth century. The term “glaive” may be applied to a simple shaft weapon bearing any resemblance to a knife blade: thus No. 7,Plate XXVII., from the Edinburgh Castle Museum, would fall under that category.The Morning Star.—This was a mace with a spiked head, in great use upon the Continent, especially among the German nations; both cavalry and infantry were armed with it, the long-shafted weapon being appropriated by the foot soldier. Doubtless one of its advantages was the facility with which it could be made, a skilled armourer not being necessary. The short weapons of the cavalry were generally made of iron.Fig.434.—1. Holy water sprinkler. 2. Military flail. 3. Holy water sprinkler.The Military Flail, or Holy Water Sprinkler.—The Military Flail is akin to the Morning Star and the Morgenstern. It consists of a shaft to which is affixed a staple having a chain depending, and to the end of this a ball of iron usually covered with spikes. At times a flail of iron or wood, garnished with spikes, is substituted for the chain and ball (Fig. 434).The Mace.—The mace has probably a more remote antiquity than any other weapon. Commencing in the Stone Age, it has come down through the Bronze Period to that of Iron, and was in general use by Egyptians,Assyrians, and throughout the East. The Normans and Saxons both used it at Hastings, and, as a weapon, it did not disappear until the sixteenth century. It has undergone many changes of form, being at times of cog-wheel shape, oval, globular, dentated, &c., but the general form was that of radiating flanges surrounding a central head. The knob was at times of lead, and some maces are furnished with a spike, as a prolongation of the shaft (Fig. 435). As early as the fourteenth century, the mace was in use as a sign of authority among the law officers, and in the sixteenth century was the characteristic weapon of the sergeant-at-arms. The royal arms were stamped upon the shaft at the termination of the grip: this end became in consequence the important part of the weapon; the ornaments and guards augmented and developed, while the end furnished with the knob shrank into insignificance. Finally the mace was reversed; the arms now appear upon the upper end of the shaft in all corporation and other maces. The mace was the weapon of militant churchmen, who sought thus to avoid the denunciation against those “who smite with the sword”; they argued that although the Scripture forbade the shedding of blood there was no restriction respecting the dashing out of brains.

Fig.413.—Cabasset helmet.Fig.414.—Cabasset helmet, Hatfield House,c.1580.Fig.415.—Morion.

Fig.413.—Cabasset helmet.

Fig.414.—Cabasset helmet, Hatfield House,c.1580.

Fig.415.—Morion.

The pikemen during the reigns of Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth were defended by back- and breast-plates with tassets, gorgets, gauntlets, and steel hats or cabasset morions (Plate XXVI., p.318). The breastplates were made much thicker than formerly in order to be bullet-proof, or at least pistol-bullet-proof, while the tassets were generally of one plate, though marked in imitation of several. Thepoint of the tapul gradually descended upon the breastplate until it assumed the peascod variety and eventually disappeared.

The Arquebusierin the early part of the sixteenth century carried little body armour; he is usually represented in the slashed and ribbed dress of Henry VIII.’s time, with a bonnet bearing a feather upon his head. He was provided with a matchlock arquebus and a rest, with a sword at the left side, while hanging from a cord which crossed the body from the left shoulder were the circular powder-flasks and bullet-bag. The arquebusiers opened the battle, being in the van with the artillery.

Fig.416.—Sabbatons, Hatfield House.

About the year 1550 we find the arquebusiers clad in the armour termed almayne rivets, a name which was first applied to the system of sliding rivets invented in Germany, whereby lames and plates were given a considerable amount of play by the longitudinal slots in which the head of the rivet worked, but subsequently was applied loosely to suits of armour in which these rivets were used. Henry VIII., for example, sent to Milan for 5000 suits of “almayne rivets,” and in 1561, when an inventory was made of armour in the Tower of London, 3752 “almayne rivets” are catalogued, besides 350 “almayne corselets” (Harl. MS. 7457). The armour thus designated embraced a back- and breast-plate with espalier pauldrons to the elbows; three taces with pendent tassets of eight plates to the knees, fastened to the thighs by straps. A rigid gorget of plate and the headpiece completed the defence. This armour for the arquebusiers lasted during the century with but little variation; towards the end the tassets were much widened to accommodate them to the breeches then worn, and the breastplate was made so high in the neck that occasionally a gorget was dispensed with. Among the firearms used by the arquebusiers thecarabine,petronel, andcalivermay be mentioned; the petronel was so called because its straight and square butt-end was held against the chest when fired, and the caliver was a light piece necessitating no rest and largely in use during the succeeding century. An improvement was made in the loading of the arquebus, by having a single charge in a leather case, and aggregations of these cases were termed bandoliers; this system was in use until the invention of the cartridge-box. An example of the armour worn by arquebusiers and footmen toward the close of Elizabeth’s reign is given inPlate XXIV., taken from Edinburgh Castle, where the high breastplate is seen, covered, however, in this case, with a gorget. The pauldrons are large, and below them occur complete protection for the arms, the turners being very prominent. A similar suit is in the same museum which is furnished with the long breastplate strengthened with a placcate at the bottom; it exhibits a little more ornamentation and is better finished (Plate XXIV.).

