Throughout the medieval period, knights wore a variety of helmet types to protect themselves in battle. These helmet types varied in design and function, and each had its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will explore six of the most common helmet types worn by medieval knights: the kettle helm, the great helm, the bascinet, the normal helmet, the armet, and the spangenhelm.
Kettle Helm
The kettle helm, also known as a chamberlain helm or a pot helm, was a popular helmet type worn by knights in the early medieval period. It was named for its resemblance to a kettle or pot, as it had a rounded shape with a large, flared rim. The kettle helm was made of iron or steel, and it was often decorated with engravings or embellishments.
One of the main advantages of the kettle helm was that it provided good protection for the head and neck. The large rim of the helm extended down to cover the neck and shoulders, offering additional protection against blows from above. The kettle helm was also relatively lightweight and easy to wear, making it a practical choice for knights who needed to move quickly and efficiently on the battlefield.
However, the kettle helm had some drawbacks as well. The rounded shape of the helmet made it difficult to see out of, which could be a disadvantage in close combat situations. Additionally, the kettle helm provided little protection for the face, which left knights vulnerable to blows to the head and face.
Great Helm
The great helm, also known as a heaume or a casque, was a type of helmet worn by knights in the late medieval period. It was a large, full-face helmet that completely covered the head and neck, with only small holes or slits for the eyes and mouth. The great helm was made of iron or steel and was often decorated with engravings or other embellishments.
One of the main advantages of the great helm was that it provided excellent protection for the head and neck. The full-face design of the helmet offered complete coverage, making it virtually impenetrable to blows from any direction. The great helm was also relatively lightweight and easy to wear, making it a practical choice for knights who needed to move quickly and efficiently on the battlefield.
The great helm had some significant drawbacks. The small slits for the eyes and mouth made it difficult to see and breathe, which could be a disadvantage in close combat situations. Additionally, the great helm was relatively heavy, which could be tiring for knights who wore it for long periods of time.
Bascinet
The bascinet, also known as a basnet or a sallet, was a type of helmet worn by knights in the late medieval period. It was a close-fitting helmet that covered the head and neck, with a hinged visor that could be raised or lowered as needed. The bascinet was made of iron or steel and was often decorated with engravings or other embellishments.
One of the main advantages of the bascinet was that it provided good protection for the head and neck while also allowing the knight to see and breathe easily. The hinged visor of the helmet could be raised or lowered as needed, which allowed knights to see their surroundings more clearly and to breathe more easily. The bascinet was also relatively lightweight and easy to wear, making it a practical choice for knights who needed to move quickly and efficiently on the battlefield.
However, the bascinet had some drawbacks as well. The visor of the helmet could be vulnerable to blows from the side, which left knights vulnerable to blows to the head and face and the hinged visor could also be difficult to operate while wearing gloves or while in the heat of battle. In addition, the bascinet offered limited visibility, as the visor could only be raised or lowered using the hands, which could be a disadvantage in close combat situations.
Norman Helmet
The Normann helmet, also known as Norman helmet, was a type of helmet worn by knights in the early medieval period. It was a simple, conical helmet with a pointed top and a nose guard that extended down over the face. This helmet type was made of iron or steel and was often decorated with engravings or other embellishments.
One of the main advantages of the Norman helmet was that it provided good protection for the head and face. The pointed top of the helmet helped to deflect blows from above, while the nose guard offered additional protection for the face. It was also relatively lightweight and easy to wear, making it a practical choice for knights who needed to move quickly and efficiently on the battlefield.
The Norman l helmet had some drawbacks as well. The simple, conical shape of the helmet provided little protection for the neck and shoulders, which left knights vulnerable to blows from those areas. Additionally, the nose guard of the helmet could be vulnerable to blows from the side, which left knights vulnerable to blows to the head and face.
Armet
The armet was a type of helmet worn by knights in the late medieval period. It was a close-fitting helmet that covered the head and neck, with a hinged visor that could be raised or lowered as needed. The armet was made of iron or steel and was often decorated with engravings or other embellishments.
One of the main advantages of the armet was that it provided excellent protection for the head and neck while also allowing the knight to see and breathe easily. The hinged visor of the helmet could be raised or lowered as needed, which allowed knights to see their surroundings more clearly and to breathe more easily. The armet was also relatively lightweight and easy to wear, making it a practical choice for knights who needed to move quickly and efficiently on the battlefield.
However, the armet had some drawbacks as well. The visor of the helmet could be vulnerable to blows from the side, which left knights vulnerable to blows to the head and face. Additionally, the armet was relatively expensive to produce, which made it a less practical choice for knights who were on a budget.
Spangenhelm
The spangenhelm was a type of helmet worn by knights in the early and mid-medieval period. It was a simple, conical helmet made of iron or steel, with a series of metal strips or “spangen” that formed a framework for the helmet. The spangenhelm was often decorated with engravings or other embellishments.
One of the main advantages of the spangenhelm was that it was relatively cheap and easy to produce. The simple, conical shape of the helmet made it relatively straightforward to manufacture, which made it a practical choice for knights who were on a budget. The spangenhelm was also relatively lightweight and easy to wear, making it a practical choice for knights who needed to move quickly and efficiently on the battlefield.
The spangenhelm had some drawbacks as well. The simple, conical shape of the helmet provided little protection for the neck and shoulders, which left knights vulnerable to blows from those areas. Additionally, the spangenhelm did not offer much protection for the face, which left knights vulnerable to blows to the head and face.
What Were Medieval Helmets Made Of?
Medieval helmets types were typically made of iron or steel, although some helmets types, such as the spangenhelm, could also be made of other materials, such as leather or brass.
Iron and steel were the most common materials used for helmets construction because they were strong and durable, able to withstand the rigors of battle. In some cases, knights would also use other materials, such as leather or brass, to reinforce their helmets or to add decorative elements.
What Did a Knight Wear Under His Helmet?
Knights typically wore a variety of protective gear under their helmet to help cushion the impact of blows and to prevent injury. This might include a padded cap or a coif, which was a close-fitting hood made of quilted fabric that covered the head and neck. Knights might also wear a chain mail hood or a gorget, which was a collar of chain mail that protected the neck and throat.
What Are the Holes in a Knight’s Helmet Called?
The holes in a knight’s helmet are typically called “vents” or “air holes.” These holes were designed to allow air to circulate inside the helmet, which helped to keep the knight cool and comfortable while wearing the helmet for extended periods of time. The size and number of vents varied depending on the type of helmet and the specific needs of the knight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, helmets were an important component of a knight’s armor.
Medieval knights wore a variety of helmet types to protect themselves in battle. These helmet types included the kettle helm, the great helm, the bascinet, the normal helmet, the armet, and the spangenhelm. Each helmet type had its own advantages and disadvantages, and knights had to weigh these factors carefully when choosing a helmet for battle.
Regardless of the type of helmet worn, medieval knights typically wore a variety of protective gear under their helmets to help cushion the impact of blows and to prevent injury.