143 107 46MB
English Pages 266 [267] Year 2024
Medieval Arms & Armour: A Sourcebook
Armour and Weapons ISSN 1746-9449
Series Editors Kelly DeVries Robert W. Jones Robert C. Woosnam-Savage Throughout history armour and weapons have been not merely the preserve of the warrior in battles and warfare, but potent symbols in their own right (the sword of chivalry, the heraldic shield) representing the hunt and hall as well as the battlefield. This series aims to provide a forum for critical studies of all aspects of arms and armour and their technologies, from the end of the Roman Empire to the dawn of the modern world; both new research and works of synthesis are encouraged. New proposals for the series are welcomed; they should be sent to the publisher at the address below. Boydell & Brewer Limited PO Box 9 Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DF [email protected] Previously published titles in the series are listed at the back of this volume
Medieval Arms & Armour: A Sourcebook Volume II: 1400–1450
y
Ralph Moffat
THE BOYDELL PRESS
© Ralph Moffat 2024 All rights reserved. Except as permitted under current legislation no part of this work may be photocopied, stored in a retrieval system, published, performed in public, adapted, broadcast, transmitted, recorded or reproduced in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the copyright owner The right of Ralph Moffat to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 First published 2024 The Boydell Press, Woodbridge ISBN 978 1 83765 148 1 (hardback); 978 1 80543 163 3 (ePDF) The Boydell Press is an imprint of Boydell & Brewer Ltd PO Box 9, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 3DF, UK and of Boydell & Brewer Inc. 668 Mt Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620–2731, USA website: www.boydellandbrewer.com The publisher has no responsibility for the continued existence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referred to in this book, and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Cover image: Stained glass panel, English, c. 1450 (45.92), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
Contents
List of Illustrations
vii
List of Documents
xi
Preface
xvii
Acknowledgments xix Using the Sourcebook
xxi
Part I. Introduction to the Source-Types 1 1 Textual Source-Types
3
3 4 6
A Justified Sinner’s Confession Note on Transcription and Translation Types of Documents
2 Material Source-Types
15
Choice of Images Armour and Weapons Artworks
15 15 16
Part II. The Documents 17 Part III. Illustrated Glossary
179
Bibliography 223 Index
229
y List of Illustrations
1. Drawing of John Bradmore’s ‘Instrumentum’ for the extraction of an arrowhead. London, British Library, MS Harley 1736, fol. 48v. © British Library Board.
43
2. Etching made in 1815 of the tomb brass of Sir Hugh Hastings (d. 1347) at Elsing Church, Norfolk. Reproduced from J. S. Cotman, Engravings of Sepulchral Brasses in Norfolk (London, 1838), pl. 1. © University of Glasgow Archives and Special Collections, RF373-374.
59
3. Tommaso Missaglia’s makers’ marks on a gauntlet from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, c. 1450 (E.1939.65.e.13). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
117
4. Bellino Corio’s makers’ marks on the pauldron reinforce from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (E.1939.65.e.3). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
117
5. Giovanni Garavaglia’s makers’ marks on a cuisse from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (E.1939.65.e.8). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
119
6. Giovanni/Zoan Corio’s makers’ marks on the backplate from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (E.1939.65.e.3). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
119
7. The ‘Avant’ harness, Corio workshop, Milan, 1438–40 (E.1939.65.e). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
150
8. Tapestry panel, Parisian, early-sixteenth century (46.124), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
157
9. Jousting helm, English or Flemish, late-fifteenth century with later modifications (E.1939.65.ah). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
160
vii
z
list of illustrations
z
10. Illustration from Hans Talhoffer’s fight manual, German, 1443. Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, E.1939.65.2585, Talhoffers Fechtbuch […] aus dem Jahre 1443, ed. G. Hergsell (Prague, 1889), pl. 81. R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 171 11. Boar spear, c. 1500 (E.1939.65.qi). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
173
12. Illustration from Fiore dei Liberi, Il Fior di Battaglia, 1409, ed. F. Novati (Bergamo, 1902), pl. 26b, detail. Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, E.1939.65.1142. R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
182
13. Armet, Milanese, 1435 (IV.430). © Royal Armouries Board.
183
14. Armet, Milanese, 1450 (IV.498). © Royal Armouries Board.
184
15. Stained glass panel, English, sixteenth century (45.290), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
185
16. Drawing of medieval arrowheads. Reproduced from R. Samson, ‘Finds from Urquhart Castle in the National Museum, Edinburgh’, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 112 (1982), 456–76 (p. 468, fig. 2). © Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
186
17. Pollaxe, mid-fifteenth century (2.48). Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 187 18. Detail from ‘The Virgin and Child with Saints’, by Paris Bordone, Italian, c. 1520 (191), detail. Archibald McLellan Collection, purchased 1856. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
189
19. Barbotta, c. 1490 (1881,0802.27). © Trustees of the British Museum.
190
20. Barbute, possibly Brescian, c. 1470 (E.1939.65.e.1). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
191
21. Bec de faucon, mid-fifteenth century (2.46). Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
192
22. Tapestry panel, Burgundian Netherlands, c. 1475 (46.123), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
193
23. Bevor, c. 1470–90 (E.1939.65.ak.2). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
193
viii
z
list of illustrations
z
24. Stone carving, French, fifteenth century (44.28). Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
194
25. Bollock dagger, c. 1500 (2.124). Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 195 26. Tapestry panel, possibly Brussels, c. 1500 (46.85), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
196
27. Illustration of the Siege of Rouen (1418–19) from the Beauchamp Pageant, English, fifteenth century (52.40.1.43), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
197
28. Stained glass panel depicting Christ carrying the Cross, probably Cologne, c. 1465 (45.431), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
198
29. Crossbow and crossbow cranequin, German, sixteenth century (E.1939.65. te.[1] and [2]). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
200
30. Detail from ‘The Stag Hunt’ by Lucas Cranach, 1529 (35.73). Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
201
31. Cuirass of the Kastenbrust (‘box breast’) type, German, fifteenth century (A.1981.40.a). Purchased with grant aid from the National Fund for Acquisitions, 1981. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
202
32. Cuirass from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (E.1939.65.e.2 and 3). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 203 33. Head of a Galloway sparth, fourteenth or fifteenth century (NMI 1937:3633). © Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann/National Museum of Ireland. 207 34. Tomb brass of Sir Hugh Hastings (d. 1347) at Elsing Church, Norfolk, detail. Photo © Mr Graham Field, courtesy of the Medieval Combat Society. 208 35. Pauldron and pauldron reinforce (shoulder defences) from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (E.1939.65.e.4). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
208
36. Goat’s foot lever (a device for spanning a crossbow), sixteenth century (E.1939.65.ts). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
209
ix
z
list of illustrations
z
37. Stained glass panel, English, c. 1450 (45.92), detail. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
210
38. Etching of the tomb effigy of John, Earl of Arundel (d. 1435), Arundel Castle. Reproduced from C. A. Stothard, The Monumental Effigies of Great Britain (London, 1876), pl. 119. Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, E.1939.65.1173. R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
211
39. Handgun, c. 1500 (A.1977.14.b). Purchased with grant aid from the National Fund for Acquisitions, 1977. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 212 40. Fifteenth-century tomb effigy, unascribed, Ceres Parish Church, Fife. © Author’s photograph.
215
41. Polder-mitton, probably Flemish, mid-fifteenth century (E.1939.65.q.[6]). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 217 42. Manuscript illustration from the Salisbury Breviary, made in Paris for John, Duke of Bedford (d. 1435), detail. Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS Lat. 17294, fol. 448r. © Bibliothèque nationale de France.
218
43. Sallet, Brescian, 1460 (IV.168). © Royal Armouries Board.
219
44. Sallet, Augsburg, c. 1460–80 (2.10), two views. Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection.
219
45. Manuscript illustration from Renaud de Montauban, made in Paris for Philip, Duke of Burgundy (d. 1467), detail. Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal Ms-5073, tome 2, fol. 32v. © Bibliothèque nationale de France.
221
46. Crossbow and windlass, Flemish, sixteenth century (E.1939.65.sy.[1] and [2]). R. L. Scott bequest, 1939. © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection. 222 All illustrations are reproduced with the generous assistance of the A. V. B. Norman Research Trust.
x
y List of Documents
1. Household Accounts of Louis, Duke of Orléans, Paris, 20 May 1394–15 April 1402
19
2. Account of John Norbury, Squire, Keeper of the King’s Privy Wardrobe in the Tower of London, c. 1400
20
3. Durham Priory Bursar’s Accounts, 1400–1401
21
4. Accounts of the Pratese Merchant Francesco di Marco Datini, 1 January 1400–1 January 1410
22
5. Will of Thomas, Earl of Warwick, Warwick Castle, 1 April 1400
34
6. Allegorical Challenges sent to Princess Blanche, Daughter of the King of Albion, from the Ladies of the Court of Henry IV for a Royal Fête at Eltham Palace, Christmastide (24 December–6 January) 1400–1401
35
7. Will of John Sybille, Citizen, Parish of Saint Martin Orgar, City of London, 19 August 1401
38
8. Will of William Burgenon, Lincoln, 21 August 1401
38
9. Letter written in Venice from Andree de Adelardis to Francesco Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, 11 October 1401
38
10. Goods captured from the Ship called ‘le Faucone’ on the Coast of Scotland in 1402 by the Men of the Earl of Arundel and Henry Percy, ‘le fitz’, from Kingston-upon-Hull, 29 December 1402
39
11. Will of Sir John Depeden, Healaugh, Yorkshire, 20 August 1402
40
12. Letter of Challenge to a Feat of Arms (fait d’armes) with Combat à outrance (to the extreme) from Seven Knights and Squires of the Household of Louis, Duke of Orléans, to Seven of the Same from Edward, Earl of Rutland’s Household, 10 January and 25 March 1402
40
13. A Chronicle Account of the Defeat and Capture of Archibald, Earl of Douglas, at the Battle of Humbledon Hill, Northumberland, 14 September 1402
42
xi
z
list of documents
z
14. Description by John Bradmore, King’s Surgeon, of his Method of Treating Prince Henry’s Arrow Injury after the Battle of Shrewsbury on 21 July 1403, Kenilworth Castle
42
15. Durham Priory Sacristan’s Accounts, 1404
44
16. The Single Combats undertaken by Jean, Seneschal of Hainaut, Autumn 1404 (Extracts)
44
17. Forfeited Goods of Thomas, Earl Marshal, from a Royal Grant issued at Westminster, 28 June 1405
45
18. Will of Master William Norton, Clerk, York, 18 December 1405
46
19. Household Accounts of Antoine, Duke of Brabant, 1406 and 1408
46
20. Letter to Francesco Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, from his Servant in Milan, 15 June 1406
49
21. Will of John Parker, Clerk, Doctor of Medicine, York, 26 November 1406
49
22. Inventory of Arms and Armour of Francesco Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, 1407 50 23. Inventory of Olivier de Clisson, connétable of France, Château de Josselin, Duchy of Brittany, 1407
54
24. Statutes of the Haubergers (Mail-Makers) of Paris, 30 April 1407
54
25. Description of the Tomb Brass of Sir Hugh Hastings (d. 1347) at Elsing Church, Norfolk, made in 1408
58
26. Household Accounts of John, Duke of Burgundy, 1408
61
27. Will of William, Baron Bergavenny, Abergavenny, 25 April 1408
63
28. Entries from the Registers of the Notaires of the County of Dunois, 24 June 1408–23 June 1429
64
29. Will of John Normanvile, Diocese of York, 13 October 1408
65
30. English Royal Wardrobe Accounts, 29 September 1409–1 April 1412
65
31. Legal Action taken against a Merchant selling False Goods, Paris, 2 January 1410 65 32. English Royal Payments for equipping Ships, 19 November 1410–9 June 1411 66 33. Roll of Arms of the Bourgeois of Lyon, 1411
67
34. Arms and Armour at Roxburgh Castle, Scottish Borders, 2 August 1411
73
35. Will of Sir William Langford, Salisbury Cathedral, 24 August 1411
73
36. Household Accounts of Charles, Duke of Orléans, Paris, Orléans, and Elsewhere, 13 January 1412–18 September 1415
73
37. Will of William, Baron Ros, prob. Helmsley Castle, Yorkshire, 22 February 1412 75
xii
z
list of documents
z
38. Inventory and Will of Roger Kyrkby, Vicar of Gainford, County Palatine of Durham, 25 April 1412
75
39. Regulations for Arming for the Tourney, England, before 1413
76
40. Upkeep of Arms and Armour by the King’s Armourers in the Tower of London, March 1413–March 1418
77
41. Privy Purse Expenses of Edmund, Earl of March, paid at Eltham, Westminster, and Elsewhere, 25 October 1413–4 March 1414
79
42. Payments for Artillery from the Accounts of the City of Namur, 1414
80
43. Household Accounts of John, Earl Marshal, London, March 1414–March 1415
81
44. Feats of Arms undertaken by Richard, Earl of Warwick, on the Outskirts of Guînes, Christmastide (24 December–6 January) 1414–15
84
45. Will of Jacquemars de Hesdin, Candlemaker, Douai, County of Flanders, 1415 87 46. Will of William Filioll, Heaton, Yorkshire, 12 January 1415
87
47. Sir Hugh Standish’s Petition to the King, 16 February 1415
87
48. Will of Henry, Baron Scrope of Masham, 23 June 1415, and Inventory of his Goods, 4 October 1415
88
49. Will of Edward, Duke of York, Harfleur, Normandy, 17 August 1415
89
50. A Chronicle Account of the Rumours of a Planned Massacre in Paris, December 1415
90
51. Council Decision given between the Armourers-Heaumers (Plate Armourers) of Paris and the Armour-Merchants of Foreign Lands, 14 May 1416
91
52. Inventory of the ‘hernoys et artillerie’ in René, Duke of Anjou’s Château of Tarascon, Provence, 15 July 1417
93
53. Account of Bartholomew Winter, Armourer of Thomas, Duke of Clarence, London, c. 1418–1421
94
54. Inquisition at Plymouth into Goods aboard a Ship, 3 March 1418
96
55. A Contemporary Description of the Irish Troops at the Siege of Rouen, 28 July 1418–19 January 1419
96
56. Will of Sir Gerard Usflete, Diocese of York, 23 July and 30 September 1420 97 57. Inventory of Arms and Armour found in the Chambre de Joyaux (Jewel Chamber) of Philip, Duke of Burgundy’s Palace at Dijon, 25 July 1420
98
58. Will of Sir Robert Maxwell of Calderwood, Angers, Duchy of Anjou, 7 September 1420
102
59. Petty Customs paid by Alien Merchants importing Goods to the City of London (Extracts), 12 October–29 November 1420
103
xiii
z
list of documents
z
60. Correspondence between Henry V and the Lieutenant and Treasurer of Calais, 31 July 1421–18 September 1421
103
61. Indenture recording the Arrows, Arms, and Armour of Sir John Dynham, Devon, 25 March 1422
104
62. Royal Petition of Thomas Hostell describing Injuries sustained in the French Wars, 1422
109
63. Accounts of the Brewers’ Company of London, 1423
109
64. Inventory of the Goods of Henry Bowet, Archbishop of York, compiled soon after 20 October 1423
110
65. A Recipe for Varnish for Crossbows, Venetian, c. 1424
111
66. Letter from Charles VII to the Citizens of Tournai concerning the Arrival of a Scottish Army, Chinon, 25 February 1424
112
67. Ordonnance of Jean, Duke of Brittany, for the Arming the Common Men (‘gens de co[m]mun’) in his Duchy, made at Nantes, 20 March 1425
112
68. Inventory of the ‘arnesioru’ ac artillarie’ in René, Duke of Anjou’s Château of Tarascon, Provence, 12 April 1425
113
69. Chronicle Account of the Battle of Brouwershaven, Zeeland, 13 January 1426 115 70. Documents relating to Milanese Armourers, 27 October 1426–27 January 1438 116 71. Will of Thomas, Duke of Exeter, 29 December 1426
118
72. Inventory of the Parisian Armourer Baudoyn Henry, called ‘Courbel’, Armourer of the Duke of Burgundy, at his Lodgings at Dijon, 8 July 1427 120 73. An Anecdote of an Incident following the Battle of Maclodio, Lombardy, 11 October 1427
121
74. Account of John Parker of Cheshunt, Master of the King’s Ordnance, for Artillery for the War in France, 8 April–8 July 1428
122
75. Receipt of Thomas Boston, Brazier and Founder of London, for Guns made, 8 July 1428
124
76. Challenge to Combat of Guillaume Frotier, Royal échanson (Cup-Bearer), issued to Lancelot Delisle, before 1429
125
77. Two Documents concerning Joan of Arc, April and May 1429
125
78. A Burgundian Chronicler and Herald’s Description of the Jousts held to celebrate the Marriage of Philip, Duke of Burgundy, and Isabella of Portugal, at Arras, July–August 1429
126
xiv
z
list of documents
z
79. Act of the Parliament of Scotland, passed at Perth, 6 March 1429 [1430 new style]
127
80. Exploits of Don Pero Niño recounted by his Standard Bearer Gutierre Díaz de Games, written in the 1430s and 1440s
128
81. Chronicle Account of a Feat of Arms between Five of the Duke of Burgundy’s Men against Five of the King of France’s, Arras, 20 February 1430
131
82. Will of Adam Hecche, Armourer of York, 23 November 1430
132
83. Inventory of Philip, Duke of Burgundy’s Artillerie at Dijon, 13 March 1431
132
84. Indenture between Richard, Earl of Salisbury, and Sir Henry Threlkeld of Yanwath (Cumberland), for Half a Year’s Service in France, 23 April 1431
134
85. Petty Customs paid by Alien Merchants importing Goods to the City of London (Extracts), 10 October 1431
135
86. Accounts of Philip, Duke of Burgundy’s Artillerie at Dijon, June–August 1433
135
87. Treatise on Arming for the Judicial Duel by John Hill, Armourer and Sergeant of the Office of the King’s Armoury, before 1434
139
88. Guillebert de Mets’ Description of the Lodgings in the Rue de Prouvaires of Maître Jacques Dussy, Bourgeois of Paris, 1434
142
89. Inventory of the Château of Blois, 31 March 1434
142
90. Muster of the Garrison of Bayeux, Normandy, 17 September 1434
146
91. Poem on the Defeat of the Flemings before Calais in 1436
146
92. The Challenge to Single Combat issued by Jean, Seigneur de Haubourdin, Bastard of Saint-Pol (Extracts), 1437
147
93. Will of Robert Gray, Citizen and Draper of York, 25 february 1437
147
94. Will of William Bowes, Citizen and Merchant of York, 19 May 1437
148
95. Southampton Petty Custom Book, 29 November 1438–15 October 1439
148
96. Will of Guy Whittington, Pauntley, Gloucestershire, 12 June 1440
149
97. Inspection of the Goods sold in London by Giovanni Micheli and Alessandro Palastrello, Merchants of Lucca, and Felice da Fagano, of Milan, 16 May 1441–18 February 1442
149
98. Goods imported into Kingston-upon-Hull by Alien Merchants (mainly Dutchmen), 24 October 1441
151
99. Will of Sir John la Zouch, Nottinghamshire, 9 September 1445
151
100. An Anonymous Frenchman’s Description of the Arms and Armour borne in France, 1446
151
xv
z
list of documents
z
101. Royal Accounts of Charles VII of France, 26 May 1447
163
102. Household Accounts of René, Duke of Anjou, 17 September 1447–6 June 1449 165 103. Ledger recording Imports of Alien Merchants to the City of London (Extracts), 30 December 1448–10 May 1449
167
104. A Burgundian Courtier’s Account of the Action of a Prearranged Single Combat on Foot and on Horseback at the Pas d’armes de la Belle Pèlerine (The Feats of Arms in Honour of the Beautiful Lady Pilgrim), Saint-Omer, County of Artois, 1449 168 105. Arms and Armour for Five Galleys made by Order of Philip, Duke of Burgundy, for Mary of Guelders, betrothed to James II, sent to Scotland from Antwerp, 1449
172
106. Extract from a Royal Petition of Sir John Paston relating the Treatment of his Friends, Tenants, and Servants, by the Followers of Robert, Lord Moleyns and Hungerford, at his Mansion at Gresham, Norfolk, on 28 January 1449 173 107. Royal Accounts of Charles VII of France, 27 March 1449
174
108. Safe Conducts issued by Francesco Sforza, Claimant to the Duchy of Milan, to Jean de Clermont, Armourer to Charles VII of France, 16 May and 21 August 1449
176
109. Will of Walter, Baron Hungerford, probably Farleigh Hungerford Castle, Somerset, 1 July 1449
177
xvi
y Preface
et vous dy que le harnois est de telle noblesse que depuis que vng homme darmes a le bachinet sur la teste Il est noble et suffisant pour combattre vng roy. for I say to you that harness is of such noblesse that from the moment a man-at-arms dons his basinet he is noble and befitting to fight a king. —Jehan de Bueil.1
De Bueil was a warrior who knew and understood arms and armour in a way this author (and perhaps even you the reader) will never truly be able to. What was ubiquitous, everyday, working equipment to him has become – to us – extremely rare and precious artefacts. Terminology now opaque was – to him – common parlance, artistic representations commonplace, working documents and narrative accounts self-explanatory. Yet through the tremendous efforts of curators, scholars, artists, crafters, living-history practitioners, and their ilk we have been drawn much closer to De Bueil’s world. This sourcebook is but one more weapon to be added to our armoury. My hope is that the reader, thus armed, will be engendered with the courage to engage more fully with our fascinating discipline – for there is so much more waiting to be discovered.
1
Jehan de Bueil, Le Jouvencel (c. 1466). Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS fr. 192 fol. 165v.
xvii
y Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Profs Sydney Anglo, Rosalind Brown-Grant, Wendy Childs, Noel Fallows (with especial thanks for his translation assistance with doc. 80), Kouky Fianu, Richard Firth Green, Tony Pollard, Nigel Ramsay, Graeme Small, Matthew Strikland, Jane H. M. Taylor, Alex Woolf, Drs Laura Bernardazzi, Claude Blair, Alan Borthwick, Dirk Breiding, Lucinda Byatt (with especial thanks for her translation assistance with docs 9 and 65), David Caldwell, Toby Capwell (with especial thanks for sharing doc. 43), Mario Damen (with especial thanks for his translation assistance with doc. 19), Jacob Henry Deacon, Paul Dryborough, David Grummitt, Daniel Jaquet, Robert W. Jones, Martin MacGregor, Elizabeth McDonald, Johnny McFadyen, Malcolm Mercer, Alan V. Murray, Marianne O’Doherty, Rhiannon Purdie, Zsuzsa Reed (with especial thanks for her translation assistance with doc. 20), Christopher Retsch, Thom Richardson, Susan Rose, Regula Schmid Keeling, Debra Strickland, Jonathan Tavares, Pierre Terjanian, James Titterton, Mark Tizzoni (with especial thanks for his translation assistance with doc. 20), IasonEleftherios Tzouriadis, Alan Williams, Marina Viallon, Messers Sean Andersson, Gilles Bernasconi, Garry Brannan, Clive Cheeseman (Richmond Herald), Benedetto Luigi Compagnoni, Enzo di Cosmo, Arthur Credland, Bernard Desmaele, Baudouin D’Hoore, Chris Dobson, Keith Dowen, Fadi El Hage, Louis Faivre d’Arcier, Graham Field, Andrew Gray, Bruno Guignard, Mark Hall, Mike Harkness, Michael Harris, Gregory Holyoake, Scot Hurst, Stuart Ivinson, Edward Jones, Philip Lankester, James Lloyd, Mike Loades, Simon Metcalf, Matthias Millon, Derek Newman, António Oliveira, Frédéric Petot, Graeme Rimer, Will Sherman, Martin Stuchfield, Nathan Williams, Robert C. Woosnam-Savage, François Wyn, Henry Yallop, Ms Marion Bernard, Elisa Brunoni, Keara Burr, Marion Chaigne, Emily Champion, Julia Cook, Lieve De Mecheleer, Charlotte Denoël, Liz Dent (and all the Friends of Glasgow Museums), Hannah Dunmow, Sophie Ellis, Cathy Garner, Véronique Gorczynski, Magali Guilhot, M.-Th. Lalaguë-Guilhemsans, Emilie Lebailly, Anja Marginet, Clare McNamara, Christine Meille, Vida Milovanovic, Caroline Moffat, Isabella Mulhall, Caroline Palmer, Giuseppina Petrotta, Marie-Claire Pontier, Niki Russell, Janet Portman, Iona Shepherd, Louise Smith, Cecilia Tamagnini, Stephanie Taylor, and Natalie Toy, my colleagues at Glasgow Museums, the Royal Armouries, and the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Leeds, the team at Boydell, and my family.
xix
y Using the Sourcebook
This sourcebook can be used simply as a glossary to quickly check meanings. The documents are printed in chronological order. Each is numbered. When referred to in this section and the illustrated glossary the document number is in bold font in parenthesis, e.g. (64). In addition, the volume is furnished with a comprehensive index. The work can, however, be used at a more advanced level in order for the reader to build up their own better understanding of the subject. I provide here one example to demonstrate how this can be achieved.
Proofing of armour Trewe yt is good armour demynishethe not the bowldnesse of a man and of the towe […] yt is better to have an armore of evill shape and good mettell than of good shape and evill mettell. —Sir Henry Lee.1
If armour does not provide protection there is no point donning it. This is an incontrovertible fact. Don Pero Niño’s undesired nose piercing (80) is a vivid – and wince-inducing – example of the danger of uncovering the face to the shot of crossbows. Arrows loosed by well-trained bowmen caused the death of the Lord of l’Isle-Adam (69) and the near-fatal injury of Prince Hal (14). Our sources can be employed as solid evidence for men having their armour proofed by crossbow-bolt shot. Before proceeding, it should be pointed out that certain dents on the ‘Avant’ harness in Glasgow Museums’ collection are almost certainly caused by crossbow bolts. The fact remains, however, that it cannot be stated with certainty at what stop on the armour’s journey from manufacture to museum this damage occurred. It would be pleasing to imagine this happening in the process of proofing or in the heat of battle but, alas, this must remain in the realm of the imagination. Returning to our sources. The Pratese merchant, Francesco di Marco Datini (4), has listed in his stock basinets and breastplates of proof (‘di p[r]ouva’) and of half proof 1
Viscount Dillon, ‘A Letter of Sir Henry Lee, 1590, on the Trail of Iron for Armour’, Archaeologia 51 (1888), pp. 167–72 (at pp. 171–2).
xxi
z
using the sourcebook
z
(‘di ½ p[r]ouva’). We find similar designations in the regulations of the armourers of Paris and of merchants selling armour there (51). Those importing armour for sale are obliged to swear ‘which type of proof – that is to say: if it be simply proofed, half proofed, or as common harness without having been proofed at all’ (‘de quelle espreuve ils le vendent; c’est assavoir, ou d’espreuve simplement ou de demie espreuve, ou comme harnois commun’). This is more fully expounded in regulations from that same city of 20 March 1452 (new style). Craftsmen are to produce: white harness and brigandines of the proof of a device-spanned crossbow or of half proof of a belt-hook-spanned crossbow or bow (i.e. longbow). The fully-proofed work shall be marked with two marks and those of half proof with one mark harnoys blanc & brigandines despreuue darbaleste a tillolles ou demie espreuue a tout les moins darbalestre a croq ou darc et sera louurage despreuue merque de deux merques & celui de demie espreuue dune merque2
Through surviving correspondence, we see this process in action. A letter to Francesco, the ruler of Mantua (9), refers to an armourer making a ‘cuirass of proof’ (‘coraza da proua’) for him. It is evident that he requires the proofing procedure to be very thorough; his servant assures him that ‘we will also send two viretons of our conjoining (i.e. the head to the shaft) which you will use to proof the said cuirass with a device-spanned crossbow’ (‘e si te ma[n]daremo doi veretoni di nostri saldi como iquali tu farai aprouare la dita coraza como vno bono balestro da cidello’). A second letter to Francesco (20), written in Latin, alludes to the construction of ‘cuirasses proofed against viretons’ (‘Coracias ad p[ro]bam ueretonor[um]’). The personal armourer of Thomas, duke of Clarence, purchases various pieces of armour for his master and arranges boat hire from London to Greenwich ‘for assaying the said harness’ (‘p[u]r assayng [sic] del dit h[er] neyse’) (53). This very likely refers to the process described above. The sources even provide hints as to the improvement of weapons so that they might be able to defeat plate armour. Inventoried in Philip, duke of Burgundy’s armoury at Dijon are: ‘25 large crossbows for shattering white harness’ (‘xxv grosses arbalestes pour fauser harnoiz blanc’) (83). The oldy-named arrow-types recorded amongst the possessions of an Englishman (61), more fully discussed in the illustrated glossary, may also be examples of this drive to improvement. However well-made and rigorously proofed a harness might be, contemporaries understood well that it did not make its bearer invincible. In his interpretation of Ramon Llull’s work on the theory and practice of knighthood, Sir Gilbert Hay firmly reminds us that ‘a knycht suld nocht all traist jn his armoure na wapnis bot jn his awin vertu’.3 In providing this example I trust I have demonstrated just one of many ways in which our sources can improve our understanding. Now they are in your hands to make of them what you will. 2 3
Paris, Archives nationales de France, Y//7: Registres des bannières du Châtelet de Paris, fol. 89v. This document will be included in my next volume. Sir Gilbert Hay’s The buke of the ordre of knychthede, ed. J. H. Stevenson (Edinburgh, 1901–14), p. 36.
xxii
Part I
Introduction to the Source-Types
y 1 Textual Source-Types It is important to understand that the two source-types – textual and material – always work in tandem to increase our understanding. It is only out of necessity to the format of a sourcebook that they are introduced in this manner. There are many instances where the documentary evidence is all that survives. For instance, there are – at present – no surviving arming doublets of the type used in Western Christendom from the fifteenth century. These fabric foundation garments were essential to the proper fitting of a full harness. Another salient point is worth reiterating here: the choice of my sources is governed by my linguistic and palaeographical expertise. These volumes are in no way comprehensive, nor do I make any claim for them to be. My gauntlet remains to be taken up by colleagues in the field.
A Justified Sinner’s Confession It is only through the hard work of the eminent scholars who have gone before that I have been able to produce this work. By the process of hunting down footnotes, endnotes, quotations, and bibliographies in their publications, I have (true to my Reiver ancestry) ruthlessly plundered from the works of the likes of Meyrick, De Cosson, Dillon, ffoulkes, Laking, Mann, Norman, and Blair.1 Many references appear multiple times in succeeding works, and thus the strands of the web spread and entwine into a near-impossible tangle. Readers of the grizzled-veteran variety will certainly recognize some auld acquaintances amongst the sources: Sir John Cressy’s Milanese harness (97) and a very rudely-named dagger-type bequeathed by a York draper (93) being good examples. A great many of the sources can ultimately be traced to the exhaustive labours of such glossarists and lexicographers as Du Cange in the 1600s and Godefroy and Gay in the nineteenth century.2 These scholars sometimes drew directly from original manuscripts or, for many entries, from printed 1 2
For the influence of these scholars, see R. Moffat, Medieval Arms and Armour: A Sourcebook. Volume I: The Fourteenth Century (Woodbridge, 2022), p. 3 and p. 301. Glossarium mediæ et infimæ latinatis, ed. C. du Fresne, sieur Du Cange and others (Niort, 1883–87); F. Godefroy, Dictionnaire de l’ancienne langue française, 10 vols (Paris, 1881–1902); V. Gay, Glossaire archéologique du Moyen Âge et de la Renaissance, 2 vols (Paris, 1887–1928).
3
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
editions. It is of paramount importance that due respect is shown to this valuable research – especially as it was undertaken in a pre-digital age. Whenever feasibly possible, I have endeavoured to source the original document. Loss, damage, or difficulty of access have, at times, hampered progress. By providing detailed references it is hoped that many originals might yet be tracked down. Indeed, this writer actively encourages his readers to do so. Therefore, should my methods be considered sinful, then – as described by Henry, Duke of Lancaster – may my nose be bloodied and befouled like that of a man who frequents tournaments (‘sicome un homme qe va moelt a ces turnois’).3
Note on Transcription and Translation Transcription These are not letters of the alphabet, and it is not Greek. I would recognize it. They look like worms, snakes, fly dung … —Adso of Melk.4
The young novice monk, Adso, is brusquely informed by his supersleuth master that the letters are, in fact, Arabic. At times training the eye to read a different script can feel as though one were learning a new language. The fifteenth century bears witness to a notable change in handwriting styles. On the one hand is the clear bastarda copied out in fine manuscripts for readers of high status and with deep pockets (or pouches). On the other are the hands used in official documents. Such clearly-legible forms as the cursiva anglicana of the previous centuries have been replaced with the fast-flowing secretary hand; very convenient for its scribblers – far less so for its readers. Quite a few of our documents have only just endured the ravages of time. In many cases the parchment or paper is in very poor condition, sometimes little but damaged fragments, the ink faded and only visible under ultraviolet light. Some transcriptions have been made from old photographs or microfilms (or even photocopies of these) of lost originals. Others are transcribed from early scholars’ copies of manuscripts which have subsequently been lost to us. By including detailed references, I hope that doubters will check my transcriptions for themselves. The availability of full manuscripts online has proliferated exponentially since the beginnings of the research undertaken for my studies. Such institutions as the Bibliothèque nationale and British Library have made a great many freely accessible. Wherever possible, I have endeavoured to provide my own interpretation of the most probable meaning. There is no standardized spelling, capitalization, or punctuation in any of these documents. I only include the bracketed corrective [sic] if the 3 4
Le Livre de Seyntz Medicines: The Devotional Treatise of Henry of Lancaster, ed. E. J. Arnould (Oxford, 1940), p. 138. U. Eco, The Name of the Rose, trans. W. Weaver (London, 1983), p. 165.
4
z
introduction to the source-types: textual source-types
z
spelling, proper noun, or word order drastically affects the meaning. For instance, a Scottish knight’s hauberk (‘lauricam de milam’) (58) is clearly of Milan make and not a mail shirt ‘of mail’.5 There is no evidence for the use of the word milam for mail armour in any known source. In order to be true to the original script, where recognizable contemporary scribes’ signs (notae communes) are used they are expanded in square brackets: e.g. p[ro], p[ar], q[ue], p[re]d[ic]to[rum]. For word endings, abbreviations, and contractions that do not have specific scribal signs – an example being a single macron penned over a word – I use a single inverted comma: thus cu’ for cum (Lat. with), London’ (Lat. Londinensis, -dinium), Reg’ R’ (Lat. king’s reign). Thankfully, this neatly avoids the need to provide what might be considered ‘correct’ declensions in Latin. It should be strongly argued that, as many of these words are neologisms and originate in vernacular tongues (e.g. breastplate, haubergeon), they cannot be declined at all.6 One exception to this general rule is that some English (and Scots) sources have had some words such as [t]he, i[n], and i[s] expanded for better comprehension. A great many of the documents are written in the form of lists with only one entry per line. In this sourcebook they have been condensed into single paragraphs to reduce their length without compromising their meaning. I have expunged such terms as ‘item’ and eidem (Lat. ‘to the same’ person) commonly employed by the compilers of inventories, household accounts, and legally-binding documents. Superfluous elaborate honorary titles such as mon dit seigneur (Fr. ‘my said lord’) have also, wherever possible, been removed. So numerous are the lacunae in the paper and vellum that these gaps are represented by bracketed ellipses: […] only if the meaning is seriously affected.
Translation Qué les parece á vuestras mercedes señores, dijo el barbero, de lo que afirman estos gentiles hombres, pues aún porfían que ésta no es bacía sino yelmo? —Y quién lo contrario dijere, dijo Don Quijote, le haré yo conocer que miente, si fuere caballero, y si escudero, que remiente mil veces. “What say you, gracious lords,” said the barber, “of what these gentlemen affirm, for they still insist that this be no basin but a helm?” “And whosoever sayeth otherwise,” said Don Quixote, “be he a knight, I will make him know he doth lie, and if a squire, that he lieth a thousand times!” —Don Quixote.7
The process of translation can often feel akin to tilting at windmills like the hapless Knight of La Mancha – one man’s barbers’ basin may be another’s enchanted helm. 5
6 7
For the use of the Lat. lorica as the specific name for hauberk from at least the fourteenth century, see R. Moffat, ‘The Manner of Arming Knights for the Tourney: A Re-Interpretation of an Important Early-14th Century Arming Treatise’, Arms & Armour 7 (2010), pp. 5–29 (at p. 13). See their entries in the illustrated glossary of Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 232 and p. 251. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha (Madrid, 1605), Book I, Chap. 45.
5
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
To best allow the reader to engage with these primary sources I have presented the original text in as clear a form as possible. Therefore, it is not necessary to be completely reliant on my translation. It is highly likely that, by looking again, better interpretations will be suggested and more useful insight gained. For example: in an English will, written in Latin (8), there is bequeathed a ‘Jakk de Fens’. If the n in ‘Fens’ were to be read as a double r, it might be interpreted as ‘Jakk de ferris’ (Lat. ‘of iron’) and thus have an entirely different meaning. With the exception of arm-protecting chains (67), there is no evidence whatsoever that jacks had any solid-metal components prior to the sixteenth century.8 When it comes to prose sources I have sometimes broken up long sentences constructed of multiple sub clauses. Rearrangement of syntax has also been considered necessary in some instances. This allows for a smoother-flowing and more readable text. Since the publication of my first volume my un-ashamedness to translate into English has been in no way dulled. My challenge to colleagues with expertise in different dialects and languages to make sources accessible will always be there to be taken up. There is not space in this volume for a detailed etymological examination of new words. A brief explanation is given if it is beneficial to understanding, for example: the armet with its origins in Italian passing, in two different forms, to both English and French. Writing to his kinsman Richard II, the Scottish earl of March entreats: ‘mervaile yhe nocht’ (do not be surprised), ‘that I write my lettres in englis fore that ys mare clere to myne vnderstandyng than latyne ore Fraunche’.9 I have endeavoured to make the primary source material as clear to our understanding as possible. I warmly encourage the reader to question and interrogate the sources and translations thereof.
Types of Documents The textual sources can be divided into two general categories: official documents and prose. By ‘official’ I mean those of a legally-binding type such as wills, inventories, petitions, acts of parliament, legal complaints and inquisitions, craft statutes, and mercantile sources. Those categorized as ‘prose’ are chroniclers’ accounts, instructional texts, and letters of challenge to take part in various types of combat.
Official Documents Wills These documents may initially appear rather brief and functional. But by closer reading we find these to be a key source for our study. They are legally-binding. The 8
9
See the entry in the illustrated glossary of Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 257, and for more detail, I. Eaves, ‘On the Remains of a Jack of Plate Excavated from Beeston Castle in Cheshire’, Journal of the Arms & Armour Society 13 (1989), pp. 81–154. London, British Library, MS Cotton Vespasian, F. VII.
6
z
introduction to the source-types: textual source-types
z
instructions contained therein must be executed by those officially appointed to the task, thus precision of language is paramount. We hear the voice of the testator themselves and the importance they attach to their bequests. For instance, a member of a noble family who claims descent from Guy of Warwick – a giant-slayer lauded in a popular romance – passes down the hero’s sword and haubergeon (5). An armour-furbisher from York leaves mail-making tools to his daughter (82). In this author’s opinion this is not sufficient evidence for the existence of female crafters of arms and armour. By marriage to the daughter of a craftsman and freeman of a city, the new husband would be elevated to the same status as his father-in-law. A daughter’s tools might well be considered to be a dowry of sorts. We have already seen the importance of familial bonds amongst craftsmen in the statutes of the armourers of Paris of 1364. It is decreed that masters’ sons are exempt from enrollment fees.10 This is also the case with the haubergers (mail-makers) of that same city (24). Moreover, it is noteworthy that many of the documents relating to Milanese armourers (70) frequently record a father’s name and his title ‘master’. This is not to say, however, that women and children were not involved in many physical and arduous tasks. It is simply the case that, due to their social standing, their appearance in the written record is extremely rare. Testators refer to (as-yet) unidentified weapons such as the Carlisle axe (21, 93) and Bordeaux sword (94). There is even a hint of humour in the name given to a type of dagger (93). The inextricable relationship between the worldly and the spiritual is evident in gifts to churches (29, 56) and the provision for tombs and tomb effigies (48, 58, and 71). That a Scottish knight makes payment for the erection of his in Angers Cathedral (58) is testament to his role, and that of his compatriots, in the French wars.
Inventories and Household Accounts, Royal, Noble, and Civic Payments As is the case with wills, these are legally-binding documents. Many are compiled by professionals: men with a day-to-day familiarity with the vocabulary of arms and armour, sometimes (unfortunately) to the detriment of our understanding. They are truly a goldmine of information. The detailed appendix is by far the most effective tool for their excavation. Here I provide a mere few choice nuggets: Louis, Duke of Orléans, is gifted a bejewelled crossbow by his Milanese bride (1) whilst his son Duke Charles (36) makes sure that competitors are fitted out for fashionable jousts in Paris. Charles’ penchant for satin linings ensures the smooth and silent movement of the plates of his harness. John, Duke of Burgundy, entrusts his Lucchesi maître d’ to personally oversee the transport of his fine armour from Milan and sees to it that a widow receives the payment due for the crossbow bolts supplied by her late husband (26). His brother Antoine, Duke of Brabant, has a great deal of mail armour thoroughly cleaned and fabric lined (19). Might the sumptuously-decorated Turkish quivers (57) inventoried at the Palace at Dijon have been a diplomatic gift from the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I during the negotiations for the release of 10 Moffat,
Sourcebook, vol. I, doc. 79, pp. 121–4.
7
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
John the Fearless? There survive accounts of the hunting-hound collars decorated with gold, silver, and velvet commissioned by John’s concerned father ‘que on envoye audit Bazac’.11 A Parisian armourer has, in his rented lodgings at Dijon (72), all the necessary tools as well as parts of armours of named individuals such as the adventurous amiral Jehan de Vienne. One inventory of René, Duke of Anjou’s Château of Tarascon records the introduction of the word cuirasse in French (52) and a second is a key source for the etymology of the word sallet (68), as examined in the illustrated glossary. The Duke’s lifelong passion for jousting is evident from household accounts (102). The sumptuous arms and armour of Francesco Gonzaga (22) must have been quite a sight with their fine decoration. The Italian origins of the armet helmet-type can also be discerned in this text. A Passau sword would have been a trusted companion of the bellicose Breton ‘Butcher’, Olivier de Clisson, and his coat armour bedecked with its boastful motto a wearable taunt to his enemies (23). Passau swords are also to be found in the care of the King’s Armourers at the Tower of London (40). A desperate Charles foots the bill for a fine harness from a master craftsman for Joan of Arc (77); the saintly saviour sent by God Himself. Armours for men-at-arms in his service are provided by a Milanese armour merchant (101), some are made to measure. There is a wide variety of arms and armour in the Château of Blois (89), including plate arm defences ‘of the Paris fashion’. There is also clear evidence here that the bec de faucon was a short-hafted weapon in its own right, rather than simply a component of the pollaxe. Thomas, Duke of Clarence, tasks his personal armourer to purchase gilt mail links for the embellishment of his young stepson’s hauberk. There is also an early mention of the sallet in a source relating to an Englishman (58). Sir John Dynham’s various types of arrow (61) are discussed in the ‘Using the Sourcebook’ section and the illustrated glossary. The silk-lined mail pants purchased for John, the Earl Marshal, were undoubtedly the most comfortable worn in the campaign that led up to Agincourt (43). That he was invalided out during the Siege of Harfleur due to dysentery would have left a nasty mess for whoever was demoted to cleaning duty! Our sources clearly illustrate the increasing use of gunpowder weapons. The ‘iron apples’ purchased by the citizens of Namur are an early instance of cast-iron cannonballs (42). There are Philip of Burgundy’s beloved bombards (83) and, from England, the accounts of the Master of the King’s Ordnance (74), purchases from a London gunfounder (75), and well-furnished ships (75). A gun is even to be found at Durham Priory (15). The cleric recording in Latin the harness in the possession of an Archbishop of York (64) does his utmost to explain the meaning of schynbalds and breastplate. Scribblings in the accounts of London’s Brewers’ Company reveal that the armourers of that city did not yet have a suitable venue for their social events (63). A thrifty
11
These are printed in J. Delaville le Roulx, La France en Orient au XIVe siècle (Paris, 1886), pp. 26–32.
8
z
introduction to the source-types: textual source-types
z
upcycling of mail links for wall hangings shows that there are various uses for armour beyond the battlefield.
Craft Statutes and Related Documents Documents of this kind are often born out of concern. For the haubergers (mail-makers) of Paris, theirs is the flagrant sale of substandard goods (24). Such practice can lead to the injury and even death of the worthy fighting men of the realm. Not only do they seek to police the crafting and refurbishing of mail but its import and sale as well. Such concerns were warranted, as one merchant is slapped with a hefty fine for selling knockoff mail shirts (31). A legal set-to between Paris craftsmen and merchants (51) belies the shortage of local artisans and their inability to meet the demand for their products. The importance of proof marks, which are also referred to in this document, is discussed in the ‘Using the Sourcebook’ section. The ‘society’ formed by the Milanese Cristoforo Corio and Maffino da Fagano (70) is a direct result of – or indeed probably the cause of – the situation in Paris. Such documents produced by the men of the city of Milan, and surrounding duchy, let us know how they were able to meet orders for their products from across Christendom. The Corio firm’s contract with Giovanni Garavaglia (70) is a key piece of evidence for the construction of the ‘Avant’ harness in Glasgow Museums’ collection (see Figure 5). It would be very interesting to know exactly how many pairs of legharness Giovanni was able to craft during his two years of employment.
Royal and Noble Decrees, Acts of Parliament, Indentures for Military Service, and Muster Rolls The regulations for arming for the tourney (39) are extracted from a decree issued in the name of Henry, ‘Roy s[ouue]rain des francoys et des anglois s[eigneu]r dirlande’ – most likely identified as Henry IV or his heir.12 The forfeited harness of Thomas, the Earl Marshal, is for jousts of peace and of war (17). In the safe conducts issued by Francesco Sforza (108) we can imagine the carters’ arduous journey over the Alps carrying the carefully-packed armours – complete with stands – for the King of France and his courtiers. The roll of arms of the townsmen of Lyon (33) reveals them to be well equipped with axes. In the ordonnance of Jean, Duke of Brittany (67), a Scottish act of parliament (79), the muster of the garrison of English-occupied Bayeux (90), and an English indenture (84) we get a fuller understanding of the fighting equipment required of men of various social standing. The provision for archers emphasizes their significant role at this time.
Legal Complaints and Inquisitions The manner in which a ship’s contents are recorded is illuminating. The cargo of one captured by the men of Kingston-upon-Hull (10) included hardware destined to arm
12
London, College of Arms Library, Manuscript M.19, fol. 131v.
9
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
the bellicose Scots. At Plymouth the recorder felt it necessary to explain that certain torso defences were ‘called “brigandines”’ (54). The work of the notaires of the County of Dunois (28) ensures there are preserved for us an early example of the names armet and cuirass in the French language. An eyewitness paints a picture of a naïve teenaged rustic with no experience whatsoever of battling in harness (77). Because of this, Joan of Arc is so seriously injured that she can only be armed in a soft, silk-lined and stuffed body defence on rising from her sickbed.
Official Correspondence and Royal Petitions The missives to the ruler of Mantua (9, 20) are a crucial source for the use of the crossbow for proofing plate armour – as discussed in the ‘Using the Sourcebook’ section above. In his correspondence, Charles VII can barely contain his excitement at the prospect of a large force of hard-fighting Scots soon to arrive to bolster his flagging cause (66). There is palpable frustration in the letter from Henry V to the Lieutenant and Treasurer of Calais at the mysterious disappearance of a fine horse and armour from Lombardy (60). A keen sense of his status consciousness is expressed by Sir Hugh Standish in his petition to the King for a suitable harness (47). Another petition, that of Thomas Hostell (62), describes his hideous wounds sustained during two successive sovereigns’ pursuit of their claim to the French throne. The wealthy English merchant Sir John Paston (106) is incensed at the brutal treatment meted out to his folk by an enemy’s ‘riotous peple [sic]’ identified by their livery-sashes.
Mercantile Sources Key to the expansion of Francesco di Marco Datini’s arms-dealing empire (4) is the ability of his craftsmen to refurbish old pieces. Here I must cry mea culpa for my incorrect translation of traversata and retraversata in volume I (see the footnote in the document itself for a full explanation). There are listed, for example, numerous Paris-made pieces fixed up for resale. If a group of merchants in the French capital are to be believed, it had passed its heyday as a centre of manufacture (51). Datini’s accounts are not only invaluable for information about cost and distribution but also for the evolution of vocabulary – armet and sallet especially. There are customs levied upon alien (i.e. foreign) merchants for their goods imported to London (59, 85, 103), Kingston-upon-Hull (98), and Southampton (95). These include supplies of such vital matériel as the bow-staves, swords, and sallets needed to arm the fighters of a realm soon to be ripped apart by dynastic strife. The nature of the contents of the two chests of armour for the teenaged Henry VI (95) entrusted to a Florentine merchant must be left to our imagination. An inspection of the goods sold in London by Italian merchants (97) is evidence for the cost of Milanese harness available to knights and squires.
10
z
introduction to the source-types: textual source-types
z
Prose Sources Chroniclers’ Accounts, Biographies, and Anonymous Writings Safely ensconced in Saint Albans Abbey’s scriptorium, a Benedictine brother revels in the sensation of schadenfreude at the serious injury and capture of a dreaded Scottish warlord and the humiliating defeat of his forces (13). A French cleric captures the febrile atmosphere in Paris during the conflict between the Armagnac and Burgundian factions with rumours of ‘black ops’ in the planning of a brutal massacre (50). A soldier and chronicler is less than impressed by the gear of Irish troops at the Siege of Rouen (55). An anonymous account of the Battle of Brouwershaven (69) can only have been based on that of an eyewitness who understood well the danger presented by the English equipped with their longbows. He gives us a most amusing description of the failure of crossbow-shot. The oft-quoted passage about the rearming of the ducal forces in Milan following the Battle of Maclodio (73) will be quite familiar to many readers. Despite the fact that I have only been able to trace this to the early-eighteenth century, it is worth including as it speaks to the perceptions already held by commentators at this time. Many of the other documents provided in this sourcebook are testament to the fact that such a claim is not purely hyperbole inspired by an Enlightenment historian’s civic pride. For a Burgundian herald the sight of Portuguese knights jousting at a nuptial celebration (78) is less than inspiring – surely this newfangled style with its unnecessary safety features such as the tilt barrier will never catch on?! The mounted combat at Arras (81), on the other hand, was a much more satisfying spectacle with men and horses struck to the ground and the mighty blows necessitating the provision of the best medical treatment to the injured, this paid for by the Duke of Burgundy himself. The pas d’armes (104) was a lavish event, being a sort of dramatized version of a chivalric romance. In this extract we are treated to a compelling narrative: two bastard sons of great nobles fight on horseback and on foot with an array of weapons. A bit of friendly banter over a basinet-visor also enlivens the action. Don Pero Niño’s standard bearer, Gutierre Díaz de Games, records his master’s death-defying feats of derring-do (80). These are but a few short extracts from an absolutely fantastic source. He himself is thrust into the thick of the action. We find in his writing that enduring Iberian passion for bullfighting, what it felt like to be a target for fearsome English archers, and an insight into the French manner of jousting – it is certainly not for the novice or the faint-hearted. The lodgings of a wealthy Paris bourgeois (88), we are informed by a Flemish man of letters, are replete with fine weapons and armour and a well-reinforced door with a secure peephole is a must-have in a dangerous city. Also featured in this sourcebook are the writings of those whose names are not recorded. The Seneschal of Hainaut undertakes a kind of single combat tour (16). He first takes on an Englishman, then the ‘most dreaded man in Spain’ whom he deals a near-fatal lance-thrust. The writer also alludes to the armet, yet another early use in French.
11
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
The account of the feats of arms undertaken by Richard, Earl of Warwick, is most dramatic (44). It is notable for its insight into the thickness of shields as well as the employment of the term ‘hosting harness’ for war armour, that being a complete plate harness of the sort borne in the Royal Host – not a mounting aid that employs some kind of hoist.13 Unsurprisingly, the valourous earl bests ‘oon of the best Justers of Fraunce’. A poet (91) strings his jocular rhymes on the ovine cowardice of the Flemings, yet he also produces an insightful pen-portrait of their battlegear. This source has been included under the ‘Prose’ categorization solely for the purposes of this introduction.
Instructional Texts: Treatises, Descriptive Prose, and a Recipe John Bradmore’s account of his treatment of Prince Hal’s horrific arrow-shot wound (14) is essentially a work of shameless self-promotion. Indeed, he generously takes the trouble to draw our attention to the failure of the efforts of divers ‘wise lechys’. Nevertheless, illustrated with his ingenious extracting ‘instrumentum’ (Figure 1), it is remarkable in its level of detail as to the treatment and aftercare provided to one as wealthy as an English prince.14 In the testimony of a witness in a case held at the English Court of Chivalry we have a man at the outset of the fifteenth century employing his own words to describe a tomb brass produced in the first half of the fourteenth (25). It is for this reason that an illustration of this brass appears in this volume (Figure 2 and Figure 34 – a significant detail). This source is thus invaluable for our understanding of the use of the nomenclature used at the time. The treatise on arming for the judicial duel by John Hill (87) is one of the single most important texts of the century. Here, for the first time, it is transcribed from a fifteenth-century manuscript.15 The long and detailed passage penned by an anonymous Frenchman (100) must be hailed as one of the most descriptive of the Middle Ages. His knowledge and insight is astounding. Just one gem of his wisdom is to ensure one has flush rivet-heads on one’s jousting helm in order to prevent an opponent’s lancehead from catching. Lastly, the ingredients for a recipe for varnish for crossbows (65) would be recognized by a skilled artisan even today.
Written Challenges to Combat A series of challenges (6) composed by pseudo-historical and mythical figures such as Cleopatra and Venus allow us to peep into the grounds of Eltham Palace and wonder 13
The fact that this term has misled the unwary is highlighted in an enlightening – and amusing – article. R. C. Woosnam-Savage, ‘Of Knights, Cranes, Hoists and Winches…; The Myth of how Knights mounted Horses’, Arms & Armour 18 (2021), pp. 224–55 (at p. 255). 14 A forensic investigation is provided in M. Livingston, ‘“The depth of six inches”: Prince Hal’s Head-Wound at the Battle of Salisbury’, Wounds and Wound Repair in Medieval Culture […], ed. L. Tracy and K. DeVries (Leiden, 2015), pp. 215–30. 15 The version printed in R. Moffat, ‘“Armed & redy to come to the felde”: Arming for the Judicial Duel in 15th-Century England’, Courts of Chivalry and Admiralty in Late Medieval Europe, ed. A. Musson and N. Ramsay (Woodbridge, 2018), pp. 121–33, is from a seventeenth-century copy.
12
z
introduction to the source-types: textual source-types
z
at a joyous fête of Christmastide jousting in honour of a princess. The strict regulation of equipment, as well as the proper matching of the participants’ age and experience, confirms the practical considerations at the heart of these courtly epistles. Back in the real world, a team of English knights and squires reply to a challenge issued by a team of Frenchmen to fight it out on the border of English-held Gascony. This would become known as the ‘Combat of the Seven’ (12). We hear the smug tone of the copyist who notes the defeat of the Englishmen. Such a taste of jubilation would subsequently turn to ashes in his mouth, however, for according to a challenge sent a few years later to a Castilian knight, the French side needed a substitute for the noble knight Sir Guillaume du Chastel who had died warring in Cornwall like a good knight (‘el noble cavallero mosén Guillén del Chastel […] que murió en Cornualla, en guerra, como buen cavallero’).16 Another of the combat’s victors, Sir Arnault Guilhem de Barbazan, was captured fighting in a sapper-mine and held in a cage for a decade.17 The challenge of a member of the French royal household (76) is couched in the language of the enduring cult of courtly love, the victor’s lady is to be presented with the loser’s basinet as the prize. Parity of arms and armour for combat on horse and on foot is the principal concern of the Seigneur de Haubourdin (92). His insistence on the use of saddles of Milan ensures a degree of exclusivity most befitting of those seeking to take on a natural son of a great lord.
16 17
Gutierre Díaz de Games, El Victorial, ed. R. Beltrán (Madrid, 2014), p. 587. See C. L. Kingsford, ‘The Early Biographies of Henry V’, English Historical Review 25 (1910), pp. 58–92, for intriguing accounts of this man’s adventures.
13
y 2 Material Source-Types Choice of Images This is undoubtedly a period with a far greater number of surviving artefacts as well as a vast array of highly-detailed depictions in stunning artworks. It would have been greatly remiss of this author had his selection of illustrations failed to highlight the wealth and breadth of Glasgow Museums’ collections; for instance, details of paintings by world-renowned artists (Figure 18 and Figure 30). Thus, there may be some examples provided from slightly outwith the period but they are, nevertheless, more than satisfactory for the purposes of our study.
Armour and Weapons It simply cannot be stressed enough that to properly learn from material culture we must examine objects in hand whenever the opportunity arises. The use of photographs can only be considered a poor relation but remains a necessity for a sourcebook of this type. The date-range of this volume allows the inclusion of an elegant cuirass of the vigorous kastenbrust type (Figure 31). Best of all, it provides the perfect stage to showcase the world-famous ‘Avant’ harness in the care of Glasgow Museums (Figure 7). It was generously bequeathed by R. L. Scott to the people of the City of Glasgow in 1939. It is the earliest near-complete plate harness. The helmet mounted with it is of a slightly later date (Figure 20), as is the right gauntlet (Figure 3). The left is a – somewhat inaccurate – twentieth-century reproduction. With detailed photography we can inspect several of its components and the makers’ marks thereon (Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6). Individual views of the cuirass (Figure 32) and additional reinforcing plates (Figure 35) are also instructive. Whilst we are fortunate to have armets from this time (Figure 13 and Figure 14), we have no sallets of the types referred to in the sources from the first half of the century. We are thus reliant on artists’ representations (Figures 24, 42, and 45) and pieces made later in the century (Figure 43 and Figure 44). The pollaxe (Figure 17) had been in use from the previous century and was almost certainly an elder sibling of the bec de faucon (Figure 21). Some weapon-types have
15
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
changed very little in their type or form. A boar spear (Figure 11) or bollock dagger (Figure 25) would be instantly recognizable to an owner in the fifteenth or sixteenth century. The same is true of crossbow-spanning devices: the goat’s foot lever (Figure 36), cranequin (Figure 29), and windlass (Figure 46). Furthermore, very few of these devices have actually been photographed in situ on a crossbow.
Artworks At the time of publication, there are no extant complete harnesses from England, Scotland, France, or the German Lands dating to the first half of the century. We must be grateful to the craftsmen who have recreated them in exquisite detail in tomb effigies (Figure 38 and Figure 40), drawings (Figure 10), and stained glass (Figure 37). The reason for the inclusion of a fourteenth-century tomb brass (Figure 2 and Figure 34 – a detail) is fully explained in the ‘Instructional Texts’ subsection above, in the discussion of document 25. Many of the artworks included in this volume were gifted to the people of the City of Glasgow by Sir William and Lady Burrell between 1944 and 1958. The artists responsible for painting stained glass panels have as their legacy an irreplaceable visual resource. We are given a vivid impression of the range of staff weapons carried by a rabble of soldiers guarding the soon-to-be-crucified Christ (Figure 28) and the sort of elaborate copper-alloy decoration that was applied to plates of polished steel (Figure 37). Due to corrosion, very few hunting arrowheads retain their serrated barb-edges (Figure 15). We can discern in the tapestry-maker’s eye for detail the manner of the attachment of one type of couter (elbow defence) (Figure 8) as described by the anonymous Frenchman (100), a soldier clutching his bec de faucon (Figure 22), and the proper position to sling one’s dagger whilst in civilian dress (Figure 26). To conclude this entire introductory section, it is the author’s sincere hope that by thoroughly engaging with the sources here provided the reader will gain the best protection against the inevitable slings and arrows that are wont to be cast about in the stramashes of our discipline. Facing his mortal enemies on the field at Falkirk, the heroic Guardian of the Realm, William Wallace, likened the bloodletting soon to follow to a merry dance. He is reputed to have called out to his men: “I haue browghte ȝowe to the ryng, hoppe ȝef ȝe kunne (know how)”18
18
Willelmi Rishanger […] Chronica et annales, regnantibus Henrico tertio et Edwardo primo, ed. H. T. Riley (London, 1865), p. 187.
16
Part II
The Documents
1 Household accounts of Louis, Duke of Orléans, Paris, 20 May 1394–15 April 1402 London, British Library, Additional Charter 2916 [20 May 1394] [Christ]ofle [sic] de la mer marchant genneuoys demour’ a par’ neuf Cens quatre vins deux frans dor pour vne arbalestre ou il y a trois dyamanz quatre Rubiz et dix grosses perles que madame la duchesse dorleans fist acheter de luj pour donn’ au dit mons’ le duc Christophe de La Mer, Genoese residing in Paris, 992 gold francs for a crossbow (set) with three diamonds, four rubies, and ten large pearls which my Lady the Duchess of Orléans has bought from him to give to my said Lord the Duke
London, British Library, Additional Charter 2588 [9 May 1400] Je Colart de laon paintre et varlet de Chambre de mon s’ le duc dorleans Confesse auoir Receu Cinquante & huit frans pour et a cause dun harnoys de Joustes fait pour mon s’ le duc en la mani[er]e quil sensuit Cest assauoir selle pissi[er]e chanfraing & escu dorez dor et semiz de porc espy de paniture Et pardessus toutes ces choses ont este couu[er]s f ’ en mani[er]e de haubregie ou dor gippe Et sur le heaume de mon s’ vn timbre de pl’ leue au Ront yssant dun Rosier Et sur la croupe du ch[ev]al de mon s’ vn porcespy […] au long et p[ar] dessus la maille dessus d[i]te tout seme de grans fueilles dorees a[…] celleme[n]t la croupi[er]e du dit ch[ev]al fa[it]e a maille lesquelles choses dessus d[i]ts ont es[t par] moy fa[it]es pour la so[m]me de iiij xx fr’ I, Colart de Laon, painter and valet de chambre to my Lord the Duke of Orléans, confess to having received 58 francs for, and because of, a jousting harness made for my Lord the Duke in the following manner – that is to say: saddle, peytral, shaffron, and shield gilded with gold and strewn with painted porcupines. And, above all these things, it was covered in the manner of hauberger’s craft (i.e. mail) with gilt gypsum. And a crest of plumes raised around issuing from a rosebush on my Lord’s helm. And a porcupine on the crupper of my Lord’s horse […] along and above the aforesaid mail completely strewn with large gilt leaves […] only the crupper of this horse made of mail. These things above said have been made by me for the sum of four score francs
London, British Library, Additional Charter 2589 [c. 1400] toutes les pieces darmeure Lesquelles mon s’ auoit […] a Milan all the pieces of armour which my Lord has [had imported] from Milan
19
z
documents 1–2
z
London, British Library, Additional Charter 2592 [29 November 1401] Je Henry de potes escuier descuierie de mon seign[eu]r le duc dorliens Confesse auoir Receu p[ar] la main de Colinet larmeurier de mon s’ Trois Cens cinquante lances toutes ferees Huit haubergons dacier de Milan Six bacinez tous garniz et Soixante pauaz Lesquelz tous este achectez p[ar] mon s’ de B[er]nalt de Lospital heaumier demourant A paris en la heaumerie pour metre ou Chastel de Coucy I, Henry de Potes, squire of the écuyerie of my Lord the Duke of Orléans, confess to having received from Colinet, my Lord’s armourer, 315 lances (all headed), eight steel haubergeons of Milan, six completely-equipped basinets, and 60 pavises all of which has been bought for my Lord from Bernalt de Lospital, heaumer (plate armourer) of Paris at the Rue de la Heaumerie to be placed in the Château of Coucy
Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library MS, E.1939.65.1174, fol. 14r [15 April 1402] Je Colart de laon paintre et varlet de chambre du Roy Confesse Auoir Receu de ogier de nantouillet escuier de corps de mon s’ le duc dorleans quarante frans dor sur vn harnois de Jouste le quel ma este ordonne p[ar] le d’ seign[e]ur f ’ et prandre pour luj pour La feste que mon s’ de bourgongne fait A aras [sic] I, Colart de Laon, King’s painter and valet de chambre, confess to having received from Ogier de Nantouillet, personal squire of my Lord the Duke of Orléans 40 gold francs for a jousting harness which I was commanded by this Lord to make and prepare for him for the fête of jousts that my Lord of Burgundy held at Arras
2 Kew, National Archives, E 101/42/35 Account of John Norbury, Squire, Keeper of the King’s Privy Wardrobe in the Tower of London, c. 1400 loric’ C iakkys CXX palett’ C lanc’ C dart’ M[i]l CCCC pauys C arc’ iiijxx garb’ sagitt’ CCC cord p[ro] arc’ xiiij duoden’ Canon’ gross’ vj Canon p[ar]u’ p[ro] pelett’ ij pulu’ p[ro] Canon’ lx lb’ petr’ p[ro] Canon’ iiijxx pelott’ ponder int’ se xxv lib’ Tampons iiijxx Touch vij mall’ iiij patell’ iiij lantu’ ij cist’ standard’ v al’ cist’ x loric’ lx iakkys lx pallet’ lx lanc’ xxiiij dart’ vj duoden’ pauys iiijxx arc’ xxx garb’ sagitt’ iiijxx cord’ p[ro] arc’ iiijor duoden’ Canon’ p[ar]u’ p[ro] pelott’ iij pulu’ p[ro] Canon’ xl lb’ petr’ p[ro] Canon’ xxiiij pelott’ ponder’ int’ se vj lb & d[imid]i xiij [sic] Tampons xxiiij Touch’ iij mall’ j Cist’ v hachett’ de guerra xxiiij Firepann’ j basnettes xl loric’ xl iakkys xl lanc’ xxiiij hachett’ p[ro] guerra xxiiij arc’ lx garb’ sagitt’ C cord’ p[ro] arc’ j gr’ dart’ vj bundell’ cont’ CC pauys lx magn’ Canon’ duplic’ j p[ar]u’ Canon’ p[ro] pelott’ j pulu’ p[ro] Canon xl lb’ petr’ p[ro] Canon’ xl Tampons xl touch’ iiij martell’ j par’ sufflett’ j pelott’ plu[m]bi ponder’ ix lb’ d[imid]j xix cist’ p[ro] arc’ & sagitt’ ij
20
z
documents 2–3
z
100 hauberks, 120 jacks, 100 pallets, 100 lances, 1,400 darts, 100 pavises, 80 bows, 300 sheaves of arrows, 14 dozen bowstrings, six large cannon, two small cannon for (shooting) pellets, 60lb cannon-powder (i.e. gunpowder), 80 cannon-stones, 80 pellets each weighing 25lb, 80 tampions, seven touches (i.e. for ignition), four hammers, four patels (shallow pans), two lanterns, five standard chests, ten other chests, 60 hauberks, 60 jacks, 60 pallets, 80 lances, six dozen darts, 80 pavises, 30 bows, 80 sheaves of arrows, 14 dozen bowstrings, three small cannon for (shooting) pellets, 40lb cannon-powder, 24 cannon stones, 13 [sic] pellets each weighing 6½lb, 24 tampions, three touches, one hammer, five chests, 80 hatchets for war, one fire-pan, 40 basinets, 40 hauberks, 40 jacks, 80 lances, 80 hatchets for war, 60 bows, 100 sheaves of arrows, one gross of bowstrings, six bundles of darts containing 200, 60 pavises, one double cannon, one small cannon for (shooting) lead pellets, 40lb cannon-powder, 40 cannon-stones, 40 tampions, four touches, one hammer, one pair of bellows, 19 lead pellets weighing 9½lb, two chests for bows and arrows
3 Durham Cathedral Archives, Accounts of the Sacrists and Hostillers of Durham Priory Durham Priory Bursar’s Account, 1400–1401 Varia recepta Et de Cvj s’ viij d’ in p[re]c’ armor[um] & sella de mortuar’ d[omi]ni Thome Gray Et p[ro]cutor de Norham in p[re]c’ vni[um] equi mortuar’ d[omi]ni Thome Gray Et mortuar’ Wil[he]l[m]i Vrde viz j galea & j lorica Condonaciones & allocationes It[e]m pet’ alloc’ in p[re]c’ diu[er]s’ armor[um] de mortuar’ d[omi]ni T Gray quia in manu d[omi]ni prior’ q’ s[er]uett[u]r sup[er]nis Cvj s’ viij d It’ pet’ alloc’ de j galea & j lorica de mortuar’ Wil[he]l[m]i de Vrde quia in manu d[omi]ni Prior’ xl s Various receipts 106s. 8d. for the value of the armour and saddle of Lord Thomas Grey’s mortuary gift, the Proctor of Norham for the value of one of Lord Thomas Grey’s horses as a mortuary gift, William Eure’s mortuary gift viz.: one helm and one hauberk Donations and allowances The value of the allowance of divers armour of Lord Thomas Grey’s mortuary gift which is in the hands of the Lord Prior which is due as above 106s. 8d., value of the allowance of one helm and one hauberk of William Eure’s mortuary gift which is in the hands of the Lord Prior 40s.
21
z
document 4
z
4 Prato, Archivio di Stato di Prato, Fondo Datini, 178/12, fol. 92r, 178/13, fol. 1r–fol. 1v, 178/15, fol. 15r–fol. 1v, 178/16, fol. 1r–fol. 1v, 178/18, fol. 1r–fol. 1v Accounts of Francesco di Marco Datini, 1 January 1400–1 January 1410 1 January 1400–31 October 1401 j bacineto a bauiera co’ manteleto disop[r]a de la ghuisa ghuarnito di chamaglio dacaio a ½ boza co’ padiglione & chalota f ’ viiij ij bacinetj dacaio a bauiera de la ghuisa fatj p[rimo] p[ro] b[ono] e ghuarnitj di chamaglj dacaio a boza co’ padiglionj e chalote tutj bianchi xxiij f ’ iiij bacinetj dacaio a bauiera de la ghuisa fatj p[rimo] p[ro] b[ono] tutj isfornitj e bianchj & luno bordato xxviij f ’ ij bacinetj dacaio temperatj bianchj a bauiera di milano isfornitj di p[r]uoua xiiij f ’ xij d’ j bacineto dacaio a bauiera dinanzi e di dietro fato p[rimo] vechio bordato ritrau[er]sat’ f ’ v s’ vj ij bacinetj dacaio bordatj vsatj di p[r]uoua ghuarnitj di chamaglj dacaio caciatj di vj magli luna co’ chalote & padiglionj f ’ xviiij ij bacinetj dacaio bordatj sanza bauiera fatj p[rimo] ghuarnitj di chamaglio a ½ boza ghuarnti di padiglionj e chalote f ’ xv j bacineto dacaio di p[r]uoua al anticha co’ ghran visiera ritondo isfornito f ’ iiij s’ xij xvj bacinetj dacaio di p[r]uoua sanza bauiere di piu ragon’ tra bianchj e bordatj tutj isfornitj tra uechj e nuouj fatj i’ piu partj f ’ lxx iiij bacinetj di fero di ½ p[r]uoua di milano bordatj ghuarnitj di chamaglj di fero co’ chalote & padiglionj buonj e di buona fazione f ’ xviij j bacineto di fero nero picholo ritondo di sop[r]a co’ bauiera ghaurnita di chamaglio di fero ghroso co’ chalota & padiglione f ’ ij xv bacinetj di fero di ½ p[r]uoua tra di milano & piu parisj tra bianchi e bordatj e nuouj e vsatj tutj isfornitj de la ghuisa f ’ xl x bacinetj di fero di ½ p[r]uoua di piu ragio[n]j e par[i] sj tra bianchj e bordatj e uechj di nuouo fazionj tutj isfornitj f ’ xvij s’ xij v bacinetj di fero di ½ p[r]uoua tra bianchj e bordatj vsatj e di piu fazon’ tra ma [sic] bianchj rouigliosj e retrauersatj tutj isfornitj al anticha f ’ v j bacineto di fero usato ritondo co’ chamaglio di fero ghroso tristo al antica f ’ j s’ xij j visiera di fero biancha ghrande de nuoua da posare i’ pa [sic] j bacineto darme j f ’ s’ vj viiij visere di fero da bacinetj verchie tra bianche & bordate al anticha f ’ j s’ xij xl visiere di fero roze i’ piatonj p[ro] fere le forgiare istazonate e triste f ’ v j tuelo dargento fato a parigj a i[m]maginj di ij donngiete p[er] tenere piume i’ su j bacineto f ’ x s’ xij Chapelj e chapeline a barboza dognj ragione ij chapeline dacaio temperate di milano biancha & laltra bordata de la ghuisa sanza chamaglj co’ padiglione e chalote f ’ viiij xj chapeli dacaio bianchj temperatj di milano de la ghuisa nuouj f ’ xxvij s’ xij ij chapeletj di fero vsatj fatj p[rimo] de la vechie ghuisa co’ chalote f ’ j s’ xviij
22
z
document 4
z
Chapeline di fero chop[er]te e schop[er]te di[o]gnj rago[n]e j chapeline di fero v[er]nichate nera co’ uentaglia di sop[r]a cop[er]te di ueluto nere bordata co’ chalote sanza chamaglio f ’ iij s’ xviij j chapeleto di fero nero v[er]nichate nuouo legiere de la ghuisa picholo s’ xx ij chapeline dacaio aschaglia nuoue fate a milano f ’ ij iij chapeline di fero aschaglia nuoue fate a milano f ’ ij s’ vj vij cierueliere di fero nere p[r]iuate tra buone piu […] co’ chalote f ’ iij vette cierueliere di fero dognj ragio[n]e j vetta di fero biancha fate a milano co’ aliete [sic] retrauersata f ’ j s’ vj v vette di fero co’ uisiere da brighantj fate a milano al anticha f ’ j iij cierueliere di fero vechie a ghuizate [sic] p[ro] ghalee fat’ a milano f ’ j s’ xij j cierueliere al anticha vechia a ghuza da bacineto trista e stazonata s’ vj one basinet with bevor with a mantlet on top of the same form equipped with steel aventail of half nailing (i.e. not all the links are riveted) with aventail-cover and collar 9 (Florentine) florins, two steel basinets with bevors of the same form equipped with (fully) nailed (i.e. all the links are riveted) steel aventail with aventail-cover and collar – all white (i.e. of polished steel) 23fl., four white-steel and one bordered (prob. latten-bordered) basinets with bevors of the same form first made well (i.e. without later additions) – completely un-equipped 28fl., two tempered white-steel basinets with bevors of Milan (make) of proof – un-equipped 9fl. 12s., one old steel basinet with bevor in front and behind (i.e. with a front and rear neck-plate) first made (well), (latten) bordered, refurbished1 5fl. 6s., two used (latten) bordered steel basinets of proof equipped with punched (i.e. the links with a maker’s mark) steel aventail of six mail (i.e. six links passed through one rather than the standard four through one) – one with collar and aventail-cover 19fl., two steel (latten) bordered basinets without bevors first made (well) equipped with aventail of half nailing equipped with aventail-cover and collar 15fl., one old-fashioned steel basinet of proof with large, round, visor – un-equipped 4fl. 12s., 16 (latten) bordered white-steel basinets of proof without bevors of several regions – all un-equipped – some old and some new, made in several parts 70fl., four (latten) bordered iron basinets of half proof of Milan equipped with iron aventail with collar and aventail-cover – good and of good making 18fl., one small black-iron basinet, round on top, with bevor – equipped with large iron aventail with collar and aventail-cover 2fl., 15 iron basinets of half proof some of Milan and several of Paris both white and (latten) bordered – new and used – all un-equipped, of the same form 40fl., ten iron basinets of half proof of several regions and Paris both white and (latten) bordered and of old and new making – all un-equipped 17fl. 1
In document 81 of the first volume of my sourcebook (pp. 128–46) I have translated the Ital. traversata as exported and retraversata as re-exported. However, they are much more likely to mean furbished and refurbished. There are craft regulations of 1455 for the ‘masters, and armourers, and traversatores of armour’ (‘magistri et armoratores et traversatores armorum’) of the city and duchy of Milan. Archivio di Stato di Milano, Notarile, Giacomo Brenna, cart. 1413, 1455 genn. 2. This document will be included in my third volume.
23
z
document 4
z
12s., five old-fashioned iron basinets of half proof both white and (latten) bordered, used, and of several types – white [sic], rusted, and refurbished – all un-equipped 5fl., one old-fashioned iron basinet, used, round, with large iron aventail – bad (i.e. in bad condition) 1fl. 12s., one new large white-iron visor to place on a basinet for (feats of ) arms 1fl. 6s., nine old, old-fashioned iron basinet-visors both white and (latten) bordered 1fl. 12s., 40 iron visors, rough (hammered), in flattened (form) for them to be forged – dented and bad 5fl., one silver plume-holder made in Paris with the image of two damsels to hold feathers to place on one basinet 10fl. 12s. Chapel (de fers) and capellines with barbotta (plate chin and throat defence) of every region two tempered-steel capellines of Milan one white and the other (latten) bordered of the same form without aventail with cover and collar 9fl., 11 tempered white-steel chapel (de fers) of Milan of the new form 27fl. 12s., two small chapel de fers, used, first made, of the old form, with collar 1fl. 18s. Iron capellines – covered and uncovered – of every region one black-varnished capelline with ventilation aperture on top, covered with black velvet, (latten) bordered – with collar without aventail 3fl. 18s., one new, light, small, black-varnished chapel de fer of the same form 20s., two new steel capellines with little scales made in Milan 2fl., two new iron capellines with little scales made in Milan 2fl. 6s., seven black-iron private (i.e. concealed) skullcaps [sic] both good, several […], with collars 3fl. Iron vette [or vuette] (and) skullcaps of every region one white-iron vetta made in Milan with ‘little wings’ (prob. defensive plates affixed at the temples) – refurbished 1fl. 6s., five old-fashioned iron vette with visors of (the type borne by) brigands, made in Milan 1fl., three old iron skullcaps of the form for (fighting on) galleys, made in Milan 1fl. 12s., one old, old-fashioned skullcap in the form of a basinet – bad and dented 6s.
