Leg Armour

The use of leather and metal protection is believed to be the reason why Victorian people thought that "studded" armour was worn in the Middle Ages. In many cases this confusion is still perpetuated today where we can easily find references in role games or literature. The truth is that there were historical samples of leather or cloth protection riveted to metal bands to reinforce the structure, and this probably led to the error to our ancestors.

It was a logical evolution in the transitional armour age and some examples can be seen on Günther von Schwarzburg's (1349) and Sir Thomas Cheyne's (1375) funerary brasses, which give a wide range on dating these pieces of protection. A very similar form of leg protection can be found on the Sir Thomas Cheynes's effigy, where rows of rivets can be seen on the outside of the armour.

Circumference (higher part): 39cm to 58cm max.
Circumference (lower part): 30cm to 52cm max.

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the 14th Century Reinforced Suede Greaves with confidence from the UK’s leading medieval armour retailer.

We have called this “Archer’s Knee Armour” even though it was widely used among many different types of warrior in the medieval period. This name comes from several pictorial representations from the 15th century where archers appear wearing this armour. Our Archer’s Knee Armour is crafted from a mixture of steel thicknesses making it light but durable. Re-enactors should check with their safety officer before purchase.

This item has a satin finish so its surface will be slightly reflective as seen on many original armours.

Upper part: 1.4mm steel
Knee: 1.6mm steel
Lower part: 1.2mm steel

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Archer’s Knee Armour with confidence from the UK’s leading medieval armour retailer.