The Cannonierhad no particular uniform allotted to him, and his only distinction was an apron. His cannon commenced the battle, as is generally the case in modern times, but with this difference, that he was placed in the forefront of the fray instead of the rear. To afford him some kind of protection a large mantlet was part of the equipment, and in a combat a mantlet and a gun were placed alternately. The artillery used was the falcon and serpentin, and we have also mention of bombards, while in the waggons were carried the powder and stone balls, together with bows and arrows, for archers were in use at this period and for some decades of the succeeding century.

Fig.417.—Close helmet, Hatfield House, showing umbril.

The Cavalryconsisted chiefly of demi-lancers clad in half-armour, and many suits of this character are preserved in museums. It was, as a rule, of better quality and finish than that served out to the footmen, the defences for the arms being complete, and lobster-tail tassets reaching to and covering the knees. The head was protected by the close helmet or open casque, which is furnished as a rule with a comb, an umbril over the eyes, hinged ear-pieces, and a neckplate at the back where a holder was affixed for a plume (Fig. 417). A light armour, especially adapted for infantry and light cavalry, consisting of a breastplate and tassets which reached either to the middle of the thigh or to below the knee, was much in use during the sixteenth century and known as theAllecret. During the Maximilian period the officers were furnished with allecrets as a rule, while the Swiss soldiers especially were partial to this system, which defended only the vital parts of the body, and did not hamper the free movement of the limbs. For light cavalry it was of great advantage, as it gavemuch less trouble to the horses when the legs of the wearer were only partially defended, as with tassets. To the lance and sword which were always carried the pistol was added, this being generally a wheel-lock dag with a long barrel, the charges or cartridges being enclosed in a steel case called a patron. Troops called Dragoons came into being, who dispensed with the lance and used as their chief weapon a long wheel-lock pistol termed a dragon from the shape of its muzzle, which was modelled similarly to the head of that mythical monster. The barrel of the dragon was approximately of the same length as the modern carbine. The mounted arquebusier either discharged his piece when on horseback, resting it in a fork which projected upwards from the front of the saddle, or else dismounted to fire in the same manner as the footman.

There were a number of Courses or methods of combat in tournaments during the Middle Ages, but the three chief were the Das Deutsche Stechen, the Sharfrennen, and the Italian Course or Über die Pallia.1. The Das Deutsche Stechen. This is generally known as the German Course, and was in use in the early mediæval period. The chief object of the knight was to splinter his lance, or unhorse his opponent, and with that end in view the saddles were unprovided with the usual high plate at the back. The lance possessed a sharp point, and the small shield upon the left side of the rider, which simply depended from straps and was not borne by the left arm, was the part aimed at by the opponents. The shield in the Wallace suit (Fig. 418) is 14 inches wide, and made of oak over an inch in thickness. This form of tilting was run with lances having a rebated coronal head in the later mediæval period. The suit mentioned has no leg armour except the tuilles, and the right hand no gauntlet, according to custom. About the middle of the fifteenth century a salade was used instead of the heaume, but a special kind of heaume like a truncated cone was used in the sixteenth century.

1. The Das Deutsche Stechen. This is generally known as the German Course, and was in use in the early mediæval period. The chief object of the knight was to splinter his lance, or unhorse his opponent, and with that end in view the saddles were unprovided with the usual high plate at the back. The lance possessed a sharp point, and the small shield upon the left side of the rider, which simply depended from straps and was not borne by the left arm, was the part aimed at by the opponents. The shield in the Wallace suit (Fig. 418) is 14 inches wide, and made of oak over an inch in thickness. This form of tilting was run with lances having a rebated coronal head in the later mediæval period. The suit mentioned has no leg armour except the tuilles, and the right hand no gauntlet, according to custom. About the middle of the fifteenth century a salade was used instead of the heaume, but a special kind of heaume like a truncated cone was used in the sixteenth century.