1 January 1403–31 December 1404 j Bacinetto a bauiera chon manteletto disop[r]a de la guixa guernito di padiglione E chalotta E chon chamaglio a ½ boza stimato f ’ viiijo j bacinetto daccaio a baviera fatto a Auig[non]o biancho de la guixa Stimato f ’ vij j bacinetto bordato vecchio e fatt’ Auig[non]o a bauiera isfornito Retrav[er]sato f ’ v s’ xij d’ j bacinett’ dacc’ alzato a baviera Riffato Auig[non]o isfornito f ’ vj j bacinetto daccaj a baviera basso nuovo di bernardone sforn[i]to f ’ iiijo j bacinetto a baviera vechio piccolo di parigj jsfornito f ’ v j bacinetto dacc’ di parigj ritondo a gran visiera isfornito f ’ iiijo s’ xij ij bacinett’ dacc’ fatt’ Auig[non]o de la guixa guernitj di chamaglio di vj maglie daccaJo e padiglione e chalotta f ’ xviiijo [illegible] bacinett’ dacc’ de la guixa fatti Auig[non]o di p[r]uova guernitj di chalotta e padiglione e chamaglio a ½ boza f ’ xxij s’ xij j bacinett’ daccaJo di ½ p[r]uova de la guxa guern[i]to di padiglio’ E chalotta E chamaglio di ferro f ’ iiijo s’ xviij xvj […] bacinett’ dacc’ di p[r]uova sanza baviera de la guisa isfornitj di
24
z
document 4
z
piu ragonj tra bianchi e bordatj vechi fatt’ i’ piu partj f ’ lx iiijo v bacinettj di ferro di ½ p[r]uova bianchi e bordatj vechi e nuovi fatti i’ piu partj isfornitj de la guixa f ’ ij s’ xij v bacinettj di ferro di ½ p[r]uova bianchi bordati vechi di piu fazio’ E trav[er]satj e n[uov]o ritrav[er]satj tuttj isfornitj f ’ viij s’ xviij v bacinett’ di ferro di ½ p[r]uova a detto modo piu chattiuj f ’ v j bacinetto di ferro picolo ritondo al anticha con chama’ di fero f ’ j iij bacinett’ di ferro al anticha isfornitj sanza visiera f ’ iij iiij bacinett’ di ferro con visiera piu chatiuj isfornitj f ’ iij iij choppi a bacinett’ sanza visiero al antiche tondi vechi f ’ j s’ xij j visiera grande dacc’ da mett’ a bacinett’ p[ro] arme fare f ’ j s’ xij x visiere di ferro e daccaJo di piu bacinett’ veche rubigliose f ’ j s’ xvj xl visiere dacc’ In piattonj roze da forgione stazonate f ’ iiijo s’ iiijo j toello dargento da mett’ sop[r]a bacinetto f ’ x s’ xij chapelli E chapelline e a barboza dong’ ragi’ j chappellina daccaJo a barbotta fatta a melano a la guza biancha isfornita a bu[on]o fazione f ’ iiijo ij chapelline daccaJo a barbotta nuove fatt’ a melano de la gusa bianche di chattiua fazione f ’ v j chappello di ferro de la guixa di bu[on]o fazio’ v[er]nichato jsfornito f ’ j chappeline di ferro cop[er]te e schop[er]te dong’ Rago’ j chapello di ferro v[er]nichato ritondo de la gusa [sic] a ventaglietta sfornito f ’ j j chapelline di ferro de la guixav[er]nichate […] f ’ s’ xviij viij Cervelliere dacc’ e di ferro celate v[er]nichate nuove vj e ij vsate chon chalotta e sanza chalotta f ’ iiijo vuette E cervelliere di ferro dong’ rag’ j vuetta di ferro biancha di mela’ a lette ritrav[er]sata f ’ j v vuette di fero bianche n[uov]o di mela’ da brigantj al anticha f ’ v iij cerveliere di fero a ghuze stazonate vechie f ’ j j cerveliera di ferro a ghuza a darbalestrarj a ja ventaglia f ’ [illegible] Peze di Ferro E daccaio dongnj Ragio’ j peza daccaJo di p[r]uova fatta Auig[non]o chuisa dinanzi ed deitro de la guisa f ’ x j peza daccaio di p[r]uova biancha di melano a lame dinanzi E a grandaletti de dietro a n[uov]o fazione f ’ vj j peza daccaJo di p[r]uova a lame dinanzi bordata vechia fatta a melano f ’ v ij peze daccaio bianchi a lame dinanzi E a picholale lu[n]a fatt’ Auig[non] o e laltra a lione f ’ vij viij peze daccaio bordate di mela’ a picholale a j cerchio di fatto de la guixa di bu[on]o fazione fr’ xviij j peza daccaJo biancha n[uov]o di melano a picholale a cerchio di vetto di bu[on]o fazione f ’ ij iij peze daccaio bordate di melano vsate bu[on]o a picholale a cerchio dj veto [sic, recte veluto] f ’ iij s’ xviij ij peze di ferro a picholale chon cercio [sic] v[er]nichate fatt’ Auig[non]o f ’ ij j petto [sic] di ferro rozzo sanza alette cerchio f ’ s’ xvj vj peze daccaJo e di fero pichole triste al anticha f ’ j s’ xvj one basinet with bevor with a mantlet on top of the same form equipped with aventail-cover and collar and with a tinned aventail of half nailing 9fl., one tinned white-steel basinet with bevor made in Avignon of the same form 7fl., one old refurbished (latten) bordered basinet made in Avignon with bevor – un-equipped
25
z
document 4
z
5fl. 5s. 12d., one high (i.e. with tall apex) steel basinet with bevor re-made in Avignon – un-equipped 6fl., one new low steel basinet with bevor made by Bernardone (di Condomo) – un-equipped 4fl., one old small basinet with bevor of Paris (make) – un-equipped 5fl., one round steel basinet of Paris (make) with a large visor – un-equipped 4fl. 12s., two steel basinets made in Avignon of the same form equipped with steel aventails of six mail (links passed through one) and aventailcover and collar 19fl., [illegible] steel basinets of proof of the same form equipped with collar and aventail-cover and half-nailed aventail 22fl. 12s., one steel basinet of half-proof of the same form equipped with aventail-cover and collar and iron aventail 4fl. 18s., 16 […] steel basinets of proof without bevors of the same form – un-equipped – from several regions: some old, white (steel), and (latten) bordered – made in several parts 64fl., five old white-iron and (latten) bordered basinets of half-proof, and newly made in several parts of the same form – un-equipped 2fl. 12s., five old white-iron (latten) bordered basinets of half-proof of several fashions and furbished and newly refurbished – all un-equipped 8fl. 18s., five iron basinets of half-proof of the said type: several are bad 5fl., one small, round, old-fashioned iron basinet with iron aventail 1fl., three old-fashioned iron basinets – un-equipped – without visors 3fl., four iron basinets with visors, several bad – un-equipped 3fl., three old, old-fashioned, round basinet-skulls without visors 11fl. 16s., 40 steel visors in flattened form, rough-hammered from the forge 4fl. 4s., one silver plume-holder to place upon a basinet 10fl. 12s. Chapel (de fers), capellines, and barbotta of every region one small white-steel chapel (de fer) with barbotta made in Milan of the same form, of good making – un-equipped 4fl., two new white-steel capellines with barbotta made in Milan of the same form, of bad making 5fl., one varnished chapel de fer of the same form, of good making – un-equipped 1fl. Iron capellines – covered and uncovered – of every region one round, varnished, chapel de fer of the same form with little ventilation apertures – un-equipped 1fl., one varnished-iron capelline of the same form 18s., eight varnished steel and iron concealed skullcaps (i.e. sallets) – six new and two used – with and without collars 4fl. Iron vuette and skullcaps of every region one refurbished, white-iron vuetta of Milan (make) with ‘little wings’ (prob. defensive plates affixed at the temples) 1fl., five new, old-fashioned, white-iron brigands’ vuette (i.e. of the type borne by brigands) of Milan 5fl., three old iron skullcaps of the same form – dented 1fl., one iron skullcap of the same form for a crossbowman with one ventilation aperture [cost not recorded] Iron and steel pièces (i.e. breastplates) of every region one steel breastplate of proof made in Avignon closed at the front and at the back of the same form 10fl., one white-steel breastplate of proof of Milan (make) with
26
z
document 4
z
frontal lames (i.e. a plate skirt or fauld) and with large ‘wings’ (prob. spaudlers) at the back of new making 7fl., one old (latten) bordered steel breastplate of proof with frontal lames made in Milan 5fl., two white-steel breastplates with frontal lames and with spaudlers – one made in Avignon and the other at Lyon 7fl., eight (latten) bordered steel breastplates of Milan (make) made in the same manner with spaudlers, of good making with one waist-strap 18fl., one new white-steel breastplate of Milan with spaudlers with velvet waist-strap 3fl. 18s., one varnished-iron breastplate with waist-strap made in Avignon 2fl., one breastplate of rough iron without spaudlers (with) waist-strap 16s., six small, worn-out, old-fashioned steel breastplates 1fl. 16s.
1 January 1405–31 January 1406 j Bacinetto a beviera dacc’ di p[r]uoua fatto bernardone guernito chon chamaglio a boza Stimato f ’ xij j Bacinetto a bauiera dacc’ di p[r]uova alzato Avig[non]o Sghernito Stimato f ’ viij iij Bacinett’ a baviera dacc’ di p[r]uova alzato Avig[non]no a dett’ modo Stimato f ’ xviij j Bacinetto dacc’ a baviera corto di nuova fazione Sghuernito f ’ v j Bacinett’ dacc’ di p[r]uova al anticha chon chamaglio dacc’ a vj maglie guernito di padiglione e chalotta f ’ viij s’ xij j Bacinett’ dacc’ di p[r]uova a detto modo co’ chamaglio chaciato ghernit’ di padiglione E chalott’ f ’ viij iij Bacinet’ dacc’ di p[r] uova de la guixa ghernitj di padiglione E chalott’ E chamaglio di ½ boza bordat’ f ’ v j Bacinett’ dacc’ di p[r]uova bordato a bauiera Sfornito f ’ v viij Bacinett’ dacc’ di p[r] uova al anticha de la guixa tra bordati e bianchi Sfornitj e fatt’ In piu partj f ’ xxviij j Bacinett’ dacc’ de la guixa ritondo a ran [recte gran] visiera di parigj f ’ iiijo viiijo Bacinett’ di ½ p[r]uova tra bordatj E bianchi n[uov]o e uechi Sfornatj fatti In piu partj de la guixa f ’ xxij s’ xij x Bacinett’ di fero de la guixa di ½ p[r]ouva di dett’ fazio’ Sfornitj e piu chattiuj f ’ x iij s’ viij viij Bacinett’ di fero di dett’ fazione Sfornitj co’ visiera putristj f ’ viij vj Bacinett’ di fero di dett’ fazione piu chatiuj e di piu fazio’ f ’ iij s’ xviij ij Bacinett’ di fero di dett’ fazione e piu chatiuj con visiera e senza p[ro] s’ xij luno tra bianchi e nerj di piu fazione f ’ j v chopi di bacinet’ al anticha ritondi tristj f ’ j s’ xvj j bacinett’ di ½ p[r]uova chon chamaglio di fero tristo f ’ ij j visiera daccaio grande da met’ a bacinetj p[ro] fare arme f ’ j s’ vj xiiijo visiere di fero e daccaio vechie di piu fazionj bu[o]no e triste f ’ ij s’ viij xl visiere daccaio In piattonj rozj f ’ iij s’ viij j tuello dargento p[ro] met’ sop[r]a bacinett’ f ’ x s’ xij Chapeli Elmettj a barbotta dongnj ragi’ j Elmett’ daccaio di p[r]uova fattj a melano bianchi de la guisa a bu[on]o fazio’ con baviera sanza maglia f ’ vij j Elmett’ daccaio di dett’ fazione n[ouv]o picholo f ’ ij s’ xij j Elmett’ daccaio dett’ fazione veccho de la guxa f ’ ij s’ xij v chapelli daccaio n[ouv]o ritondi de la guixa fatj a melano di buona fazione f ’ xij s’ xij chapeline cop[er]te e schop[er]te dong’ ragi’ iiijo chapeline di ferro v[er]nichat’ [sic] nere de la guixa tonde a ventaglietta lune con una chalotta f ’ iij s’ viij iij chapeline di ferro v[er]nichat’ de la guixa dacop[er]ire f ’ ij v chapeline daccaio celate bu[on]o f ’ iij s’ xviij v Celate di fero a piu fazio’ tra bu[on]o
27
z
document 4
z
e chattiue picolo f j s’ xvj j Chapelina di ferro vechia rubiglioso sfornia s’ vj j chapelett’ picholo ritordo [sic] de la guixa s’ vj Vuette e cerveliere di fero dong’ ragi’ j vuetta di ferro biancha di melano ritrav[er]sato f ’ j v vuette di ferro bianche di mela’ da brigantj f ’ v iiijo cerveliere di ferro a ghuze chattiue stanzonate f ’ ij Peze daccaio e di ferro dongnj ragone j peza daccaio a lame dinanzi e di dietro trav[er]sata de la guixa fatt’ Auig[non]o bernardone f ’ x ij peze daccaio di p[r]uova fatt’ a mo[n]pil’ [sic] a lame dinanzi di buona fazione p[ro] f ’ vj s’ vj luna f ’ x ij s’ xij j peza daccaio e di ferro A lame dinanzi a picolale f ’ v vj peze daccaio corte con cerchio a picolale bordate di melano di buona fazione f ’ xiiijo iiijo peze daccaio a dett’ modo n[ouv]o bianche di melano f ’ viij v peze daccaio tra bianche e bordate a picolale bu[on]o f ’ vij s’ xij j peza dacc’ A molata sanzalett’ buona f ’ j iij peze daccaio e di fero vechie picoli triste a picoleale s’ xviij iij Rotelle ritrav[er]sate di fero p[er] ghonbitj o peze a braccali s’ xviij arnese di gamba e de coscia dong’ ragi’ j pare darnesi di ghamba e di ghoscia [sic] nuovi di melano picole di buona fazione f ’ v iij arnesi di ghamba E di choscia ritrav[er]satj bu[on]o guernitj fatt’ In piu partj f ’ xij one steel basinet of proof with bevor made by Bernardone with tinned aventail of (full) nailing 12fl., one high tinned-steel Avignon (made) basinet of proof – un-equipped 8fl., three high tinned-steel Avignon basinets of proof of the said type 18fl., one short steel basinet with bevor of new making – un-equipped 5fl., one old-fashioned steel basinet of proof with aventail of steel mail of six (links passed through one) equipped with aventail-cover and collar 8fl. 12s., one steel basinet of proof of the said type with punched aventail equipped with aventail-cover and collar 8fl., three (latten) bordered steel basinets of proof of the same form equipped with aventail-cover and collar and aventail of half nailing 5fl., one (latten) bordered steel basinet of proof with bevor – un-equipped 5fl., eight old-fashioned (latten) bordered and white-steel basinets of proof of the same form – un-equipped – in several parts 28fl., one round steel basinet of the same form with large visor of Paris (make) 4fl., eight new and old (latten) bordered white (steel/iron) basinets of half proof made in several parts of the same form – un-equipped 22fl. 12s., ten iron basinets of the same form of half proof and the said form – un-equipped – and several bad 10fl. 3s. 8d., eight iron basinets of the said type – un-equipped – with several worn visors 8fl., six iron basinets of the said type – several bad and of several types 3fl. 18s., two basinets of the said form and several bad – with visors and without – one (worth) 12s. – both white- and black-iron of several forms 1fl., one old-fashioned round basinet-skull – bad 1fl. 16s., one basinet of half proof with iron (mail) aventail – bad 2fl., one large steel visor to place on a basinet for feats of arms 1fl. 6s., 14 old iron and steel visors of several forms – good and bad 2fl. 8s., 40
28
z
document 4
z
steel visors, flat, rough (hammered) 3fl. 8s., one silver plume-holder to place upon a basinet 10fl. 12s. Chapel (de fers) (and) armets with barbotta of every region one white-steel armet of proof made in Milan of the same form, of good making with bevor, without mail 7fl., one new small steel armet of the said making 2fl. 12s., one old steel armet of the said making of the same form 2fl. 12s., one new round steel chapel (de fer) of the same form made in Milan, of good making 12fl. 12s. Capellines – covered and uncovered – of every region four round black-varnished-iron capellines of the same form with little ventilation apertures – one with a collar 3fl. 8s., three varnished-iron capellines of the same form – uncovered 2fl., five steel concealed capellines (i.e. sallets) – good 3fl. 18s., five small iron sallets of several forms – good and bad 1fl. 16s., one old rusted-iron capelline – un-equipped 6s., one small round capelline of the same form 6s. Iron vuette and skullcaps of every region one refurbished white-iron vuetta of Milan 1fl., five white-iron brigands’ vuette of Milan 5fl., four iron skullcaps of the same form – bad – dented 2fl. Steel and iron breastplates of every region one refurbished steel breastplate with lames at the front and behind of the same form made in Avignon (by) Bernardone 10fl., two steel breastplates of proof made at ‘mo[n]pil’’ (poss. Montpellier) with frontal-lames: of good making 6fl. 6s. , one steel and iron breastplate with frontal-lames with spaudlers 5fl., six short (latten) bordered steel breastplates with waist-straps of Milan: of good making 14fl., four white-steel breastplates of the said type of Milan 8fl., five good white-steel and (latten) bordered breastplates with spaudlers 7fl. 12s., one good steel breastplate: ground (i.e. with a grinding wheel) without spaudlers 1fl., three old, small, bad, steel and iron breastplates with spaudlers 18s., three refurbished iron roundels for elbows or arm-plates (i.e. besagews for couters or vambrace) 18s. Thigh- and legharness of every region one new small pair of thigh- and legharness of Milan: of good making 5fl., three good refurbished (pairs) of thigh- and legharness – equipped – made in several parts 12fl.
1 January 1407–31 January 1408 j Bacinett’ daccaio a bauiera fatto a lione biancho di p[r]ouva bello f’ viij s’ xviij j Bacinett’ dacc’ biancho a bauiera fato a chiaramo[n]te guernito chon chamaglio dacc’ chaciato f’ xij j Bacinett’ dacc’ alzato a bauiera guarnito a chama’ a boza bu[on]o f’ viij s’ xij iij Bacinet’ dacc’ a bauiera bianchj corti fat’ a mela’ isfornitj f’ xviij j Bacinett’ dacc’ a bauiera biancho isguernito fato a parigj f ’ viij xij Bacinet’ dacc’ bianchi di piu fazione alzati a bauiera Aving[no]no tutto sfornitj f ’ vij j Bacinet’ dac’ al anticha bu[on]o biancho
29
z
document 4
z
co’ chama’ chati’ belo guernito f ’ vj j Bacinet’ dacc’ a detto modo guernito chon chama’ a boza f’ x iiij Bacinet’ di fero al anticha guernito cho’ chama’ di fero f’ x viij Bacinett’ dacc’ di p[r]uova bianchi al anticha e bordatj di piu fazio’ e fatti in p[i]v [sic] partj isfornit’ f’ xxvj iiijo Bacinet’ di ferro di ½ p[r]uova al anticha a det’ modo f’ viij x Bacinet’ di ferro di ½ p[r]uova a dett’ modo isfornitj f ’ xij s’ xij viij Bacinet’ di ferro di dett’ fazione piu chatiuj f’ vj viij Bacinett’ di ferro di dett’ fazione piu chatiui tra bianchi e bordatj e nerj chon visere e sanza visiera isfornitj f ’ v j choppi a bacinett’ ritondi al anticha saza visiera f’ s’ viij j visiera daccaio temperata grande p[ro] mett’ a bacinettj p[ro] fare arme f’ j j visiera daccaio biancha buona fatt’ a parigj f’ s’ xij xviij visiere tra dacc’ e di ferro di piu fazionj p[ro] bacinetj a la[n]tica chatiue f ’ ij s’ vj vj visiere a dett’ modo e a nasale triste f’ s’ vj j Baviera di ferro p[ro] mett’ alzare j bacinetto al anticha f’ s’ xij xl visiere daccaio Roze in piattonj p[ro] lauorare p[ro] visiere a bacinettj al anticha f’ iij s’ viij j tuello dargento chon chanonj p[ro] mettere a bacinett’ di sop[r]a f’ x s’ vij j tuello dargento a chanonj p[ro] mett’ a elmet’ e capellj de la guisa f’ iij chapellj elmettj a barbotta dacc’ dong’ Ragi’ j elmetto daccaio di p[r]uova biancho a bauiera di melano guernito di chamaglio a boza chaciat’ n[uov]o f ’ viij j elmett’ a detto modo isguernito sanza nulle buono f ’ iiijo j elmett’ dacc’ a detto modo biancho picholo isfornito f ’ ij chapeline cop[er]te e schop[er]te dong’ ragi’ ij chapeline dacc’ celat’ v[er]nichate acorna bu[on]o f ’ ij v chapelline di ferro v[er] nichat’ nere a ventaglieta fatte auig[non]o f ’ v j chapellina di fero de la guixa picole da cop[er]ire f ’ s’ xvj j capellina dacc’ nera di p[r]uova a ghote e choda f ’ s’ xvj v [c] elate [sic] dacc’ v[er]nichate di melano bu[on]o guernite f ’ ij s’ xxij iiijo celate dacc’ v[er]nichate bu[on]o fatte Avig[non]o ij gernite de chalotta e ij senza f ’ iij viij celate di fero v[er]nichate chattiue rotte isfornito f ’ ij j chapello di fero ritondo al anticha tristo f ’ s’ iiij vuette e cerveliere di fero dong’ rag’ j vuetta di fero bianche v[ech]e [sic] fatt’ a melano f ’ s’ xij ij cerveliere a ghoze fatt’ a mela’ da brigantj f ’ s’ xx iij cerveliere v[er]nichat’ danaue Rotte triste f ’ j d’ j cerveliera vechia rubigliosa Ritonda f ’ s’ iiijo peze daccaio e di ferro dongnj Ragone j peza dacc’ biancha n[uov]o fatte a melano a lame dinanzi e di dietro trav[er]sata buone f ’ viij j peza daccaio a lame dinanzi bianche fatt’ a lione n[uov]o e di’ buona fazione f ’ v iiijo peze daccaio n[uov]o a lame dinanzi trav[er]sate fate a melano di bu[on]o fazione f ’ xviij ij peze dacc’ a lame dinanzi a picolale vsate fatte Auig[non]o ritrav[er]sate grandi e buone f ’ x vj peze dacc’ bordat’ di melano vn pocho vsate b[uo] n’ f ’ x iij d’ iiijo peze dacc’ a dett’ modo pu chatiue f ’ v iiijo peze dacc’ a picholale a j cerchio bianche n[uov]o di mela’ f ’ vj s’ xvj ij peze dacc’ puchature vsate v[er]nichate
30
z
document 4
z
f ’ j iij peze di ferro picole triste a j cerchio vechia f ’ s’ xviij ij Rotelle dacc’ picole rubigliose p[ro] met’ a gomitj f ’ s’ ij viij lame dacc’ p[ro] met’ a j peza dinanzi f ’ j one fine white-steel basinet of proof with bevor made in Lyon 8fl. 18s., one whitesteel basinet with bevor made in Chiaramonte (poss. Clermont) equipped with punched steel aventail 12fl., one high steel basinet with bevor equipped with (fully) nailed aventail 8fl. 12s., three short white-steel basinets with bevors made in Milan – un-equipped 18fl., one white-steel basinet with bevor made in Paris – un-equipped 8fl., 12 high white-steel basinets of several forms with bevors of Avignon (make) – all un-equipped 12fl., one fine, good, old-fashioned white-steel basinet with punched aventail – equipped 6fl., one steel basinet of the said form equipped with (fully) nailed aventail 10fl., four old-fashioned iron basinets of the said type equipped with iron aventails 10fl., eight old-fashioned (latten) bordered white-steel basinets of proof, of several forms and in several parts – un-equipped 26fl., four old-fashioned iron basinets of the said form of half proof 8fl., ten iron basinets of half proof of the said form – un-equipped 12fl. 12s., eight iron basinets of the said form – several bad 6fl., eight (latten) bordered white- and black-iron basinets of the said form – several bad – with and without visors – un-equipped 5fl., one old-fashioned round basinet-skull without visor 8s., one large visor of tempered steel to place on a basinet for feats of arms 1fl., one good white-steel visor made in Paris 12s., 18 steel and iron visors of several forms for old-fashioned basinets – bad 2fl. 6s., six visors of the same form and with nasals – bad 6s., one high iron bevor to place on one old-fashioned basinet 12s., 40 flattened, rough (hammered) steel visors for working (into visors) for old-fashioned basinets 3fl. 8s., one silver plume-holder with tube to place atop a basinet 10fl. 7s., one silver plume-holder with tube to place on armets and chapel (de fers) of the same type 3fl. Steel chapel (de fers) (and) armets with barbotta of every region one new white-steel armet of proof with bevor of Milan equipped with aventail of punched nails 8fl., one good armet of the said type without any fittings 4fl., one small steel armet of the said type – un-equipped 2fl. Capellines – covered and uncovered – of every region two good varnished-steel concealed capellines (i.e. sallets) with horns (‘a corna’)2 2fl., five black-varnished-iron capellines with little ventilation apertures made in Avignon 5fl., one small iron capelline of the same type with cover 16s., one blacksteel capelline of proof with central keel and tail 16s., five good varnished-steel sallets of Milan – equipped 2fl. 22s., four good varnished-steel sallets made in Avignon
2
One of this book’s reviewers generously suggested that this might refer to the nasal affixed to the front of the helmet that holds the fabric headwear (mazzocchio) in place. See R. C. WoosnamSavage, ‘Reality or Fairy Tale? Arms and Armour in Uccello’s San Romano Battle Paintings’, Park Lane Arms Fair 18 (2001), pp. 10–18 (at pp. 12–13, fig. 3 and fig. 4).
31
z
document 4
z
– two equipped with collars and two without 3fl., eight varnished-iron sallets – bad, broken, un-equipped 2fl., one old-fashioned round chapel de fer – bad 4s. Iron vuette and skullcaps of every region one old white-iron vuetta made in Milan 12s., two brigands’ skullcaps with central keels 20s., three broken, bad, varnished skullcaps for ships (i.e. shipboard fighting) 1d., one old, rusted, round, skullcap 4s. Steel and iron breastplates of every region one furbished, good, new, white-steel breastplate made in Milan with lames in front and behind 8fl., one white-steel breastplate with frontal lames made in Lyon – new and of good making 5fl., four new, furbished, steel breastplates with frontal lames made in Milan, of good making 18fl., two worn, refurbished, steel breastplates with frontal lames with spaudlers made in Avignon – large and good 10fl., six good (latten) bordered steel breastplates of Milan – a little used 10fl. 3d., four steel breastplates of the said type – several bad 5fl., four new steel breastplates of Milan with spaudlers with one white waist-strap 6fl. 16s., two varnished-steel breastplates, punctured – used 1fl., three small iron breastplates – bad – with one old waist-strap 18s., two small rusted-steel roundels to place on elbows (i.e. besagews) 2s., eight frontal lames to affix to one breastplate 1fl.
1 January 1409–1 January 1410 j Bacinetto dacc’ biancho a baviera fatto a parigj guernito chon camaglio a boza f ’ viij ij Bacinet’ dacc’ bianchi alzati Avig[non]o Guernitj lu’ chon cama’ a boza legurj e laltro di ½ boza f ’ xvj j Bacinett’ dacc’ a detto modo guernito chon chamaglio di ferro f ’ vj s’ xij iiijo Bacinett’ dacc’ alzatj Avig[non]o sfornitj f ’ xx ij d’ j Bacinett’ dacc’ biancho al anticha chon chamaglio da acaio chaciato bello fornito di Stoffa f ’ vij j Bacinett’ dacc’ biancho rubiglioso guernito chon chama’ a boza f ’ vj j Bacinetto dacc’ a deto modo al anticha picholo robiglioxo chon chama’ dacc’ a boza f ’ v j Bacinett’ di fero al anticha guarnito chon chama’ di ferro rubiglioxo f ’ ij s’ xij j Bacinetto di ferro rubiglioxo a baviera chon chama’ di fero piccolo da pocho f ’ iij s’ xij vj Bacinett’ ott’ dacc’ di p[r]uova chon visiera al a[n]ticha sfornitj f ’ xviij iiijo Bacinett’ di fero a detto modo di meza p[r]uova sfornitj f ’ viij v Bacinet’ di fero rubiglioxi sfornitj a deto modo piu tristj f ’ vj s’ vj vij Bacinet’ a detto modo sfornitij piu chattiuj f ’ vj s’ vj vij Bacinet’ di ferro a detto modo bianchi e nerj tristj f ’ iij s’ xij xij Choppi a bacinet’ al anticha rottj robiglioxi sanza visiera f ’ iij j visiera dacc’ temperata p[ro] mett’ a bacinet’ p[ro] arme f ’ j j visera dacc’ vechia fatta a parigj bu[on]o f ’ viiijo [sic] visiere di fero rubigliose vechi el anticha triste […] f ’ vj visere di fero picoli triste a nasale al antiche […] f ’ xl visere roze In piattonj p[ro] lauorare visere al anticha […] f ’ Chapellj elmettj a borbotta dacc’ dongnj rag’ iij elmett’ dacc’ bianchi di p[r]uova a borbota chon bauiera nuovi de la guixa sfornitj f ’ xviij iij elmettj dacc’ a detto modo Sanza bauiera isfornit’ nuovi f ’ xiiijo [sic] j elmetto dacc’ sanza bauiera e sanza visiera f ’ iij j elmetto di fero e dacc’ fato a lione
32
z
document 4
z
vechio isfornito sanza bauiera e sanza visiera f ’ iij j elmetto dacc’ e di fero picolo robiglioxo isfornito Sanza bauiera f ’ ij iiijo chapellj dacc’ tondi bianchi de la guixa di mala fazione bianchi fatti a melano f ’ viiijo [sic] ij chapelline dacc’ n[uov]o a chorna fate a melano f ’ iiijo chappeline cop[er]te e schop[er]te dongnj ragone ij chapelline di fero tonde v[er]nichate j a vn chornuo e laltra senza f ’ j s’ xij j chapelina di fero v[er]nichata a ventaglieta e fat’ Avig[non]o f ’ s’ xx j chapelina di fero v[er]nicha a ghotiere e choda f ’ s’ xvj iiijo chapeline di fero v[er]nichate p[ro] celate fatt’ Avig[non]o ij ghuernito e 2 sguernite f ’ ij s’ viij ij chapeline di fero a deto modo triste f ’ s’ viij ij chapellj de la guxa al anticha rottj tristj f ’ s’ viij iiij dozine di chornua di fero p[ro] met’ a celate f ’ j s’ xvj vuette e cervelliere di ferro dongnj rag[i]o’ ij vuette di fero fat’ a mela’ vechi e rubiglioxe f ’ s’ xvj ij cerveliere di fero a ghuze antiche robiglioxe da brigantj f ’ s’ xij iij cerveliere di fero rotti e nere p[ro] mostra f ’ s’ xij peze dacc’ e di ferro dongnj ragi’ j peza dacc’ a lame dinanzi e di dietro n[uov]o fatta a melano chon maglia dacc’ cacicat’ di sotto f ’ xvij vj peze dacc’ a lame fatte dinanzi a picolale di mela’ nuove f ’ xxx j peza dacc’ a lame dinanzi fate Avig[non]o a grandale f ’ vj viij peze dacc’ a vn cerchio n[uov]o bianchi corte bianchi f ’ 2 lu’ tra le r[i]p[er]ali e vna rotta f ’ xvj iij peze dacc’ e di fero vechie rotte picoli f ’ j one white-steel basinet with bevor made in Paris equipped with (fully) nailed aventail 8fl., two high white-steel basinets of Avignon (make) one equipped with a light (fully) nailed aventail and the other of half nailing 16fl., one steel basinet of the same type equipped with iron aventail 6fl. 12s., four high steel Avignon basinets 20fl. 2d., one fine, old-fashioned, white-steel basinet with punched steel aventail equipped with stuffing (i.e. padded lining) 7fl., one rusted white-steel basinet with nailed aventail 6fl., one small, old-fashioned, rusted-steel basinet of the said type with nailed steel aventail 5fl., one old-fashioned iron basinet equipped with rusted-iron aventail 2fl. 12s., one rusted-iron basinet with bevor with iron aventail (which is) a little small 3fl. 12s., six old-fashioned, lattened (i.e. coated in latten) steel basinets of proof with visors – un-equipped 18fl., four iron basinets of the said type of half proof – un-equipped 8fl., five rusted-iron basinets of the said type – several bad 6fl. 6s., seven basinets of the said type – un-equipped – several bad 6fl. 6s., seven white- and black-iron basinets of the said type – bad 3fl. 12s., 12 old-fashioned basinet-skulls – broken, rusted, without visors 3fl., one tempered-steel visor to place on a basinet for (feats of ) arms 1fl., one good, old, steel visor made in Paris [illegible], [illegible, poss. nine] bad, old, and old-fashioned rusted-iron visors […], six small, bad, old-fashioned iron visors with nasals […], 40 flattened, rough (hammered) visors to work into old-fashioned visors […]
33
z
documents 4–5
z
Steel chapel (de fers) (and) armets with barbotta of every region three new white-steel armets of proof with barbotta with new bevors of the same type – un-equipped 18fl., three new steel armets of the said type without bevors – un-equipped 19fl. [sic], one steel armet without bevor and without visor 3fl., one old iron and steel armet made in Lyon – un-equipped and without bevor and visor 3fl., one small, rusted iron and steel armet without bevor 2fl., four round white-steel chapel (de fers) of the same form, of bad making white [sic] made in Milan 9fl. [sic], two new steel capellines [sic] with horns made in Milan 4fl. Capellines – covered and uncovered – of every region two round varnished-iron capellines – one with a horn and the other without 1fl. 12s., one varnished-iron capelline with little ventilation apertures and made in Avignon 20s., one varnished-iron capelline with central keel and with tail 16s., four varnished-iron capellines for sallets (i.e. skulls: the main helmet bowl) made in Avignon – two equipped and two un-equipped 2fl. 8s., two iron capellines of the said type – bad 8s., two broken, old-fashioned, capellines of the same form – bad 8s., four dozen iron horns to place on sallets 1fl. 16s. Iron vuette and skullcaps of every region two old and rusted-iron vuette made in Milan 16s., two old-fashioned rusted-iron brigands’ skullcaps of the same form 12s., three broken black-iron skullcaps to demonstrate (i.e. be used as a constructional template) 12s. Steel and iron breastplates of every region one steel breastplate with lames in front and behind made in Milan with punched steel mail below 17fl., six new steel breastplates of Milan made with frontal lames with spaudlers 20fl., one steel breastplate with frontal lames made in Avignon with large spaudlers 6fl., eight short white-steel breastplates with a new white waist-strap – two of which can be repaired and one broken 16fl., three small, old, broken, steel and iron breastplates 1fl.
5 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Register of Archbishop Arundel, fol. 179v–fol. 80v Will of Thomas, Earl of Warwick, Warwick Castle, 1 April 1400 Richard moun fitz & heir mon espee h[er]noisez de Raggestanes lespee & hauberc q[ue] feurent iadys a luy noble chiualer Guy de Warrewyk remaynent a mon dit fitz & a mes heirs Richard, my son and heir, my sword harnessed with ragstones, the sword and hauberk which long ago belonged to the noble knight Guy of Warwick remain with my son and my heirs
34
z
document 6
z
6 London, British Library, MS Cotton Nero D II, fol. 260v–fol. 262r Allegorical Challenges sent to Princess Blanche, Daughter of the King of Albion, from the Ladies of the Court of Henry IV for a Royal Fête at Eltham Palace, Christmastide (24 December–5 January) 1400–1401 Phebus la principall’ Planet du Firmament […] n[ost]re tresame enfaunt de n[ost]re Chambr’ Ferombras de la Fountain […] vous empriant que vous plaise co[m]mander aucun de lez honurablez ch[eua]l[ie]rs estans en v[ost]re feste a deliurer n[…] dit enfans de six coups de lance aueques Rochez dassise en haultez sellez sans estre liez ou attachiez […] Donne en n[ost]re m[er]veilleu[…] [sic] maison du firmament plain destoilles Phebus, Principal Planet of the Firmament, sends our beloved child Ferombras de la Fountain […] we pray that you command any of the honourable knights at your fête to deliver our said child of six lance strikes with coronals of the same size in high saddles without being bound or attached […] Given in Our marvellous house of the firmament full of stars Ieuneste […] Roigne de Joye […] vne Jeune Ch[eua]l[ie]r par son droit no[m]me appellee Nonsaichant […] [pour] deliurer de six coups de lance ass’ en sellez Bass’ par le dessusd[i]c[t]e noble ch[eua]l[ie]r qui port en sez armez Vn escu dont le champ est dazure a trois quintefueillez dor & Vng Croissant dargent et que ce soit sans Estre attachiez ne liez en man’ ne en selle […] Escript en n[ost]re Chastel de plaisance […] Youthfulness, […] Queen of Joy sends a young knight called Nonsaichant (‘Unknown’) to deliver six lance strikes in low saddles by the said noble knight who bears on his (heraldic) arms a shield the field azure with three cinquefoils or and a crescent argent and that they not be attached or bound in any manner to the saddle […] Written in Our Castle of Pleasance Dalida […] Soudan de Babilon & Roy dalexandre […] vn Ch[eua]l[ie]r du Roy[aul] me damo[u]rs no[m]me le pouoir perdu […] dischargie de six Coupez de launcez assise en bassez sellez sans estre attachiez ne liez en selle ne en main […] Donne en n[ost]re Citee de Jherico le Jour de la T[ra]nslacion Appolui Dalida, [Lady of the] Sultan of Babylon and King of Alexandria […] sends a knight of the Realm of Love called Le Povoir Perdu (Lost Force) […] to discharge six lance strikes in low saddles without being attached or bound to the saddle or the hand […] Given in Our City of Jericho on the Day of the Translation of Apollo Naturo Nourice de vie […] noury Ferrant de Ferers […] deliurer n[ost]re dit Escuier de six coupes de lance en hautez ou en bassez selles auec Rochez dassise sans estre liez ne attachiez […] en n[ost]re palaice de plaisance plain de delicez
35
z
document 6
z
Nature, Nurse of Life […] sends her charge Ferrant de Ferers to deliver six lance strikes in high or low saddles with coronals of the same size without being bound or attached […] [written] in Our Palace of Pleasance full of delights Vertu mere & Nourrice donneur dame de parfait plaisance […] vng Ch[eua]l[ie]r de n[ost]re Chambr’ appelle Jeune lapprenant […] pour apprendre le fait du honneurable esbatemetz darmes Virtue, Mother and Nurse of Honour, sends a knight of Our Chamber called Jeune Lapprenant (Young Learner) […] to learn the honourable skills of feats of arms [An undisclosed author sends] vng Jeune ch[eua]l[ie]r no[m]me Ardant desireux qui est venu de longtaines parties de la t[er]re de Inde a cest v[ost]re noble feste […] pour apprendre le fait desbatement darmes vous suppliant humblement quil vous please comaunder le Ch[eua]l[ie]r de cest feste qui a plus cheuauchie en estraunge pais entre lez aaigez [sic] de vingt & xxiiij ans […] [pour] deliurer le dit suppliant de six coupes de lance de mesme sans vailain Rochet & sans estre liez ne attachiez y cest premier Jour de lan en v[ost]re sale au soir en basses selles & celluy qui aura Jouste le mieuleurs courses par v[ost]re tresnoble Jugement aura de son compaignon a ch[asc] un course vne vierge dor [An undisclosed author] sends a young knight called Ardant Desireux (Burning Desire) who has come for faraway places in the Land of Indies to your noble fête […] to learn skill at feats of arms that you command the knight at this fête who has ridden out in foreign lands between the ages of 20 and 24 years to deliver the supplicant six strikes of identical lances without dangerous coronals and without being bound or attached in the evening of this first day of the year in your hall in low saddles and those who, by your noble judgement, joust the best courses shall have of his companion for each course a golden rod Penolese femme a t[re]snoble Prince Vlixes […] n[ost]re bien amee enfaunt Palemides le loyal […] commaunder vne noble Ch[eua]l[ie]r estant a v[ost]re feste qui porte a sa deuise trois diu[er]se fueillez en grise de vne tresfoile a deliurer n[ost]re dit enfaunt de six coupes de launce sans vilain Rochet en bassez selles Penelope, Wife of Prince Ulysses, sends her beloved child Palemides le Loyal […] that you command a noble squire at your fête who bears as his (heraldic) device three grey leaves from a trefoil to deliver our said child six lance strikes without dangerous coronals in low saddles Uenus mere de Cupido […] n[ost]re petit enfant appelle le Joesne le Amernez […] aucun ch[eua]l[ie]r de v[ost]re feste a deliurer n[ost]re dit enfaunt de six coups de launce sans vilain Rochet en haultz sellez
36
z
document 6
z
Venus, mother of Cupid, sends our little child called Le Joesne le Amernez (‘The Young One to be Led’) that any knight of your fête deliver our said child six lance strikes without dangerous coronals in high saddles Cleopatra […] Royne de Mesolopolitaine […] n[os]tre tresbieu amee Ch[ua]l[ie]r appelle Pertsapeine lieutana[u]nt de Capaitain de n[ost]re Citee de Chios […] vous vueilliez baillier & deliurer vng Ch[eua]l[ie]r de v[ost]re Court qui port en sez armez vng escu dargent a vng chief dazur a deux mellettz dore pour le dischargier de six Coupes de lancez en basses sellez sans estre attachiez ne liez […] Donne en n[ost]re Citee de Troye dedeins le temple Jubit[er] Cleopatra, Queen of Mesopotamia, sends our most beloved friend the knight called Pertsapeine (‘Lose his Pain’), lieutenant of the Captain of our City of Chios […] [that] you wish to grant and deliver a knight of your court who bears in his (heraldic) arms a shield argent with a chief azure with two molets or for discharging of six lance strikes in low saddles without being attached or bound […] Given in Our City of Troy within in the Temple of Jupiter [An undisclosed author sends] […] vng petit & Jeune ho[m]me no[m]me Thoret de Tollide […] vous plaise co[m]maunder le plus Jolis ch[eua]l[ie]r de v[ost]re feste entre lez aiges de seize & vingt ans qui a plus longuement este s[er]uaunt darmoures de son aaige sans aucun guerredon’ receuoir a deliurer le dit suppliant de six coupes de launce de mesure sans vilain Rochet’ [An undisclosed author sends] a little and young man called Thoret de Tollide that it please you to command the finest jouster of your fête between the ages of 16 and 20 years old who, of his age, has longest been an unrewarded servant of Love to deliver the said supplicant six lance strikes with lances of the same length without dangerous coronals [An undisclosed author sends] vng Jeune ho[m]me no[m]me lancelot de libie qui est venu de longtaines p[ar]ties dorient pour cercher [sic] la droit eschole de nourritur & damo[u]rs […] co[m]maunder le Ch[eua]l[ie]r demo[u]rant en v[ost]re Court qui porte en sa deuise vne manier de best appelle Foliart a deliurer n[ost]re dit enfaunt de six coupes de lance en bassez sellez auecques Rochez dassise sans estre liez ne attachiez [An undisclosed author sends] a young man named Lancelot of Libya who has come from faraway parts of the Orient to seek the true school of nurture and of Love […] [and prays that you] command the knight at your court who bears as his (heraldic) device a kind of beast called a polecat to deliver our said child six lance strikes in low saddles with coronals of the same size without being bound or attached [An undisclosed author sends] vne Jeune petit enfant appelle Voulente dapprendre […] co[m]maunder le pluis Jolis & mieulx Joustant Ch[eua]l[ie]r de v[ost]re feste qui
37
z
documents 6–9
z
est droit Cousin au tresdoubte Prince le Roy de lisle des Gians a deliurer aux premier Joustures [An undisclosed author sends] a young small child called Voulente (‘Will’) […] [and prays that you] command the finest and best jousting knight of your fête who is the true cousin of the most dread prince the King of the Isle of Giants to deliver the first jousters
7 Kew, National Archives, PROB 11/2A/5 Will of John Sybille, citizen, Parish of Saint Martin Orgar, City of London, 19 August 1401 Thome filio meo omnia armatura mea corpori meo p[er]tinen’ v[i]z vna’ loricam vnu’ bacynet cum j ventayl’ & cum vauntbras & rerebras & similt’ cum legharneys greves quysseux & vnam bonam peceam de h[ar]nes vocat’ plates my son Thomas all my armour pertinent to my body viz.: one hauberk, one basinet with one aventail, and with vambrace and rerebrace, and likewise with legharness, greaves, and cuisses, and one good piece of harness called (a pair of ) plates
8 Lincoln, Lincolnshire Archives, Dioc/Episcopal Reg/13/fol. 36v Will of William Burgenon, Lincoln, 21 August 1401 hugon’ Reed’ omnem armaturam meam & vnu’ Jakk de Fens’ Hugh Reed all my armour and one jack of defence
9 Mantua, Archivio di Stato di Mantova, Archivio Gonzaga, busta 2881, vol. 5, c. 665, lettera 472 Letter written in Venice from Andree de Adelardis to Francesco Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, 11 October 1401 Dilecte n[ost]r’ p[er] che quando mu fusemo a venesia sa cordasemo como maistro zoano corazaro el qual sta a san marco che ne fesse vna coraza da proua el qual ne promiso di daruela compita a san michelo p[rese]nte mess’ Jacobo gradenigo e mess’ polo moresino e no na fato mener p[er] tanto voremo che vezuda la p[rese]nte lettera tu dobi esser [con] li diti mess’ Jacobo e mess’ polo e direge questo fato e pregarli p[ro]
38
z
documents 9–10
z
n[ost]ra parte che lor vorano ma[n]darer p[ro] lo dito maistro zoano p[er] che i sono p[rese]nte ali pati e quello rep[o]ndero e chi ge digano che la fato malo a no attendro quello chel promiso e chel ge piaza di far nela apreo E ti si dobi diligent[e]m[en]t’ solicitare che la se compasa E si voremo che tu ne scriui del certo a que tempo lauera compita si che mu sapiamo quando mandarer p[er] essa lo veludo da cou[e]rila te lo mandaremo bene e si te ma[n]daremo doi veretoni di nostri saldi como iquali tu farai aprouare la dita coraza como vno bono balestro da cidello Escrito za q[ue]sto breue mu se deliberasemo di scriuere a francesco zonturini che te dobi dare tanto veludo che la coura si che abi recorso a lui al qual mu scriuemo chel te lo dobia dare e fagelo tardro ti presente Azo che tu vezi quello che ge andara e posa sine scriui Azo che mu sapiamo que pagare al dito francisco E anco te mandemo i diti veretoni Azo che quando el sera t[em]po tu li possi far aprouare e se lau[or]o se ma[n]tegnesse voramo ch’ subito tu sine scriui dat’ mant’ xj octub’ 1401 Andree de Adelardis i’ venet’ [right margin: filipus] Our beloved, when we were in Venice we agreed that Master Zoano, cuirass-maker (i.e. plate armourer), who is at (the Parish of ) San Marco, would make a cuirass of proof which he promised to give you complete at (the feast of ) Saint Michael (29 September) in the presence of Mr Jacopo Gradenigo and Mr Polo Morosini, and he has done nothing. Therefore, once you have seen the present letter, we would like you to contact the said Mr Jacopo and Mr Polo and tell them this and beseech them on our behalf that they send for the said Master Zoano because they were present at the agreement and what I have replied, and tell them that he has done wrong not to fulfil what he promised and that we are pleased if he will make it immediately and that they should act diligently that it is accomplished. And we wish that you write for certain at the time he will have completed it so we know when to send for it. We will send you the velvet to cover it and we will also send two viretons of our conjoining (i.e. the head to the shaft) which you will use to proof the said cuirass with a device-spanned crossbow. Having written this letter, we have decided to write to Francesco Zonturini who will give you as much velvet as is needed to cover it, so contact him as we will write that he must give it to you. And do this so that you will see what will fit and is placed and then write about it so that we know what to pay the said Francesco. And we also send the said viretons so that when it is time you can proof it and, if the work is fulfilled, we would like you to write about it immediately.
10 Kew, National Archives, C 145/280/25 Goods captured from the Ship called ‘le Faucone’ on the Coast of Scotland in 1402 by the Men of the Earl of Arundel & Henry Percy, ‘le fitz’, from Kingston-upon-Hull, 29 December 1402 decem bacynettes septem hab[er]ions duodecim p[ar]ia de plates septem paunces sex pesanes duo hundscolles decem p[ar]ia de vambraces sex prikynghattes quinq[ue] palettes quatuor[um] p[ar]ia cirotecar[um] de plate quadraginta & vnius librar[um]
39
z
documents 10–12
z
ten basinets, seven haubergeons, 12 pairs of plates, seven paunces, six pisans, two hounskulls, ten pairs of vambrace, six prikynghattes (riding hats), five pallets, four pairs of plate gauntlets £41
11 York, Borthwick Institute, Probate Register 3, fol. 88r–fol. 89v Will of Sir John Depeden, Healaugh, Yorkshire, 1402 Joh[ann]i filio milonis de Stapilton’ j gladiu’ ornat’ cu’ argento quond’ p[at]ris sui & j Thwahandswerd, Radulpho de Goldesburgh j jak de defens j bacinet j par de wambrace et j par cirotecarum de plate Thomæ Sampson unam loricam videlicet j chesserant John, son of Miles Stapilton, one sword decorated with silver which was his fathers and one two-handed sword, Ralph Goldesburgh one jack of defence, one basinet, one pair of vambrace, and one pair of plate gauntlets, Thomas Sampson one hauberk viz.: one jazerant
12 Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, Manuscript E.1939.65.2198 Letter of Challenge to a Feat of Arms (fait d’armes) with Combat à outrance (to the extreme) from Seven Knights and Squires of the Household of Louis, Duke of Orléans, to Seven of the Same from Edward, Earl of Rutland’s Household, 10 January and 25 March 1402 Those chosen are to be of good name and be known to have taken up arms (‘de nom & darmes’). The combat is to take place at an agreed place on the border of the castellanies of Bourg and Montendre, just north of Bordeaux, at Candlemass (2 February) 1402. The two sides eventually met on 19 May 1402. Celebrated by the French as the ‘Combat des Sept’, the copyist records: ‘NB q’ les anglois furent desconfiz’ (‘NB that the English were defeated’). The challenge, written at Paris, 10 January 1402 Premierem[en]t que les vij ch[eva]l[ie]rs & escuiers de lostel mons’ le duc dorleans veulent combatre a oultrance Item que lune partie ne luat’ ne s[er]ont ac[com]paigniez daucunes p[er]sonnes de quelq’ estat quilz soient gentilz ho[m]mes ne autres fors tant seulement de deux heraulx dune partie et deux dautre ITem que ch[ac]un sarmera ainsi mieulx luy semblera fors tant seulem[en]t que nul dune partie ne daut[re] ne auront sur eulx nulz fers barbelles ne nulle allayne ne h[er]bes ne aunures ne nul autre enchantem[en]t fors de leurs corps face chacun au mieulx quil pourra ITem que ch[ac] un deux portera sur soy iiij bastons cestass’ vne lance vne espee vne hache vne dague les
40
z
document 12
z
meilleurs selon que ch[ac]un poura avoir sans nul enchantemens fors que autel’ co[m] me len a acoustume porter en guerre ITem que len combatra a pie en la place diuisee par l[ett]res seellees de seau de noz armes a laide de dieu & de n[ost]re dame nous lacomplirons Firstly, that the seven knights and squires of the Duke of Orléans’ household wish to fight à outrance. Item, that neither party be accompanied by any persons of any estate – be they gentlemen or others – save two heralds of each side. Item, that each shall arm themselves as best they see fit save only that neither party shall have upon them barbed blades or vapours or herbs or charms or any other enchantments save the strength of their bodies, each doing as best as they can. Item, that each one shall carry about his person four weapons, that is to say: one lance, one sword, one axe, (and) one dagger – the best as each can have without any enchantments save that they be of those (types) customarily borne in war. Item, that the combat shall be on foot in the agreed place. By letters sealed with the seals of our (heraldic coats of ) arms with the aid of God and Our Lady we shall accomplish it. Sir Arnault Guilhem de Barbazan, Guillaume de la Champaigne, Archambault de Villons, Sir Guillaume du Chastel, Sir Guillaume Bataille, Clignet de Bréban, Yvonnet de Carouys (Breizh/Breton: Yvon de Carhaix)
The Englishmens’ reply, written at Bordeaux, 25 March 1402 There is some clarification requested on the articles concerning the selection of judges and issue of safe conducts. ITem qu[an]t a la tierce article toucha[n]t larmeurie en est aduis quelle est Raisonnable ITem qu[an]t a la iiije touchant les iiij bastons nous laccordons b[ie]n ITem qu[an] t a la ve article touchant lent[re]prise que len combatra a pie nous laccordons b[ie]n quilz sont prestz deulx deffendre de la d[i]te emprinse et Requeste faicte par lesdiz mess’ arnault guillam & ses compaign’ et celle Requeste acompliront a laide de dieu de nostre dame & de monseigneur saint george mons’ Robert descalles Sire de Noiselles admond thorpe Jehan heron Robert Weuteuhale Robert scalles Jehann florit et thomas tille Item, on the third article concerning the armour: it is reasonable. Item, on the fourth concerning the four weapons: well do we agree. Item, on the fifth article concerning the undertaking that the combat be on foot: well do we agree. They are ready to defend the said undertaking and request made by the said Sir Arnault Guilhem and his companions and this request they shall accomplish with the aid of God, Our Lady, and my Lord Saint George. Sir Robert Scales, Lord of Newsells, Sir Edmund Thorpe, John Heron, Robert Wetenhall (poss. Wydeville/Woodville), Robert Scalles (sic, prob. a kinsman of Sir Robert Scales), John Florit, Thomas Tille
41
z
documents 13–14
z
13 Thomas Walsingham, Historia Anglicana, ed. H. T. Riley, vol. 2 (Cambridge, 1864), pp. 251–2 The chronicler Thomas Walsingham describes the defeat and capture of Archibald, Earl of Douglas, at the Battle of Humbledon Hill, Northumberland, 14 September 1402 Comes Duglas, cernens suorum fugam, nam et ipse campiductor Scotorum, ne belli desertor videretur esse, arrepta lancea, cum turba suorum animose descendit, confidens nimirum in armatura propria compliciumque suorum, jam per triennium elaborata, et super arcitenentes irruere nitebatur. Quod videntes sagittarii, retrocedendo sagittabant, tam vivide, tam animose, tam graviter, ut ipsos armatos omnino penetrarent, cassides terebrarent, gladios perforarent, lanceas finderent, et omnem armaturam levi negotio transverberarent. Ipse quoque Duglas Comes quinque vlneribus confossus est, non obstante sumptuosissima armatura. […] Comes quoque Duglas captus est; sed ex hiis fugerant multi capti sunt The Earl of Douglas, seeing the flight of his (forces), as he was the Scots’ commander lest he be considered a war deserter, snatched up his lance, and descended (the slope) with his retinue, being doubtlessly confident in his own complex armour and that of his (men) which they had been working away on for three years, and endeavoured to charge the (English) archers. When the archers saw this, turning back, they shot so vigorously, so courageously, so grievously, that all their (the Scots) arms were penetrated, helmets pierced, swords broken, lances shattered, and all light armour pierced through. Even the Earl of Douglas himself was pierced with five wounds despite his most sumptuous armour. […] The Earl of Douglas was himself captured; still many of those who fled were captured
14 London, British Library, MS Harley 1736, fol. 48r–fol. 49r John Bradmore, King’s Surgeon, describes his method of treating Prince Henry’s arrow injury after the Battle of Shrewsbury on 21 July 1403, Kenilworth Castle þe sayd herry kynge [sic] was smetyn i[n] þe face be syd þe nose on þe lefte syd w[i] t[h] an arow þe wyche sayd arow e[n]tryd ou[er]wharte and aft[er] þe schaft’ wase takyn owt and þe hede ther of a bod styll’ i[n] þe hy[n]dyr parte of a bone of the hede aft[er] þe mesur’ of vj ynche and tha[n] was Joh[a]n bradmor’ surgen to þe kynge and helyd hy[m] i[n] þe castell’ of kelyngworth to þe sayd castell’ come þ[a]t tyme dyu[er] se of wise lechys (i.e. medics) sayand that thei wolde draw owt þe arrowe hed w[i]t[h] drynkys and odyr curis but thei myght note and at the laste the sayd Joh[a]n bradmor’
42
z
document 14
z
Figure 1. Drawing of John Bradmore’s ‘Instrumentum’ for the extraction of an arrowhead (British Library, MS Harley 1736, fol. 48v).
entyrmetyng of þe sayd cur’ and had owt þe arow hede wyth swyche an Instrume[n] t þe whyche Instrume[n]t was mad i[n] The man[er] of tonges and was Rownde and holowysche & be the mydd’ ther of entryd a lytyll’ wyse w[i]t[h] þe wyche Instrume[n] t was pullyd owt þe arrow hed and aft[er]ward þe wounde was wasched w[i]t[h] wyne and clensyd w[i]t[h] mu[n]dificatyfe onyme[n]t of iij partt’ of populion3 and þe iiij part of hony so co[n]tynewynge þe space of vij dayes and aft[er]ward þe place washed w[i]t[h] vng[guentu]m fuscu’ cirurgicu’4 And vndyrstand for a gen[er]all’ rewle þ[a]t ys full’ p[ro]fyetabyll’ þ[a]t wher’ so eu[er] an arrow hede or a darte hede styke faste þ[i]t ys nedfull’ fyrste be for’ þe drawy[n]ge owt to suften þe place w[i]t[h] su[m] malificatyfe thy[n]ge as oyle of Rosse for p[ar]aue[n]tur’ yf yt wer’ note yt myght cause deth to þe pacient And yf yt happen an arrow hed w[i]t[h] þe schafte entyr but lytyll’ i[n]to þe bon[e] so þ[a]t yt may esly be pulde oute and w[i]t[h] owty[n] gret payne tha[n] ows [i.e. cause] þe arow to be lefte styll’ stykynge i[n] þe sayd me[m]byr’ to þe next day folowynge for be þ[a]t tyme þe blod schall’ be stawnched and co[n]gelyd i[n] þe schafte i[n] þe arow hed tha[n] yt schalbe waxen grett’ for cause of moystnes of þe wounde wher’ for’ þe schafte schall’ styke faster’ i[n] þe arrow hede and tha[n] on þe next day may þe arow hede be drawne owt w[i]t[h] þe schafte wher[e]for’ i[n] þe drawynge owt þ[o]u schalt take þe schafte i[n] thy[n] handys of þe arow and wryth su[m]what þe schafte of þe arow and draw yt so owt And yf yt happen’ þ[a]t þe arrow hede ys w[i]t[h] owt þe schafte than a payer’ of longe pynsons made ther[e]for and pull’ owt þe hed þ[e]rw[i]t[h] sauand large þe wounde afor’ w[i]t[h] tayntynge and next aft[er]warde vse a mu[n]dificatyfe onyme[n]t of populion’ and hony as yt ys sayd afor’ to [recte till] þe wou[n]d be p[er]fyghtly clensyd fro[m] þe corrupc[io]n and aft[er] helle yt w[i]t[h] su[m] Regen[er]atyfe onyme[n]t as ys sayd afor’ woundd’ of þe Gyne [i.e. gun]
3
4
‘An ointment containing buds of the black poplar (Populus nigra) and other herbs, used to relieve pain, inflammation, and itching’, The Oxford English Dictionary, ed. J. Simpson (Oxford, 2004), online edn. Unguentum fuscum curgicum: dark surgical ointment. A twelfth-century Italian manuscript contains a recipe with the ingredients colophony (pine resin), mastic, wax, oil, and lard. H. E. Sigerist, ‘A Salernitan Student’s Surgical Notebook’, Bulletin of the History of Medicine 14 (1943), pp. 505–16 (at pp. 511–12).
43
z
documents 15–16
z
15 Durham Cathedral Archives Durham Priory Sacristan’s Accounts, 1404 j lorica vocat’ gessera[u]nt cu’ greues & qwhissors in manu p[ri]oris j lorica dono Wil[e]l[m]i penchor cu’ cirotec’ de plat’ in manu p[ri]oris ij bacynet’ cu’ j auentale j p[ar’] de greues cu’ qwhyssors & j p[ar’] de sabato[u]n’ que fueru[n]t d[omi]ni Joh[ann]is Neuyll’ ij ketylhatt’ vnu’ gun cu’ pulu[er]e p[ro] guerra iiij duoden’ & iiij par’ cirotecar[um] j barell’ p[ro] armis mu[n]dand’ one hauberk called a jazerant, with greves and cuisses in the Prior’s hands, one hauberk gifted by William Penchor with plate gauntlets in the Prior’s hands, two basinets with one aventail, one pair of greaves with cuisses, and one pair of sabatons which belonged to Lord John Neville, two kettlehats, one gun with powder for war, four dozen and four pairs of gauntlets, one barrel for mending arms
16 London, British Library, Additional MS 21370, fol. 15r–fol. 16r The Single Combats undertaken by Jean, Seneschal of Hainaut, Autumn 1404 (Extracts) le iiie Jour doctoubre fist armes au petit bordeaux dauant mon seigneur de duras Contre pierequin la[m]bert angloys dun cource de lance a cheual & xxvj coups despee & de la cource de lance ataignit ledit seneschal langloys en la charnie’ de son armet & lestourdit tant que en celuy iour ne peult acheuez ses armes mais au second Jour ampres acheuerent les armes a cheval tresfierement Item firent armes a pie de ix pous de lance a trois reprinse’ xxv coups de haiche sans reprinse & fist perdre les dess’ dit seneschal a langlois sa haiche de toutes les deux mains dont les armes furent acomplis [I]Tem fist armes dauant le roy de castelle Contre Rodis de mendosse le plus redoubte ho[m]me despaigne vne co[u]rce de lance & xv coups despee a cheual & donna ledit seneschal au dit rodis de mendosse au grant garde braz & ledit rodis do[n] na au seneschal ou hault de la piece et tous deux ronpirent leurs lances & acheuement bien & fierement leurs numbre de coups despee […] [the next day] […] il fist donner audit de mendosse du genueil et de la main entierre & luy fist perdre de ce coup sa haiche de toutes les deux mains […] [on the third day] acomplierent les giez & pous de lance qui ne durerent pas longuement du premier giet ledit de mendosse donna audit seneschal en sa pauissine et la fossa plus de demie brasce oultre Au tiers coup ledit seneschal le ataignait en vne des la mettes du genueil son cuissot & la fausa & luy mist bein trois doiz au dess’ du genueil en coup mortel dont inco[n]tina[n]t la iambe luy faillit & le failght [sic] emporter a son logis
44
z
documents 16–17
z
On the third day of October, he undertook (feats) of arms in Little Bordeaux before my Lord of Duras against Pierequin Lambert, Englishman, of one course (run with) the lance on horseback and twenty-six sword strokes. And on the lance course the said Seneschal struck the said Englishman on the hinge of his armet and he was so stunned that he could do no more that day and was unable to achieve his (feats of ) arms but on the following day they achieved their mounted (feats of ) arms most doughtily. Next, they undertook (feats of ) arms on foot nine lance-thrusts with three retreats (and) twenty-five axe-blows without retreat. And the said Seneschal made the said Englishman lose his axe from both hands thus the (feats of ) arms were accomplished. Next, he undertook (feats of ) arms before the King of Castile against Rodrigo de Mendosa, the most dreaded man in Spain, (comprising) one course (run with) the lance and twenty-five sword-strokes on horseback. And the said Seneschal gave the said Rodrigo de Mendosa (a blow) on his pauldron reinforce and the said Rodrigo gave the Seneschal (a blow) on the top of the breastplate: and they broke their lances. And they achieved well and doughtily their number of sword-strokes. [On the next day] he gave the said De Mendosa (a blow) on the knee and on the entire hand and from this blow made him lose his axe from both hands. [On the third day] they accomplished the casting and thrusting of the lance which did not last long. On the first cast the said De Mendosa gave the said Seneschal (a blow) in his small pavise and it broke outside more than half an arms’ length. On the third blow the said Seneschal struck (Rodrigo) in one of the knee-fittings (prob. straps) of his cuisse (thigh armour) and it broke and it (the lancehead) went a good three inches above the knee as a mortal blow – instantly the leg gave way and he had to be carried to his lodgings.
17 Kew, National Archives, C 66/373, membr. 14 Forfeited Goods of Thomas, Earl Marshal, from a Royal Grant issued at Westminster, 28 June 1405 ac om[n]ia h[ar]nesia p[ro] eodem Comite p[ro] pace & guerra ordinata tam sella equor[um] vocator[um] Coursers q[u]am sellas p[ro] hastiludiis altas & bassas ordinatas with all other harness for the said Earl ordained for peace and war – saddles ordained both for horses called ‘coursers’ and high and low saddles for jousts
45
z
documents 18–19
z
18 York, Borthwick Institute, Probate Register 3, fol. 241r Will of Master William Norton, Clerk, York, 18 December 1405 Ric[ard]o Fr[atr]i meo meu’ Brestplate cu’ reredos & vnu’ par’ de rerebracez & vnu’ par’ de sabatons & equu’ meu’ lyard’ my brother Richard, my breastplate with backplate, and one pair of rerebrace, and one pair of sabatons, and my dapple-grey horse
19 Brussels, Archives Générales du Royaume/Algemeen Rijksarchief, C.C., Recette générale du Brabant, reg. 2394, fol. 412r–fol. 414v and fol. 454v. Household Accounts of Antoine, Duke of Brabant, 1406 and 1408 Mathijs den sweertueg’ wodende Inder stad van brux’ om te hebben geveecht en’ gesuuert vor minen vors’ he[r]e’ vj zweerde xxiiij s’ twee van mijns vors’ he[r]en’ zweeder van noerenb[er]ge te hebben gesuuert en’ bereidt x s’ om te hebben gesuuert ij ysers archegaye j glauy yser j hamer ende j dagge vor miine’ vors’ hee’ vj s’ ij nuwe zweerde die mijn vors’ hee’ Jegen hem heeft doen cope’ en’ gheuen dene sinen kemerlinc h’ hugen van chalon en’ dand’ Andriese van castijts xl s’ gesuu[er]t en’ bereidt iij van mijns vors’ he[r]en zweerden xij s’ ij van mijns vors’ he[r]en ande[re] n zweerden gesuuert viij s’ om te hebben geveecht gesuuert en’ te poente geset vor van mijns he[r]en zweerde’ en’ te hebben gepollijst een /par\ van sine’ /huuen\ van den maecsel van alemaenge’ om te hebben geveecht en’ gesuu[er]t iiij van mij[n]s vors’ he[r]en zweerden xvj s’ gesuu[er]t iij ander va’ mijns vors’ he[r]en zweerde xij s’ ij nuwe sweerde die mijn vors’ he[r]en de denemen van hem xxxvj s’ / om scheon te hebben gemaect iiij van mijns vors’ h[er]en zwerden xvj s’\ iij ander van mijns he[r]en zweerde /schoen te hebben gemaect xij s’ he’ gemaecht twee nuwe zw[er]de xxxvj s’\ /om schoen te hebben gemaect drie ande’ van miins vors’ he[r]en zwerden xvj s’\ te hebben bereit gesuuert en’ te poente geset viij van mijns he[r]en zweerden xxxij s’ hebben geveecht en’ gesuu[er]t ij zweerden eene steecsweert ende ij glay ysere’ vj s’ j nuwe sweert dat mijn vors’ he[r]e dede neme’ van hem en’ geuen sine’ Jonck’ gherart van pontaillier xxxiij s’ j ander zweert dat mijn vors’ here des gelijcx heest vor hem doen neme’ en’ geuen den Rosseel knape’ van sine’ so[m] miers viij s’ hebben gesuu[er]t j beenrenasch [sic] vor minen vors’ he[r]e viij s’ [Payments for work done from December–24 October of the previous years] Albrecht pansiermak’ Wonende Inder stad van brux’ om te hebben geschuert en’ gestoffiert vj van mijns vors’ he[r]en pansier iiij gorgieren iij schoten ij par mouwen j paer yserin couse’ en’ iiij barbieren xl s’ om te hebben oet gherolt en’
46
z
document 19
z
gestoffiert die pansieren en’ p[ar]t’ van harnassche vors’ xl s’ om te hebben te paente geset j pansier diewolt m[ij]n vors’ he[r]e dede copen Indeo stad van antwerpen en’ dat te scoere’ te verstofferen met eene’ van mijns he[r]en ande[re]n pansiere’ xx s’ om te hebben gescoert iij van mijns he[r]en pansier en’ j honscouel iiij s’ om te hebben gescuert iiij and’ van mijns he[r]en pansiere’ ij colliere’ eene’ schort en’ j honscouel vj s’ om te hebben gestoffiert en’ gescoert j pansier eene’ halue’ schoet een par strichoesen vor mine’ vors’ he[r]e iij s’ om te hebben gescuert en’ gestoffiert ij van mijns he[r]en pansiere’ en’ ij colliere’ iij s’ om te hebben gescuert iij van mijns he[r]en pansieren ende de collier vanden tween verset en’ te hebben gescuert eene’ schoet ende ene’ halue’ schoet j collier ende j honscouel xx s’ om te hebben gescuert gemyscht gesuu[er]t en’ te poente geset alle mijns vors’ he[r]en maelhe h[ar]nasch en’ dat gestoffiert xl s’ om te hebben verset ij barbiere’ van huue’ viij s’ om te hebben hermaict en’ bereidt j pansier toe hoen[er]de phielibeert knape van mijns he[r]en honde’ dewelke m[ij]n vors’ he[r]e’ gescoert hadde vj s’ om te hebben oec gescuert iij van m[ij]ns he[r]en pansier iiij barbiere’ iiij honscouelen iiij colliere’ iiij schoet en’ ij half schoet ij pair stoichoesen Ende de vors’ iiij pansiere’ te stoffiere’ en’ te poente te sette’ xxiiij s’ om te hebben gescuert vj couu[er]ture’ van p[ar]den van maelheh[ar] nassche en’ ander xij stucken iij pansiere’ en’ j honscouel xlvj s’ om te hebbe’ gescoert en’ gestoffiert vj pansier ij collier ij honscouele’ iij schoet en’ ene’ halue’ schoet ende ij par stoichoesen xxxij s’ om te hebben oet gescuert iiij van mijns he[r]en pansiere’ iij schoet’ ende iij barbiere’ xviij s’ om te hebben gescuert en’ gestoffiert vj couu[er] tu[er]en van p[ar]den xij stucken van mailheh[ar]nassche viij pansiere’ iiij schote’ iij honscouelen ij half schote’ iiij barbiere’ ende ij colliere’ lx s’ om tene [sic] honscouele xxvij s’ om te hebben gescuert en’ gestoffiert viij pansier ij collier vj schoten ij par strichosen ende ij colliere’ xl s’ [1408] Aelbrecht de leeu pansiermaker woenende Inder stad van bruessel om te hebben gescuert en’ gestoffiert ij panchieren’ en’ ij gorgiere’ x s’ gescuert en’ gestoffiert ij and’ panchier en’ j honscouel x s’ gescuert en’ gestoffiert iiij pansier xij s’ gescuert iij pansier gestoffiert iij honscouel en’ ij gorgiere’ xv s’ gemist gescuiert en’ gestoffiert iiij pansiere’ iij ho[n]scouel en’ iij gorgiere’ xx ene’ schoet die m[ij]n vors’ he[r]en gas’ brockaert doerw[…] mij[n]s he[r]en van bourg[oig]ne iiij l’ [sic] En’ om te hebben bereit ij pansier xiiij s’ Mathijs the sword-furbisher in the City of Brussels, for having wiped and cleaned for my Lord six swords 24s., two of my Lord’s swords from Nuremberg, for having cleaned and prepared them 10s., cleaned two iron lancegays, one iron glaive, one hammer, and one dagger for my aforesaid Lord 6s., two of my Lord’s new swords given to his chamberlain Master Hugen van Chalon and the other to Andriese van Castijts 40s., cleaned and prepared four of my Lord’s swords 12s., two of my Lord’s other swords that he has cleaned 8s., having wiped, cleaned, and set up for use my Lord’s swords and having polished the German mason’s huven (brimmed helmet) 36s., wiped and cleaned four of my Lord’s swords 16s.,
47
z
document 19
z
cleaned four of my Lord’s other swords 12s., two of my Lord’s new swords selected by him 36s., having made scabbards for four of my Lord’s swords 16s., scabbards for three of my Lord’s other swords 12s., wiped two new swords 36s., scabbards for three of my Lord’s swords 16s., cleaned and set up for use eight of my Lord’s swords 32s., wiped and cleaned two swords and one steecsweert (thrusting sword) and one iron glaive 6s., one new sword that my Lord chose from him and has given to his squire Gherart van Pontaillier 33s., one other sword that my Lord chose from him and has given to Rosseel – servant of his sumpters (pack-horses) – 8s., having cleaned one legharness for my Lord 8s. Albrecht pansiermaker (mail-maker) in the City of Brussels, for having scoured and stuffed (i.e. fitting with padded fabric linings, straps and buckles, and/or additional fabric or leather fittings) six of my Lord’s mail shirts four gorgers three paunces two pairs of sleeves one pair of iron chausse and four barbières 40s., having rolled (i.e. in a barrel) and stuffed the mail shirts from the aforesaid harness 40s., setting up for use one mail shirt which my Lord bought in Antwerp and scoured and stuffed one of my Lord’s other mail shirts 20s., scoured three of my Lord’s mail shirts and one hounskull 4s., scoured four of my Lord’s mail shirts two collars one paunce and one hounskull 6s., stuffed and scoured one mail shirt and one half-paunce (i.e. a mail skirt that protects the front only) and one pair of steel chausse for my Lord 3s., scoured and stuffed two of my Lord’s mail shirts and two collars 3s., scoured three of my Lord’s mail shirts and the collar […], scoured one paunce and one half-paunce one collar and one hounskull 20s., scoured, crafted, cleaned and set up for use all my Lord’s mail harness and stuffed it 40s., two huven-barbières (i.e. mail throat and chin defences for a brimmed helmet) 8s., made and prepared one mail shirt […] Phielibeert – servant of my Lord’s hounds – that my Lord had scoured 6s., scoured three of my Lord’s mail shirts four barbières four hounskulls four collars four paunces and one half-paunce two pairs of steel chausse and stuffing and setting up for use the four mail shirts aforesaid 24s., scoured six horse covers of mail harness and another 12 pieces (of mail) three mail shirts and one hounskull 56s., scoured and stuffed six mail shirts two collars two hounskulls three paunces and one half-paunce and two pairs of steel chausse 32s., scoured four of my Lord’s mail shirts three paunces and three barbières 18s., scoured and stuffed six horse covers 12 pieces of mail harness eight mail shirts four paunces three hounskulls two half-paunces four barbières and two collars 40s., one hounskull 26s., scoured and stuffed eight mail shirts two collars six paunces two pairs of steel chausse and two collars 40s. [1408, payments made for work done from 2 March–27 October of the previous year] Aelbrecht de Leeu [sic], pansiermaker (mail-maker) in the City of Brussels, for having scoured and stuffed two mail shirts and two gorgers 10s., scoured and stuffed two other mail shirts and one hounskull 10s., scoured and stuffed four mail shirts 12s., scoured three mail shirts and stuffed three hounskulls and two gorgers 15s.,
48
z
documents 19–21
z
cleaned scoured and stuffed four mail shirts three hounskulls and three gorgers 20s., one paunce for Lord Gaston Brockaert – usher of my Lord [the Duke] of Burgundy – 4l. [sic, recte 4s.], and having prepared two mail shirts 14s.
20 Mantua, Archivio di Stato di Mantova, Archivio Gonzaga, busta 1620, fol. 14v Letter to Francesco Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, from his servant in Milan, 15 June 1406 Ad factu’ Armor[um] no’ rep[er]it’ qui attendere velit p[ro]pt’ bellum & male rep[er] it’ posse inue[n]ire necc[essar]ia Et circa flanchialia manegetor[um] & lungationis manicar[um] pancironor[um] ta[n]tum caru’ dicit’ q’ nescio dispon[er]e hodie ero et faciam illud boni q[uo]d m[ih]i uidebit’ p[ro] meliori Rep[er]it’ unus mag[iste]r qui facere vult Coracias ad p[ro]bam ueretonor[um] Et uult xij ducatos de qualibet S[et] ip[s]as facere no’ pot’ usq[ue] ad tres septimanas mag[iste]r q’ rep[er]it’ uolens face’ arnisia ad p[ro]bam veretonor[um] S[et] d’ v’ no’ posset de ip[s]is h[abe]re gaudime[n]tum q’ e[ss]ent nimis grauia It cannot be ascertained who might wish to attend to the making of armour on account of the war and is, if able to find the necessities, ascertained poorly. And regarding the edges of gauntlets and the lengthening of mail shirts’ sleeves, it is said to be so costly that I do not know how to arrange it today but I will do what seems best to me. It is ascertained that one master wishes to make cuirasses proofed against viretons and wants 12 ducats from whoever but is not able to make these for up to three weeks. This master – as ascertained – is wont to make harnesses proof against viretons but Lord V. [prob. Visconti, i.e. Gian Maria, Duke of Milan] is not able to be happy about these should they be too heavy.
