A medieval knight’s shield was one of the most important elements of the life of medieval knights. It came in various shapes and designs which continued to evolve over centuries.
Collection of Knight & Infantry Shields
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.
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.
Knights Templar Shield *Knights of Jerusalem Shield
Black Prince Shield
Norman Kite Shield
Norman Shield *Kite Shield
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.
Coat of Arms Gérard de Ridefort
The use of the coat of arms on medieval knight shields became common during the 12th century after the Crusades.
Knights Coat of Arms of the Duke of Beaufort
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.
Medieval Nobility Coat of Arms Shield and Flag
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.
Knights Templar Heater Shield
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.
Weaponry, shields, and horses used by medieval Norman knights *Kite Shield
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.
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.
Large Pravise Shield used by Crossbowmen
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.
Early Medieval Fighting Practice Using small Buckler Shields