The English sallet was a distinctive variant of the sallet helmet, used during the Wars of the Roses and influenced by both German and Italian designs. It often featured a high crown, extended tail, and movable visor, offering strong protection and battlefield flexibility. This helmet adapted to the needs of English soldiers while maintaining the stylistic elegance of Gothic armor. As part of the late medieval helmet evolution, the English sallet is a testament to regional craftsmanship and military adaptation.
Medieval-Style Helmet Replica
Discover this medieval-style helmet, perfect for collectors, reenactors, or as a display piece for enthusiasts of medieval history.
There were a large number of variations of the Sallet helmet which could vary from region to region or between countries.
Burgundian Sallet
The English style of the Sallet was inspired by both the Italian and German Sallet helmet designs, by around the 15th century a clear English style had become popular and became known as the ‘English-Burgundian’ Sallet – this style was also adopted in the Netherlands.
The style was more closely matched to the German Sallet and offered much front facial protection, but it had more curvature in its design than the Italian Sallet.
These types of Sallet helmets offered less protection to the back of the head and neck areas and were classed as ‘short-tailed Sallets’.
The decline of the Sallet Helmet
The popularity of the Sallet helmet began to fade and during the early part of the 16th Century was replaced by the ‘Burgonet‘ and Close Helm helmet, however, a re-enforced version of the Sallet was still popular in Jousting competitions in Tournaments of that time.
The protection to the neck and back areas of the sallet could be improved by the addition of an aventail and additional lames.
In its various regional and national styles the Sallet would be one of the most popular helmets used by soldiers of the medieval period.
What makes the English sallet unique?
It combined the shape of German sallets with the open-face design of Italian ones, resulting in a versatile, well-balanced helmet.
Who used the English sallet?
English soldiers and knights used this helmet during the late 15th century, particularly in the Wars of the Roses.
Did it include a visor or bevor?
Yes, many English sallets had movable visors and chin guards for added flexibility in battle.
Was the English sallet part of Gothic armor?
Yes, it was often paired with plate armor in the Gothic style, giving both protection and stylistic appeal.