21 York Minster Archives, Dean and Chapter Register B, L2/4, fol.142v– fol. 143v Will of John Parker, Clerk, Doctor of Medicine, York, 26 November 1406 Joh[ann]i Cl[er]ico meo vnu’ equu’ bay vnam cellam noua’ vna cu’ archu meo cu’ sagitt’ Rob[er]to Cl[er]ico meo vna zona argento parat’ cu’ daggaro Joh[ann]i Killyngall’ vicaro de Kyrkeby Stephan vna’ zona’ cu’ vno baslardo deaurat’ Thome del Dam Spic’ gladiu’ meu’ longiorem in custod’ Rob[er]ti Clerk’ eccl[es]ie s[a]nc[t] i Martini Rob[er]to Brid j Wyrehatt’ cum j Carleleax Joh[ann]i Dawe gladiu’ meu’
49
z
documents 21–2
z
breuem d[omi]no hugoni de hamstwhayt j arcum cu’ quibusdam sagittis qui sunt in custodia m[inist]ris mee apud Raudon’ John, my clerk, a bay horse a new saddle along with my bow and arrows, Robert, my clerk, one silver belt fitted with a dagger, John Killinghall, vicar of Kirkby Stephen, one belt with gilt baselard, Thomas del Dam, spicer, my longsword in the keeping of Robert, clerk of the Church of Saint Martin [le Grand, York], Robert Brid one wire hat with one Carlisle axe, John Dawe my short sword, Lord Hugh Hampsthwaite one bow with certain arrows in the keeping of my servants at Rawdon
22 Mantua, Archivio di Stato di Mantova, Archivio Gonzaga, busta 329, t. I, fol. 18r–fol. 19v Inventory of Arms and Armour of Francesco Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, 1407 due Coracie cop[er]te d’ veluto grane p[ro] p[erson]a q’ mag[istr]o d[omi]ni vna Coracia discop[er]ta p[ro] p[erson]a q’ p[re]fati d[omi]ni vnu’ par franchaliu’ Integror[um] azalis magnor[um] p[ro] p[re]fato q’ d’ duo paria franchaliu’ azalis fulcitor[um] veluto p[ro] p[re]fato d’ quatuor Coracie azalis a familia duo paria franchialiu’ azalis a famil’ vnu’ par franchaliu’ azalis fulcit[orum] velut[orum] vigi[n] ti noue’ pancerie azalis vigi[n]ti octo pancerie ferrj viginti falde azalis quatuor dici’ falde ferrj sex dicim gorzarinj azalis octo gorzarinj ferrj tres Brage azalis viginti octo paria guantor[um] azalis quatragi[n]ta octo paria gua[n]tor[um] ferrj vnus Bantus [sic] azalis cu’ vna girlanda rosar[um] arge[n]ti deaur[a]ti & smaltati q’ s[un]t n[o] uo dec[e]m pond’ march’ v vnus Capeletus azalis cop[er]tus veluto rubeo paloso cu’ sipte’ Radis arge[n]ti deaurati cu’ columbinis p[ar] Intus cum vno Canono argenti ponder’ march’ iiij et ij ½ oz p[ro] tenendo penezium vnus Bantus magnus cu’ frontalj arge[n]ti deaurati cu’ vno penerio penar[um] albar[um] & rubear[um] et cu’ noue’ rosis arge[n]ti deaurati smaltati pond’ march’ v et oz ij vnus elmetus azalis cop[er]tus veluto grane Trigi[n]ta quatuor elmeti azalis Quatuor elmeti ferrj vna celata Cop[er]ta veluto carmesi peloso cu’ certis dindinelis Rechamatis virid’ vna celata magna azalis Quatragi[n]ta tres cellate ferrj decem & octo Spalarolj azalis vna Targeta azalis viginti vnu’ paria arnesior[um] azalis i’ q[ui]b[us] s[un]t quatuor paria p[ro] p[erson]a q’ m[agistr]o d’ p[re]f ’ duo paria subtelar[um] azalis cu’ Calcharib[us] noue’ paria arnisior[um] ferrj quatragi[n]ta vnu’ pectora azalis in q[ui]b[us] s[un] t duo p[ro] p[erson]a q’ p[re]fati d[omi]ni vigi[n]ti vnu’ pectora ferrj a sachoniaris vigi[n]ti octo paria Brazalor[um] i’ q[ui]b[us] est vnu’ par’ p[ro] p[erson]a p[re]fati d[omi]ni frisat[orum] argenti deaurati Triginta paria Brazalor[um] ferrj q[ui]nq[ue] Rotelle azalis vna lancea gaia cu’ Canono arge[n]ti et cu’ Arma s’ gerogij & Arma d’ gonz’ quartirata cu’ franzia sete rubes ad ma[n]ich[ar]um Centu’ vigi[n]ti octo
50
z
document 22
z
lancee ab equo viginti paria Bolzar[um] ab arnisijs vet[e]r[orum] due Tenalie ferrj p[ro] Incid[e]ndo ferru’ duor[um] Incid[e]nes ferrj longi forma pali d’ ferro vna Rotella d’ ligno cu’ vno breui & vna Rosa alba vnus pauesius pict[orum] ad diu[er] ssa arma octo paria Sp[er]enor[um] a pagijs trigi[n]ta vna coregie a panceria i’ q[ui] b[u]s est vna fulcit’ argento tres manteline pa[n]nj scarlatinj ab elmeto vna aceta p[ar] ua Tredicim mantellj d’ maya ferrj ab equis septem pecij malie ferrj ab equis decem coracie a giostra vnus enssis a Campiono vndicim elmj a Giostra vndicim brazalia a giostra tredicim manete a giostra quatuor dici’ paria Spalarolor[um] a giostra qui[n] dicim gaunti a giostra noue’ scutti a giostra Tres elmj a giostra vet[e]r’ dece’ & sipte’ barbute cu’ camalio azalis & ferrj i’ q[ui]b[us] Barbutis vna est cu’ coroneta d’ arge[n] to deaurato cu’ t[ri]b[us] finialtis due Barbute sine camalio sex Spalareti de ferro due capeline ferrj vet[e]r[arum] vna h[abe]t camaliu’ d’ malia Tres acie vnus Bordonzelus a peleg[ri]no cu’ lama azalis quadra q’ reconditur i’ manubrio duo paria Brazaliu’ azalis cu’ guarnime[n]tis vnu’ scossum p[ar]uu’ cu’ lamis d’ azalj frisiat[orum] vnus spetus a venando duo arcus anglici d’ ligno vna lancea gaia cu’ franzia circha manubriu’ sex Brazalia sine Cubitu cu’ rotolis vnu’ par’ Brazaliu’ azalis grauiu’ frisat[orum] q[ui] nq[ue] paria arnisor[um] ferrj duo paria arnisor[um] ferrj cu’ medijs cossalib[us] octo paria schineriar[um] d’ ferro due Baliste fracte qui[n]q[ue] penerij albj & rubei sine fulci[men]tis q’ ab Ip[s]is ablata s[un]t vnus enssis vetus duo Targones picti p[ro] ludo mazascuti vna Bombardella p[ar]ua d’ bronzio vna capelina cop[er]ta veluto grane vnu’ Stendardum Sindo[n]is rubei ad diuisia’ tortorelle vna zornia Sindo[n]is d’ grana cu’ cruce alba vnu’ par’ caligar[um] albj & rubei chamozie due Corigie ad elmo d’ tessuto azuro cu’ fibulis & mazijs & dic’ & noue’ passetis arge[n]ti deaurati pond’ In tot’ cu’ stino onz’ tredecim vna Corigia ab elmo Tessuti rubei cu’ mazia & fibula & vigi[n]tib[us] passetis arge[n]ti deaurati pond’ onz’ octo et quat[uo] r’ duor[um] cum stino Tres Corigie de coreo rubeo sufulte coreo albo vna corigia d’ coreo rubeo a pancerea noua fulcit[arum] de rechalcho [recte aurichalcho] sex Agugiete sirici rubei cu’ pendalijs arge[n]ti deaurati pond’ vn[iu]s onz’ q[ui]ndicim fibule d’ ottone dearato a coracia due Balle de aurcihalcho deaurate cu’ tintinellis de arge[n]to deaurato vna cerueta arge[n]ti albj cu’ vno breui arge[n]ti deaurati pond’ onz’ t[ri]u’ & quarti vn[iu]s cu’ dimid’ Trigi[n]ta qu[in]q[ue] fulcime[n]ta a lanciys a giostra qui[n]q[ua]gi[n]ta noue’ domenines a giostra sex centu’ t[re]gi[n]ta Claui albj a Sonalijs Triginta qu[in]q[ue] Claui a posta aurichalchi deaurati viginti quatuor mazie aurichalchi deaurata duodicim fibule aurichalchi deaurati quatuor mazole aurichalchi deaurati mille ducent’ Claui aurichalchi deaurati Trigi[n]ta sex corigie ab elmo cu’ fibulis sexagi[n]ta sex balote de ferro a sclopo vna Baneria d’ Sindone grane cu’ S’ marco poi[n]to’ i’ auro tres Banerie de sindone v[i]z due cu’ acq[ui] lla nigra et t[er]tia ad arma gonz’ tres coracie vetes a tornerio octo spate a tornerio vnus elmus a giostra fulcit[arum] fibulis arge[n]ti deaurari p[ro] p[erson]a q[uon]d’ m[agistr]o d[omi]ni quatuor Targones picti ad ceruet[u]ra & allas Triginta Chianete ab elmeto trigi[n]ta quatuor Claui d’ aurichalco ab elmeto centu’ septagi[n]ta quatuor paria Chianetor[um] vigi[n]ti q[ui]nq[ue] milia Broche[arum] albe’ a coracia vigi[n] ti septe’ milia centu’ siptuagi[n]ta brochar[um] v[e]t[eri]s vndicim milia dicentu’ qu[in]q[ua]gi[n]ta broch’ albar[um] a Brazalib[us] duce[n]tu’ qu[in]q[u]agi[n]ta octo
51
z
document 22
z
fibule a pector[um] & Brazalib[us] dece’ & octo Reste stagnate noue’ milia tric[en]tu’ broche ab arnisijs sex milia broche albe a gua[n]tis octo centu’ Claui nigrj a brazalib[us] octo centu’ qu[in]q[u]agi[n]ta claui a brazalib[us] mille octo centu’ Stachete a gua[n]tis centu’ septuagi[n]ta qu[in]q[ue] claui a resta vigi[n]ti sex libre smerilij Int’ pistu’ & no’ pistu’ quatragi[n]ta noue’ Claui a viseria quatragi[n]ta quatuor Stuffe ab elmeto Trigi[n]ta stuffe a cellata qu[in]q[u]agi[n]ta paria maniciar[um] a guanto quatuor pelles Camocie doudicim pelles montonine vnus Canonus cu’ duab[us] allis arge[n]ti deaurati ab elmeto cu’ q[u]ato[u]r scudetis finialtatis pond’ onz’ quatuor dicim quart[orum] duor[um] cu’ dimidio duo Canonj a pencrio ab elmeto arge[n] ti deaurati cu’ q[u]atuor scudetis p[ro] quolibet pond’ onz’ decem quartor[um] triu’ two cuirasses covered with grained velvet for the late Lord Master’s person, one uncovered cuirass for the late Lord Master’s person, one complete pair of steel flank defences (‘franchialim’, poss. tassets)5 for the said late Lord, two pairs of steel flank defences fitted with velvet for the said Lord, four steel cuirasses for retainers, two pairs of steel flank defences for retainers, one pair of steel flank defences fitted with velvet, 29 steel mail shirts, 28 iron mail shirts, 20 steel (mail) faulds (i.e. skirts), 14 iron (mail) faulds, 16 steel (mail) gorgets, eight iron (mail) gorgets, three steel (mail) brayers, 28 pairs of steel gauntlets, 48 pairs of iron gauntlets, one steel ‘bantus’ [prob. Lat. bacinetus: basinet] with a garland of silver-gilt and enamelled roses – weight 5 marks, one steel chaplet (chapel de fer) covered in red piled velvet with seven silver-gilt rays with doves throughout with one silver tube to hold feathers (i.e. plume holder) – weight 4 marks and 2½oz, one large ‘bantus’ [basinet] with a silver-gilt frontal with one white- and red-feathered plume and with nine silver-gilt enamelled roses – weight 5 marks 2oz, one steel armet covered with grained velvet, 34 steel armets, four iron armets, one sallet covered with crimson piled velvet with certain bells embroidered in green, one large steel sallet, 43 iron sallets, 18 steel pauldrons, one steel targe, 21 pairs of steel harness (poss. legharness) four pairs of which were for the aforesaid late Lord Master’s person, two pairs of steel sabatons with spurs, nine pairs of iron harnesses, 41 steel breastplates two of which were for the aforesaid late Lord Master’s person, 21 iron breastplates with padding, 28 pairs of bracers one of which was for the aforesaid late Lord Master’s person bordered with silver gilt, 30 pairs of iron bracers, five steel bucklers, one lancegay with silver tube (i.e. ferrule) and with the quartered (heraldic) arms of Saint George and Gonzaga fringed with red silk at the shaft, 128 lances for mounted combat, 20 pairs of ‘bolzarum’ [balzae: mail poleyn-fringes] for old harnesses, two (pairs of ) iron tongs for forging iron, two long anvils in the form of an iron stake, one wooden buckler [decorated with] with one scroll and one white rose, one pavise painted with divers (heraldic) arms, eight pairs of spurs for pages, 31 leather straps for mail shirts – one of which is fitted with silver, three scarlet cloth mantelines (fabric decorations) for armets, one small axe, 13 iron mail mantles for horses (prob. head defences now known as crinets), seven pieces of iron mail for horses, ten jousting 5
Plate defences for the upper thigh, they will be investigated in the next volume.
52
z
document 22
z
cuirasses, one sword for a champion (i.e. for single combat), 11 jousting helms, 11 jousting bracers [poss. polder-mittons], 13 ‘manete’ for jousting (prob. manifers), 14 pairs of jousting pauldrons, 15 jousting gauntlets, nine jousting shields, three old jousting helms, 17 barbutes with steel and iron (mail) aventails, one of these barbutes has a silver-gilt coronet with three finials, two barbutes without aventails, six iron pauldrons, two old iron capellines one of which has a mail aventail, three axes, one pilgrim’s staff with a four-cornered (i.e. diamond-sectioned) blade which retracts into the shaft, two pairs of steel bracers with fittings, one small ‘scossum’ [poss. Fr. estoc: thrusting sword] the blades edged with steel, one hunting spear, two wooden English bows, one lancegay with fringe around the shaft, six bracers without couters with besagews, one pair of heavy steel bracers bordered (with), five pairs of iron harnesses, two pairs of iron harnesses with demi-cuisses, eight pairs of iron (prob.) greaves, two broken crossbows, five white and red plumes without fittings which have been removed, one old sword, two painted targes for the ‘ludo mazascuti’ (lit. game of mace shield), one small bronze bombardelle (gunpowder weapon), one capelline covered in grained velvet, one red sendal standard with the (heraldic) device of turtle doves, one grained sendal giornia (open-sided overgarment) with white cross, one pair of white and red chamois boots, two helm-straps of azure fabric with buckles and mordants (tongues) and nine silver-gilt bosses (i.e. reinforced belt-holes) – total weight with tin 13oz, one helm-strap of red fabric with mordants and buckles and 20 silver-gilt bosses – weight 8oz and four with the tin, three straps of entwined red and white leather, one red leather strap for a mail shirt newly fitted with latten, six red silk laces (i.e. arming points) with silver-gilt aglets (i.e. tips) – weight 1oz, 15 gilt-copper buckles for cuirasses, two gilt-latten balls with silver-gilt bells, one white silver (i.e. polished) ‘cerveta’ (little hart – i.e. stag) with one silver-gilt scroll – weight 3oz 4 ½, 35 reinforces (prob. vamplates) for jousting lances, 59 jousting ‘domenines’ [poss. coronals or grappers], 630 white (i.e. polished) nails for bells, 35 gilt-latten nails for affixing, 24 gilt-latten bosses, 12 gilt-latten buckles, four gilt-latten little bosses, 1,200 gilt-latten nails, 36 helm-straps with buckles, 66 iron balls for scoppietti (i.e. bullets for handheld guns), one grained sendal banner with Saint Mark stitched in gold, three sendal banners, viz.: two with black eagles and the third with the (heraldic) arms of Gonzaga, three old tourney cuirasses, eight tourney swords, one jousting helm fitted with silver-gilt buckles for the late Lord Master’s person, four targes painted with (heraldic) harts and wings, 30 chains for armets, 34 latten nails for armets, 174 pairs of chains, 25,000 white (i.e. polished) pins for cuirasses, 27,170 old pins, 11,250 white pins for bracers, 258 buckles for breastplates and bracers, 18 tinned rests (i.e. lance-rests coated in tin), 9,300 pins for harnesses, 6,000 white pins for gauntlets, 800 black (i.e. unpolished) nails for bracers, 850 nails for bracers, 1,800 studs for gauntlets, 175 nails for rests, 26lb of emery – ground and unground, 49 nails for visors, 44 armet stuffings (i.e. linings), 30 sallet stuffings, 50 pairs of gloves for gauntlets, four chamois skins, 12 sheepskins, one silver-gilt tube (i.e. plume holder) with two wings for an armet with four shield-shaped (i.e. escutcheons) finials – weight 14oz 2 4 [sic]
53
z
documents 22–4
z
and ½, two silver-gilt tubes (i.e. plume holders) for an armet with four (heraldic) escutcheons for it – each weighing 10¾oz
23 Pau, Archives départementales des Basses-Pyrénées, E 134, fol. 6r–fol. 7r and fol. 17v Inventory of Olivier de Clisson, connétable of France, Château de Josselin, Duchy of Brittany, 1407 Ie espee de passo garnie darg’ dore En j coffre long de boays a pluss’ espees dagues & cousteaux g[ar]niz darg’ dorez J jaques de veluau v[er]moil j haub[er]jon dedenz Ie coste darmes j coite aux armes de mons’ de veluaut vermoil a maches [sic] de p[er]s et de g[ri]s ou Il y auoit esc[ri]pt pour ce quil me plest one sword of Passau garnished with silver gilt, several swords, daggers, and knives garnished with silver gilt in one long wooden coffer, one vermilion velvet jack with a haubergeon inside, one coat armour, one of my Lord’s coat armours of vermilion velvet with sleeves of pale blue and grey bearing the motto: ‘Pour ce quil me plest’ (‘Because it pleases me’)
24 Paris, Archives nationales, Y//2, Châtelet de Paris, Livre rouge vieil, fol. 236v–fol. 237v Regulations of the Haubergers of Paris, 10 May 1407 Charles par la grace de dieu Roy de france Sauoir faisons a tous p[rese]ns et auenir A nous auoir este expose de la partie des haubergieres de n[ost]re bonne Ville de paris Que co[m]me es temps passez aient este et encores de Jour en Jour soient co[m]mises ou preiudice de la chose publique de la tuicion et defense des bonnes villes et chasteaulx de n[ost]re Royaume et de la seurete des corps et personnes des nobles et autres gens frequentans les armes et qui se habilitent a ycelles plus[ieur]s fraudes decepcions et mauuaistiez tant par ce que es temps passez aucuns Jurez nont este fais ou establis de par nous en n[ost]re d[i]c[t]e ville de paris qui se soient prins ne prenguent garde ou visitent les faulses denrees et marchandises de haubergerie & armeures qui cotidiennem[en]t sont exposees en vente en n[ost]re d[i]c[t]e ville Comme pour ce que esd[i]c[te]s denrees et marchandises pluseurs de n[ost]re sang et autres ch[eua]l[ie]rs escuiers et gens poursiuuans les armes et aut[re]s ont este et sont tressouuent mauuaisement deceuz et engaignez par le mauuais malice et couuoitise de ceuls qui sentremectent de vendre et comportez par la d[i]c[t]e ville denrees et marchandises de haubergerie et autres armeures qui tressouuent leur vendent haubergerie f[ai]c[t]es de mailles de fer lesqueles Ilz afferment veritablement estre dacier et
54
z
document 24
z
tressouuent aduient que en vendant ycelles denrees Ilz afferment aux achecteurs que elles ont este f[ai]c[t]es en lombardie et la verite est aucontraire que elles ont este f[ai] c[t]es en almaigne ou aut[re]s pays esquelz on ne fait pas si seurs ouurages que on fait esd[i]c[t]es partes de lombardie Et a ceste fin pour mieulx deceuoir yceulx achecteurs mectr[en]t ou font mectre yceulx vendeurs faulses marques ou saigns en et sur lesdictes denrees de haubergerie lesquelz sont contrefais aux saigns des bonnes villes de lombardie ou len a acoustume faire & ouurer de bonnes et seures armeures Et qui plus est en n[ost]re d[i]c[t]e ville de par’ habondent sont & demeurent gens dudit mestier de haubergerie qui sedient bons ouurers & expers oudit mestier et marchandise de haubergerie lesquelz en verite nont dicellui aucune vraye science ne experience Car a grant peine sauroient Ilz Rescouper ne Resmailler vng trou estant en vng haubergon se Ilz ne le faisoient faire par main dautruy Et neantmoins pendent ou font pendre et mectre aux fenestres de leurs hostelz ensignes et bannieres paintes faisans demonstrac[i]on que telz mannieres de gens sont ouuriers dudit mestier et marchandise de haubergerie dont Ilz ne sceuent Rien Et toutesuoies soubz vmbre de ce Ilz sont coustumiers de vendre et de fait vendent co[m]munement et en publique a toutes mannieres de gens qui deulx veulle[n]t achecter tresfaulses denrees et marchandises dudit mestier de haubergerie et armeures lesqueles choses se pourueu et Remedie ny estoit par nous pourroient ou temps auenir Redender ou tresgrant peril lesion et p[re]judice du bien publique de la seurete tuicion et deffense des bonnes villes chasteulx et forteresses ensemble des nobles et autres gens frequentans les armes de tout n[ostr]e Royaume Pour Remedier et pourueoir Ausqueles choses yceulx esposans ayent aduise aucuns poings et articles qui en leurs conferences leur ont semble et semblent estre necess[air]es tresprouffitables et expediens pour le bien de nous et de la chose publique touchans ledit mestier et marchandise de haubergerie et supplient estre poings A Lencien Registre de leur dit mestier Ad ce que doresenauant Ilz soient gardez et obseruez en leurs termes pour la seurete de nous et de n[ost]re Royaume desquelz poings et articles la teneur sensuit Et p[re]mierement sensuit la teneur dudit ancien Registre Quiconques veult estre haubergier a par’ estre le peut se Il scet faire le mestier et Il a de quoy Quiconques est haubergier a par’ Il puet auoir tant daprentiz co[m]me Il lui plaira et ouurier de mis se mestier lui est Quiconques est haubergier a par’ Il puet ouurer de quelque matiere co[m]me Il lui plaira et de quelque pays que la matiere soit Soit ch[asc]un par soy ou tout ensemble Quiconques est haubergier a paris Il puet ouurer aux foiriez se mestier lui est Nulz haubergiers de par’ ne doit Riens de chose qui vende ne achacte appartenant a son mestier ne en font ne hors faire ne en m[ar]che ne hors marche Nul hauberg’ de par’ ne doit point de guet car le mestier le acquicte Car le mestier est pour s[er]uir ch[eua]l[ie]rs escuiers et sergens et pour garnir chasteaulx Item sensuit la teneur desd’ nouueaulx pointz & articles Primo que doresenauant aucun si Il ne scet faire & ouurer du mestier de haubergerie et quil soit expert et souffisant en ycellui mestier ne pourra en la ville de paris mectre a son huys p[ar]che ou autr’ chose a laquele ait pendue habergerie ne tenir bote atournez ne esclarer maille establye ne ouurouoir et ne pourra prendre afaire ouurage de haubergerie co[m]me ont fait & sont lesdiz haubergiers et ouuriers dud’ mestier Sur peine de soixante solz parisis damende a apliquer au Roy no[str]e s’
55
z
document 24
z
en laquele les Jurez et gardes dud’ mestier auront le quart Item quiconques vouldra leuer ouurouoir dudit mestier a paris faire le pourra pourueu quil soit trouue ouurier souffis’ et expert en ouurage de maille neufue et tel tesmoigne et approuue par les Jurez et gard[e]s dud’ mestier et paiera pour entree se Il nest filz de maistre Soixante solz par’ Cestassauoir quarante solz au Roy et vint solz a la confrarie saint george aux armeuriers Item aucuns compaignons dud’ mestier ne pourront doresenauant aler ouurer ailleurs que ce hostelz de maistres & ouuriers dudit mestier sans le conge de Jurez ou gardes dud’ mestier sur la d[i]c[t]e amende de soixante solz a apliquee co[m] me dessus Item toutesfois que aucuns dud’ mestier ou autres vendront tenus dire & declerer en faisant les contraires a celui ou ceulx qui les vouldro[n]t achecter se les denrees sont de fer our dacier Sur peine de perdre les denrees et de la d[i]c[t]e amende de soixante solz a apliquer co[m]me dit est Item aucun dudit mestier ou aut’ qui sentremecte dicellui mestier et m[ar]chandise de haubergerie a paris ne mectra ou sera mectre doresenauant sur haubergons dalmaigne ne dautre pays saing aut’ que celui du maistre qui le aura fait et qui fera le contraire les denrees seront confisquees au Roy n[ostr]edit seigneur et si le amendera le vendeur de soixante solz par’ damende a apliquer co[m]me dessus Item tous m[ar]chans forains qui doresenauant venront a par’ pour vendre denrees de haubergerie seront tenus de ycelles denrees monstrer et exhiber aux Jurez et gardes dudit mest’ et ycelles faire veoir et visiter par lesdiz Jurez auant ce que Ilz les exposent en verite pour sauoir se louurage est ou s[er]a bon enterin et de bonne de bonne trampe et pour escheuir aux perilz qui sen pouruoient ensuir Sur peine de la dic’ amende de soixante solz par’ a apliquer co[m]me desssus Item pareillement les ouuriers de par’ s[er]ont tenus de faire veoir et visiter par lesdiz Jurez leurs denrees auant ce que Ils les puissent vendre nexposer en verite sur la dic’ paine a apliquer co[m]me dessus Item tous ouuriers dudit mestier et aut[re]s comportans denrees de haubergerie dacier ou de fer parmj la ville de paris s[er]ont barguigneurs dicelles denrees de quel Lieu ou pays les denrees s[er]ont et les vendre pour teles que elles s[er]ont Soient fa[i]c[te]s de maille cloee ou de maille plaquee et qui sera le contraire les denrees s[er]ont confisquees au Roay n[ost]re dit seigneur et lamendera le vendeur de soixante solz damande a apliquer co[m]me dessus Item que les ouuriers dud’ mestier s[er]ont tenus de faire Les haubergons neufs & aut[re]s ouurages dudit mestier bons et loyaulx et tout dune mesme matiere Cestassauoir tout fer ou tout acier et qui fera le contraire les denrees s[er]ont confisquees au Roy et si le armendera de la d[i]c[t]e amende de soixante solz a apliquer co[m]me dessus Item oudit mestier aura trois p[er]sonnes Jurez et gardes dudit mestier qui ad ce s[er]ont no[m]mees & esleues par le co[m]mun dudit mestier et co[m]mis par n[ost]re preuost de par’ p[rese]nt ou auenir Item publiees ou carrefour de la heaumerie a par’ le mardj xe Jour de may lan de grace mil quatre cens et sept Charles, by the grace of God King of France, makes known to all present and future that it has come to our notice at the behest of the haubergers of our good City of Paris that from times past they have been and continue to be, day on day, subjected to the prejudice of the public good, of the protection and defence of the good
56
z
document 24
z
towns and castles of our realm, and the personal and bodily safety of the nobles and other men frequently undertaking feats of arms who bear these (haubergeons) because of several frauds, deceptions, and evildoings as heretofore none have been sworn in or established by us in our City of Paris to be responsible for preventing or overseeing the false goods and merchandise of mail and other armour which is daily put up for sale in our city. Due to these goods and merchandise several of our own (royal) blood and other knights, squires, men following (a career) in arms, and others have been, and too often are, evilly deceived and tricked by the evil malice and covetousness of those involved in the sale and import into this city of mail goods and other armours. All too often they sell mail made of iron links which they truly affirm to be steel. All too often it comes to pass that, in selling these goods, they affirm to the buyers that they are made in Lombardy whereas the truth is to the contrary; in fact, they have been made in Germany or other lands where they do not have such sure work as that made in Lombard parts. To this end, in order to better deceive buyers, these sellers place, or have placed, false marks or signs in, and on mail goods which are counterfeits of the signs of the good towns of Lombardy where good and secure armours are customarily made and crafted. It thus remains the case that in our City of Paris there abound and remain men of the hauberger’s craft who claim to be good craftsmen and experts of the craft and mail merchandise who, in truth, do not have any true knowledge or experience – for they are at great pains to re-cut and re-link a hole in a haubergeon as though it had been made by the hand of another. Nevertheless, they hang (and have hung and placed) signs and painted banners in the windows of their lodgings, laying claim that such men be craftsmen of the haubergers’ craft and merchandise of which they know nothing. And under this pretext, all those who see that they are permitted to sell (and have publicly and openly sold) to all manner of men end up buying from them very false goods and mail merchandise and armours. If these things be not judged and remedied by us they may continue to cause very great peril, hurt, and prejudice to the common good and the safety, protection, and defence of our good towns, castles, and fortresses, along with nobles and other men frequenting arms across our realm. In order that this state of affairs be remedied and to provide clarity to these so that any points and articles which seem to their consciences and seem necessary, very beneficial, and expedient for our own good and of that of the public regarding the hauberger’s craft and mail goods and armour, they [the haubergers of Paris] have asked and supplicated that these (articles) be recorded in the ancient register of their craft. Henceforth they shall be kept and observed evermore for us and our realm’s surety. The tenor of these points and articles follows: Henceforth let no one, if he know not how to make and craft mail in the City of Paris and he be not expert and capable in this craft, place mail upon his door, shop-sign, or anything else that may be hung. Nor may they remove mud from, shape, or scour mail, fix, or craft, and may not learn to make mail as is made and shall be made by the haubergers and craftsmen of the craft on pain of a fine of sixty Parisian sous due to the King – from which the judges and wardens of the craft shall have a quarter. Whosoever wishes to rise to the position of craftsman of the craft at
57
z
documents 24–5
z
Paris may only do so if he can find a craftsman who is competent and expert in the crafting of new mail and is witnessed and approved by the judges and wardens of the craft. If they be not a master’s son they shall pay ingress of sixty Parisian sous – that is to say: forty sous to the King and twenty sous to the Armourers’ Confraternity of Saint George. Any fellows of the craft may not henceforth set others to work in the lodgings of the masters and craftsmen of the craft without the permission of the judges and wardens of the craft under the aforesaid fine of sixty sous. Henceforth, when any of the craft or others, sell, or put up for sale, any hauberger’s work in Paris, they shall always be obliged to swear and declare – swearing to he (or they) who wish to buy them – that the goods are of iron or of steel on pain of forfeiting the goods and a fine of sixty sous. Henceforth any of the craft or others who involve themselves in this craft and sale of mail in Paris may not place (or have placed) on haubergeons from Germany or other lands signs other than those of the master who has made it. If this be contravened the goods shall be confiscated by the King and the seller fined sixty Parisian sous. Henceforth all foreign merchants who come to Paris to sell mail goods shall be obliged to show and present these goods to the judges and wardens of the craft and, having been viewed and appraised by these judges so that they know whence the work and if it be good, sound, and of good temper. To prevent the perils that might follow, they may put them up for sale on pain of the fine of sixty Parisian sous. All craftsmen of the craft and others importing mail goods – of steel or iron – throughout the City of Paris shall also henceforth be held to swear, declare, and assure the buyers of (or bidders for) these goods whence their place or lands and that they be sold for what they are; be they made of nailed mail (i.e. riveted links) or of flattened mail. Whosoever contravenes this shall have their goods confiscated to the King and the vendor fined sixty sous. Craftsmen of the craft shall be held to make new haubergeons and other products of the craft good and legal and all of the same material – that is to say: completely of iron or completely of steel. Whosoever contravenes this shall have their goods confiscated to the King and fined sixty sous. The craft shall have three persons appointed as judges and wardens of the craft who shall be named and elected by the common (consent) of the craft and commissioned by our prévôt of Paris now and in the future. Published at the crossroads of the (Rue de la) Heaumerie of Paris, Tuesday 10 May 1407
25 London, College of Arms Library MS, ‘Processus in Curia Marescalli’, vol. 1, pp. 349–51 1408 Description of the Tomb Brass of Sir Hugh Hastings (d. 1347) This is a copy of a now-lost manuscript made by the herald Peter Le Neve (1661– 1729). It is an extract for a deposition recorded in the Court of Chivalry. 58
Figure 2. Etching made in 1815 of the tomb brass of Sir Hugh Hastings (d. 1347) at Elsing Church, Norfolk.
z
document 25
z
primerement une grande et large peere de marbille sur quelle est fait une belle & bien oeuere tabernacle de laton dore deinz quelle tabernacle est faite une ymage grande et de belle estature dun Ch[ivale]r qui auoit a noun Mons[eigneu]r Hugh de Hastynges laquelle ymage dudit Mons[eigneu]r Hugh de Hastynges est arme de pees et iambes en maille oeure & dore ouec les esporons dorre les poleyns et quisceaux de plate dorrez portant dor une cote darmes oue vne manche de goules oue une labelle de troys poyntz dargent et une escue de mesmes les armes pendant sur son espaule senestre ses vaunbraces et rerebraces de plate dorrez ouec les couters et basagnes [recte besagues, i.e. besagews] roundes del auncien entail bokeles sur le hauberk dorre sez maines le nez dressez et iointz sur son pys le basanet dore oue le viser leue & un barber de plate dore bokele sur le ventaile dorre seyngte de son espee ouec vne seyngture arraie dorre et en la pomelle un escuchon dez ditz armes et un leon couche desoulz sez pees [and above] son helme ouec le crest qest de test dune bogle dore oue les cornes de goulez et un wrethe de goules entour la colle en la coste destre deuers le south dudit Tabernacle est ouere une ymage honurablement du Roy Dengeleterre arme & corone tenant son espee nue en sa mayn destre et portant son cote darmes de Fraunce & Dengleterre et apres luy une ymage du Count de Warewyk arme et portant son cote darmes ouec sa lance en sa mayn et apres luy une ymage dun Ch[ivale] r arme portant les armes del s[eigneu]r Despenser en Cote et en escue tenant en sa mayne une grande baston et apres luy une ymage dun Ch[ivale]r arme portant les armes du s[eigneu]r de Grey ouec troys airteulx [sic, recte torteulx] en le chief et une labelle de troys poyntz en cote et une escue enclinant sur une Galwaysparth Et en la partie sensestre dudite tabernacle vers le North est faicte une ymage dun chiualer arme portant les armes de Lancastre qi Dieu asoille & seulme sur sa mayn destre et sa lance en sa mayn senestre et apres luy une ymage dun Chiualer arme portant les armes des Hastynges de Valence quarteles et en apres luy un ymage dun Chiualer portant en cote et en escue les armes du Count de Stafford & sa lance en sa mayn senestre et en apres luy une ymage dun Ch[ivale]r arme portant dore oue une frette et le chief de sable et troys besantz en le chief en Cote et en Escue et tenant une grande baston en sa mayne senestre Firstly, a large and long marble stone on which is crafted a fine and well-made tabernacle of gilt latten, within which tabernacle is made a great image and of fine stature of a knight who bears the name my Lord Hugh Hastings, which image of the said Lord Hastings has the feet and jambes (lower legs) armed in mail crafted in gilt, with gilt spurs, the poleyns and cuisses of plate gilt, bearing a coat armour with (the heraldic blazon of ) a maunch (lady’s sleeve) gules with a label of three points argent and a shield of the same (heraldic) arms hanging from his left shoulder, his vambrace and rerebrace of plate gilt with the couters and besagews of the old fashion buckled over the gilt hauberk, his hands uncovered and joined over his breast, the basinet gilt with the visor raised and a barber of plate gilt buckled over the gilt aventail, his sword belted with an equipped swordbelt gilt and an escutcheon of the said (heraldic) arms in the pommel, and a lion lying at his feet [and above] his helm with the crest which is a bugle (bull) or with horns
60
z
documents 25–6
z
gules, and a wreath gules around the neck. And on the side towards the south of the said tabernacle is crafted an image honourably of the King of England armed and crowned holding his sword bared in his right hand and bearing his coat armour of (the heraldic arms) of France and England and after him an image of the Earl of Warwick armed and bearing his coat armour with his lance in his hand. And after him an image of an armed knight bearing the (heraldic) arms of Lord Despenser on the coat (armour) and shield, holding in his hand a great baton. And after him an image of an armed knight bearing the (heraldic) arms of Lord Grey with (the heraldic blazon of ) three torteaux (red roundels) in chief and a label of three points on the coat (armour) and shield – leaning on a Galloway sparth. And in the left side of the tabernacle towards the north is crafted an image of an armed knight bearing the (heraldic) arms of my Lord Henry, Duke of Lancaster – who God absolve – and his helm in his right [recte left] hand and his lance in his left hand. And after him an image of an armed knight bearing the quartered (heraldic) arms of Hastings and Valence. And after him an image of a knight bearing on the coat (armour) and shield the (heraldic) arms of the Earl of Stafford and his lance in his left hand. And after him an image of an armed knight bearing on (his) coat (armour) and shield (the heraldic blazon) or fretty, a chief sable and three besants (gold coins) in chief
26 Dijon, Archives départementales de la Côte-d’Or, B 1554, fol. 137v–fol. 139r Household Accounts of John, Duke of Burgundy, 1408 A pierre de velle armeurier de mon dit seigne[u]r demour’ a bruges quil a paie po[u]r auoir fait mener de gand audit lieu de bruges le harnois de mondit seign’ qui esoit aud’ lieu de gand xv s’ q[ui]l fait Rappareill[eu]r ix pair’ de harnois de Joustes Cest assauoir nettoyer healmes Rondelles agrappes Reff[air]e Roches vrisies Et aussi Reffaire pluis’ gauntelez qui estoient despech’ les garnir de toille et de cuir les Reclouer en pluiseurs lieux &c’ Et pour Reffaire et Remettre a point vj pe[ir]z de plattes ix l’ xij s’ aud’ pietre [sic] pour Reffaire iij pair’ de plates qui estoient toutes despeceez iiij li’ iij s’ pour deux anneaux qui s[er]ueint a deux plates darriere le dos po[u]r atach[ie]r le healme viij s’ a Jehan de le viez pour deux xijes de lances la xije xxv s’ xij xijes dautr[e]s lances pour le fait des d[i]tes Joustes Audit pietre [sic] pour iij bendes de fer et pour demj cent de cloux pour le fait des d[i]tes Joustes vj s’ pour j annel pour mettre es plates blanches de mondit seigneur pour attach[ie]r le healme p[ar] deu[er]s iiij s’ pour iijC de cloux po[u]r attach[ie] r les dis croches ij xijes de sonnettes pour mondit seign’ pour pendre aux harnois de cheuaux de Jouste iiij l’ iiij s’ pour deux jours et demj dun varlet qui a ferre les lanches de mon dit s’ et de des gens vj s’ A Jehan le seell[ie]r de douay pour j escu de Joustes pour le corps de mon dit seigneur xij ester’ A girard de bourbon escuier descuierye de mond dit s’ pour deux coussines descus quil a paiez po[u]r les d[i]tes Joustes viij s’ Aud’ girard pour auoir fait admener les selles et harnois de Joustes de mon dit
61
z
document 26
z
seigneur des le Riuage en lostel dicelui seigneur Et pour vne Et serure qui fu mise en vne des chambres dudit hostel po[u]r enf[er]mer ledit harnois v s’ quil a paie pour viij xijes daguillettes pour mondit seign’ viij s’ A lui quil a paie pour v cordeux de fil ferez ij s’ vj d’ pour ji lassis de soye pour lasser les plates dudit seigneur iij s’ Audit pietre po[u]r j chappel & vng houscog[e]l iiij est[er]’ pour j aut’ housquaquel de milan v est[er]’ pour j chappel de fer iiij est[er]’ pour j aut’ hosquoghel ij est[er]’ Et pour auoir Reff[air]’ iij espeez et ij espies de mon dit seign’ j escu […] Audit ph[ilipp]e munier [varlet de chambre et garde des Joiaux de mon dit seigneur] la somme de xxviij est[er]’ dor monn’ Royal q’ lui est’ deubs par mondit seigneur pour la vendue et deliurance dun haub[er]gon qui ycelui seigneur a fait prend’ et acheter de lui Et ycelui donne a sire de heillj son ch[ua]l[ie]r et chambellein A hubery dalemaigne marchant demour’ a Paris la somme de xxiiij escus dor monnoye Royal que mondit seigneur lui deuoit pour pa vendue et deliurance dun haubergon appelle Jaleran [sic] [paid 19 June 1408] Audit Ph[ilipp]e munier xxxij est[er]’ pour deux haubergons donnez lun a Jeh’ de noeufchastel Et laut’ au sire du bois A dine Rapponde conseill[eu]r et maistr’ dostel de mondit seigneur La so[mm]e de iiijxx vj f ’ x s t’ pour les pieces de harnois de mellain q’ Ia pieca yceli seigneur fist acheter Pour lui Premier’ po[u]r vng bachinet a bauiere xvj est[er]’ po[u]r vne piece A lames xxv est[er]’ vng harnois de Jambes viij est[er]’ vne paire de gantelez ij est[er]’ pour auoir fait apporter ledit harnois de la ville de mellain a par’ xij est[er]’ [19 May 1406] A demoiselle kat[er]ine vefue de feu Jehan autin a son viuant artille[u]r de mondit s’ aud’ feu Jehan autin Et Restans A paier de la somme de viijxx iij f ’ que Ia pieca lui estoient deubs po[u]r xvjm de viretons tous prestz mis dedens iij queues lesquelz il deliura par odonn’ et co[m]mandement dicelui seigneur a girard de bourbon son escuier descuierye To Pierre de Velle [later spelt Pietre], my Lord’s armourer at Bruges, paid to him for having brought from Ghent to Bruges my Lord’s harness that was at Ghent 15 sous, paid for having repaired nine pairs of jousting harness, that is to say: cleaning helms, vamplates, grappers, repair of broken coronals, and also repair of several gauntlets which were broken – equipping them with cloth and leather (and) re-nailing them in several places etc., and for the repair of – and refitting for use – three pairs of plates which were totally broken 4l. 3s., for two rings that serve two (pairs of ) plates at the back to attach the helm 8s., paid to Jehan de le Viez for two dozen lances 50s., paid to the said Jehan for another 12 dozen lances for the said jousts 9l. To the said Pietre [sic] for three iron bands and for a half-hundred of nails for the said jousts 6s., for one ring to place on my Lord’s white (i.e. polished steel) (pair of ) plates to attach the helm at the back 4s., for 300 nails to attach the croches [attachments] 9s., for two dozen bells to hang from my Lord’s jousting horse’s harness 4l. 4s., for 2½ days (wages) for a valet who fitted heads to my Lord and his men’s lances 6s., to Jehan the saddler of Douai for one jousting shield for my said Lord’s body 12 esterlings [Hanse currency], to Girard de Bourbon, squire of my Lord’s écuyerie, for
62
z
documents 26–7
z
two shield cushions (i.e. internal padding) paid to him for the aforesaid jousts 8s., to the aforesaid Girard for having brought my Lord’s saddles and jousting harness from the shore of my Lord’s lodgings and for one lock which he fitted to one of the lodging’s chambers to secure the said harness 5s., paid to him for eight dozen arming points for my Lord 8s., paid to him for five small cords of iron wire 2s. 6d., for two silk laces to lace my Lord’s (pairs of ) plates 3s. [payments for July 1407] to the said Pietre for one chapel (de fer) and one hounskull 4 esterlings, one other hounskull of Milan (make) 5est., one chapel de fer 3est., one other hounskull 2est., for having repaired three of my Lord’s swords and two espieux (a type of lance) one écu To Philippe Munier, my Lord’s valet de chambre and garde des joiaux, the sum of 28 gold esterlings of royal money due to him by my said Lord for the sale and delivery of a haubergeon which this Lord had had taken and bought from him and given this to the Sire de Heilly his knight and chambellan To Hubery Dalemagne, merchant of Paris, the sum of 24 gold écus royal money which my said Lord owed him for the sale and delivery of a haubergeon called a jazerant [19 June 1408] To the said Philippe Munier 32 esterings for two haubergeons that this Lord has taken and bought from him and given to Jehan de Noeufchastel and the Sire Dubois To Dine Raponde, my Lord’s conseiller and maître d’hôtel, the sum of 86 francs 10 sous tournois due to him for the pieces of harness of Milan which this Lord had had bought for him: for one basinet with bevor 16 esterlings, one pièce with lames 25est., one (pair of ) legharness 8est., one pair of gauntlets 2est., for having had the said harness carried from the town of Milan to Paris 12est. To Demoiselle Katerine, widow of the late Jehan Autin, in life my Lord’s artilleur, the sum of 163fr. due to him [Jehan] for 16,000 completely-prepared virtetons packed in three casks
27 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Register of Archbishop Arundel 2, fol. 155v–fol. 56v Will of William, Baron Bergavenny, Abergavenny, 25 April 1408 Richard my son iiij of the best horsys my best Swerd and myn best h[ar]neys for to ben armyd Inne Als welle for the were [i.e. war] as for the pees with alle myn other h[ar]neys for the justes of pees w[i]t[h] all other harneys þat longyth to werr’ [war]
63
z
document 28
z
28 Entries from the Now-Illegible Registers of the Notaires of the County of Dunois (Chartres, Archives départementales d’Eure et Loire), printed in L. Merlet, Registres et minutes des notaires du comté de Dunois (1369 à 1676) (Chartres, 1886), pp. 8, 15, and 19–20 [Between 24 June 1408 and 28 June 1409] Acquêt par Guillaume de Bigars, seigneur de Grémonville, [pour] deux bacinez a banière [recte bauiere], deux harnois de jambes sauf la couverture d’une pair de souliers, une pièce à lames, une autre pièce à pans, deux paires de pans, deux paires de garde-braz, une hache plate, un arc, une trousse de flèches et deux lances Quittance by Guillaume de Bigars, seigneur de Grémonville, for two basinets with bevors, two (pairs of ) legharness save the cover of one pair of sabatons, one pièce with lames, another pièce with paunce, two pairs of paunces, two pairs of pauldrons, one flat (bladed) axe, one bow, one quiver of arrows, and two lances
[Between 16 July and 20 December 1421] Vente à Roger de Pierrefitte, écuyer de la compagnie de M. de Narbonne, de ung haubergon, un armet, trois tiers [sic, recte paires] de cuirasse, ung gardebraz, un harnois de jambes Sale to Roger de Pierrefitte, squire of the retinue of My Lord (the comte) of Narbonne, of one haubergeon, one armet, three pairs of cuirasses, one (pair of ) pauldrons, one legharness
[Between 24 May and 23 June 1429] Vente à Jean de Bernède, écuyer, de uncs [sic] curasses complectes, un harnois de jambes complet, une peire de avant-braz, un paire de garde-braz, une sallade, gorgery et une peire de croissants Sale to Jean de Bernède, squire, of one complete cuirasse, one complete legharness, one pair of vambrace, one pair of pauldrons, one sallet, gorget, and one pair of croissants (i.e. crescent-shaped defences, poss. besagews)
64
z
documents 29–31
z
29 York, Borthwick Institute, Abp Reg 18, Part I, fol. 14v Will of John Normanvile, Diocese of York, 13 October 1408 vicario eccl[es]ie p[re]d[ic]te [Saint Mary, Tadcaster] no[min]e mortuar’ mei meu’ equu’ optimu’ cum sella mea & freno eid[e]m vicario vna’ loricam & j basenet Tho[m]e Normanvile filio meo j lorica’ j brestplate & j basenet to the vicar of the said church [of Saint Mary, Tadcaster] in the name of a mortuary gift my best horse with saddle and bit, to the same vicar one hauberk and one basinet, my son Thomas Normanvile one hauberk one breastplate and one basinet
30 Kew, National Archives, E 316/6/4 Royal Wardrobe Accounts, 29 September 1409–1 April 1412 j par plat’ ij par’ Brestplatez j par Besegeus j par’ vantbrace j par Rerebrace j par Cerotecar[um] de plat’ j par Sabatons j par Greves j Quyssheus j loric’ de Calibe j peso[u]n j pavnse j brace [sic] j bacynet cum vj tresses one pair of plates, two pairs of breastplates [sic], one pair of besagews, one pair of vambrace, one pair of rerebrace, one pair of gauntlets, one pair of sabatons, one pair of greaves, one (pair of ) cuisses, one steel hauberk, one pisan, one paunce, one (mail) sleeve, one basinet with six straps
31 Paris, Archives nationales, Registres des sentences civiles du Châtelet, Y//5227, fol. 173v Legal action taken against a merchant selling false goods, Paris, 2 January 1410 En la p[rese]nce du p[ro]cureur du Roy mes’ qui contend afin de confiscation […] Raison de trois haubergons trouuez p[ar] les Jures des hauberg[on]s en la possession de anthoin’ Ruffin desquelx led’ p[ro]cur’ du Roy disoit est’ signez et m[ar]quez du saing de milan […] q’ ilz ne feussent pas dacier Nous auons dit q’ lesd’ hauberg’ soient […] aud’ anthoine en payant la somme de Cent solz par’ amende en la […] led’ anth’ pour les causs’ deu[a]ntd’ & p[ro]my ce aussy q’ lesd’ hauberg’ & p[ro] esp[…] faulce s[er]ont p[re]mier’ amend’ et q’ yceulx hauber’ led’ antoine […] aut[re]s q’ Ilz sont ne mett’ en yce[ul]x aut’ saing q[ui]l y doit auoir
65
z
documents 31–2
z
In the presence of the procureur of our Lord King who requests the confiscation by reason of three haubergeons found by the sworn (assessors) of haubergeons in the possession of Antoine Ruffin the which they informed said King’s procureur are signed and marked with signs of Milan […] and that they be not made of steel. We have said that the said haubergeons be [confiscated] and the said Antoine pay as a fine the sum of 100 Parisian sous. And for the aforesaid causes that the said Anthoine also promise that haubergeons (he shall sell) be not fraudulent under pain of the initial fine and that he place no mark on these other that those he ought to
32 Kew, National Archives, E 164/46 Royal payments for equipping ships, 19 November 1410–9 June 1411 Naui vocat’ le Bernard’ ij Gunnes de ferr’ vj lanc’ sine capit’ xv pavies [sic] debil’ iij garb’ dartes Naui vocat’ Marie de Weymouth’ empt’ p[ro] Regem apud Smalhith in Com’ kanc’ j Gunne cu’ iij Cam[er]is j gunne de Bras cum j Cam[er]a Naui voc’ le [Chris]pofre [sic] xxxvj pavys […] sine capt’ xxvj lanc’ cu’ capit’ iij Gunnes de ferr’ stoked’ cum v Cameris j handgunne j barell’ p[ar]u’ de Gunnepoudr’ x arc’ cum vj garb’ sagitt’ ij Crosbowes xxviij garb’ quarrel’ iiij pair’ plates j pair’ vambras j par’ Rerebras C castingdartes Naui vocat’ le Carake j gunne j vise p[ro] le Spryngold’ j Gundard’ p[ro] Comit’ Arudnell’ existent’ infra turrim london’ viij Gunnes […] xxxj lanc’ sine capit’ xxvj lanc’ cum capitib[us] lij pavyes j barell’ p[ar]u’ de gunnepoudre x arc’ vj garb’ […] xxvij garb’ quarrel’ iiij paire plates j paire vambras j paire Rerebras j vise p[ro] le Spryngold’ The ship called ‘The Bernard’: two iron guns, six unheaded lances, 15 worn-out pavises, three sheaves of darts. The ship called ‘The Marie of Weymouth’: bought for the King at Smallhythe in the County of Kent – one gun with three chambers, one brass gun with one chamber. The ship called ‘The Christopher’: 36 pavises, […] [lances] unheaded, 26 headed lances, three iron guns stocked with five chambers, one handgun, one small barrel of gunpowder, ten bows with six sheaves of arrows, two crossbows, 28 sheaves of quarrels, four pairs of plates, one pair of vambrace, one pair of rerebrace, 100 casting darts. The ship called ‘The Carrack’: one gun, one (spanning) vice for the springald, one gun dart. For the Earl of Arundel in the Tower of London: eight guns, 31 lances lacking heads, 26 lances with heads, 52 pavises, one small barrel of gunpowder, ten bows, six sheaves [of arrows], 28 sheaves of (crossbow) quarrels, one pair of vambrace, one pair of rerebrace, one vice for (spanning) the springald
66
z
document 33
z
33 Lyon, Archives municipales, EE/27/1–5 Rolls of Arms of the Bourgeois of Lyon, 1411 La chiey de saint vincen Jehan de ville soit armes de j aub[er]gon de brasseles ga[n] teles j lance & j espee j capeline Rafael du solier soit armes de aub[er]ion de piece bassignet ga[n]teles brasseles lance achi & espee guill[aum]et boquin j epiou j haberesca j lancy j espas & j dague et dedens x Jour que le dit guill[aum]et et piere son fil’ ayent ij ab[er]ion ij pey[re]s de gandeles ij bessignet vne achy ij pieces ij ij auambres Francey’ Hucier ha ches soy j ab[er]ion j Jaques j gandeles j capelina ij lances j espas j epeu j dague loys du solieu est armes de j ab[er]ion j auanbres gandeles j abeleste et soit armes dedens x Jour’ de vng bassignet de vne piece vne achy martin [no arms] Jehan loco al’ boquin est armes de vne abelesta j epyeu et soit armes dedens x Jours de j ab[er]ion brasselet et gandelet & bassigniet j lancy j espas Piere turrel al’ colombet soit armes de j ab[er]ion brasselet gandelet bassigniet j lancy j espas j Jaques et samblablem[en]t ses ij enfans Estienent griliet est armes de j ab[er] ion j lancy j espeu ij espees j capelina et soit armes de ganteles brasseles j Jaques Joh[ann]es nicodj soit armes dedens x Jour’ dab[er]ion Jaques ganteles brasseles espa lancy Capelina P[er]onet bonieri ha vne lance et soit armes dab[er]ion Jaques ganteles brasseles espa lance capelina Jehan trolieu soit armes dedens x Jour’ dab[er]ion bassigniet Jaques ganteles brasseles achi espa et seblablem[en]t ses ij enfans Guichart demo[u]ra’ Joste loruir saint vincent soit armes de j Jaq[ue]s vna la[n]ce & j capeline francey’ de charties pistaton soit armes dedens x Jour’ dab[er]ion Jaques Capelina ganteles brasseles lance et espee andre malfray est armes dachi ganteles brasseles espa ab[er]ion quil dit jueste amm[en]er et soit armes de Jaques [et] Capelina Jehan coysel soit armes de Jaq[ue]s capeline & la[n]ce Humb[e]rt Rochifort soit armes ded’ x Jour’ dab[er]ion bassigniet ganteles brasseles piece achi espa Jehan filliot al’ femorel soit armes de Jaques ganteles et lance Estiene[n]t gr[a]nt Johan de Jaq[ue]s ga[n]teles capeline & la[n]ce Quai Saint-Vincent Jehan de ville is armed with one haubergeon, bracers, gauntlets, one lance and one sword, one capelline, Rafael du Solier is armed with one haubergeon, pièce, basinet, gauntlets, bracers, lance, axe, and sword, Guillaumet Boquin: one espieu (staff weapon. prob. a type of spear), one little hauberk (prob.), one lance, one sword and one dagger and within ten days the said Guillaumet and his son Pierre shall have two haubergeons, two pairs of gauntlets, two basinets, one axe, two pièces, two (pairs of ) vambrace, Franceys Hucier has at his home: one haubergeon, one jack, gauntlets, one capelline, two lances, one sword, one espieu, one dagger, Loys de Solieu is armed with one haubergeon, vambrace, gauntlets, one crossbow and shall be armed within ten days with one basinet, one pièce, one axe, Martin [no arms], Jehan Loco alias Boquin is armed with one crossbow, one espieu, and to be armed within ten days with one haubergeon, bracers and
67
z
document 33
z
gauntlets, and basinet, one lance, one sword, Pierre Turrel alias Colombet is armed with one haubergeon, bracers, gauntlets, basinet, one lance, one sword, one jack and likewise his two children, Estienent Griliet is armed with one haubergeon, one lance, one espieu, two swords, one capelline, and to be armed with gauntlets, bracers, one jack, Johannes Nicodi to be armed within ten days with haubergeon, gauntlets, bracers, sword, lance, capelline, Peronet Bonieri has one lance, and to be armed with haubergeon, gauntlets, bracers, sword, lance, capelline, Jehan Trolieu to be armed within ten days with haubergeon, basinet, jack, gauntlets, bracers, axe, sword, and likewise his two children, Guichart living near the granary of (the Parish of ) Saint-Vincent is armed with one jack, one lance, and one capelline, Franceys de Charties, powder-grinder, to be armed within ten days with haubergeon, jack, capelline, gauntlets, bracers, lance and sword, André Malfray is armed with axe, gauntlets, bracers, sword, haubergeon which he says is soon to be delivered, and to be armed with jack and capelline, Jehan Coysel is armed with jack, capelline, and lance, Humbert Rochifort to be armed within ten days with haubergeon, basinet, gauntlets, bracers, pièce, axe, sword, Jehan Filliot alias Femorel is armed with jack, gauntlets, and lance, Estienent Grantjohan with jack, gauntlets, capelline and lance. Cy la p[ar]oche s’ X mo CCC xj Jours xvij m[ar]cij claudins pauoliat petr[u]s de m[o] pantier et octo ib’ visite Insquis a [text scored out] […] In domo guill[aum]e le bice j bacignet j ab[er]geon j capeline j braces j gantelet j Jaq[ue]s j achi bauth[e]s de s’ Rerieb[er]to j Jaq[ue]s ij aches coma[n]de j bacignet j bracelet j ab[er]geon j gantelet Symonet perie veyre al[ia]s Rosselet j espee coma[n]de j Jaq[ue]s j chapel de mo[n] tabin j gantelet Hugon’ volat j bacignet j ab[er]geon j gantelet j aua[n]t bras j ache anth[ion]e pelet al[ia]s gras bernier j ache coma[n]de j bacignet j ab[er]ion j bracelet j gantelet nich[ol]e piquait cutel[ie]r j ache coma[n]de come ondit gras Jehan galiardon coreour Rien coma[n]de j chapel de mo[n]tabe[n] j Jaq[ue]s j j gantelet Juss[ar]me martin de blino j gantelet coma[n]de j ab[er]gen j auans bras j salade j ache P[ierr]e mabet a p[ri]s s[er]gent P[ierr]e saise sellier j ache j espe comande j Jaq[ue] s j capeline j braces j gantelet Janin mongin peintre j ab[er]geon j ache coma[n]de j bacignet j aua[n]s bras j gantelet It’ j Jaq[ue]s j capel’ j gantelet j ache p[our] j valet colinet le s[er]gent coma[n]de de j salade michelet dorney grieynier j ab[er]geon ij garde bras bracelet j ache arc & fleches R[i]chert le cutel[ie]r poine La mul[i]n fr’ le dorier j ache coma[n]de p[our] j valet j Jaq[ue]s j bracel’ & gantelet j capeline Jaq[u] ine de fosses selliere j ab[er]ion j ache coma[n]de j bagnet j braces j gantelet claude anth[oin]e armeour coma[n]de j arnes co[m]pli It’ p[ou]r j valet j ab[er]geon j ache j capeline j aua[n]bres j gantel’ hugon’ de voing notaire coma[n]de en la p[er]sone de sa milit’ j bacignet j ab[er]geon j gantelet j aua[n]t bras j ache Jehan le moleur Rens Poine coma[n]de j Jaq[ue]s j chapel de mo[n]t aben j ache P[er]onet m[a]rtin s[er] gent j ab[er]geon coma[n]de j gantelet j capeline en la p[er]sonne de sa milit’ j ache j aua[n]braz en lostel sein’ pansu lambert le oudatier Poine nicholas colice esp[er] onier Riens coma[n]de j Jaq[ue]s j chapel de mo[n]taben j gantelet j ache Barthe’ la lama[n]t esp[er]onier ait coma[n]de mestre monet le cutel[ie]r nichil mestre despee Jehan sunelli esp[er]onier j espeu j espee Coma[n]de j ab[er]geon j braces j gantelet j
68
z
document 33
z
salade nicholas de foys esp[er]oni[e]r j espee coma[n]de j Jaq[ue]s j gantelet et j chapel de mo[n]tabin Robin blene esp[er]oni[e]r demorent en semble coma[n]de ante m[a] rtin le cutel[ie]r Recessit estien marion nichil coma[n]de j Jaq[ue]s j capel’ j ga[n] telet estien mari de la fra[n]ceisa j ab[er]geon j bracel’ j gantelet j capeli[n]e nich’ coma[n]d hugon’ garnier chapins nichil coma[n]de j Jaq[ue]s j gantelet j chapel a la p[er]sonne de sa milit’ Here is the (Roll of the) Parish of Sainte-Croix, 17 March 1411 Claudins Parioliat, Petrus de Monpantier, and eight others inspected In Guillaume le Bice’s house: one basinet, one haubergeon, one capelline, bracers, gauntlets, one jack, one axe, Bauthes de Saint-Reriberto: one jack, two axes, and is ordered to provide: one basinet, bracers, one haubergeon, gauntlets, Symonet Perieveyre alias Rosselet: one sword, to provide: one jack, one chapeau de Montauban, gauntlets, Hugon’ Volat: one basinet, one haubergeon, gauntlets, vambrace, one axe, Anthoine Pelet alias Gras Bernier: one axe, to provide: one basinet, one haubergeon, bracers, gauntlets, Nichole Piquait, cutler: one axe, to provide as the said Gras, Jehan Galiardon, leatherworker: nothing, to provide: one chapeau de Montauban, one jack, one , gauntlets, [one] guisarme, Martin de Blino: gauntlets, to provide: one haubergeon, vambrace, one sallet, one axe, taken by Sergeant Pierre Mabet, Pierre Saise, saddler: one axe, one sword, to provide: one jack, one capelline, bracers, gauntlets, Janin Mongin, painter: one haubergeon, one axe, to provide: one basinet, vambrace, gauntlets, the same (Janin): one jack, one capelline, gauntlets, one axe for one valet, Colinet le Sergent to provide one sallet, Michelet Dorney, grain-seller: one haubergeon, two (pairs of ) gardebras (i.e. pauldrons), bracers, one axe, bow and arrows, Richert le Cutelier: nothing, La Mulin brother of Le Dorier: one axe, to provide for one valet: one jack, bracers and gauntlets, one capelline, Jaquine de Fosses, saddler: one haubergeon, one axe, to provide: one basinet, bracers, gauntlets, Claude Anthoine, armourer, to provide: one complete harness, the same (Claude) for one valet: one haubergeon, one axe, one capelline, vambrace, gauntlets, Hugo’ de Voign, notary, to provide for the person of his militia (i.e. for the man who serves in the militia in his stead): one basinet, one haubergeon, gauntlets, vambrace, one axe, Jehan le Moleur: nothing, to provide: one jack, one chapeau de Montauban, one axe, Peronet Martin, sergeant: one haubergeon, to provide: gauntlets, one capelline, in the person of his militia: one axe, vambrace. In Lambert le Oudatier’s lodgings: nothing, Nicholas Colice, spurrier: nothing, to provide: one jack, one chapeau de Montauban, gauntlets, one axe, Barthélemy la Lamant, spurrier: to provide [blank], Master Monet le Cutelier: nothing, Master Despee [blank], Jehan Sunelli, spurrier: one espieu, one sword, to provide: one haubergeon, bracers, gauntlets, one sallet, Nicholas de Foys, spurrier, one sword, to provide: one jack, gauntlets, and one chapeau de Montauban, Robin Blene, spurrier, living in the same place: to provide as above, Martin le Cutelier [blank], Estien Marion: nothing, to provide: one jack, one capelline, gauntlets, Estien Mari de la Francheisa: nothing, to provide: one haubergeon, bracers,
69
z
document 33
z
gauntlets, one capelline, Hugo Garnier Chapins: nothing, to provide: one jack, gauntlets, one capelline in the person of his militia lan de grace mil CCCC & onze de mardj xve Jour de mars Jehan chiurier & guill[aum] e maistre p[ar] le co[m]mandem[en]t de messeign[eur]s les conseill[ier]s de la ville de lion Se transporterent en Rue marchiere pour visiter les armeures dune chascune p[er]sonne tenant mesnaige en icelle Rue Et p[re]mie[re]m[en]t a lostel de Lynart de neuers le q[ue]l nous monstra vng bon aubergon dacier le q[ue]l jl auoit vestu Ite’ sus vng petit lit de la sale vne piece vngs garde bras vngs bracelles & gantelles hache glaiue & espee Et ly fu enJoing darmer vng varlet a lostel de euemond de syurieu fu trouue en vng aumayre quatre bacines deux paires de gantelles vne payre de bracelles troys payres de gardebras vne piece vng arnoys de Jambe tout compli et vnes aut[re] s grieues et deux bons aub[er]gons de fert vn aut’ petit [prob. aubergeon] quatre gorgerins et vne salade vne ache vn glaiue Et ly fu enJoing sur poyne de x l’ t’ darmer son fils a lostel de p[ier]re taillemont & p[ier]re beau Jehan fu trouue deux aub[er] gons lun dacier lautre de fert deux payres de bracelles ix espees et leut fu enJoing a leurs fames en labsen’ deulx dauoir bacines & gantelles a lostel de P[ier]re nycolet al’ bourcier nich’ Et ly fu enJoing dauoir cappelline Jaq’ & gantelles chies Jehan de noyon nich’ a lostel de b[er]thelemj de la forest fu trouue vne ache deux espees et ly fu enJoing &c’ quil eust vng Jaque vngs gantell’ & vne capelline In the year of Grace 1411 on Tuesday 15th day of March, Jehan Chivrier and Guilluame Maistre by order of my lords the counselors of the town of Lyon went to the Rue Mercière to inspect the arms of each person living in this street. Firstly, in Lynart de Nevers’s lodgings who showed us one good steel (mail) haubergeon which he bore, item, under a little bed in the room: one pièce, gardebras (i.e. pauldrons), bracers and gauntlets, axe, glaive and sword, and he was instructed to arm a valet. Found in Evemond de Syvrieu’s lodgings, in an armoire: four basinets, two pairs of gauntlets, one pair of bracers, three pairs of gardebras (i.e. pauldrons), one pièce, one (pair of ) complete legharness and another (pair of ) greaves, and two good iron (mail) haubergeons, another little [prob. haubergeon], four gorgerins (gorget: neck defence) and one sallet, one axe, one glaive, and was instructed under pain of (a fine of ) 10 livres tournois to arm his son. Found in Pierre Taillement and Pierre Beaujehan’s lodgings: two haubergeons – one of steel (mail) the other of iron, two pairs of bracers, nine swords, and in their absence their wives were instructed to have basinets and gauntlets. In Pierre Nycolet alias Bourchier’s lodgings: nothing, and he was instructed to have capelline, jack, and gauntlets. At Jehan de Noyon’s home: nothing. Found in Barthélemy de la Forest’s lodgings: one axe, two swords, and he was instructed etc. that he have one jack, gauntlets, and one capelline. En la p[ar]tie du Raine en la p[ar]oche s’ poli Cest lin[u]ent[er]e des arnoys troues es p[ar]t’ de la p[ar]och’ de s[aint]e poul de lion & visitac[i]on feit’ de yceuls p[ar] Johan’ Cailli guill[aum]e Justes Treuen g[ra]nd’ & Joh’ gout’ a te’ comis p[ar] mess’ les [con]selli[er]s de la vila de lion Come a p[ri]s est [con]tena Co[m]metre le xvje
70
z
document 33
z
Jour de mars CCCC & xjo Et p[remier]men’ ont tr[ou]ue a lostel de T[hi]baut’ vng passinet a camail vnes plattes et ma[n]ch’ de maillie vngs ganteles & vne capeline vne ache vne lance chies Jeh’ larche al’ emert vng Jaque vng garde bras a vambras et ganteles de fert vne ache vng harc vne lance Jehan bonin potier vng bassinet a Camal vne cotte de fert vngs brasseles et gantelles vne ache vne lance vng Jaque Janin daras estoffier vne cote de fert brasseles gantel’ j ache j lanse Guiot camus cutelier [no arms] Jeh’ de s’ clemen chanselie j Jaq’ j ache brasel’ gantel’ vne capeline j lance franc’ clary agulliet’ j capelina j cotta de fer braseles ganteles j ache j lance hennart et Jehan calli ij basignies ij cottes de fert iij p[ar]ij braseles iij p[ar]ij gantel’ j ache j espieu j Jaque vne piesse p[er]onet de troies esperonier vne ache j espee Jehan eury celier j Jaque j espiue j gorgerin Jehan foieis estoffier x [no arms] domynique legier vng auberJon vns brasseles gardebras ga[n]teles vne cappeline vne guysarme vne ache vne lance Jehan lonbart asenour x Ly guorde endernier Lyenart geJant vne ache vngs ga[n]teles vne capelline vne plates vne manges de mallie vne arbalet’ garnie P[ierr]e foreys dit fira masson [no arms] Guill[a]um’ chaue pecheur vng Jaq’ vng chappel de fert vne ache vne guysarme Cleme[n]t tardy clerc ij aches j espee edin de balieu menisstel[ie]r x [no arms] Jourdan saunier j berruyer vne cotte de fert vngs braseles ijr platt’ vne ache iij gleues j guysarma lyenart masson vng bassinet vne cotte de fert ij aches vngs brasseles j Jaque vng ganteles P[er]onin guerrier j bassignet ja cotta de fert j ganteles vne lance iij aches deuis’ j Jaque P[ierr]e duyme vng bassinet a bauyere vne cotte de fert vnes platt’ vng ganteles vne ache loys espicier estra [no armour] In the area of Raine in the Parish of Saint-Paul. This is the inventory of the harness found in the areas of the Parish of Saint-Paul of Lyon and the inspection made of them by Johannes Cailli, Guillaume Justes Trevengrand, and Johan’ Gout’ instructed by my lords the counsellors of the town of Lyon taken of the 16 day of March 1411. Firstly, found in Thibaut’s lodgings: one basinet with aventail, one (pair of ) plates, and sleeves of mail, gauntlets, and one capelline, one axe, one lance. In Jehan Larche alias Emert’s home: one jack, one (pair of ) gardebras (i.e. pauldrons) with vambrace, and iron gauntlets, one axe, one bow, one lance. Jehan Bonin, potter: one basinet with aventail, one coat of iron (mail), bracers and gauntlets, one axe, one lance, one jack, Janin daras, stuffer (of garments): one coat of iron (mail), bracers, gauntlets, one axe, one lance, Guior Camus, culter: no arms, Jehan de Saint Clemen, notary: one jack, one axe, bracers, gauntlets, one capelline, one lance, Franc’ Clary, lace-maker: one capelline, one coat of iron (mail), bracers, gauntlets, one axe, one lance, Hennart and Jehan Calli: two basinets, two coats of iron (mail), three pairs of bracers, three pairs of gauntlets, one axe, one espieu, one jack, one pièce, Peronet de Troies, spurrier: one axe, one sword, Jehan Eury, saddler: one jack, one espieu, one gorget, Jehan Foieis, stuffer: no arms, Domynique Legier: one haubergeon, bracers, gardebras (i.e. pauldrons), gauntlets, one cappeline, one gisarme, one axe, one lance, Jehan Londbart, messenger: no arms. The last guard: Lyenart Gejant: one axe, gauntlets, one cappeline, one (pair of ) plates, one (pair of ) mail sleeves, one equipped crossbow, Pierre Foreys, called Fira, mason: no arms, Guillaume Chave, fisherman: one jack, one chapel de fer, one axe, one guisarme,
71
z
document 33
z
Clement Tardy, clerk: two axes, one sword, Edin de Balieu, basketmaker: no arms, Jordan Saunier: one (cappeline) berruyer, one coat of iron (mail), one (pair of ) bracers, two (pairs of ) plates, one axe, three glaives, one guisarme, Lyenart Masson: one basinet, one coat of iron (mail), two axes, bracers, one jack, gauntlets, Peronin Guerrier: one basinet, one coat of iron (mail), gauntlets, one lance, three axes (poss. double-headed), one jack, Pierre Duyme: one basinet with bevor, one coat of iron (mail), one (pair of ) plates, gauntlets, one axe, Loys Espicier: no armour Cest la cherchy que glade de varcy et Nicolas de V[er]don hons fec’ en la p[ar]Roche de san Nizies P[ar] le comande mess’ [con]selliaires et co[m]mesiers le londi xiiij de mars lan mil CCCC et xj la p[ar]Roche de san michiel le p[re]vost de san michiel nat poin darmes li a toy en Joint que haies Vng Jaq’ j chapel de fer et j gantelles et glevo aut’ achy Juhan cavet masson id’ Juhan p[ar]cias id’ Nicholas bonet id’ bucavay id’ euemon platier id’ Juhan leney pechaire id’ bour chanin Juhan laisellaire id’ mestre guillien j auberJon j basinet j avambres j gantelles et j achy piers sofle at j Jaque coma[n]da j chapel de fer j ganteles Juhan de salletes id’ et ne nat Ren chatellet id’ martin cacunier id’ piers chausetier id’ gacinon j bassiniet j auberJon j avanbres j gantelles j achy at meneal ne nat Ren coma[n]da comende Janin legray coma[n]da huy aut h[ab]erJon j gantelet et bracellet et chapel de fer francein marchandy coma[n] da j Jaq’ j chapel j gantelles guill[aum]e de corsieu id’ fraRy le navetan id’ Stevenet favie at j auberJon j avanbres j ganteles coma[n]da j bassinet baRot le Riveray j Jaq’ j chapel j ganteles This is the inspection that Glade [sic] de Varcy and Nicholas de V[er]don have made in the Parish of Saint Nizier by order of my lords the counsellors and commissaries on Monday 14 March 1411. Parish of Saint Michel. The prévôt of Saint Michel had no arms and was instructed to have: one jack, one chapel de fer, and gauntlets, and glaive otherwise (known as an) axe, Juhan Cavet, mason: the same, Juhan Parcias: same, Nicholas Bonet: same, Bucavay: same, Evemon Platier: same, Juhan Leney, fisherman: same. At Bourg Chanin. Juahn Laissellaire: same, Master Guillien: one haubergeon, one basinet, vambrace, gauntlets, and one axe, Piers Soflé has one jack, to provide: one chapel de fer, gauntlets, Juhan de Salletes: same, and had nothing, Chatellet: same, Martin Cacunier: same, Piers Chausetier: same, Gacinon had: one basinet, one haubergeon, vambrace, gauntlets, one axe, Meneal had nothing [and is] to provide [blank], Janin Legray to provide himself: haubergeon, gauntlets and bracers, and chapel de fer, Francein Marchandy to provide: one jack, one chapel (de fer), gauntlets, Guillaume de Corsieu: same, Frary le Navetan: same, Stevenet Favie has one haubergeon, vambrace, gauntlets, to provide one basinet, Barot de Rivery: one jack, one chapel (de fer), gauntlets
72
z
documents 34–6
z
34 Kew, National Archives, E 164/46 Arms and Armour at Roxburgh Castle, Scottish Borders, 2 August 1411 j gunne ferr’ iij gunnes en’ iiij pallet’ nigr’ ix bacinett’ iiij ventailles viij pavise iij garb’ sagitt’ iiij polax’ iiij arblesters [sic] minutine arrarat’ [recte aparat’] iij firepannes iij arcub[us] & xv palett’ alb’ one iron gun, three brass guns, four black iron pallets (i.e. of unpolished metal), nine basinets, four aventails, eight pavises, three sheaves of arrows, four pollaxes, four crossbows – minimally prepared, three firepans, three bows, and 15 white pallets (i.e. of polished steel)
35 Will of Sir William Langford, Salisbury Cathedral, 24 August 1411 Chippenham, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, D1/2/7, fol. 21v to Robert myn eldest son a basinet Wyth a ventayle a payre of vambrace and rerebrace a payre of leg herneys a hole brest plate a paunce of Stele a payre of gloues of plate White to William my son A haberion [sic] of Stele Wyth a palet cou[er]yd Wyth rede veluet a payre of glouez of plate blak Also to henry my son a haberion a ketill hatte
36 Household accounts of Charles, Duke of Orléans, Paris, Orléans, and elsewhere, 13 January 1412–25 October 1415 London, British Library, Additional Charter 2606 [13 January 1412] larmeurier de mon s’ de bourg[ong]ne quatre l[iv]re’ dix sols to[u]rno[is] q[ue] mon s’ lui a donn’ pour ce quil lui auoit f[ai]te vne piece dalmaigne the armourer of my Lord [the Duke] of Burgundy four livres ten sous tournois which my Lord gave him because he has made a pièce (reinforcing breastplate) of Germany
Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, MS E.1939.65.1174, fol. 30r [19 October 1412] vj xx l’ t’ A messire francoys de greignaux pour aidier a auoir harnois & habiller aux Joustes que faite p[rese]ntement faire le duc de guienne Au bois de vinciennes
73
z
document 36
z
six score livres tournois to Sir François de Greigneux to assist him to have harness and habiliments for the jousts presently held by the Duke of Guyenne in the Bois de Vincennes
Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, MS E.1939.65.1174, fol. 30r [19 October 1412] nous francoiz de Greigneaulx ch[eva]l[ie]r Chambellan de mon s’ le duc dorleans Confessons auoir Receu vj xx l’ t’ q[ue] mon s’ a donnee a Robert de laire geuffroy lalemant & nous pour nous aidier a auoir harnois & nous abiller aux Joustes q[ue] fait p[rese]ntement f ’ le duc de guienne aux bois de vinciennes we François de Greigneux, knight, Chamberlain to my Lord the Duke of Orléans, confess to having received six score livres tournois that my Lord granted to Robert de Laire, Geoffroi Lalement, and us to assist us to have harness and habiliments for the jousts presently held by the Duke of Guyenne in the Bois de Vincennes
Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, MS E.1939.65.1174, fol. 30r [30 October 1412] noz amez & fealx ch[eva]l[ie]rs chambellans & escuiers tranchant messire francois de grignaulx Robert de laire & geuffroy [sic] lalement Ausquelx nous la donnasmes lors pour eulx abiller & achater harnois pour Jouster aux Joustes que monseigneur le duc de guienne fist faire au bois de vincienn’ Cest assauoir a ch[asc]un xl l’ t’ our beloved and loyal knights, chamberlains, and personal squires Sir François de Grignaulx, Robert de Laire, and Geoffroi Lalement to whom we have given so that they might have habiliments and to buy jousting harness for the jousts which my Lord the Duke of Guyenne held at the Bois de Vincennes – that is to say: 50 livres tournois each
London, British Library, Additional Charter 2607 [18 September 1415] une bien ame varlet Pour vn hernois dacier entire Cest assauoir bacinet platez a lames auambraz gardebraz brassellez Cuissos et hernois de Jambes que nous auons fait acheter de lui pour n[ost]re corps iiij xx l t’ Et pour auoir fait garnir de satin noir moyen le dit bacinet p[ar] dedens les Cuissos les estaches des plates a lames les brasselles et gardebraz dess[us]d’ et vne p[eir]e de manches de maille lxvij s vj d t’ a well-beloved valet for a complete steel harness – that is to say: basinet, (a pair of ) plates with lames, vambrace, gardebras (i.e. pauldrons), bracers (arm-defences), cuisses, and legharness which we have had bought from him for our body four score livres tournois and for having garnished with medium (quality) black satin the insides of the cuisses and the fastenings of the plates with lames, the bracers, and pauldrons aforesaid and a pair of mail sleeves 67 sous six deniers tournois
74
z
documents 36–8
z
London, British Library, Additional Charter 2619 [before 25 October 1415] Phelippe Conte devertus vng aubergon dacier Philippe, Count of Vertus, one steel haubergeon
London, British Library, Additional Charter 2527 [before 25 October 1415] phillipot de hedomulle vint sept liures dix solz tournois pour vng camail que naguores prisnes de lui et Icelui donnasmes A louys de combort n[ost]re pannetier Phillipot de Hedomulle 27 livres ten sous tournois for an aventail we recently took from him and gave to Louis de Combort our pannetier
37 York, Borthwick Institute, Abp Reg 18, Part I, fol. 363r–fol. 364r Will of William, Baron Ros, prob. Helmsley Castle, Yorkshire, 22 February 1412 Joh[ann]i filio meo & he[re]di tota’ armat[u]ram mea’ & gladiu’ meu’ de aur’ my son and heir John all my armour and my gilt sword
38 Durham University Library, Bishop’s Reg. Langley, fol. 56r–fol. 57v Inventory and Will of Roger Kyrkby, Vicar of Gainford, County Palatine of Durham, 25 April 1412 [Inventory] tres basilard’ argent’ prec’ xxiiij s’ in armatura prec’ xxvj s’ viij d’ vnu’ wyrehatte p[re] c’ v s’ three silver baselards 24s., armour worth 26s. 8d., one wire hat 5s. [Will] Tho[m]e de Gedworth camerario meo […] omnes sagittas meas vnam loricam optima’ vnu’ brestplate & vnu’ par de vawmbrace & eciam de rerebrace vnu’ par de whysshewes Greuyce vnu’ Basenett cum auentale & vnu’ par cirotecar[um] de plate
75
z
documents 38–9
z
Thomas Gedworth, my chamberlain, […] all my arrows, one best hauberk, one breastplate, one pair of vambrace and likewise rerebrace, one pair of cuisses [and] greaves, one basinet with aventail, and one pair of plate gauntlets
39 London, College of Arms Library, Manuscript M.19, fol. 135v–fol. 136r Regulations for Arming for the Tourney, England, before 1413 j harnois de Jambes couuert de cuir cousu a aguillettes au long de La Jambe iusques au genoul et deux ataches larges pour atach[e]r a son braier cuisses et poulains de cuir armoyes Auec vns chausses de maille par dessus le harnois de Jambes atachees au brayer co[m]me dit est par dessus les cuisses et vngz esperons dores qui sero[n]t atachiez a vne cordelette autour de la Jambe affin que la mollette ne tourne dessoubz le pie vns anciens [sic] et vnes espaulieres pans et manches qui seront atachiez a la cuirie et la cuirie atout ses agrapes sur les espuales et vne souceilliere sus le pis deua[n]t bracheres atachees aux espaules de la cuirie le bachinet atout le hourson et vng escuchon de balane sur le col couuert de cuir auec les tonneres pour les atacher au brayer [sic] ou a la cuirie et sur le bachinet vne coeffe de malle et vng bel offroy pardeuant au font qui veult vn gaignepain pour mettre es mains du ch[eua]l[ie]r vn heaume et le timbre tel quil vouldra deux cheines atachees a la poitrine de la cuirie vne pour lespee lautre pour le baston et deux visieres pour le heaume atacher [un escuier] sera tout pareil de cellui du ch[eua]l[ie]r exepte quil ne doit auoir nulles chausses de malle ne coeffette de maille sur son bachinet mais doit auoir vng chappel de montauben ne Il ne doit auoir nulles bracheres et es aultres choses se peult armer co[m]me vng ch[eua]l[ie]r one (pair of ) legharness covered with leather sewn with (arming) points the length of the leg to the knee and two long straps to attach them to his brayer, cuisses and poleyns of leather armed with mail chausses beneath the legharness attached to the brayer beneath the cuisses as aforesaid, and gilt spurs which shall be attached with a small cord around the leg in order that the rowel does not roll beneath the feet, an aketon and a (pair of ) spaudlers, paunce and (mail) sleeves which shall be attached to the cuirie – and the cuirie complete with its grips over the spaudlers and a ‘souceilliere’ [probably a large steel plate] over the breast at the front, bracers attached to the shoulders of the cuirie, the basinet complete with the hourson (aventail-cover) and an escutcheon of baleen over the neck covered with leather with the straps to attach to the brayer [sic] or the cuirie, and a coif of mail upon the basinet, and a fine piece of goldsmith’s work at the front (or wherever it is desired), a gaignepain to place on the knight’s hands, a helm with crest to his liking, two chains attached to the ‘poitrine’ (breastplate) of the cuirie – one for the sword the other for the baton (club) – and two visors attached to the helm [the squire’s harness] shall be much the same as the knight’s except that he ought not to have any mail chausses or small coif of mail upon his basinet but a chapel
76
z
documents 39–40
z
de Montauban instead, nor ought he to have any bracers and such other things as a knight may have to arm
40 Kew, National Archives, E361/6, m. 11d Upkeep of Arms and Armour by the King’s Armourers in the Tower of London, March 1413–March 1418 lxxiij Rest’ de ferr’ vij mlC Braket’ de ferro ix mlCCCij clau’ de ferro mlmlml Reuet’ de ferro vj lb’ wyre vnde ij lb’ de laton’ vj plates alb’ de ferro xxvj par’ Coffre Rynges de ferro cliij anul’ de ferro xij Warrokes v hydes de cor’ nigre’ iij par’ Gambeux de pann’ adaur’ vnde ij par’ lin’ cu’ veluet cxij stapull’ iiij hast’ lanc’ coop[er]t’ in veluet cremes’ ad portand’ basinett’ cu’ coloris d[omi]ni Reg’ viij Gambes j hedethongs j middelbrace ad festu’ s[anc]ti Mich[ael]is anno xvjo martino Pull’ armatori d[omi]ni Reg’ p[ro] diu[er]sis custub[us] Videl[ice]t p[ro] j Basnet’ nou’ cu’ ij visers de ac[er]e j basenet’ cons’ cu’ j viser’ ij Shell’ plat’ de ac[er]e j par’ plat’ integr’ ante & retro j par’ plat’ p[ro] Guerra ix par’ palrons j Besague xx cum j palron’ j par’ Cirotec’ clau’ xiiij par’ Cirotec’ de ac[er]e vj hapt’ [sic] de ac[er]e xviij palett’ xxiiij pauys Cxix pollaxhedes xij hast’ p[ro] vexill’ xxiiij Charnell’ iiij vices p[ro] Tuftes j Glad’ xxiiij daggers xxiij h[ar]nes’ nou’ de ac[er]e ij par’ Qussheux iij par’ Calig’ de maile iij paunces iiij Brac’ de maile iij peticotes de maile ij pisances [sic] ij hounscoull’ iiij pollaxes xij armyngswerdes xix arblastes mlml quarell’ ij pec’ de ac[er]e j par’ Brigaunters j par’ Shynnes cu’ poleyn’ iiij p[ar] sabatons vj Gonnes l Gonnestones vj lb’ Gonnepouder viij ml platenails C pynnes p[ro] Basnett’ xxiiij pipes de ferro j mace de ac[er]e xij Stapill’ iiij lb’ Wyre vij plat’ de ferro xl zon’ p[ro] loricis iiij cultell’ ij vyles iiij vagen’ j Bodekyn xiiij sell’ Bastard’ deaurat’ martino Pull’ armatori d[omi]ni Reg’ p[ro] diu[er]sis custub[us] [pro] factur’ rep[ar]ac’ & emendac[i]o[n]em diu[ers]is h[ar]nes’ tam p[ro] corp[or]e ipsius d[omi] ni Reg’ Videl[ice]t p[ro] j Basnet nou’ cu’ ij visers de ac[er]e j basenet’ cons’ cu’ j viser’ ij schell’ plat’ de ac[er]e j par’ plat’ integr’ ante & retro j par’ plat’ p[ro] Guerra j par’ de polayns iij par’ palrons j basague [sic] rotund’ j h[ar]nes’ integr’ vj capit’ lanc’ xlviij capit’ lanc’ cons’ emendat’ ij shell’ de plat’ emendat’ vni’ par’ Shynnes de plate p[ro] op[er]e Furbur’ & garnitur’ j long’ Gladij voc’ passowe coop[er]t’ in veluet nigro p[ro] op[er]e garnitur’ & Furbitur’ duor[um] Gladior[um] j coop[er]t’ in veluet nigro & alt[er]ius in veluet’ Rubio p[ro] op[er]e garnitur’ & furbitur’ vnui’ Gladij long’ voc’ passowe p[ro] op[er]e garnitur’ & Furbitur’ vj glad’ p[ro] Rege coop[er]t’ in veluet rub’ cu’ nou’ pomell’ & hiltes p[ro] op[er]e garnitur’ & furbitur’ vni’ glad’ coop[er] t’ in veluet nigro p[ro] op[er]e & furbitur’ & ganitur’ ij baslardes p[ro] Rege p[ro] op[er]e & furbitur’ & ganitur’ vni’ glad’ Reg’ cu’ coronis p[ro] op[er]e & furbitur’ & ganitur’ vnu’ baslard’ Reg’ p[ro] op[er]e ganitur’ & emendac’ pec’ armatur’ diu[er]sa & secreta loca vbi Rex fuit
77
z
document 40
z
[…] Steph[an]o atte Fryth’ nup[er] armatori Reg’ Ri[card]i se[cun]d’ […] Joh[an]ni hill’ armatori Reg’ p[ro] diu[ers]is custub[us] vjto diem Januar’ anno t[er] cio d[ic]ti Reg’ h’ quinti Videl[ice]t p[ro] ix Bascinett’ nou’ de ac[er]e ciij h[ar]nes’ integr’ xiij par’ plat’ p[ro] guerra j larg’ hapt’ [sic] j palet’ ij pec’ de ac[er]e empt’ p[ro] rep[ar]ac[i]o[n]e & emendac’ vni’ Basnett’ j par’ Briganter’ vij par’ vantbrac’ viij par’ Rerebrac’ cu’ j paleron’ v par’ palrons x par’ Tibial’ j par’ Shynnes cu’ poleyns j par’ Quissheux de maile vij par’ Cirotec’ de ac[er]e iiij par’ sabatons p[ro] clausura [sic] vni’ par’ de plat’ iij daggers cu’ vaginis & cultellis p[ro] rep[ar]ac[i]o[n]e & emendac[i]o[n]e vni’ Cas’ p[ro] aquila p[ro] o[per]e furbitur’ & garnetur’ v gladior[um] coop[er]t’ in veluet cons’ p[ro] o[per]e furbitur’ & garnetur’ xlij Gladior[um] Reg’ p[ro] rep[ar]ac’ & emendar’ diu[er]sar[um] pec’ armatur’ de plat’ & de maile’ seventy-three iron rests, 7,100 iron brackets, 9,302, iron nails, 3,000 iron rivets, 6lb wire – of which 2lb is latten, six white iron plates, twenty-six pairs of iron coffer-rings, 153 iron rings, twelve ‘warrokes’, five hides of black leather, two pairs of cloth-of-gold jambers of which two pairs are lined with velvet, 112 staples, four lance shafts covered in crimson velvet for carrying basinets [recte banners] of the colours of the Lord King, eight jambers, one head thong, one middle brace At the Feast of St Michael in the sixteenth (regnal) year to Martin Pull, the Lord King’s Armourer, for divers keeping, viz.: for one new basinet with two steel visors, one similar basinet with one visor, two steel plate shells, one complete pair of plates (back and font) for war, nine pairs of pauldrons, one besagew, 20 [prob. besagews ] with one pauldron, one pair of nailed gauntlets, 14 pairs of steel gauntlets, six steel hats, 18 pallets, 24 pavises, 119 pollaxe heads, 12 banner-shafts, 24 charnels (hinges), four vices for ‘tuftes’ (i.e. plume-holders), one sword, 24 daggers, 23 new steel harnesses, two pairs of cuisses, three pairs of mail chausses, three paunces, four mail sleeves, three mail petticoats, two pisans, two hounskulls, four pollaxes, 12 arming swords, 19 crossbows, 2,000 quarrels, two pieces of steel, one pair of brigandines, one pair of ‘shins’ with poleyns, four pairs of sabatons, six guns, 50 gun stones, 6lb of gunpowder, 8,000 plate nails, 100 pins for basinets, 24 iron pipes, one steel mace, 12 staples, 4lb wire, seven iron plates, 40 belts for hauberks, four knives, two files, four scabbards, one bodkin, fourteen gilt bastard saddles To Martin Pull, the Lord King’s Armourer, for divers keeping, for making, repairing, and fixing divers harness including that for the body of this Lord King, viz.: for one new basinet with two steel visors, one similar basinet with one visor, two steel plate shells, one complete pair of plates (front and back) for war, one pair of poleyns, one round besagew, one complete harness, six lance heads, 48 similar lance heads, for fixing two plate shells, fixing one pair of plate ‘shins’, for work furbishing and equipping one longsword called ‘Passau’ covered in black velvet, for work furbishing and equipping two swords – one covered in black velvet and the other in red velvet, for work furbishing and equipping one longsword called ‘Passau’, for work furbishing and equipping six swords for the king covered in red velvet with new pommels and hilts, for work furbishing and equipping one sword covered in black velvet, for work furbishing and equipping one of the king’s swords
78
z
documents 40–1
z
with crowns, for work furbishing and equipping one of the king’s baselards, for work equipping and fixing divers pieces of armour and in secret places where the King was […] Stephen atte Fryth, late armourer to King Richard II […] To John Hill, King’s Armourer, for divers keeping on 6 January in the third year of [the reign of ] the said king Henry V, viz.: for nine new steel basinets, 103 complete harnesses, 13 pairs of plates for war, one large hat, one pallet, two pieces of steel bought for repairing and fixing one basinet, one pair of brigandines, seven pairs of vambrace, eight pairs of rerebrace with one pauldron, five pairs of pauldrons, ten pairs of ‘tibial’’ (shin defences), one pair of ‘shins’ with poleyns, one pair of mail cuisses, seven pairs of steel gauntlets, four pairs of sabatons, for nailing one pair of plates, three daggers with scabbards and knives, for repairing and fixing one case for the eagle, for work furbishing and harnessing five swords covered in similar velvet, for work furbishing and harnessing 42 of the king’s swords, for repairing and fixing divers pieces of plate and mail armour
41 London, British Library, Egerton Charter 8746 Privy Purse Expenses of Edmund, Earl of March, paid at Eltham, Westminster, and Elsewhere, 25 October 1413–4 March 1414 [Poplar, 25 October] p[ro] par’ cultellar[um] vij s’ ij d’ for one pair of knives 8s. 2d.