Fig.418.—Suit for the Das Deutsche Stechen Course,c.1485. (Wallace Collection.)

2. Sharfrennen. The main idea in running this course was to unhorse the opponent, and with this end in view the armour and appurtenances were different in many essentials to those used in other courses. The saddle, for example, was unfurnished with any support either in front or behind, and no armour was worn upon the lower limbs, which could thus maintain the maximum “grip” of the horse without any encumbrance. To protect the thighs and knees of the riders large steel pieces calledcuisheswere attached to the saddle; these were necessary because the horses often collided in running this course, no central barrier being used. A pair of cuishes are preserved in the Tower which date fromc.1480; the edges aredecorated with a roped border. The lance used was thick and heavy and provided with a steel point; upon impact it was customary to drop it in order to avoid the risk of injury to the right arm by splinters in the event of the lance shivering. The vamplate used in this course was of unusual proportions, covering the whole of the right side of the body; an example may be seen in the Rotunda at Woolwich, No. XVI. 102, which is of much larger size than the one illustrated from the Tower Collection (Fig. 312). The body armour was of a ponderous nature, nearly every piece being duplicated. In this course, if one of the combatants was not unhorsed immediately upon impact, it was customary for his attendants to rush forward and aid him in recovering his seat.

Fig.419. Tilting armour for the Über die Pallia Course,c.1580. (Wallace Collection.)

3. The Italian Course, or Über die Pallia. This course was of later origin than the Stechen or Sharfrennen, and originated in Italy, as the name implies. It was introduced into Germany during the first decade of the sixteenth century, and became immensely popular. A wooden barrier with a height of about five feet separated the combatants, who rode on either side of it, left hand inwards. The suits of armour for the course are, strange to say, invariably provided with armour for the lower limbs, and a typical example is one preserved in the Wallace Collection dating fromc.1580, which has a closed helmet, breastplate of the peascod form with a lance-rest, tassets of two wide plates, and a backplate (Fig. 419). The pauldrons are of the espalier pattern with brassarts, vambraces, coudières, and fingered gauntlets. The cuisses are wide, a peculiarity noticeable in the armour of the latter end of the sixteenth century. Reinforced genouillières, jambarts, and sabbatons complete the suit. Additional defences are the largemanteau d’armeswith the lower edge turned outwards from the body and decorated with a trellis pattern to engage the lance of the opponent, and also a tilting reinforcement for the elbow on the left-hand side. A second suit of much interest is provided with a tilting helmet of great weight, the back of which is affixed in a peculiar manner to the backplate (Fig. 420was similarly fastened), which rises high in order to receive it, while the bavière is of the form of a mentonnière, being affixed by bolts to the breastplate. There is a manifere for the left hand as well as manteau d’armes and elbow reinforcement (Fig. 421). A third suit for this course has no sabbatons, the stirrups being made to protect the feet.

Fig.420.—Tilting-helmet of Sir John Gostwick, 1541.

The lance used was tipped with a coronal head; it was held upon the left side of the horse’s head, and the main idea at first was to unhorse an adversary, which was a matter of great difficulty, as the riders sat in a deep well-saddle with high projections both back and front. Subsequently, however, the shivering of lances became the chief object, and they were made light and hollow (the bourdonass) for that purpose, and riders very seldom lost their seats in consequence. The armour also began to lose that ponderous character it formerly possessed, and light Italian suits were in favour. These also were adapted for running the various courses prevailing, screw holes and adjustments allowing of the reinforcements being attached for each.

Fig.421.—Manifere, left-hand tilting gauntlet,c.1560. (Wallace Collection.)

Arising out of the three chief courses were various subsidiary ones, the Free Course being probably the chief. It was the Italian Courseused without the central barrier, and therein resembling the Stechen. A cap-à-pie suit in the Wallace Collection dating from about 1580 resembles that for the Italian Course, but has an addition to the manteau d’armes protecting the left side of the breastplate and the top of the left espalier, a small extra plate to fasten on this and the left-hand part of the breastplate, together with a reinforcing plate to fix to the right espalier. This course dates from the second half of the sixteenth century. The Foot Tournament was fought with lance and sword, and no leg armour was used—striking below the belt being forbidden. There was also a Club Tournament, in which a short wooden mace, the baston, was used by the combatants, and this caused a peculiar type of helmet to be evolved termed the “grid-iron,” which is shown inFig. 422, dating from the fifteenth century. A later variety (Fig. 423) is furnished with a latticed visor.

