The shield was a crucial element of a knight’s defense, used not only in battle but also as a symbol of personal and familial identity. Crafted from wood, leather, and metal, shields came in various shapes and sizes, evolving to meet the demands of medieval warfare. Beyond protection, a knight’s shield often displayed a coat of arms, allowing allies and enemies alike to identify them on the field. These designs were deeply meaningful, linking a knight to his lineage, loyalties, and personal achievements.
The design of a medieval knight’s shield was made keeping into consideration the status of the knight and the shape of the shield. The Medieval knights often used different kinds of shields compared to the infantry.
Knight Shield Designs
Various styles of a medieval knight’s shield were prevalent during medieval times. This included the shape of the shield as well as the coat of arms of the knight. For instance, during the middle medieval times, round shields made of non-splitting wood were in vogue.
These shields often had leather covers for better protection. During the late medieval times, however, several changes took place in the medieval knight shield designs. The Medieval Knights’ shields became smaller and lighter and the heater shield style became popular.
Popular Knights Shields
Knight Shield Emblems & Coat of Arms
A medieval knight’s shield had the coat of arms of the knight carved or painted on it. This coat of arms served to identify a particular knight or the order of the knight’s seniority.
The use of the coat of arms on medieval knight shields became common during the 12th century after the Crusades.
Eventually, the coat of arms began to be used as a flag in addition to its use on the shield. Other than the medieval knights, the coat of arms was also used as a symbol by the clergy and the nobility.
Knights Shield Defence
The primary purpose of a medieval knight’s shield was defense. Various kinds of shields were used for defense during medieval times. For instance, the Heater Shield was a large shield that became famous during the 13th century and was triangular in shape.
Another important form of medieval knights’ shield was the kite shield which, as the name suggests, resembled a kite in shape. Kite shields were developed to completely protect a knight’s body when mounted.
The Kite Shield is commonly associated with Norman Knights.
Other than the wars, knights also used the shields for defense purposes during tournaments and duels. Thus a medieval knight shield was something that was indispensable for a medieval knight.
Knights Shield – Attacking Weapon
Other than defense purposes, a medieval knight shield could also be used for attacking purposes. This, however, was true when there was no other attacking weapon.
Thus, for instance, a medieval knight shield could be used when a hand-to-hand battle ensued and the sword was either not available or lost.
Shields were also important during attacks because they allowed the armies to proceed while blocking the arrows of the enemy. A classic example is the Pravise Shield which allowed the crossbowman to hide behind it in order to reload his weapon.
Medieval Knight Shield Summary
A medieval knight shield came in various sizes and styles. It could be made of wood, iron, or steel in addition to leather for greater protection and firm grip.
Medieval knights used these shields during wars as well as tournaments. The coat of arms of the medieval knight was painted on the shield for his identity.
Other than defense purposes, a medieval knight shield could also be used for attacking purposes in a hand-to-hand fight.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medieval Knight Shields
What was the primary purpose of a knight’s shield?
The main purpose of a shield was protection in battle, deflecting blows from swords, arrows, and other weapons.
What materials were shields made from?
Shields were typically made from wood, often covered with leather and reinforced with metal edges or bosses for added strength.
What is a shield boss?
A shield boss is a rounded metal piece in the center of the shield used to deflect blows and sometimes for offensive strikes.
Did shields display symbols?
Yes. Shields often displayed heraldic symbols, coats of arms, or personal emblems to identify the knight in battle and tournaments.
Were all shields the same shape?
No. Shapes varied over time, including heater shields, kite shields, and round shields, depending on period, region, and intended use.
How were shields carried?
Knights used straps and handles to carry shields. Some were worn on the arm (buckler style), while larger shields were strapped for stability during combat.
Did shields provide offense as well as defense?
Yes. Knights sometimes used the edge or boss of the shield to strike opponents in close combat.