[27 October] deliu[er]e s[er]uienti mongumbry portanti gladiu’ iij s’ iij d’ delivered to the servant of Montgomery carrying the sword 3s. 3d.
[Eltham, 1 January] p[ro] vno basillard’ harneis’ cu’ arg’ deaur’ vj li’ for one baselard fitted with silver gilt £6
[Westminster, 10 January] Solut’ cuidam Armurar’ intendenti d[omi]no apud’ Westm’ temp[or]e insurrexio[n] is Lollardor[um] paid to a certain armourer who attended to the lord (earl) at Westminster at the time of the Lollards’ Revolt
79
z
documents 41–2
z
[The lord (earl’s) lodgings at Powys, 17 January] solut’ cuidam Armurar’ intendenti d[omi]no de regard’ de mand’ d[omi]ni iij s’ iiij d’ paid to a certain armourer who attended to the lord (earl) at the lord’s command 3s. 4d.
[Saint Albans, 5 February] p[ro] Lorica solut’ viij marc’ for one hauberk purchased 8 marks
[13 February, Kenilworth] p[ro] Clensyng of Trapper of mayl ij s’ for cleaning (one) trapper of mail 2s.
[4 March, Ludlow] cuidam s[er]uient’ d[omi]ni de Furnivale portant’ vnu’ par’ dez Brygaunters xx s’ to a certain servant of Lord Furnival’s (i.e. John Talbot) for carrying a pair of brigandines 20s.
42 Namur, Archives de l’État à Namur, fonds Ville de Namur, no. 955, fol. 20r Payment for Artillery in the Accounts of the City of Namur, 1414 danekin le feron po[u]r lx & viij pomez de crut fier Jetteez a l[u]y achateez pour lez pouruea[n]chez de la d[i]te ville xxij maist’ colart le kanonier po[u]r le facho’ dez molez dez pomes dess[us]dict’ […] xv lj pour iij grans quariaus a traire en bombardez de keuure quil liurat a la d[i]te ville xxx Jeh’ de chaubral […] pour le ferure dez iiij quatre ruwez qui do[u]ie[n]t porter le grande bombarde ix lj ij Danekin le Feron for 68 shooting apples of crude iron (i.e. cast-iron balls) bought from him for the victualling for the said town 22 [livres], Mater Colart le Kanonier (cannon-founder) for making the moulds for the aforesaid apples […] 25l., for three large quarrels for shooting in the copper bombard which he delivered to the said town 30l., Jehan de Chaubral [for various ironwork, including] the ironwork of the four quarter (sized) wheels which ought to carry the great bombard 9l. 2s.
80
z
document 43
z
43 Berkeley Castle Archives, Muniment D1/1/30 Household Accounts of John, Earl Marshal, London, March 1414– March 1415 Joh[an]ni Welles de London’ mercer’ p[ro] xxxviij vln’ d’ tel’ de Champ ab eo empt’ p[ro] vno Armyngdoublett’ inde fac’ p[ro] d[omi]no Erga t[ra]nsi[ti]on’ suu’ v[er]sus p[ar]ties Franc’ Cxv s vj d iij vln’ tel’ Flandr’ p[ro] eod[e]m doublett’ ix s x virg’ & d’ q[u]art’ de veluet Cra’ ab eo empt’ p[er] Alman’ p[ro] duplic’ manucar[um] ij Jakkes d[omi]ni erga t[ra]nsi[ti]on’ virg’ Cv s vij d ob’ Alic’ Scherster’ p[ro] iiij vln’ & d’ damas’ empt’ p[ro] manticat’ vnu’ basenett’ d[omi]ni […] Sibille Pepir’ de London’ Salkwarman’ p[ro] viij virg’ & d’ de lace de nigro serico p[ro] fretting vni’ gladij d[omi]ni in manu’ p[er] Thoma’ Schirwod’ [& pro] tyssews de rub’ serico empt’ p[ro] garnestura de les vau[nt]brace d[omi]ni ix d Salamoni Oxeney de London’ Aurifabro p[ro] ij double charners & xviij clau’ argent’ & deaur’ ponder’ viij vnc’ ad ponend’ arm’ S[anc]ti Georg’ sup[er] basenett’ d[omi]ni cu’ viij s f[ac]tur’ Cor’ d[omi]ni xvj s iij punct’ argent’ & deaur’ ix d xvj bokels xvj pendantes & xl barres arg’ & deaurat’ p[ro] armatur’ d[omi]ni ponder’ xij vnc’ & d’ cu’ xxxij s iij d ob’ p[ro] f[ac]tur’ Eor[un]d[e]m lxiiij s vij d emendac’ & deaurat’ h[ar]nes’ & vni’ Chape gladij d[omi] ni cu’ sup[er]posit[i]o[n]e xx d garnysschyng’ vni’ palet pro d[omi]no ponder’ xvij vnc’ j q[u]art’ de troye cu’ xlv s v d p[ro] f[ac]tur’ eiusd[e]m iiij li x s x d ij bokels & ij pendantes & vj barr’ p[ro] polaynes d[omi]ni de argent’ & deaurat’ iij bokels iij pendant’ & xij barr’ argent’ & deaur’ p[ro] j pysane d[omi]ni ponder’ v vnc’ & d’ cu’ v s ij d p[ro] f[ac]tur’ eor[un]d[e]m x s iiij d j Trayfole de armis d[omi]ni & posit’ infra j besagewe de argent’ & deaurat’ ponder’ ix vnc’ xvij d ob’ cu’ xxv s vj d ob’ p[ro] f[ac]tur’ eiusd[e]m Lj s ob’ vno penda[u]nt & vno Cower argent’ & deaur’ ponder’ ij vnc’ & d’ p[ro] vno helmett’ d[omi]ni cu’ ij s ij d p[ro] f[ac]tur’ ear[un]d[e]m iiij s iiij d emendac’ h[ar]nes’ vni’ Wodknyf xv d et p[ro] emendac’ eiusd[e]m Wodknyf xij d Ric[ard]o Groue de London’ Armourer’ p[ro] vno par’ de plates ab eo empt’ p[ro] d[omi]ni cu’ vno Schelle p[ro] eod[e]m Cvj s viij d Joh[anne]m Flech[e]r de london’ Armourer’ p[ro] vno par’ legharneys vno par’ vantbrace vno par’ Rerebrace vno par’ Cirotecar[um] & vno par’ sabatons ab eo empt’ p[ro] d[omi]no C s Ric[ard]o Fox Arm[ou]rer london’ p[ro] ij basenett’ ab eo empt’ p[ro] d[omi]no viij li Nich[ol]o Armourer’ p[ro] f[ac]tur’ vni’ Tuft & vni’ Crest’ sup[er] vnu’ basenett’ & j helmett’ ij s vno ventayle p[ro] vno basenett’ d[omi]ni xiij s iiij d garnestura & stuffur’ triu’ basenett’ d[omi]ni & vno hatt vij s j par’ voiders long’ & j par’ voiders p[ar]u’ p[ro] Cusscheux & j par’ voiders p[ro] les vantbrace xiij s iiij d j par’ palerons ij s f[ac] tur’ vni’ Ceru[er]r’ ad vnu’ basenett’ d[omi]ni iij s iiij d vno pysayne de Arnebergh’ [sic] p[er] ip[su]m empt’ p[ro] d[omi]no xxvj s viij d vno Closepaunce de mayle de gesseraunt xl s vno par’ de Cusseux de mayle gesserant xl s vno par’ bracc’ de mayle gesseraunt xl s vno par’ de Gussettes de mayle gesserant xxvj s viij d vno par’ de polayns de plate xiij s iiij d in toto Joh[anne]m Farley val’ d[omi]ni p[ro] vno par’ de Gussett’ de mayle de milayne ab eo empt’ p[ro] d[omin]um […] Symon Bower’ p[ro]
81
z
document 43
z
C arcub[us] ab eo empt’ p[ro] Joh[an]nem Pyntre Cxvj s viij d Rad[ulph]o Flech[e] r’ p[ro] C garb’ sagitt’ p[ro] eund[e]m vj li xiij s iiij d Rad[ulph]o Strynger’ p[ro] xx Cord’ p[ro] Arcub[us] xl s Joh[anne]m Pyntre p[ro] tot’ denar’ p[ro] ip[su]m solut’ Symoni Aston’ de london’ Flech[e]r’ p[ro] xj garb’ sagitt’ ad diuis’ d[omi]ni ad iiij s xliiij s vna garb’ sagitt’ ab eod[e]m Symoni p[ro] sagitta[riorum] d[omi]ni iiij s vna xx de matrace p[ro] balistis d[omi]ni xij d xviij garb’ sagitt’ p[ro] lib[er]ac’ empt’ de eod[e]m Symone vlt[r]a C garb’ sup[er]nis empt’ xxiiij s vna Cista p[ro] artillar’ imponend’ & custodiend’ iij s iiij Corrijs p[ro] coop[er]tur’ Cistar[um] in quib[us] ponebant[u]r’ Arc’ & sagitt’ d[omi]ni erga defensione’ Aque iij s iiij d iiij Cerurs p[ro] firmind[a]c[i]o[n]e Cist’ & alior[um] vessellament’ in quib[us] Artillar’ ponebat[u]r’ xx d portag’ & Cariag’ Artillar’ vsq[ue] nau’ apud le Brokenwherf v d vna Cista p[ro] Arc’ d[omi]ni imponend’ iij s in toto xviij li xiiij s v d Nich[ol]o Armourer’ p[ro] vno Corrio Ceruino p[ro] h[ar]nes’ d[omi]ni emend’ vij s iij Corrijs Caprinis iiij s iij Corrijs mult’ xv d vj gross de Armyngpointes p[ro] d[omi]no xxiiij s m[i]l’ m[i]l’ m[i] l’ m[i]l’ Clau’ diu[er]s’ sort’ v s iiij d L stapul’ diu[er]s’ sort’ fact’ p[ro] basenett’ viij s iiij d iiijxx Charnelles de diu[er]s’ sort’ xvj s vj lb de Emerye ij s vj restes p[ro] lanc’ viij s CC Takett’ p[ro] Capit’ lanc’ ij d L pynnes p[ro] basenett’ ij s j d iij lb de Wyre xv d xvj virg’ de Rauell’ p[ro] h[ar]nes’ d[omi]ni inueluend’ iij s iiij d C Bokels p[ro] armatur’ ij s iiij d j lb Fili de diu[er]s’ sort’ xiiij d ijxx de Armyngneeyls vj d vj hab[er] gongirdels p[ro] d[omi]no xij d vC Takett’ p[ro] lanc’ x d emendac’ Crest d[omi] ni fract’ apud Boscham die mustr’ s[u]p[er] ib[ide]m cu’ exp[e]n’ eiusd[e]m equit’ vsq[ue] lond’ p[ro] Crest’ ib[ide]m fac’ vid[elice]t eund’ morand’ & redennd’ xiij s iiij d in toto vj li ij s xj d Wil[he]lmo Napton’ p[ro] vna Cist’ p[ro] h[ar]nes’ infra ponend’ cu’ vna Cerur’ p[ro] ead[e]m ij s viij d in toto xiiij s vno manubro de nigro Cornu vna vagina & j Chape argenti & deaurat’ p[ro] vna dag’ iij s iiij d Rob[er]to Touy de london’ Joyn[e]ro p[ro] viij long’ pauys ab eo empt’ viij s xl pauys curt’ x d vno Capit’ p[ro] lanc’ d[omi]ni empt’ p[ro] Ric[ardu]m Steresacre de Thoma Schirwod xx d ij Curt’ secur’ xj s portag’ xlviij pavys de dom’ pictor’ vsq[ue] hospic’ d[omi]ni vj d j par’ de Coffres empt’ de Wil[he]l[m]o Cofremaker’ p[er] eund[e]m Ric[ardu]m p[ro] Armatur’ d[omi]ni xx s vj baculis Tippes empt’ p[er] eund[e]m de Joh[an]ne Bower’ p[ro] d[omi]no viij s iiij d j secur’ ordinat’ p[ro] guerr’ empt’ de Thom’ Arm[ou]rer’ p[ro] d[omi]no xiij s iiij d iij daggers p[ro] guerr’ empt’ p[ro] d[omi]no de Joh[an]ne Thawe Cutyler’ cu’ iij Chapes de argent’ & deaurat’ xiiij s portag’ magn[a]sayle xiiij d cariag’ eiusd[e]m de le Brokenwherf vsq[ue] domu’ pictor[um] vj d ij zonis empt’ p[ro] secur’ de guerr’ ordinat’ p[ro] d[omi]no xij d ij Tyscheus & vno Couer p[ro] vno prikynghatte iiij tyscheus p[ro] poleyns & iij tyscheus p[ro] le pysayne empt’ p[ro] d[omi]no […] vno par’ de greues empt’ p[ro] d[omi]no cu’ cusshews de mayle de Thoma Armorer’ iux[t]a port de Powles xx s John Welles, mercer of London for 38½ ells of field linen from which an arming doublet was made for the Lord for the crossing to French parts 115s. 6d., three ells of Flanders linen for the same doublet 9s., ten and a half-quarter ell of crimson velvet bought from him by John Alman for lining the sleeves of two of the Lord’s jacks for the crossing at 105s. 7½d., Alice Scherster’, silk-woman for 4½ ells of
82
z
document 43
z
damask bought from her for the sack of one of the Lord’s basinets […] Sibyl Pepir’, silk-woman of London for 8½ yards of black silk lace for fretting the grip of one of the Lord’s swords by Thomas Sherwood [and for] bands of red silk bought for garnishing of the Lord’s vambrace 9d., Solomon Oxeney, goldsmith of London for two double charnels (hinges) and 18 silvered and gilt nails weighing 8oz to affix the arms of Saint George upon the Lord’s bacinet with 8s. for making the Lord’s crown 16s., three silvered and gilt points 9d., 16 buckles 16 pendants and 40 bars of silver and gold for Lord’s armour weighing 12½oz with 32s. 3½d. for making them 64s. 7s., mending and gilding the harness and one chape of one of the Lord’s swords with mounting of them 20d., garnishing one pallet for the Lord weighing 17¼oz Troy weight with 45s. 5d. for making them £4 10s. 10d., two buckles and two pendants and six bars for the Lord’s poleyns of silver and gold and for three buckles three pendants and 12 bars of silver and gold for one of the Lord’s pisans weighing 5oz with 5s. 2d. for making them 10s. 4d., one trefoil of the Lord’s arms and setting it in one besagew of silver and gold weighing 9oz 17½d. with 25s. 6½d. for making it 51s. ½d., one pendant and one cover of silver and gold weighing 2oz for one of the Lord’s armets with 2s. 2d. for making it 4s. 4d., mending the harness of one wood knife 25d., mending this wood knife 12s., Richard Grove, armourer of London, for a pair of plates bought from him for the Lord with one shell for it 106s., John Fletcher, armourer of London, for a pair of legharness, a pair of vambrace, a pair of rerebrace, a pair of gauntlets, and a pair of sabatons bought from him for the Lord 100s., Richard Fox, armourer of London, for two basinets bought from him for the Lord £8, Nicholas Armourer for making one tuft and one crest affixed upon one basinet and one armet 2s., one aventail for one of the Lord’s basinets 13s. 4d., equipping and stuffing three of the Lord’s basinets and one [steel] hat at the same time 7s., one pair of long voiders, and one pair of small voiders for cuisses, and one pair of the vambrace 13s. 4d., one pair of pauldrons 2s., making a helmet lining for one of the Lord’s basinets 3s. 4d., a pisan of Arnsberg (Westphalia) for the Lord 26s. 8d., a closepaunce (i.e. it can be closed) of jazerant mail 40s., a pair of cuisses of jazerant mail 40s., a pair of sleeves of jazerant mail 40s., a pair of gussets of jazerant mail 25s. 8d., a pair of plate poleyns 13s. 4d. in total, John Farley, the Lord’s valet for a pair of gussets of mail of Milan for the Lord 20s., Simon Bowyer for 100 bows bought from him for John Pyntre 116s. 8d., Ralph fletcher for 100 sheaves of arrows bought from him £6 13s. 4d., Ralph Stringer for a score of bowstrings price of the score 40s., John Pyntre for all the payments he has made to Simon Aston, fletcher of London, for 11 sheaves of arrows for the Lord’s use at 4s. 44d., to the same [John] for a sheaf of arrows bought from Simon for the Lord’s archers 4s., a score of ‘matrace’ bought from Simon for the Lord’s crossbows 12d., 18 sheaves of arrows bought from Simon in addition to the 100 sheaves already bought 33s., a chest for placing and keeping the artillery 3s., four hides to cover the chests in which the Lord’s bows and arrows are placed for defence on the sea 3s. 4d., four wax cloths for polishing chests and other containers in which the artillery is placed 20d., portage and carriage of the artillery to the ship at Brokenwharf 5d., a chest for placing the Lord’s bows 3s. in total £28 14s. 5d., Nicholas Armourer for one deer hide for
83
z
documents 43–4
z
mending the Lord’s harness 7s., three goat hides 4d., three sheepskins 25d., six gross of arming points for the Lord, 4,000 nails of divers sorts 5s. 4d., 50 staples of divers sorts made for basinets 8s. 4d., four score charnels (hinges) of divers sorts 16s., 6lb of emery 2s., six rests for lances 8s., 200 tackets for lanceheads 2d., 50 pins for basinets 2s. 1d., 3lb of wire 25d., 16 ells of unravelled cloth for wrapping the Lord’s harness 3s. 4d., 100 buckles for armour 2s. 4d., 1lb of thread of divers sorts 14d., two score arming nails 6d., six haubergeon-girdles for the Lord 12d., 500 tackets for lances 10d., mending one of the Lord’s crests broken at Bosham on the day of the muster there with his expenses for riding to London so that the work on this crest could be done there viz.: staying and returning 13s. 4d. in total £6 2s. 9d., William Napton for one chest for placing the harness in with one wax cloth bought for it 2s. 8d. in total 14s., for a grip of black leather, a scabbard, one silver and gilt chape, one dagger 3s. 4d., Robert Tovy, joiner of London, for eight long pavises bought from him 8s., 40 short pavises 33s. 4d., for a head for the Lord’s lance bought for Richard Steresacre from Thomas Sherwood 20d., six lances 20s., two short axes 11s., portage of 48 pavises from the house of the painter to the Lord’s lodgings 6d., one pair of coffers bought from William the coffer-maker for the Lord’s armour 20s., six staff tips bought by the him from John bowyer for the Lord 8s. 4d., one axe equipped for war from Thomas armourer for the Lord 13s. 4d., three daggers for war for the Lord from John Thawe, cutler, with three silver and gilt chapes 14s., portage from the Great Hall 14d., carriage from the Brokenwharf to the painter’s house 6d., two belts for two axes equipped for war for the Lord 12d., two bands and one cover for a pricking (riding) hat, four bands for poleyns, and three bands for the pisan for the Lord 2 […] one pair of greaves bought for the Lord with cuisses of mail from Thomas armourer next to the Gate of [Saint] Pauls 20s.
44 London, British Library, MS Lansdowne 285, fol. 16r–fol. 17v Richard, earl of Warwick (1382–1439) was captain of Calais from February 1414. This event was most likely held at Christmastide (24 December 1414–6 January 1415). The Challenge of an Auncestre of therle of Warewik First the seide lorde departid’ out of Caleis to Guynes by water thee twisday aftir Cristmas day for to take the eire and’ disporte of the Countrey as he saide And’ all’ his Armure and his harneis for his (feats of ) Armes was pryvily caried’ thidir And nerehande a foortnyght before Cristmasse my lorde lete set vp’ a pavilon within the parceles of Guynesse (i.e. outskirts of Guînes) and lete hange therein thre tables of the devisez depeyntid’ The first a lady standyng and harpyng at a beddis feete with’ a Gratoure of golde for a Spere (i.e. lance-grapper) [a]ttachid’ on hir Sleve and sent an haraude into Fraunce that what knyght that was borne Gentilman of name and armes without Reproche with[in] the Ream [sic] of Fraunce that wolde touche that devise
84
z
document 44
z
there shulde a knyght that clepith’ hym Le Chiualer Vert oue le quarter’ noir’ that was borne in Englonde Gentilman of name and’ armes withoute Reproche shulde delyuir’ that frensch knyght’ of xij Cours hit on horsbak with’ Speres of oon length’ and Sheeldis of oon makyng’ of the which’ Sheeldis the frensche knyght shulde choose the bettir and here vpon my lorde sent’ his l[ett]res ensealde with’ his Armes that he berith’ of Siluir’ with’ the maunchet of Goules as they bee enbrowdid’ in þe seide lord’ white bedde of berys Secondly he let hong [sic] vp in the same pavylone a noothir’ table of his devise portreide’ with’ a lady wirthyng’ [sic] p[er]les with’ a Glove of plate of Golde [a]tacchid’ on hir sleeve and’ sent by the same [t]he heraude into the Reame of Fraunce that what knyght that was borne Gentilman of name and armes withoute Reproche of the Reame of Fraunce that wolde touche that devise he shulde fynde a knyght of Englonde borne Gentilman of name of [sic] Armes withoute reproche’ the which’ clepith’ hym le Chiualer gryse that shulde delyuer the frensche knyght of xv strokys with’ a swerde hitte for the which’ Armes the Englishe knyght shulde ordeyne twey Sadles and send’ the frensche knyght þe choise of both’ And here vpon sent my lorde his l[ett]res Sealde with’ his Armes of Siluyr with’ twey barris of Goules as they ben also wele embrowdid’ in the same white bedde of berys The thridde [sic] my seide lorde lete hong vp’ in the same Pavylone Anothir table of his device with a lady depeyntid’ in a Gardyne makyng a Chaplet of Roses with’ a poleyne of golde in the same pavylone [a]tacchid’ on the seide lady[’s] Sleve and’ sent by the same heraude that what knyght of the Reame of fraunce that was borne Gentilman of name and Armes withoute Reproche that wolde touche the thrid’ devise he shulde fynde a knyght of Englond’ Gentilman borne of name and of Armes withoute Reproche that clepith’ hym Le Chiualer attendaunt that shulde delyu[er] that frensche knyght of x Cours hit with’ speres of oon lenghth’ [sic] in hosteying’ harneis (i.e. war harness borne in the host) withoute Shieldis And here vpon my lorde sent his l[ett]res sealde with’ his Armes quarterly golde & goules bordn redd’ with’ siluyr and azure verrid (i.e. with a heraldic bordure argent and azure) as they ben wele enbrowdid’ in the same bedde of Berys So whan this heraude was thus delyuerd’ theise thre l[ett]rez of my lordis ensealde with dyuers sealx of his Armys and wreton of dyu[er]s handys he Rode into Fraunce and delcarid his messages among’ all’ the lordis knyghtis & Squyers of honoure that were that tyme come downe into the marchis of pycardye for the werre and vpon the shewyng’ of theise wrote three knyghtes ageyne by l[ett]res ensealid’ with’ Sealx of their’ Armes for to touche the thre devisez for the fulfillyng’ of the poyntes comprehendid in the l[ett]res which’ the heraude brought’ weenyng’ the frenschemen (i.e. the Frenchmen hoped) that it were three knyghtes of Englonde that had hongid’ vp’ thoo thre devises The first frensche knyght clepid’ hym in his l[ett]res Le Chiualer Rouge to whom the knyght[’s] name is s[ir] Gerarde herbaumes a Seemely man’ and’ oon of the best Justers of Fraunce accountid’ and is oon of the xv frenschemen that had nowe late Chalengid’ xv English’ men to the outr[a]unce (i.e. combat to the extreme) they bering’ a plate of goolde for their’ devise till’ their’ (feats of ) Armes be doon’ And this day of Armys with’ my seide lorde set’ vpon the xijth day of Cristmasse last vpon the which’ day my lorde came into the felde at xij at thee clok the fairest Armyd man and the Suerst that evir’ was seen before that
85
z
document 44
z
tyme with basyned’ [sic] on his hede and visoure downe for he wolde nat be knowe with’ an vncouthly freshe Chaplet’ (i.e. strange and newly-made headdress) wrought of dyvers Colours of Fethirs & p[er]les vpon his basinet a fyne girdill’ of golde large aboute the nethir bordure of his (pair of ) plates and his spere xv Inches large aboute which’ was right grete woond[er] to all’ the frenschmen that evir man myght welde so grete tymbre And than’ my lorde sent the twoo Sheldis to his felowe to choose as the purport of his l[ett]re wolde which’ Sheeldes were of lethir nat als thyk as the thyknes of vj papir leves And so my seide lorde and the frensche knyght ran’ to gider with’ [t]hir speeris woondir knyghtly and brake their’ speris and eithir parcid’ othir harneys but thonkid’ [sic] be god’ at the thrid’ Cours my lorde smote downe þe frensche knyght at the spere poynt hors and man’ and’ so whan the Armes of that day was doon’ my lorde sent to the frensche knyght a faire Courser’ to his tent Vpon the morowe my lorde came into the felde to accomplisshe the Seconde armes with’ Swerde aftir’ the entent of his l[ett]re Armyd’ in the godelyest wise as seiden all’ the Straungers that evir was seen with’ a frensche Creste of Ostrigge Fethirs of golde e[n]compacid’ with’ a White Chaplet’ aboue his basynet And rennen to gidirs an [sic] horsbak So that my lorde smote the knyte [sic] mons’ hugh’ de lawney that he Recolid’ hym to his hors behynde and an oothir stroke smote vp his visoure and thankid’ be god’ had’ much’ the bettir’ by all’ mennes iuggement And so to his high’ woorship fulfillid’ the poyntes of his Armes and evir’ his vmbrere downe for he wolde nat be knowen in the felde And at his departyng’ oute of the felde my lorde sent his felowe a feire Courser And vpon the Soonday aftir my lorde came into the feld aboute ix of the clok Armyd’ bright with’ a Rounde brode tofte of Ostrich’ fethirs Spreynte with’ golde and a long’ tartaryn’ fethir in the myddis with’ a brode Girdill’ of Goldsmythis werke rounde aboute his (pair of ) plates beneth’ to p[er]forme his Armes in hosteyeng’ harneis as his l[ett]re contenyth’ A Courser trappid’ with’ his Armes of warr’ embrowdid’ to fore hym on the which’ Rode oon Botiller’ and behynde hym came three Coursers trappid’ in thre Armys of his Armys Accordaunt to the Sealx of his thre Armes to foresaide And the same trappers folowid’ hym eche day of the three dayes oonly to the touchyng’ of the devises So that these Armes were wele and’ woorshipfully accomplisshid’ to the grettir’ woorship of my lorde both’ of the frenschemen and also of all’ the Souldeours of these marche[s] that evir had’ man in Pykardye blessid’ be ged’ [sic] of his grace And [my lord] sent his felowe a noother Courser which’ knyght is callid’ le Chiualer’ noir’ to whom the Right’ name is mess’ Colarde de Fyennes the which’ is my lordis Cousyn And by that’ that [sic] theis Armys were this [sic] doon my lorde sittyng’ on horsbak in þe felde armed’ praide all’ the frensche men to dyne with’ hym there Right in the felde [A great feast is then held and prizes awarded]
86
z
documents 45–7
z
45 Now-Lost Original Document from the Archives municipales de Douai, printed in V. Gay, Glossaire Archéologique du Moyen Âge et de la Renaissance, tome second, rev. and compl. H. Stein (Paris, 1928), p. 232 Will of Jacquemars de Hesdin, candlemaker, Douai, County of Flanders, 1415 Jacquemars de Hesdin, candrelier, donne à son fillœul son milleur haubrejon, se cappeline, le housecol, deux paires de bracelez, uns wantelès, uns garde bras, une pieche et uns pans Jacquemars de Hesdin, candlemaker, gives his son his best haubergeon, his cappeline, the hounskull, two pairs of bracers, one (pair) of gauntlets, one (pair of ) pauldrons, one pièce, and one paunce
46 Nottingham University Library, Middleton MSS Mi F 6/9 Will of William Filioll, Heaton, Yorkshire, 12 January 1415 Nich[ol]o Arney ij doublett’ de nigro Wurstede Rad’ Walssh’ glad’ meum longu’ voc’ Percy Rob[er]to Derby baselardum meum cum Cultell’ Nich[ol]o Arney gladium meum curtum vaginat’ Rad’ Walssh’ glad’ meum curtum quem habui de dono eiusd[e]m Rad’ Joh[ann]i Reson gladium meum curtum non vaginat’ Rob[er]to Derby equu’ meum nigrum Rad’ Walssh’ equu’ meum bay Simo[n]i Talbot vnu’ par de plates albis cum le pauns vauntbrases & rirebrases greves & quysshews ad easd[e] m plates compet’ Nich[ol]o Arney vnu’ par’ de plates nigris & basenettum meum Nicholas Arney two doublets of black worsted (woollen cloth), Ralph Walsh my longsword called ‘Percy’, Robert Derby my baselard with knife, Nicholas Arney my short sword in its scabbard, Ralph Walsh my short sword which he gifted me, John Reson my short sword without its scabbard, Robert Derby my black horse, Ralph Walsh my bay horse, Simon Talbot one white (steel) pair of plates with the paunce, vambraces and rerebraces, greaves and cuisses for this [pair of ] plates, Nicholas Arney one black pair of plates and my basinet
47 London, British Library, Additional MS 4600, no. 131 Petition of Sir Hugh Standish to the King, 16 February 1415 This is an 18th- or 19th-century copy of a now-lost original. 87
z
documents 47–8
z
[…] al Meistre et Gardein de votre Art[ill]erie deinz votre Toure de Londres Lui Enchargeant pour deliverer a votre humble serviteur Hugh de Standissh ch[iva]l[e] r [un] entire Harnois de Armure hors de votre dit Art[ill]erie competent pour soun Degre pour le Defens et suaf Garde de soun Corps de vous faire service […] […] to the master and keeper of your artillerie (i.e. armoury) in your Tower of London order him to deliver to your humble servant Hugh Standish, knight, [a] complete harness of armour from your said artillerie suitable for his (social) degree and for the defence and safe-guarding of his life in doing you service
48 Will of Henry, Baron Scrope of Masham, 23 June 1415 Printed in Foedra, conventiones, literae […], ed. by T. Rymer, vol. 9 (The Hague, 1744), pp. 272–7 fiat Tumba mea [in Saint Stephen’s Chapel in York Minster] […] & Imaginem mei super dictam Tumbam, armatam in Armis meis, cum Umbra Leonis in le Bende, prout vivens utor. Et quod dicta Imago sit facat de Alabastro, jacens supra Petram Marmoream. […] Lego sibi, qui erit Hæres meus Masculus, tempore Mortis meæ, ad Terminum Vitæ suæ, totam Armaturam, michi per Dominum meum Patrem legatam, & omnem Armaturam meam […] & Duas Sellas meas bastardas coopertas in Rubeo Velwet, cum Sellis & omni Apparatu pro Hastiludendo, Ita tamen quod omnia prædicta, tam de Armaturis quam de Sellis, & aliis rebus pro Hastiludendo, integre remaneant Hæredibus meis, pro munitione alicujus Foralitiæ apud Clyfton vel alibi facineda, absque Venditione vel Alienatione quacumque. […] Johanni Asby Gladium meum hernesatum in nigro Velwet inbrodatum My tomb be [in Saint Stephen’s Chapel in York Minster] […] and my image (i.e. effigy) upon the said tomb, armed in my arms, with the representation of a lion in the (heraldic) bend as if it were alive. And that the said image be made of alabaster lying upon a marble stone (i.e. plinth). […] I bequeath to whosoever be my heirs male at the time of my death to the end of their lives all the armour bequeathed to me by my Lord father and all my armour […] and my two bastard saddles covered in red velvet with the saddles and other equipment for jousting – as well as all the aforesaid – both armour and saddles and all things for jousting, remain together to my heirs for the munitioning of Clifton Castle or elsewhere without in any way being sold or given away. […] John Asby my sword fitted with embroidered black velvet
88
z
documents 48–9
z
Kew, National Archives, E 153/1067 Inventory of the Goods of Henry, Baron Scrope of Masham, 4 October 1415 This MS is very faded. Parts of the text are provided from C. L. Kingsford, ‘Two Forfeitures in the Year of Agincourt’, Archaeologia 70 (1920), pp. 71–100 (at pp. 88–9). vn Espee harnese ou argent enorres viij s’ vn doubelete de defense de fustian iiij s’ vn dagge et vn bedowe v s’ iij habergeons xv s’ vn brestplate vn pa[…]se & vn paire Quischewes de maile xx s’ vn helme xx d’ vn barell’ p[u]r armure v s’ p[ar]celx de vn paire brigantiers xij d’ vn Espee saunz Scawberd xvj d’ ij veillis justing sadils xij d’ vn tester et vn piser vj s’ iiij d’ vj Cropours de noire et ij bittis de veil harneise vn bridil et vn cropour rouge et noire iij s’ iiij d’ vn paire Wrestes pur Justis et iij alt’ paire de copre enorrez iij s’ iiij d’ veillis Sporis x d’ one sword fitted with silver-gilt 8s., one fustian doublet of defence 4s., one dagger and one biddow (a type of dagger)6 5s., three haubergeons 15s., one breastplate, one paunce, and one pair of cuisses of mail 20s., one helm 20d., one barrel for armour 5s., pieces of one pair of brigandines 12d., one sword without scabbard 16d., two old jousting saddles 12d., one tester and one peytral 6s. 4d., six cruppers of black (prob. leather or fabric) and two bits of an old (horse) harness, one bridle, and one red and black (leather) crupper 3s. 4d., one pair of (lance) rests for jousts and three other gilt-copper pairs 3s. 4d., old spurs 10d.
49 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Register of Archbishop Chichele, fol. 284r Will of Edward, Duke of York, Harfleur, Normandy, 17 August 1415 phelipp’ Beauchamp’ le haberion’ quil soloit porter qui le Counte huntyngdon’ me donna & lespee quil port des miens Thomas Beauchamp’ mes brigandiers couu[er] tez de rouge veluet chequete noire & blank Johan Popham mes nouuelles brigandiers couu[er]tez de rouge veluet queux Grove me fist mon bassinet q[ue] ie port & mon meillor chiual diprant ma petite cote de maille le piece de plate q[ue] le prince ma donna apelle Brestplate le pance q[ue] fust a mon p[er]e mon honscell’ & mon chap[er]on de fere Philip Beauchamp the haubergeon which he usually bore which the Earl of Huntingdon gave me and the sword of mine which he bore, Thomas Beauchamp 6
See Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 230.
89
z
documents 49–50
z
my brigandine covered with red velvet chequered with black and white, John Popham my new brigandine covered with red velvet which Grove made me, my basinet which I bore, and my best horse, Diprant my little coat of mail, the pièce of plate called a breastplate which the Prince gave me, the paunce which belonged to my father, my hounskull7 and my chapel de fer
50 Jean Juvénal des Ursins, Histoire de Charles VI, roy de France, ed. J. F. Michaud and J. J. F. Poujoulat (Paris, 1836), pp. 524–5 A Chronicle Account of the Rumours of a Planned Massacre in Paris, December 1415 The French cleric and historian Jean Juvénal des Ursins (1388–1473) captures the hysteria and paranoia in Paris during the civil war between the supporters of the Dauphin Charles and his cousin John, Duke of Burgundy. On disoit tout communément parmy Paris, que ceux qui gouvernoient pour lors la ville, comme les prevost des marchands, et escheveins, avoient intention de faire mourir tous ceux de Paris qui pourroient favoriser le duc de Bourgongne, s’il vouloir entrer dedans la ville. Et pour ce faire on disoit “qu’ils avoient fait faire quatre mille haches, les fers vernissez, afin qu’on ne les cognust de nuict, et quatre mille jaques noires, et les avoient departy en plusieurs lieux de la ville, et avoient mis gros gens d’armes dedans la ville, pour eux aider, comme on disoit, à exploiter leur mauvaise volonté”. It was commonly said throughout Paris that those who controlled the city such as the prévôt of the merchants and échevins (aldermen) intended to put to death all those in Paris who took the side of the Duke of Burgundy should they enter the city. And in order to do this – it was said: “they have had 4,000 axes made with the blades varnished (i.e. blackened) so that they cannot be seen at night, and 4,000 black jacks, and have stashed them in several places in the city, and have stationed large men-at-arms throughout the city to assist them – as is said – to execute their wicked plan”.
7
It should be noted here that ‘honscell’’ has been interpreted as ‘houfett’ from a printed version of this source and, from this, an identification as the helmet-type huvette. See K. Watts, ‘Armour at the Time of Agincourt: The Will of Edward, Duke of York’, The Battle of Agincourt, ed. A. Curry and M. Mercer (New Haven, 2015), pp. 117–26 (at p. 121 and p. 282, endnote 22). I am grateful to one of this book’s reviewers for drawing this to my attention. For the huvette see the illustrated glossary under Vuette.
90
z
document 51
z
51 Paris, Archives de la Préfecture de Police, cote AD 4, Collection Lamoignon, vol. V, fol. 10r–fol. 15v Council Decision given between the Armourers-Heaumers (Plate Armourers) of Paris and the Armour-Merchants of Foreign Lands, 14 May 1416 This is a copy made before 1775 from the now-lost Première livre vert du Châtelet de Paris. Charles, par la grace de Dieu, Roy de France, à touz ceulx qui ces presentes lettres verront, salut. Sçavoir faisons que veues lesdites escriptures d’un costé et d’autre avec les ordonnances faites par le prevost de Paris, à la requeste desdits heaumiers, et icelles diligemment visitées et examinees; et eu sur ce grant et meure deliberation de Conseil, tant par plusieurs notables experts et congoissans et telles matières, comme par autre; et condieré tout ce qui faisoit à considerer en ceste partie, Nous avons ordonné et desclairé, ordonnons et declairons que les marchans non ouvriers, faisans venir en nostre Ville de Paris quelconque de pièces de heaumerie, haubergerie ou autres harnois pour armer, de quelque nation ou pays qu’ils soient, pourront iceulx harnois faire descendre en ladicte Ville de Paris, ou la banlieue d’icelle, en leurs maisons ou ez maisons de leurs compaignons facteurs ou amis, ou ailleurs, quelque part que bon leur semblera, sanz ce qu’ils puissent ou doient estre contraincts de les mener, ne faire mener ou descendre à la halle aux gresses de Paris. Et le harnoys ainsy venu et descendu ou bon leur semblera, en pourront faire monstre et le vendre ou le faire vendre, sanz dangier d’estre visité ne espreuvé par les gardes ou jurez du mestier de heaumerie ou haubergerie de Paris, pourveu toutes voyes que, en vendant le harnoys, les vendeurs, soient les marchands principaulx ou les regratiers, seront tenus de dire et declairer de quel pays le harnois est et de quelle espreuve ils le vendent; c’est assavoir, ou d’espreuve simplement ou de demie espreuve, ou comme harnois commun, tel qu’il est, sanz l’affermer d’aucune espreuve. Et quant a ce, ne seront les marchans qui font venir harnois de dehors aucunement subjets a la visitation dont mention est faicte en l’ordonnance du prevost, sans prejudice toutesfois desdictes ordonnances, quant aux autres points et clauses continues en ycelles, et seront compensés les despens d’une partie et d’autre. Charles, by the grace of God King of France, sends greetings to all those who shall see these present letters. Let it be known that, having read these letters from both sides, along with the ordinances made by the prévôt of Paris at the request of the heaumers, that these, having been diligently appraised and examined and having been put to the great and sage deliberation of the council both by several notable experts knowledgeable in such matters and by others, and having considered all there is to be considered in this matter, we have ordained and declared (and do ordain and declare) that the merchants who are not craftsmen who bring into our
91
z
document 51
z
City of Paris any such pieces of heaumers’ craft, haubergers’ craft (i.e. plate and mail armour), or other arming harness, from whatever nationality or land they may be, may cause this harness to be brought into the City of Paris, or its outskirts, to their houses or to the houses of their companions, factors, or friends, or others as they see fit, without them thus being constrained from doing, or bringing, or having brought these to the Court of Grievance of Paris. This harness, having thus come and been brought as they shall see fit – they may show, sell, or cause to be sold, without danger of being appraised or proofed by the wardens or judges of the heaumers’ or haubergers’ crafts of Paris. In order that all may see that, in selling this harness, if the sellers be principal merchants or the dealers, they shall be obliged to swear and declare whence the land the harness they sell and of which type of proof – that it to say: if it be simply proofed, half proofed, or as common harness without having been proofed at all.8 And to wit: any of these merchants who bring any harness that be not proofed in any way shall be subject to the appraisal as mentioned in the prévôt’s ordinance without prejudice to these ordinances as well as other points and clauses therein – and one side shall compensate the other’s expenses.
An unlocated extract from this same source, printed in R. de Lespinasse, Les métiers et corporations de la ville de Paris XIVe–XVIIIe siècle, vol. 2 (Paris, 1887), p. 326. Les armuriers de Paris font valoir qu’ils ont eu des ordonnances qui leur attribuent la fabrication et la vente des armes, que leurs produits sont meilleurs, etc. Les autres disent que de tout temps il a été amené à Paris des armures de Lombardie, de Savoie, des Flandres, d’Allemagne; que les maîtres de Paris ne pourraient suffire, “car il n’y a que dix heaumiers, huit armuriers et deux ganteliers”; que le harnois de Milan “le plus souverain et le meilleur qui vienque de nul païs” est signé et marqué dans la ville, d’où il n’a pas besoin d’être visité à Paris. Ces marchands d’armures étaient les merciers. The armourers of Paris contend that they have ordinances that allocate the making and sale of arms to them, that their products are better etc. The others (the merchants) say that from time immemorial armours of Lombardy, of Savoy, of Flanders, (and) of Germany had been brought to Paris; that the Paris masters were insufficient, “for there are but ten heaumers, eight armourers, and two gauntlet-makers”; that the harness of Milan, “the most supreme and the best that comes from any land”, is signed and marked in the town (of Milan) thus it need not be inspected in Paris. These armour-merchants were the merchants (i.e. vendors).
8
This means proofed with a bow, a hand-spanned crossbow, or with a device-spanned crossbow. See R. Moffat, ‘The Importance of Being Harnest: Armour, Heraldry and Recognition in the Mêlée’, Battle & Bloodshed: The Medieval World at War, ed. L. Bleach and K. Borrill (Newcastle, 2013), pp. 5–24 (at pp. 11–22), citing evidence from French craft regulations of 1450 and 1488.
92
z
document 52
z
52 Marseille, Archives départementales des Bouches du Rhône, B 1196 Inventory of the ‘hernoys et artillerie’ in René, Duke of Anjou’s Château of Tarascon, Provence, 15 July 1417 vingt et quatre cuirasses de Jannes neufues garnies de manches de plate & de xx gorgeris [sic] vint aut[re]s cuirasses compect’ [sic] qui furent des cathellans trante & troys aut[re]s cuirasses telles quelles quj furent desdiz cathellans trante & vne pieces dont Il en ya deux a lames trante & six berruers & chapeaux de fer vingt & vne salade [sic] & vnze gorgeris desd’ salad’ quatre cotes de fer quatorze manches de maille de fer cinq gorgeris de maille de fer quatre pans de maille de fer deux coqueluches de Jannes pour arbalest’ quarante paire de bracelles quarante pieces de gardebras dix & sept paire de gantelez vingt haches de guerre de la facon de lyon Six tronssons deschielle de boys & le croc dix & sept arbalestres de tour quatorze arbalestres de girelle trante & quatre arbalestres de croc vne arbalestre de tour & troys de croc et vne de girelle Rompues sept girelles dont Il fault les crocz et cordes a deux huit baudreyers ving [sic] casses de viretons soudez passadour & aut[re]s trante & sept casses de viretons de Carrenne quatre pauays et six Rondelles troys selles de banniere troys tours a tendre arbalestres huit vings [sic] & douze pelotons de fil a faire cordes darbalestres douze bonbardes [sic] a main vne hache darmes a marteau et tranchant garnie de dague troys aut[re]s haches a bec de faucon vn trempie a soutenir grandes arbalestres a tirer sept mosles de fer a Rondir p[ier]res de bombardes vn porchie’ despaigne a long fer troys quint’ de charbon pour pouldre de bombardez deux grosses bombardes de fer et quatre petitez que fist le maistre daix vne grosse bombarde de metal qui fut apportee de naples cinq aut[re]s bombardes de metal grosses et petites qui furent achatees p[ar] francisquet francoys en auignon vne aut’ petite bombarde de fer et sont toutes lesd[ic]tes bombardes encepponnees Six petitez bombardelles de fer et deux a main qui furent achatees a vienne troys canons de plomee en quatre sacz de cuir pesans auecq[ue]s les sacz et cordes deux quint’ quarante liur[es] de pouldre de souffre en deux sacz vn de toile & lautre de cuir pesans auecques les sacz & cordes deux q[ui] nt’ xxvj l’ de salespetre en quatre barrilles de fuste pesans auecques lesd’ barrilles et cordes quatre quint’ vingt et neuf liu[re]s de souffre en vne sarpillie’ pesant le souffre et sarpillie’ Cent trante liu[re]s 24 new cuirasses of Genoa equipped with plate sleeves and with 20 gorgets, eight other complete cuirasses which belonged to the Catalans, 33 other cuirasses – as they were – which belonged to the said Catalans, 31 pièces (i.e. breastplates) two with lames (i.e. faulds/plate skirts), 36 (capelline) berruyers and chapel de fers, 21 sallets and 11 gorgets of the said sallets, four coats of mail, 14 sleeves of iron mail, five gorgers of iron mail, four paunces of iron mail, two coqueluches (a type of hat/hood) of Genoa for crossbowmen, 40 pairs of bracers (plate arm defences), 40 plates of pauldrons, 17 pairs of gauntlets, 20 war axes of the Lyon fashion, six wooden scaling-ladder rungs and the hook, 17 torsion-spanned crossbows, 14
93
z
documents 52–3
z
windlass-spanned crossbows, 34 belt-hook-spanned crossbows, one torsion-spanned crossbow and three belt-hook-spanned and one windlass-spanned (all) broken, seven windlasses two of which lack cordes and hooks, eight baldrics, 20 cases of viretons – assembled passador,9 and others, 37 cases of viretons for (shooting at) ship’s hulls, four pavises and six rondelles (round shields/bucklers), three saddles for banner-bearers, three torsion-devices for spanning crossbows, 92 balls of thread to make crossbow-strings, 12 hand-held bombards (i.e. handguns), one fighting axe with hammer and cutting edge – fitted with a spike (i.e. a pollaxe), three other axes with falcons’ beaks (bec de faucon: curved fluke), one tripod to support large-shooting crossbows, seven iron grindstones to round bombard stones, one long-bladed boar spear of Spain, three quintals of charcoal for bombard powder (i.e. gunpowder), two large and four small iron bombards made by the master of Aix[-en-Provence], one large metal (poss. cast iron) bombard which was brought from Naples, five other metal bombards – large and small – which were bought by Francisquet Francoys in Avignon, one other small iron bombard and all the said bombards are wood-mounted (i.e. on bases), six small iron bombardelles and two hand-held ones which were bought in Vienne [prob. the city south of Lyon rather than Vienna], three lead-shot cannons, in four leather sacks weighing – with the sacks and cords – two quintals 40 lb of powder, sulphur in two sacks: one of cloth and the other of leather – weighing – with the sacks and cords – two quintals 29 lb, saltpetre in two wooden barrels weighing – with the said barrels and cords – four quintals 29 lb, sulphur in a basket: the sulphur and basket weigh 33 lb
53 London, Westminster Abbey Muniment 12163, fol. 12r–fol. 12v and fol. 20r Account of Bartholomew Winter, Armourer of Thomas, Duke of Clarence, London, c. 1418–1421 Bartholomeu’ arm[o]rer p[ro] j par’ de plates nouis liij s. iiij d. j nouo basinet xliij s. iiij d. vno pare’ Cirotecar[um] de plate xiij s. iiij d. j breeke de maile j pair gusset iij pair’ voiders xxj s. viij d. j lorica xxvj s. viij d. vni’ pair’ legharnays & j pair’ rerbrace viij s. j pauys viij s. iiij d. vno gladio v s. vno securi voc’ poll’ ax viij s. j Dagg’ xvj d. xiiij s. iiij d. vno par’ Gardeviantz xj s. p[ro] trussing dudit arm[u]re cu’ vno par’ bouges iij s. xiiij s. vna lancea cum vno capite iij s. iiij d. Rauel clothe p[u]r le trussing h[ar]ness ij s. vj d. margarete Strawston’ iij verges de corsez rubij p[ro] garnisshing’ del legh[ar]nays vaumbrace & rerbrace & alijs v s. henrico aurifabro london’ p[ro] Bukles & pendantz de arg’ xxj s. vj d. iiij dozein poyntes p[u]r armyng de j h[a]b[er]geon’ Girdell’ xvj d. Bothirs de london’ vsq[ue] Grenewyche p[u]r assayng del dit h[er]neyse ij s. j d. emendac[i]one vni’ basinet’ cu’ vno pare de plates & totu’ h[ar]nec’ d[omi]no 9
An unidentified type of crossbow bolt. See the illustrated glossary under Crossbow bolts.
94
z
document 53
z
Comiti xx s. j salade xx s. vno par’ nouar[um] sabatou[n]s vj s. viij d. imposic[i]one de nouo de vno par’ cirotec’ de plate pro d[omi]no Comite iiij s. iiij d. vna lorica xxxiij s. iiij d. vno pollax x s. & vn’ pysan’ xiiij s. lvij s. iiij d. vno par’ de Gardeviand’ p[ro] h[ar]nes’ imponend’ xij s. d’ dozein vln’ Stamyn’ p[ro] le trussing du dit h[ar]neys cu’ vno par’ de Bowges vj s. vij d. j gladio vj s. viij d. j dagg’ ij s. viij d. j pauyse vj s. viij d. & j lancea icu’ capit’ ij s. j par’ de palrons iiij s. j groose darmyng poyntes ij groose corijs poyntes iiij s. vno pelle de Redeshepledir iiij d. j hab[er]geoun’ girdill’ ij d. vij par’ Calcar’ vn’ ij par’ de aurat’ p[ro] d[omi]no Comite xx s. vj long poyntes vj d. p[ro] armata’ & lacez x d. giltmayle p[ro] emendac[i]one lorice d[omin]i Ed[mund]i cu’ factura eiusd[e]m vj s. viij d. vno gladio iiij d. ij singulis p[ro] loricis p[ro] d[omi] no Ed[mund]o iiij d. j standard’ xiiij s. Clothsak’ p[ro] d[omi]no Thoma & p[ro] j Clothsak’ pro d[omi]no Ed[mund]o j Gross d’ de poyntes & viij laces p[ro] d[omi] nis Thoma & Ed[mund]o viij d. j lb. fili de Colayn’ & arcub[us] xv d. vj pellibu’ de cheu[er]on xviij d. vni’ Carect’ pro cariag’ tam de diu[er]s[i]s h[ar]nes’ d[omi]ni q[u] am de h[ar]nes d[omi]ni Comitis de london’ vsq[ue] portesmouth’ xx s. Cariag’ h[ar] nes’ de Ryhall’ vsq[ue] in Southwerk viij d. ij equor[um] pro Bartholemeo arm[o]rer venient’ de london’ vsq[ue] Porstesmouth’ pro h[ar]nes’ d[omi]ni Comitis sup[er] uidend’ xij s. viij d. Bertilmewe Wynt’ arm[o]rer p[ro] cariag’ armat[u]re d[omi]ni p[ro] hastiludijs pacis de Som[er]ton’ vsq[ue] london’ xxxiij s. vj d. Joh[an]ni haliwell’ Arm[u]rer de london’ p[ro] noua imposisione sine garnis’ de iiij par’ plat’ p[ro] pace xx s. Bartholomeo sup[er] emendac[i]one vni’ helm alt[er]nis par’ de plat’ xxxiij s. iiij d. Bartholomew the armourer for one new pair of plates 53s. 4d., one new basinet 43s. 4d., one pair of plate gauntlets 13s. 4d., one breech of mail, one pair of gussets, three pairs of voiders 21s. 8d., one hauberk 26s. 8d., equipping one pair of legharness and one pair of rerebrace 8s., one pavise 8s. 4d., one sword 5s., one axe called a pollaxe 8d., one dagger 16d., one pair of trunks for trussing this armour with one pair of bags 3s. 14s., one lance with one head 3s. 4d., unravelled cloth for trussing harness 2s. 6d., Margaret Strawston three ells of red silk strips for garnishing the legharness, vambrace and rerebrace, and other (armour) 5s., Henry, goldsmith of London for silver buckles and pendants 21s. 6d., four dozen points for arming one haubergeon-girdle 16d., boat hire from London to Greenwich for assaying this harness 2s. 4d., [Bartholomew for] mending one basinet with one pair of plates and all the Lord Earl’s harness 20s., one sallet 20s., one new pair of sabatons 6s. 8d., newly-fitting one pair of plate gauntlets for the Lord Earl 4s. 4d., one pair of trunks in which to put the harness 12s., half a dozen ells of woollen cloth for trussing this harness with one pair of bags 6s. 7d., one sword 6s. 8d., one dagger 2s. 8d., one pavise 6s. 8d., one lance with head 2s., one pair of pauldrons 4s., one gross of arming points, two gross of leather points 4s., one hide of red sheep leather 4d., one haubergeon-girdle 2d., seven pairs of spurs two pairs of which are gilt for the Lord Earl 20s., six long points for armour (i.e. arming points) and laces 10d., gilt mail (links) for mending Lord Edmund’s hauberk with their making 6s. 8d., one sword 4s., two belts for hauberks for Lord Edmund 4d., one trunk 19s., one cloth sack
95
z
documents 53–5
z
for Lord Thomas and one for Lord Edmund, 1½ gross of points and eight laces for Lords Thomas and Edmund 8d., 1lb of Cologne thread and bows 15d., six buckskins 18d., one cart for carriage both of divers of the [two] Lords’ harness and of the Lord Earl’s harness from London to Portsmouth 20s., carriage of harness from Ryehall to Southwark 8d., two horses for Bartholomew the armourer to go to London from Portsmouth to supervise the Lord Earl’s harness 12s. 8d., Bartholomew Winter, armourer, for carriage of the Lord’s armour for the jousts of peace at Somerton to London 33s. 6d., John Haliwell, armourer of London, for newly mounting (without equipping) four pairs of plates for [jousts of ] peace 20s., Bartholomew for mending one helm and another pair of plates 23s. 4d.
54 Kew, National Archives, C 145/296/10 Inquisition at Plymouth into Goods aboard a Ship, 3 March 1418 xxx paria de platys voc’ briganteirs p[re]c’ le pair’ xiij s iiij d xxx basenet’ p[re]c’ le pece vj s viij d xxvj Crosbowes p[re]c’ le pece iij s iiij d xxx Ciste p[re]c’ le pece iij s iiij d 30 pairs of plates called ‘brigandines’ 13s. 4d. a pair, 30 basinets 6s. 8d. each, 25 crossbows 3s. 4d. each, 30 chests 3s. 4d. each
55 Recueil des chroniques et anchiennes istories de la Grant Bretaigne […] par Jehan de Waurin, ed. W. Hardy, vol. 2 (London, 1868), p. 249 A Contemporary Description of the Irish Troops at the Siege of Rouen, 28 July 1418–19 January 1419 Jean de Waurin (or Wavrin) (c. 1400–c. 1474), a soldier and chronicler, fought on the English and Burgundian side in the wars in France. Le roy dAngleterre avoit en sa compaignie bien vingt mille Illandois, dont la pluspart alloient de pie, lun chaussie et lautre non; povrement estoient habillies, aiant chascun une targette et petis gaurelos grans coustaulz destrange fachon; et ceulz quy alloient de cheval navoient nulles selles, combien quilz chevaulchoient tres habillemens sur bons petis chevaulz de montaigne, et estoeint leurs penneaulz assez de pareille fachon que portent les blatiers de France, toutesfoiz ilz estoient gens de petite deffense au regard de ceaulz qui sont natifz du pays dAngleterre; et avec ce ne portoeint pas habillemens dont ilz peussent gueres grever les gens darmes Francois quant diceulz estoient rencontrez.
96
z
documents 55–6
z
The King of England had a good 20,000 Irish in his forces, the most part of whom were on foot – with a shoe on one (foot) the other without. They were poorly equipped, each having a small targe, little javelins, and large knives of a strange type. And those who were on horseback had no saddles when they rode very nimbly on good little mountain horses, and their saddlebags were of the same type as those borne by the grain-sellers of France. Without exception, they were men of little defence (i.e. defensive armour) in comparison to those who were natives of the English Lands, and in addition to this they bore no equipment with which they could, in any way, injure the French men-at-arms when they came against them.
56 York, Borthwick Institute, Abp/Reg/18, fol. 373v–fol. 374v Will of Sir Gerard Usflete, Diocese of York, 23 July and 30 September 1420 [23 July] mons’ Thomas Bruce ch[ivale]r mo[u]n baslard’ j petit seinture dore oue le tissew de purpull’ & j brace[er]es h[ar]noisee oue argent et enorrez oue mo[u]n Parole sur ce estrie donnez al Priory de Hautenprys mon Jakke de drap’ dore de moy en lo[u]r memorie p[er]petuele Et touchant la remena[u]nt de mo[u]n harnays ie vuille q’ vous les despersez come meulx semblera a vos sagez discrecions [30 September] d[omi]no meo comiti marschall’ duos curserios lego eccl[es]ie in qua sepult’ fu[er]o vnu’ par’ de Bregaunters cu’ tota reliqua armatura mea in qua fui armatus Wil[e]l[m] o Sutton’ mea’ deploidem deffens lego & volo quatur’ om[n]es equi mei vendant’ & distribuant’ int[er] seruos meos [23 July] Sir Thomas Bruce my baselard with little gilt belt with the straps of purple and a bracer (poss. an archer’s bracer) harnessed with silver and gilt with my motto, to the Priory of Haltemprice my jack of cloth of gold in my perpetual memory. Touching the remnant of my harness I wish that you divest it as seems best to your sage directions [30 September] two coursers to my Lord the Earl Marshal, to the church in which I am to be interred one pair of brigandines with all the rest of my armour in which I was armed, William Sutton my doublet of defence, I bequeath and will all my horses to be sold and distributed among my servants
97
z
document 57
z
57 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Cinq Cents Colbert, 127, fol. 139r–fol. 145r Inventory of Arms and Armour found in the Chambre de Joyaux (Jewel Chamber) of Philip, Duke of Burgundy’s Palace at Dijon, 25 July 1420 Harnois de maille huit haubergons de milan seize grans pieces de maille qui seruent pour armer cheuaulx deux gorgerettes de maille vne piece de pans de maille de deua[n]t deux pieces de camailz de b[o]n grosses mailles tous fais a broches poincues Cinq petites pieces de tres menues mailles dont lune fait demye chausse harnois blanc trois Bachines a Bauiere deuant dont les deux sont garniz de petiz Camailz Et lautre est garny dun tuyau dargent dessus pour mettre vne plume dostruche Lequel se lace a vne petite boucle a vng court tissu g[ar]ny dargent blanc vne salade vng berrayer huit paires de petiz gardebras quarante cinq paires de braceles douze paires de ganteles trois grans gardebras Trente quatre Cappellines de fer noires seize fers de lance & vng de dague Sept espieus & vng fer despieu Espees Badelaires & dagues vne espee a vng fourreau de veluyau noir b[o]n vs’ de la quelle espee la housse les deux bouz de la croisie la bouterolle la boucle le mordant et iij f[er]meures a quoy pend lad[i]c[t]e espee sont dor trois grans badelaires garniz dor dont lun pend a vne chai[n] nete dor vne espee volant no[m]mee taillade de la quelle le po[m]meau & la croisie sont dargent dore et la poingnee dargent blanc la gainsne de veluyau noir garnie en trois lieux de larges bouterolles a escussons ou milieu darge[n]t dore pendant a vne longue seinture de tissu noir garnie de plus[ieur]s boucles morda[n]s et plus[ieur] s f[er]maus dargent dore vne aut’ large espee tranchant de laq[ue]lle le ma[n]che po[m]meau et croisie sont dune mesme chose tout dargent dore A lyons et aut[re]s ouuraiges de neersleure estans en vn fourreau vermeil sanz aucune garnison vne espee de Turq de pareme[n]t de la quelle le manche est tout couu[er]t dargent dore et la crois de fer estant en vn fourreau tout couuert p[ar]deua[n]t dargent dore esmaillie en plus[ieur]s lieux pendant a vne sainture ferree au long dargent dore a deux larges cloux a huit pampes dargent dore esmaillez et ouurez vng aut’ cousteau de Turq garny de Cuyure t[re]sb[o]n dore vne longue espee a ch[eu]al a vn fourreau couu[er]t de veluaul vermeil dont la sainture est garnie de boucle morda[n]t iij f[er]meures et la bouterolle dembas dargent dore deux aut[re]s espees couu[er]tes de veluyau noir dont les saintures sont garnies de boucles mordans fermeures et bouterolles dargent dore vne aut’ espee a vng fourreau de Cuir noir dont la housse la boucle le mordant et les fermeures sont dargent dore vne longue espee tranchant dont la croisie et le po[m] meau sont de leton dore pendant a vne longue sainture de Cuir vne aut’ longue espee a cheual vne longue & large espee volant vne bien longue et large espee de parement
98
z
document 57
z
darmeurerie de e[n]uiron sept piez et demj de long vne aut’ bonne petite espee de corps signee a lestoille seize espees co[m]munes de m[ar]chant Dagues quatre dagues a manches blans estoffees dessus de platenes dargent dore Et les boites des gainsnes et bouterolles garnies dargent dore et y faillent deux bouterolles dembas en deux desd[i]c[te]s gai[s]nes vne aut’ dague a manche noir ouure garnie dargent dore co[m]me les dessusd[i]c[te]s vne gaisne garnie dargent dore en la quelle na point de dague vne petite hache ou Il y a dague au bout dont le manche & la poignie & tout est de fer vne mace de Turq tout de fer Esperons vne paire desperons de leton dorez tortilliez a large molete & pluseurs pointes garniz de tissu de Soye vermeille vne aut’ paire desperons de leton dorez grenetez a tissuz co[m]me dessus vne paire daut[re]s esp[er]ons de leton dorez deux aut[re]s paires desperons blans [No heading] vng estuy turquoys double lun a mettre les flesches et laut’ a mettre larc Couu[er] t de veluyau vermeil brodez en plus[ieur]s lieux de louuraige de Turquie esmailliez sur ch[asc]un aux armes de mons’ dargent dore borde a lun des bouz darge[n]t dore pendans a vne sainture de tissu v[er]meil garnie de boucles mordans & fermeures dargent dore vne aut’ paire destuys turquoye couu[er]s de veluyau violet ouure dessus de Cuir et de Soye de louuraige de turquie bordez aux iiij bouz denhault dargent dore Pendans a vne sainture de tissu noir A deux paires de boucles plus[ieur]s mordans et plus[ieur]s f[er]meures dargent dore Et ny a flesches ne arcs vne aut’ paire destuys turquois de Cuir tanne ouure de brodeure or A louuraige de turquie garniz es iiij bouz darge[n]t dore pendans a saintures f[er]ees de laine v[er]meille estoffees de boucles mordans et fermeures dargent dore Et ny a nulles fleches ne ars vne aut’ paire de turquoys de veluyau violet brun ouure dessus de Cuir et de Soye de louuraige de turquie sanz aucune garnison dargent ou quel a plus[ieur]s fleches vne aut’ paire de Turquois de Cuir ou Il a plus[ieur]s fleches sanz aucune g[ar]nison vne aut’ paire de Turquoys de Cuir garnj dargent dore en plus[ieur]s lieux sans acu[n]es fleches vng arc turquoys vne trousse de fleches en vng estuy Rond entre lesquelles en y a six dont les coches sont dargent plus[ieur]s aut[re]s fleches dont Il en y a plus[ieur]s a fers a vercer bestes vng calcas couu[er]t de peaul de tesson garniz de plus[ieur]s viretons pour arbaleste a cheual deux petites targes a ch[eu]al lune painturee dargent bruny a vn escu ou Il y a vng Rabot ou milieu Et lautre de deux dames qui tiennent vng escu vne houppe garnie de plus[ieur]s plumes dostruce de plus[ieur]s coleurs pour mettre sur vng bacinet vng Jacque de veluyau noir double de toile noir frangee de soye noir tout p[ar] embas vng gipon de satin noir ou Il y a vng hauberJon dedans frangie p[ar] embaz de soye noir vng paire de tasses pour selles de ch[eu]al a facon de hongrie harnoiz de Joustes ix heaulmes dont lun est borde dargent dore p[ar] dessouz et boucle dargent doree deux paires de plates de leton dorees six aut[re]s plates couu[er]
99
z
document 57
z
tes de veluaul vermeil les vnes b[o]n vsees de leur couu[er]ture trois aut[re]s plates couu[er]tes de veluau noir vnes aut[re]s plates couu[er]tes de veluau blanc deux saintures pour seindre sur les plates a clochetes sonna[n]s lune de leton et laut’ de fer blanc dix grandes sonnetes de leton po[u]r s[er]uir a la Jouste ix grans tresses pour lacer heaumes garnies aux bouz dargent dore iij aut[re]s tresses plus petites g[ar]nies co[m]me dessus huit paires de h[ar]noiz tout fourniz s[er]uans auec les plates pour les braz et mains pour les Joustes ix Rondelles pour lances seize agrapes pour les lances xxxj fers de Roichet xj arrestz s[er]uans aux plates trois Regnes s[er]uans a la bride du Ch[eu]al f[ai]c[te]s de fil vermeil dont lune est ferree dargent dore lautre dargent blanc et lautre sainz ferreure Cinq selles de Jouste q’ sont en lostel de Andrieu p[ro] uins sellier demou’ a dijon Auec cinq chauffrains cinq pissieres deux targes a Jouster Et deux selles pour ba[n]niere Autre Inuentoire de lartillerie trouuee en la d[i]c[t]e Chambre qui est a baill’ p[ar] Inuentoire a celui qui a la garde de laut’ artillerie de mons’ dix grosses arbalestes quatre aut[re]s arbalestes co[m]munes dont les aubriers des deux sont m[ar]quetez deux paires de guindalx po[u]r les tendre Sept ars dif vng petit canon de Cuyure Sept bonnes arbalestes dont les vnes sont bien grosses et les aut[re]s moyennes Esquelles Il fault en aucunes ouurer qui sont en lostel de Jacquot de Roiche artilleur de mons’ demou’ a dijon Mail harness: eight haubergeons of Milan (make), 16 large pieces of mail that serve to arm horses, two mail gorgets, one piece of the front (part) of a paunce, two pieces of avantails of very large mail links all made with punched rivets, five little pieces of very small mail links – one of which is made into a demi-cuisse. White harness: three basinets with frontal bevors – two of which are equipped with little aventails and the other is equipped with a silver tube on top to fit an ostrich feather (i.e. plume-holder) which laces to a little buckle with a short strap garnished with white (i.e. polished) silver, one sallet, one (capelline) berruyer, eight pairs of little gardebraces (i.e. couter reinforces), 45 pairs of bracers, 12 pairs of gauntlets, three grand gardebraces (i.e. pauldron reinforces), 34 black iron (i.e. unpolished) capellines, 16 lanceheads and one dagger [sic], seven espieux (a type of spear) and one espieu head. Swords, baselards, and daggers: one sword with one well-used black-velvet scabbard – the cover, the two ends of the cross, the chape, the buckle, the mordant of this sword and three hangers from which the sword hangs are gold, three baselards garnished with gold – one of which hangs from a small gold chain, one freely-drawn sword (i.e. without scabbard) called ‘taillade’ (‘slasher’) – the pommel and the cross of which is silver-gilt and the poignard white silver the grip of black velvet in three places of large silver-gilt chapes which escutcheons in the middle hanging from a long black strap-belt garnished with several silver-gilt buckles, mordants, and several hangers, one other sharp-edged longsword – the grip pommel and cross of which are the same all silver-gilt with lions and other chiselled work in a velvet scabbard without any garnishing, one sword of Turkey completely covered on the front with enamelled silver-gilt in several places with a belt with silver-gilt iron fittings its length with two large nails with eight silver-gilt vine leaves
100
z
document 57
z
enamelled and embellished, one other knife of Turkey garnished with copper very well gilded, one longsword for horse (i.e. mounted combat) with one scabbard covered with vermilion velvet – the belt of which is fitted with silver-gilt buckle, mordant, three hangers, and chape at the end, two other swords covered with black velvet – the belts fitted with silver-gilt buckles, mordants, hangers, and chapes, one other sword with one black leather scabbard – the cover, buckle, mordant, and hangers silver-gilt, one sharp-edged longsword – the cross and pommel of which is silver-gilt latten hanging from a long leather belt, one other longsword for mounted combat, one long and wide freely-drawn sword, one very long and wide sword of the (type) fitted out by the armoury of around seven and a half feet in length, one other good small sword for (arming the) body signed with the star (i.e. a maker’s mark), 16 common swords of (the type purchased from) merchants. Daggers: four daggers with white hilts affixed above the silver-gilt metal-sheet and the ferrules of the grips and chapes garnished with silver gilt and they lack two chapes at the end of two of the aforesaid grips, one other dagger with embellished black hilt garnished with silver gilt as those aforesaid, one grip garnished with silver gilt which has no dagger (blade), one little axe that has a dagger at the end – the hilt and the point are all of iron, one Turk’s mace all of iron. Spurs: one pair of gilt-latten rowel spurs with large rowels and several points fitted with vermilion silk straps, one other pair of gilt-latten ‘grenetez’ (decorated with little grain shapes) spurs with straps as above, one other plain pair of gilt-latten spurs, two other pairs of white (i.e. polished steel) spurs. [No heading] one Turkish quiver with double (parts) – one to hold the arrows and the other to hold the bow – covered with embroidered vermilion velvet in several places of Turkish work enamelled on each one with the silver-gilt (heraldic) arms of my lord, one end bordered with silver gilt hanging from a vermilion strap-belt fitted with silver-gilt buckles, mordants, and chapes, one other pair of Turkish quivers covered with violet velvet worked above with leather and silk of Turkish work bordered on four top edges with silver gilt, hanging from a black strap-belt with two pairs of buckles, several mordants, and several chapes silver gilt and there are no arrows or bows, one other pair of Turkish quivers of tan leather worked with gold embroidery of Turkish work – four ends garnished with silver gilt, one other pair of Turkish (quivers) of violet-brown velvet worked above with leather and silk of Turkish work without any silver garnishing which has several arrows, one other pair of Turkish (quivers) of leather which has several arrows without any garnishing, one other pair of Turkish (quivers) garnished with silver gilt in several places without any arrows, one Turkish bow, one trousse of arrows in a round quiver between which it has six with silver notches, several other arrows – several of which have heads for shooting beasts (i.e. hunting), one quiver covered with beaver skin full of several crossbow bolts for shooting from horseback, two little targes for mounted combat – one painted with burnished silver with one (heraldic) shield in the middle of which is a plane (i.e. hand tool) and the other with two ladies holding one shield, one hoop fitted with several ostrich feathers of several colours to place on a basinet, one black velvet jack lined with black cloth
101
z
documents 57–8
z
fringed with black silk all along the bottom, one black satin jupon (i.e. arming doublet) – inside which is a haubergeon – fringed along the bottom with black silk, one pair of saddle-tassets (i.e. thigh defences affixed to the saddle) in the fashion of Hungary. Jousting harness: nine helms – one of which is bordered with silver gilt on the top and silver-gilt buckle, two pairs of plates of gilt latten, six other (pairs of ) plates covered with vermilion velvet – some with their coverings well-used, three other (pairs of ) plates covered with black velvet, one other (pair of ) plates covered with white velvet, two belts to fasten over the plates with jingling bells – one of latten and the other of white (i.e. polished) iron, six large latten trumpets to serve at the joust, nine large straps to lace helms – garnished at the end with silver gilt, three other smaller straps – garnished as above, eight pairs of completely-furnished harness to serve with the (pairs of ) plates, for the arms and hands for the jousts, nine vamplates for lances, six grappers for the lances, 31 coronal lanceheads, 11 lance-rests to serve the (pairs of ) plates, three reins to serve horse-bridles made of vermilion thread – one of which has silver-gilt metal fittings the other of white silver and the other without metal fittings, five jousting saddles which are in the lodgings of Andrieu Provins, saddler of Dijon, with five shaffrons, five peytals, two jousting targes, and two saddles for banner-bearers. Another inventory of the artillerie found in the said chamber which is given by inventory to those who keep the other (part) of my lord’s artillerie: ten large crossbows, four other common crossbows two of which have tillers of marquetry (inlaid wood decoration), two pairs of windlasses to span them, seven bows of yew, a small copper canon, seven good crossbows – some are large and the others medium – some of which are in need of work which are in the lodgings of Jacquot de Roiche, my Lord’s artilleur, at Dijon
58 Glasgow, Mitchell Library T-PM99/1 Will of Sir Robert Maxwell of Calderwood, Angers, Duchy of Anjou, 7 September 1420 pro fabricando vna’ sepultura’ solemnem eleuata’ cu’ ymagine corp[or]is s[e]c[un]d[e] m modum ordinatu’ p[er] me et executoris do et lego [filio meo primogentio] totam Integram armatura’ meam factam apud poictiers do Andree Lindesay vna’ armatura’ quam sibi tradidi do et lego Johanni de Maxuel consanguineo meo vnam lauricam de milam [sic] qua’ portabat mecum for the making of a solemn sepulchre raised with an image of the body (i.e. a tomb effigy) according to the manner ordained by me and my executors, I give and bequeath [to my eldest son] all of my complete armour made at Poitiers, I give Andrew Lindsay an armour [of mine] which was given to him, I give and bequeath to John Maxwell, my cousin, a hauberk of Milan which I myself bore
102
z
documents 59–60
z
59 Kew, National Archives, E 122/72/17 Petty Customs paid by Alien Merchants importing Goods to the City of London (Extracts), 12 October–29 November 1420 Naui Math[ae]i Sacte eod[e]m die [12 October 1420] h[er]man Bragh’ p[ro] j baskett’ cu’ xiiij britseplat’ [sic] nigro p[re]c’ xx s’ Naui Adryan’ Bayss’ [29 November] Gilis van Thruste p[ro] j p[a]p’ j maunde & j bar’ cu’ j par’ plat’ v basnett’ viij capell’ ferr’ iiij par’ Vambr’ [sic] ij par’ rerebras ij par’ legh[ar]nes & diu[er]s’ hab[er]d’ p[re]c’ viij li’ xj s’ viij d’ Ship of Matthew Sacte: Herman Bragh’ for one basket with 14 black breastplates (i.e. of unpolished metal) worth 20s. Ship of Adryan Bayss’ [29 November]: Gillis van Thruste for one basket of paper and one barrel with one pair of plates, five basinets, eight chapel de fers, four pairs of vambrace, two pairs of rerebrace, two pairs of legharness, and divers haberdashery worth £8 11s. 8d.