Fig.422.—“Gridiron” helmet, 15th century.Fig.423.—Helmet, with latticed visor, end of 15th century.

Fig.422.—“Gridiron” helmet, 15th century.

Fig.423.—Helmet, with latticed visor, end of 15th century.

In connection with tournaments generally, the saddles preserved in many museums are of interest, the one dating from 1470, in the Tower of London, being exceptionally so from its enormous dimensions, inasmuch as when seated in it nearly the whole body of the tilter was protected.

PLATE XXIVFootman’s Armour, late Sixteenth Century. (Edinburgh Castle)Cromwellian Armour,c.1644. (Edinburgh Castle)Pikeman’s Armour, end of Sixteenth Century. (Edinburgh Castle)

PLATE XXIV

Footman’s Armour, late Sixteenth Century. (Edinburgh Castle)

Cromwellian Armour,c.1644. (Edinburgh Castle)

Pikeman’s Armour, end of Sixteenth Century. (Edinburgh Castle)

Fig.424.

Although to the average student the armour prevailing after the sixteenth century possesses absolutely no interest whatever, yet as a certain amount continued to be worn, and it possessed characteristics entirely its own, it is necessary to be acquainted with these features in order to possess a comprehensive knowledge of the entire subject. Of cap-à-pie suits it may be broadly stated that none exist; of three-quarter and half-suits there are many to be found, but extremely few of these are of workmanship which can in any way compare in wealth of decoration with that of the latter half of the sixteenth century, or vie in elegance of form with the Maximilian or Gothic armour. The period exhibits a brutal strength and crudity in armour which forcibly suggests boiler-plate work. The defences are simply made to cover the vital parts of the body with the maximum amount of efficiency, without any consideration whatever for gracefulness of outline or beauty of surface. The helmet continued to be of the same pattern as that of the end of the Maximilian Period; variations, however, may be found; that, forexample, delineated inFig. 424, and dating fromc.1605, is more of the nature of a close-helmet than a burgonet, being entirely self-contained.

Fig.425.—Three-quarter suit, 1630. (Wallace Collection.)

A typical three-quarter suit of English manufacture is that shown inFig. 425, dating from about 1630 and forming a part of the Wallace Collection. It is shown in the Museum as a cap-à-pie suit, but the sabbatons and jambarts do not belong to it and date fromc.1580. The close helmet is fitted with an umbril to which is riveted the face-guard, pierced with sight and breathing apertures; a gorget plate is affixed bearing the number 10 upon it. Under this plate is thegorget proper, consisting of three plates. The breastplate has a slight tapul and is marked 42. Upon the right-hand side an indentation has been caused by a musket ball. There is a backplate, and also a garde-de-rein of three plates. The espalier pauldrons have brassarts attached fitted with turners. The tassets of thirteen plates have the genouillières depending from them.

Cavalry.—During the early years of the reign of James I. the cavalryman had his name altered from lancer or demi-lancer to cavalier, probably owing to Spanish intercourse. The general tendency to discard armour as being cumbrous and ineffective led to many noblemen and officers of regiments contenting themselves with a cuirass worn over a buff coat, and subsequently, in Charles I.’s reign, whole regiments were thus accoutred, and received the name of cuirassiers in consequence. The dragoons also, who were introduced into the army during the latter years of the preceding century, only wore as a defence a buff coat made long and full and a burgonet. Apart from these, however, we find that the regiments using the lance were equipped with a close helmet, gorget, back- and breast-plate, pauldrons, vambraces, gauntlets, tassets, and garde-de-rein, while a good buff coat with long skirts was worn beneath the armour. The weapons comprised a sword which was stiff, cutting, and sharp-pointed; a lance of the usual pattern or pike-shaped, 18 feet long and provided with a leather thong to fasten round the right arm, and one or two pistols, with the necessary flask, cartouch box, and appurtenances.

The cuirassier was armed with two pistols carried at the saddle, and a sword similar to the lancers.

