The Anglo-Saxons arrived in the British Isles during the 5th century, settling across England and quickly becoming the dominant power. For more than six centuries, they shaped the culture, warfare, and politics of early medieval Britain—until the Norman Conquest of 1066 brought their reign to an end.
The military traditions of the Anglo-Saxons evolved from their Germanic roots, blending over time with Celtic influences. One of the defining features of their warfare was the absence of cavalry—unlike their Norman successors, Anglo-Saxon warriors fought almost entirely on foot. In such conditions, the shield became the warrior’s most important defensive and offensive weapon.
🪵 Construction of Anglo-Saxon Shields
The typical Anglo-Saxon shield was made from wood, a material abundant in medieval England. Woods like ash, oak, maple, alder, willow, and poplar were most common.
Each shield consisted of multiple wooden planks arranged in a circular shape, glued together with natural adhesives. Many were reinforced with leather coverings for extra strength, while wealthier warriors—such as thegns or nobles—sometimes added bronze or iron fittings for decoration and durability.
These shields were more than just protection—they were a symbol of rank, allegiance, and honour.
🛡️ The Shield Wall: A Formidable Anglo-Saxon Battle Tactic
Because Anglo-Saxon armies relied almost entirely on infantry, the shield wall became the centrepiece of their battlefield tactics.
In this formation, warriors stood shoulder to shoulder, interlocking their round shields to form an unbroken barrier. Behind this defensive line, men would throw spears or javelins, while others waited to push forward in close combat.
When two shield walls collided, it became a brutal contest of strength, stamina, and courage—a “push and break” fight where formations could collapse under pressure, leading to chaos and slaughter.
This tactic was famously used at the Battle of Hastings (1066), where the Anglo-Saxon army’s shield wall initially held strong against William the Conqueror’s Norman cavalry before ultimately breaking.
⚔️ The Power of the Shield Wall
The shield wall was one of the most iconic formations in early medieval warfare. Anglo-Saxon warriors would lock shields together to create an unbreakable defensive line—an early form of coordinated team combat.
⚔️ Size, Shape, and the Iconic Shield Boss
Most Anglo-Saxon shields were circular, ranging from 1 to 3 feet in diameter. Smaller shields were likely used for skirmishes, while larger ones were reserved for line combat in the shield wall.
Thickness varied between 5 mm and 13 mm, balancing protection and manoeuvrability.
At the centre of every shield was a metal boss—a raised, rounded fitting that protected the warrior’s hand and could also be used to deflect blows or strike back. The most common types were the carinated boss (with an angled ridge) and the tall cone boss, seen especially in early Anglo-Saxon examples.
🏛️ Visiting Real Anglo-Saxon Shields
If you’re interested in seeing authentic examples of Anglo-Saxon shields, one of the best places to visit is the British Museum in London, where items from the Sutton Hoo burial site are displayed.
I visited the exhibit myself, and seeing the reconstructed shields, metal bosses, and weapon fittings up close was incredible—it gave a real sense of how these objects weren’t just tools of war but symbols of identity. The craftsmanship and symmetry of the shield designs reveal how much skill went into their creation.
Other excellent places include the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village in Suffolk and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge, where reconstructions and finds from early medieval England bring the past vividly to life.
🛡️ Did You Know?
The Anglo-Saxon shield was not just a piece of defensive armour—it symbolized honour, rank, and loyalty. Warriors were often buried with their shields as a mark of bravery and service.
⚔️ Summary
The Anglo-Saxon shield was far more than a defensive object—it was a tool of survival, a badge of rank, and the foundation of their military tactics. Its design and function reveal much about how the Anglo-Saxons fought, lived, and thought about warfare.
Strong, simple, and symbolic—the Anglo-Saxon shield stands as one of the most iconic emblems of early medieval England
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What materials were Anglo-Saxon shields made from?
They were usually made from wooden planks such as ash, oak, or poplar, often covered with leather for reinforcement. Wealthier warriors sometimes added bronze or iron fittings.
Why did Anglo-Saxons fight on foot instead of using cavalry?
The Anglo-Saxons relied on a warrior-based infantry culture. Horses were used for travel but not typically in combat—unlike the Normans who introduced mounted knights.
What was the purpose of the shield boss?
The metal boss protected the warrior’s hand and could be used offensively to strike or deflect blows during combat.
🧠 Anglo-Saxon Shields Quiz
📘 Glossary of Anglo-Saxon Shield Terms
- Boss: The central metal dome that protected the hand on a shield.
- Shield Wall: A defensive formation where warriors locked shields together to form a continuous wall.
- Thegn: A nobleman or warrior serving a lord in Anglo-Saxon England.
- Sutton Hoo: A famous Anglo-Saxon burial site containing royal artefacts and weaponry.
- Bloodletting: A medieval medical practice of draining blood, though not directly linked to shield use, it reflects the era’s medicine.