60 Kew, National Archives, E 101/188/10/2 Correspondence between Henry V and the Lieutenant and Treasurer of Calais, 31 July 1421–18 September 1421 Château of Saint-Denis de Moronval, near Dreux, 31 July 1421 By the Kyng Trusty and welbeloued For as muche as we be enfourmed Thomas de la Croix10 hath sent hors and c[er]tain Armerers and h[ar]nois for vs vn to our town of Caleys We wol and charge yow expresly þat þe ordaine þat þe saide hors and þe men þat ar comen with [t]hem come to vs in al seure haste and send sum trusty man for to go with [t]hem þat may haue þe oversighte and gou[er]nance of [t]hem alle And þat [they] be seurely and saufly conductyd fro thens to Seintom[er] and so to Arras And fro thens to Amyas [Amiens] there abiding vn to þe tyme they haue seure conduct from our brethir of Burgoigne or fro S[ir] Johan de luxemburgh to þe Whiche We haue writen for [t]her sauf passage from thens to Aubmalle fro whens our garinsons wiþ godd’ grace shallen conduct [t]hem to Parys Where We wol they abide til þey haue Woord of our wille And þey comen to Parys We wol that he þat shal come fro þare with [t]hem sende vs woord of their comyng thider yeuen vnder our signet in our Ost at seint denys de Moronval beside dreux the last day of Juill’ 10
Tommaso della Cruce was a squire of the household of Filippo Maria, the ruler of Milan. He had been in the service of Henry’s father and fought at the Battle of Shrewsbury. See J. H. Wylie, History of England under Henry the Fourth, vol. III (1407–1410) (London, 1896), p. 172 and J. H. Wylie, The Reign of Henry the Fifth, vol. I (1413–1415) (Cambridge, 1914), p. 106, for primary-source evidence.
103
z
documents 60–1
z
The original reply is unlocated but is printed in Letters of Queen Margaret of Anjou […], ed. C. Monro (London, 1863), pp. 17–19. Reply 18 September 1421 Full High and Mightie oure moste douted Souveraine lorde, also [as] lowly as yn any wise we most [best] can or deme We us recommende unto your High noblesse unto the which please hit to understand that your gracious letters yeven at Mewen [Meung] beside Baugency in date of the xviij day of the monethe of Septembere hider broght by Blanc Turcell the Poursuivant (i.e. herald) makyng mention of the horse and other things that Thomas De la Crosse has sent to your Highnesse out of Lumbardy [have been received] Whereupon ful high and mightie and oure most douted souveraine liege lorde the soth [truth] is that upon that high and mightie Prince the Duc of Bourguigne had for the same cause writen unto youre tresorer here and to me by his letters whiche beeth closed within this the men with the same horsse and other things that they broȝt departed from hens the xxij day of August las[t] passed withoute that we have sithen had tidings of [t]hem unto [y]ester day that [when] unto youre said tresorer and me was broght a letter of the same matere wich also is closed within these Mervailing right inly moche truly both he and I that they have be[en] soo demened [behaved] as the latter [letter] makith mencion
61 Redruth, Kresen Kernow (formerly Cornwall Record Office), AR/37/34 and 33 Indenture recording the Arrows, Arms, and Armour of Sir John Dynham, Devon, 25 March 1422 Ferst j doseyn of pocokke arwyes nywe y bounde yn tweyne placys wyth golde & sylke and wyth horne nokkys y hedyth wyth sperhedys and j doseyn of pocokke arwys nywe wyth whyte horne nokkys y layde yn thre placys wyth golde foyle yn the federys y hedyth with sperhedys and xiij arwys of pocokke the scheftys nywe & the federys olde y hedyth wyth sperhedys and j doseyn arwys of whyte gose y bounde wyth rede & blak sylke y hedyth wyth byker’ and j doseyn arwys of whyte gose y bounde wyth golde & rede & blak sylke y hedyth wyth byker’ and xxiiij scheftys of whyte gose y bounde wyth golde & rede sylke and xlviij scheftys of whyte gose y hedyth wyth byker’ and xxiiij scheftys of whyte gose y bounde wyth golde & rede sylke and xlviij scheftys of whyte gose y bounde wyth rede & blak sylke alle of on’ sorte and ix hole scheuys & xx arwys olde & febell’ of grey gose alle of on’ sorte y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ hedys and vj arwys of pocokke olde & y bounde wyth golde of sepyrs & rede & blak’ sylk wyth blak horne nokkys y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ and j doseyn of pocokke arwys wyth blak’ horne nokkys y bounde wyth golde & rede & blak sylke y hedeth wyth dokebyll’ and xxj pocokke arwys the nokkys y poudart x þ[er] of ’ olde & forwered y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ and xxij pocokke arwys olde & febell’ the nokkys y
104
z
document 61
z
poudart iij þ[er] of to broke y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ and xxiiij pocokke arwys wyth blak’ horne nokkys olde & forwered y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ and xxij pocokke arwys olde & forwered som wyth blak horne nokkys & som horne & som to broke y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ and j doseyn of pocokke arwys som the nokkys y poudart & some onne poudart y hedyth wyth dokebyll’ and xxvj sheftys of diu[er]se federyng som þ[er] of pocokke som whyte gose som grey gose and vj whyte arwys y hedyth w[i]t[h] byker’ and v smale pocokke arwys y hedyth wyth byker’ and xvij brode hokede arwys of pocokke olde & febell’ alle of on’ sorte and xij brode hokede arwys of pocokke of a noþ[er] sorte and xij brode hokede arwys of pocokke of a noþ[er] sorte and iiij brode hokede arwys of pocokke y layde yn the federys alle wyth golde foyle and x brode hokede arwys of whyte Swanne and xiij boltys of pocokke of on’ sorte and viij boltys of pocokke of a noþ[er] sorte v þ[er] of pere hedys & thre brode hedes and xij nywe sperhedys Ad huc de armar’ j rod hed w[i]t[h] blak y lyned ther to and j lancegay and j launcegayshed and v spere shef[…] and v sperhedys shorte and ij nwye spersheftes and ij hedys ther to and j borsper j sperhed w[i]t[h] a sqarepoynt and ij polaxys […] dart w[i]t[h] a lange squarhed and j sak’ for to caste habrygeuns ther on’ bowis First viij wodebowys lasse & more and vj Rounde bowys and ij stonbowys and j bowe for child and j cas of lether & j nother of canuas to pacce bowys inne Arwys Smale & grete & hedys First ix sheuys & j arwe of grey goos of a sort crossenokkyd & viij hedys lakke ther of and xxij arw[…] of pocok’ w[i]t[h] pouderd nokkys j hed lakke and vij sheuys of pocok’ w[i]t[h] hornnokkys of x ynches long’ a[…] vj sheftis of pohen’ crossenokkyd of a sort and viij sheftis of pocok’ & iij of pohen’ of ix ynches lon[…] hornokkyd of a sort and xiij sheftis of pocock’ & pohen’ w[i]t[h] hornnokkys of a sort and vij sheft[…] fetheryd w[i]t[h] Swan & pocok’ iiij shorte & iij lange and j arwe w[i]t[h] a Colu[er]taylhed and x brodhoked arwys w[i]t[h] pocok’ & pohen’ al to broke & al affrayed and j shef ’ of xxij arwys w[i]t[h] dokebylhedys of pocok’ the nokkys hol horn’ and ij sheftis of pocok’ w[i]t[h] pouderd nokkys & hol horn’ and vj sheftis of diu[er]s’ sort’ of pocok’ and j brod hokede arwe the hed y daged y fetheryd w[i]t[h] pocok’ crossenokked y bounde in iij placys w[i]t[h] gold and x hoked arwys of lasse sort of pocok’ the nokkys of hol horn’ of a so[…] and vj smale schutyng’ arwys of pocok’ & pohen’ the nokkys hol horn’ ij hedys lake [sic] & j nokke to broke and vj smale schutting’ arwys y fetheryd w[i]t[h] whyt wex & whyt goos crossenokked of a sort and j hokede arwe of Swan’ crossenokkede and j smal arwe w[i]t[h] a brod hed y daged & voidyd and vij hokede arwye of pocok’ & pohen’ crossenokked of a sort and xx smal arwys in a shef of pocok’ & pohen’ w[i]t[h] hol nokkys of horn’ iij hedys lakke and xxv arwye in a shef ’ of pocok’ & dokebylhedys the nokkys of hol horn’ of a sort j nokke ther of to broke and j shef ’ of xxij arwys of pocok’ w[i]t[h] lange
105
z
document 61
z
federys w[i]t[h] pouderd’ nokkye of hol horn’ of a sort and j shef ’ of xvij arwys of grey goos Crossnokked vj hedys lake and xv arwys of grey goos w[i]t[h] Dokebyl hedys Crossenokked of a sort and iiij arwye of pocok’ w[i]t[h] lange dokebyl hedye the nokkys of horn’ whyt’ & blak’ and viij olde arwys of pohen’ w[i]t[h] pouderd nokkys of a sort and vj arwys of pocok’ y bounde in ix places w[i]t[h] gold in the federys w[i]t[h] dokebyl hedys the nokkys hol horn’ and xij arwye of pocok’ y bounde w[i] t[h] gold & sylk’ w[i]t[h] lange dokebyl hedys of a sort and ij hokede arwye of Swan crossenokked of a sort and ij olde arwys of diu[er]s’ sort’ of pohen’ j hed lake and xiij brodehokede arwe hedys and xiiij dokebyl hedys and vj bykerhedys for arwys and vj hokede arwye y fetheryd w[i]t[h] Swan of a sort and vj hokede arwys y fetheryd w[i] t[h] pocok’ of a sort ij hedys lak’ ther of boltys Smal’ & grete First j brod hed bolt of pocok’ and ij p[ar]hedys [sic] boltys of pocok’ that other of pohen’ the nokke lakke of and j smal p[ar]hed bolt w[i]t[h] j nayl y fetheryd w[i]t[h] whyt’ & grey [prob. goose] and iij p[ar]hed boltys w[i]t[h] lange fetherys of pocok’ & pohen’ w[i]t[h] lange nayllys & nokkys of blak’ horn’ hol j nokke y pouderyd and ij p[ar]hed boltis of lasse sort of pohen’ crossenokked w[i]t[h] nayllys and ij p[ar] hed boltis fetheryd w[i]t[h] gos whit’ & grey and j brodhed bolt tappyd w[i]t[h] horn’ & j nayl fetheryd w[i]t[h] pocok’ the nokke hol horn’ and j brod hed bolt of pocok’ Crossenokked and ij brodhed boltys of whit’ goos crossenokked and ij brode hed boltis of pocok’ Crossenokked and ix smale parhed boltis w[i]t[h] blak’ tappys Crossenokked fetheryd w[i]t[h] whit’ goos Armar’ cu’ al’ nec[e]s’ furst ij basenet’ ij ventayll’ ij orysouns j of red satayn w[i]t[h] frangye of sylk’ whit & red and […] j dragoun’ of silu[er] & ou[er] gilt w[i]t[h] iij pyp’ for federye of the sam’ for the lordys basenet and ij h[…] of red cloth for the said basenet’ and iij habrygeouns w[i]t[h] ij blak’ gerdell’ and ij pair’ glouys of platis and ij payr vaunbras and j pair’ of rerebras and j quyseaux & poleyns w[i]t[h] greuys and j brust plate w[i]t[h] a paunse and j lytel hat w[i]t[h] a pusoun’ and j Couwer’ y harn[…] w[i]t[h] silu[er] & ou[er] gylt w[i]t[h] j Castel of silu[er] & ou[er] gilt w[i]t[h] vj pip’ of silu[er] & ou[er]gylt for federys a dozen peacock arrows (i.e. fletched with peacock’s flight feathers) newly bound in two places with gold and silk (thread) with horn nocks – headed with spearheads, a dozen new peacock arrows with white horn nocks inlaid in three places with gold foil in the fletchings – headed with spearheads, 13 peacock arrows the shafts new and the fletchings old – headed with spearheads, a dozen arrows of white goose (fletchings) bound with gold and red and black silk – headed with ‘bykers’,11 24 shafts of white goose bound with gold and red silk, 48 shafts of white goose headed 11
A currently-unidentified type of arrowhead. See the discussion in the illustrated glossary under Arrowhead types.
106
z
document 61
z
with ‘bykers’, 24 shafts of white goose bound with gold and red silk, 48 shafts of white goose bound with red and black silk all of one sort, nine whole sheaves and 20 arrows old and feeble of grey goose all of one sort – headed with duckbill heads, six old peacock arrows bound with Cypress gold and red and black silk with black horn nocks – headed with duckbills, a dozen peacock arrows with black nocks bound with gold and red and black silk – headed with duckbills, 21 peacock arrows the nocks powdered (prob. horn shavings set into a notch carved in the shaft) ten thereof old and worn out – headed with duckbills, 22 peacock arrows old and feeble the nocks powdered three thereof broken – headed with duckbills, 24 peacock arrows with black horn nocks old and worn out – headed with duckbills, 22 old and worn out peacock arrows some with black horn nocks and some […] [prob. with white] horn and some broken – headed with duckbills, a dozen peacock arrows some of the nocks powdered and some not powdered – headed with duckbills, 26 shafts of divers fletching some thereof of peacock some of white goose and some of grey goose, six white arrows headed with ‘bykers’, five small peacock arrows headed with ‘bykers’, 17 broad-hooked (i.e. broad-headed with barbs) peacock arrows old and feeble all of one sort, 12 broad-hooked peacock arrows of another sort, 12 broad-hooked peacock arrows of another sort, four broad-hooked peacock arrows the fletchings all inlaid with gold foil, ten broad-hooked white swan arrows, 13 peacock bolts [poss. for crossbows] of one sort, eight peacock bolts of another sort, five thereof pere heads,12 three broadheads, 12 new spearheads Armour from here: one rod-head with black lined thereto, one lancegay, one lancegay-head, one spearshaft, five short spearheads, two new spearshafts and two heads thereto, one boar spear, one spearhead with a square point, two pollaxes […] [one] dart with a long square-head, one sack to cast haubergeons thereon (i.e. clean in) Bows: eight woodbows less and more, six round bows, two stonebows, one bow for a child, one case of leather and another of canvas to pack bows in Arrows small and great and heads: nine sheaves and one arrow of grey goose of a sort cross-nocked (i.e. with a second nock crossing the first at a right angle) eight of which lack heads, 22 peacock arrows with powdered nocks one lacking its head, seven sheaves of peacock with horn nocks ten inches long, six peahen shafts cross-nocked of a sort, eight peacock shafts and three of peahen nine inches long horn-nocked of a sort, 13 peacock and peahen shafts with horn nocks of a sort, seven shafts fletched with swan and peacock short and long, one arrow with culvertail head (i.e. dovetail-shaped), ten peacock and peahen broad-hooked arrows all broken and frayed, one sheaf of 22 peacock arrows with duckbill heads the nocks of whole horn (i.e. the whole nock fitted to the shaft as a separate component), two peacock shafts with powdered nocks and whole horn, six peacock 12
A currently-unidentified type of arrowhead. See the discussion in the illustrated glossary under Arrowhead types.
107
z
document 61
z
shafts of divers sorts, one broad-hooked peacock-fletched arrow – the head dagged (i.e. serrated) – cross-nocked (and) bound in three places with gold, ten peacock hooked arrows of a lesser sort the nocks of whole horn of a sort, six small peacock and peahen shooting arrows the nocks of whole horn lacking two heads and one nock broken, six small shooting arrows fletched with white wax and white goose cross-nocked of a sort, one swan hooked arrow cross-nocked, one small arrow with a broad head – the (head) dagged and voided (i.e. the inside edges of the barbs are serrated, see the heraldic device of the pheon), seven peacock and peahen hooked arrows cross-nocked of a sort, 20 small peacock and peahen arrows in a sheaf with whole nocks of horn lacking three heads, 35 peacock arrows in a sheaf and [recte with] duckbill heads the nocks of whole horn of a sort – one nock thereof broken, one sheaf of 22 peacock arrows with long fletchings with powdered nocks of whole horn of a sort, one sheaf of 17 grey goose arrows cross-nocked lacking six heads, 15 grey goose arrows with duckbill heads cross-nocked or a sort, four peacock arrows with long duckbill heads the nocks of white and black horn, 8 old peahen arrows with powdered nocks of a sort, six peacock arrows bound in nine places with gold in the fletchings with duckbill heads the nocks of whole horn, 12 peacock arrows bound with gold and silk with long duckbill heads of a sort, two swan hooked arrows cross-nocked of a sort, two old peahen arrows of divers sorts lacking one head, 13 broad-hooked arrow heads, 14 duckbill heads, six ‘byker’ heads for arrows, six hooked arrows fletched with swan of a sort, six hooked arrows fletched with peacock of a sort two thereof lacking heads. Bolts small and great: first one peacock broadhead bolt, two peacock pare head bolts the other – of peahen – lacks the nock, one small pare head bolt with one nail fletched with white and grey (goose), three pare head bolts with long peacock and peahen fletchings with long nails and whole nocks of black horn – one (with) powdered nock, two peacock pare head bolts of lesser sort cross-nocked with nails, two white- and grey-goose-fletched pare head bolts, one peacock-fletched broadhead bolt topped with horn and one nail the nock of whole horn, one peacock broadhead bolt cross-nocked, two white goose broadhead bolts cross-nocked, two peacock broadhead bolts cross-nocked, nine small pare head bolts with black tops cross-nocked fletched with white goose Armour with other necessities: first two basinets, two aventails, two aventail-covers of red satin fringed with white and red silk, one silver-gilt dragon with three tubes for feathers (i.e. plume-holders) of the same (silver gilt) for the Lord’s basinet and two huses (covers) of red cloth for the said basinet, three haubergeons with two black girdles, two pairs of plate gauntlets, two pairs of vambrace, one pair of rerebrace, one (pair of ) cuisses and poleyns with one pair of greaves, one breastplate with a paunce, one little (prob. steel) hat with a pisan and one cover decorated with silver gilt, one silver-gilt castle with six silver-gilt tubes for feathers (prob. a decorative crest)
108
z
documents 62–3
z
62 London, British Library, Additional MS 4603, fol. 166r–fol. 166v The Royal Petition of Thomas Hostell describing Injuries sustained in the French Wars, 1422 This is an 18th- or 19th-century copy of a now lost-original. Besechith mekely Youre Pouere Liegeman and Humble Horatour Thomas Hostell That in Consideration of his service doon to Your Noble Progenitours [Kings Henry IV and V] being at the siege of Harfleure there smyten with a springolt thorough [sic] the Hede lesyng his oon ye and his Cheke boon broken Also at þe Bataille of Agincourt and after at the takyng of the Carrakes on þe see there with a Gadde of Yren his (pair of ) plates smyten into his Body and his Hande smyten in sondre and sore Hurt maymed and Wounded by meane whereof he being sore febeled and debrused now falle to Greet Age and Poverte gretly Endetted and may not helpe himself havyng not wherewith [all] to be susteyned ne Releved but of Menes Gracious Almesse and being for his said service never yit Recompensed ne Rewarded It Plese your High and Excellent Grace the Promises tenderly Considered of youre benigne Pitee and Grace to Releve and Refressh your said pouere Oratour as it shal Plese you with your most Gracious Almesse at þe Reverence of God and in Work of Charitee and He shal Devoutly Pray for þe soules of your said Noble progenitours and for your moost Noble and High Estate
63 London Guildhall Library, CLC/L/BF/A/021/MS05440, fol. 84r and fol. 101v Accounts of the Brewers’ Company of London, 1423 The names of Crafftes and Fraternites þat deden hyren owr’ halle yn þe seide ij 3eris [two years] wt þe so[m]mes of monye þ[a]t þey dede payen First of þe Armo[u]reres for iiij [4] tymes – vj s’ iiij d’ [6s. 4d.] […] to an oþ[er] e laborer be j [1] day yn makynge clene of þe halle and oþ[er]e dyvers þynges agenys þe feste of þe armerers v d’ ob’ [5½d.] […] for nailles þat is to wote iiij peny naill’ ageyne þe same Feste of Armerers j d’ [1d.] for Cariage of donge after þe armer[er]s Glasiers and clerkes [blank] […] for maill’ of habergeons to our’ hallynge [i.e. mail links to hang a fabric wall hanging] ob’ [½d.]
109
z
document 64
z
64 York, York Minster Archive, L1/17/2 Inventory of the goods of Henry Bowet, Archbishop of York, compiled after his death on 20 October 1423 Gardroba xx d’ – r’ p[ro] j jake deffence de Chamlet rub’ cu’ iij legul’ deaurat’ iij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] vna par’ de Qwysschewes de mayle rotund’ p[ro] defenc[i]one’ crur’ iij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] vna lorica debil’ de mayle rotund’ vj s’ viij d’ – r’ p[ro] vna loric’ debil’ de mayle rotund’ iiij s’ viij d’ – r’ p[ro] vna lorica vet’ de mayle rotund’ xx d’ – r’ p[ro] vno p[ar]uo paunce max[im]o debil’ de mayle rotund’ xx d’ – r’ p[ro] vno paruo ventayle veter’ de mayle rotund’ ij s’ – r’ p[ro] vno ventayle vet’ p[ro] gall’ de mayle rotund’ vj d’ – r’ p[ro] vno ventayle vet’ & vald’ debil’ p[ro] gall’ de mayle rotund’ vj d’ – r’ p[ro] alt’ ventayle vet’ & m[u]ltu’ debil’ p[ro] gall’ de mayle rotund’ vj d’ – r’ p[ro] vno bordour’ de mayle rotund’ Jaggyd’ cu’ laton’ p[ro] gall’ ij s’ – r’ p[ro] vno par’ de Schynbald’ al’ vamplatt’ p[ro] tebijs viror[um] iij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] vno par’ de Qwysschewes de plat’ de antiq[u]a forma xvj s’ – r’ p[ro] vno pectoral’ al’ brestplat’ in ij p[ar]tib[us] cu’ ij Wynghes cu’ iij bokeles & qui[n]q’ pendandes cu’ x barres de Argent’ & deaurat’ iij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] vno par’ de vambrace & Rerebrace in iiijor pec’ xiij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] vno palet’ closs’ cu’ j vmberell’ cu’ j bono bordour’ de mayle ij s’ – r’ p[ro] vno par’ cirothecar[um] cu’ condol’ de laton’ de antiq[u]a forma lxxiiij s’ – r’ p[ro] om[ni]b[us] alijs Armis Existent’ in Gardroba simul sic app[ri]ciat’ xx d’ – r’ p[ro] j barell’ cu’ suis p[er]tin’ ad purgand’ loric’ & alia arma de mayle xx d’ – r’ p[ro] vna cista vet’ in qua ponu[n]t’ o[mn]ia arma p[re]d[ic]ti custodiend’ x s’ – r’ p[ro] viij lancijs vet’ cu’ sex capit’ de antiq[u]a for[m]a & ij Schaftet’ [sic] p[ro] baner’ et pen’ xiij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] ij Stokgvnnes de ferr’ multu’ debil’ ij s’ iiij d’ – r’ p[ro] iiijor Batell’ Ax’ multu’ debil’ Wardrobe: for 20d. received for one jack of defence of red camlet, 3s. 4d. received for one pair of cuisses of round mail (i.e. the links made of round-sectioned wire) for the defence of the thighs, 3s. 4d. received for one worn hauberk of round mail, 6s. 8d. received for one old hauberk of round mail, 4s. 8d. received for one old hauberk of round mail, 20d. received for one very worn small paunce of round mail, 20d. received for one old small aventail of round mail, 2s. received for one old aventail for a basinet13 of round mail, 6d. received for one old and very worn aventail for a basinet of round mail, 6d. received for another old and very worn aventail for a basinet of round mail, 6d. received for one border of round mail jagged with latten (i.e. a decorative edge) for a basinet, 2s. received for one pair of schynbalds otherwise vamplates for a man’s shins, 3s. 4d. received for one pair of plate cuisses of old form, 16s. received for one pectoral otherwise breastplate in two 13
The scribe, most certainly a cleric, employs the Classical Lat. galea (helm) here to refer to what are clearly basinets. Aventails can only be affixed to helmets of this sort.
110
z
documents 64–5
z
parts with two wings with three buckles and five pendants with ten bars of silver gilt, 3s. 4d. received for one pair of vambrace and rerebrace in four pieces, 13s. 4d. received for one closed pallet with one umbrer (i.e. enclosing the head and with a peak) with one good border of mail, 2s. received for one pair of gauntlets with latten knuckles of old form, 74s. received for all the other arms in the wardrobe as it appears, 20d. received for one barrel with its appurtenances for cleaning hauberks and other mail armour, 20d. received for one old chest in which to place and keep the aforesaid arms, 10s. received for eight old lances with six heads of old form and two shafts for banners and pennoncels, 13s. 4d. received for two very worn iron stock guns, 2s. 4d. received for four very worn battle-axes
65 London, British Library, Sloane MS 416, fol. 139v–fol. 140r A Recipe for Varnish for Crossbows, Venetian, c. 1424 A fare u[er]nice da depinturi & da balestre nota p[er] tri modi Inp[ri]ma toy olio de lino qua[n]to uoy e mitilo al fuoco e falo tanto coxere che qu’ li miti una pena che i[n]crostigi i pili como se ardesse e qu’ e coto leualo dal fuoco e getali u[er]nice pista e sedacata a poco a poco nel dito olio e tieni me[n]te de no’ meterne tropo p[er] uolta p[er]che se la uarebe alta e gonfiarebe p[er] modo che trabucarebe e qu’ ai dato tuta la u[er]nice remitila una poco al fuoco tanto che se riscaldi uno poco e poy leuala dal fuoco e colala cu’ la stamegna e sie fata Nota che al medesino modo la poy fare dando al dito olio pece greca tanto che sia le due p[ar]te de cio che fo lolio El terco modo la poy fare dando al dito olio qu’ e coto tanta raxa qua[n]to fo lolio e questo e secondo Nicolao dibertoldo To make varnish for painters and for crossbows note that there are three methods. First, take linseed oil – as much as you wish – and heat it on the fire, cooking it until when a quill is dipped in it warps as if burning. And when it is cooked, remove it from the fire and add ground and sieved vernix (Lat. plant resin) little by little to the oil, and take care not to add too much at a time because it will swell up and bubble over. And when you have added all the vernix, return it to the fire for a short while so that it heats a little, and then take it off the fire and pour it using the cloth filter and you are done. Note that in the same way Greek pitch (a heat-treated pine resin) can be added to the said oil until there are two parts of it to one of oil. And the third method is, when the oil is cooked, to add as much (pine) resin as oil – and this is according to Niccolò di Bertoldo.
111
z
documents 66–7
z
66 Now-Lost Document from the Archives de Tournai printed in M. Houtart, Les Tournaisiens et le roi de Bourges (Tournai, 1908), pp. 499–500 Letter from Charles VII to the Citizens of Tournai, written at Chinon, 25 February 1424 les plus grans seigneurs dudit pais, c’est assavoir le conte de Douglaz, le conte de Boucan, connestable, le fils du duc de Albanye, gouverneur d’Escoce, le conte de Marre, le conte de Mouroy et le filz dudit conte de Douglaz en leurs personnes; qui amènent avecques eulx, tous délibérez de donner bataille à nosdiz ennemis, si tost que arrivez seront, X m combatans et mieulx: c’est assavoir II m chevaliers et escuiers, VI m bons archiers et II m escocés sauvaiges à haches. the greatest lords of the said land are coming in person, that is to say: the Earl of Douglas, the Earl of Buchan, connétable (of the army of Scotland in France), the son of the Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland, the Earl of Mar, the Earl of Moray, and the son of the said Earl of Douglas who lead 10,000 fighters and more all ready to give battle to Our enemies who are soon to arrive, that is to say: 2,000 knights and squires, 6,000 good archers, and 2,000 savage Scots with axes (i.e. Gaels with two-handed axes).14
67 Nantes, Bibliothèque municipale, Ms 1668/2 Ordonnance of Jean, Duke of Brittany, for the Arming the Common Men (‘gens de co[m]mun’) in his Duchy, made at Nantes, 20 March 1425 ceulx qui sauront tirez de larc quilz aint arc trousse cappeline Coustille hache ou maill de plon [sic] et soint armez de fors Jacques garniz de laisches chesnes ou mailles pour couurir les braz et eulx qui ne sauront tirer de larc quils soint armez de Jacques et aint Cappelines coustilles haches ou vouges et auecq[ue]s ce aint pauierz de tramble ou autre boais plus Couue[na]ble quils pr[ou]iont [sic] trouu’ et soint les pauiers longs a couurir hault et bas lesquelx pauiers harnoys et abillem[en]s yceulx fabriquors aux despans des proesses s[er]ont tenuz meictre en lieu steur et les garder steurend[en]t pour sen aider qua[n]t mestier s[er]a Those who know how to shoot a bow have: bow, quiver, capelline, knife, axe or lead mallet, and be armed with strong jacks equipped with laces, chains, or mail to protect the arms. And those who know not how to shoot a bow be armed with jacks 14
See the illustrated glossary under Galloway sparth for an explanation.
112
z
documents 67–8
z
and have capellines, knives, axes or vouges (long-bladed staff weapon) and, with this, pavises of aspen or other such suitable wood as can be found, and the pavises be long enough to cover (the bearer both) high and low. These pavises, harness, and equipment – and their makers – shall be (provided) at the expense of the powerful (i.e. noblemen) who are obliged to keep them in store and guarded in store so that they may aid them in time of need
68 Marseille, Archives départementales des Bouches du Rhône, B 1196 Inventory of the ‘arnesioru’ ac artillarie’ in René, Duke of Anjou’s Château of Tarascon, Provence, 12 April 1425 xxxix plate siue brega[n]tine alique cop[er]te de fustaneo nigro alique de tella alba absque de coreo nigro & alique de coreo albo manice p[ro] dict’ brega[n]dins qui[n] decim paria manice eusd’ bregantinj modicj valor[um] octo paria collaria pro eisde’ bregantins cop[er]ta ta’ de fustaneo nigro q’ de tella alba xxiiijor collaria siue goriag[e] rins [sic] de ferro aut calide’ [sic] xj xij cappelli de ferro xix cappelline ferri cop[er]te pa[n]nor[um] diu[er]sor[um] color[um] duos helmes de ferro qui[n]q[ue] Cappellj de ferro nouj min[u]tj mod’ valor’ xvj sallate siue s[er]uelerie [sic] secrete tam bone q’ debiles xxj pecie siue Lamas ta’ albe q’ nigre vij pecie absq[ue] lamis vet[er]es & paucj vallor’ duo pans ferri siue faudas mod’ valor’ xiiij paria ma[n]icar[um] Rubigine destructar[um] quasi nullius valor’ iiijor lorice’ era’ Rubigine destructe nullius valor’ xxxix paria brasselletor[um] vet[er]j in duobus paneris albis xvj paria gantelletoru’ vet[er]um paucj valor’ xxtj paria gardabras [sic] ta’ magna q’ p[ar]ua paucj valor’ xxxvij platas diu[er]sar[um] cop[er]turar[um] modic’ valor’ vij achas cu’ daguis j acham pulcra’ cu’ floribij lili[a]m ij achas absq[ue] daguis j lancea’ velocem siue gaya [sic] viijo boudarios scale ad scalad’ fortilicia iij cellas armor[um] ad equita[n]d’ x balistas magnas baucj xxxviijo balistas cu’ cop[er]t’ ta’ girelle q’ de pede ij albasitas [sic] p[ar] uas discop[er]tas Integras v balistas discop[er]tas fractus Int’ quas est vna magna baucj duos tellerios baliste duo baucj minutj p[ro] tendendo balistas j girella cu’ pede fust’ cu’ duab[us] trilholis duplic’ j leua ad substine[n]d’ balist’ turrij j girella de ferro cu’ vice’ valde pulcra ij girellas ferri sine cord’ et cu’ vinco croctantu’ qui[n]q[ue] Neutz baliste siue baudries min[u]tos iij Neutz baliste sine crocs vj bombardelle de ferro siue ceponis fust’ min[u]te canonibus progesten’ lapides v li’ vel c[irc]a ix canonij ferri cu’ cauda j canonij de ferro cu’ cepono de fusta antiqus j garrotus de ferro siue canonj sine cauda due Rondelle siue paueses Rounde duo pauesia Rubea’ duo pauesia alba cadrata j pauesiu’ corey’ bullitj pulcru’ xxxij caxie viratonor[um] tract’ con[uers]as ix cayssie viratonor[um] tract’ saudatj p[ro] balist’ girelle vij cayssie viratonor[um] g[r]oss’ tractj p[ro] balist’ tornj j caxia viratonoru’ no’ plena in qua’ fu[i]t viratonj turnj & girelle ijC c[er]ta qua[n]titas trelhar[um] siue ascare’ p[ro] faciendo viratones de quib[us] Juxta extima’ [com]mu[n]e possent fieri c[ir]ca v vel vj caxias xxxijta viratonj no[m]i[n]atj garrotz Min[u]tos de ferro vj garrotz absq[ue] ferro tres carcays corey’ mod’ valor’ vna caxia cu’ meiano In qua sunt CClv viratonj diu[er]sor[um] tractu’ xxxiij viratonj p[ro]
113
z
document 68
z
balista de turno j paneria viratonoru’ p[ar]uj tractj absq[ue] ferris empenator[um] de papiro vna cayssia veratonor[um] eiusd’ gen[er]is vna caxia filj p[ro] facie[n]do cordas balistarj quasi plena j cop[er]toru’ de virid’ cu’ armis a[n]degauie’ iij ceponj bombarde fust’ j caxia viratonor[um] in qua su[n]t c[ir]ca xxtj libr’ pulu[er]is bo[m]barde modica’ qua[n]titas carbonis salic’ pulu[er]satj in media cop[er]ta baliste de corio albo vij moles de ferro bombarde ad mod’ c[ir]clor[um] diu[er]sar[um] formar[um] 39 (pairs of ) plates or brigandines some covered with black fustian others with white cloth without black leather and others with white leather, 15 pairs of sleeves for the said brigandines, eight pairs of sleeves for the brigandines of moderate value, 24 collars for the brigandines covered in both black fustian and white cloth, 11 collars or gorgers of iron or steel, 12 chapel de fers, 19 chapel de fers covered with cloth of divers colours, two iron helms, 5 new small chapel de fers of moderate value, 16 sallets or secret cervelières both good and worn out, 21 plates or lames both white and black (i.e. polished and unpolished metal), seven old pièces (i.e. breastplates) lacking lames and of little value, two iron (mail) paunces or ‘faudas’ (faulds) of moderate value, 14 pairs of mail gauntlets destroyed by rust thus of no value, four hauberks destroyed by rust of no value, 39 pairs of old bracers (plate arm defences) in two white panniers, 16 pairs of old gauntlets of little value, 20 pairs of pauldrons both large and small of little value, 37 (pairs of ) plates with divers covers of moderate value, 7 axes with (thrusting) spikes, one fine axe with fleur-de-lys, two axes without (thrusting) spikes, one casting lance or lancegay, 8 ladder-rungs for scaling fortifications, three arming saddles, 10 large-lathed crossbows, 38 crossbows with covers both windlass-spanned and with foot (stirrup), two complete small uncovered crossbows, five broken uncovered crossbows among which is one largelathed, two crossbow tillers (stocks), two small lathes for spanning crossbows, one windlass with wooden foot (stirrup) with two double cord bindings, one lifter to suspend the tower’s crossbow, one iron windlass with fine strong vice, two iron windlasses lacking cords and with hooked fittings, five crossbow (trigger) nuts or small baldrics [sic], three crossbow nuts lacking hooks, six iron bombardelles or small wooden-based cannons shooting 5lb stones or thereabouts, nine iron cannons with tails (i.e. breeches in which to load separate chambers), one iron cannon with old wooden base, one iron garrote or cannon without tail (i.e. muzzle-loading), two rondelles or round pavises, two red pavises, two white (long) tailed pavises, one fine cuir bouilli pavise, 32 cases of spinning viretons, nine cases of viretons assembled for windlass-spanned crossbows, seven cases of large viretons for torsion-spanned crossbows, one unfilled case of viretons in which are 200 viretons for torsionspanned and windlass-spanned (crossbows), a certain quantity of (wooden) boughs or rods for making viretons which can make around five or six cases at most, 32 small iron viretons called garrots (a type of bolt), six garrots lacking heads, three leather quivers of moderate value, one case with middle (section) in which are 255 viretons of divers shot, 33 viretons for torsion-spanned crossbows, one pannier of small viretons lacking heads fletched with paper, one case of viretons of the same type, one near-full case of thread for making crossbow strings, one green (horse)
114
z
documents 68–9
z
cover with the (heraldic) arms of Anjou, three wooden bombard bases, one vireton case in which there is about 20lb of bombard powder (i.e. gunpowder), a moderate quantity of ground willow charcoal in the middle of a white-leather crossbow cover, seven iron bombard grindstones in the shape of circles of divers forms (i.e. for shaping gunstones)
69 ‘Le Livre des trahisons de France envers la maison de Bourgogne’, in Chroniques relatives à l’histoire de la Belgique, ed. K. de Lettenhove (Brussels, 1873), pp. 180–1. A Chronicle Account of the Battle of Brouwershaven, Zeeland, 13 January 1426 Les Englès commenchièrent à marcier tout bellement pas à pas, et, quand vint à l’approchier, ils commenchièrent à jetter ung cri terrible et à faire sonner leur trompilles et leur clarons. Ils avoient XI penons de soye, et tous leurs hommes d’armes estoient armés de plaines cuiraces entières, les sallades en teste comme pour entrer en champ mortel. Quand vint à l’aborder enssamble, ces gens de communes deschargièrent pour ung cop plus de mille arbalestres quy autant grevèrent aux Englès comme eussent fait pommes pourries; mais ces Englès tirèrent sy vigoureusement de flesches qu’ils mirent incontinent la bataille de ces communes en desroy, et en ce desroy reculèrent plus tost que le pas derrière leurs banières. messire Andrieu de Valines, sénescal de Boulenois, se bouta en la bataille sans sallade et sans bauière, dont il luy mesvint, car une flesce ly féry en l’oeul, dont il fut tué tout mort. Monsigneur de l’Ille portoit celluy jour la banière quarrée du duc Philippe, quy là estoit en personne derrière icelle, au millieu de tous ses chevaliers, chascun sa cotte d’armes vestue. Là fu la hante de la ditte banière et le harnois du sire de l’Ille-Adam tout chargié de flesches attachies. Le harnois du dit l’Ille-Adam ne fut en riens faussé du trait, mais mainte autre cuirace y fut faussée. The English began to march in step most finely and, when they came to the approach, they began to let out a terrible (war) cry and had their trumpets and clarions sounded. They had eleven silk pennants, and all their men-at-arms were completely armed in full cuirasses, with sallets on their heads in readiness for mortal combat in the field (of battle). When it came to the engagement, these men of the commune (i.e. the urban militia of the Low Countries) shot more than a thousand crossbows in one volley which did as much harm to the English as if they (the bolts) had been made of rotten apples. Now these English shot arrows so vigorously that they immediately put the commune forces in disarray, and they retreated in such disarray more than a pace behind their banners. Sir Andrieu de Valines, sénéchal of the Boulonnais, launched into the fray with neither sallet nor bevor, which turned out badly, for an arrow struck him in the eye
115
z
documents 69–70
z
which struck him dead. That day my Lord of l’Isle-Adam bore the banner quartered (with the heraldic arms) of Duke Philip (of Burgundy) who was there in person behind them (the commune forces) in the middle of all his knights – each bearing their coat armour. There, much of the said banner and the harness of the Lord of l’Isle-Adam was completely stuck with arrows. The said [Lord] l’Isle-Adam’s harness wasn’t damaged by the (arrow) shot, but many a cuirass was damaged.
70 Now-Lost Documents relating to Milanese Armourers, 27 October 1426–27 January 1438, printed in E. Motta, ‘Gli armajuoli Missaglia’, Archivio Storico Lombardo 28 (1901), pp. 452–3 (at p. 453) and E. Motta, ‘Armaiuoli milanesi nel periodo Visconteo-Sforzesco’, Archivio Storico Lombardo, 5th Ser., 41 (1914), pp. 187–232 (at pp. 198–201) 1426, ottobre 27. Cristoforo Corio e Maffino da Fagano, abitanti a S. Lorenzo fanno società ‘de arte armorum piastrarum’. 27 October 1426. Cristoforo Corio and Maffino da Fagano, living in (the Parish of ) San Lorenzo, formed the society ‘of the craft of plate armour’. 1430. In data 29 giugno d’allora, è l’atto di società, duratura un anno, per la vendita e commercio delle armature fra Tommaso detto Missaglia, dei Negroni da Ello, fil. del q.dm. d. Pietro abitante in P. Romana, nella parrocchia di S. Maria Beltrade, e Bellino Corio fil, q.dm. d. Aloisio, in P. Vercellina, parrocchia dei SS. Naborre e Felice. Il Missaglia era tenuto a fornire per il valore di 2600 lire imperiali in armi “videlicet coraziarum, hermittorum, brazalium, guantarum, spalaziarum, celatarum,, più L. 2400 in moneta. Il Corio s’in caricava della vendita e dello spaccio delle dette armi. 29 June 1430. A contract for one year for the sale and trade of armour between Tommaso, called ‘Missaglia’, dei Negroni da Ello, son of the late Master Pietro, living in the Porta Romana of the Parish of Santa Maria Beltrade, and Bellino Corio, son of the late Master Aloisio, in the Porta Vercellina, Parish of San Nabore e Felice. Missaglia was bound to supply arms to the value of 2,600 lire imperali, ‘viz.: cuirasses, armets, bracers, gauntlets, pauldrons, sallets’, plus 2,400 [lire] in coin. Corio was tasked with the trade and sale of these arms in parts of Romagna and Tuscia and dividing the profits. 1436, 10 novembre. Tommaso d[ett]o Missaglia de Negroni di Ello ‘magister armorum’ crea suo procuratore Gaspare de Zugnio di Milano, onde esigere quanto gli spetta nelle parti di Catalogna, e Spagna nella Gallizia e nelle altre terre dei re di Aragona, di Sicilia e di Navarra ed anche ‘magistri sancti Jacobi’ di Compostella.
116
Figure 3. Tommaso Missaglia’s makers’ marks on a gauntlet from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, c. 1450 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.13).
Figure 4. Bellino Corio’s makers’ marks on the pauldron reinforce from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.3).
z
documents 70–1
z
10 November 1436. Tomasso, called ‘Missaglia’ de Negroni da Ello, ‘master armourer’, appoints his agent, Gaspare de Zugnio of Milan, in order to demand his dues in parts of Catalonia, Spain, Galicia and other lands of the King of Aragon, Sicily, and Navarre, and also Santiago de Compostela. 1438, gennaío 27. Il Missaglia rinnova società con Bellino Corio, aggiungendosi i fratelli di costui Gabriolo, Anrico, Donato per il traffico delle armature in Milano e nelle parti del Meridionale, disponendo il Missaglia di lire 5333, soldi 6 e denari 8 imp. in contanti. 27 January 1438. Missaglia renewed the partnership with Bellino Corio, adding his brothers Gabriolo, Anrico, and Donato, for the trade of armour in Milan and in Southern parts – Missaglia arranging 5,333 lire 6 soldi 8 denari imperiali in coin. 1438, aprile 16. Giovanni Garavaglia (‘de Garavalliis’) [fil. del] qd.m d. Cristoforo, in S. Margherita, promette di lavorare in casa di Giovanni Corio, qd.m d. Daniele, a S. Naborre e Felice ‘de arnexiis a gamba saldis et dare et cosignare omnes arnexias saldas sive magia [recte, sine maglia] quas faciet’ per anni dùe, prezzo a computo di lire 5, soldi 6, denari 8 imp. Ed oltre detto prezzo dare al Garavaglia ‘pro mercede laborium’ nei detti due anni lire 66, soldi 13 e denari 4 imp. e fornirgli gl’istrumenti del mestiere. 16 April 1438, Giovanni Garavaglia (‘de Garavalliis’), son of the late Master Cristoforo, in the Parish of Santa Margherita, promises to work in the workshop of Giovanni Corio, son of the late Master Daniele, in the Parish of San Nabore e Felice, ‘on legharness, and to give and consign all the assembled legharness without mail which he shall make’ for two years the cost coming to 5 lire 6 soldi 8 denari imperiali. And, outwith the said cost, [Giovanni] gave Garavaglia ‘wages for labour’ for the said two years 66 lire 13 soldi 4 denari imperiali and provided the tools of the craft.
71 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Register of Archbishop Chichele, fol. 397r–fol. 99r Will of Thomas, Duke of Exeter, 29 December 1426 volo q[uo]d vna tumba fabricet[u]r sup[r]a sepultura’ tam mei quia vx[or]is mee loco p[ro] cuius fabrica lego C li. sterling’ Ignasio Clifton’ vnum harnesium armor[um] cum duob[us] equis thome hoo armigero Camere mee hostiario vnum de Cursarijs meis vocat’ dunne I will that a tomb be made over my sepulchre in the same place that my wife is interred, for the making of this I bequeath £100, to Ignasio Clifton one harness of armour with two horses, Thomas Hoo, squire, keeper of my lodging chamber, one of my dun coursers
118
Figure 5. Giovanni Garavaglia’s makers’ marks on a cuisse from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.8).
Figure 6. Giovanni/Zoan Corio’s makers’ marks on the backplate from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.3).
z
document 72
z
72 Dijon, Archives départementales de la Côte-d’Or, B2 356/3/cote 13, pièce XXIII Inventory of the Parisian Armourer Baudoyn Henry, called ‘Courbel’, Armourer of the Duke of Burgundy, at his Lodgings at Dijon, 8 July 1427 vne paire de souffloz de forge q’ lon dit estre a Jehan Robert vne encluure deux bigornes vng fer a Rabatre & quat’ marteaulx q’ londit estre a mondit s’ lesq[ue]lx ont deliurez a germain de lartillerie auec vne tuere qui est a mondit s’ six paires de tenaill’ deux grans cisailles dix sept m[ar]teaulx q’ grans q’ petiz deux emoles a to[u]rner mole vng ciseau a fendre fer & plus[ier]s aut[re]s s[er]uans a f[air]e armeures tant limnes poinceaus ciseaulx q’ autres cinq bassines dont lun est a Jeh’ Robert laut’ a mons’ de la mote laut’ a vng escuier daussengrois & les aut[re]s deux a hug’ m[a]riot que dient lesd’ symonet & phil[ipp]e vng eaumet a Jouster vne main de fer q’ nest point p[ar] f[aic]te vne paire de g[ar]de bras vng gantelet sept Roiges [sic] quat’ agrappes vng gr[a]nt auant bras a Jouster vng bassinet vne paire de petiz aua[n]t bras q’ lon dit estre a mons’ de charney vng arnois de Jambes entier vne paire de ganteles q’ lon dit estre a andrieu de thelongeon deux bassinez a bauie’ q’ sont aud’ and’ de thelongeon q’ a lad’ Julienne en gaige pour le louhier dud’ ouureur vne curasses vng arnois de Jambes app[ar]t[i]en’ a mess[ir]e gossequin que a lad’ Julienne pour a cause q’ dess’ Sur lesquelx biens led’ Symonet a dit q’ le dit gossequin doit dix escuz deux lames grans garde bras vne paire de arnois de Jambes qui sont a mess[ir]e Jehan de vienne vne salate [sic] vng gurgerin [sic] vne paire dauant bras qui sont a Jehan dautrey vne grans lames que lon dit estre mons’ de chastel villain deux petites capellines noirs qui sont aud’ courbel vng petit aubergeon de fer app[ar]ten’ aud’ feu courbel vne petite paire dauant bras q’ lon dist estre au clerc de mons’ le mareschal vne salad a bauie’ & vne paire de viez ganteles que lon dit estre a Jaquot de valay vng arnois de Jambe non p[ar]fait q’ lon dit estre a mons’ de vireau deux couppes de bassinet a bauie’ non p[ar]f[aic]tes dont lune est a Jaques de la baume que len dit Trois grans trubles de fer & trois plates a faire pieces & vne plate eleuir vng paligot de fer one pair of forge bellows said to be Jehan Robert’s, one nailing tool, two bickorns, one iron for hammering back (into shape – i.e. stake), and four hammers said to be my said Lord’s [the Duke of Burgundy] which were delivered to Germain (Master of ) the artillerie with one of my Lord’s tuyeres (forge airpipe), six pairs of tongs, two large (pairs of ) shears, 17 hammers both large and small, two millstones to turn grinding stones, one (pair of ) shears to cut iron and several other (tools) to make armour such as files, punches, tongs and others, five basinets one of which is Jehan Robert’s, another my Lord de la Mote’s, another a squire of the Aussengrois, and the other is Hughes Marriot’s as say the said Symonet [Courbel’s brother] and Philippe, one jousting armet, one incomplete manifer, one pair of gardebras (i.e. pauldrons), one gauntlet, six coronals, four grappers, one large jousting vambrace,
120
z
documents 72–3
z
one basinet, one pair of little vambrace said to be my Lord of Charney’s, one (pair of ) complete legharness, one pair of gauntlets said to be Andrieu de Thelongeon’s, two of the said Andrieu de Thelongeon’s basinets with bevors which the said Julienne had pawned for the hire of the said workshop,15 one cuirass, one (pair of ) legharness belonging to Sir Gossequin which the said Julienne had done for the matter aforesaid concerning which goods the said Symonet has said that the said Sir Gossequin is owed ten écus, two lames, (one pair of ) grand gardebras (i.e. pauldron reinforces), one pair of legharness which were Sir Jehan de Vienne’s, one sallet, one gorger, one pair of vambrace which were Jehan Dautrey’s, one large (set of ) lames said to be my Lord of Chastel Villain’s, two little black (i.e. unpolished) capellines which were Courbel’s, one little iron haubergeon belonging to the late Courbel, one little pair of vambrace which were said to be my Lord the maréchal’s clerk’s, one sallet with bevor and one pair of old gauntlets said to be Jaquot de Valay’s, one incomplete (pair of ) legharness said to be my Lord of Vireau’s, two incomplete basinet skulls with bevors one of which was said to be Jaques de la Baume’s, three large iron shovels and three plates to make pièces (i.e. breastplate-shaped stakes) and one raising plate, one iron brush
73 P. Verri, Storia di Milano, vol. 1 (Milan, 1834, 1st edn 1783), p. 522 In his history of Milan first published in 1783, Pietro Verri (1728–97) relates an anecdote of an incident following the defeat of the Duke’s forces by a general in the pay of the Venetians at Maclodio in 1427. Verri may very well have drawn on a work of history, in Latin, by Lodovico Antonio Muratori (1672–1750).16 il conte Francesco Carmagnola, malgrado il dissenso de’ procuratori veneti, e malgrado la decisa loro opposizione, volle rimandare disarmati bensì, ma liberi al Duca tutti i generali ed i soldati numerosissimi che aveava fatti prigionieri nella vittoria del giorno 11 d’ottobre 1427. Il Duca in pochi giorni armò di nuovo e rimontò questi militi; ed è molto degno di osservazione questo fatto, cioè che due soli artefici di Milano in pochi giorni gli diedero le armature per quattro mila cavalli e due mila fanti Count Francesco Carmagnola, despite the dissent of the Venetian authorities and despite their strong opposition, wanted to send back to the Duke unarmed – but liberated – all the generals and the great number of soldiers who had been captured 15
Earlier in this document it is stated that our armourer had his workshop in the house of Dame Julienne (‘En louureur dud’ courbel estant en la maison dame Julienne’). 16 L. A. Muratori, Rerum Italicarum scriptores […], vol. 19 (Milan, 1731), p. 105: ‘Mirum fortasse cuipiam videatur, inventos Mediolani duos armaturæ opifices, qui sibi curam armandi exercitus sumpserint; idque intra paucos dies factum: armati duorum Civium officinis equitum super quatuor millia, ac dimidium militis’. Regrettably, this author too fails to provide evidence from any near-contemporary source.
121
z
documents 73–4
z
in the victory of the day (of battle) on 11 October 1427. In but a few days the Duke rearmed and reassembled these soldiers; and this fact is very worthy of observation, namely that only two craftsmen from Milan in but a few days provided him the armour for four thousand cavalry and two thousand foot-soldiers
74 Kew, National Archives, E 101/51/27 Account of John Parker of Cheshunt, Master of the King’s Ordnance, for Artillery for the War in France, 8 April–8 July 1428 xiiij p[ar]uis Canonis eneis voc’ Foulers cum sit longitudinis vnius pedis d[imid] j garnizat’ cum trib[us] cam[er]is quar[um] quel[ibe]t Potest iactare petras pond’ duar[um] librar[um] iij alijs Canonis eneis de equali sorte quar[um] quel[ibe]t garnizat’ cum vna cam[er]a xxix al’ Canonis de par’ sorte quar[um] quel[ibe]t de xxvj h[ab]et iij cam[er]as & qual[ibe]t de resid’ h[abe]t ij cam[er]as xvj alijs p[ar] uis Canonis manualib[us] ad iactand’ pellett’ de plumbo quar[um] quel[ibe]t h[ab] et ij cam[er]as pond’ in toto vj m[i]l CC iiijxx xvij lb’ eris p[re]c’ lb’ iiij d’ ob’ vna cu’ m[i]l CC pellett’ de plumbo [pro] dic[t]is Canon’ manualib[us] p[ar]t[e]m p[re] c’ quar[um]l[ibe]t triu’ pellett’ […] ij d’ de Thoma Boston’ Enie & Founder london’ p[ro] eisdem ordinac[i]o[n]e & p[ro]uident’ Cxxj li’ viij s’ ob’ ij Canonis eneis voc’ Foulers longitud’ vnius pedis d[imid]j que possunt iactare petr’ pond’ ij lb’ Clxviij lb’ p[re]c’ lb’ vj d’ de Rob[er]to Warner Enie & Founder london’ empt’ p[ro] d[i] c[t]is ordinac’ iiij li’ iiij s’ iij magnis Canonis ferr’ quar[um] vna potest iactare petras altitud’ xviij pollic’ & ij al’ possunt iactare petr’ altitud’ xvj pollic’ pond’ in toto xv m[i]l D lb’ ferr’ vna cu’ f[a]c[t]ura ear[un]dem p[re]c’ Cne xviij s’ iiij d’ de Joh[ann] e mathewe de london’ Smyth’ p[ro] p[re]dict’ ordinac’ Cxlij li’ xx d’ j magn’ Canona que potest iactare petras altitud’ xvj pollic’ pond’ v m[i]l CCCl lb’ ferr’ p[re]c’ Cne xx s’ vna cu’ f[a]c[t]ra eiusdem necnon in xij Growes ferr’ p[re]c’ pec’ iiij s’ vj d’ de Godfr’ Goykyn’ Gunner p[ro] ordinac’ lvj li’ iiij s’ iij al’ Canon’ ferr’ quar[um] vna potest iactare petras altitud’ xviij pollic’ & alia potest iactare petras altitud’ xvj pollic’ & t[er]cia potest iactare petras altitud’ xiiij pollic’ cum j crowe pond’ in toto xiiij m[i]l D CCCC lb’ ferr’ p[re]c’ Cne xx s’ de Walt[er]o Thomasson’ Gonner Cxlviiij li’ […] p[re]fato Godfr’ Goykyn’ conduct’ ad p[er]ficiend’ & finalit’ op[er]and’ cum m[i]l lb’ ferr’ […] Empt’ & expend’ p[ro] p[re]fatum Walt[er]um Thomasson […] xvj li’ v m[i]l D iiijxx vij lb’ ferri empt’ de Ric[ard]o Warbelton’ & Thoma halyday p[re]c’ Cne v s’ & expend’ in & sup[er] p[re]d[i]c[tio]ne iij Canon’ nup[er] […] suprad[i]c[t]i Walt[er]i Thomasson’ necnon supradict’ Canon’ nup[er] p[re]fa[c]ti Godefr’ Goykyn’ […] sup[er] ferrura xvj rotar[um] […] magnis carect’ xiij li’ xix s’ iiij d’ Joh[ann]i mathewe & Joh[ann]i marche Smythez conduc’ ad ligand’ cum ferro vij Canon’ de Canon’ manualib[us] p[re]d[i]c[t]is vij s’ x d’ Ciij lb’ pulu[er]is Canon’ cum iiijxx lb’ expend’ ad tastand’ p[re]dict’ tres Canon’ p[er] p[re]fatum Joh[ann] em mathewe […] de Gerardo Ducheman’ p[ro] p[ro]uidenc’ & ordinac’ sup[r]adict’ empt’ p[re]c’ lb’ viij d’ vj li’ m[i]l CC xiiij lapid’ Canon’ quar[um] lxxiiij sunt altitud’
122
z
document 74
z
xxiiij pollic’ CCxlv altitud’ xviij pollic’ CClx altitud’ xvj pollic’ CCCCxxxv altitud’ xiiij pollic’ & CC cums[imi]l[i]t’ pond’ ij lb’ de Rob[er]to Pende Joh[ann]e hoke Joh[ann]e Garter Thoma Garrowe & Wil[he]lmo kyng masons sep[ar]atim ex causa p[re]d[ic]ti empt’ vnde DCCC xl p[re]c’ pec’ xvij d’ Clxxiiij p[re]c’ pec’ ij s’ & CC lapid’ p[ro] Foulers cum s[imi]l[i]t’ pond’ ij lb’ p[re]c’ pec’ ij d’ lxxviij li’ xj s’ iiij d’ [To the same men] p[ro] cariag’ eor[un]dem lapid’ de Maydeston’ vsq[ue] Turrim london’ ib[ide]m in diu[er]sis naues v[er]sus p[re]d[i]c[t]as p[ar]tes Franc’ xxvj s’ viij d’ CC iiijxx viij pavys vnde CCxl de ligno pictat’ cum nigr’ & quar[um] quel[ibe]t est longitud’ triu’ ped’ d[imid]j & vnius pedis d[imid]j latitud’ & xlviij de corio & nerua minoris assi[n]o’ p[re]c’ cums[imi]l[i]t’ pauys de ligno cum corio ligat’ viij d’ ob’ & cum cums[imi]l[i]t’ pauys de corio & nerua iiij s’ necnon xxiij p[ar]uis cistis p[ro] arcub[us] & sagittis in eisdem ponend’ p[re]c’ pec’ xxij d’ vna cu’ xiiij d’ sol’ p[ro] vna al’ p[ar]ua cista p[ro] sagittis imponend’ de Ric[ard]o Reson’ de london’ Joyner causa xx li’ v s’ iiij d’ 14 small brass cannon called fowlers 1½ feet in length equipped with three chambers each of which can shoot a stone weighing 2lb, three other brass cannon of the same sort each equipped with one chamber, 29 other brass cannon of the same sort 26 of which have three chambers and the rest have two chambers, 16 other small hand-cannon that shoot lead pellets each of which has two chambers weighing in total 6,297lb of brass – price of the pound 4½d. – along with 2,200 lead pellets for the said hand-cannon at 2d. for three pellets from Thomas Boston, brazier and founder of London, for the same ordnance and provisions £121 8s. ½d. Two brass cannon called fowlers 1½ feet in length which can shoot a stone weighing 2lb 168lb – price of the pound 6d. – from Robert Warner, brazier and founder of London, bought for the said ordnance £4 4s. Three large iron cannon one of which can shoot 18-inch stones and the two others can shoot 16-inch stones weighing in total 15,500lb of iron likewise making of the same – price of the hundred 18s. 4d. – from John Mathew of London, smith, for the said ordnance £142 20d. One large cannon which can shoot 16-inch stones weighing 5,350lb of iron – price of the hundred 20s. – along with its making, likewise for 12 gross of iron – price of the piece 4s. 6d. – from Godfrey Goykyn’, gunner, for ordnance £56 4s. Three other iron cannon one of which can shoot 18-inch stones and the others 16-inch stones and the third 14-inch stones with one crow (bar) weighing in total 14,800lb of iron – price of the hundred 20s. – from Walter Thomasson’, gunner, for the same purpose £148 […] [to] the aforesaid Godfrey Goykyn’ brought to complete and finalize the work with 1,000lb of iron £16. 5,587lb of iron bought from Richard Warbelton and Thomas Halyday – price of the hundred 5s. – and spent on the above said three cannons made lately by the above-said Walter Thomasson’, likewise the said cannon lately made by Godefry Goykyn’ […] [and] iron fixtures for 16 wheels for the great carriage £13 19s. 4d. John Mathew and John Marche, smiths, brought to iron bind the seven hand-held cannon aforesaid 7s. 10d. 103lb cannon powder with 80lb used for testing the said three cannon by the aforesaid John Mathew […] [made by] Gerard Dutchman for provisions and ordnance above said bought at the price
123
z
documents 74–5
z
of the pound 8d. £6. 1,214 cannon stones of which 74 are 24 inches, 245 18 inches, 260 16 inches, 435 14 inches and 200 […] weighing 2lb from Robert Pende, John Hoke, John Garter, Thomas Garrowe, and William Kyng, masons, separately for the aforesaid purpose £78 11s. 4d. [To the same men] for carriage of these stones from Maidstone to the Tower of London in divers ships towards the aforesaid parts of France 26s. 8d. 288 pavises 240 of which are of black-painted wood which are three feet in length and 1½ feet wide and 48 of leather and ass-foal sinew – price of the wooden pavise bound with leather 8½d. and the pavise of leather and sinew 4s. [sic], likewise for 23 small chests in which to place bows and arrows – price of the piece 22d., along with 14d. for another small chest in which to place arrows from Richard Reson’ of London, joiner, £20 5s. 4d. [There follows various payments for gun carriages, axles, wheels, cables, pulleys, timber, charcoal, and felling axes, and the delivery and carriage of all the purchases.]
75 Kew, National Archives, E 101/51/34 Receipt of Thomas Boston, Brazier and Founder of London, for Guns made, 8 July 1428 This document is badly damaged. Thomam Boston’ Eniem & Foundour’ london’ recepisse & h[ab]uisse die confect[i] o[n]is p[re]factu’ de Joh[ann]e Parker’ Arm’ mag[ist]ro ordinanc’ d[omi]ni regis viginti & vnam libras octo solidos & obolum in plenam soluc’ p[ro] xlv Canon’ vocat’ Fowlers cu’ Cxxx cam[er]as eun’ […] Canon’ manualib[us] cum xxxij Cam[er]is eun’ ad d[i]c[t]as Canon’ manual’ p[ar]t[e]m pond’ vj m[i]l CCiiijxx xvij lb’ eun’ p[re]c’ lb’ iiij d’ ob’ & p[ro] m[i]l CC pellet’ […] dict’ Canon’ manual’ ordinat’ p[re]c’ pec’ […] ij d’ Thomas Boston, brazier and founder of London, have had and received on the day of making from John Parker, squire, master of the Lord King’s ordnance £21 8s. ½d. fully paid for 45 cannon called fowlers with 130 chambers for them […] hand-cannon with 32 chambers for the said hand-cannon part weighing 6,297lb – price of the pound 4½d., and for 1,200 pellets [for] the said hand-cannon – price of the piece […] 2s.
124
z
documents 76–7
z
76 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Ms fr. 5727, fol. 9r–fol. 9v Challenge to Combat of Guillaume Frotier, Royal échanson (Cup-Bearer), issued to Lancelot Delisle, before 1429 L[ett]re damours A treshonnore escuier Lancelot delisle tenant le parti dangleterre guillaume frotier eschancon du Roy mon souuerain seigneur accroissement donneur en armours de Joye en armours pour ce que de vous et des Renommees on peut tousiours mieulx valoir et diceulx aprandre le hault vsaige et honorable mestier darmes Je qui en sans aprentis et desireux den sauoir […] Je aue euide a vous estre bien adrent comme a celui qui au plaisir de dieu me deschargera dun veu que Jay naguieres fait Jusques a ce que vous ou aut’ gentilhomme de nom et darmes sans Reproche maiez [sic] descharge de mond’ veu Lequel est de combatre de quatre batons de longueur cestassauoir lance espee hache et dague tant comme Ilz pourront durer et que lun ou lautre soit porte a terre Et celui qui p[er]dra premier perdra [sic] ses quatre batons sera tenu deporter son bacinet a lautre pour le bailler et p[rese]nter a sa dame Letter of Love To the most honourable squire Lancelot Delisle defender of the English side, I, Guillaume Frotier, échanson (cup-bearer) of my Lord the King, in order to increase honour in love and joy in love for which you are renowned, that can always better valour and learn from these the high usage and honourable skill of arms, not being apprenticed and being desirous to know it […] I have heard that you are very ardent as one who, God willing, will release me from a vow which I have made that you – or another gentleman of name and (skill in) arms without reproach – will release me from my said vow which is to fight with four weapons of the same length. That is to say: lance, sword, axe, and dagger as hard as they can until one or the other is forced to the ground. And he who first loses his four weapons shall remove his basinet and grant it to the other to present to his lady.
77 Two Documents concerning Joan of Arc, April and May 1429 Now-Lost Royal Household Account of April 1429, printed in G.-A. de La Roque, Traité de la Noblesse […] (Rouen, 1710), p. 238. Au maître armeurier pour un harnois complet pour la dite Pucelle. Au dit Jehan de Més et son compaignon pour lui aider à avoir des harnois, pour eux armer et habiller, pour être en la compaignie de la dite Pucelle, six-vingt cinq livres tournoi To a master armour for a complete harness for the said Maid. To the said Jean de Metz (her companion in arms) and his companion to assist them to have
125
z
documents 77–8
z
harnesses for arming and equipping, for being in the company of the said Maid – 125 livres tournois.
J. Quicherat, Procès de condamnation et de réhabilitation de Jeanne d’Arc […], t. III (Paris, 1845), pp. 8–9. Jean, the Bastard of Orléans and Count of Dunois, provides an Account of the Injury suffered by Joan on 7 May 1429 during the Siege of Orléans. [Whilst attacking] contra adversarios existentes infra bollevardum Pontis, dicta Johanna fuit vulnerata ex una saggita, quæ penetravit carnem suam inter collum et spatulas de quantitate dimidii pedis. […] [The next day] […] dicta Puella surrexit de lecto, et armavit se solum uno habitu, gallice jasseren [Whilst attacking] the enemies within the bulwark of the bridge, the said Joan was injured by an arrow which penetrated her flesh between the neck and the shoulder to the depth of a half foot. [On the next day] the said Maid raised herself from bed, and armed herself only in a garment, called in French, a jazerant
78 Chronique de Jean le Fèvre, Seigneur de Saint-Rémy, ed. F. Morand, vol. 1 (Paris, 1876), p. 170 A Burgundian chronicler and herald describes the jousts held to celebrate the marriage of Philip, Duke of Burgundy, and Isabella of Portugal, at Arras, July–August 1429. Le samedy se firent une joustes à l’usage de Portingal, que les Portingallois firent sans donner pris. Et furent abatues toutes les liches qui estoient faictes sur la place: sy firent une seulle liche à travers, de fort marien, haulte jusque aux espaulles des chevaulx, et furent tendues de drap bleu tout au long. Et joustoient ainsi, au long de la lisse, l’un d’un costé et l’autre de l’autre, à escus couvers de fin achier, et les heaulmes à la façon en selles de guerre. Et n’y eult que deulx ou trois estrangiers contre eulx, et dura la jouste assez longhement, à peu rompre de bois; car les roches de povoient prendre sur les escus et harnois, nonobstant qu’ilz y mectoient grant peine On the Sunday a joust was held in the Portuguese manner, which the Portuguese held without giving a prize (to the victor). And all the lists (i.e. barriers) that had been erected in the square were removed and (replaced with) a single long list of strong wood as high as the horses’ shoulders, and it was hung all along with blue cloth (i.e. a tilt barrier). And thus they jousted the length of the list – one from one side and the other from the other – with shields covered with fine steel, and helms of the same making, in war saddles. And there were but two or three foreigners (running) against them, and the joust lasted a fairly long time with little wood
126
z
documents 78–9
z
broken (i.e. lances shattered) for the coronals could not catch on the shields and harness (i.e. body armour) despite their best efforts
79 Lambeth Palace Library, MS 167, fol. 206r–fol. 208v Act of the Parliament of Scotland, passed at Perth, 6 March 1429 [1430 new style] How men sall eftir þare estat be bodin for were In þe first it is ordanit be þe king and his consale [þ]at ilk man þat may dispend ȝerly xx lib’ or haf ’ jC lib’ of mowabill gud’ salbe weill horsit and hale Anarmit as effer’ a gentill man to be Ande oþ’ simpillare of x lib’ Rent and of xl lib’ of gud’ sall hafe gorget & pesane with rerbras’ wa[m]bras’ and gluf ’ of plate bresplate [sic] pauns’ and legsplent’ at þe lest or bett’ gif he lik’ And ilk ȝeman þat is of xx lib’ of gud’ sall hafe a gud dowblate of fens’ or a habbyrio[u]n a Wyre hat With bow and schef suerd and buklare and knyfe And all oþ’ of ten lib’ of gud’ sall hafe suerd bukler bow & schef & knyfe And he þat is na archare and can no[ch]t deill w[i]t[h] a bow sall hafe a gud sovir hatt for his hed and a dowblate of fens’ With suerd buklare and a gud ax or a broggit staf [and] quhasa cu[m]mis nocht bodin þe first day þat is befor W[ri]tin ilk gentill man sall pay ij Wedd[er]is ande ilk ȝeman ij [sic] Wedd[er]is & ay dowbilland þe payn’ quhill þai be Weill bodin anis And þis payne salbe Rasit apone þai’ to þe Wardanis profit How men shall be equipped for war according to their (social) estate Firstly, it is ordained by the king and his council that every man that can expend £20 a year or hath £100 of movable goods shall be well horsed and wholly armed as it pertains a gentleman to be (i.e. in full harness). And others of lower rank with £10 in rent or £40 of goods shall have gorget and pisan, with rerebrace, vambrace, and gloves of plate (i.e. gauntlets), breastplate, paunce, and leg-splints at the least – or better if he like. And every yeoman that has £20 of goods shall have a good doublet of defence or a haubergeon, a wire hat, with bow and sheaf (of arrows), sword and buckler, and knife. And all others with £10 worth of goods shall have sword, buckler, bow and sheaf, and knife. And he that be no archer and cannot handle a bow shall have a good sure (steel) hat for his head and a doublet of defence, with sword, buckler, and a good axe or a broggit staff. And whosoever comes unequipped on the first day written above, each gentleman shall pay two wethers (castrated sheep) and each yeoman two [sic] wethers; the fine always doubling until such time as they be well equipped. And this fine shall be payable by them to the wardens’ profit.
127
z
document 80
z
80 Gutierre Díaz de Games, El Victorial, ed. R. Beltrán (Madrid, 2014), pp. 112–15, 245–60, 295–6, and 335–6 Gutierre was the standard bearer of Don Pero Niño (1378–1453), a Castilian nobleman who fought with the French. In his ‘El Victorial’, written in the 1430s and 1440s, Gutierre provides vivid accounts of his and his master’s exploits. An Attack of the City of Tui, Galicia, at some point between 1396 and 1399 la villa muy rezia gente a pelear, de hombres de armas, e ballesteros, e escudados, e vinieron a ellos gente del real. […] E llegó allí Pero Niño, encima de un cavallo. E las armas que traía eran una cota, e un bacinete con camal, segund que estonce se usava, e unas canilleras, e un adarga muy grande de barrera, que le avían dado en Córdova […] E luego en començando la pelea, firieron el cavallo a Pero Niño; e púsose a pie, e tomó la delantera de la gente, dando e firendo de tan fuertes golpes del espada, que el que ante él se parava bien le fazía entender que no lo avía con moço, mas con hombre fuerte a acabado. […] Allí, veyendo los de la villa el grand daño que fazía, desarmaron en él muchas ballestas a par, como quien las lança a un toro quando anda corrido en medio de la plaça. Diole un fuerte viratón por medio del rostro, que él tenía descubierto, que le apuntó cerca de la otra parte, por las narizes, de que él se sintió mucho, tanto que le atordeció, si non que le duró poco, e acordó luego. E con el grand dolor que sintió, tornó muy más bravamente a ellos, más que nunca ante fuera. Estavan unas gradas a la puerta de la puente, e por los subir a aquellas gradas se vio Pero Niño en grand travajo. Allí sufrió muchos golpes de espadas en los hombros e en la cabeça, e a la fin por fuerça ge las ovo de subir. E tanto juntava con ellos, que a la vezes le tocavan en el viratón que traía por las narizes, donde él avía grand dolor. E acaesció que uno, por se escudar dél, le dio con el escudo tan grand golpe en el viratón que ge lo fizo entrar en la cabeça más que no estava de antes. E ansí, todos cansados de amas las partes, dexaron la pelea. E quando Pero Niño salió de la pelea, la su buena adarga toda era ya cortada e fecha pieças, e la espiga del espada torcida, a ora de quebrar e desçabecar, e toda mellada, fecha sierra, tinta en sangre. And the arms he (Pero Niño) bore were a cota (padded coat or aketon) and a basinet with aventail – which they used to bear back then – and shin-defences, and a very large protective adarga (a distinctive bivalved-shaped shield of N. African origin) which he had been given in Córdoba […] And no sooner had the fight begun than Pero Niño’s horse was wounded; and he dismounted and led his men from the front on foot, dealing and giving such strong sword-strokes that whoever faced him fully understood that they were dealing not with a lad but a hard-fighting man.
128
z
document 80
z
Now the townsmen, seeing the great havoc he was wreaking, shot with many crossbows at him, as when the bull is lanced in the ring in the middle of the town square. A heavy vireton (crossbow bolt) struck him in the middle of his face – which was uncovered – and pierced it through to the other side, through the nose which certainly he felt, so much so he was stunned, though not for very long – and he quickly regained his composure. And even though he was in great pain, he turned to face them more bravely than ever before. There was a flight of steps at the bridge’s gateway, and Pero Niño struggled to climb them. There, he endured many sword blows to the shoulders and head, and he eventually fought his way to the top. And he engaged them in such close combat that they struck him several times on the vireton that was stuck through his nose, causing him great pain. Thus it happened that one (enemy), in order to shield himself from him (Pero), dealt him such a severe blow with his shield that it caused the vireton to penetrate even further into his head than it had been previously. And in the end both sides were so fatigued that the battle ended. And when Pero Niño emerged from the fight, his trusty adarga was all cut to pieces, and the tang of his sword was so bent that it was coming loose from the grip, and the blade was broken and jagged and stained with blood. An Attack on the Port of Poole, Dorset, in 1405 E traían puertas de casas, e asentávanlas en tierra, e un madero detrás, a que estava arrimada; e salían detrás dellas, e peleavan. Esto fazían ellos por miedo de los de las ballestas, que los mataban mucho. Ellos tenían lo alto, e los castellanos lo baxo; e las frechas eran tantas, e venían tan espesas, que los ballesteros non se osavan abaxar a armar las ballestas, ca avía ya muchos feridos de las frechas. E tantas eran, que los que tenían jaques o sobrevistas, eran tantas las frechas que parescían asaeteados. La bandera, e el que la tenía, era tan lleno de frechas, tenía tantas alderredor de sí, como un toro quando anda en el coso corrido; sino que le mamparavan las buenas armas que tenía, aunque en algunos lugares ya eran falsadas. E los ingleses son muy sabidores de guerra. Ya ellos no esperavan sino que los ballesteros oviesen gastado el almazén, e casasen de tirar, para venir con los castellanos a las manos. E yo digo verdad, que pasada la batalla, las frechas eran tantas por el suelo, que non podía hombre pisar en tierra que non pisase en frechas, tantas que las cogían a manadas. And they (the defenders) dragged doors of houses and stuck them in the ground, propped up with wood behind, and thus they fought sallying forth from behind them. They did this for fear of the crossbowmen who killed many of them. They had the higher ground and the Castilians the lower; and the arrows came so thick and fast that the crossbowmen dared not lower their crossbows to reload, for they had already been struck by many arrows. And there were so many arrows that those who bore jacks or sobrevistas (i.e. fabric garments borne over armour such as heraldic
129
z
document 80
z
coat armours) looked like they had been spit roasted. There were as many arrows stuck in the standard and in the ground around the standard bearer (i.e. the author) as there would be in a bull when it is running in the ring; for even though he was protected by the good armour he bore, it was fractured in some places. Now the English are most savvy in war. They waited until the crossbowmen had run out of shot and stopped shooting before coming to handstrokes with the Castilians. And I do not exaggerate when I say that after the battle was over there were so many arrows stuck in the ground that you could not walk without stepping on arrows – there being so many that they could be scooped up by the handful. On Jousting in France Los franceses justan por otra guisa que non fazen en España: justan sin tela, a manera de guerra, por el topar. Arman los cavallos de testera e picheras, que son unas armas de cuero muy fuertes; e las sillas muy fuertes, que cubren la pierna fasta cerca del pie. Contece muchas vezes que topan un cavallo con otro, e caen amos e dos: o cae el uno, o amos e dos. Es muy peligrosa justa; non la fazen todos hombres, mas hombres diestros e muy cavalgadores. Las varas son todas medidas; non las faze sino un maestro o dos en toda corte: éste con licencia de los governadores, e aquel es el fiel. The French joust in a different manner to that of Spain: they joust without a tilt (barrier), in the manner of war so that (they and the horses) clash. The horses are armed with testers and peytrals which are a type of armour of very strong leather (i.e. cuir bouilli); and the saddles, that cover round the leg to near the foot, are very strong. It often occurs that one horse clashes with another causing them to fall: sometimes one, sometimes both. It is a very dangerous form of jousting not undertaken by all men, but by those who are skilled and accomplished riders. The lances are all of the same length and are only made by one or two masters in all the court; this being with the licence of the governors and whoever is the judge (of the jousts). An Attack on the Isle of Jersey in 1406 Allí se dieron muy fuertes golpes de las lanças, de que fueron feridos muchos de amas partes, e aun dellos caídos. Dexadas las lanças, pusieron mano a las hachas e a las espadas, e bolviose un torneo muy grande. Allí podría hombre ver a unos saltar las viseras de los bacinetes, e desguarnecer braçales e musequíes; e a otros caer las espadas e las hachas de las manos, e venir a los braços, e a las dagas: allí caían unos; e a otros levantar, e correr mucha sangre por muchos lugares. Allí ivan los ingleses lançando los bacinetes, e los arneses, e los jaques, por fuir mejor. There, great spear-thrusts were dealt that wounded or killed many on both sides. Casting aside their spears they grabbed their axes and swords and a great skirmish ensued. Here you could see visors being smashed off; basinets and bracers and musekins (mail forearm defences) torn off; others had swords and axes struck from
130
z
documents 80–1
z
their hands and resorted to (fighting with) their arms and daggers: some were falling down and others were struggling back up, and blood was spurting everywhere. There went the English casting off basinets, harnesses, and jacks – the better to flee.