The arquebusier wore a good buff coat, a back- and breast-plate, and armour generally resembling thelancer; he carried an arquebus 30 inches in length, two pistols, and the usual necessaries.

Fig.426.—Casquetel (British Museum.)

The carbineer had similar defences, but carried a carbine or petronel (Plate XLI.*, p. 368), instead of the arquebus, and a sword in place of the pistols.

The dragoons carried a pike and also a musket.

In 1645 the arquebusiers wore triple-barred helmets, cuirasses with garde-de-rein, pauldrons, and vambraces; at the same time the dragoons changed their muskets for the shorter piece termed the dragon, and four years afterwards again changed it for the caliver. The triple-barred helmet of the arquebusiers and dragoons is shown inPlate XXVI., from Edinburgh Castle, andPlate XXV., from the same source, illustrates a three-quarter suit of an officer of arquebusiers or lancers of the time of Charles I. A second suit, No. 32, is furnished with palettes over the goussets and an open-faced helmet called a casquetel (Plate XXV.).

PLATE XXVThree-quarter Suits,temp.Charles I. (Edinburgh Castle)

PLATE XXV

Three-quarter Suits,temp.Charles I. (Edinburgh Castle)

The Pikemanof the time of James I. was accoutred in a morion-shaped helmet with a comb of moderate size and a flat brim, not curved, but pointed back and front. It was provided with a holder at the back, in which four or five large feathers were inserted. A back- and breast-plate reached to the waist, to which were affixed two broad tassets meeting in front of six plates each (Plate XXIV.), which spread over the well-padded breeches, reaching to the knee and covering the front part of the limbs only. Nogorget or defences for the arms are shown. His arms are a pike and a sword. Grose in his “Military Antiquities” illustrates thirty-two different positions in the exercise of the pike. The pikeman of the Cromwellian period had a similar accoutrement, but his morion may better be termed an iron hat, inasmuch as the crown is low with a small comb, the brim wide and drooping and coming well over the eyes and the back of the neck, and it is without plumes (Fig. 427). Two cheek-guards are added. A back- and breast-plate with pendent tassets consisting of many plates formed with a leather coat and the helmet the sole protection. In Charles I.’s reign a rondache was served out to pikemen, but after a few years was discarded.

Fig.427.—Pikeman’s pot, 1620. (British Museum.)

The Musketeerwore a morion in James I.’s reign similar to the pikeman but with no feathers, and this with a back- and breast-plate completed his metal defences. In 1625, the morion was discarded in favour of a jaunty felt hat with feathers, but subsequently the morion was again worn with the addition of cheek-pieces. No tassets are shown upon a musketeer’s uniform. Grose illustrates forty-five separate orders for the discharge of one bullet from the musket. In 1637 an elaborate drill-book was issued by a Colonel Munro, in which he states that musketeers should be formed in companies with a front of thirty-two men, but six ranks deep; the first firing at once and casting about and reloading; the second rank passing to the front between the files to give fire next; then the third rank, and so on until the whole ranks have discharged. Directions for handling the matchlock published in 1620 contain quaint directions to the musketeer: “He must first learn to hold the piece, to accommodate the match between the two foremost fingers and his thumb, and to plant the great end on his breast with a gallant soldier-like grace, and if ignorant let him acquaint himself first with the firing of touchpowder in his pan, to bow and bear up his body, and to attain to the level and practice of an assured and serviceable shot, ready to charge and, with a comely touch, discharge, making sure at the same instant of his mark with a quick and vigilant eye.”

In the reign of James I. a long rapier blade was added to the equipment of the musketeer for protection after he had discharged his piece. It was variously called the “swine’s feather,” “hog’s bristle,” and “Swedish feather,” the latter probably indicating the country of its origin. The swine’s feather and also the musket rest were abandoned during the Civil War.

