The Medieval Shield Used During The Middle Ages

The Medieval Shield

Medieval Shields were made to shield, or protect, a knight or soldier from the direct blows from the arrows, swords and spears of their enemies. Shields are one of the most famous medieval objects of all time.

Shields used during the Middle Ages were also sometimes used as blunt force weapons, The use of the shield was practised by knights at the Pell. Pell training demanded hours of practise to increase skills, strength and agility in relation to Medieval swords and shields. Medieval shields also were decorated with symbols which were used to recognise the knight, at tournaments and on the battlefield, This was necessary because a knights armour included a visor or large helmet which covered the face of the knight. The decoration on a
The project I am making is a kite shield, the kite shield was featured in the beaux tapestry it was curved at the top and tapered at the bottom witch was useful in covering the entire body. The kite shield was used by the Normans and was soon used by many others, it was mainly used for infantry but could be used for Calvary. To make a shield in Medieval times the shield maker would find a light but strong wood, this was commonly bulsor wood and was needed because troops would travel for weeks on military campaign and would tire slower when using small shields or light shields. Then the shield maker would cut and form the wood into the kite shape then harden, heat and bend the wood to create a strong bond between the wooden Planks. The shield maker would finally put The Lords/Barons crest of coat of arms on the shield. The kite shield like Many shields of the time could link and form a wall. The shield had many different kinds of strap this depends on what type of troop the soldier is if the soldier was left handed it would need a left hand strap, if the soldier was right handed the