Armour of the English Knight 1450-1500

In the eagerly awaited second volume of his acclaimed series, Dr. Tobias Capwell delves into the evolution of English armour during the tumultuous latter half of the 15th century—a period marked by the Wars of the Roses and significant shifts in martial technology and aesthetics.Building upon the foundation laid in Armour of the English Knight 1400–1450, this instalment offers a comprehensive exploration of the distinctive English style of armour-making that flourished between 1450 and 1500.

Capwell, a renowned arms and armour scholar and former Curator of Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection in London, employs a multidisciplinary approach to reconstruct the lost world of English armour. Through meticulous analysis of funerary effigies, brasses, contemporary artworks, and surviving armour pieces, he brings to light the unique characteristics that set English armour apart from its continental counterparts.

The volume is richly illustrated with high-quality photographs, technical line drawings, and reconstructions that provide readers with an immersive visual experience. Collaborations with skilled armourers and photographers ensure that each image supports the text's analytical depth, offering insights into the construction, functionality, and evolution of various armour components.

Armour of the English Knight 1450–1500 is an essential resource for historians, reenactors, collectors, and anyone interested in medieval military history. Capwell's authoritative narrative, combined with the book's visual richness, makes it a seminal work that enhances our understanding of English martial culture during a pivotal century.

“One of the book's notable contributions is its detailed examination of the artistic and functional innovations that defined English armour during this era. Capwell identifies a period of remarkable creativity, particularly between 1465 and 1485, when English armourers developed elaborate designs featuring organic motifs—such as leaf-like tassets and fluted surfaces—that gave knights an almost mythical appearance. These designs not only reflected aesthetic preferences but also addressed practical considerations for combat, especially as English knights often fought on foot, necessitating armour that balanced protection with mobility.”

— The Past

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