PLATE XXVITriple-barred Helmet,temp.1689. (Edinburgh Castle)Cabasset Helmet, Footman,temp.James VI. (Edinburgh Castle)

PLATE XXVI

Triple-barred Helmet,temp.1689. (Edinburgh Castle)

Cabasset Helmet, Footman,temp.James VI. (Edinburgh Castle)

Archers.—The persistence of archers in the ranks of the English forces long after the introduction of firearms and cannon is a noteworthy feature. During the sixteenth century they formed a numerous force, and were the subjects of especial care by the military commanders in the time of Queen Elizabeth. In Harl. MS. 7457, being an inventory of the Tower arms in 1561, there are accounts of many hundred brigandines, jacks, salades (salletts), and skull-caps for furnishing the defences of archers, while regulations are extant of the same period which providethat: “Captains and officers should be skilful of that noble weapon, and to see that their soldiers according to their draught and strength have good bows, well nocked, well stringed, every string whip in their nock and in the middle rubbed with wax; a bracer and shooting glove and some spare strings; every man a sheaf of arrows in a leather case which contains twenty-four arrows, whereof eight should be lighter than the rest to gall the enemy with a hailshot of light arrows before they shall come within the danger of their harquebus shot. Let every man have a brigandine or a little coat of plate, a skull or huskyn, a maule of lead of five foot in length, and a pike, the same hanging by his girdle with a hook and a dagger; being thus furnished teach them to march, shoot, and retire, for these men can neither be spared in battle nor in skirmish. No other weapon can compare with the same noble weapon.” Even as late as the time of Charles I. special commissions were issued under the Great Seal for enforcing the use and practice of the long-bow, and the Earl of Essex at the commencement of the Civil War issued a precept in 1643 directing the raising of a company of archers for special service.

In the time of Charles II., James II., and William and Mary officers still wore breastplates, but armour for the ordinary soldier was as a rule altogether discarded. As late as the commencement of the last century the officers of some regiments wore a small steel gorget, but all that remains to us at the present day to remind us of the days of chivalry and the steel-clad forces of bygone times, is the Life Guard with his back- and breast-plate and steel helmet.

Fig.428.—1. Halberd, 1470. 2. Bill. 3. Two-handed sword.

The Guisarme.—This may be claimed with all confidence to be one of the most ancient of weapons, as its first inception occurred in the Bronze Period, and from that remote age down to the seventeenth century it was more or less in evidence (Fig. 428). It terminated generally in an extremely strong and sharp point; the two sides were approximately parallel, and both brought to a keen and almost razor-like edge, while a short way down the blade a hook was fashioned. During the Mediæval Period, when it was known by the name of the fauchard, an agitation for its abolition occurred in consequence of the deadly and ghastly nature of the wounds inflicted by this weapon. There are many forms, and additions of various hooks and spikes occur in varieties of the guisarme; the point also was at timesmodified, and instead of being straight partook more of the form of the curved bill-hook of modern times. The blade lent itself to elaborate ornamentation, and many examples of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries exhibit splendid specimens of the work of the engraver. It was used in England as late as the battle of Flodden (Fig. 429).

Fig.429.—1. Pole-axe. 2. Fauchard (guisarme). 3. Halberd. 4. Glaive, 1550.

The Pole-Axe.—The battle-axe and the pole-axe may be claimed as one and the same weapon, simply differing in the length of the shaft, which necessitated the use of both hands in the case of the pole-axe, whereas one was sufficient for the other. It is essentially a weapon of the northern nations of Europe, and in its primitive form was the flint axe of the Stone Age, subsequently fashionedin bronze in the succeeding period. The form was as a rule very simple from the Saxon Period to the fourteenth century, consisting merely of an axe-blade upon one side balanced by a spike upon the other; in that century and also in the following it became one of the most important weapons of war, and saw many alterations and modifications. The blade, for example, became enormously lengthened, broadened, and flattened, and the spike occasionally became lance-shaped, or falcon-beaked, like a military pick, while the head of the shaft developed into a spike or a short, double-edged sword-blade. In the fifteenth century it became the favourite weapon for encounters on foot, when the pole was furnished with one or two guards for the hands, and was strengthened with iron splints; the lateral spike developed into the shape of a war-hammer having a broad head furnished with rows of pyramidal studs or spikes, the vertical blade at the head being retained. The earliest preserved in the Wallace Collection dates fromc.1350, and is similar in form to a pole-axe delineated in Roy. MS. 16, G. VI., which shows a straight cutting blade rectangular at the base, and with the top edge forming an acute angle with the cutting edge. Another, of datec.1420, has a strong semi-circular axe-blade balanced by a hammer with pyramidal projections upon the face, the head terminating in a strong spike. Two iron pieces almost cover the shaft for a distance of nearly three feet. In Edinburgh an axe is preserved dating from the Maximilian Period (Plate XXVII.) which shows an axe-blade with a circular cutting edge balanced by a spike, the head being furnished with a pike-blade. The shaft is protected for some distance from the axe-head.

