Medieval Weapons

I was first introduced to the Society for Creative Anachronism while away at school. Though my college didn’t have many participants, I learned more about SCA through two friends at another school. They would detail their weekly training practices and preparations for the next big battle. As fascinating as weapon training was, I became more interested in the elaborate costumes participants used to clothe themselves during battle.

Every detail from the hauberk down to daggers is thoughtfully researched by the hardcore participants. For instance, a wealthier persona (player) might use a stiletto dagger, while someone who was adept with their left hand might carry a main gauche (French for “left hand”). There are eating daggers made with black antler or white bone handles. There are even bodice daggers for the ladies that can be sewn into a bodice or corset! The level of detail put into developing and clothing a character is amazing!

The Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, lends great insight to the military dress of the Normans as far back as 1066. From the tapestry we can tell that the kite shaped shield was used universally throughout the Norman cavalry. The large shield stretches from the upper chest down to mid-calf and was meant to protect the rider’s exposed left flank, but more often than not, knights are shown using the shields to protect their horses. On his person, a knight wore a hauberk. Made of chainmail, the hauberk was knee length, split up the front and back for riding with the two sides draping around the rider’s legs when mounted, for additional protection.

Under the chainmail hauberk, a gambeson was worn. A gambeson is typically a padded or quilted garment used to prevent chafing while riding. The garment also added a layer of protection if the knight received a particularly hard blow. Unfortunately, even with padding, chainmail was likely to dig into a knight’s flesh and potentially lead to blood poisoning.

Following is an article by Barbara Walton who owns  a bed and breakfast in the Limousin region of France.   Medieval enthusiasts will fully appreciate the beautiful landscape as well as the historical castles and landmarks that are prevalent in this region.   In addition to viewing the scenery, Barbara offers painting courses conducted in the midst of this magnificent scenery. 

“Mysterious Limousin, land of lakes and legends, wild and free. This region is known as ‘Hidden France’ because, though beautiful and steeped in history, it is still relatively undiscovered. Step back in time to enjoy all the ambiance of France, the wine, the food and sunshine, quiet country roads bordered with cowslips and the early purple orchids. You drive along these pretty routes when you follow the Route of Richard the Lionheart linking thirteen castles and five other major historical sites.This tourist route, created in 1984, links together castles, churches and historical sites of the Region of Limousin and bordering departments with one common theme, Richard, bringing alive the times and traditions of medieval France. All the sites existed at the end of the 12th century and some of these formed a fortified barrier to the south of the region.A coat of arms showing a crowned lion with an arrow through the heart is clearly displayed on a series of sign posts that mark the route.Richard, born in Oxford, England on the 8th September 1157 was the son of King Henry 11, Plantagenet, King of England and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, France. He was invested as the Duke of Aquitaine in April 1169 in Poitiers, and this was confirmed in Saint Etienne Cathedral, Limoges, one of the sites on this route.Together with his brothers he went to war against his father. When his father died in 1189, Richard became Duke of Normandy and then King of England.After crusades and turbulent skirmishes with the King of France, he was wounded on 26 March 1199 and died 6 April. His heart was buried at Rouen and his entrails at Châlus, Limousin. What was left of him was buried at Fontevraud Abbey although there are legends that he (or part(s) of him were buried in the Chateau de BrieWe are lucky enough, at Les Trois Chenes Bed and Breakfast, to be situated on this route and we are conveniently placed to visit most of these amazing places. Many of the chateaux and churches are within thirty minutes drive, and Rochechouart Castle is only ten minutes away! All fifteen of these historic sites are less than one and a half hours’ drive, and if you take into consideration the distances in France, that is really very close indeed. Nor does this include the castles of the nearby Charente and Dordogne regions or several other amazing historical sites! All of the following are well worth a visit.

• Excellent botanical garden behind Limoges Cathedral
• Museum of Métiers also near the cathedral. A fascinating museum devoted to the crafts.
• Visit the Porcelain Museum at Limoges
• Cassinomagus is an important Gallo - Roman site at Chassenon, ten minutes from Videix. They organise fantastic days when people dress up as ancient Gauls or Romans and show crafts, costumes, housing, warefare etc. Not well publicised but not to be missed!
• The town of Pierre-Buffier is about 1 hour away from Les Trois Chenes and has (or had) monestary of 11th century and has 11th century church - Sainte-Croix. It is well worth a visit
• The town of La Rochefoucauld is only thirty minutes away. It is dominated by a Fairytale Castle complete with moat. Here you can dress up in Medieval costume and parade around the Chateau. The kids love this – but so do the adults.

Take a bit of time to see the very many other wonderful places to see and things to do. After seven years I’m still discovering Limousin!See Les Trois Chenes site http://lestroischenes.comFor a full list of the sites visit http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Route-of-Richard-the-LionheartFor more details on Rochechouart see http://hubpages.com/hub/Rochechouart-and-the-land-of-the-meteoriteVisit the Medieval Festival at Rochechouart http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Mediaeval-Fesitval-of-Rochechouart ”