MEDIEVAL HELMETS HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEAD IN A FIGHT
Over the centuries many different designs of helmet have been worn in combat. One type of that dated back to the late Roman period was the ‘Spangenhelm’. It was made from a conical framework of iron or copper-alloy bands springing from a browband, inside of which were riveted plates of metal or horn. This shape provided a glancing surface, while a riveted nose-guard, or ‘nasal’, helped protect against slashing blows. Some helmets were made from riveted plates without the frame, others were raised from one piece of iron, sometimes with additional riveted bands.
Most types of helmet described in this article would be fitted with a lining (usually canvas but sometimes more expensive materials) padded with hay, wool, cow hair or similar. Effigies and a few surviving helmets show linings cut into segments at the top and pierced for a drawstring so they could be adjusted to fit the head snugly and ensure the eyes lined up with the sights when the helmet was put on. Most helmets would be laced under the chin, often with two-point connections to the helmet to minimise movement. Some might use strap and buckle.
THE HELM
By about 1180 round and then flat-topped forms of helmet had appeared. Already nasals with a short cross-bar over the mouth are occasionally seen, and this now extended to form a faceguard, rather like a welding mask, provided with sights and pierced with ventilation holes.