PLATE XXVIIArms from Edinburgh Castle1. Bill.2. Halberd.3. Military Fork.4. Two-handed Sword.5. Arquebus.6. Pole-Axe.7. Glaive.8. Halberd.9. Ranseur.

PLATE XXVII

Arms from Edinburgh Castle

1. Bill.2. Halberd.3. Military Fork.

1. Bill.

2. Halberd.

3. Military Fork.

4. Two-handed Sword.5. Arquebus.6. Pole-Axe.

4. Two-handed Sword.

5. Arquebus.

6. Pole-Axe.

7. Glaive.8. Halberd.9. Ranseur.

7. Glaive.

8. Halberd.

9. Ranseur.

The Halberd.—This weapon consists essentially of an axe-blade balanced by a pick, the head of the shaft being prolonged in the form of a spike. In the northern part of Europe the weapon had been in use from an exceedingly early period, but was not introduced into France and England until the end of the fourteenth century. The forms are many and varied, the blade developing from a crescent shape to that of a square, which prevailed in the fifteenth century and preceded the curved form. The spike also underwent changes, broadening and flattening at times until it presented a blade-like aspect, which was often curved downwards towards the shaft. It was essentially a weapon for the foot soldier, and although it is occasionally seen with a very long shaft, these are for pageant purposes, the war weapon seldom exceeding five or six feet in length. The form of the halberd probably lent itself more to ornamentation than any other weapon of the age, and those made for parade purposes exhibit at times a remarkable wealth of decoration. The halberd became obsolete when the pike came into favour. A beautiful example of a halberd of the datec.1470 from Edinburgh Castle is shown inPlate XXVII., which exhibits a singularly long and formidable spike, with a concave cutting edge to the axe-blade balanced by a drooping pick. The shaft is ironed for a good distance from the head.Fig. 428exhibits a halberd of the date 1470 where the axe-blade is crescent-shaped and the beak slightly drooping, as in the Edinburgh example; the spike, however, is not so long, but has a stronger section of diamond shape. The oldest specimen in the Wallace Collection dates from about 1430, in which the axe-blade possesses a straight cutting edge, and the spike is superseded by a strong tapering blade. A later example, dating fromc.1550, from the Edinburgh collection is shown inPlate XXVII.

The Partisan.—This weapon was introduced into England in the middle of the fourteenth century, and from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries was used extensively on the Continent, but especially in France. It consists of a long double-edged blade, wide at the base, where it is provided with projections of various forms, hooked, crescent, &c., and tapering to a point. It is always symmetrical, both sides balancing in form. The Ranseur and the Spetum are modifications of the partisan. InPlate XXVII.a ranseur is shown from the Edinburgh Collection, dating from the early sixteenth century: here the two points on the lateral projections give a graceful outline to the weapon, while at the same time increasing its efficiency. A spetum from the Wallace Collection is shown inFig. 430; it dates fromc.1490.

The Pike.—The pike was the “bayonet” of the mediæval and later periods, and only disappeared at a comparatively recent date. It was one of the simplest of weapons, being merely a long, narrow, lance-like head of steel strengthened by lengthy strips of metal, which ran for a considerable distance down the pole, rendering it almost immune from sword-cuts. The length of the weapon varied very considerably, from over twenty feet to less than ten, but the latter was the usual length. For resisting a cavalry charge the base of the pike was fixed into the ground, an iron shoe or point being provided to protect that part. The long strips of steel down the shaft may be considered one of its special features, as it could not be put out of action by any ordinary cuts of the sword, axe, &c.

Fig.430.—1. Spetum (partisan), 1490. 2. Partisan, 1570. 3. Partisan, 1580.

Fig.431.—1. Glaives. 2. Ox-tongue partisan. 3. Guisarme. 4. Bills, 1540.

During the eighteenth century a half-pike was carried by infantry officers which was known as the Spontoon. It had a long shaft with a leaf-shaped head, the latter having as a rule a cross-guard beneath it.

The Voulge.—This weapon may be regarded as a cousin to the guisarme, from which at times it differed but little. In its simplest form it consists of a broad blade fixed at the side of a shaft, and attached to it by two or more rings which spring from the back of the blade. The latter is invariably carried up to a sharp point over the axis of the shaft, and some examples show a spike upon the side opposite to the blade. The voulge is a Swiss weapon, and was in use by that nation at a very early period; it did not become popular among the Continental nations, although the French seem to have used it in the fifteenth century, when the arbalestiers were armed with it.