81 Chroniques d’Enguerrand de Monstrelet, ed. J. A. Buchon, Tome V (Paris, 1826), p. 621 A chronicle account of a feat of arms between five of the Duke of Burgundy’s men against five of the King of France’s ‘to break on each other a certain number of lances’ (‘de rompre l’un sur l’autre certain nombre de lances’) in the marketplace of Arras, over five days from 20 February 1430 Et étoit prépare un grand parc couvert de sablon, au milieu duquel avoit une lice garnie d’aisselles, afin que les chevaux ne se pussent rencontrer l’un l’autre. Et coururent pour le premier jour messire Simon de Lalain et messire Théolde plusieurs beaux coups l’un contre l’autre; mais vers la fin, messire Théolde fut porté jus, lui et son cheval. Et pareillement pour les autres ensuivants, pour les second, tiers, quart et cinquième jours, furent faits de beaux coups d’armes et de lances, desquelles de chacune partie en y eut plusieurs rompues. Toutefois, le seigneur de Charny, au treizième coup qu’il courut contre le dit messire Philibert, lui leva sa visière de son armet, du fer de sa lance, et lui mit tout devant son visage: pour quoi, sans délai, il convint qu’on le ramena[n]t en son hôtel, comme en péril de mort. Et au dernier jour, et par telle manière, fut ainsi féru L’Estendard de Nully du dessus dit Philibert de Menton. Si fut comme l’autre ramené en son hôtel, et fut si grièvement blessé qu’à très grand peine se pouvoit tenir sur son cheval, jà soit ce que, par avant qu’il eût ce coup, il s’étoit porté ce jour moult du[r]ement, en rompant sur son adversaire aucunes lances. Après lesquelles jours iceux passés, les dessus dits François, qui avoient été moult honorés par le dit duc et de lui reçu aucuns dons, se départirent de la ville d’Arras, tristes et ennuyés des dures aventures qui étoient tournées contre leur gens, et laissèrent les deux blessés dessus dits dedans Arras, pour eux faire médeciner par l’alliance du dit duc A great enclosure covered with sand was prepared, in the middle of which was a list constructed of wooden planks to prevent the horses from colliding (i.e. a tilt barrier). On the first day (the Burgundian) Sir Simon de Lalaing and Sir Théolde (de Valeperghe) rode against each other giving each other several good blows and, towards the end, Sir Théolde and his horse were forced to the ground. And on the second, third, fourth, and fifth days the others likewise gave each other good blows with weapons and lances – with many being broken. However, the Seigneur de
131
z
documents 81–3
z
Charny on the thirteenth course run against Sir Philibert (de Menton) struck up his (Sir Philibert’s) armet’s visor with his lancehead and it (the lance) went right into his face: because of this, he consented to return to his lodgings without delay, as in peril of death. And, on the last day, the Standard Bearer of Nully was injured in this exact same manner as the said Philibert de Menton. So, like the other, he returned to his lodgings and was so grievously injured that I know it took great effort to mount his horse, on account of this blow he had previously received, this day it was very difficult to break any lances on his opponent. After these days had passed, the aforesaid French – who had been shown great honour by the Duke (of Burgundy) and each received gifts from him – departed from the town of Arras forlorn and dismayed by the misfortune that had befallen their fellows, and they left the two aforesaid injured at Arras so that they might receive the medical treatment afforded by the said Duke.
82 York, Borthwick Institute, Prob. Reg. 3, fol. 102r–fol. 102v Will of Adam Hecche, Armourer of York, 23 November 1430 lego Joh[ann]i filio meo o[mn]ia instrumenta mea Artificio meo de Fourbo[u] rcraft p[er]tinencia do & lego Agneti fil’ mee o[mn]ia instrumenta artificio meo de maylewerk p[er]tinencia […] I bequeath to my son John all my tools pertinent for making of furbishing craft, I give and bequeath to my daughter Agnes all my tools pertinent for making mail-work
83 Dijon, Archives départementales de la Côte-d’Or, B 11865, fol. 116r– fol. 117v Inventory of Philip, Duke of Burgundy’s Artillery at Dijon both in the Armoury and in a Grange in front of the Hôtel du Normandeaul, made in the presence of Jehan de Roichefort, Squire, Master of the Artillery, 13 March 1431 vne bombarde de fer no[m]mee griette portans iiijC lb’ de pierre sainne et entie[r] e vng gros veuglelaire [sic] de fer portant enuir’ xxiiij lbz garnj dune chamb’ et nest point enchasse en bois vng autre petit veuglelair’ de fer denuiron pie’ & de[m]j de chasse et porte enuir’ viij lb’ et est enchasse en bois et na q’ vne chambre vne petite bombardelle de fondue de fer portant enuir’ vj lb’ de p[ier]re vne piece du qul dune bombardelle quj puet peser enuir’ xxiiij lb’ vng petit veuglelaire de fer tout dune piece sans chambre et nest point affute en bois et puet port’ de pierre enuir’ v lbz vng
132
z
document 83
z
meschant canon de fondue tout dune piece et na pas vng pie’ de long et puet porter enuir’ iij lbz de pierre vng gros charriot de bombarde garnj et f[er]re de tout ce quj luj app[ar]tient estans en lad’ grange vne forge garnie de soufflez dune enclume de deux m[ar]teaulx trauesain iiij pair’ tenailles ensamble vne bigorne de fer enuir’ vng mill[ie] r de fer pour fornir a ouurer vng tarraire dacier a percier polies de cuiure vng treneaul de bois garnj de la f[er]raille qui luj app[er]tient a tresner bombarde xxvij tonneaulx q’ grans q’ petiz a mectre artill[er]ie les vng bons et les aut[r]es mauuaiz vne cuiue a affiner salepestre enuir’ vjxx pierres q’ grosses q’ petites dont il en y a xij pour griette et xxvj pour perusse et deux aut[re]s plus grosses pierres et le demour’ pour veuglelair’ tant grosses q’ petites enuir’ C petites p[ier]res veuglelair’ xlij coleuures de fer iij de fondues de cuiure xxxvij grosses plomblees [sic] de fer getant plomblees de plomb iiijxx xvj m[ar]teulx a macons q’ grans q’ petiz lv ciseaulx de fer a macon v barreaulx de fer despaigne vC xl piez de chieure l liens de fer tout p[re]st a lien engin vj moles de fer a taill[eu]r pierre de bombarde xxxij grans pauaix doubles a pie’ xiiij caques de pouldre a canon enuir’ iiijxx lbz de salepestre batu ij barriz & demj de salepestre francoiz quj poisent [sic] vC xl lb’ ou enuir’ enuir’ vm de chausetrapes enuir’ ijC de grans cloux j soilloit de cuyr ix C fust de lances dont il en y a jC de f[er]rees xxijxx pauaix votiz iiij pieces de grosses chables iij plus menuz chables ijC maillez de plomb xxij haiches et x Jusarmes xxv grosses arbalestes pour fauser harnoiz blanc iij doubles guindaulx s[er]uans a ycelles viijxx x aut[re]s arbelestes dont il y a xxix cranequins de bois et ny a arbelestes quil ne faille Renoueller ou elles s[er]ont gastees C lbz de bon fil denvers xxv guindaulx sangles dont il en fault Refaire xiiij et iiij poloiz neuf tant de cordaige [com]me aut[re]m[e]nt xl lbz de fil danu[er]s quj a este moillie & po[u] ruz vj casses et d[em]ie de dondaines enuir’ j mill[ie]r de dondaines qui fault Refaire ij casses de garroz empanees darain s[er]uans aux xxv grosses arbalestes iiijm de d[em] ie dondaines lesquelles ont mestier de Ramponner et mectre en leates iiijC de fer’ de d[em]ie dondaines xxij douzeines dars a main de deux pieces ijC xxv ars dune piece vjxx xiiij ars dune piece quj sont t[re]sliez et ne vaillent gueres ijC l douzeines de cordes dars iiijxx xj trosses de fleiches de deux douzeines la trousse toutes f[er]rees a neuf deliu’ […] a martin cornuaille fondeur pour faire vne bombarde dont il a m[ar] chande xvj mill[ie]rs de mitaille [sic] pour fournir a la faiz dicelle vne anclume j pair’ de soufflez ij m[ar]teaulx Et ij [sic] bigornes one iron bombard called Griette that shoots a 400lb stone – complete and in good order, one large iron fowler that shoots a 24lb stone equipped with a chamber but is not fitted to a wooden base, another small iron fowler with only one chamber that shoots a stone around 8lb around 1½ feet long – fitted on a wooden base, one small cast-iron bombardelle that shoots a stone around 6lb, one piece of the end of a bombardelle that weighs around 24lb, one small iron fowler of one piece without chamber and without wooden (base) that shoots a stone of around 5lb, one cast meschant cannon (méchant: ‘nasty’ – a type) all of one piece less than one foot long that shoots a stone of around 3lb, one large bombard carriage equipped and iron-bound with all necessities in the said grange, one forge equipped with bellows, one anvil, two cross (headed) hammers, four pairs of tongs together with
133
z
documents 83–4
z
one iron bickorn, around 1,000 (pieces) of iron to provide the craftsman, one steel auger for piercing copper pulleys, one wooden tow-fitting equipped with ferrules necessary for towing bombards, 27 tuns both large and small to place artillery some good others bad, one vat to refine saltpetre, around 120 stones both large and small 12 of which are for Griette and 26 for Prusse and two other larger stones and the rest for both large and small fowlers, 42 iron culverins, three copper moulds, 37 large iron plombées for shooting lead plombées (i.e. a type of cannon that shoots lead balls), 96 masons’ hammers both large and small, 55 iron masons’ chisels, five barrels of Spanish iron, 540 goat’s-foot (levers) (crossbow-spanning devices), 50 iron bindings ready to bind engines, six iron forms to measure bombard stones, 32 large double pavises for (fighting on) foot, 14 casks of cannon powder, 80lb of ground saltpetre, 2½ barrels of French saltpetre weighing around 540lb, around 5,000 caltraps, around 200 large nails, one leather bucket, 900 lance-shafts 100 with heads, 960 vaulted pavises, four pieces of large cable, three smaller cables, 200 lead mallets, 22 axes and 10 guisarmes, 25 large crossbows for shattering white harness, three double-windlasses for spanning them, 1,610 other crossbows 29 of which have wooden cranequins and there are no crossbows in need of repair where they are damaged, 100lb of good Antwerp thread/wire, 25 single-windlasses 14 of which are in need of repair and four new pulleys both with cords and without, 40lb of Antwerp thread/wire which has been soaked and rotten, 6½ cases of dondaines, around 1,000 dondaines in need of repair, two cases of brass-fletched garrots for 25 large crossbows, 4,000 half-dondaines which need re-fletching and fixed with bindings, 400 heads for half-dondaines, 24 dozen hand-bows (i.e. longbows) of two pieces, 225 one-piece hand-bows, 1,614 one-piece bows which are well bound and of little worth, 250 dozen bowstrings, 91 quivers of arrows of two dozen the quiver – all newly headed. Delivered […] to Martin Cornuaille, cannon-founder, for making a bombard which he has sold: 16,000 (pieces) of metal for its making, one anvil, one pair of bellows, two hammers, two [sic] bickorns
84 Carlisle Archives, DLONS/L/5/1/50/12 Indenture between Richard, Earl of Salisbury, and Sir Henry Threlkeld of Yanwath (Cumberland), for half a year’s service in France with eight men-at-arms paid 12d. a day and 12 archers at 6d., 23 April 1431 viij men of armes and xxij archers […] he (Sir Henry) beyng & his said feloschipp’ wele & sufficiently horsed and arayed as it ap[er]tiens to þeir degree […] he shal haue for hymself ’ and ech’ of his men of armes a basnet or an helmet of stele large and of the neweschapp’ hole legge hernays armed w[i]t[h] playts or Curas for hys body and ech’ of his arch[er]is shal haue at his said moustres [musters] or veues a Capelyn’ or a palet xl arwes welfethered and hetched [i.e. notched] two bowes xij stringes a swerde a bokeler’ a Jak or [sic] a pollax
134
z
documents 85–6
z
85 Kew, National Archives, E 122/77/1 Petty Customs paid by Alien Merchants importing Goods to the City of London (Extracts), 10 October 1431 Naui Gerard’ van Teleton’ Rob[er]to Barre p[ro] vj last’ osmond’ xxiiij li’ vijC bowstavys xiiij li’ Joh[ann]e Brekelys vj barell’ osmond’ xl s’ Joh[an]ne Gerveys p[ro] j last’ osmond’ iiij li’ iiijC bowstavys viij li’ Ric[ard]o Barey ij last’ osmond’ viij li’ iijC bowstavys vj li’ Naui Clement london’ Joh[ann]e Kebill’ p[ro] iij bar’ clauor[um] vj polax’ p[re]c’ v li’ x s’ Naui heyn’ Bulstamp’ Joh[ann]e Olyver’ j bar’ plat’ nigr’ d[imid]j bar’ plat’ alb’ Joh[ann]e hobelett’ p[ro] j dol’ cu’ xxiij dos’ glad’ p[re]c’ x s’ Joh[ann]e Gerewyn’ p[ro] j vatt’ cu’ ix pair’ [sic] corag’ [sic] xxvij pair’ legherneis xvij pair’ vambras x par’ [sic] cerotec’ plate iiij lb’ wyre alb’ vj glad’ iij dos’ cerotec’ panu’ lin’ p[re]c’ xiij li’ ij s’ Naui Petr’ Roo Joh[ann]e Gerwyn’ xij dos’ glad’ […] Ship of Gerard’ van Teleton’: Robert Barre for six lasts of osmund (iron)17 £24, 700 bow-staves £14, Johan Gerveys for one last of osmund, £4, 300 bow-staves £6, Richard Barey two lasts of osmund £8, 300 bow-staves £6. Ship of Clement London: Johan Kebill’ for three barrels of nails, six pollaxes worth £5 10s. Ship of Heyn Bulstamp’: Johan Olyver’ one barrel of black plates, a half barrel of white plates (prob. for working by armourers rather than pairs of ), Johan Hobelett’ for one dole with 23 dozen swords worth 10s., Johan Gerewyn’ for one vat with nine pairs of cuirass, 27 pairs of legharness, 17 pairs of vambrace, 10 pairs of plate gauntlets, 4lb of white wire (i.e. polished metal), six swords, three dozen (pairs of ) linen cloth gloves worth £13 2s. Ship of Peter Roo: Johan Gerewyn’ 12 dozen swords […]
86 Dijon, Archives départementales de la Côte-d’Or, B 1651 Accounts of Philip, Duke of Burgundy’s artillerie at Dijon, June–August 1433 Unless otherwise stated all the craftsmen are based in Dijon. hugenin le potier demourant a besancon ouurier de bombardes & de canons dix huit liur’ tour’ [pour] la p[er]facon dune Bombarde que led’ hugenin a quieruee [et] a fondre pour mondit s’ Audit hugenin le potier quarante frans paiez sur la p[er]facon & assoumssement dune bombarde appelle bourg[oig]ne de laquelle faire par auant auoit ese marcha[n]de a martin cornuaille aussi Cono[n]ier [et] Odot cornuaille filz dudit martin Jaquet Barbe marchant demourant A Chalon quatre vins cinq frans 17
Good-quality iron imported from Scandinavia and the Batlic. See Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 13.
135
z
document 86
z
& demj Pour lachat de quatre Wiglaires Cestass’ deux grans & deux petitz Jehan mareschal Cano[n]nier quatre vins frans pour f[air]e de son fer vne Chambre pour vng gros vuiglaire qui es en la forge de lartillerie de mondit s’ a dijon Guill[au]m’ courretier dit le besgne marchant demor’ a besancon deux Cens quarante frans pour lachat de deux mill[ie]rs de lances deliurees en lartillerie de mondit s’ a dijon Jehan quenot forgeur sept vins deux frans vng gross pour vC fers de lances [various other items of ironwork] six doubles guindaulx xviij f ’ trois saingles guindaulx iiij s’ d[em] j Cent peles ferres xvj f ’ viij g[ro]s vng mill[ie]r de chausse trapes viij f ’ Guillaume Charpy aussi forgeur six vins deux frans et demj qui deuz lui est’ Pour dix mill[ie]rs de fers de trait darbalestre Cestass’ pour deux mill[ie]rs de fers de grosses dondaines xl f ’ trois mill[ie]rs de fers de demie dondaines xlv f ’ Cinq mill[ie]rs de fers de trait co[m] mun xxxvij f ’ d[em]j Jacot de Roiches artilleur soixante & Cinq frans demj pour dix mill[ie]rs de fustz pour les feres dess’ diz Cestass’ deux mill[ie]rs pour fers de grosses dondaines trois mill[ie]rs de fers de demie dondaines Cinq mill[ie]rs de trait co[m] mum lx f ’ Et pour ferrer & enfuster ledit trait v f ’ de[m]j Guiot gasteble artilleur demourant a Argilly vint & vng frans pour trois mill[ie]rs cinq Cens de fustz de trait darbalestre Cestass’ vC fustz de gross’ dondaines vng mill[ie]r de demie dondaines et deux mill[ie]rs de trait co[m]mun michiel Jarrot et Jehan Janglerre macons trente & sept frans vnze gros Pour pierres de Bombardes & Canons par eulx f[ai]tes Cestass’ pour la Bombarde appellee prusse xxxiij pierre’ pour la bomb[ar]de appelle griete xxxij p[ie]res xxxj f ’ viij g[ro]s pour Cinq[ua]nte pierres de gros Wiglaires vj f ’ iij g[ro]s pour iiijxx x pierres pour plus petitz Wiglaires achetees en casche x f ’ Guillot’ oudin vannier six frans pour lachat dun Cent de hottes achet’ de lui po[u]r le fait de lartiller’ de mo[n]s’ Jehan Courtilleur Chapentier six frans pour auoir fait de son bois & liure en lartillerie de mondits’ aud’ dijon vng engin a leuer les grosses Bombardes dicelle artillerie Jehan quenot forgeur dess[us]no[m]me six frans Pour auoir ferre ledit engin laq[ue]lle ferrure pese enuiron vjxx lb’ Gautier de Cutigny Barbier quatre frans pour lachat de deux Cens cordes darc pour les arcs de lad[i]te artillerie Jehan dorliens cordier quatorze frans neuf gros quinze deniers tournois pour les cordes par lui liurees qui sens’ Cestass’ Pour vng Cent & demj de cordes darc ij f ’ vne grosse corde s[er]uant aud’ engin des gross’ Bombardes iij f ’ j g[ro]s de[m]j xiiij paires de gros traiz pour les charioz desd’ Bombardes vj f ’ viij g[ro]s quatre pieces de menues cordes de prouision a mectre sur lesd’ charioz v g[ro]s trois lyeuresde cordes pour vne Bombarde & deux viuglaires xiij g[ro]s xxij lb’ de cordes pour braler & mectre a point vng char desd’ Bombardes xj g[ro]s Cinq pieces de menue corde pour embaler les casses du trait darbalestre vj g[ro]s v d estienne marinet mercier vint & deux gros demj pour lachat de xiij s[e]rures & vng grant grusillons pour fermer les tonneaulx de lartillerie a Icelle mener en lost de mondit s’ Jehan de Roichefort escuier maistre de lartillerie de mondit s’ quarante frans pour conu[er]tir es fraiz de deux charioz q’ mons’ de charny gouu[er]neur & capp[itai]ne g[e]n[er]al de bourg[oig]ne a menez auec lui en son armee chargiez dartillerie en alant ou mois de Juing mil CCCCxxxiij du pais de bourg[oig]ne au deuant de mondit s’ le duc deuant troyes Jehan de troyes & Robert galet sell[ie]rs sept frans & demj Pour dix huit Jours q’ ch[asc]un deulx ont vacquez en lad’ artillerie audit diion a auoir Refait & Renus a point les pauaiz dicelle
136
z
document 86
z
artillerie Jehan pantheleon de basle Can[n]onier qui est venu en bourg[oig]ne deu[e] rs mons’ le gouu[er]neur par son mandem[en]t & ordonnan’ pour tirer de Coleurines et soy en aidier es armees de mondit s’ le duc la so[m]me la so[m]me de Cinq franz A vng tourneur pour faire le mole de la polye dun engin neuf de lad[i]te Bombarde iiij g[ro]s vng charreton tois gros pour auoir amene trois tonneulx dartillerie des les four bourgz de S[ain]t nicolas de chiex Jehan grue q’ le besgne de besancon auoit Illec amenez en lartillerie et pour auoir mene quatre viuglaires achetez a Chalon des lostel dudit Receueur g[e]n[er]al Jusques en lad[i]te artill’ six ouuriers qui ont oste les flesches de six tonneaulx et portees en la sale dicelle artillerie iij g[r]os Jehan mareschal Ca[n]nonier deux frans quil auoit paiez compt’ par lordonn’ de mons’ le gouu[er] neur aux Ca[n]nonnier & aut[re]s fondeurs qui le xxvije Jour de may fondirent la grosse Bombarde appellee Bourg[oig]ne hug[ue]not alardot tanneur Pour lachat de deux Cuirs de beuf couroyez en a lun pour f[air]e les couroyes et pugnies aux pauaiz de lad’ artillerie quatre frans Guill[au]m’ laurent Royer trois frans pour auoir mis a point le chariot de Borbarde appellee griete Jehan mareschal dix gros pour auoir ferre de son fer les assiz dud’ chariot et y’ auoir mis plus[ier]s liens de fer es Roes x g[ro]s Jehan guibert artilleur deux franz cinq g[ro]s Cestass’ xx g[ro]s pour iiijm de plumes dont a este empanne le trait darbalestre vij g[ro]s & demj Pour acharbon emploie a dressier les arcs a main Et j g[ro]s de[m]j Pour cloux a ferrer C[er]taine quantite de lances en lartillerie Jehan de Champlite marchant trois frans neuf gros cinq deniers tourn’ qui deuz lui estoient pour trois lb’ de Cire blanche pour mettre a point les arcs a main vij g[ro]s de[m]j vne peau de chien pour polir lesd’ arcs vj g[ros] de[m]j lb’ de Cire vne lb’ de suif et de[m]j lb’ de poix pour les cordes des arbalestres dicelle artiller’ ij g[ro]s deux lb’ de verniz pour vernissier lesd’ arbalestres viij g[ro]s trois lb’ de cole seiche pour enferrer le trait a main iiij g[ro]s de[m]j deux lb’ de suif pour engraissier les Cuirs de quoy lon a mis a point les pauaiz j g[ro]s de[m]j vne fueille de fer noir pour Riuer les cloux des pauaiz xv d’ enuir’ iijm de cloux pour clouer lesd’ pauaiz xv g[ro]s Gilet la barbe huch[ie]r deux frans & demj pour quinze casses de bois pour mettre le trait darbalestre de lad[i]te artillerie pour le mener deu[er]s mondit s’ en lost Hugenin le Potier of Besançon, maker of bombards and cannons, 18 livres tournois for the finishing of a bombard with Hugenin has cast in copper for my said Lord, Hugenin le Potier 40fr. for the finishing and completion of a bombard called Bourgogne (Burgundy) which had been purchased from Martin Cornuaille, also a cannoneer, (and) Odot Cornuaille son to this Martin, Jaquet Barbe, merchant of Chalon (sur-Saône), 85½fr. for the purchase of four fowlers: two large and two small, Jehan Mareschal, connonier, 80fr. for forging one chamber for a large fowler which is in the forge of my Lord’s artillerie at Dijon, Guillaume Courretier, called ‘Le Besgne’, merchant of Besançon, 140fr. for the purchase of 2,000 lances delivered to my Lord’s artillerie at Dijon, Jehan Quenot, smith, 1,402fr. 1gr. for 500 lanceheads [various other items of ironwork] six double windlasses 18fr., three single windlasses 4½s., 100 iron-bound piles 16fr. 8gr., 1,000 caltraps 8fr., Guillaume Charpy, also smith, 10,000 heads for crossbow-shot: 2,000 heads for large dondaines 40fr., 3,000 heads for half-dondaines 45fr., 5,000 heads for common shot 27½fr., Jacquot de
137
z
document 86
z
Roiches, artilleur, 65½fr. for 10,000 shafts for the aforesaid heads: 2,000 for large dondaine heads, 3,000 heads for half-dondaines, 5,000 for common shot, and for heading and shafting the said shot 5½fr., Guiot Gastable, artilleur of Argilly, 21fr. for 3,500 crossbow-shot shafts: 500 large dondaine shafts, 1,000 half-dondaines, and 2,000 for common shot, Michiel Jarrot and Jehan Janglerre, masons, 37fr. 11gr. for bombard and cannon stones made by them: 33 stones for the Bombard called Prusse (Eng. Prussia), 32 stones for the bombard called Griette, 65 stones at 4gr. the stone totalling 31fr. 8gr., 50 stones for large fowlers 6fr. 3gr., 90 stones for smaller fowlers bought in cases 10fr., Guillot Oudin, basketmaker, 6fr. for 100 panniers, Jehan Courtilleur, carpenter, 6fr. for having carved and delivered to my Lord’s artillerie at Dijon one engine to lift the great bombards of this artillerie, Jehan Quenot, smith aforesaid, 6fr. for iron-binding the said engine which ironwork weighs around 120lb, Gautier de Cutigny, barber, 40fr. for 200 bowstrings for the artillerie (long) bows, Jehan Dorliens, cordiner, 40fr. 9gr. 15d. tournois for 100½ crossbow-strings 2fr., one gross of cord for the great bombard engines 3fr., 1½gr. 14 pairs of large pulley-cords for the bombard carriages 6fr. 8gr., for four pieces of small cord of provision (i.e. standard type) to place on the said carriages 5gr., 3lb of cord for one bombard and two fowlers 13gr., 22lb of cord to bind and prepare one of the bombard carriages 11gr., five pieces of small cord to bind the cases of crossbow-shot 6gr. 5d., Estienne Marinet, mercer, 22½gr. for 13 locks and one large grill to lock the artillerie tunnes brought in my Lord’s host, Jehan de Roichefort, squire, master of my Lord’s artillerie 40fr. for the costs of two carriages which my Lord of Charny, governor and captain general of Burgundy, took with him in his artillery train from the month of June 1433 from the lands of Burgundy before my said Lord the Duke before Troyes, Jehan de Troyes and Robert Galet, saddlers, 7½fr. for eight days which each of them spent at the Dijon artillerie and having remade and fixed up the pavises of the artillerie, Jehan Pantheleon of Basel, cannoneer, who has come to Burgundy before the receveur général by his command and order to fire the fowlers and to serve in my Lord the Duke’s armies 5fr., a wood-tuner for making the pulley-gear for a new bombard engine 4gr., 3gr. to a carter for having brought three tunnes from the artillerie of Faubourg de Saint-Nicolas to the home of Jehan Grue which the banner-bearer of Besançon had brought there to the artillerie and for having brought four fowlers bought a Chalon (sur-Saône) from the lodgings of the receveur général to the said artillerie, six workmen who packed the arrows in six tunnes and carried them into the artillerie chamber 3gr., Jehan Mareschal, cannoneer, on 11 June, 2fr. by order of my Lord the governour to the cannoneers and other (gun) founders who cast the great bombard called Bourgogne on the 27 May, Huguenot Alardot, tanner, for the purchase of two cowhides from which were made straps and enarmes for the artillerie pavises 40fr., Guillaume Laurent, wheelwright, 3fr. for having prepared the carriage of the bombard called Griette, Jehan Mareschal 10gr. for having iron-bound with his iron the axles of the said carriage and having fitted several iron-bindings on the wheels, Jehan Guibert, artilleur, 2fr. 5gr. for 4,000 feathers for fletching the crossbow-shot, 7½gr. for charcoal used to prepare the hand-bows (i.e. longbows), and 1½gr. for nails for heading a certain
138
z
documents 86–7
z
quantity of lances in the artillerie, Jehan de Champlite, merchant, 3fr. 9gr. 5d. t. for 1lb of white wax to prepare the hand-bows 7½gr., one dogskin for polishing the bows 6gr., ½lb wax, 1lb grease, ½lb pitch for the artillerie, for crossbow-strings 2gr., 2lb varnish for varnishing the crossbows 8gr., 3lb dried glue to affix hand-bow arrowheads, 4½gr., 2lb grease to grease the leather to prepare the pavises 1½gr., one sheet of black iron for nail-washers for the pavises 15d. t., around 3,000 nails for nailing the pavises 15gr., Gilet la Barbe, coffer-maker, 2½fr. for 15 wooden cases to place the artillerie crossbow-shot for my said Lord’s host
87 Edinburgh, National Library of Scotland, Adv. MS 32.6.9, fol. 38r–fol. 41r Treatise on Arming for the Judicial Duel by John Hill, Armourer and Sergeant of the Office of the King’s Armoury, before 1434 a traity compiled by John’ Hill’ Armorier and Sergeaunt in the office of Armorie with kinges Henry the fourthe and Henry the fifte of the pointes of Worship in Armes that longen to a gentleman’ in armes And how he shal be diuersly armed and gouuerned vnder supportac[i]on and fauour of alle the Reders to correcte adde and amenuse where nede is by the high’ commaundement of the Princes that haue power soo for to ordeyne & establisshe The first honnour in Armes is a Gentilman’ to fight’ in his souu[er]ain Lordes queraill’ in a bataille of treason’ sworne withynne lisces [i.e. lists] before his souu[er] ain lorde whether he be Appellaunt or defendaunt the honnour is his that wynneth the felde As for the Appellaunt thus armed by his owen wite and by his Counseill’ whiche is assigned to him before [the] Constable and Mareschal the whiche counseill’ is ordeyned and bounden’ to teche him al man[er]e of fighting’ and sotiltees of armes that longen for a bataille sworne First him nedeth’ to haue a paire of hosen of Rede without vampeys [i.e. feet] and the seide hosen kutte at the knees and lyned w[i]t[h] in with lynnen’ cloth’ biesse [grey] as the hose is A paire of shoen’ of Red lether thynne laced and fretted vnderneth’ with whipcorde and persed and aboue withyn lyned with lynnen’ cloth’ thre fyngers in brede double and biesse from the too [i.e. toe] an ynche aboue the wriste [i.e. ankle] and so behinde the hele from the sole half a quarter of a yerde vuppe this is to fasten wel his sabbatons And the same sabbatons fastened vnder the sole of the foote in two places him nedith also a petitcote and an ouerbody of a doblet [i.e. an arming doublet] this petitcote without slyues the sises of theym iij [three] quarters aboute without coler And that other part noo ferther than the waste with’ streit slyues and coler and certain oylettes in the slyues for the vauntbras and the Rerebras [i.e. reinforced holes through which to pass the arming points] Armed in this wise First behoueth’ sabbatons grevis and cloos qwisseux with voidours of plate or of mail and a cloos breche of mail wit [i.e. with] five bocles of stele the tisseux [i.e. straps] of fyn lether And alle the armynge point’ after they be
139
z
document 87
z
knytte and fastened on’ him armed that the point’ of theym be kitte of [i.e. cut off] And thanne a paire of clos gussett’ strong sclave not drawe [i.e. made of all-riveted links] and that the gussett’ be thre fyngers withynne his plates at bothe assises And thanne a paire of plates of xxti lib’ [20lb] weyght’ his breche and his plates enarmed togider with wyre or with point’ A paire of Rerebrace shitte [i.e. shut] withyn the plates before with two forlockes and behind’ with thre forlockes A paire of vauntbras close with’ voidours of mail y fretted A paire of gloves of auauntaige [i.e. with reinforcing plates] which may be deuised a basnet of auauntaige for the lisces whiche is not good for noon’ other batailles but man’ for man’ saue that necessite hath’ noo lawe the basnet locked baver and visour locked and charnelled also to the brest and behind with two forlockes And this gentilman’ Appellaunt aforeseid whan he is thus armed and Redy to come’ to the felde do on’ him his cote of armes of sengle tartren18 y betten’ for auauntage in fighting [i.e. of thin fabric to reduce restriction and heat in combat] and his legherneys cou[er]ed al with Rede tartren the which be called tunicles [little tunics] for the cou[er]yng of his legherneys is doon’ because his Aduersary shall’ no [sic, recte not] lightly espie his bloode and therfore also be his hosen Reede [i.e. red] for in alle other colours bloode wol lightly be seyn’ for by the olde tyme in such a bataille ther shulde noo thing haue be seyne bare saue his basnet and his gloves And thanne tye on’ him a paire of besgewes Also hit [i.e. it] sitteth’ the forseide counseill’ to go to the king the day before the bataille and aske his logyng nygh’ the lisces Also the forseide Counseill’ must ordeyne him the day of his bataille thre prest’ to singe him iij messes […] And in the mornyng whan he goth’ to his messes that his herneys be laied at north ende of the Auter [i.e. altar] & cou[er]ed with a cloth’ that the gospell’ may be Radde [i.e. read] ou[er]e hit and at the last messe for to be blessed with’ [sic] the prest […] And whan he is armed and alle Redy than to co[m]me to the felde in forme tofore Reherced than is his Counseill’ bounde to counsaille him and teche him howe he shal gouuerne him of his requestes to the king or he co[m]me into the felde and of his entree into the feld’ for the seid Counseill’ hath’ charge of him before [the] Constable and Mareschall’ til that laissies les aler be cried (“Let them go!”) the whiche Requestes be thees that the seide Appellaunt sende oon’ of his counseill’ to the king for to Require him that whanne he co[m]meth’ to the barrers to haue free entree with his counseill’ Confessour and Armorers with’ al man[er]e of Instrument’ with bred and wyn’ him silf [sic] bringing in in [sic] an instrument that is to wete a Cofre or a pair’ of bouges [i.e. bags] Also therein fire cole and belies [i.e. bellows] and that his Chaire with’ certain of his s[er]uau[n]t’ may be brought’ into the felde and sette vp’ there the houre of his co[m]myng that may cou[er]e him and his Counseill’ whan he is co[m]me into the felde this foreseide gentilman’ Appellaunt co[m]myng to the lisces whether he wol on’ horsbake or on’ foot with his counseill’ Confessour and other seruau[n]t’ aforeseide hauyng borne before him by his Counseill’ a Spere a long Swerde a short swerde and a dagger 18
Tartarin: ‘a fabric, most likely a tabby-woven silk, made in (or originally made in, or imported via) Tartary’, Encyclopaedia of Medieval Dress and Textiles, ed. G. Owen-Crocker et al. (Leiden, 2012), p. 579.
140
z
document 87
z
fastened vppon’ him silf his swerdes fretted and beasgewed afore the hiltes and afore the hande [i.e. rondel dagger and sword hilt] their pomelles nere their hiltes hauyng no man[er]e of point’ for and ther be founde that day on’ him moo [sic, recte no] poyntes of wappons than foure hit shal torne him to grete Reproef And this gentilman’ Appellaunt shall’ co[m]me to the barrers at the southest so[n]ne [i.e. with the sunlight from this direction] his visere downe and he shall’ aske entree where shal mete him Constable and Mareschall’ and aske him what art thou and he shal saye I am such a man’ and telle his name to make good this day by the grace of god that I haue seide of suche a man’ & telle his name before my souu[er]ain Lorde and they shall’ bidde him putte vp’ his visiere and whan he hath’ putte v [sic, recte up] his visiere they shall’ open’ the barrers and late [i.e. let] him in and his counseill’ before him and with him his Armorers and his serua[n]t’ shall’ go streight to his chaire with his brede his wyn’ and alle his Istrument’ [sic] that longe vnto him saue his wappons And whan he entreth’ into the felde that he blesse him soberly and so twys or he co[m]me before his souu[er]ain lorde And his Counseill’ shall’ do their obeissaunce before their souu[er]ain Lorde twys or they co[m]me to the degrees of his scaffold’ and he to obeye him with his hede at both tymes thus whanne they be tofore their souu[er]ain Lorde they shall’ knele a downe and he also they shall’ arise or he arise he shall’ obeye him with’ his hede to his souu[er]ain Lorde and thanne arise and whanne he is vp’ vppon’ his fete he shal blesse him and tourne him to his chaire and at the entring of his chaire soberly tourne him his visage to his souu[er]ain Lorde ward and blesse him & thanne tourne him again and so go to his chaire and there he may sitte him dovn’ and take of his gloves and his basnet and so refresshe him til the houre of his Aduersary approche with’ brede and wyne or with’ any other thing that he hath brought’ in with’ him And whan the defendaunt his aduersary co[m]meth into the felde that he be Redy armed again or that he co[m]me into the felde standing without his chaire taking hede of his aduersaries co[m]myng in and of his contenance that he may take confort of And whan the defendaunt his aduersary is co[m]me into the felde and is in his chaire thanne shal the king sende for their wappons and se theym and the Constable and the Mareschall’ also and if they be leeful they shall’ be accepted And if they be not leeful they shall’ be kept in the felde and kutte the same day by the commaundem[en]t of the king and the Constable and Mareschall’ in [sic] the king’ behalf And thanne suteth’ hit to the forseide Counseill’ to arme him and to make him Redy against that he be called to his first ooth’ And […] [three oaths to be sworn] the seid Appellaunt with’ his Counseill’ shal go again to his chaire in the forme aforeseide and there make him al Redy and fasten’ vppon’ him his Wappons and so Refresshe him til the Constable and Mareschall’ bide him co[m]me to the felde thanne shall’ his Armorers and his seruaunt’ voide the lisces with’ his chaire and alle his instrument’ at the commaundement of [the] Constable and Mareschall’ […] This enarmyng here aforseid is best for a bataille of arest [i.e. single combat] with a swerde a dagger an ax and a paveys til he co[m]me to thassemble his sabbatons and his tunicles evoided And thanne the Auctour John’ Hill’ died at london in Nouembre the xiij [13th] yere of king Henry the sixte Soo that he accomplisshed noo more of compiling of this traity on’ whose soule god haue mercy for his endles passion Amen
141
z
documents 88–9
z
88 Brussels, Bibliothèque royale de Belgique/Koninklijke Bibliotheek van België, Ms. 9559-64, fol. 197v Guillebert de Mets’ Description of the Lodgings in the Rue de Prouvaires of Maître Jacques Dussy, Bourgeois of Paris, 1434 Guillebert de Mets (c. 1390–1436), was a Flemish scribe. In his description of Paris of 1434 he paints a vivid picture of the lodgings of Maître Jacques Dussy, a wealthy Paris bourgeois, in the Rue de Prouvaires. Item in vne autre chambre haulte estoient grant nombre darbalestes dont les aucuns estoient pains a belles figures la estoient estandars banieres pennons arc a mai’ picques faussars planchons haches guisarmes mailles de fer et de plonc pauais targes escus canons et autres engins auec plente darmeures et briefment Il y auoit aussi comme toutes manieres dappareils de guerre Item la estoit vne fenestre faite de merueillable artifice par laquelle on mettoit hors vne teste de plates de fer creuse parmy laquele on regardoit et p[ar]loit a ceulx dehors se besoing estoit sans doubter Le trait Item, in another high chamber are a great number of crossbows some of which are painted with beautiful figures, and there are standards, banners, pennons, hand-bows (i.e. longbows), pikes, fauchards, plançons (spiked clubs), axes, guisarmes, mallets of iron and lead, targes, shields, cannon and other (siege) engines, with a plenitude of armours, and – to be brief – he also had all manner of war equipment. Item, there was a window made with marvellous artifice through which there was affixed on the inside a head of criss-crossed iron plates through which one could look and speak to those outside without fearing the shot (of arrow or crossbow)
89 Blois, Bibliothèque Abbé Grégoire, Collection Joursanvault, role CXIV Inventory of the Château of Blois, 31 March 1434 vne grosse Arbaleste a noiz de Cuiure Appellet lortye paint sus larc aux armes de mondit s’ et a loups et porcz espicz Cinq grosses Arbalestes de boys dif de boys de Ro[m]menye A tendre au martinet vne arbaleste de Roumenye a tendre au croc painte A fleurs de liz et a courrones dor vne autre petite Arbalestre painte de vert et escripte dessus loyaulte passe tout deux Autres Arbalestes dif de Rommenye dont lune a este neruee aupres de lestrief Et lautre est Jumelle Et blecee soubz lestrief vne autre Arbalestre dif A tendre au croc deux arbalestes Jumelles nagueres fa[i]ct[e]s par guill[aum]e de loup vne autre Jumelle lyee de nerf par les deux boutz deux autres Jumelles qui gueres ne vallent deux aut[re]s arbalestes a esp[er]ons dont lune est liee de lyens de fer et larbrier marquete vne autre grosse Arbaleste dacier a noiz de Cuiure de xxxij carreulx sign’ a la croisete vne autre
142
z
document 89
z
Arbaleste dacier de xiiij carreulx sign’ a la croisete vne autre Arbaleste p[ar]eille sign’ a la croisete lesquelles trois Arbalestes len dit auoir este apportees de tours p[ar] mons’ de vertus vng gros Arbrier a vne nois doz a vne Joues de cuiure Six sempho[n]nies a tendre grosses arbalest’ a vne main vne grosse sempho[n]nie a tendre a deux braz a quatre poulies que fist f[air]e gacian trois grans m[ar]tinetz a ch[asc]un quatre poulies q’ led’ gacian dit au’ fait f[air]e trois petiz m[ar]tinetz a ch[asc]un deux poulies q’ led’ gacian dit au’ fait f[air]e deux tours de boys a viz a tendre Arbalestes viij xx et Cinq fustz de lances sanz fers et sanz Arrestz Cinq autres lances ferrees sanz Arrest vne casse En la quelle A Trois cens Cinquante pieces de trait co[m]mun ferre & empanne de plume vne autre Casse En la quelle A quatre cens Cinquant pieces de trait pareil a cellui de deuant vne autre casse de trait en la quelle A quatre cens Cinquante pieces de trait pareil a celluy de deuant vne Casse de quatre cens Cinquante pieces de trait pareil vne autre Casse de quatre cens pieces de trait ferre et empane de boys vne autre casse de quatre cens pieces de trait empane de plume pareil au p[re]mier vne autre Casse de quatre cens cinquante empanne de papier pareil au premier vne autre casse de quatre cens de trait empanez de boys pareil au p[re]mier vne autre casse de trois Cens de trait ferre et empane de papier vne aut’ casse de deux Cens cinquante de trait ferre et e[m]pane de boys vne aut’ casse de deux Cens cinquante de trait ferre et empane de boys vne autre casse de Trois cens de trait ferre & empane de boys et de papier vne aut’ casse de quatre cens de trait ferre et empane de boys vne autre casse de quatre Cens de trait ferre et empane de boys vne autre casse de iij Cens de trait ferrez et empanez de boys vne autre casse de deux Cens Cinquante de trait ferrez et e[m]panez de boys vne aut’ casse de ij Cl de trait ferre & empane de bois vne autre casse de quatre cens de dondaines ferrees et empanees de plumes mengiees de taiques deux Cens de gros trait ferre dont les pauons ne vallent Riens trois Cens quatre vings Et cinq fustz de menu trait non ferre et empane de boys deux mill[ie]rs de fustz de trait menu non ferre et non empane quatre cens Soixante et cinq fustz de gros trait empane de boys tout ferre trois mill[ie]rs neuf Cens et vint pieces de trait [com]mun empane de boys et b[ie]n ferre trois arcs de Turquie Et vng quarquaz pour lun diceulx ars ou quel A xxxij fleisches de turquie vng autre quarquaz au quel a xxix fleiches de turquie despanees vng autre quarquaz long et huit fleches de turquie despanees vne espee sans fourreau a pommeau de Critail vne aut’ espee sanz fourreau a croix et a pommeau dore vne autre espree a deux mains a pommeau Ront vne aut’ espee a deux mains a pommeau Ront en manie’ dun soufflet vne autre espee longue plus que nulles des autres vng cousteau de turquie a croix et a pommeau de leton vne petite espee en facon de sarrazin et vne petite po[m]me longue deux badelaires enmanchiez de boys et nont nulz fourreaulx vne haiche pour f[air]e armes Et vne dague dedens vng petit bec de faulcon A vne main pour vng capp[itai]ne vne petite targe vne Rondelle de turquie deux gantelles noirs en facon de cailles clouez de clouz de leton deux haulx de pieces a armer petis enfans vng petite haubergion dore Et vng pan [sic] de maille vng h[ar]noys de Jambes tout complet ou il a boucles dargent pour enfans vngs petits gardebraz Auansbraz [sic] et gantelletz vngs aut[re]s
143
z
document 89
z
gantelles Et auansbraz a la facon de par’ vne grosse haiche a manche noir vne autre haiche a bec de faulcon sanz dague vne autre vielle haiche vne autre haiche que gacian A la porte vng petit arc dif paint En lartillerie de la grant sale fut trouue ce qui sensuit Cestassauoir vint & sept veils fustz de lances Sanz fers et Sanz Arrestz vne casse de viel trait qui fut empanne sanz fers vne casse double de viel trait pareil deux Canons perriers deux vielz fallotz et vng viel haulsepie sur les murs dud’ chastel vng grant Canon p[er]rier affis En vne tour Ronde sur la porte des Champs vng autre grant Canon p[er]rier affis en la tour carret emp[re]s Chau[er]ny vng autre gros Canon mauuais Affis en la tour de Saint hales en lad’ tour carree fut trouue sept petis canon p[er]riers deux petis engine a bander Arbalestes la Selle de vng haulcepie vng aut’ grant Canon perrier estant en lostel masitre hugues p[er]rier Sensuit la quantite des pouldres A Canons En la premiere pesee fut trouue en deux sacz de pouldre a Canon Soixante & cinq liures en la seconde pesee en deux sacz fut trouue de pouldre quatre vings liures en la tierce pesee fut trouue de pouldre en vng sac Soixante vne liure en vne aut’ poche fut trouue de pouldre de souffre trente liures en vng drappeau fut trouue vint & six liures de salpestre auecques led’ drapeau vng sacz [sic] a sasser pouldre ou quel a deux couu[er]tures de cuir a ch[asc]un bout deux quaques plains de pouldre enfonsez vint & quatre liures de fil a f[air]e cordes a arbelestes trois barreaux de fer pesans quarante & deux liures enuiron demj quaque de Chaussitrapes vng Canon de Cuiure a gicter Sept plommees demy quaque ou enuiron de ch[ar]bon de Saule Cent Cinquante & deux fers de lance vng tonneau ferre ou quel sont lesdiz fers trois vielz coffres esquelz sont les pouldres dess[us]d’ en la gross tour fut p[ri]nz & trouue deux Cens de groz trait de menu trait [com]mun deux Cens soixante & dix sept liures et vng quart de pouldre de Canon en vng sac quatre fallot de fer vne grosse Arbaleste dacier deux grosses Arbalestes de Ro[m]menie vne autre petite Arbaleste de Ro[m]menie vne autre petite Arbaleste de blanc boys vne autre petite Arbaleste a lyasce deux autre m[ar]tinet’ a deux poulies vng Cent et trois quarterons de fers [com]muns vne ballances vielles vne hache de guerre one large crossbow with copper (trigger) nut called ‘the Nettle’ the bow-stave painted with the (heraldic) arms of my lord (the Duke of Orléans) and with wolves and porcupines, five large windlass-spanned yew crossbows of Roumanie (i.e. Greece/Byzantine Empire), one belt-hook-spanned crossbow of Roumanie painted with fleur de lys and gold crowns, another little crossbow painted green and inscribed ‘Loyaulte passe tout’ (‘Loyalty surpasses all’), two other yew crossbows of Roumanie one of which is (bound with) sinew near the stirrup and the other is twinned (poss. with two shots) and broken beneath the stirrup, another belt-hookspanned yew crossbow, two jumelle crossbows recently made by Guillaume de Loup, another twinned (type) bound with sinew by both ends, two other twinned (types) of no value, two other crossbows with spurs (i.e. stirrups) one of which is bound with iron bindings and the tiller of marquetry (decorated wooden inlay), another large steel crossbow with 14 quarrels marked with the crosslet (i.e. a heraldic cross where all four limbs are crossed), another steel crossbow of 14 quarrels
144
z
document 89
z
signed with the crosslet, another crossbow similarly signed with the crosslet [i.e. a maker’s mark], it is said that these three crossbows have been carried to Tours by my Lord (Philippe, Count) of Vertus, one large crossbow-stave with a bone trigger-nut and one copper cheek (piece), six symphonies to span large crossbows with one hand [a name clearly derived from the hand-cranked musical instrument akin to a hurdy-gurdy], one large symphonie to span with two hands with four pulleys which Gacian (de Saint-André, previous Master of the artillerie) had made, three large windlasses each with four pulleys which the said Gacian had made, three little windlasses each with two pulleys, two wooden torsion-vices for spanning crossbows, eight score and five lance-shafts without heads and without rests, five other headed lances without rests, one case in which is 300 pieces of common shot [i.e. crossbow quarrels] headed and feather-fletched, another case in which are 450 pieces of shot similar to the aforesaid, another case of shot in which are 450 pieces of shot similar to the aforesaid, one case of 500 pieces of similar shot, another case of 400 pieces of shot headed and wood-fletched, another case of 400 pieces of feather-fletched shot similar to the first, another case of 420 paper-fletched (pieces of shot) similar to the first, another case of 400 wood-fletched (pieces of shot) similar to the first, another case of 300 headed, paper-fletched shot, another case of 400 shot headed and wood-fletched, another case of 400 shot headed and wood-fletched, another case of 300 shot headed and wood-fletched, another case of 250 shot headed and wood-fletched, another case of 250 shot headed and wood-fletched, another case of 400 dondaines [a type of crossbow quarrel] headed and a fletched with feathers eaten by ticks, 200 headed large shot the fletchings of which are worthless, 385 shafts of small shot unheaded and wood-fletched, 2,000 small shot unheaded and unfletched, 465 shafts of large shot wood-fletched and all headed, 3,920 common shot wood-fletched and well headed, three bows of Turkey and one quiver for one of these bows which has 32 arrows of Turkey, another quiver which has 29 unfletched arrows of Turkey, another long quiver and eight unfletched arrows of Turkey, one sword without scabbard with a crystal pommel, another sword without scabbard with gilded cross and pommel, another two-handed sword with round pommel, another two-handed sword with a bellows-shaped pommel, another sword that is longer than the others, one knife of Turkey with latten cross and pommel, one small sword in the Saracen fashion and a little long pommel, two baselards with wooden grips and none with scabbards, one axe for feats of arms and one (thrusting) spike within, a little one-handed bec de faucon for a captain, a little targe, a rondelle (i.e. round shield) of Turkey, two black (i.e. unpolished steel) gauntlets in the shape of scales with latten nails, two upper parts of pièces (i.e. reinforcing breastplates) to arm little children, one little gilded haubergeon and a mail paunce, one complete legharness with silver buckles for children, one (pair of ) little gardebrace (i.e. pauldrons), vambrace, and gauntlets, another (pair of ) gauntlets and vambrace in the Paris fashion, one large axe with black haft, another axe with a bec de faucon without (thrusting) spike, another old axe, another axe that Gacian (de Saint-André) bore, one little painted yew bow. In the artillery (armoury) of the great hall was found the following, that is to say: 27 old
145
z
documents 89–91
z
lance-shafts without heads and without rests, one case of old shot which is fletched without heads, one similar double case of old shot, two stone-shooting cannons, two old torches and one old crossbow-spanner, on the castle walls one large, fixedplace, stone-shooting cannon, in the round tower over the Porte des Champs (field gate), another large, fixed-place, stone-shooting cannon, in the corner tower facing towards Cheverny another large, fixed-place, broken cannon, in the corner tower of Saint Hales was found seven small stone-firing cannons, two little devices to bind crossbows, in the hall: one crossbow-spanning device, another large, stone-shooting cannon in the lodgings of Master Hughes Perrier. Here follows the quantities of powder for cannons: firstly there was found in two cannon-powder bags 65lb, in the second in two bags was found 45lb of powder, in the third was found in one bag 61lb, in another pouch was found 30lb of powdered sulphur, in one piece of cloth was found 26lb with saltpetre including the (weight of ) cloth, one sack for sieving powder which has two leather covers at each end, two reinforced casks full of powder, 24lb of thread to make crossbow strings, three iron barrels weighing 42lb, around a half-cask (worth) of caltraps, one copper cannon for shooting leaded shot, around a half-cask of willow charcoal, 502 lanceheads in one iron-bound tun, three old coffers in which is the aforesaid powder. In the great tower was taken and found: 200 large shot, 270 of small shot, 27¼lb of cannon powder in one bag, four iron torches, one large steel crossbow, two large crossbows of Roumanie, another little crossbow of Roumanie, another little crossbow of white (i.e. unpainted) wood, another little crossbow with bindings, two other two-pulley windlasses, 103 common iron viretons, one old (pair of ) scales, one war axe
90 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS fr. 25771, no. 893 Muster of the Garrison of Bayeux, Normandy, 17 September 1434 archiers & bien armes de palletes cappellines ars trousses espes dagues & aut[re]s choses quil app[ar]t’ a archiers pour fait de guerre de la nacion dengleterre archers well-armed with pallets, capellines, bows, quivers, swords, daggers and other things appropriate for archers of the English nation to wage war
91 London, Lambeth Palace Library MS 6, fol. 256v–fol. 257v Poem on the Defeat of the Flemings before Calais in 1436 Remembres on þat warship þe wan the first day When the erle of Mortain [Edmund Beaufort] come passi[n]g with his pray Before pontetoun of Crauenyng [Gravelines] wher þe axmen bold Com rennyng on hym fersli as lyons of cotteswold With habrigeons & hounsculles & rusti kettill hattes With long pykes godendaghes for
146
z
documents 91–3
z
to stikke the rattes With messis & meskins & eke w[i]t[h] side Jakes Doun vnto mydde þe leg of kanuas lyke to sakes Stoppid al w[i]t[h] hempen tawe and þ[a]t in straungewise Stiched like a matrace al of þe newe gise Þe laid vpon þenglisshmen so mightily w[i]t[h] your handes Til of yon iij hundrid lay strechid on the sandes Þe fled þen in to Grauenyng and wold no lenger bide And gaue þe erle leue to passe ouer that same tyde In saufte with his p[ri]soners lost neuer a man This was þe first warship of Caleys that þe wan
92 London, British Library, Additional MS 21370, fol. 25r–fol. 27v The Challenge to Single Combat issued by Jean, Seigneur de Haubourdin, Bastard of Saint-Pol (Extracts), 1437 Et premierement nous auron ch[asc]un son cheual auecques harnois sangles et gardebras doubles & selles de millan esquell’ romperons Cinq lances par le bois de droicte encontre & de plai[n]e venue Et seront les lances dun grosseur & longeur & de celx fers q’ se vous monteray lung Et vous ferez les autres pareilz & seront courues lesdictes v lances a la toile [there follows a description of a series of prizes for breaking these lances] Premierement ch[asc]un aura harnois acoustoume a combatre a pied & lances de pareille que ie donneray dont vous ferez faire la vostre ITem haiches & espees pareilles dont Je vous monstreray les miemeus [sic] & vous ferrez les v[ost]res pareilles Firstly, each of us shall have his horse with (horse) harness, surcingles (saddlestraps), and double gardebras (i.e. pauldron reinforces), and saddles of Milan with which we shall break five lances by the wood of the correct encounter and in clear approach (i.e. the lance must break at the correct point and they must encounter cleanly). And the lances shall be of one thickness and length and have such heads as the one I shall show. And you shall have the others headed the same – and the said five lances shall be carried to the tilt (barrier) [there follows a description of a series of prizes for breaking these lances]. Firstly, each of us shall have harness as is customary to fight on foot and similar lances which I shall give, of which you shall have yours fitted with the heads. Next, similar axes and swords which I shall show you of mine so that you shall have yours fitted with the same steel fittings.
93 York, Borthwick Institute, Probate Register 3, fol. 523v–fol. 542r Will of Robert Gray, Citizen and Draper of York, 25 february 1437 Rob[er]to Filio meo opt’ meum gladium cum le Chape de argento opt’ meu’ dagar’ cu’ arg’ ornat’ j archum xxiiij sagittas j zonam de donned serico cum arg’ ornat’ opt’
147
z
documents 93–5
z
dublet’ meum & j Carlele Axe j Salett’ Ric[ard]o filio meo j gladium cu’ Pelt’ j dagar’ Ballokhefted’ cum argento ornato j zonam de virid’ serico cu’ arg’ ornat’ secundum dubletum meu’ vnu’ archum j sellam cum freno Thome fil’ meo j baslardum cum arg’ ornat’ j daggar’ t[er]tium dubletum j zonam de nigro serico cu arg’ ornat’ j archum My son Robert my best sword with the silver chape my best dagger decorated with silver one bow 24 arrows one belt of dun silk decorated with silver my best doublet and one Carlisle axe [and] one sallet, my son Richard one sword with buckler one bollock-hafted dagger decorated with silver one belt of green silk decorated with silver my second best doublet one bow one saddle with bit, my son Thomas one baselard decorated with silver one dagger my third best doublet one belt of black silk decorated with silver one bow
94 York, Borthwick Institute, Probate Register 3, fol. 580v–fol. 583r Will of William Bowes, Citizen and Merchant of York, 19 May 1437 Wil[he]lmo filio Wil[he]l[m]i filij mei et hered’ suis vnum Spere vnu’ gladium Trenchand’ & j baslardum arg’ ornat’ ac vnam cincturam rub’ arg’ stipat’ duas integras armaturas de optimis videlic’ ij Basynettez v[a]mbras & rerebrace gloves de plaite & paunce de plaite cum le leggeharnes eisde’ p[er]tinent’ j loricam de optimis & opt’ batelax ac vnum gladium de Burdeux arg’ ornat’ William son of my son William and his heirs one spear one cutting-edged sword and one baselard decorated with silver with one silver-bossed red belt two (of my) best complete armours, viz.: two basinets vambrace and rerebrace gloves of plate and paunce of plate with the legharness suitable for them one best hauberk and best battleaxe with one sword of Bordeaux decorated with silver
95 Southampton Archives, SC 5/4/4, fol. 11r–fol. 52v Southampton Petty Custom Book, 29 November 1438–15 October 1439 Battell’ vnde Thomas’ lychefeld’ d[imid]i d’ de Bowestavys – Cust’ ij d’ Batella Wil[e] l[m]i Osyn’ d[imid]i d’ de Bowestavys – Cust’ ij d’ Nau’ Wil[e]l[m]i Payn’ [&] Ric[ard] o Norman’ p[ro] d’ & d[imid]i de Bowstafys – Cust’ iiij d’ Wil[e]l[m]o Bowyer’ p[ro] d’ & d[imid]i de Bowestafys – Cust’ vj d’ Nau’ vn’ Martin’ Pecard’ est magist’ […] Joh[ann]e Pecot’ p[ro] […] ij d’ de bowestafys – Cust’ viij d’ Rob[er]to Archer’ p[ro] d[imid]i d’ de bowestavys – Cust’ ij d’ Joh[ann]e Emory p[ro] ij c de Bowstafes […] d[imid]i c de Bowestafes Cust’ ij d’ iiij c de Bowestafes xlv de bowestafes […] [C] d[imid]i de Bowestafes […] c d[imid]i de Bowstavys Cust’ vj d’ Battell’ Rob[er]ti hervy […] Paulo Morell’ […] ij Chests de Armire [sic] p[ro] D[omi]no Rege
148
z
documents 95–7
z
Thomas Lichfield’s boat a half-dozen bow-staves – custom 2d., William Osyne’s boat a half-dozen bow-staves – custom 2d., William Payn and Richard Norman’s ship a dozen and a half-dozen bow-staves – custom 4d., William Bowyer for a dozen and a half-dozen bow-staves – custom 6d., Master Martin Pecard and John Pecot’s ship two dozen bow-staves – custom 8d., Robert Archer for a half-dozen bow-staves – custom 2d. […] a half-hundred bow-staves – custom 2d., 400 bow-staves […] 45 bow-staves […] a half-hundred bow-staves […] a half-hundred bow-staves – custom 6d., Robert Hervy’s boat […] (Florentine merchant) Paolo Morelli […] two chests of armour for the Lord King
96 Kew, National Archives, PROB11/3/474 Will of Guy Whittington, Pauntley, Gloucestershire, 12 June 1440 Ric[ard]o filio meo tota’ armatura’ meis existen’ in custodia Joh[ann]is Picheford’ offic’ Thome filio meo vnu’ loricam voc’ gesseraunt’ to my son Richard all my armour in John Picheford’s official keeping, to my son Thomas a hauberk called a jazerant
97 Kew, National Archives, E 101/128/31, membr. 6 and membr. 7 Inspection of the Goods sold in London by Giovanni Micheli and Alessandro Palastrello, Merchants of Lucca, and Felice da Fagano, of Milan, 16 May 1441–18 February 1442 a j Squyer le xvj iour de maij j harneys de meleyn’ complet’ pur v li’ a j altr’ Squyer le xviij iour de maij j peir’ legg’ harneys pur xx s’ a Ser’ Joh[a]n Cresy le xvij iour de dec’ j harneys de meleyn’ complet’ viij li’ vj s’ viij d’ a j Squyer le vij iour de janeu’ j harneys de meleyn’ compl[e]t’ p[ur] v li’ a altr’ Squyer le xxij iour de janeu’ j harneys de meleyn’ complet’ pur v li’ xvj s’ viij d’ j peyr’ legg’ harneys & j peyr’ Gloves pur xxvj s’ viij d’ a j Squyer le iij iour de Feu’ j harneys de meleyn’ complet’ pur v li’ vj s’ viij d’ a ij altr’ Squyer’ ij harneys de meleyn’ [com]plet’ pur xij li’ a altr’ [Squyer’] iij Salatt’ pur xx s’ a ij Squyer’ le xviij iour de Feu’ ij harneys de meleyn’ complet’ p[u] r xj li’ a Joh[a]n Savyle le mesme iour j harneys de meleyn’ complet’ pur vj li’ j payr’ Glovez pur v s’ viij d’ to one squire on the 16 May one complete harness of Milan for £5, to one other squire on 18 May one pair of legharness for 20s., to Sir John Cressy on 17 December one complete harness of Milan £8 6s. 8d., to one squire on 7 January one complete harness of Milan for £5, to one other squire on 22 January one complete harness of
149
Figure 7. The ‘Avant’ harness, made in the Corio workshop, Milan, between 16 April 1438 and 16 April 1440. The gauntlets are of a later date (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e).
z
documents 97–100
z
Milan for £5 16s. 8d., one pair of legharness and one pair of gloves (i.e. gauntlets) for 26s. 8d., to one squire on 3 February one complete harness of Milan for £5 6s. 8d., to two other squires two complete harnesses of Milan for £12, to another (squire) three sallets for 20s., to two squires on 18 February two complete harnesses of Milan for £11, to John Savyle on the same day one complete harness of Milan for £6, one pair of gauntlets for 5s. 8d.
98 Kew, National Archives, E 101/128/31, membr. 5 Goods imported into Kingston-upon-Hull by Alien Merchants (mainly Dutchmen), 24 October 1441 Joh’ hares ij dos’ Salett’ [and other merchandise] Johan Hares two dozen sallets [and other merchandise]
99 Nottingham, Nottingham University Library, Middleton MSS Mi F 6/14 Will of Sir John la Zouch, Nottinghamshire, 9 September 1445 to William Chaworth a hole armur the whiche is att Notyngham & an armyng swerde to John Sedys a Pavnse of meyll’ brace of meyll’ ij Cusses of meyll’ a pyson’ of meyll’ in the suite of the pavnse & a swerde to s[ir] Ric’ hill an haburgon’ of melen calde a gesorant and a palett a pyson’ of meyll’ an axe and a swerde
100 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS fr. 1997, pp. 63–79 An Anonymous Frenchman’s Description of the Arms and Armour borne in France, 1446 Icy apres sensuit la facon comment les gens de guerre du Royaulme de france tant a pie comme a cheual so[n]t habillez en la maniere et vsance de le[u]r guerroier quilz font contre leurs ennemis […] Et aussi comment et en quel harnoys Ilz Joustent Et premierement lesdiz ho[m]mes darmes sont armez voulentiers quant Ilz vont en la guerre […]out harnois blanc Cestassauoir curasse close auant bras grans gardebraz harnois de Jambes gantelez salade a visiere Et vne petite bauiere qui ne couure que le menton ITem les aucuns portent differance en harnois de braz de teste et de Jambe premierement la differance du harnoys de teste Cestassauoir de biquoques et de chappeaulx de montaulban Et premierem[en]t les biquoques sont de faczon ague sur la teste En telle forme et maniere co[m]me ancie[n]nement les bacinez a camail
151
z
document 100
z
souloient estre et dautre part vers les aureilles viennent Joindre aual en telle forme et faczon co[m]me souloient faire les berruers ITem Et les chappeaulx de montaulban sont Rons en teste a vne creste ou meilleu qui vait tout du long de la haulteur de deux doiz Et tout autour y a vng auantal de quatre ou de cinq doiz de large en forme et maniere dun chapeau ITem Et la tierce armeure et la plus co[m]mune et la meilleur a mon semblant est larmeure de teste qui se appelle sallades car elles couurent tout la plus part du coul derriere et toute la temple loreille et la plus part de pa Joue Et dauant couure le front Jusques au soureiz En la quelle sallade y a vne visiere petite laquell[…] visiere quant elle est avessee Recouure les yeulx le nes et la bouche Ainsi ne Reste acouurir que le me[n]ton et la gorge et vient batre de lames Jusques quatre ou cinq doiz sur la piece de ladicte curasse bie’ gentement et a point ITem quant a auant braz Il en y a de deux faczons co[m]me dauant est dit Cestassauoir les vngs et le plus co[m]muns qui se font a milan qui se tiennent de pieces ensemble depuis la Jointure de la main Jusques a quatre ou a six doiz p[re]s la Joincutre de lespaulle hault Et si vous me demandez de quantes pieces Ilz sont faiz Je vous Repons quil nest Ja besoing que Je le declaire plus particulierement Car tout le monde le scet et est si en vsaige que ce ne seroit a moy que perdre p[ar]olles et temps Si non en tant que oudit auant braz senestre y a vne garde dun pie en Ront faconnee p[re]s que en la faczon dun cueur Cestassauoir la pointe couurant le code et faicte en arreste Et lautre partie contraire est ploye ou meilleu laquelle ployeure couure le plet du braz Et quant le braz est playe ladicte garde couure depuis le gantellet ou a peu pres Jusques au bort du gardebraz ITem Et lauant braz du braz droit est pareillement fait de pieces et couure aussi hault le braz droit co[m]me le senestre auant braz fait le braz senestre Mais la garde en est la moictie plus petite que lautre ne nest pas faicte en ceste faczon du coste du coude co[m]me ch[asc]un scet Et outre plus est depuis la ployeure du gardebraz contremont double laquelle chose fut ordonnee pour le Rencontre de la lance ITem lautre faczon dauantbraz sont lesquelx sont faiz de trois pieces Cestassauoir vne piece qui couuvre depuis la ployeure de la main Jusques a trois doiz pres la ployeure du braz Et depuis la ployeure du braz y en a vne autre qui vient Jusques a hault de la Joi[n]ture de lespaulle a quatre doiz pres par dessus lesq[ue]lles deux pieces y en a vne autre qui couure le code et la ployeure du braz et partie des autres deux pieces aussi lesquelles trois pieces sont pareilles tant au braz droit que au senestre Et se attache[n] t auecques aguilletes ITem Quant au harnoys de Jambes lune des faczons est clox dauant et derriere par le bas ainsi que on le fait a millan Et a grant gardes au genoul et vng pou de maille sur le cou du pie Et lautre faczon du harnoys de Jambes est tout pareil a lautre cy dessus declaire Si non en tant que par la Jambe bas sen fault trois doiz que ne soit clox Et ont les gardes plus petites endroit le genoil ITem les archiers portent harnois de Jambe sallades comme dessus est dit grox Jacques doubles de grans foyson de toylles ou brigandines arc ou poing et la trousse au couste Et ny vse len point si co[m]mu[n]ement darbalestres co[mm]e es autres lieux excepte pour garder les places ITem y vse len encores dune autre maniere de ge[n]s armez seulement de haubergeons sallade gantellez et harnois de Jambe lesquelx portent vouluntiers en leur main vne faczon de dardres [sic] qui ont le fer large que len appelle langue de beuf et les appelle len coustilleux ITem Quant a faczon de dagues et despees tant de ho[m]
152
z
document 100
z
mes darmes de coustilleux et darchiers Sont ainsi que apres sensuiuent Premierement lesdiz hommes darmes les portent courtes et pesantes Et sont destoc et de taille et les dagues longues ITem lesdiz coustilleux portent voluntiers fueilles de cathelouigne vng pou [sic] longuetes et estroites Et sont vng bien pou Roides et dagues pareilles ITem les archiers les portent longues tranchans co[m]me Rasouers et sont a deux mains Et ont dagues plus longues que les ho[m]mes darmes ne les coustilleux et tranche[n]t aussi comme Rasouers Et portent arcs dif et fleches de quatre palmes ou quatre palmes et demy de lo[n]g et plus et les fers a deux tranchans en forme de barbeleure ITem en leur faczon de guerroier ont trois choses bien espicialles Et de grande Reco[m] mandac[i]on pour toutes gens vsans ou voulans vser la guerre et excerciter leurs corps en armes dont la premeiere si est que lesdiz francois sont de leurs corps prompts entrepreneurs et assailla[n]s leurs ennemis sans bargigner ne marchander Lautre si est que en assaulx sont aspres co[m]bateurs et durs aux horions Lautre si est quil ny a nul deulx ou vroiement la plus part qui naye bien couraige de valoir a combatre corps a corps aultruy de quelque nac[i]on quil soit Et sont volent[ier]s gentement armez et plus apparaum[en]t et netem[en]t que autres nac[i]ons que soit mais plust a dieu quilz obeissans a leurs chiefz et capitaines co[m]me de leurs corps sont vaillans et habandonnez au peril de la fortune Car plus sou[u]e[n]t leur prouesse sortiroit a fruit de victoire par la Regle et moderac[i]on de la Raisonnable conduite Et le labour de la paine de leur corps ne seroit pas si souuent en vain perdu Car Je ose bien dire et maintenir que tenir ordre et estre obeissant a son cappitaine doit estre Reppute pour plusg[ra]nt vaillance que monstrer la prouesse de son corps desordonnement oultre tout le co[m]mandement & ordonnance Et a ce propox trouuerez en titus liuius que les Romains fasoient plus aspre Justice des transgresseurs leurs co[m]mandeme[n]s et ordo[n]na[n]ces par ardeur et vaillance de leurs corps que des laches Recreans et couars Et lexcecucion de turcart contre son filz vaille ycy po[u]r exe[m]ple &c’ […] Quant a la faczon de leur harnoys de Jouste suis content de le vo[us] declairer plus largement affin que pour lauenir ceulx qui vouldront Jouster y preignent exemple Soit de y adJouster ou de y oster co[m]me mieulx verro[n]t et congnoistront y estre neccessaire Et tout premierem[en]t vueil co[m]mancer au harnoys de teste Cestassauoir au harnoys de teste Cestassauoir au heaume Lequel est fait en ceste faczon comme cy apres me orrez declairer Et premierem[en]t lesdiz heaumes sont sur le so[m]met de la teste Jusques a la veue fors et espes Et vng pou sur le Rondelet par faczon que la teste ne touche point encontre Aincois y peut auoir espace de trois doiz entre deux ITem de dessobz de la veue du heaume qui arme par dauant tout le visaige depuis les deux aureilles Jusques a la poitrine Et endroit les yeulx qui sappelle la veue aua[n]ce et boute auant trois bons doiz ou plus que nest le bort de dessus Entre lequel bort de dessus et celui de dessobz ny a bonnement despace que vng bon doy et demy pour y pouoir veoir Et nest ladicte veue tant dun couste que dautre fendue q’ enu[i]ro[n] dun espan de long Mais voulentiers vers le couste senestre est ladicte veue plus clouse et le bort pl’ en bouty dehors que nest de lautre coste droit ITem Et ledit dessobz ladicte veue marche voluntiers sur la piece de dessus la teste deux bons doiz tant dun couste que dautre de la veue et cloue de fors clox qui ont les vngs la teste en botie Et
153
z
document 100
z
les autres ont la teste du clou Limee affin que le Rochet ny prengne ITem la piece dessusdicte qui arme la visaige est voluntiers large et descendant pres que dune venue Jusques a la gorge ou plus bas affin quelle ne soit pas si pres des visaiges quant les cops de lance y prennent Aincois qui le vieult faire a point fault quil y ait quatre doiz despace du moins entre deux Et a ceste dicte piece du coste droit de la lance endroit la Joue deux ou trois petites veues qui viennent du long depuis le hault de la Joue Jusques au collet du pourpoint Affin que len nait si hault dedens le heaulme Et aussi affin que on puisse mieulx ouir ou veoir celuy qui le sert de la lance ITem lautre piece dudit heaume arme depuis les aureilles par darriere le lo[n]g du coul Jusques trois doiz sur les espaulles par bas et par hault aussi Jusques a trois doiz sur la nuque du coul Et vient faczonnee vne arreste aual qui vient en estroississant sur le collet du pourpoint Et se Relargist sur les espaulles en deux laquelle piece dessusdicte nest Jamais faicte forte ne espesse Aincois la plus legiere que on la peut faire est la meilleur Et pour conclusion faire ces trois pieces dessusdictes font le heaulme entier ITem les escuz o quoy on Jouste en france sont faiz de bois premi[er]ement dun doy espes Et neruez tant dedans que dehors dun doy espes ou moins Et sur ladicte nerueure p[ar] dehors est couuert de petites pieces larges et carrees du grant dun point deschiquier de tablier qui so[n]t faictes dox [sic] le plus dur que len peut trouuer Et le plus co[m]munement sont faictes de cornes de serf endroit la couronne de lendroit proprement de quoy len fait les noiz aux arbalestres ITem ledit escu depuis deux doiz de dessobz la veue du couste senestre Jusques demy pie plus bas que le code Et le largeur du moins trois espans out trois espans et demy Et est fait carre par dessus excepte que depuis la moyctie de la largeur de lescu au hault Il est volu[n]tiers eschancre de trois doiz de bas Et ledit escu Ront par dessobz et enfonce ou meilleu de trois ou de quatre doiz laquelle enfonceure luy donne facon dune petite vesture qui sert a estre plus aise a conduire de la main le cheual ITem Et fait len voulentiers deux partuis de lescu pour atacher la tresse a quoy Il est pendu au coul a vng demy pie et trois doiz depuis le plus hault dudit escu en auan [sic] Et autant pareillement du long et de la largeur vers la partie senestre laquelle proport[i]on ainsi mesuree a mon aduis quant ledit escu na point plus de long ne de large que cy dessus est dit est a point et bien proporc[i]onnee Sauf et Reserue en tout et par tout la correct[i]on de ceulx qui y vouldront dire po[u] r le mieulx ITem Quant a larmeure du corps Il en ya de deux faczons Cestassuoir la premiere co[m]me curasse a armer saufue que le voulant est clox et arreste a la piece par faczon que le voulant ne peut aller ne Jouer hault ne bas ITem lautre faczon Est de briga[n]dines ou aultrement dit currassines couuertes et clouees par pieces petites depuis la poitrine en a bas ne ny a aultre differance de celle cy aux brigantines que on porte en la guerre Si non que tout ce que contient la poitrine Jusques aux faulx est dune seulle piece et se lace du coste de la main droite ou par darriere du long de leschine ITem larrest est espes grox et materiel au plaisir de celui qui le fait faire ITem Ou dit harnoys de corps y a Principallement deux boucles doubles ou vne boucle double et vng aneau lune ou meilleu de la poitrine plus hault quatre doiz que le faulx du corps Et lautre du couste senestre longues de lautre vng pou plus haulte lesquell’ deux boucles ou aneau sont pour atacher ledit heaume a la curasse ou brigandine Cestassau’ la premiere sert pour metre vne tresse ou coroye oudit heaume a vne autre
154
z
document 100
z
paraille boucle co[m]me celle la qui est oudit heaulme clouee sur la pate dudit heaulme dauant le plus a lendroit du meillieu du trauers que len peut Et ont voluntiers lesdictes tresses et couuertures de cueur trois doubles lun sur lautre Lautre seconde boucle ou aneau a main senestre Respont pareillement a vne aultre boucle ou aneau qui est oudit heaulme a la senestre partie sur la pate dudit heaume Et ces deux boucles ou aneaulx senestres serue[n]t espiciallement pour la buffe Cestassauoir que quant le Rochet atache sur le hault de lescuczon ou heaume ceste tresse ou courroye dessusdicte garde que le heaume ne se Joigne a la Joe senestre par la faczon que ledit Jousteur en puisse estre depis Item en ladicte brigantine ou curasse ya en la senestre partie en la poitrine pres du bort du braz senestre a vng doy pres endroit le tour du braz hault trois doiz plus bas que la boucle de quoy on lasse ladicte brigandine sur lespaulle vng crampon de fer du grox dun doy en Ront dont les deux chefz sont Riuez par dedens et ladicte piece au mieulx quil se puet faire Et dedens dudit crampon se passe deux ou trois tours vne grosse tresse bonne et forte qui depuis passe parmy la poire laquelle poire est assise et cache ledit crampon de laquelle poire la haulteur est voluntiers dun bon doi sur laquelle lescu Repose Et est atache par lesd’ pertuys dudit escu de la tresse qui est atachee au dit crampon laquelle sort par le meilleu de lad’ poire ITem en ladicte curasse y a darriere ou meilleu du creux despaulles vne boucle ou anneau qui sert pour atacher vne tresse ou courroie a vne autre boucle du heaulme darriere si que le heaume ne chee dauant Et affin aussi que la veue soit de la haulteur et demeure ferme que le Jousteur la vieult ITem oultre plus en ladicte curasse y a vng petit aneau plus bas que nul des aultres assis plus vers le faillement des coustez a la main senestre Auquel len atache dune aultre legiere tresse la main de fer laquelle main de fer est tout dune piece et arme la main et le braz Jusques trois ou quatre doiz oultre le code ITem depuis le code Jusques au hault cache tout le tour de lespaulle y a vng petit gardebraz dune piece Et se descent Jusques sur le code quatre doiz ITem a la main droite y a vng petit gantellet lequel se appelle gaignepain Et depuis le gantellet Jusques oultre le code en lieu de auant braz y a vne armeure qui se appelle espaulle de mouton laquelle est faczonnee large endroit le code Et se espanouist aual Et endroit la ploieure du braz se Reuient ploier par faczon que quant len a mis la lance en larrest ladicte ploieure de ladicte espaulle de mouton couure depuis la ploieure du braz vng bon doi en hault ITem pour armeure de lespaulle droit y a vng petit gardebraz fait a lames sur lequel y a vne Rondelle Joignant vne place laquelle Rondelle se haulse et se besse quant ou vieult metre la lance en larrest Et se Reuient Recheoir sur la lance quant elle est oudit arrest par telle faczon quelle couure ce que est desarme en hault dentre la lance et ledit gardebraz ITem aussi oudit Royaulme de france se arment de harnois de Jambes qua[n]t Ilz Joustent ITem Quant a la faczon des estacheures dudit harnoys par bas si que Il ne sourmonte point encontre mont par force des corps Je men passe de le declairer pour le p[rese]nt car Il y en a en pluseurs faczons Ne aussi dautre p[ar]t ne me semble pas si quil se doye diuulguer si publicquement ITem Quant est des lances le plus co[u]uenables Raisons de longueur entre grappe et Rochet Et aussi celles de quoy on vse plus co[m]munem[en]t est de treze piez ou de treze piez et demy de long ITem Et lesdiz Rochez sont vouluntiers de ouuerture entre ch[asc]une de trois pointes de deux doiz et demy ou trois au plus ITem lesdictes
155
z
document 100
z
grappes sont voulentiers plaines de petites pointes aques co[mm]e petiz dyamens de grosseur co[mm]e petites nouzilles lesquelles pointes se viennet arrester dede[n]s le creux de larrest lequel creux de larrest plain de bois ou de plomb affin que lesdictes pointes ne puissent fouir parquoy vient ladicte lance a tenir le cop En faczon quil fault que elle se Rompe en pieces que len assigne bien ou que le Jousteur ploye leschine si fort que bien le sente ITem les Rondes dessusdictes lances ne couurent tout autour au plus aller q’ vng demy pie Et sont vouluntiers de trois doiz despes de bourre feutrees entre deux cuirs du couste deuers la main par dedens Et oultre plus pour faire fin a la manie’ que len se arme on [sic] fait de jouxtes ou pais et contree que Jay cy dessus declaire ne diray aultre chose pour le present Si non que vng bon seruiteur dun Jousteur doit Regarder principallement trois choses sur son maistre auant quil lui donne sa lance Cestassauoir que led’ Jousteur ne soit desarme de nulles de ses armeures par le coup precedant Lautre si est que ledit Jousteur ne soit point estourdy ou me haigne pareillement par ledit coup preceda[n]t quil aura en Le tiers si est que ledit seruiteur doit bien Regarder sil y a autre prest sur les Rengs qui ait sa lance sur faultre et prest po[u]r Jouster contre sondit maistre Affin que sondit maistre ne treuue trop longuement sans faire course la lance en larrest ou quil ne face sa course en vain et sans que autre vienne a lencontre de luy Hereafter follows the manner of how the warriors of the realm of France are equipped both for (combat) on foot and on horse(back) in the manner and usage of their fighting against their enemies […] and also in what harness they joust. Firstly, the men-at-arms are armed at their wont when they go to war all in white harness. That is to say: closed cuirass, vambrace, pauldrons, legharness, gauntlets, sallet with visor, and a little bevor that covers nought but the chin. Item, some bear different arm- and leg-harness, and head defences. Firstly, the differences between head defences. That is to say: biquoquets and chapeaux de Montauban. Firstly, biquoquets are shaped to a point on the head in such form and manner as basinets with aventails were of old. And the other part towards the ears comes to join below (the chin) in such form and manner as (capelline) berruyers are made. Item, chapeaux de Montauban are round on the head with a central keel, two inches in height, which extends the length. Right around is a brim four or five inches wide in the form and manner of a chapeau (hat). Item, the third defence, and the most common and best as it seems to me, is the head defence called sallets for they cover most of the neck at the back, all of the temples and ears, and most of the cheek. At the front it covers the forehead as far as the eyes. The sallet has a little visor which, when lowered, covers the eyes, nose, and mouth. All that remains uncovered is the chin and throat and [this is protected by a bevor] beaten with lames (i.e. shaped with articulated lames) (which) extends four or five inches over the pièce (upper breastplate) of the cuirass properly and in good order. Item, when it comes to vambrace there are two types. That is to say: one, the most common, are made in Milan, consisting of assembled pieces from the wrist to four or six inches near the top of the shoulder joint. If you were to ask from what pieces they are made I would respond that it is not necessary for me to describe in detail for everyone
156
z
document 100
z
Figure 8. Detail of a Parisian tapestry, early-sixteenth century (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 46.124).
knows and it would thus be remiss of me to waste words and time, except that the left vambrace has a guard a foot in circumference made similar in shape to a (love) heart. That is to say: the point covers the elbow and is made to taper and the other, opposite, part is curved in the middle and this curve covers the crook of the arm. When the arm is bent this guard covers from the gauntlet – or a little nearby – to the edge of the pauldron. Item, the vambrace for the right arm is likewise made of (assembled) pieces and also covers the top of the right arm as the left vambrace does
157
z
document 100
z
the left arm. But the guard is half the size of the other and is not made in this shape from the edge of the elbow – as each (of us) knows. It (protrudes) further beyond where the curve of the pauldron doubles upward. This is arranged to protect against the encounter of the (opponent’s incoming) lance. Item, the other type of vambrace are those made of three pieces. That is to say: one piece that covers from the wrist to the crook of the arm. Another comes from the crook of the arm to close to four inches at the top of the shoulder joint. Below these two pieces is another which covers the elbow and the crook of the arm and part of the other two pieces. Also, these three pieces are the same on both the right arm and the left. They attach with arming points. Item, when it comes to legharness one type is enclosed in front and behind at the base, as those made in Milan, with great guards on the knee (i.e. poleyn-wings) and a little (section) of mail on the ankle. The other type of legharness is the same as is described above save that at the base of the leg there are three inches which are not enclosed, and it has smaller guards (poleyn-wings) around the knee. Item, archers bear legharness, sallets as described above, large jacks lined with a great amount of cloth, or brigandines, with bow in hand and quiver at hip. Crossbows are not as commonly used as in other places (i.e. countries) except for guarding (defensive) places. Item, there is another category of (fighting) men armed only in haubergeons, sallets, gauntlets, and legharness who are wont to wield in their hands a kind of large-headed dart called a langue de boeuf (ox-tongue). They (the men) are called knifers. Item, when it comes to men-at-arms’, knifers’, and archers’ daggers and swords they are as follows thus. Firstly, men-at-arms carry short and heavy (swords) with estoc (thrusting point) and cutting edge – and long daggers. Item, the knifers are wont to carry ‘leaves of Catalonia’ a little longer and wider (than those of the men-at-arms) and are a good bit stiffer – and similar daggers. Item, the archers carry long, two-handed, razor-sharp (swords) and razor-sharp daggers that are longer than those of the men-at-arms and knifers. They carry bows of yew, and arrows of four palms – or four and a half palms – in length or longer, and arrowheads with two cutting-flukes in the shape of a barbed lure.19 Item, in their manner of fighting there are three aspects in particular of great recommendation to all men engaging in, or wanting to engage in, war and to exercise their bodies in (feats of ) arms. The first of which is that the French are quick to engage, and assail their enemies without parley or ransom. Another is that they are tough fighters in the assault and deal hard blows. Another is that there are none – truly for the most part – that lack good valiant courage to fight corps-à-corps with anyone of any nation whatsoever. They are wont to be finely armed and better and more smartly presented than those of other nations. But, God willing, they also obey their leaders and captains as their valiant bodies are abandoned to Fortune’s perils. For their prowess will most often pluck Victory’s fruit by the rule and moderation of reasonable conduct so the exertion of their bodies’ pain shall not so often be lost in vain. For, well have I heard it said and asserted, that to keep order and be obedient 19
See the illustrated glossary under Arrowhead types for an explanation.
