A Knight to Remember

Weapons and tools used for fighting have been around for millennia. This talk focuses on the different types of arms that developed from early Middle Ages to the Early Modern period as warfare evolved. Besides their destructive nature, the symbolic role of weapons will also be examined and examples will be presented of how medieval martial culture and weapons have left an imprint even to this day. Finally, there will be a brief discussion about the ethical implications and importance of examining arms and armour from a modern perspective.

In the Middle Ages the armourers were faced with two significant problems: firstly how to protect a human body with a shell that would repel weapons and secondly how then to move (run, leap, and wield) without being a static target. There was a dual conflict between maximum protection versus maximum movement.
The talk will examine the problem, the ingenious medieval solutions and how it continues to be relevant today. Magnificent armours worn for war and sport will be shown. The talk will conlude with a curious modern-day conundrum.