The Fork.—The military fork undoubtedly owed its conception to the agricultural implement, and in its earlier forms was of equally simple construction. The two prongs were eventually made of unequal length, and examples are to be found having three prongs, all unequal. As usual with shaft weapons, hooks were added with which a horseman might be dismounted from his charger, and barbs were occasionally added to give effect to side blows. During the fourteenth century it was much used; it appeared as early as the eleventh century, and was not entirely discarded until the end of the seventeenth.Plate XXVII.from the Edinburgh Collection is a scaling-fork with a particularly long shaft, the very prominent hooks being designed to drag defenders off the battlements.

Fig.432.—1. Military fork. 2. Halberd. 3. Corseque (partisan). 4. Spetum

Fig.433.—1. Spontoon (partisan). 2. Partisan. 3. Glaive. 4. Halberd.

The Bill.—The bill was in its incipient condition the agricultural scythe mounted on a staff, and as such was used for many years following the ninth century, but developments took place in its structure, and it subsequently became much altered in form, invariably, however, preserving the one characteristic feature of a crescent-shaped blade with the inside edge sharpened. A small portion of the point was double-edged. This weapon was usually referred to as the “brown” bill, which suggests that their usual condition was a rusty one. It remained in use until about the fifteenth century, when it was superseded by the pike. The term “bill” is essentially a generic one, and all shafted weapons of peculiar form which do not fall readily under any particular heading are classified as bills. Thus the weapon shown inPlate XXVII., and classified under the term “bill” in the Edinburgh Collection, has a very strong resemblance to that variety of the guisarme called the fauchard, but its extreme narrowness in the centre of the blade disqualifies it. It dates fromc.1470.

The Glaivediffered from the bill in having the cutting edge upon the convex instead of the concave curve of the blade, and also in being much broader. Hooks, spurs, and other projections appear upon the base of the blade. This weapon was more in use upon the Continent than in England, chiefly in France and Germany, and did not become obsolete until the beginning of the seventeenth century. The term “glaive” may be applied to a simple shaft weapon bearing any resemblance to a knife blade: thus No. 7,Plate XXVII., from the Edinburgh Castle Museum, would fall under that category.

The Morning Star.—This was a mace with a spiked head, in great use upon the Continent, especially among the German nations; both cavalry and infantry were armed with it, the long-shafted weapon being appropriated by the foot soldier. Doubtless one of its advantages was the facility with which it could be made, a skilled armourer not being necessary. The short weapons of the cavalry were generally made of iron.

Fig.434.—1. Holy water sprinkler. 2. Military flail. 3. Holy water sprinkler.

The Military Flail, or Holy Water Sprinkler.—The Military Flail is akin to the Morning Star and the Morgenstern. It consists of a shaft to which is affixed a staple having a chain depending, and to the end of this a ball of iron usually covered with spikes. At times a flail of iron or wood, garnished with spikes, is substituted for the chain and ball (Fig. 434).

The Mace.—The mace has probably a more remote antiquity than any other weapon. Commencing in the Stone Age, it has come down through the Bronze Period to that of Iron, and was in general use by Egyptians,Assyrians, and throughout the East. The Normans and Saxons both used it at Hastings, and, as a weapon, it did not disappear until the sixteenth century. It has undergone many changes of form, being at times of cog-wheel shape, oval, globular, dentated, &c., but the general form was that of radiating flanges surrounding a central head. The knob was at times of lead, and some maces are furnished with a spike, as a prolongation of the shaft (Fig. 435). As early as the fourteenth century, the mace was in use as a sign of authority among the law officers, and in the sixteenth century was the characteristic weapon of the sergeant-at-arms. The royal arms were stamped upon the shaft at the termination of the grip: this end became in consequence the important part of the weapon; the ornaments and guards augmented and developed, while the end furnished with the knob shrank into insignificance. Finally the mace was reversed; the arms now appear upon the upper end of the shaft in all corporation and other maces. The mace was the weapon of militant churchmen, who sought thus to avoid the denunciation against those “who smite with the sword”; they argued that although the Scripture forbade the shedding of blood there was no restriction respecting the dashing out of brains.

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