158
z
document 100
z
to his captain ought to be held in regard as the greatest valour that can demonstrate the prowess of his body over all the orders and commands and ordinances. In this regard you may find in Titus Livius that the Romans administered harsh justice to those who disobeyed their commands and orders by the ardour and valiance of their bodies with floggings for capitulators and cowards. For example, Torquatus’s execution of his son Valerius etc. […] When it comes to the types of their jousting harness I am content to describe it to you in more detail so that those who wish to joust in the future may take (this text) as an exemplar and may adjust and correct it as necessary as they see fit. First of all I wish to begin with the head defence. That is to say: the head defence, that is to say: the helm. This is made in this shape as I shall describe hereafter. Firstly, helms are strong and thick from on top of the head to the sight, and shaped a bit (thicker) over the circumference so that the head does not touch it anywhere around. It can thus have a space of three inches between them (i.e. head and helm). Item, (a plate) from the bottom of the helm’s sight which frontally protects the whole of the face from both ears to the breast and around the eyes, called the forward sight, and (it) protrudes forward three good inches or more beyond the top edge. Between the top edge and that below is a fair gap of a good inch and a half so that one may see. From one side to the other this sight comprises a slot around one span long. But, if it be desired, the sight’s left-hand side can be more closed (up) and the (lower) edge can protrude further than on the right-hand side. Item, below the sight’s edge there should be the plate on the lower part of the head (extending) to two good inches on both sides of the sight and nailed with strong nails – some with protruding nail-heads and the others with nail-heads filed (flush) so that the coronal (of the opponent’s lance) does not catch. Item, the aforesaid plate which protects the face ought to be large and descend almost to one place as far as the throat or lower so that it not be so close to the face when the lance-strikes catch, so that it be made so there be no point of weakness having at least four inches thickness between them (i.e. face and plate). This plate has on the right-hand side (where one wields) the lance, around the cheek, two or three little sights (i.e. breaths) which come the length of the cheek’s top as far as the pourpoint’s collar so that it be not so hot inside the helm and also so that one may better hear and see what the lance is doing. Item, the other helm plate protects the rear from the ears the length of the neck as far as three inches over the shoulder at the base and also at the top to three inches over the nape of the neck. It is made to taper downwards then narrows over the pourpoint’s collar and expands over both shoulders. This plate is never made too strong or thick thus the best is as light as can be made. To conclude, the entire helm is made of these three plates. Item, the shields used to joust in France are made firstly of wood one inch thick and sinewed (i.e. wrapped in sinew) both inside and out to (the thickness of ) one inch or less. Outside, the sinew is covered with little, wide, square pieces the size of a chessboard’s chequer made of the hardest bone to be found. Most commonly they are made of hart-horn around the corona (thickest part of the stag’s antler near the skull) just as crossbow (trigger) nuts are made. Item, the shield (extends) from two
159
Figure 9. Jousting helm, English or Flemish, late-fifteenth century. Due to its use as an English funeral achievement in a succeeding century some modifications have been made. The original rivets have been replaced, the breathing-aperture door lost, and the lower edge cut down and a gorget riveted thereto (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.ah).
z
document 100
z
inches below the (helm’s) left-hand sight to a half-foot lower than the elbow, the width less than three – or three and a half – spans. It is made square at the top (edge) except that from a portion of the width of the shield’s top edge it ought to have an ecranche three inches deep. The shield is rounded at the bottom and sunk three or four inches (deep) in the middle. This sinking gives it the shape of a little vestment which allows the hand more freedom to control the horse. Item, there ought to be two holes made in the shield to attach the tress from which it hangs from the neck a half-foot and three inches from the shield’s highest point at the front. Likewise, as much as the length and the width towards the left part. In my opinion, this proportion is thus measured when the shield be not as long or as wide as aforesaid is in good order and well proportioned. Save and reserving, in all and by all, the correction of those who know better. Item, when it comes to body armour there are two types. That is to say: the first is a secure arming cuirass the lower breastplate (voulant) of which ought to be nailed and secured to the pièce (upper breastplate) in such manner that the lower breastplate cannot ride up or slip down. Item, brigandines, otherwise called currassines, are the other type. (They are) covered and nailed by little lames from the breast to the base, there being no difference between the brigandines borne in war save that from the breast to the fauld is of a single plate and is laced on the right-hand side or behind the length of the spine. Item, the lance-rest is as thick, large, and of such material as pleases whosoever has it made. Item, on the body armour there is, firstly, two double-buckles or a double-buckle and one ring – one in the middle of the breast higher than four inches from the body’s vulnerableness (i.e. the armhole of the body defence) and the other, on the left-hand side, the length of other – a little bit higher. These two buckles or rings are to attach the helm to the cuirass or brigandine. That is to say: the first holds in place a tress or cord on the helm to another buckle – similar to that which is nailed on the front of the helm’s pate – the most part around the middle of the widest part if it can. And the tresses ought to be covered with leather wrapped three times over each other. Another, second, buckle or ring on the left-hand (side) likewise links to another buckle or ring on the left side of the helm’s pate. And these two left-hand buckles or rings particularly serve for (to protect against) the buffet. That is to say: when the coronal catches on the top of the shield or helm. This tress or cord ensures the helm does not bash the left cheek in such manner as the jouster may be harmed. Item, on the brigandine or cuirass on the left part on the breast near the edge of the left arm an inch near around the top of the arm, three inches lower than the buckle on which the brigandine laces on the shoulder, is a thick iron clamp one inch in circumference, the two nail-heads riveted inside to the pièce (upper breastplate) as well as is possible. A good and strong, thick, tress is passed two or three times through the clamp then passed through the pear (pad). This pear is (closely) fitted and hides the clamp, the pear’s height ought to be a good inch above where the shield hangs and is attached by the tress attached to the clamp which comes out of the pear’s middle and passes through the shield’s holes. Item, on the back of the cuirass in the middle of the crux of the shoulders is a buckle or ring which serves to attach a tress or cord to another buckle on the back of the helm so
161
z
document 100
z
that the helm does not slip forward and also so that the sight be at the height and remain firm at the jouster’s wont. Item, furthermore, on the cuirass is a little ring affixed lower than the others closer to the vulnerable side of the left hand where the manifer is attached by another light tress. The manifer is of one piece and arms the hand and arm to three or four inches beyond the elbow. Item, from the elbow to the top, closely surrounding the shoulder, is a little, one-piece pauldron20 that descends to four inches over the elbow. Item, on the right hand is a little gauntlet called a gaignepain. From the gauntlet to beyond the elbow, in lieu of a vambrace, is a (piece of ) armour called a polder-mitton which is fashioned wide around the elbow and extends downward. Around the crook of the arm it curves back in such a way that, when the lance is placed in the lance-rest, the polder-mitton’s curve covers from the crook of the arm a good inch in height. Item, for right shoulder armour there is a little pauldron made of lames on which is a roundel (i.e. besagew) adjoined at a point where this roundel can rise and fall when one wants to place the lance in the lance-rest. It returns to drop over the lance when it is in the lance-rest in such manner that it covers that (part) which is disarmed between the top of the lance and the pauldron. Item, also in the Realm of France they arm themselves in legharness when they joust. Item, when it comes to lances the most suitable are of moderate length between grapper and coronal. Also, the most commonly used ones are thirteen feet or thirteen-and-a-half feet long. Item, the coronals ought to expand between each of the three prongs by two and a half inches or three or more. Item, the grappers ought to be full of little sharp points like little diamonds the width of little nuts. These points should come to stop inside the crux of the lance-rest. This lance-rest crux being full of wood or lead so that the said points dig in when the lance strikes in such manner that it shall shatter in pieces so that that it can be clearly ascertained (who has best broken their lance) or known if the jouster is strongly forced back onto the spine. Item, the lance’s vamplates should not cover right around but should be no more than a half foot. And there ought to be three inches thickness of felted burrs between two (layers of ) leather on the side where the hand is placed inside. In order to bring my description of the manner of arming of jousting fêtes in the lands and country to an end, I shall say no more for the present save that which a good jouster’s servant ought to observe. Principally, three things before he gives his master his lance. That is to say: that the jouster be not disarmed of any of his armour by the previous lance-strike. Another is that the jouster should not have been at all injured or maimed likewise by the previous strike. The third is that the servant ought to closely observe if there is another (opponent) in the lists who has his lance in the fewter (a piece of equipment in which the butt of the lance can be rested) and is ready to joust against his master, so that his master not spend too much time in the list without running his course with lance in lance-rest, or that he not run his course in vain without another running against him.
20
The author here is clearly using the adjective petit to refer to the pauldron’s size not to the petit gardebras which is a reinforcing plate.
162
z
document 101
z
101 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS fr. 23259 Royal Accounts of Charles VII of France, 26 May 1447 A Balsazin de trez marchant de milan armurier la So[m]me de ijM vijC xxxvj l’ v s’ t’ a lui deue par ledit s[eigneu]r pour les parties qui sensuiuent Cestass’ pour lvij h[ar] noiz co[m]pletz a armer a xxxv l’ vj s’ le harnoys val’ ijM xxxvij l’ xv s’ t’ deux h[ar] nois faiz a mesure Cx l’ vng harnoiz pour Rencontre iiijxx ij l’ x s’ t’ viij brigandines couuertes de veloux & les garnisons dorees a lxviij l’ ij s’ vj d’ la piece val’ iijC iiijxx v l’ t’ trois brigandines couu[er]tes de satin & les garnisons argentees a xxiiij l’ xv s’ la piece valent lxxiiij l’ v s’ t’ vne autre brigandine couuerte de satin cramoisy et la garnison argentee xxx l’ v s’ t’ et vne brigandine [com]mune pour arch[ie]r xvj l’ x s’ t’ Tout lequel h[ar]noiz et brigandines mont’ lad[ic]te p[re]miere so[m]me de ijM vijC xxxvj l’ v s’ t’ ledit s[eigneu]r a fait prandre et acheter dud’ balsazin entre le xviije de decembre derr’ passe M IIII xlvj et le ve Jo[u]r de may ens’ IIII xlvij et Icelui a donne & fait distributer le dit s[eigneu]r en la mani[e]re qui sensuit A vng ho[m] me darmes natif du pays descoce no[m]me macasselin vng h[ar]nois A vng grant ho[m]me darmes dud’ pays descosse no[m]me vnfroy congnignam vng h[ar]nois A gilbert arch[ie]r de la garde du corps dud’ s[eigneu]r que ledit s[eigneu]r lui a donn’ pour enuoyer en escosse vng harnoiz A mess[ur]e martin garcye Cap[itai]ne de gens darmes & de trait six h[ar]nois A vng gentilho[m]me de lostel de mons[eigneu]r le conte de cl[e]rmount vng h[ar]noiz A vng ho[m]me darmes no[m]me poncelet de hyconot vng h[ar]noiz a mess[ur]e Regnault du dresnay Cap[itai]ne de gens darmes & de trait x h[ar]noiz A vng ho[m]me darmes no[m]me george de vandehau vng h[ar]noiz A Robin petitlo Cap[itai]ne de gens darmes & de trait deux h[ar]nois A Colin de la forest ho[m]me darmes vng harnoiz A Regnault de po[m]merel ho[m]me darmes vng harnoiz A Mery herault ho[m]me darmes vng harnoiz A mons[eigneu] r de Beauuau viij h[ar]noiz A Charles de la fayete vng h[ar]noiz A Robert hounter ho[m]me darmes vng h[ar]noiz A Jaques de cl[er]mont cap[itai]ne de gens darmes x h[ar]noiz A lambert de Ridevueil allem[en]t vng h[ar]noiz A [space] dit pelisson pour lui ayder a armer vne naue v harnoiz & vne brgandine argentee A Joachin Ronault Cap[itai]ne de gens darmes et de trait deux brigandines dorees A Casin du fayet vne brigandine argentee A Robert de floques dit floquet Cap[itai]ne de gens darm’ deux brigandines dorees A Pierre lomin Capitaine de gens darmes & de trait vne brigand’ doree A Estenenot lieuten’ du Mons[eigneu]r dorual vne brigand’ doree A lubin p[er]mier queux du Roy vne brigand’ argentee A mess[ir]e guill[aum]e de brigneuille ch[eua]l[ie]r vng h[ar]noiz & vne brigand’ doree A Robert conignan trois h[ar]noiz & vne brigand’ doree A vng arch[ie]r vne brigand’ co[m]mune A Jeh’ de meanze Cap[itai]ne de Rochecorbon vne brigand’ argentee A guill[aum]e de Rosdomen p[re] mier eschancon dud’ S[eigne]r vng h[a]noiz pour Rencontre A anthoine de beauuau vng harnoiz a mesure et A Pierre des toches vng autre harnoiz a mesure
163
z
document 101
z
To Balzarino da Trezzo, merchant of Milan, armourer, the sum of 2,736 livres 5 sous tournois due to him by the said Lord (the King) for the following purchases, that is to say: for 57 complete arming harnesses at 35l. 15s. the harness worth 2,037l. 15s. t., two harnesses made to measure 110l., one harness for single combat 82l. 10s. t., eight brigandines covered with velvet and the fittings gilt at 48l. 2s. 6d. a piece value 385l. t., three brigandines covered with satin and the fittings silvered at 24l. 15s. a piece worth 74l. 5s. t., one other brigandine covered with crimson satin and the fittings silvered 30l. 5s. t., and one common brigandine of the type for archers 16l. 10s. t., all which harnesses and brigandines amount to the said first sum of 2,736l. 5s. t. The said Lord (King) has taken and bought from the said Balzarino between the 18 December last 1446 and the 5 May following 1447 and these the said Lord has given and had distributed in the following manner: to a man-at-arms native of the land of Scotland named Macasselin one harness, to a large man-at-arms of the said land of Scotland named Humphrey Cunningham one harness, to Gilbert, archer of the said Lord King’s Bodyguard (the garde écossaise), which the said Lord has given him to be sent to Scotland one harness, to Sir Martin Garcye, captain of men-at-arms and archers, six harnesses, to a gentleman of the household of my Lord the Count of Clermont one harness, to a man-at-arms named Poncelet de Hyconot one harness, to Sir Regnault du Dresnay, captain of men-at-arms and archers, 10 harnesses, to a man-at-arms named George de Vandehau one harness, to Robin Pettilow, captain of men-at-arms and archers, two harnesses, to Colin de La Forest, man-at-arms, one harness, to Regnault de Pommerel, man-at-arms, one harness, to Mery Herault, man-at-arms, one harness, to My Lord de Beauvau, eight harnesses, to Charles de La Fayete one harness, to Robert Hunter, man-at-arms, one harness, to Jaques de Clermont, captain of men-at-arms, ten harnesses, to Lambert de Ridevueil, German, one harness, to [blank], called Pelisson, to aid him to arm one ship five harnesses and one silvered (fitted) brigandine, to Joachin Ronault, captain of men-at-arms and archers, two gilt brigandines, to Casin du Fayet one silvered brigandine, to Robert de Floques, called Floquet, captain of men-at-arms, two gilt brigandines, to Piere Lomin, captain of men-at-arms and archers, one gilt brigandine, to Estenenot, lieutenant to my Lord D’Orval, one gilt brigandine, to Lubin, the King’s premier cook, one silvered brigandine, to Sir Guillaume de Brigneuille, knight, one harness and one gilt brigandine, to Robert Cunningham three harnesses and one gilt brigandine, to an archer one common brigandine, to Jehan de Meanze, Captain of Rochecorbon, one silvered brigandine, to Guillaume de Rosdomen, premier échanson (cup-bearer) of the said Lord, one harness for single combat, to Anthoine de Beauvau one harness (made to) measure, and to Pierre des Toches one harness (made to) measure
164
z
document 102
z
102 Paris, Archives nationales de France, P//1334/14 Household Accounts of René, Duke of Anjou, 17 September 1447–6 June 1449 [1 September–15 September 1447] Rogier varlet de garderobe dud’ s’ Pour vne corde darbalestre ij s’ vj d’ Pour faire mettre vng nou a larbelestre neufue v s’ Pour vne corde a lad’ arbelestre ij s’ vj d’ Pour vne fausse corde darbaleste xx d’ pour Radouber le cric ij s’ vj d’ Pour vne corde darbalestre quil bailla le premier Jour de dece[m]bre ij s’ vj d’ pour faire adouber lad’ arbalest’ ij s’ vj d’ Rogier, valet of the Lord’s Wardrobe, for one crossbow string 2 sous 6 deniers Tournois, fitting a new (trigger) nut to the crossbow 6s., a string for the said crossbow 2s. 6d., a crossbow false cord (a loose cord to assist with spanning) 20d., repairing the spanning-device (i.e. belt-hook) 2s. 6d., a crossbow string 2s. 6d., repairing the said crossbow 2s. 6d. [9 December 1447] A Julien Paige de Jehan cossa deux flor’ pour ce quil auoit apporte aud’ s’ vng cousteau en la mann[ier]e morisque qui luy estoit a amene de Bourges […] Julien, Jehan Cossa’s page, 2 florins for having carried to the said Lord a knife in the Moorish fashion which he brought from Bourges [18 December 1447] A Roger varlet de chambre led’ Jour ij flor’ j g[r]o’ iiij p[e]t[i]z pour ce qui sens’ Cestassau’ pour f[ai]t fourbir vng arc balestre [sic] & vng cranequin dud’ s’ vj g[r]o’ Pour deux cordes neufues v g[r]o Pour vng lien neuf et pour estainer lestref ij g[r]o’ iiij p[e]t[i]z et pour foureaux pour lesd’ arc balestre et crannequin et pour vne sainture a pandre Icellui cranequin a larson Roger, valet de chambre, for furbishing one of the Lord’s crossbows and one cranequin 6 groats, two new strings 5gr., one new binding, and for tinning the stirrup 2gr. 4 petiz, for a pouch for the said crossbow and cranequin and for a belt to hang this cranequin from the saddlebow [13 April 1448] A merinet de perry armeurier daix le Jour que dessus les parties quj cy apres sont declairees Cestassauoir pour auoir fourby appareille & Recloue deux cuirasses pour ledit seigneur vne grande Rondelle vne paire de espallasses en Rondelles vng heaume de Jouste deux grans bacinets a double visiere vne main de fer vne espaule de mouton de la main dextre et huit Rondelles dacier pour lances pour tout vj f[l]o’ A luy pour
165
z
document 102
z
fourbisseure dun harnoys de Jambes pour Itelm [sic] S[eigneu]r iiij g[r]o’ montans lesd’ parties a la d[i]c[t]e somme de vj f[l]o’ iiij g[r]o’ Merinet de Perry, armourer of Aix (en-Provence), for having furbished, prepared, and re-nailed two cuirasses for the said Lord, one large rondelle (i.e. besagew), one pair of shoulder defences (prob. spaudlers or pauldrons) with rondelles (i.e. besagews), one jousting helm, two large basinets with double visors, one manifer, one right-hand polder-mitton, eight steel vamplates for lances 6fl., for furbishing one (pair of ) legharness for the same Lord 4gr. [21 October 1448] A Jehan de galles armeurier dudit lieu [Tours] p[o]ur vng heaulme de Jouste pour la personne dud’ s’ que Jehan cossa luy a fait apport’ dudit lieu de tours en ce pais depuis vj mois en ca pour ce xx escus A daniel sauuage sellier demour’ audit lieu de tours pour deux escus de Jouste couuers de pieces de corne que lad’ cossa a fait aussi aporter par deca pour ce lx escus pour vng harnois de Jouste complj donne par led’ s’ a mons’ de loue & achate audit lieu de tours et a lui deliure de par ledit palmier ou mois de Juillet derr’ passe pour ce lx escus Jehan de Galles, armourer of Tours, for a jousting helm for the Lord’s person that Jehan Cossa has brought from Tours to this land six months ago 20 écus, Daniel Sauvage, saddler of Tours, for two jousting shields covered in pieces of bone which the said Cossa has also brought from there 60 écus, for a complete jousting harness given by the Lord to Monseigneur de Loué and bought at Tours and delivered to him by Palmer last July 60 écus [25 January 1449] A Jehan de Bonnes armeurier pour auoir fait fourbir lespee dud’ s’ en auignon pour ce vj g[r]o’ pour fourbisseure dung grant coultrau [sic] dalmaigne vj g[r]o’ pour auoir fait fourbir vne arbaleste dicellui s’ pour ce iiij g[r]o’ […] Jehan de Bonnes, armourer, for having furbished the Lord’s sword in Avignon 6gr., having furbished a large German knife 6gr., having furbished the Lord’s crossbow 4gr. [28 February 1449] A Jehan de Bonnes armeurier dud’ seigneur le Jour dauant d’ vj g[r]o’ pour auoir fait blanchir a masseille vng Jaseran dicellui seigneur […] Jehan de Bonnes, the Lord’s armourer, 6gr. for having scoured one of the Lord’s jazerants at Marseille [29 March 1449] A Guillaum massiou Cheuauleheur de lescuerie de mons’ le duc de Calabre x f[l]
166
z
documents 102–3
z
o’ vij g[r]o’ iiij p’ pour bailler a cellui qui fait les brigandines a masseille pour vnz brigandine po[u]r mond’ s’ To Guillaume Massiou, knight of the écuyerie of my Lord the Duke of Calabria, 10fl. 7gr. 4p. to give to him who made the brigandines at Marseille for one brigandine for my said Lord [6 June 1449] A Robert du fay escuier le iij Jour dud’ mois viij f[l]o’ que ledit s’ lui a donnez pour fair f ’ sa housseure pour Jouster au pas de la pastourelle […] A Jehan de bonnes armeurier dudit s[eigneu]r […] pour deux pieces pour mettre sur les espaulles de la cuirassine noire de Jouste dudit s[eigneu]r et pour quatre bocetes pour clouer lesd’ pieces pour ce j f[l]o’ iij g[r]o’ pour vng bort pour mettre sur la veue dung heaume donne p[ar] led’ s[eigneu]r a ferry monseigneur [de Lorraine] j f[l]o’ ix g[r]o’ pour auoir fait vng couste a la main de fer j f[l]o’ pour garnir vng gaignepain par dedens ij g[r]o’ pour lxx bocetes pour clouer les agrappes et Rochez des lances dud’ s[eigneu]r vj g[r]o’ pour v agrappes pour ledit s’ ij f[l]o’ vj g[r]o’ pour deux autres pieces plus larges a mett’ sur les espaulles pour ce j f[l]’o pour deux tourez ij g[r]o’ […] To Robert Dufay, squire, 8fl. the said Lord has given him for the making of his fabric decorations for jousting at the Pas d’armes de la Pastourelle […] Jehan de Bonnes, the Lord’s armourer, for two pièces (plates) to affix over the shoulders of the Lord’s black cuirassine (i.e. unpolished small cuirass) for jousting and for four small bosses for nailing the said pièces 1fl. 2gr., one (reinforcing) edge to affix over the sight of a helm given by my Lord to Ferry Monseigneur [de Lorraine] 1fl. 9gr. for having made one (reinforcing) edge to the manifer 1fl., for fitting one gaignepain inside (the manifer) [sic] 2gr., for 70 small bosses for nailing the Lords’ lance-coronals 6gr., five grappers for the Lord 2fl. 6gr., two other larger pièces to affix over the shoulders 2fl., for two (affixing) rings 2gr.
103 Kew, National Archives, E 122/73/23 [1 September 1448–31 August 1450] Ledger recording Imports of Alien Merchants to the City of London (Extracts), 30 December 1448–10 May 1449 Naui Fernand’ Fomis [30 December] Joh[ann]e lobbes p[ro] xx bowstaues p[re]c’ iij s’ iiij d’ st’ ij d’ Naui Clays Martynson’ Thoma Bysett p[ro] xiij dos’ palett’ iij dos’ v salett’ cu’ visur’ viij par’ leghernes vij par’ gauntlett’ p[re]c’ xviij li’ x s’ st’ xviij s’ vj d’ Naui Clays Gyldman’ [26 January] Joh[an]ne Jacombe v dos’ sallet’ Naui hayne Persson’ Ric[ard]o Ryche xj dos’ d[imid]j salett’ Naui Clays Bullok Joh[an]ne Crowe ij hab[er]ieon’ Naui Joh[ann]is Poullesson’ Joh[an]ne malbern’ iiij dos’ iiij salett’
167
z
documents 103–4
z
Naui Copyn lambe Thoma Bysett p[ro] vij dos’ palett’ xiij salett’ cu’ visur’ xviij p[ar] u’ skulles vj gorgiett’ ixC lb’ wyr’ laton’ Robert’ Stokker iijC bowstaues Cunrade Puthof ’ p[ro] xxxvj hab[er]ieon’ iiij gesserons p[re]c’ viij li’ st’ viij s’ Rog’ Middelmor’ p[ro] iij last’ lin’ ix dos’ vij salett’ p[re]c’ xxvij li’ v s’ st’ xxvij s’ iij d’ Naui hugon’ van’ delfe Thoma Bysett’ p[ro] xij pollax Naui Petri Adreansson’ Cunrade Puthof ’ p[ro] xl par’ gard’ bras & poller[on]s xj par’ gauntlett’ iij par’ curas vj salett’ cu’ visur’ ij par’ vambras p[re]c’ viij li’ x s’ st’ viij s’ vj d’ Naui Joh[ann]is Falke Cunrad’ Puthof ’ p[ro] iiij salad’ cu’ visur’ vj par’ legh[ar]nes xij salad’ nigr’ vj par’ vambras p[re]c’ iiij li’ xvj s’ viij d’ st’ iiij s’ x d’ Wil[he]lmo Gronde p[ro] iij dos’ salad’ Naui hayne Gyldsson’ [7 March] Thoma Beice j bar’ cu’ iij dos’ salad’ Naui Joh[ann]is harry [10 May] Joh[an] ne Crowe p[ro] j maund’ verysche iiij dos’ palett’ xij par’ leg’ h[ar]nes lx petr’ wyr’ Ferr’ & diu[er]s’ habdasche p[re]c’ xiij li’ vj s’ viij d’ st’ lxiij s’ iij d’ Ship of Fernandi Fomis [30 December]: Johan Lobbes for 20 bow-staves worth 3s. 4d. Sterling – 2d. (import duty). Ship of Clays Martynson’: Thomas Bysett for 13 dozen pallets, three dozen and five sallets with visors, eight pairs of legharness, seven pairs of gauntlets worth £17 10s. Sterling – 18s. 6d. Ship of Clays Gyldman’ [26 January]: Johan Jacombe five dozen sallets. Ship of Hayne Persson’: Richard Riche 11½ dozen sallets. Ship of Clays Bullok: Johan Crowe two haubergeons. Ship of Johan Poullesson’: Johan Malbern’ four dozen and four sallets. Ship of Copyn Lambe: Thomas Bysett for seven dozen pallets, 13 sallets with visors, 18 small skulls, six gorgets, 900lb latten wire, Robert Stokker 300 bow-staves, Conrad Putholf for 36 haubergeons, four jazerants worth £8 – 8s., Roger Middelmor’ for three lasts of linen, nine dozen and eight sallets worth £27 5s. Sterling – 27s. 3d. Ship of Hugo van Delfe: Thomas Bysett for 12 pollaxes. Ship of Peter Adreansson’: Conrad Putholf for 40 pairs of gardbras (i.e. pauldron reinforces) and pauldrons, 11 pairs of gauntlets, three pairs of cuirass, six sallets with visors, two pairs of vambrace worth £8 10s. – 8s. 6d. Ship of Johan Falke: Conrad Putholf for four sallets with visors, six pairs of legharness, 12 black sallets, six pairs of vambrace worth £4 16s. 8d. – 4s. 10d., William Gronde for 3 dozen sallets. Ship of Hayne Gyldsson’ [7 March]: Thomas Beice one barrel with three dozen sallets. Ship of Johan Harry [10 May]: Johan Crowe for one basket of varnish, four dozen pallets, 12 pairs of legharness, 40 stone of iron wire, and divers haberdashery worth £13 7s. 8d. – 63s. 3d.
104 Olivier de La Marche, Mémoire sur la maison de Bourgogne, ed. J. A. C. Buchon (Paris, 1836), pp. 425–6. A Burgundian courtier recounts the action of a prearranged single combat on foot and on horseback at the Pas d’armes de la Belle Pèlerine (The Feats of Arms in Honour of the Beautiful Lady Pilgrim), Saint-Omer, County of Artois, 1449.
168
z
document 104
z
[The Foot Combat] les deux chevaliers d’un commun acord muèrent la forme des chapitres en autres armes, et pouvoyent chacun apporter telle hache qu’il luy plairoit, et devoyent getter un gect de lance, et combatre desdictes haches jusques à batton perdu, ou estre porté l’un par terre. Au jour ordonné, messire Bernard entra en la lice armé de toutes armes, la cotted’armes de Foix vestue, à la barre traversant, comme il appartenoit à bastard de celle maison […] Tost après entra le seigneur de Haubourdin, la cotte-d’armes de Lancelot du Lac au dos, le bacinet en la teste, la visière close […] Tantost après chacun des deux champions envoyèrent présenter les battons dont ils devoyent combatre. Et fut la hache du chevalier à la Pèlerine, un bec-de-faucon commun, à bonne et poisante dague dessus et dessous. Et celle que fit présenter messire Bernard fut une hache à bec-de-faucon commun; mais la dague de dessous fut longue et déliée, et de façon telle qu’elle pouvoit légèrement entrer ès trous de la visière d’un bacinet, et de sa longueur pouvoit porter grand dommage au visage de son compaignon. Le seigneur de Haubourdin fut averti de la subtilité de ladicte hache. Si dit qu’il ne donneroit pas à son compaignon tant de peine que de perser la visière de son bacinet; et prestement le fit décloer et oster de tout poinct, si que le visage luy demoura tout découvert […] le bastard de Béarne saillit de son pavillon, la visière close, la lance au poing dextre, et la hache et le targon d’acier à la senestre: et estoit grand chevalier et puissant. D’autre part saillit le bastard de Sainct-Pol, armé de toutes armes, la cotte-d’armes des armes de Luxembourg au dos, bacinet en test, sans visière, n’autre couverture ou aide au visage; et estoit embattonné de lance et de hache, et aidé d’un targon d’acier. Fièrement marchèrent les deux chevaliers l’un sur l’autre, et getta le seigneur de Haubourdin sa lance le premier. Et ledict messire Bernard démarcha en costière, si qu’il ne fust assené; et de celle démarche brandit sa lance, et getta sur son compaignon (qui moult vistement poursuivoit son get, le targon devant luy, par couverture). Et advint de celuy get que le seigneur de Haubourdin fut atteint sur le bord, en dehors, de sa targe; et glissa le coup, et vint atteindre sur le costé senestre un peu au dessus de faux du corps, et perça le harnois, et entra le fer très-profond en la chair dudit seigneur de Haubourdin; et lors du bras senestre, tost et assurément, il escouit la lance jus, qui tenoit assez fort dedans le harnois. Le get passé, les chevaliers de gettèrent les targons au-devant des jambes, pour chacun cuider empescher ou nuire son compaingon, et puis se coururent sus aux haches moult asprement. Et contendoit fort messire Bernard après le visage, qu’il voyoit nu et découvert; et y rua plusieurs fois et plusieurs coups. Mais le seigneur de Haubourdin rabatoit froidement les coups dudict messire Bernard, et ne demoura guères que ledict seigneur de Haubourdin entra sur messire Bernard, et de sa main senestre prit la hache de son compaignon, et messire Bernard cuida prendre celle du seigneur de Haubourdin, mais il n’y peut avenir. Si prit de la main dextre le seigneur de Haubourdin par le bacinet, en faute de la visière; et ledict Haubourdin quéroit après le pié du bout de sa hache, qu’il tenoit d’une main; mais rien ne l’empira. Et en cet estat furent les deux chevaliers assez longuement, tastant et essayant en leur
169
z
document 104
z
puissance d’avoir aucun avantage chacun sur son compaignon. Et le duc, voyant les deux chevaliers entiers l’un envers l’autre, getta le batton [The Mounted Combat] Et d’icelle première course avint que messire Bernard de Béarne assit sur le grand garde-bras, en glissant; et le seigneur de Haubourdin (qui prit sa course au coing de la lice, et vint aborder à la toile, ainsi qu’en croisée) assit sur le bord du clou qui tient la visière de l’armet. Et l’armet (qui n’estoit pas ataché, mais l’avoit ledict messire Bernard seulement mis en sa teste, ainsi que communément l’on court ès Espaignes) se haussa d’iceluy coup, qui fut durement ateint, et tellement que ledict messire Bernard fut froissé, et blecé en trois lieux au visage, dont le plus fort et le plus grief estoit au menton, et de ce saignoit très-fort. Toutesfois le chevalier reprit le bout de la toile, et vouloit ses armes fournir, comme chevalier de grand et noble courage qu’il estoit. Mais Bertrandon, premier escuyer-tranchant du duc (lequel le duc avoit baillé audict messire Bernard pour le servir et conseiller, pource qu’il estoit natif Gascon, sage et expert en armes), ne luy voulut souffrir en plus faire, mais l’emmena devant le duc. Et le duc, voyant son cas, et qu’il n’estoit pas pourveu d’armet ou heaumet suffisant pour sa seureté, luy pria, moult doucement qu’il se voulsist à tant contenter d’icelles armes. [The Foot Combat] the two knights by mutual consent altered the form of the chapitres (prearranged rules) with other arms, for each wanted to carry such axe as he pleased, and wanted one throw of the lance, and to fight with the said axes until a weapon was lost or one of them forced the other to the ground. On the allotted day Sir Bernard entered the lists completely armed, dressed in the coat armour of (the heraldic arms of the counts of ) Foix with a bend sinister, as was appropriate for a bastard of that house. […] Soon after the Seigneur de Haubourdin entered, the coat armour of Lancelot of the Lake on his back, basinet on his head, the visor closed. […] Soon after each of the two champions sent the weapons with which they were to fight to be presented (for inspection by the judges). Now the axe of the knight (defending) the Beautiful Lady Pilgrim was a standard bec de faucon, with a good and heavy spike above and below. But that which Sir Bernard had presented was a standard bec de faucon, however, the spike below was long and thin and of such form that it could easily enter a basinet-visor’s holes (i.e. sights and breaths) and being of this length might cause his companion’s face serious injury. The Seigneur de Haubourdin recognized the subterfuge (planned by the use) of the said axe. So, he said that he would save his companion the trouble of piercing his basinet’s visor and quickly had it un-nailed and removed altogether so that his face remained completely uncovered. […] The Bastard of Béarn sallied forth from his pavilion, visor closed, lance in his right hand, and the axe and steel targe in his left – my, he was a large and powerful knight. The Bastard of Saint-Pol (i.e. De Haubourdin) sallied forth from the other end, completely armed, the coat armour of the (heraldic) arms of (the house of )
170
z
document 104
z
Figure 10. Illustration from Hans Talhoffer’s fight manual, German, 1443.
Luxembourg on his back, basinet on his head without visor or any other cover or protection for his face, and was armed with lance and axe and protected by a steel targe. The two knights advanced fiercely on each other, and the Seigneur de Haubourdin threw his lance first. Now Sir Bernard advanced from the side so that he could not strike; and from this advance brandished his lance then threw it at his companion – who quickly followed up his throw, his targe before him for cover. Now it happened in this throw that the Seigneur de Haubourdin was stuck on the edge, on the inside of his targe; and the blow skyted and came to land on his left side just above the weak point of the body (i.e. arm-hole of the breastplate), and pierced the harness, and the lancehead entered very deeply in the Seigneur de Haubourdin’s flesh; and then with his left hand, quickly and assuredly, he wrenched the lance out, which had really stuck in his harness. The lance-throwing over, the knights threw their targes before the legs (of their opponents) for each intended to impair or disadvantage his companion, and then they set upon each other with axes most brutally. Now Sir Bernard tried hard to strike the face, which he saw to be bare and uncovered, and he thrust at it several times with several blows. But the Seigneur de Haubourdin calmly blocked Sir Bernard’s blows, yet nowhere might the Seigneur de Haubourdin enter (to strike a blow) upon Sir Bernard, so he grabbed his companion’s axe with his left hand, and
171
z
documents 104–5
z
Sir Bernard tried to take that of the Seigneur de Haubourdin but he was unable to do so. So, the Seigneur de Haubourdin grasped his basinet with his left hand as he lacked a visor, and the said (Seigneur de) Haubourdin aimed towards the feet (of his opponent) with the end of his axe, which he held in one hand, but he did no damage. And so it was for quite a long time in this manner the two knights testing and trying with all their might to each gain an advantage over his companion. So the Duke (of Burgundy), seeing the two knights to be evenly matched, threw (down) the baton. [The Mounted Combat] Now on this first course it happened that Sir Bernard de Béarn struck the grand gardebras (i.e. pauldron reinforce) a glancing blow. Now the Seigneur de Haubourdin – who started his course from the corner of the lists and came so close to the tilt (barrier) that it caused (the lances) to cross – struck the edge of the nail (i.e. pivot) that held the armet’s visor. Thus the armet, which was not attached (i.e. to the body armour with straps or clasps) but Sir Bernard only had it (sat) on his head as one commonly finds in Spain, was struck up by this blow which was a hard strike, so much so that Sir Bernard was wounded and injured in three places in the face – the hardest and the worst of which was in the forehead from which it bled a great deal. Immediately the knight returned to the end of the tilt and wanted to complete his (feats of ) arms – the great knight of noble courage that he was. However, Bertrandon, the Duke’s premier carving (household) squire – whom the Duke had assigned to serve and counsel Sir Bernard as he was a native of Gascony, sage and expert in arms – did not want him to endure doing anymore, and brought (his case) before the Duke. So the Duke, hearing his case, and that he was unable to source a suitable armet or heaumet for his safety, very gently entreated (Sir Bernard) that he should wish to satisfy himself with these (feats of ) arms (he had already accomplished).
105 Dijon, Archives départementales de la Côte-d’Or, B 11866, fol. 34v–fol. 35v Arms and Armour for Five Galleys made by order of Philip, Duke of Burgundy, for Mary of Guelders, betrothed to James II, sent to Scotland from Antwerp, 1449 Cinquante brigandines couu[er]tes de futaine noire xxxxiij g[ar]debras de telle coule[u]r po[u]r lesd’ brigandines iiijC xvj brigandines po[u]r galotz pour lesd’ galotz vjC xlix salades iiijC iiijxx espees po[u]r lesd’ galotz vjxx & vj arbalestres dacier desquell’ Il en y a vne Rompue xxxvij martinoz no[m]mez baudres a tendre lesd’ arbalestres iiijC xxviij lances auecq[ue]s estaisseurilles & Ro[m]meignolles iiijxx & vne Jusarme [sic] C & xxx pauais que grans q’ petis C & xv casses de viretons conten’
172
z
documents 105–6
z
Figure 11. Boar spear, c. 1500 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.qi).
xxx milli[e]rs de viretons vm de dond’ & vm de d[em]j dond’ x casses darcs a main conten’ iijC arcs xvij casses de fleches conten’ viijC xij xx xxij veuglaires de fer lxiiij chamb’ pour lesd’ veuglair’ xlvj coulourines [sic] de fer v barilles de pould’ tant po[u] r coulourine q’ veuglaires quatr’ barilles de fil danuers xvj guindaulx iiijC p[ier]res de veuglaires vjm de chaussetrappes 50 brigandines covered with black fustian, 43 (pairs of ) gardebras (i.e. pauldrons) of the same colour for the said brigandines, 416 brigandines for galley-crewmen, for the said galley-crewmen 649 sallets, 480 swords for the said galley-crewmen, 106 steel crossbows one of which is broken, 37 martinets called baldrics for spanning the said crossbows, 428 lances with ‘estaisseurilles’ and ‘rommeignolles’ [poss. crossbars at the base of the head and wrist straps], 81 gisarmes, 130 pavises both large and small, 115 cases of viretons (crossbow bolts) containing 3,000 viretons, 5,000 dondaines (bolts) and 5,000 demi-dondaines (i.e. half sized), ten cases of hand (spanned) bows (i.e. longbows) containing 300 bows, 17 cases of arrows containing 814 arrows, 22 iron fowlers (and) 44 chambers for the said fowlers, 46 iron culverins, five barrels of (gun) powder for both culverins and fowlers, four barrels of Antwerp thread/wire, 16 windlasses, 400 fowler (gun) stones, 6,000 caltraps
106 London, British Library, Additional Charter 17240 Extract from a Royal Petition of Sir John Paston relating the Treatment of his Friends, Tenants, and Servants, by the Followers of Robert, Lord Moleyns and Hungerford, at his Mansion at Gresham, Norfolk, on 28 January 1449 the seid lord sent to the seid mansion a riotous peple to the nombre of a thowsand p[er]sones w[i]t[h] blanket bendes of a sute [i.e. matching cloth sashes] as riseres ageyn yo[ur] pees arrayd in maner of werre w[i]t[h] curesse brigaunder’ jakk’ salettes gleyfes bowes arows pavyse gonnes […] [they] seke [t]hem in [t]her howsis ransakyng
173
z
documents 106–7
z
& serchyng [t]her shevys & strawe in [t]her bernes & other places w[i]t[h] bore speris swerdes & gesermys as it semyth to sle [t]hem if thei myght haue found [t]hem
107 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS fr. 23259 Royal Accounts of Charles VII of France, 27 March 1449 A Balsarin de trez marchant armurier la somme de vijC iiijxx vj l’ x s’ t’ pour vingt deux harnoiz completz a armer de lui achaptez et donnez par led’ s’ entre led’ premier Jour de Juing & le derrenier Jour de decembre m CCCC xlviij lesquelz harnoiz ledit s’ a donnez et fait distribuer en la maniere qui sensuit Cestassauoir A Jehan de nysuenem escuier de pais dalmaigne vng harnois complet A Richart fautaiel & herbert a morray hommes darmes escocois ij harnois completz A pierre de thoze homme darmes de la nacion despaigne estant en la garnison de grant ville vng harnois complet A Joachin Rouault cappitaine de gens darmes et de trait quatre harnoiz completz pour iiij hommes darmes de sa charge A Jehan de hetre vng harnois complet A vng hommes darmes nomme donot macassellin escocois vng harnois complet A vng homme darmes alement du pais de saxonne vng harnois complet A Charles de la faiete escuier de lostel dudit s’ vng harnois complet A Pierre de ycourt homme darmes vng harnois complet Au chancelier et autres ambaxeurs descoce que le Roy leur a donne neuf harnois completz A lui [Balsarin] la somme de lxxij l’ xvij s’ vj d’ t’ pour autres parties de harnoiz quil a fait de lui prandre et achapter et donner en la maniere qui sensuit Cestassauoir A monseigneur de montgaston vng harnois complet A mesure du pris de lv l’ t’ vne salade et vng harnois de Jambes du pris de xj l’ t’ donne par ledit s’ a vng alem[en]t crannequinier de sa garde nomme dimeric Et vj l’ xvij s’ vj d’ t’ pour vng harnois de Jambes donne par le dit s’ a vng autre alement aussi crannequinier de sa garde nomme thildric Audit balsarin la somme de ijC vj l’ v s’ t’ pour xv brigandines communes pour archiers que ledit s’ a fait prandre et achapter de lui et Icelles donnees et fait distribuer en la maniere qui sensuit Cestassau’ a Robinet guillaume et Rogier le vasseur varletz de porte de lostel dudit s’ a ch[asc]un vnes brigandines A Pierre bouquier vnes brigandines A vng alement nomme thildric crannequinier de la garde vnes brigandines A hanse dimeric aussi alement crannequinier de la garde vnes brigandines Au chancelier et autres ambaxeurs descoce dix brigand’ Audit Jaques cuer la somme de iijM l’ t’ sur la somme de vjM l’ t’ en laquelle le Roy n[ostr]edit s’ lui estoit tenu par appointem[en]t et compon’ faicte auecques lui tant pour la parpaie de iijM brigandines deliurees par lordonnan’ et commandement dudit s’ a ses archiers estans a sa soulde logez par les pais comme pour le Recompenser du pris qui lui en auoit este fait trop petit Et aussi pour auoir auancee largent desd’ iijM brigandines A monseigneur de Rez admiral de france pour conuertir en harnois et brigandines pour certain nombre de gens de sa charge estans en [la] garnison a grant ville vC l l’ t’ A Balsarin de trez armurier la somme de C l’ t’ laquelle led’ s’ a donner et ordonne estre baillee par lui a deux maistres ouuriers de brigandines qui ont leue leurs ouurouers lun a tours et lautre a bourges lannee pass’ A Robin petit lo cappitaine de gens darmes
174
z
document 107
z
et de trait pour don a lui fait par le Roy pour lui aidier a Remectre sus et en point certaine hommes darmes de sa charge ausquelz leurs ch[eu]aulx et harnois au’ estre bruslez iiijC l’ t’ A Thomas halida et patry faulcart gouuerneurs des hommes darmes et archiers de la garde du corps du Roy pour don vC l l’ t’ To Balzarino da Trezzo, merchant armourer, the sum of 786 livres 10 sous tournois for 22 complete arming harnesses bought from him and given by the said Lord (King) between 1 June and last day of December 1448 which harness the King has given and caused to be distributed in the following manner, viz.: to Jehan de Nysvenem, squire of the land of Germany, one complete harness, to Richard Fautaiel and Herbert Morray, Scottish men-at-arms, two complete harnesses, to Pierre de Thoze, man-at-arms of the Spanish nation in the garrison of Granville, one complete harness, to Joachim Rouault, captain of men-at-arms and archers, four complete harnesses for four men-at-arms in his charge, to Jehan de Hetre one complete harness, to a Scottish man-at-arms called Donot Macasselin (poss. Donald MacAusland) one complete harness, to a German man-at-arms of the land of Saxony, one complete harness, to Charles de Lafayette, squire of the Lord’s household, one complete harness, to Pierre de Ycourt, man-at-arms, one complete harness, to the chancellor and other ambassadors of Scotland the King has given nine complete harnesses. To him (Balzarino) the sum of 72l. 17s. 6d. t. for other pieces of harness bought from him and given in the following manner, viz.: to Monseigneur de Montgaston one complete harness (made) to measure worth 55l. t., one sallet and one (pair of) legharness worth 11l. t. given by the said Lord to a German crossbowman of his guard called Dimeric, and 6l. 17s. 6d. t. for one (pair of) legharness given to another German, also a crossbowman of his guard, called Thildric. To the said Balzarino the sum of 206l. 5s. t. for 15 common brigandines for archers which the Lord had bought from him and given and distributed in the following manner, viz.: to Robinet Guillaume and Rogier Le Vasseur, door-wards of the Lord’s household, one (pair of) brigandines each, to Pierre Bouquier one (pair of) brigandines, to a German called Thildric, crossbowman of the guard, one (pair of) brigandines, to Hanse Dimeric, also a German, crossbowman of the guard, one (pair of) brigandines, to the chancellor and other ambassadors of Scotland 10 brigandines. To Jacques Coeur the sum of 3,000l. t. over the sum of 6,000l. t. which our Lord King owes him by appointment and contract made with him both for the prepayment of 3,000 brigandines delivered by order and command of the Lord to his archers in his pay quartered in the country as well as for recompense of the price which was not enough and also for having advanced the money for the 3,000 brigandines. To Monseigneur (Gilles) de Rais, amiral of France, for providing harness and brigandines to a certain number of men in his charge in the garrison of Granville 550l. t. To Balzarino da Trezzo, armourer, the sum of 100l. t. which the Lord has given and ordered be granted by him to two master brigandine-makers who have set up their craftsmen – one at Tours and the other at Bourges the previous year. To Robin Pettilow, captain of men-at-arms and archers, for the gift made to him by the King to assist him to equip certain men-at-arms in his charge who have had their horses and harness burnt 400l. t., to Thomas Halliday and
175
z
documents 107–8
z
Patrick Faulcart (poss. Falkirk), commanders of men-at-arms and archers of the King’s guard, as a gift 550l. t.
108 Entries from the Now-Lost Registers of the Dukes of Milan, printed in F. Fossati, ‘Per il commercio delle armature e i Missaglia’, Archivio Storico Lombardo, 6th Ser., 59 (1932), pp. 279–97 (at pp. 280–1) Issued at Fallavecchia, Lombardy, 16 May 1449 Concessus fuit salvusconductus per unum mensem Johanni de Ciamonte familiari Ser.mi Regis Francorum eundi hinc Mediolanum cum uno socio eq. seu pedest. indeque cum plaustris triubus et bobulcis et bobas ad dicta plaustra conducenda oportunis onustis sexaginta armaturis pro persona dicti Regis et aulicorum suorum, ac fulcimentis pro dictis armaturis et quatuor sellis pro usu dicti Regis ac omni quantitate ferrorum a lanceis, et accedendi ultra montes per viam Papie et deinde dictis bobulcis cum plaustris et bobus predictis redenndi Mediolanum tute Safe conduct granted for one month to Jean de Clermont, servant of the Most Serene King of France, leaving from Milan with one associate – mounted or on foot – with three carts and drivers and oxen hired as required to load and drive these carts with 60 armours for the person of the said King and his courtiers with stands for the said armours, and four saddles for the use of the said King, with a number of lanceheads, and going over the mountains by the Via Papae (Way of the Popes) and thereafter the said oxen and drivers with the aforesaid carts return safely to Milan Issued at Lodi Vecchio, Lombardy, 21 August 1449 Concessus fuit salvusconductus requisitione Ser.mi ac Christianissimi Francorum Regis Johanni de Chiamont sue sacre regie Mayestatis armerio cum sex equitibus cumque suis rebus et bonis omnibus que secum duxerit undecunque se reppererit Mediolanum accedendi ac exinde extrahendi ac extrahi faciendi ducentum quinquaginta armaturas completas, celatas seu galeas sexcentum, ferra a lanceis totidem et sellas quatuor ab equis et ea omnia arma conducendi seu conduci faciendi tam sumul quam divisim per quascunque civitates terras loca passus et territoria nostra ad partes ultramontanas tam super plaustris quam super bestiis a salma eum bobus, bubulcis et personis ad ipsas beastias ad plaustra devehenda et conducenda necessariis et oportunis ipsisque demum plaustris aut bestiis a salma hominibus et personis Mediolanum aut unde discesserint redendi tute Safe conduct granted by the request of the Most Serene and Christian King of France to Jean Clermont, His Sacred Majesty’s armourer, with six horsemen and with his possessions and goods that he shall bring from wheresoever to prepare himself in Milan thereafter to leave taking away – or arranging to take away – 50
176
z
documents 108–9
z
complete armours, 600 sallets or galeas (helms), the same number of lanceheads, and four horses’ saddles, and all those arms to be (safely) conducted – or arranged to be (safely) conducted – either together or separately through whatever Our cities, lands, places, passes, and territories to parts over the mountains whether in carts or upon pack-saddled beasts with their necessary oxen, drivers, and persons hired for transport and carriage. Finally, that these carts, pack-saddled beasts, and persons return safely to Milan or from whence they came
109 London, Lambeth Palace Library, Register of Archbishop Stafford, fol. 114r–fol. 117r Will of Walter, first Baron Hungerford, 1 July 1449 Roberto filio meo totum estuffamentum tam Armature q[u]am artillarie mee existen’ in om[n]ib[us] illis castris & dommijs meis in partib[us] t[r]ansmarinis que sibi soli integre ramenebunt post decessum meum eiod’ armature mea in domo armature mee infra Castru’ meu’ de Farley hungerford’ die supradict’ obitus mei remanent’ quod quid[e]m estuffamentum armature predict’ volo q[uo]d id[e]m filius meus prox’ heredi suo masculo qui ad tunc fuerit dimittit illis tunc Armaturis meis quae in p[rese]nti testamento meo alijs spialit’ lego & dispono triu[m]modo except’ volo & ordino q[uo]d totum estuffamentu’ meu’ tam armature q[u]am artillarie existen’ in illis castris & dommijs meis in partib[us] t[r]ansmarinis de quibus diuisis hereditar’ fieri debet inter filios & filias meos secundum consuetudine’ patrie post decessum meu’ plene & integre remaneat in eisd[e]m custus tanq[u]am dict’ filior[um] & filiarum meor[um] ad defensione’ & securitatem castriorum predict’ my son Robert the total (military) equipment – both my armour and artillery – being in all these my castles and houses in parts across the sea which remains in them after my decease. My same armour shall remain in my armoury within my castle of Farley Hungerford on the above said day of my death so that the certain equipment [and] armour aforesaid I will that my son, or his nearest male heir who shall then be, send my same armour in my present testament [and] others otherwise. I bequeath and dispose the third manner. Item, I will and ordain my total equipment (both armour and artillery) in this my castle and houses according to the father’s law after my decease fully and completely remain in the same keeping – of both my said sons and daughters – for the defence and security of the aforesaid castles
177
Part III
Illustrated Glossary
A Advantage pieces of (reinforcing plates) (87). See also Gardebras.
Arm defences: see Gardebras, Musekins, and Polder-mitton. Armet (4, 16, 22, 28, 43, 70, 72, 81, 104) a close-fitting helmet that protects the head by means of deep, hinged cheekpieces that attach to one another beneath the chin. Additional defence is provided by a visor and a reinforcing front plate, now known as a wrapper, that can be strapped on over the whole. Through our sources we can trace its origins in the Italian lands and its adoption (with a slight change of name-form) into Fr. and Eng. The name elmetto is a diminutive of Ital. elmo: helm. In the Datini accounts of 1397, printed in the previous volume, there is mention of a basinet ‘in the manner of an elmetto of the new type’ (‘a guisa d’elmetto di novella guisa’).1 The Datini accounts of 1400–10 have them listed as a helmet-type in their own right (4). The word ‘helmett’’ in the accounts of John, Earl Marshal, for the Agincourt campaign (43) is undoubtedly directly from the Ital. (see the discussion of Sallet below).2 The adoption of the name by Francophones is much more complicated. Changes have been made to both syllables. Firstly, as it is most obvious, the second syllable. The Ital. elmo originally derives from Old Fr. heaume, a masculine noun. Italian speakers, as demonstrated above, have applied the diminutive masculine suffix -etto. The Fr. diminutive suffix -ette, which would have served best to emulate this sound, is reserved solely for feminine nouns. Furthermore, the Fr. masculine suffix -et does not have a word-final consonant (the hard t sound). Second, the first syllable. Traces of the nasal vowel following the silent h of heaume appear in two of our sources: the ‘eaumet a Jouster’ recorded in 1427 (72) and Olivier de La Marche’s ‘armet ou heaumet’ of 1449 (104). In 1404 (16) and 1421 (28) the word appears as armet, now pronounced with the open vowel a followed by a guttural r. The overall result of these linguistic changes is the finalized form armet – the form most commonly (and still) in use. Confusingly, armet is both a strong homophone and homonym of the Fr. verb armer: to arm. It is plain that it was a helmet 1 Moffat, Sourcebook, 2 A discussion of this
vol. I, pp. 143–4. source with Drs Claude Blair and Toby Capwell was invaluable.
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
considered to be Italian in style. The Burgundian courtier Olivier de La Marche notes the head defence borne by a challenger at the Pas d’armes of the Fountain of Tears (1449–50). A Savoyard squire, Jacques d’Avanchies, he tells us, fought on foot with an axe against the defender in ‘an armet in the Italian fashion, armed with its large bevor (i.e. reinforced with a wrapper)’ (‘un armet à la façon d’Italie, armé de sa grande bavière’). Another challenger, an Aragonese knight called Sir Jehan de Bonniface, also sported such a helmet (‘de son chef, il estoit armé d’un armet d’Italie’) for his mounted combat.3 In current Anglophone scholarship it is pronounced are met, as in: we are met in such a place. As far as this author is aware, there are no primary sources in Eng. from the fifteenth century containing the term armet. It does not have an entry in the Middle English Dictionary.4 The editors of the Oxford English Dictionary provide an entry of 1507 from Scottish royal accounts. Therein fabric is purchased: ‘half ane elne Melan fustian to the Kingis ermyt’.5 It should be strongly argued, however, that given the close cultural and political ties between the two realms, this adoption into Scots is much more
Figure 12. Illustration from Fiore dei Liberi, Il Fior di Battaglia, 1409. 3 4 5
Olivier de La Marche, Mémoire sur la maison de Bourgogne, ed. J. A. C. Buchon (Paris, 1836), p. 446 and p. 437. Middle English Dictionary, ed. R. E. Lewis and others (Ann Arbor, MI, 1952–2001), in Middle English Compendium, ed. F. McSparran and others (Ann Arbor, MI, 2000–18), online edn. The Oxford English Dictionary, ed. J. Simpson (Oxford, 2004), online edn, citing Accounts of the Lord
182
Figure 13. Three views of an armet, Milanese, 1435 (Royal Armouries, IV.430).
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 14. Armet, Milanese, 1450 (Royal Armouries, IV.498).
likely to have come directly from Fr. rather than through Eng. Indeed, the initial nasal vowel here reflects the Fr. pronunciation (as explained above) much more than it does the Eng. Despite my quest to employ correct contemporary nomenclature, it would be a very hard sell to insist on replacing armet with helmet in the modern lexicon. As Blair points out, for practical descriptive purposes we ‘modern students’ must ‘confine the term to the special form of headpiece which has deep, hinged cheekpieces fastened together over the chin’.6 6
High Treasurer of Scotland […], ed. J. Balfour Paul, vol. 3 (Edinburgh, 1901), p. 254. C. Blair, European Armour, circa 1066 to circa 1700 (London, 1958), p. 86.
184
z
illustrated glossary
z
Arrowhead types barbed lure (100). Most likely with large, backward-curving barbs with smaller barbs on the inside edges. This type is referred to in Eng. as a broad-head or swallow-tail.7 bodkin: see byker below. broad head – dagged and voided (61).8 This describes the inside edge of the barbs (see Figure 15). byker (61): this is probably from the Germanic word bicken: ‘to pierce, strike through’.9 A strong case can be made that this name should replace ‘bodkin’ in the nomenclature of archery. Indeed, the erroneous name ‘bodkin’ might well have its origins in a misinterpretation of primary sources. The medic who treated Prince Hal’s arrow-shot injury after the Battle of Shrewsbury, John Bradmore (14), provides forensic detail: the Prince was smetyn i[n] þe face be syd þe nose on þe lefte syd w[i]t[h] an arow þe wyche sayd arow e[n]tryd ou[er]wharte and aft[er] þe schaft’ wase takyn owt and þe hede ther of a bod styll’ i[n] þe hy[n]dyr parte of a bone of the hede aft[er] þe mesur’ of vj ynche10
It is patently clear that ‘a bod styll’’ here means ‘remained still’. The exact same phrase is employed by a chronicler writing in the early-fourteenth century. He records the incident when Richard I was shot with a crossbow: ‘þe Kyng drow out þe shafte of þe quarel, but þe quarelle hede abode stille in his heuede’.11 Moreover, it is noteworthy that in the Lat. version of Bradmore’s text the
Figure 15. Detail of a stained glass panel, English, sixteenth century (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 45.290). 7
O. Jessop, ‘A New Artefact Typology for the Study of Medieval Arrowheads’, Medieval Archaeology 40 (1997), pp. 192–205 (at p. 200). 8 Jessop, ‘Medieval Arrowheads’, p. 200. 9 Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson, under ‘beak’. 10 London, British Library, MS Harley 1736, fol. 48r–fol. 48v. 11 The Brut, or The Chronicles of England, ed. F. W. D. Brie, pt. 1 (London, 1906), p. 153. See the Middle
185
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 16. Drawing of medieval arrowheads.
‘head of the said arrow’ (‘capud d[i]c[t]e sagitte’) is not singled out as being of a distinct type.12 Another source of misapprehension may be a passage in the 1545 work of the expert archer Roger Ascham. He writes of ‘our English heads’ observing that: every thing that enters by a turning and boring fashion, the more flatter it is, the worse it enters; as a knife, though it be sharp, yet, because of the edges, will not bore so well as a bodkin, for every round thing enters best13
Here he is making a comparison between the penetration achieved by a flat-bladed knife and that by the thrusting blade of the bodkin: a type of dagger or awl.14 There is no suggestion whatsoever that Ascham considers the bodkin to be a type of arrowhead. culvertail (61): culver is an Old Eng. word for dove. duckbill (61): the blade swells out from the socket to form this distinctive shape.15 pere heads (61): possibly from Eng. ‘pair’: ‘to make worse; to harm, damage’.16
12 13 14 15 16
English Dictionary, ed. Lewis, under abiden. London, British Library, MS Harley 1736, fol. 48r. R. Ascham, Toxophilus, the Schole, or Partitions, of Shooting (London, 1545), p. 147. See the entry for bodkin in the Middle English Dictionary, ed. Lewis. Jessop, ‘Medieval Arrowheads’, p. 194. Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson.
186
z
illustrated glossary
z
Axe Carlisle (21, 93): of unknown form, it is probably a type of long-hafted axe wielded with two hands.17 pollaxe. It is important to understand that Francophones do not have a separate word for pollaxe, they simply use hache. It is sometimes clear from the context that the weapon in question is a pollaxe, one example being arranged combat (12, 76, 104). Another example is when it is described as being fitted with a spike and fluke (52, 89, 104).
Figure 17. Pollaxe, mid-fifteenth century (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 2.48). 17
See R. Moffat, ‘A Sign of Victory?: “Scottish Swords” and Other Weapons in the Possession of the “Auld Innemie”’, Arms & Armour 15 (2018), pp. 122–43 (at pp. 134–6).
187
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
war axes of the Lyon fashion (52): an, as yet, unknown type. It is of note that nearly fifty of the fighting men of Lyon in 1411 were armed with axes (33). See also Bec de faucon and Galloway sparth.
B Backplate: see Cuirass. Balzae (22) mail poleyn-fringes. In his linguistic study, Hope records the word ‘Balzano. Horsemanship: “White-stockinged” or “trummelled” (of a horse)’.18 Originally serving a defensive purpose as part of the knee defences, it was – by our period – a decorative feature most popular amongst the Italians (See Figure 18).19
Barbotta (4) a plate defence for the face, throat, and upper chest. Much larger than the bevor, it extends up over much of the face (in some instances covering it with the exception of two horizontal sights) and (sometimes) plunges lower over the top of the chest. Borne with the chapel de fer or suchlike open-faced helmet, it offers good mobility, vision, and protection (See Figure 19). Both Mann20 and Buttin21 make a convincing case for its popular use amongst the Iberians based on art-historical evidence and surviving examples from collections in those parts. It is noteworthy that both Datini22 and Tommaso Missaglia (70) had agents in various lands under the control of the kings of Aragon. Indeed, the Datini accounts refer to the ‘largest chapel de fers in the Spanish style’.23 It is possible that these were designed to be paired with such a defence. The barbotta should not be confused with the mail chin and neck defence: the barbuta,24 or the type of single-piece helmet called a barbute (22). 18
T. E. Hope, Lexical Borrowing in Romance Languages: A Critical Study of Italianisms in French and Gallicisms in Italian from 1100 to 1900, vol. I (Oxford, 1971), p. 80. 19 See T. Capwell, ‘Mail and the Knight in Renaissance Italy. Part I’, Armi antiche: Bollettino dell’Accademia di San Marciano – Torino (2017), pp. 9–84 (at pp. 54–81), where they are referred to as ‘valances’, for an in-depth examination. 20 J. G. Mann, ‘Notes on the Armour worn in Spain from the Tenth to Fifteenth Century’, Archaeologia 83 (1933), pp. 285–305 (at p. 296). His article is illustrated with objects from the collections of the Real armería, Madrid, and elsewhere. Pl. 87, fig. 3, pl. 88, fig. 2, and pl. 89, fig. 2. 21 Ch. Buttin, ‘Un primitif espagnol de la Collection Manzi’, Gazette des Beaux-Arts, 5th Ser., 13 (1926), pp. 79–88 (at pp. 82–3). It is regrettable that the thesaurus of 1609 which Buttin cites contains no primary sources. 22 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, pp. 182–3. 23 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 130. 24 See Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 225.
188
Figure 18. Detail of a painting by Paris Bordone, Italian, c. 1520 (Glasgow Museums, Archibald McLellan Collection, 191).
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 19. Barbotta, c. 1490 (British Museum, 1881,0802.27).
Barbute (22) from Ital. barbuta: bearded. Identified in current scholarship25 as a single-piece helmet with rounded skull (main bowl), the sides extending down towards the shoulders. Shaped to the nape of the neck at the rear, it then flares out slightly for added protection. The face-opening is of a distinctive T-shape (or oval-shaped variation thereof ). In many examples the edge is reinforced with an applied metal strip similar in appearance to the stop-rib found on breastplates and other defensive parts where blades need to be prevented from sliding in. That it was not a favoured type further north is attested by its sparse appearance in sources in Fr. and Eng. Gay records it in the work of the Burgundian chronicler Olivier de La Marche in 1450, whilst Du Cange finds it only in a Burgundian military ordinance of 1473.26 25 26
For example, Blair, European Armour, pp. 73–4 and p. 85. V. Gay, Glossaire archéologique du Moyen Âge et de la Renaissance, vol. 1 (Paris, 1887), p. 119,
190
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 20. Barbute, possibly Brescian, c. 1470 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.1).
It is telling that a narrator of a pas d’armes at Bruges in 1463 feels it necessary to explain that one participant bore ‘his head defence called a barbute’ (‘son harnoys de teste no[m]me barbutte’).27 Four guards and seven competitors are depicted in this helmet-type in René, duke of Anjou’s tournament treatise composed between 1457 and 1472. This is perhaps to emphasize the international nature of such an event as well as drawing attention to the extent of the Duke’s lands.28 Straddling both the Fr. and Ital. is a source from an English context. There survives a letter Glossarium mediæ et infimæ latinatis, ed. C. du Fresne, sieur Du Cange, and others (Niort, 1883–87), online edn, under barbuta. 27 Leeds, Royal Armouries Library, MS RAR.0035(I.35), fol. 29r, ed. and trans. R. Moffat, ‘The Medieval Tournament: Chivalry, Heraldry and Reality. An Edition and Analysis of Three FifteenthCentury Tournament Manuscripts’ (Ph.D. thesis, University of Leeds, 2010), p. 145. 28 Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS fr. 2695, fol. 97v and fol. 98r. For an in-depth study
191
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
written in French from Martin Rondelle, armourer of the Bastard of Burgundy based in Bruges, to Sir John Paston, of 28 August 1473. The craftsman, belying his Italian heritage, writes of ‘vna barbuta’ then later calls it ‘la barbute’.29 We can safely assume that Sir John would recognize this distinct helmet-type. The earliest instance of the word in an Eng. document (that this author is aware of ) is one of 1586 listing arms and armour for sale in London. In this are ‘an excellent corsellett [plate body armour] […] curiously graven with his [sic] barbute and a plume whyte and redd’ and ‘a moste fayre Corselett wholy graven with his [sic] Barbute furnished with redd velvett and silver lace [and] a fayre plume’.30
Basinet, great: see Great basinet. Bec de faucon (52, 89, 104) lit. ‘falcon’s beak’, a fluke (curved spike) emanating from the top surface of a pollaxe’s head. It is also a term for a weapon in its own right (89), being shorter-hafted than the pollaxe and often having a crushing hammerhead rather than an axe-blade. See also Axe.
Berruyer: see Capelline berruyer. Bevor (4, 26, 28, 33, 57, 68, 72, 100) from Fr. for bib, derived from the verb baver: to dribble, slaver from the mouth. A plate defence that is shaped to provide good protection to the throat and chin. It is most commonly borne with the sallet. However, when paired with the basinet (mainly in Fr. and Ital. sources) it is almost certainly the reinforcing chin plate on
Figure 21. Bec de faucon, mid-fifteenth century (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 2.46). that includes some discussion of the arms and armour depicted, see J. Sturgeon, Text and Image in René d’Anjou’s Livre des Tournois […] (Woodbridge, 2022). 29 London, British Library, Additional MS 27445, fol. 72r. This source will be included in my next volume. 30 London, British Library, Additional MS 34744, fol. 1r–fol. 8v (at fol. 4r–fol. 4v). An accurate transcription of this MS can be found in F. H. Cripps-Day, Fragmenta armamentaria, 2. Miscellania, pt. 2: A Sale of Armour by Lottery in 1586 (Frome, 1946).
192
Figure 22. Detail of a Burgundian tapestry, c. 1475 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 46.123).
Figure 23. Bevor, c. 1470–90 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.ak.2).
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
what is now referred to as a ‘great basinet’ (see Great basinet).31 When paired with the sallet in Fr. sources, the word gorgerin and its variants (28, 33, 52, 57, 72) most probably refers to this same defence. Indeed, those of the plate variety are clearly differentiated from those of mail (52, 57). See also Barbotta.
Biquoquet (100) a type of helmet. It is tempting to interpret this word as being derived from a visualization of the two halves of a cockle shell. From this, such authorities as Viollet-le-Duc32 and Gay33 have stated it to be the close-fitting helmet of armet-type construction with a distinctive bulbous visor (see Figure 10). Indeed, the name bicoque is still sometimes applied to helmets of this type.34 Planché, correctly in this author’s opinion, dismissed Viollet-le-Duc’s interpretation. He suggested that it was, in fact, a helmet based on the shape of the civilian bycocket
Figure 24. Stone carving, French, fifteenth century (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 44.28). 31
See T. Capwell, Armour of the English Knight, 1400–1450 (London, 2015), p. 86, for the introduction of this ‘chin plate’ at the start of the century. 32 E. Viollet-le-Duc, Dictionnaire raisonné du mobilier français […], t. 5 (Paris, 1873), pp. 213–14. 33 Gay, Glossaire archéologique, vol. 1, pp. 151–6. 34 For example, the ‘bicoque’ dated c. 1440 (W 1012) in the Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin.
194
z
illustrated glossary
z
– a peaked cap of the type popularly associated with Robin Hood (see Figure 26, Figure 28, and Figure 30 for depictions). Planché did not, however, provide any contemporary images of such a helmet.35 Blair has also traced this variation of the name in Eng. In the household accounts of John, duke of Norfolk, in 1464 there are payments to a goldsmith for making fittings ‘to my masterys salat and his byecoket’ and to ‘Derykke Armourer for makyng clene off a byecoket’.36 Looking at the documentary evidence, very little information is provided. It is somewhat unhelpful that the anonymous Frenchman (100) likens it to another helmet of a form, as yet, unknown to us (see Capelline berruyer). Other sources from the second half of the fifteenth century do not reveal much more. In the household accounts of 1451–54 of René, duke of Anjou, there is mention of ‘one gilt tourneying helm and for one bicoquet required for it’ (‘vng heaulme dore pour tournoier et pour vng bicoquet ad ce nece[ssai]re’) and also one with a visor (‘bicoquet a visiere’).37 Piled up among the ‘habillemens de guerre’ at Reims in 1477 were ‘salades, bicoquets et bassinets’, but there is no description of these.38
Bodkin: see Arrowhead types under byker. Bollock dagger (93) the name describes the shape of the hilt, being similar to that of a man’s genitals (see also Figure 38).
Figure 25. Bollock dagger, c. 1500 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 2.124). 35
J. R. Planché, A Cyclopædia of Costume […], vol. 1 (London, 1876), pp. 1–2 and pp. 68–9. I am most grateful to one of this book’s reviewers and Mr R. C. Woosnam-Savage for attracting my attention to the headwear sported by the outlaw of Sherwood Forest. 36 Middle English Dictionary, ed. Lewis, under bīcoket (with input from Blair). The accounts are printed in Manners and Household Expenses of England […], ed. T. H. Turner (London, 1841), p. 253 and p. 254. 37 Marseille, Archives départementales des Bouches-du-Rhône, B 2479. 38 Archives législatives de la ville de Reims, ed. P. Varin, t. 1 (Paris, 1844), p. 768. The original document is now lost. I am extremely grateful to Ms Sandrine Verreaux for her efforts trying to locate it.
195
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 26. Detail of a tapestry panel, possibly Brussels, c. 1500 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 46.85).
Bolzarum: see Balzae. Bombard (42, 52, 83, 86) probably from the Lat. bombus: a humming noise, this is one of the earliest names for a gunpowder weapon.39 We find it in use as a general term for gun: i.e. ‘hand-held’ (52). It is also used in a specific sense for the largest member of the cannon family. Celebrated survivals from our period include Mons Meg at Edinburgh Castle and Dulle Griet in Ghent.40 called Bourgoigne (Burgundy) (83, 86): named in honour of the Duke. called Griette (83, 86): Dulle Griet (Mad Meg) is a figure from Flemish folklore who led an all-female army to plunder Hell. 39 40
Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson. R. D. Smith and R. R. Brown, Mons Meg and Her Sisters (London, 1989).
196
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 27. Detail of an illustration of the Siege of Rouen (1418–19) from the Beauchamp Pageant, English, fifteenth century (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 52.40.1.43).
called Prusse (Prussia) (83, 86): this might refer to its being one of the large bombards such as Faule Grete and Grose Bochse made in the Teutonic Order’s foundry at Marienburg in the first decade of the century. copper (42): meaning one cast in this metal in the same way as a church bell. iron (52, 83): this most probably refers to the barrel’s construction of stakes and hoops of wrought iron. cast iron (83) metal (52): this possibly refers to cast iron rather than wrought-iron stake-and-hoop construction. See also Bombardelle, Cannon, Culverin, Fowler, Guns, Plombée, and Scoppietto.
Bombardelle a gunpowder weapon. This word can be employed as a good example to demonstrate the elasticity of the terminology in our period. An obvious interpretation is that it is simply a slightly smaller version of the bombard. However, our sources reveal that this is not the case. There are ‘six small iron bombardelles and two hand-held ones’ (52), ‘six iron bombardelles or small wooden-based cannons shooting 5lb stones or thereabouts’ (68), and ‘one small cast-iron bombardelle that shoots a stone around 6lb’ (83). bronze (22): cast in this alloy. See also Bombard, Cannon, Culverin, Fowler, Guns, Plombée, and Scoppietto.
197
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 28. Detail of a stained glass panel depicting Christ carrying the Cross, probably Cologne, c. 1465 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 45.431).
Breastplate: see Cuirass. Broggit staff (79) from Scots brog: spike, a staff weapon fitted with one or more of these.
198
z
illustrated glossary
z
C Cannon (74) we find this used as a general term for gun (e.g. 2, 68, and 74). meschant cannon (83): a type of cannon called ‘nasty’ in Fr. See also Bombard, Culverin, Bombardelle, Fowler, Guns, Plombée, and Scoppietto.
Capelline berruyer (33, 52, 57, 100) a type of light helmet of, as yet, unknown form. The capelline, as established in volume I, is of the skullcap variety.41 The only clue the anonymous Frenchman (100) provides is that certain parts meet below the chin. Jean Juvénal des Ursins, in his official history of Charles VI, records amongst Henry V’s forces in France in 1415: four thousand ‘large valets armed with capelline berruyeres, haubergeons, large jacks, and great axes’ (‘gros valets armez de cappelines berruyeres, haubergeons, grosses iaques, & grandes haches’).42 This is evidence that the name, as recorded in our sources, is a shorthand. Berruyer is an appellation for a person hailing from the French duchy of Berry.43 It is very likely, therefore, a toponym in the same vein as the chapeau de Montauban.44 The capelline berruyer is frequently paired with the pallet, a skullcap-type helmet, suggesting that it offers a similar level of protection and vision.
Carlisle axe: see Axe. Cranequin (83, 102) a crossbow-spanning device that works by means of a rack and pinion. The word is derived from Middle Dutch cranekijn meaning little crane or crank.45 It gives its name to the Fr. cranequinier: a crossbowman who utilizes the device (107).
41 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 235. 42 J. Juvénal des Ursins, Histoire de Charles VI. Roy de France, ed. D. Godefroy (Paris, 1653), p. 314. 43 Dictionnaire du moyen français, ed. Martin. 44 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 235. 45 Historische woordenboeken Nederlands en Fries, no ed. (Institute voor de Nederlandse taal, 2007–18),
online edn.
199
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 29. Crossbow and crossbow cranequin, German, sixteenth century (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.te.[1] and [2]).
Crossbow bolts dondaine and demi-dondaine (83, 85, 88, 105): the etymology and type are, as yet, unknown. passador (52). A Spanish expert, in his work of 1644, describes ‘Passadores’ as having shafts that are thicker (‘mas gruessos’) than the standard type.46 vireton (9, 20, 26, 52, 57, 80, 89, 105): from Old Fr. virer: to turn,47 presumably due to the fact that the fletchings cause it to spin in flight. It must be stated here that this author’s interpretation in volume I of ‘one-foot’ and ‘two-foot’ referring to the missile’s size rather than the crossbow itself is incorrect.48 The evidence presented by Wilson and – more recently – Brenker is compelling.49 46 Alonso Martinez de Espinar, Arte de ballesteria, y monteria […] (Madrid, 1644), p. 18. 47 Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson. 48 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 240. 49 G. Wilson, ‘What’s in a Name? One-Foot and Two-Foot Crossbows’, ICOMAM 50: Papers
200
on Arms
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 30. Detail from ‘The Stag Hunt’ by Lucas Cranach, 1529 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 35.73).
Crossbow-spanning devices: see Cranequin, Goat’s foot lever, Martinet, Symphonie, and Windlass. Cuirass, pair of cuirass in its simplest sense, the combined breast- and back-plate. It can be shown to be a convenient catch-all used by contemporaries for the various components comprising the integrated plate defences for the thorax under development at this time. It first appears in our sources as corazza in Ital. (9, 20, 22, 72). This word is derived from Classical Lat. corium (leather) harking back to the torso defences of the Romans. It is highly likely that cuirass is a Fr. take on the Ital. The sibilant word-ending is suggestive in itself.50 We have already witnessed the Eng. and Fr. name ‘brigandine’ adopted as a shorthand for corazzine brigantine in the late-fourteenth century.51 Moreover, when the Fr. variant first makes its appearance in Provence in 1417 some of these defences are categorized as being ‘of Genoa’ (52). and Military History, 1957–2007, ed. R. D. Smith (Leeds, 2007), pp. 300–25; F. Brenker, Die Armbrust im Hochmittelalter […] (Brixen, 2022). I am grateful to this book’s reviewer and Mr Brenker for their useful input. 50 See the entry for cuirie in Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 242. 51 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 232. See also Hope, Lexical Borrowing in Romance Languages, pp. 50–2 and p. 129, for the introduction of Ital. armour terminology into Fr.
201
Figure 31. Cuirass of the Kastenbrust (‘box breast’) type, German, c. 1430–40 (Glasgow Museums, A.1981.40.a).
Figure 32. Cuirass from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.2 and 3).
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
We find the form cuirass in use in Central France in 1421 (28) and in common parlance throughout from that decade onwards (68, 72, 100, 102). In Eng. the first syllable can be pronounced queer or cure (as in to heal). Its slow adoption into the language (84, 85, 103, 106) may well be due to the fact that breastplate continued to be a useful term. We find one with a backplate (‘reredos’) (18) and a ‘hole brestplate’ (35), the latter certainly refers to the complete assembly. For the necessary purpose of the technical description of the cuirass, current arms and armour scholarship is lumbered with such terms as: upper- and lower-breastplate (or plackart), and backplate – single or two-part – and these are just the components above the waist.52 Such a mouthful would hardly have been convenient to a man-at-arms or armour merchant. See also Paunce, of plate.
Culverin a gunpowder weapon. According to the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary the name derives from ‘Latin colubrīnus of the nature of a snake’.53 This suggested serpent-like form has led authorities such as Blackmore to conclude that it was a ‘type of gun which was long in proportion to its bore’.54 As with the other gun-types in our sources, the terminology is not hard and fast. For example, Du Cange cites a legal document of 1455 that refers to ‘cannons, culverins, and other fowlers’ (‘canons, Culevrines et autres vuglaires’) and ‘the said fowlers or culverins’ (‘desdiz vuglaires ou Culevrines’).55 Furthermore, Spencer – in his detailed study of English royal accounts – concludes that they ‘varied in size, with the smaller models resembling handguns’.56 It was only towards the end of the fifteenth century and the beginning of the following that users developed a more standardized approach to gun names.57 See also Bombard, Bombardelle, Cannon, Fowler, Guns, Plombée, and Scoppietto.
D Dondaine and Demi-dondaine: see Crossbow bolts. 52 53 54 55 56 57
For example, Blair, European Armour, pp. 80–2 and Capwell, Armour of the English Knight, pp. 131–2. The integrated thigh defences known as tassets will be investigated in the next volume. Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson. H. L. Blackmore, The Armouries of the Tower of London, 1: Ordnance (London, 1976), p. 224. C. du Fresne, sieur Du Cange, and others, eds, Glossarium mediæ et infimæ latinatis (Niort, 1883–87), online edn, under colubrina. D. Spencer, Royal and Urban Gunpowder Weapons in Late Medieval England (Woodbridge, 2019), p. 237. H. L. Blackmore, ‘Master Jacobo’s Culverin, 1517’, Journal of the Arms & Armour Society 12 (1988), pp. 39–47.
204
z
illustrated glossary
z
E Ecranche (100) A cut-out section on the top edge of a shield in which to place the lance.58
Espieu (26, 33, 57) a lance/spear of some sort. It is a rather nebulous word that has been in use from previous centuries.59 Inventoried amongst the goods of Olivier de Coëtivy in 1461 are two hunting espieux (‘deux espioulx de chasse’) and one for fighting (‘vng espioul darmes’). As there are also two javelins (‘deux Jauelines’) listed, the espieu must have been of a distinct type.60
F Fauchard (88) from the Fr. for scythe, a staff weapon with a blade of this shape.61
Fauld of mail (22, 68): the Ital. and Fr. equivalent of Eng. paunce – a mail skirt. of plate (100): only the anonymous Frenchman employs this term. See also Paunce, of plate.
Fowler (74, 83, 86, 105) lit. one who shoots fowl. A breech-loading gunpowder weapon of varying size. The Fr. form veuglaire is clearly derived from Dutch vogheler which has the same meaning 58
For a recent study of shields, see Schilde des Spätmittelalters und der Frühen Neuzeit, ed. R. Beuing and W. Augustyn (Passau, 2019). 59 Dictionnaire du moyen français, ed. Martin. 60 Paris, Archives nationales, Chartrier de Thouars 1AP/1669. Mr Matthias Millon kindly provided an image of this document. 61 Gay, Glossaire archéologique, vol. I, pp. 692–3, Blair, European and American Arms, c. 1100–1850 (London, 1962), pp. 25–6.
205
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
as in Eng.62 As set out in the working vocabulary section of my first volume63 English names are used wherever possible. Spencer, in his detailed study, records its use from 1415 stating it to be: the single most popular type of gun recorded in English accounts in the fifteenth century. These weapons varied considerably in size […] [they were] used in small numbers on royal ships in the first half of the fifteenth century, but appear to have been most effective in offensive and defensive siege warfare.64
See also Bombard, Bombardelle, Cannon, Guns, Plombée, and Scoppietto.
G Gaignepain (39, 100, 102) a type of specialized gauntlet for the right hand for use in the tourney and joust from the late-thirteenth century.65 The only source that might reveal some aspect of design is an entry in the household accounts of René, duke of Anjou. His armourer is paid for fitting a gaignepain inside a manifer (‘pour garnir vng gaignepain par dedens’) (102). However, the manifer is a jousting defence for the left hand.
Galloway sparth (25) a long-hafted axe wielded with two hands (see Figure 33 and Figure 34). The distinct shape of the blade’s top edge singles it out from other types. It was one of the principal weapons of the galloglass (from Gaelic and Irish: gall óglaigh) lit. vassals from the Innse Gall (the Isles of the foreigners, i.e. Hebrides). These Gaelic-speaking fighting men of Norse descent were renowned for their ferocity. The region of Galloway in south-west Scotland was also part of this cultural and linguistic world.66 The 2,000 ‘escocés sauvaiges à haches’ referred to by Charles VII are undoubtedly these men armed with their sparths (66).
Gardebras, gardbras (28, 33, 36, 52, 57, 68, 72, 89, 92, 100, 105) lit. ‘arm-guard’ in Fr. However, as brasseles comes into more frequent use in Fr. as an all-encompassing term for the rest of the plate arm defences (vambrace, couter, and rerebrace) (e.g. 33 and 36), gardebras evidently refers to, what is known in 62 Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson. 63 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, pp. xxxi–xxxiii. 64 Spencer, Royal and Urban Gunpowder Weapons, pp. 243–5. 65 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 246, and R. Moffat, ‘The Manner
of Arming Knights for the Tourney: A Re-Interpretation of an Important Early-14th Century Arming Treatise’, Arms & Armour 7 (2010), pp. 5–29 (at pp. 15–17). 66 See Moffat, ‘A Sign of Victory?’, pp. 130–4, for a full explanation.
206
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 33. Head of a Galloway sparth, fourteenth or fifteenth century (Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann/National Museum of Ireland, NMI 1937:3633).
Eng., as a pauldron (plate shoulder defence). A source from London (103) lists 40 pairs of ‘gardbras’ and pauldrons; this pairing serves to reinforce the validity of this interpretation. The Fr. grand gardebras – being a ‘large’ pauldron – can therefore, be identified as a pauldron reinforce (see Figure 35). The petit gardebras (57) is a couter reinforce.
207
Figure 34. Detail of the tomb brass of Sir Hugh Hastings (d. 1347) at Elsing Church, Norfolk.
Figure 35. Pauldron and pauldron reinforce from the ‘Avant’ harness, Milanese, 1438–40 (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.e.4).
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 36. Goat’s foot lever, sixteenth century (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.ts).
Goat’s foot lever (83) a crossbow-spanning device.
Gorgerin: see Bevor. Gorget (79, 103) a plate throat defence. It is possible, as Blair postulates, that by our period this refers to a collar with both front and rear plates.67
Grand gardebras: see Gardebras. Great basinet this term appears nowhere in our sources. It is a modern designation to differentiate it from its diminutive predecessor. Key developments are the large skull (helmet bowl) extending down over the back of the neck and resting on the shoulders as well as the addition of a reinforcing chin plate. These features provide more protection but the head is restricted somewhat in its movement, relying on the 67 Blair,
European Armour, p. 96.
209
Figure 37. Detail of a stained glass panel, English, c. 1450 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 45.92).
Figure 38. Etching of the tomb effigy of John, Earl of Arundel (d. 1435), Arundel Castle.
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
bearer to turn their head within this assembly.68 This fixed configuration is vividly described by a contemporary onlooker. In his narrative of an arranged combat in 1443, the Burgundian courtier Olivier de La March observed that one competitor had ‘had his basinet-visor removed so that his face was completely uncovered, and popped his head out of his basinet as if out of a window’ (‘et avoit […] oster la visière de son bacinet, telement qu’il avoit tout le visage découvert, et metoit sa teste hors de son bacinet comme une fenestre’).69
Groin defences: see Cuirass and Paunce, of plate. Guns Gun dart (32) Handguns see also Bombardelle, Cannon, and Scoppietto. Stocked guns (64)
Figure 39. Handgun, c. 1500 (Glasgow Museums, A.1977.14.b).
H Hat, of steel (40, 43, 61) a (presumably) open-faced helmet. It is not clear how it differs from the chapel de fer or kettlehat. One interpretation is that it might reflect in its shape the changing fashions of civilian headwear. See also Wire hat.
Helmets: see Armet, Barbute, Biquoquet, Capelline berruyer, Great basinet, Hat, of steel, Helmet, Sallet, and Wire hat. 68 69
See Blair, European Armour, p. 70, and Capwell, Armour of the English Knight, pp. 95–107. La Marche, Mémoire sur la maison de Bourgogne, ed. Buchon, p. 381.
212
z
illustrated glossary
z
Helmet (of the new shape: ‘neweschapp’’) (84) it is not immediately clear if the word is being used here to mean armet or in the modern sense as a general term for head defence. See also Armet.
Hounskull (10, 19, 26, 40, 45, 49, 91) a mail head and neck defence. Its form is currently unknown. In the sources it is frequently paired with open-faced helmets such as the chapel de fer.70
Huvette: see Vuetta.
L Lame in Anglophone scholarship a lame is a strip of metal integrated into a plate defence (for example a pauldron) for the purposes of articulation. When employed in the Fr. term pièce à lames and plates à lames (e.g. 36 and 52), it clearly means the skirt of articulating lames borne with the breastplate, pair of plates, or cuirass (see: Paunce, of plate).
Langue de boeuf (ox-tongue) (100) a long-bladed staff weapon, the shape of the blade giving it its name.
Leaves of Catalonia (fueilles de cathelouigne) (100) a single instance – no other sources refer to this weapon.
M Mail armour: see Balzae, Fauld, Hounskull, and Musekins.
70
See C. Retsch, ‘Warum die Hundsgugel im Spätmittelalter kein Helm war (und was die englische Haube für ein Helm gewesen sein könnte)’, Hieb- und Stichfest. Waffenkunde und Living History. Festschrift für Dr. Alfred Geibig. Jahrbuch der Coburger Landesstiftung (Petersberg, 2020), pp. 190–215, and R. Moffat, ‘A word “I was delighted to meet”: why we must now bid Auf Wiedersehen to Hounskull as the name for the “pig-faced” basinet’, Arms & Armour 19 (2022), pp. 1–23.
213
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Martinet (89, 105) a crossbow-spanning device, probably of the windlass type. See Windlass.
Musekins (80, 91) mail defences for the forearm that can be borne with either the haubergeon or mail sleeves. Their rather peculiar name originates in German and probably ultimately derives from the Lat. for muscle (mūs).71
Neck defences: see Barbotta, Bevor, Gorget, and Hounskull.
P Pauldron and pauldron reinforce: see Gardebras. Paunce, of plate throughout the fourteenth century paunce or pair of paunces was consistently used for a high-waisted mail skirt.72 In the vast majority of our sources here this remains the case. As our period witnessed a rapid development in the design of plate armour, however, the paunce referred to in some sources (35, 46, 61, 94) is a skirt composed of articulating lames integrated with the cuirass (see Figure 40).73
Pièce the Fr. word for breastplate. It can also mean the top of the breastplate (16) and the anonymous Frenchman employs it to describe the upper-breastplate (100). When used in the term pièce à lames, it clearly refers to the skirt of plates or fauld (see: Paunce, of plate). See also Cuirass and Lame.
71
A. C. Oliveira, ‘The Elusive Musekin – Interpreting a Mysterious Piece of Medieval Armour’, Arms & Armour 20 (2023), pp. 54–73, provides a very detailed examination. 72 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 269. 73 Capwell, who charts this development in great detail, concedes that paunce was then in use but employs the terms ‘skirt of plates’ and ‘cuirass skirts’ (Capwell, Armour of the English Knight, p. 117 and pp. 127–30) for practical descriptive purposes. Blair (Blair, European Armour, p. 56) refers to a ‘skirt of hoops’ and points out that the commonly-used term fauld dates to the sixteenth century. As set out in the working vocabulary section of my first volume (Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, pp. xxxi–xxxiii), I endeavour to use the nomenclature employed by those at the time.
214
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 40. Fifteenth-century tomb effigy, unascribed, Ceres Parish Church, Fife.
Plançon (88) either ‘a club used in Flanders from the late thirteenth century to the early fourteenth’74 or a type of heavy lance in use in the fifteenth century.75 Most probably the former in this case.
74 75
C. Blair, European and American Arms, p. 29. Moffat, ‘Medieval Tournament’, p. 53.
215
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Plates à lames: see Lame. Plombée (83) from the Fr. for lead, a type of cannon that shoots lead shot: plombées. See also Bombard, Bombardelle, Cannon, Culverin, Fowler, Guns, and Scoppietto.
Polder-mitton (100, 102) from Fr. épaule de mouton (shoulder of mutton) due to its shape resembling this cut, an elaborately-formed plate defence that provides excellent protection for the lance-bearing arm in the joust (see Figure 41).76
Pollaxe: see Axe.
Q Quiver Francophones have a word for, what appears to be, a different type: carquois/quarquas (57, 68, 89). That this derives from Persian tarkaš suggests that it designates a quiver used by archers from outwith Christendom.
S Salade: see Sallet. Sallet a helmet that provides protection to the back of the head and neck by means of its protruding ‘tail’ whilst the forehead and face are protected either by the skull (helmet bowl) being extended over the face with chiselled-out aperture or apertures (now known as sights) or by fitting a visor. The sallet is borne with the bevor. This combination offers the fighter good mobility, vision, and protection. By 1446 an anonymous Frenchman could opine that this type was ‘the most common and best 76
R. Moffat, ‘Alle myne harneys for the justes: Documents as a Source for Medieval Jousting Armour’, The Medieval Tournament as Spectacle: Tourneys, Jousts and Pas d’Armes, 1100–1600, ed. A. V. Murray and K. Watts (Woodbridge, 2020), pp. 77–97 (at pp. 85–7).
216
Figure 41. Two views of a polder-mitton, probably Flemish, mid-fifteenth century (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.q.[6]).
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 42. Details of a manuscript illustration from the Salisbury Breviary, made in Paris for John, Duke of Bedford (d. 1435) (Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS Lat. 17294, fol. 448r).
as seems to me’ (100). Our sources not only provide evidence for the etymology of the name, they also reveal the rapid uptake in its use by fighting men throughout Christendom. The Datini accounts provide the first instance in the sources published in this volume. Amongst the stock are ‘eight concealed cervelières of steel and iron’ (‘viij Cervelliere dacc’ e di ferro celate’) and ‘a concealed capelline of steel’ (‘chapeline daccaio celate’) (4). As established in the first volume, both of these helmets are of the skullcap type.77 The word ‘concealed’ (celate) is here employed as an adjective. Therefore, it can be strongly argued that the armourers crafting these new-style helmets sought to provide better protection for the eyes and face by the improvements outlined above. With the face covered thus, the bearer – and by extension the helmet – is ‘concealed’ in the sense of ‘disguised’. This interpretation is supported by a key source. An inventory complied in 1425 of the château of Tarascon in Provence lists: ‘16 sallets or secret cervelières’ (‘xvj sallate siue s[er]uelerie [sic] secrete’) (68). Note the adjectival use of ‘secret’. The fact that they are recorded in later Datini accounts as simply ‘celate’ proves this to have become a convenient shorthand (4). Galeazzo and Bartolomeo Gatari, in their Cronaca Carrarese, give an account of a condottiero in combat in 1405 armed in a mail shirt and, on his head, an ‘azalata’ (‘una panciera e in testa una azalata’).78 Lexicographers Bloch and Von Wartburg refer to a ‘Savoyard document with speaks of some cellatas that Duke Amadeus VIII had brought from Milan’ in 1417 (‘un document savoisien parle de quelques cellatas que le duc Amédée VIII a fait venir de Milan’).79 This is evidence of the name passing into common usage in 77 Moffat, Sourcebook, vol. I, p. 235. 78 Rerum italicarum scriptores. Raccolta
degli storici italiani […] da L. A. Muratori, new edn, ed. G. Carducci and V. Fiorino, vol. 16 (Città di Castello, 1904), p. 536. 79 O. Bloch and W. von Wartburg, Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, supplément (2nd
218
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 43. Sallet, Brescian, 1460 (Royal Armouries, IV.168).
Figure 44. Sallet, Augsburg, c. 1460–80 (Glasgow Museums, Burrell Collection, 2.10).
relatively-regular form. In Eng. (and Scots) it is pronounced sallet, rhyming with mallet (93, 97, 98, 103). That this word-final consonant (the hard t sound) has been retained is highly suggestive of the name having come directly from Ital. rather than through the Fr. salade. The fact that many of the helmets were imported to England by Italians, as demonstrated by our sources, is further evidence for this. From a developmental point of view, these sources are proof that the sallet derived from helmets of the skullcap variety – the capelline and cervelière – rather than from the basinet, barbute, or other helmet-type. edn, Paris, 1950), p. 570. Frustratingly, they do not provide the necessary information required to locate the original document.
219
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Scoppietto (22) a handheld gun. Fightmaster Pietro Monte (d. 1509) tells us that the master craftsmen of Innsbruck tested their cuirasses with this weapon ‘which is a type of small bombard’ (‘[…] faciendum thorace’ resistentem sclopetis: que species bombardar[um] paruula est’).80 The word is possibly derived from Lat. sclopus: the noise made by a blow from inflated cheeks.81 See also Bombard, Bombardelle, Cannon, Culverin, Fowler, Guns, and Plombée.
Shell, for a pair of plates (40, 43) a very speculative interpretation is that it is the type of lower-breastplate or plackart borne over – what appears to be – a brigandine frequently depicted in artwork of the period; the scallop shape of the plate thus giving it its name (see Figure 45).
Sparth: see Galloway sparth. Staff Weapons: see Axe, Carlisle, Bec de faucon, Broggit staff, Espieu, Fauchard, Galloway sparth, Langue de boeuf, and Plançon. Steel hat: see Hat, of steel. Symphonie (88) a crossbow-spanning device named after the hand-cranked musical instrument akin to the hurdy-gurdy.
T Torso defences: see Cuirass, Pièce, and Shell, for a pair of plates.
V Veuglaire: see Fowler. 80
P. Monte, Exercitiorum atque artis militaris collectanea in tris libros distincta (Milan, 1509), Book 2, Chap. 118. 81 See the Oxford English Dictionary, ed. Simpson, under ‘escopette’.
220
z
illustrated glossary
z
Figure 45. Detail of a manuscript illustration from Renaud de Montauban, made in Paris for Philip, Duke of Burgundy (d. 1467) (Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal Ms-5073, tome 2, fol. 32v).
Vireton: see Crossbow bolts. Vuetta (4) A type of helmet, probably of the skull-cap or chapel de fer type. The name sounds very similar to Fr. huvette.82 The herald and chronicler Jean Le Fèvre, in his description of the English archers at Agincourt, states that some had ‘huvettes ou capelines de cuyr bouilly’.83 Its name possibly derives from the diminutive of huve, a type of ladies’ coif.84
W Windlass a device for spanning crossbows and larger torsion weapons that uses a system of cranked cylinders and ropes.
82 I am very grateful to Mr Robert C. Woosnam-Savage for raising this point. 83 Chronique de Jean Le Fèvre, Seigneur de Saint-Rémy, ed. F. Morand, vol. 2 (Paris, 84 See Dictionnaire du moyen français, ed. Martin.
221
1877), p. 254.
z
medieval arms & armour: a sourcebook. volume 11
z
Figure 46. Crossbow and windlass, Flemish, sixteenth century (Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott bequest, E.1939.65.sy.[1] and [2]).
Wire hat (21, 38, 79) a type of (presumably) open-faced helmet. Other than the obvious use of wire, the sources provide no evidence for its form or construction. See also Hat, of steel.
Wrapper see Armet.
222
y
Bibliography Unpublished Primary Sources Berkeley Castle Archives, Muniment D1/1/30 Blois, Bibliothèque Abbé Grégoire, Collection Joursanvault, role CXIV Brussels, Archives Générales du Royaume/Algemeen Rijksarchief, C. C., Recette générale du Brabant Brussels, Bibliothèque royale de Belgique/Koninklijke Bibliotheek van België, MS 9005, MS 9559-64 Carlisle Archives, DLONS/L/5/1/50/12 Chippenham, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, D1/2/7 Dijon, Archives départementales de la Côte-d’Or, B 11865, B 1554, B 1651, B 2356 Durham Cathedral Archives, Durham Priory Accounts Durham University Library, Bishops’ Registers Edinburgh, National Library of Scotland, Adv. MS 32.6.9 Glasgow Museums, R. L. Scott Library, E.1939.65.1174 Glasgow, Mitchell Library T-PM99/1 University of Glasgow Archives and Special Collections, RF373-374 Kew, National Archives, C 66, C 145, E 101, E 122, E 153, E 164, E 316, PROB Leeds, Royal Armouries Library, Baron de Cosson’s Index of Milanse Armourers, MS RAR.0035(I.35) Lincoln, Lincolnshire Archives, Dioc/Episcopal Reg London Guildhall Library, CLC/L/BF/A/021/MS05440 London, British Library, Additional MSS, Additional Charters, MS Cotton Nero, Egerton Charters, Harley MSS, Lansdowne MSS London, College of Arms Library, MS M.19, MS ‘Processus in Curia Marescalli’ London, Lambeth Palace Library, Archbishops’ Registers, MS 6, MS 167 London, Westminster Abbey, Muniment 12163 Lyon, Archives municipales, EE/27/1–5 Mantua, Archivio di Stato di Mantova, Archivio Gonzaga Milan, Archivio di Stato di Milano, Notarile, Giacomo Brenna, cart. 1413, 1455 genn. 2 Namur, Archives de l’État à Namur, fonds Ville de Namur, no. 955 Nantes, Bibliothèque municipale, Ms 1668/2 Nottingham University Library, Middleton MSS Paris, Archives de la Préfecture de Police, cote AD 4, Collection Lamoignon, vol. V
223
z
bibliography
z
Paris, Archives nationales de France, Chartrier de Thouars 1AP/1669, P//1334/14, Registres des sentences civiles du Châtelet, Y//5227, Y//2, Châtelet de Paris Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Cinq Cents Colbert, MSS fr. 1997, 2695, 5727, 23259, 25771, MS Lat. 17294 Pau, Archives départementales des Basses-Pyrénées, E 134 Prato, Archivio di Stato di Prato, Fondo Datini Redruth, Kresen Kernow (formerly Cornwall Record Office), AR/37 Southampton Archives, Petty Custom Book, SC 5/4/4 York, Borthwick Institute, Archbishops’ Registers York, York Minster Archive, L1/17/2
Published Primary Sources Arnould, E. J., ed., Le Livre de Seyntz Medicines: The Devotional Treatise of Henry of Lancaster (Oxford, 1940) Ascham, R., Toxophilus, the Schole, or Partitions, of Shooting (London, 1545) Beltrán, R., ed., Gutierre Díaz de Games, El Victorial (Madrid, 2014) Bergen, H., ed., Lydgate’s Troy Book. A.D. 1412–1420 (London, 1906–35) Brie, F. W. D., ed., The Brut, or The Chronicles of England (London, 1906) Buchon, J. A., ed., Chroniques d’Enguerrand de Monstrelet, 6 vols (Paris, 1826) Buchon, J. A. C., ed., Olivier de La Marche, Mémoire sur la maison de Bourgogne (Paris, 1836) Carducci, G., and Fiorino, V., eds, Rerum italicarum scriptores. Raccolta degli storici italiani […] da L. A. Muratori, new edn, vol. 16 (Città di Castello, 1904) Cervantes Saavedra, M., El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha (Madrid, 1605) Cripps-Day, F. H., Fragmenta armamentaria, 2. Miscellania, pt. 2: A Sale of Armour by Lottery in 1568 (Frome, 1946) Dillon, Viscount, ‘A Letter of Sir Henry Lee, 1590, on the Trail of Iron for Armour’, Archaeologia 51 (1888), 167–72 Espinar, A. M. de, Arte de ballesteria, y monteria […] (Madrid, 1644) Godefroy, D., ed., Jean Juvénal des Ursins, Histoire de Charles VI. Roy de France (Paris, 1653) Hardy, W., ed., Recueil des chroniques et anchiennes istories de la Grant Bretaigne […] par Jehan de Waurin, 2 vols (London, 1868) Lettenhove, K. de, ed., ‘Le Livre des trahisons de France envers la maison de Bourgogne’, in Chroniques relatives à l’histoire de la Belgique (Brussels, 1873) Merlet, L., Registres et minutes des notaires du comté de Dunois (1369 à 1676) (Chartres, 1886) Michaud, J. F., and Poujoulat, J. J. F., eds, Jean Juvénal des Ursins, Histoire de Charles VI, roy de France (Paris, 1836) Monro, C., ed., Letters of Queen Margaret of Anjou […] (London, 1863) Monte, P., Exercitiorum atque artis militaris collectanea in tris libros distincta (Milan, 1509)
224
z
bibliography
z
Morand, F., ed., Chronique de Jean le Fèvre, Seigneur de Saint-Rémy, 2 vols (Paris, 1876–81) Muratori, L. A., Rerum Italicarum scriptores […], vol. 19 (Milan, 1731) Novati, F., ed., Fiore dei Liberi, Il Fior di Battaglia, 1409 (Bergamo, 1902) Quicherat, J., Procès de condamnation et de réhabilitation de Jeanne d’Arc […], 5 vols (Paris, 1841–49) Riley, H. T., ed., Thomas Walsingham, Historia Anglicana, 2 vols (London, 1864) — Willelmi Rishanger […] Chronica et annales, regnantibus Henrico tertio et Edwardo primo (London, 1865) Rymer, T., ed., Foedra, conventiones, literae […] (The Hague, 1744) Stevenson, J. H., ed., Sir Gilbert Hay’s The buke of the ordre of knychthede (Edinburgh, 1901–14) Verri, P., Storia di Milano, 2 vols (Milan, 1834)
Reference Works Bloch, O., and Von Wartburg, W., Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, supplément (2nd edn, Paris, 1950) Craigie, W. A., and others, eds, A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (London, 1937–2002), online edn Du Cange, C., du Fresne, sieur, and others, eds, Glossarium mediæ et infimæ latinatis (Niort, 1883–87), online edn Gamber, O., and others, Glossarium armorum: Arma defensiva (Graz, 1972) Gay, V., Glossaire archéologique du Moyen Âge et de la Renaissance, 2 vols (Paris, 1887–1928) Godefroy, F., Dictionnaire de l’ancienne langue française, 10 vols (Paris, 1881–1902) Latham, R. E., and others, eds, Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources (London, 1975–), online edn Lewis, R. E., and others, eds, Middle English Dictionary (Ann Arbor, MI, 1952–2001), in Middle English Compendium, ed. F. McSparran and others (Ann Arbor, MI, 2000–18), online edn Martin, R., and others, eds, Dictionnaire du moyen français (Nancy, 1998–), online edn Moffat, R., Medieval Arms and Armour: A Sourcebook. Volume I: The Fourteenth Century (Woodbridge, 2022) No ed., Historische woordenboeken Nederlands en Fries (Institute voor de Nederlandse taal, 2007–18), online edn Owen-Crocker, G., Coatsworth, E., and Hayward, M., eds, The Encyclopedia of Medieval Dress and Textiles of the British Isles, c. 450–1450 (Leiden, 2012) Planché, J. R., A Cyclopædia of Costume […], vol. 1 (London, 1876) Simpson, J., ed., The Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford, 2004), online edn Stone, L. W., and Rothwell, W., eds, The Anglo-Norman Dictionary (London, 1977–92), online edn
225
z
bibliography
z
Viollet-le-Duc, E., Dictionnaire raisonné du mobilier français […], 6 vols (Paris, 1858–75)
Books and Articles Beuing, R. and Augustyn, W., eds, Schilde des Spätmittelalters und der Frühen Neuzeit (Passau, 2019) Blackmore, H. L., Hunting Weapons: From the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century (London, 1971) — The Armouries of the Tower of London, 1: Ordnance (London, 1976) — ‘Master Jacobo’s Culverin, 1517’, Journal of the Arms & Armour Society 12 (1988), 39–47 Blair, C., European Armour, circa 1066 to circa 1700 (London, 1958) — European and American Arms, c. 1100–1850 (London, 1962) Breiding, D. H., A Deadly Art: European Crossbows, 1250–1850 (New York/New Haven, CT, 2013) Brenker, F., Die Armbrust im Hochmittelalter […] (Brixen, 2022) Buttin, Ch., ‘Un primitif espagnol de la Collection Manzi’, Gazette des Beaux-Arts, 5th Ser., 13 (1926), 79–88 Capwell, T., Armour of the English Knight, 1400–1450 (London, 2015) — ‘Mail and the Knight in Renaissance Italy. Part I’, Armi antiche: Bollettino dell’Accademia di San Marciano – Torino (2017), 9–84 Cotman, J. S., Engravings of Sepulchral Brasses in Norfolk (London, 1838) Delaville le Roulx, J., La France en Orient au XIVe siècle (Paris, 1886) Eaves, I., ‘On the Remains of a Jack of Plate Excavated from Beeston Castle in Cheshire’, Journal of the Arms & Armour Society 13 (1989), 81–154 Eco, U., The Name of the Rose, trans. W. Weaver (London, 1983) Fossati, F., ‘Per il commercio delle armature e i Missaglia’, Archivio Storico Lombardo, 6th Ser., 59 (1932), 279–97 Hope, T. E., Lexical Borrowing in Romance Languages: A Critical Study of Italianisms in French and Gallicisms in Italian from 1100 to 1900, 2 vols (Oxford, 1971) Houtart, M., Les Tournaisiens et le roi de Bourges (Tournai, 1908) Jessop, O., ‘A New Artefact Typology for the Study of Medieval Arrowheads’, Medieval Archaeology 40 (1997), 192–205 Karcheski, W. J., and Richardson, T., The Medieval Armour from Rhodes (Leeds, 2000) Kingsford, C. L., ‘Two Forfeitures in the Year of Agincourt’, Archaeologia 70 (1920), 71–100 — ‘The Early Biographies of Henry V’, English Historical Review 25 (1910), 58–92 La Roque, G.-A. de, Traité de la Noblesse […] (Rouen, 1710) Lespinasse, R. de, Les métiers et corporations de la ville de Paris XIVe–XVIIIe siècle, vol. 2 (Paris, 1887) Livingston, M., ‘“The depth of six inches”: Prince Hal’s Head-Wound at the Battle of Salisbury’, Wounds and Wound Repair in Medieval Culture […], ed. L. Tracy and K. DeVries (Leiden, 2015), 215–30
226
z
bibliography
z
Mann, J. G., ‘Notes on the Armour worn in Spain from the Tenth to Fifteenth Century’, Archaeologia 83 (1933), 285–305 — ‘The Lost Armoury of the Gonzagas’, Archaeological Journal 95 (1938), 293–36 Moffat, R., ‘The Manner of Arming Knights for the Tourney: A Re-Interpretation of an Important Early-14th Century Arming Treatise’, Arms & Armour 7 (2010), 5–29 — ‘The Importance of Being Harnest: Armour, Heraldry and Recognition in the Mêlée’, Battle & Bloodshed: The Medieval World at War, ed. L. Bleach and K. Borrill (Newcastle, 2013), 5–24 — ‘“Armed & redy to come to the felde”: Arming for the Judicial Duel in 15th-Century England’, Courts of Chivalry and Admiralty in Late Medieval Europe, ed. A. Musson and N. Ramsay (Woodbridge, 2018), 121–33 — ‘A Sign of Victory?: “Scottish Swords” and Other Weapons in the Possession of the “Auld Innemie”’, Arms & Armour 15 (2018), 122–43 — ‘Alle myne harneys for the justes: Documents as a Source for Medieval Jousting Armour’, The Medieval Tournament as Spectacle: Tourneys, Jousts and Pas d’Armes, 1100–1600, ed. A. V. Murray and K. Watts (Woodbridge, 2020), 77–97 — ‘A word “I was delighted to meet”: why we must now bid Auf Wiedersehen to Hounskull as the name for the “pig-faced” basinet’, Arms & Armour 19 (2022), 1–23 — ‘Crying over Spilt Castlemilk: The Tale of Sir William and the Silver Sallet’, Martial Culture in Medieval Towns: An Anthology, ed. D. Jacquet and others (Basel, 2023), 102–24 — ‘“Thay hard harnest men”: Armoured Figures on the 15th-Century Tomb Chest Fragment at Coupar Angus Abbey Church’, The Material Culture of Medieval Warfare, ed. A. V. Murray and J. Titterton (Leiden, forthcoming) Motta, E., ‘Gli armajuoli Missaglia’, Archivio Storico Lombardo 28 (1901), 452–3 — ‘Armaiuoli milanesi nel periodo Visconteo-Sforzesco’, Archivio Storico Lombardo, 5th Ser., 41 (1914), 187–232 Oliveira, A. C., ‘The Elusive Musekin – Interpreting a Mysterious Piece of Medieval Armour’, Arms & Armour 20 (2023), 54–73 Payne-Gallwey, R., The Crossbow: Mediæval and Modern […] (London, 1903) Pyhrr, S., and others, The Armored Horse in Europe, 1480–1620 (New York, 2005) Retsch, C., ‘Warum die Hundsgugel im Spätmittelalter kein Helm war (und was die englische Haube für ein Helm gewesen sein könnte)’, Hieb- und Stichfest. Waffenkunde und Living History. Festschrift für Dr. Alfred Geibig. Jahrbuch der Coburger Landesstiftung (Petersberg, 2020), 190–215 Samson, R., ‘Finds from Urquhart Castle in the National Museum, Edinburgh’, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 112 (1982), 456–76 Schmidt, H., The Medieval and Renaissance Buckler (Bregenz, 2022) Sigerist, H. E., ‘A Salernitan Student’s Surgical Notebook’, Bulletin of the History of Medicine 14 (1943), 505–16 Smith, R. D., and DeVries, K., The Artillery of the Dukes of Burgundy, 1363–1477 (Woodbridge, 2005) Smith, R. D., and Brown, R. R., Mons Meg and Her Sisters (London, 1989)
227
z
bibliography
z
Spencer, D., Royal and Urban Gunpowder Weapons in Late Medieval England (Woodbridge, 2019) Sturgeon, J., Text and Image in René d’Anjou’s Livre des Tournois […] (Woodbridge, 2022) Tzouriadis, I.-E., ‘The Foot Combat as Tournament Event: Equipment, Space and Forms’, The Medieval Tournament as Spectacle: Tourneys, Jousts and Pas d’Armes, 1100–1600, ed. A. V. Murray and K. Watts (Woodbridge, 2020), 155–84 Ward-Perkins, J. B., London Museum Medieval Catalogue (London, 1940) Watts, K., ‘Armour at the Time of Agincourt: The Will of Edward, Duke of York’, The Battle of Agincourt, ed. A. Curry and M. Mercer (New Haven, 2015), 117–26 Williams, A., The Knight and the Blast Furnace: A History of the Metallurgy of Armour in the Middle Ages (Leiden, 2003) Wilson, G., ‘What’s in a Name? One-Foot and Two-Foot Crossbows’, ICOMAM 50: Papers on Arms and Military History, 1957–2007, ed. R. D. Smith (Leeds, 2007), 300–25 Woosnam-Savage, R. C., ‘Reality or Fairy Tale? Arms and Armour in Uccello’s San Romano Battle Paintings’, Park Lane Arms Fair 18 (2001), 10–18 — ‘Of Knights, Cranes, Hoists and Winches…; The Myth of how Knights mounted Horses’, Arms & Armour 18 (2021), 224–55 Wylie, J. H., History of England under Henry the Fourth, vol. III (1407–1410) (London, 1896) — The Reign of Henry the Fifth, vol. I (1413–1415) (Cambridge, 1914)
Theses and Dissertations Moffat, R., ‘The Medieval Tournament: Chivalry, Heraldry and Reality. An Edition and Analysis of Three Fifteenth-Century Tournament Manuscripts’ (Ph.D. thesis, University of Leeds, 2010) Tzouriadis, I.-E., ‘The Typology and Use of Staff Weapons in Western Europe, c. 1400–c. 1550’ (Ph.D. thesis, University of Leeds, 2017) Wiedemer, J. E., ‘Arms and Armor in England, 1450–1470: Their Cost and Distribution’ (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Pennsylvania, 1967)
228
y
Index References to the illustrations are in bold. age to bear armour 10 to joust 13, 36, 37 aketon see fabric defences Angers Cathedral, tomb effigy at 7, 102 will made at 102 Anjou, René, duke of household accounts 165–7, 195, 206 passion for jousting 8 purchase of bombards 94 tournament treatise 191 see also Tarascon under castles anonymous account of the Battle of Brouweshaven see battles Frenchman’s description of arms and armour borne in France 12, 16, 151–62, 195, 199, 205, 214, 216 Antwerp galleys sent to James II equipped at 172 mail shirt bought for the Duke of Brabant in 48 thread/wire of 134, 173 apprenticeship armourers 7 haubergers (mail-makers) of Paris 7, 58 Aragon, king of knight from in a feat of arms 182 Milanese armour exported to the lands of 118, 188 Arc see Joan of Arc archers Ascham, Robert 186 Breton 9, 112–3 brigandines from Charles VII for 164, 175 of the Earl Marshal 83 English at Agincourt 221 at Brouwershaven 11, 115–6 at Humbledon Hill 42 at Poole 11, 129–30
in the garrison of Bayeux 9, 146 indenture for service in France 134 French 158, 164, 175 non-Christian 216 Scottish act of parliament 9, 127 in France 112, 164, 175–6 of the Bodyguard (Garde écossaise) of Charles VII 164, 176 archery see archers, arrows, bows, bowyer, and quivers armet (helmet) 181–4, 183, 184 see also James IV, jousting under armour, La Marche, Lyon, Spain, and Savoy armourers at a judicial duel 140–41 see also apprenticeship, Burgundy, Charles VII, Clarence, Dijon, Hill, Lombardy, London, Milan, Paris, proofing, repair, Westminster, York, and tools arming doublets 3, 82, 102, 139 harness (complete plate armour) 92, 126, 164, 175, 127, 134 nails points 84, 95, 139, 158 see also Brittany, Hill, Lyon, saddles, swords, and tourney Armouries, Royal objects from 183, 184, 219 tournament manuscript from 191 Arras feat of arms at 11, 126–7, 131–2 jousts held by the Duke of Burgundy at 20 arrows arrowhead-types 185–6 arrowheads described by Robert Ascham 186 fletchers 83 fletchings 106–8, 134 see also crossbows under bolts and injuries artillery see guns
229
z
index
Arundel Archbishop, register of 34 Earl of effigy of John 211 equipment for in the Tower of London 66 men of capture a ship on the coast of Scotland 39 Avant harness construction of 9 see also Corio images 117, 119, 150, 203, 208 in the collection of Glasgow Museums xxi, 9, 15 struck by crossbow bolts xxi Avignon basinets made in 25–8, 33 bombards bought in 94 breastplates made in 26–7, 29–30, 32, 34 Duke of Anjou’s sword furbished in 166 merchants in see Datini sallets made in 31, 34 axes 15, 187–8, 187, 207
z
Bedford, John, duke of, manuscript made for 218 Bergavenny, Baron William, will 63–4 Berry, duchy of, helmet named after inhabitants of 199 Bertrandon, Sir Bernard, household squire of the Duke of Burgundy, acts as a counsellor at a single combat 172 Blair, Claude, on helmet etymology 195 Blois see castles boar spears see hunting weapons Bois de Vincennes, jousts at 7, 74 Bordeaux answer to a letter of challenge to combat written from 41 combat in Little Bordeaux 45 combat near 40 sword of 7, 148 Bosham, the Earl Marshal’s crest broken at the muster at 84 Boston, Thomas, brazier and founder of London 123, 124 Bourg, castellani of, combat near 40 Bourges, master brigandine-makers set up in 175 Bowes, William, merchant of York, will 148 Bowet, Henry, Archbishop of York, inventory 110–11 bows at Roxburgh Castle 73 bought from Simon Bowyer for the Earl Marshal 83 dogskin for polishing 139 English 11, 53, 134 for English royal ships 66 hand-bows 134, 138, 139, 142, 173 in the Duke of Brittany’s ordonnance 112 in the Tower of London 21 of Sir John Dynham, various types 107 of the garrison of Bayeux 146 of yew 102, 158 staves 135, 148, 167, 168 strings 21, 83, 134, 138, 139 Turkish 101, 145 used by the French 158 bowyer John, paid for staff tips for the Earl Marshal 84 Simon, bows bought from for the Earl Marshal 83 William, taxed for the importation of bow-staves 149 Brabant, Antoine, duke of, household accounts 7, 46–9 see also Antwerp Bradmore, John, King’s Surgeon, treats Prince Hal’s arrow wound 12, 42–3, 43, 185
baleen see shields Barbazan, Sir Arnault Guilhem de, household knight of Louis, duke of Orléans, challenger to combat 13, 41 bastards see Béarn, Burgundy, and Orléans battles Agincourt 109, 221 campaign leading up to 8, 181 Brouwershaven 11, 115–6 Falkirk 16 Gravelines 146 Humbledon Hill 42 Jersey 130–1 Maclodio 11, 121 see also Carmagnola and Milan under armourers Poole 129–30 Shrewsbury Prince Hal injured by an arrow at 42–3, 185 Henry V’s Milanese squire at 103 Tui 128–9 Bayeux, muster of the garrison of 9, 146 Béarn, Sir Bernard, Bastard of, single combat with the Seigneur de Haubourdin 170–2 Beauchamp pageant 197 Richard see Warwick, Richard, earl of Thomas, bequeathed a brigandine by the Duke of York 89–90 Beaufort, Edmund, hauberk for from the Duke of Clarence 8, 95
230
z
index
brass, fletchings for crossbow bolts 134 see also guns and tombs brigandines bequeathed to a church 97 depicted in artwork 220, 221 etymology 10, 201 for archers 158, 164, 175 for galley-crewmen 173 for jousting 161 gifted by Charles VII 164, 175 leather for 114 made at Marseille for the Duke of Anjou 167 made for the Duke of York by Grove 90 master makers of at Bourges and Tours 175 proofing of xxii purchased from a Milanese merchant armourer and gifted by Charles VII 175 with gilt and silver fittings 164 brigands, armour of the type for 24, 26, 29, 32, 34, 201 Brittany, Jean, duke of, ordonnance of 9, 112–3 Brokenwharf, carriage of the Earl Marshal’s military equipment to 83, 84 Brouwershaven see battles Bruges armour of the Duke of Burgundy brought from Ghent 62 Armourer of the Bastard of Burgundy writes from 192 pas d’armes at 191 Brussels, equipment of Antoine, duke of Brbant, furbished at 47–8 Buchan, earl of, connétable of the army of Scotland in France 112 bucklers see under shields Bueil, Jehan de, opinion of armour xvii Burgundy Bastard of, letter of the Armourer of 192 John, duke of armour made in, and brought from, Milan 7, 63 armourer of 73 household accounts xxii, 61–3 jousts at Arras 20 supporters of in Paris to be massacred 11, 90 Philip, duke of acts as judge for a feat of arms 172 armourer of 120 armoury at Dijon xxii, 132–4, 135–9 arms and armour for galleys for James II of Scots 172–3 at the Battle of Brouwershaven 116 bombards 8, 133–4, 137–8, 196
z
five men of engage in combat at Arras 131–2 inventory at Dijon 98–102 jousts at Arras for the marriage of 126–7 manuscript made for 221 offers medical treatment to injured French knights after a combat at Arras 11, 132 Burrell, Sir William, gift of collection to the people of Glasgow 16 Byzantium, crossbows of 144 Calabria, knight of the Duke of, pays brigandine-maker at Marseille 167 Calais captain of see Warwick, Richard, earl of defeat of the Flemings before 146–7 Lieutenant and Treasurer of correspondence with Henry V 10, 103–4 cannon see artillery Carlisle axes 7, 50, 148, 187 Carmagnola, count Francesco, commander of the Venetian forces at the Battle of Maclodio 121 Castile, king of, judge of a single combat 45 Castilians, at Poole Harbour 129–30 castles and châteaux Blois inventory of 8, 142–6 Clifton munitions for 88 Coucy arms and armour brought to from Paris 20 Edinburgh bombard at 196 Eltham Palace see Eltham Farleigh Hungerford armoury of 177 Helmsley will made at 75 Josselin inventory of 54 Kenilworth treatment of Prince Hal’s arrow wound at 42–3 Earl of March’s mail horse trapper cleaned at 80 Roxburgh arms and armour at 73 Saint-Denis de Moronval letter written by Henry V at 103 Tarascon inventories of 8, 93–4, 113–5, 218 Tower of London see Tower Warwick will made at 34
231
z
index
Catalans, cuirasses belonging to 93 Catalonia ‘leaves of ’ (unknown staff weapon type) 213 Milanese armour exported to 118 Charles VII of France armourer of in Milan see Clermont five men of engage in combat at Arras 131 German crossbowmen 175 gifts from 163–4, 174–6 letter to the citizens of Tournai concerning a Scottish army 112, 206 personal bodyguard (Garde écossaise) see archers royal accounts 163–4, 174–6 Charny, seigneur de, mounted combat at Arras 131–2 châteaux see castles Chinon, letter from Charles VII written at 112 chivalric combat see combat under pas d’armes Chivalry, Court of, deposition describing the tomb brass of Sir Hugh Hastings 12, 58–61 chronicles, as evidence 11 chroniclers see battles under Brouwershaven, and Gatari, Juvénal des Ursins, La Marche, Le Fèvre, Monstrelet, Richard I, Verri, Walsingham, and Waurin Clarence, Thomas, duke of account of his personal armourer xxii, 8, 94–6 early mention of the word sallet in an English source 8 gilt mail links for his young stepson’s hauberk 8 proofing of armour xxii Clermont basinet made in 31 Jean de, armourer of the King of France, safe conduct granted to to bring arms and armour from Milan 176 Clisson, Olivier de inventory 54 Passau sword 8 Cologne thread 96 combats foot 13, 125, 170–2 ‘Combat of the Seven’ 13 judicial see Hill pas d’armes at Bruges 191 at Saint-Omer 11, 158–72 de la Pastourelle of the Duke of Anjou 167 of the Fountain of Tears of Sir Jacques de Lalaing 182 mounted lances for 52 longsword for 101
z
targe for 101 see also Béarn, Charny, Hainaut, Haubourdin, Lalaing, and Warwick single harness (plate armour) for 164 see also Béarn, Bertrandon, Castile, Delisle, Frotier, and Haubourdin trail by see Hill Condomo, Bernardone di, Milanese armourer based in Avignon 26, 28, 29 Corio Anrico, armourer of Milan 118 Bellino, armourer of Milan 118 makers’ marks 117 Cristoforo, armourer of Milan 9, 116 Donato, armourer of Milan 118 Gabriolo, armourer of Milan 118 Giovanni (or Zoan), armourer of Milan contract to make parts of the Avant harness 9, 118 makers’ marks 119 workshop 9, 118 crests, for helmets 19, 60, 76, 83, 84, 86, 108 crossbowmen from Germany in service of Charles VII 175 skullcaps for 26 crossbows bejewelled 7, 19 bolts 200 broadhead 108 for ships’ hulls 94 for shooting from horseback 101 fletchings for 114, 134, 138, 145, 146, 200 used on the Avant harness xxi maker (artilleur) 63, 138 unknown types 200 widow paid for those made by her husband 7, 63 see also Espinar called ‘the Nettle’ 144 failure of shot of 11, 115, 129–30 for galley-crewmen 173 for shattering white harness xxii, 134 not commonly used in France 158 of the Earl Marshal 83 of the Duke of Anjou 165 of Roumanie (i.e. Greece/Byzantine Empire) 144–6 Pero Niño’s injury caused by xxi, 129 Richard I shot by 185 spanning devices 16, 201 steel 173 strings 94, 114, 138, 139, 165 trigger nuts 114, 144, 145; construction of, 159, 165 used to proof plate armour xxi–xxii, 10, 39, 92
232
z
index
varnish 12, 111, 139 cuir bouilli see jousting under saddles and pavises under shields
z
Elsing Church, see Hastings, Sir Hugh Eltham Palace, Christmastide jousts at 12, 35–8 emery see repair Espinar, Alonso Martinez de, description of crossbow-bolt shafts 200 Exeter, Thomas, duke of, will 118
daggers archers’ 146, 158 baselards 50, 75, 79, 87, 97, 100, 145, 148 biddows 89 bollock daggers 3, 7, 16, 148, 195, 195 fighting with on Jersey 131 judicial duel 140–1 rondel daggers 141 use in arranged foot combat 41, 125 Datini, Francesco di Marco, Pratese merchant accounts 22–34 evidence for etymology 181, 188, 218 evidence for proofing plate armour xxi–xxii refurbishing of plate armour 10, 23–5, 26, 28, 32 decoration of armour see goldsmiths of weapons 8, 34, 79, 148, 102 De Games, Gutierre Díaz de, exploits of with Don Pero Niño 11, 128–31 see also jousting Delisle, Lancelot, receives a challenge to single combat from Guillaume Frotier, Royal échanson 125 Depeden, Sir John, will 40 Dijon artillerie (armoury) at xxii, 132–4, 135–9 Duke of Burgundy’s palace at 7, 98–102 Parisian armourer’s lodgings at 8, 120–1 Douai, will made at 87 doublet see arming and fabric defences Douglas, Archibald, earl of injured and captured at Humbledon Hill 11, 42 leads a Scottish army in France 112 Du Cange, sieur, lexicographer 3, 190 duel, judicial see Hill Dunois count of see Orléans under Jean, Bastard of county of, notaries of recording armour 10, 64 Durham Priory armour in the hands of the prior 21 accounts 21 gun at 8 Dussy, Maître Jacques, bourgeois, lodgings of in Paris 142 Dutch etymology 199 merchant in Kingston-upon-Hull 151 Dynham, Sir John, indenture listing various arrow-types 8, 104–8
fabric defences aketon 76, 128 doublet 148 arming see arming of defence 89, 97, 127 see also jack and jazerant Fagano Felice da, Milanese merchant in London 149 Maffino, armourer of Milan 9, 116 Filioll, William, will 87 Flanders armour from brought to Paris for sale 92 club used in 215 Flemings, poem on the defeat of before Calais 12, 146–7 see also Mets Fletcher, John, armourer of London, paid for plate armour for the Earl Marshal 83 fletchers see arrows Florence, merchant of see Morelli Fox, Richard, armourer of London, paid for basinets for the Earl Marshal 83 France see anonymous, archers, Douglas, Charles VII, jacks, jousting, knives, Paris, and Scots French language 6 see also anonymous under Frenchman Frotier, Guillaume, Royal échanson, challenge to single combat to Lancelot Delisle 125 Fryth, Stephen atte, armourer to Richard II 79 furbishing plate armour 7, 132 mail armour 7, 9, 132 tools for 132 refurbishing see Datini and Milan under armourers weapons 47, 78–9, 165–6 Galicia Milanese armour exported to 118 Pero Niño fights in 128 galleys see ships galloglass 206 Galloway sparth see axes Garavaglia Giovanni, armourer of Milan contract to make parts of the Avant harness 9, 118 makers’ marks 119 Master Cristoforo, armourer of Milan 9, 118 Gatari, Galeazzo and Bartolomeo, Carrese chroniclers, mention of sallet 218
effigies see tombs
233
z
index
Gay, Victor, glossarist 3 Genoa cuirasses of 93, 201 hoods of 93 merchant of in Paris 19 George, Saint see Saint George Germany crossbowmen from in service of Charles VII 175 substandard mail armour of sold in Paris as Lombard 57, 92 see also mail armour under Arnsberg, and Marienburg Ghent armour of the Duke of Burgundy brought from to Bruges 62 bombard at 196 goldsmiths, providing fittings for English noblemens’ armour 83, 95, 195 Glasgow Museums see Avant, Burrell, and Scott Gonzaga, Francesco, Ruler of Mantua inventory 50–54 letter to from Milan xxii, 10, 49 letter to from Venice xxii, 10, 38–9 Gradenigo, Mr Jacopo, Gonzaga agent in Venice 49 Gravelines see battles Gray, Robert, draper of York, will 3, 147–8 Greek, pitch, for crossbow varnish 111 Greenwich, the Duke of Clarence’s harness proofed at 95 Grey, Thomas, lord, mortuary gift 21 Grove maker of the Duke of York’s brigandine 90 Richard, armourer of London, paid for plate armour for the Earl Marshal 83 Guînes, feats of arms held in the outskirts of 84 guns at Durham Priory 8 bombards 196–7 see also Avignon, Burgundy, Castles, Ghent, Naples stones for 94, 133, 134, 138 brass 66, 73, 123 cannoneers 137, 138 cannons 199 stones for 21, 114, 123–4, 133, 138, 146 dart 66 etymology 204, 205, 220 fowlers 205–6 gunfounders 8, 80, 94, 123, 124, 137 see also Boston gunners 123 see also cannoneers gunpowder 21, 44, 66, 78, 94, 115, 123, 134, 146, 173 willow charcoal for 115, 146
z
gunstones 77, 78, 173 grindstones for shaping 94, 115 handguns 66, 94, 204, 212 increasing use of 8 iron guns 66, 73 balls 8, 80 bullets for 53 lead shot for 21, 94, 123, 134, 146, 216 scoppietto 220 stock guns 111 Hainaut, Jean, seneschal of, single combats 11, 44–5 Haliwell, John, armourer of London, paid for jousting armour for the Duke of Clarence 96 Haltemprice, Priory of, bequeathed a clothof-gold jack 97 Harfleur see sieges harness (complete plate armour) hosting 12, 85 steel 74 white (polished steel) xxii, 62, 100, 134, 156 see also arming, Avant, and plate armour Hastings, Sir Hugh, description of the tomb brass of 12, 58–61, 59, 208 haubergers see mail armour Haubourdin, Seigneur de, single combat with Sir Bernard, Bastard of Béarn 13, 147, 168–72 Hay, Sir Gilbert, opinion on armour and weapons xxii Healaugh, Yorkshire, will made at 40 Heaton, Yorkshire, will made at Heaumerie, Rue de La, Paris 20, 58 Hebrides, warriors from 206 Hecche, Adam, armourer, of York, will 132 helmets 212 see also Berry, Blair, jousting under armet and helms, Juvénal des Ursins, La Marche, Lyon, Montauban, sallets, and Spain Henry IV jousts at the court of 35–8 Thomas Hostell injured in the service of 109 Henry V at the Siege of Rouen 97 forces of in France in 1415 199 injured at Shrewsbury whilst still prince xxi see also Bradmore letter to the Lieutenant and Treasurer of Calais 10, 103–4 Thomas Hostell injured in the service of 109 Henry, Baudoyn, called ‘Courbel’, armourer of the Duke of Burgundy, inventory of 120–1
234
z
index
Henry, prince (future Henry V), arrow wound treatment see Bradmore heraldry arms Anjou on a horse cover 114–5 as a seal on a letter of challenge 41, 85 Burgundy 101 Gonzaga, Ruler of Mantua, quartered with Saint George 52 of mythical and pseudo-historical challengers to a joust at Eltham 35–8 of royals, nobles, and knights on the tomb brass of Sir Hugh Hastings 60–1 of the French opponents of the Earl of Warwick in combat 85 Orléans on a crossbow 144 Saint George see Saint George Scrope, baron, on the tomb of 88 badges plane tool of the Duke of Burgundy 101 porcupine of the Duke of Orléans 19, 114 turtle doves of Gonzaga 53 winged hart of Gonzaga 53 coat armours English royal arms 61 Foix, counts of 170 French and Castilians stuck with arrows at Poole 129–30 Hastings, Sir Hugh 60 of the knights of the Duke of Burgundy 116 Olivier de Clisson 8, 54 Lancelot of the Lake 170 Luxembourg, house of 170–1 Warwick, earls of 61 escutcheons 60, 53–4, 76, 100 heralds accompanied only by for an arranged combat 41 Blanc Turcell Poursuivant of Henry V 104 Burgundian 11, 126, 221 Earl of Warwick sends to France to issue a challenge to combat 84, 85 Richmond xix see also Le Fèvre and Le Neve Hill, John, Armourer and Sergeant of the Office of the King’s Armoury in the Tower of London 79 treatise on arming for the judicial duel 12, 139–41 horses clashing in the joust in France 130 coursers 45, 86, 97, 118 crossbow shooting from horseback 101
z
bequeathed in wills 46, 50, 65, 87, 90, 97, 118 dapple-grey 46 for the Duke of Clarence’s armourer to travel to London 96 from Lombardy for Henry V 104 little mountain horses of Irish troops 97 longsword for mounted combat 101 mail defences for 48, 52, 100 Pero Niño’s wounded in battle 128 tilt barrier to prevent colliding 131 Hull see Kingston-upon-Hull Humbledon Hill see battles Hungary, saddle-tassets in the fashion of 102 Hungerford, Baron Walter, will 177 hunting collars for hounds 8 weapons arrows 16, 101, 107, 108 boar spears 16, 107, 174, 173; long-bladed of Spain 94 unknown spear-type 205 spear 53 imports see ships Innsbruck, master craftsmen of, testing armour with firearms 220 injuries arrow see Bradmore, Isle-Adam, jacks, Joan of Arc, and Valines crossbow see Niño tournament see Lancaster see also springalds inventories, as evidence 7–9 Irish see knives, Rouen see sieges under Rouen, horses, saddles, and shields under targes Isle-Adam, lord of, (Villiers), standardbearer of the Duke of Burgundy, stuck with arrows and killed at the Battle of Brouwershaven xxi, 116 iron cast 8, 80, 94 for making guns 123 plate armour 24, 26–34, 52, 71–3, 100, 114 mail 23–4, 26, 28, 31, 33, 48, 52–3, 57–8, 70, 71–3, 93, 114, 121 osmund 135 Spanish 134 staff weapons 47, 48 wire 63, 168 Italian language, arms and armour terminology introduced into Eng. and Fr. 6, 8, 181, 192, 219 merchants see brigandines, Datini, Florence, Fagano, Genoa, Micheli, Morelli, Palastrello, and Trezzo
235
z
index
jacks black to be hidden at night 90 cloth-of-gold 97 English cast off to flee 131 equipped with external metal for reinforcement 6, 112 French and Castilians’ stuck with arrows 129 of defence 38, 40, 110 of Henry V’s forces in France 199 of the archers of France 158 of the bourgeois of Lyon 67–72 of velvet black 101 with mail inside of Olivier de Clisson 54 in the Tower of London 21 sleeves lined with velvet for the Earl Marshal 82 James II of Scots, galleys sent to from the Duke of Burgundy 172–3 James IV of Scots, armet (helmet) lining bought for 182 javelins 97, 205 jazerants bequeathed in a will 40, 149 Duke of Anjou’s scoured at Marseille 166 fittings of partial defences for the Earl Marshal 8, 83 for the Duke of Burgundy 63 imported to London 168 in the Prior of Durham’s hands 44 of Joan of Arc 126 Jersey, Isle of, attack on by Pero Niño 130–1 Joan of Arc armour for 8, 10, 125–6 injured at the Siege of Orléans 10, 126 jousters at the Christmastide jousts at Eltham Palace 37–8 described by the anonymous Frenchman 161–2 one of the best in France against the Earl of Warwick 12, 85 jousting age for 13, 36, 37 armour armet (helmet) 120, 181 decoration of 19, 20, 167 for jousts of peace 9, 45, 96 for jousts of war 9, 45 harness (full body defences) 19, 63 helms 53, 62, 102, 126, 159, 160, 166 manifers 53, 120, 162, 166, 167, 206 polder-mittons 53, 162, 166, 216, 217 equipment lances 36, 37, 53, 62, 130, 162; fittings for lances: coronals, 35–7, 53, 62, 102, 120, 127, 159, 161, 162, 167; grappers, 53, 62,
z
84, 102, 120, 162, 167; vamplates, 53, 62, 102, 162, 166; made by only two masters at the French court, 130 saddles 19, 35–7, 45, 63, 88, 89, 102, 130; for the Earl of Warwick’s feat of arms, 85; in France of cuir bouilli described by Gutierre Díaz de Games, 11, 130 in the Portuguese manner at Arras 11, 131–2 see also shields jousts, locations of see Arras, Bois de Vincennes, Eltham, and Somerton Juvénal des Ursins, Jean account of rumours of a massacre in Paris 11, 90 mention of a helmet-type 199 Kingston-upon-Hull alien merchant’s imports to 10, 151 men of capture a ship on the coast of Scotland 9, 39–40 knives of Turkey 101, 145 in the Moorish fashion 165 in the Tower of London 78–9 large German 166 large Irish of strange type 97 pair of 79 Roger Ascham’s comparison with to describe arrowheads 186 silver gilt 54 used by soldiers in Brittany 112–3 used by soldiers in France 158 used in the Scottish host 127 with baselard 87 wood knife 83 see also daggers Kyrkby, Roger, Vicar of Gainford, inventory and will 75–6 Lalaing, Sir Simon de, mounted combat at Arras 131 La Marche, Olivier de account of single combat 168–72 description of a ‘great basinet’ 212 mention of Italian armet (helmet) 182 Lancaster, Henry, duke of depicted in a tomb brass 61 description of tournament injures 4 lancegays 47, 52, 53, 107, 114 Lancelot of the Lake see heraldry under coat armours lances see combats, javelins, jousting, lancegays, and staff weapons Langford, Sir William, will 73 Laon, Colart de, King’s Painter and valet de chambre, paid for preparing jousting armour for the Duke of Orléans 19, 20
236
z
index
Latin, Classical, armour terminology xxii, 5, 6, 8 leather arming points 95 case for bows 107 crossbow cover 115 for horses armour 130 cruppers 89 for jousting vamplates 162 for mail armour 48, 52–3 for pavises 124, 139 for plate armour 62, 114 for swords and accoutrements 84, 101 for tourney armour 76 hardened see cuir bouilli hides black 78 red sheep 95 Roman torso defences 201 sacks for artillery munitions 94, 146 tresses for jousting helm 161 Turkish quivers 101 quivers 114 see also shields and cuir bouilli Le Fèvre, Jean, Seigneur de Saint-Rémy, chronicler and herald describes Portuguese jousts at Arras 126–7 English archers at Agincourt 221 Lee, Sir Henry, opinion on metal for armour xxi Le Neve, Peter, herald 58 lead, shot see guns Lincoln, will made at 38 lining of jacks 82, 101, 158 of plate and mail armour 7, 8, 10, 33, 48, 53, 78, 83 Llull, Ramon, opinion on armour and weapons xxii Lombardy armour of brought to Paris for sale 92 harness and armourers of for Henry V 10, 104 mail armour sold in Paris falsely claimed to be made in 57 London armourers of hire of the Brewers’ Company hall for their feast 8, 109 see also Grove, Haliwell, Fletcher, Fox, and Thomas goods imported by alien merchants 10, 103, 135, 149–51, 167–8 gunfounder of see Boston list of armour dated 1586 for sale 192 Tower of see Tower longbows see bows
z
Lucca, merchants of see Micheli and Palastrello Lyon armet (helmet) made in 34 axes of the fashion of 188 basinet made in 31 breastplates made in 27, 32 roll of arms of the bourgeois of 9, 67–72 maces for an unknown mace and shield game 53 steel 78 Turk’s of iron 101 Maclodio see battles mail armour barrels for cleaning 44, 48, 89, 111 from Arnsberg (Westphalia) 83 from Milan 5, 20, 63, 66, 83, 100, 102 gilt links 8, 95 harness 100 makers of Brussels 48 of Paris 7, 9, 54–8, 91–2 reuse of 9, 109 six links in one 23, 26 terminology of defences 213 Mantua, Ruler of see Gonzaga Marienberg, gun foundry at 197 Marseille brigandine-maker in 167 jazerant scoured in 166 Marshal John, the Earl household accounts 8, 81–4, 182 Thomas, the Earl forfeited goods 9, 45 Masham see Scrope Maxwell, Sir Robert, of Calderwood, will 102 merchants see Bowes, brigandines, Datini, Fagano, Florence, Genoa, Kingstonupon-Hull, London, Micheli, Morelli, Palastrello, and Trezzo Mets, Guillebert de, description of a Parisian bourgeois’ lodgings 11, 142 Micheli, Giovanni, Lucchese merchant in London 149 Milan armour arm defences the most common sort in France 156–7 bought in for John, duke of Burgundy 7 Duke Amadeus VIII of Savoy brings sallets from 218 export of for Charles VII 176–7 export of to the lands of the King of Aragon 118, 188 imported to Paris for Louis, duke of Orléans 19
237
z
index
Milan: armour (cont’d) legharness of in France 158 plate armour in the Datini accounts 23–34 mail armour see mail armour armourers armour-furbishers 23, n.1 master armourer making proofed cuirasses 49 merchant armourer providing armour for Charles VII 164 two craftsmen of providing armour after the defeat at the Battle of Maclodio 122 see also Aloisio, Condomo, Corio, Garavaglia, Fagano, Missaglia, Pietro, Trezzo chronicler see Verri Gian Maria, duke of 49 merchants 8 see also Fagano and Trezzo saddles of 13, 147 Missaglia, Tommaso, armourer of Milan 116, 188 makers’ mark 117 Monstrelet, Enguerrand de, chronicle account of a feat of arms at Arras 131–2 Montauban, helmet-type 69, 76–7, 156, 199 Monte, Pietro, description of a firearm 220 Montendre, castellani of, combat near 40 Montpellier, breastplates made in 29 Morelli, Paolo, Florentine merchant, providing a chest of armour for Henry VI 10, 149 Morosini, Mr Polo, Gonzaga agent in Venice 39
z
Charles, duke of armour lined with satin 7 household accounts 73–5 Jean, Bastard of, describes Joan of Arc’s arrow-shot injury 126 Louis, duke of household accounts 7, 19–20 seven knights and squires of the Duke issue a challenge 40–41 Valentina Visconti, duchess of, gifts a crossbow set with precious stones to the Duke 7, 19 see also sieges Palastrello, Alessandro, Lucchese merchant in London 149 Paris armour merchants of in dispute with armourers 91–2 plate armour in the Datini accounts 24, 31, 33 armourers Confraternity of Saint George 58 haubergers (mail-makers) see mail armour plate armourer of provides equipment to Louis, duke of Orléans, 20 1364 statutes 7 bourgeois’ lodgings in see Mets massacre of the Duke of Burgundy’s supporters 11, 90 merchants selling false mail goods 57, 65–6 Milanese armour brought to see Milan under armour Henry V’s armour from Milan to be delivered to 103 Rue de la Heaumerie 20, 58 Parker John, Clerk, Doctor of Medicine of York, will 49–50 John, of Cheshunt, Master of the King’s Ordnance 122–4 Passau sword of 8, 54 longsword called 78 Paston, Sir John receives a letter from an armourer from Bruges 192 royal petition of 10, 173–4 Pauntley, Gloucestershire, will made at 149 Penchor, William, gift of a hauberk and plate gauntlets to Durham Priory 44 penetration of armour at Humbledon Hill 42 see also proofing Percy Henry, ‘le fitz’, men of capture a ship on the coast of Scotland 23–40
Namur, City of, artillery for 8, 80 Nantes, ordonnance of the Duke of Brittany made at 112–3 Naples, bombard brought from 94 Navarre, Milanese armour exported to 118 Negroni da Ello see Missaglia Neville, John, lord, armour belonging to in the the hands of the Prior of Durham Priory 44 Niño, Don Pero crossbow injury xxi exploits of 11, 128–31 see also De Games Norbury, John, Keeper of the King’s Privy Wardrobe in the Tower of London 20–21 Norham, proctor of, receives a mortuary gift 21 Normandeaul, Hôtel du, the Duke of Burgundy’s artillery at a grange at 132–4 Normanvile, John, will 65 Norton, Master William, clerk of York, will 46 Nuremberg, swords from 47 oil see varnish Orléans
238
z
index
sword called 87 Persian, name for quiver 216 Perth, Scottish parliament held at 127 Pietro, Master, armourer of Milan 116 pitch see Greek plate armour development 8, 201–4, 209, 214 proofing xxi–xxii see also arming under harness, and harness Plymouth, goods of a ship landed at 10, 96 pollaxes see axes Poole, attack on the port of by Pero Niño 129–30 Portsmouth Duke of Clarence’s harness carried to from London 96 horses for the Duke of Clarence’s armourer to supervise the harness 96 Portugal, jousts of the type held in at Arras 11, 126–7 pronunciation of arms and armour terms 181, 182, 204, 219 proofing of armour xxi–xxii Provence, armour terminology introduced to 201, 218 see also castles under Tarascon Pull, Martin, King’s Armourer in the Tower of London 78
z
Rondelle, Martin, armourer to the Bastard of Burgundy, letter of 192 Ros, Baron William, will 75 Rouen see sieges Roxburgh see castles rust, on armour 24, 29, 32–4, 114, 146 Rutland, Edward, earl of, household knights and squires of receive a challenge to combat 40 saddlers mending pavises 138 providing jousting shields and equipment 62, 102, 166 saddles arming 114 bastard 78, 88 for banner-bearers 94, 102 Irish riding without 97 jousting see jousting of Milan 13, 147, 176 saddle-bow, cranequin hung from 165 tassets 102 war 126 Saint Albans Abbey see Walsingham hauberk purchased at for the Earl of March 80 Saint George arms on the Earl Marshal’s basinet 83 arms quartered with Gonzaga 52 called on for aid in the ‘Combat of the Seven’ 41 Confraternity of the Armourers of Paris of 58 Saint Martin Orgar, parish of in the City of London, will made at 38 Saint Mary’s Church, Tadcaster, vicar of receives a mortuary gift 65 Saint-Denis de Moronval see castles Saint-Omer, single combat held at 168–72 Saint Paul’s Cathedral, armourer at the gate of see Thomas Saint-Pol, Bastard of see Haubourdin Salisbury Cathedral, will made at 73 Richard, earl of, indenture for service in France 134 sallets 216–9, 218, 219 Santiago de Compostela, Milanese armour exported to 118 Savoy armour from brought to Paris for sale 92 Duke Amadeus VIII brings sallets from Milan 218 squire from fights in an Italian armet (helmet) 182
quivers at Tarascon 114 of French archers 158 of the garrison of Bayeux 146 in the armoury at Dijon 134 in the Duke of Brittany’s ordonance 112 Turkish 216 Rais, Gilles de, gift of armour to 175 Raponde, Dine, the Duke of Burgundy’s conseiller and maître d’hôtel, paid for harness of Milan and for its carriage of from Milan to Paris 7, 63 Reims, armour in 1477 at 195 religious with armour and weapons see Durham Priory, Haltemprice, Kyrkby, Norham, and Saint Mary’s Church, Tadcaster refurbishing see Datini and Milan under armourers repair armour 34, 62, 78, 79 emery 53, 84 crossbows and devices 134, 165 see also varnish Richard I, struck with a crossbow bolt 185 Richard II, armourer of 79 Romagna, Milanese armour to be sold in 116 Romans, torso armour of 201
239
z
index
Scott, R. L. bequest of the Avant harness to the people of Glasgow 15 library 20, 40, 73–4 Scotland act of parliament of 9, 127 ship captured on the coast of 39–40 royal accounts 182 Scots archers of the bodyguard of Charles VII (Garde écossaise) 164, 175–6 army in France 10, 112 Gaelic-speaking with sparths 112, 206 language 5, 182, 198, 219 working on armour for three years before the Battle of Humbledon Hill 42 Scrope, Henry, Baron Scrope of Masham, inventory and will 88–9 scythe, blade in the shape of 205 shields described on a tomb brass 59, 60–61 description of construction for a feat of arms 12, 86 escutcheon of baleen and leather for the tourney 76 in a Parisian lodging 142 mounted combat without shields 85 thickness of for a feat of arms 12, 86 used as a weapon 129; adarga 128, 129 bucklers 52, 94, 127, 134, 148 jousting 53, 62; coronals failing to catch on, 127; covered with pieces of bone, 166; covered with steel, 126; cushions for, 63; description of construction of those used in France, 159–61; ecranche, 205; gilded, 19; with heraldic arms, 35, 37; see also saddlers pavises: at Roxburgh Castle, 73; at the Château of Tarascon, 94, 114; bought from a Parisian armourer, 20; for English royal ships, 66; for galley-crewmen, 173; for single combat, 45; for the Duke of Clarence, 95; for the Earl Marshal, 84; for the English war in France, 124; in the Duke of Brittany’s Ordonnance, 113; in the Tower of London, 21, 78; large double for fighting on foot at Dijon, 134; materials for, 113, 124, 138, 139; of aspen, 113; of cuir bouilli, 114; of the Ruler of Mantua, 52; see also saddlers rondelles: at the Château of Tarascon, 94, 114; of Turkey, 145 targes: in a Parisian lodging, 142; jousting, 102; painted for an unknown mace and shield game, 53; steel targes used in single combat, 170–71; steel targes for the Ruler
z
of Mantua, 52; small targes at the Château of Blois, 145; small targes for mounted combat, 101; Irish small targes, 97
ships arming a French 164 captured by English on the coast of Scotland 39–40 carrack English royal ship called 66 English soldier injured on 109 Earl Marshal’s at Brokenwharf 83 English royal 8, 66, 124, 206 galleys fitted out at Antwerp 172–3 goods aboard at Plymouth 96 importing goods to England 103, 135, 148–9, 167–8 skullcaps for shipboard fighting 24, 32 Shrewsbury see battles Sicily, Milanese armour exported to 118 sieges artillery 206 engines 142 see also springalds Harfleur 8, 109 Orléans 126 Rouen 197 Irish troops at 11, 96–7 Smallhythe, equipment for ships bought at 66 Somerton, the Duke of Clarence’s harness carried to London from a joust of peace at 96 Southampton, petty custom book of 148–9 Southwark, the Duke of Clarence’s harness carried to from Ryehall 96 Spain boar spear of 94 helmet and throat defence borne in 188 iron 134 jousting 172 Milanese armour exported to 118 practice of armets (helmets) being unattached commonly found in 172 single combat in 11, 45 springalds Thomas Hostell injured by 109 vice for 66 staff weapons 16, 220 see also javelines, hunting weapons, lancegays, and lances Standish, Sir Hugh, petition to the King for a harness from the Master of the Armoury at the Tower of London 10, 87–8 surcoats see heraldry under coat armours surgeon see Bradmore, John swords arming swords 77, 151 called ‘Passau’ 78 called ‘Percy’ 87 for mounted combat 84–6, 101
240
z
index
for single combat 53 from Nuremberg 47 longswords 50, 100, 140 of Turkey 100 short swords 50, 87, 140 small in the Saracen fashion 145 two-handed 40, 145, 158 Sybille, John, will 38
z
Valines, Sir Andrieu de, sénéchal of the Boulonnais, killed by an arrow in the eye at the Battle of Brouwershaven 115 varnish black for axes for use at night 90 for armour 24, 26, 27, 29, 31–2, 34 for crossbows 12, 111 Venice letter written from to the Ruler of Mantua 38–9 master armourer at 39 recipe for varnish for crossbows from 111 Verri, Pietro, Milanese chronicler 121 Vienne guns bought in 94 Sir Jehan de, armour of in an armourer’s workshop 8, 121 Visconti see Milan and Orléans
Tadcaster see Saint Mary’s Church Tarascon see castles Teutonic Order see Marienburg textiles see fabric defences, women, and Zonturini Thomas, armourer next to the Gate of Saint Paul’s Cathedral 84 Threlkeld, Sir Henry, of Yanwarth, indenture for service in France 134 tools, armourers’ 7, 8, 52, 118, 120, 132, 140–41 see also arming under nails tombs brass, of Sir Hugh Hastings 12, 16, 58–61, 59, 208 effigies as evidence 16 at Ceres, Fife 215 instructed in wills 7 of Henry, Baron Scrope 88 of John, earl of Arundel 211 of Sir Robert Maxwell 102 Tournai, citizens of receive a letter from Charles VII concerning the arrival of a Scottish army 112 tournaments see Anjou, Armouries, and tourney tourney English regulations for arming for 9, 76–7 hand defence of unknown form 206 helm of the Duke of Anjou 195 Henry, duke of Lancaster’s description of injuries 4 Ruler of Mantua’s old equipment 53 Tours, master brigandine-makers set up in 175 Tower, of London see bows, Hill, jacks, Pull, Norbury, shields, and Standish translation of sources 5–6 Trezzo, Balzarino da, merchant armourer of Milan, provides armour for Charles VII 164 trial by combat see Hill Turkey see bows, knives, leather, maces, Persian, shields, swords, and quivers Tuscia, Milanese armour to be sold in 116
Wallace, William, speech to his men before the Battle of Falkirk 16 Walsingham, Thomas, chronicle account of the Battle of Humbledon Hill 11, 42 Warwick Guy of, sword and hauberk of bequeathed in a will 7, 34 Richard, earl of, feats of arms of 12, 84–6 see also heraldry, heralds, jousters, and jousting under saddles Thomas, earl of, will 34 see also castles and heraldry Waurin, Jean de, soldier and chronicler 96 Westminster Abbey, muniment of recording payments of the Duke of Clarence 94–6 armourer at attending the Earl of March 79 royal grant of forfeiture issued from 45 Westphalia see mail armour under Arnsberg Whittington, Guy, will 149 wills, as evidence 6–7 Winter, Bartholomew, armourer see Clarence wire see Antwerp and iron wood types see bows, shields under pavises, and gunpowder workshops, armourers 118, 120–21, 150 women armour crafters 7 bequeathed mail-making tools 7, 132 names given to bombards 196 providing fabrics for the Duke of Clarence’s and Earl Marshal’s armour and weapons 82–3, 95 sending challenges as mythical rulers for the Christmastide jousts at Eltham Palace 35–8 widow paid for crossbow bolts made by her husband 7, 63
unidentified armour 195, 199, 213 weapons 7, 94, 106, 187, 188, 200 Usflete, Sir Gerard, will 97 Valeperghe, Sir Théolde de, mounted combat at Arras 131
241
z
index
Yanwarth see Threlkeld York archbishop of see Bowet armourer of see Hecche Edward, duke of, will 89–90 Minster, tomb effigy of Henry, Baron Scrope, in Saint Stephen’s Chapel 88 wills of citizens see Bowes, Gray, Norton, and Parker
z
Zoan see Corio, Giovanni Zoano, master armourer, Parish of San Marco, Venice 39 Zonturini, Francesco, provides of velvet for the Ruler of Mantua’s cuirass 39 Zouch, Sir John la, will 151 Zugnio, Gaspare de, Milanese armourer’s agent in the lands of the King of Arragon 118
242
Armour and Weapons I. The Artillery of the Dukes of Burgundy, 1363–1477 Robert Douglas Smith and Kelly DeVries II. ‘The Furie of the Ordnance’: Artillery in the English Civil Wars Stephen Bull III. Jousting in Medieval and Renaissance Iberia Noel Fallows IV. The Art of Swordsmanship by Hans Lecküchner translated by Jeffrey L. Forgeng V. The Book of Horsemanship by Duarte I of Portugal translated by Jeffrey L. Forgeng VI. Pietro Monte’s Collectanea: The Arms, Armour and Fighting Techniques of a Fifteenth-Century Soldier translated by Jeffrey L. Forgeng VII. The Medieval Military Engineer: From the Roman Empire to the Sixteenth Century Peter Purton VIII. Royal and Urban Gunpowder Weapons in Late Medieval England Dan Spencer IX. The Sword: Form and Thought edited by Lisa Deutscher, Mirjam Kaiser and Sixt Wetzler X. Medieval Arms and Armour: A Sourcebook. Volume I: The Fourteenth Century XI. A Cultural History of the Medieval Sword: Power, Piety and Play Robert W. Jones XII. The Thun-Hohenstein Album: Cultures of Remembrance in a Paper Armory Chassica Kirchhoff