Destrier
Late 15th Century mounted soldiery
Tournaments, Battles, Displays, Living history, Education and Research

“FINE EQUIPMENT” This section is intended to provide greater insight into detail of some of the member’s equipment. This highlights their outlays and the painstaking work of a few elite craftsmen. It would be wrong not to acknowledge their efforts that help build the realism of Destrier’s appearance. Submissions on this page are the contributions of individual members. Harness by Dave Hewitt and Words by Rob Martin HARNESS OF ARMOUR IN THE ENGLISH FASHION I have known Dave Hewitt of White Rose Armoury for some ten years. I might have subconsciously dreamt of owning one of his creations for many years more. Despite being arguably the finest active armourer in the UK today he also sells you the realisation of your dreams! I worked closely with Dave in the conception of this harness. Most clients choose an existing Italian or German harness as a design. I was determined that mine would bear quintessential features that define the English style. As style apparent in subtle differences visible on effigies and memorials- as no confirmed English harness survives. I spent time in the library at the Royal Armouries examining their vast collection of photographs of effigies in English churches. As a basis I chose that of Sir William Harcourt of Maxstoke castle, adding variations from others (often the possible work of the same stonemason) commonly from the two Sir Robert Harcourt effigies in Stanton Harcourt. Dave’s interpretation of the alabaster sculptures became paramount to the project. Clearly many errors of observation were made by the stonemason, which Dave had to correct back into practical armour. The result is exquisite. Line and form displays Dave’s experience and eye for C.15th armour, reflecting his many years as a craftsman in this field. Moreover the fit of the pieces are perfect- both to the subject (me) and each other. There are so many additional challenges behind the photos- which speak for themselves- that make Dave’s achievement that much greater. The price? Well, I can but quote the maker:- “It’s a good job I love thee as a brother, youth!”                   Visit White Rose Armouries web site :   We offer the most complete selection of pre-18th century historical products, and hope to be the "one-stop shop" for all your reenactment needs. Please peruse our our online catalog of high quality, historically documented products. While our product line focuses on the late Medieval and Renaissance periods, we are constantly expanding to include other periods. We exhaustively research each product using extant artifacts, contemporary visual sources and written historical accounts. Many of our products are exact reproductions of extant artifacts, others are logical extrapolations based on available historical material. All of the items we offer are either made in our own workshops, or are crafted specially for us by carefully selected, highly skilled artisans. Many are made exclusively for us, according to our own prototypes. We hope you will find our offerings as exciting as we do! Visit Historic Enterprises Fine swords from St George Armoury Many Destrier members have found that the forces involved in using a sword from horseback are extreme. A clash of blades on horseback can involve both riders, weighing each a half a ton of man, horse and armour, moving at combined impact speed of around 40 to 50 miles an hour. Our swords have to not only live up to Destrier’s aspirations to authenticity, but some of the greatest demands for strength ever presented to modern sword smiths. Modern combat swords have to withstand greater and more prolonged forces than the originals. St George Armoury has a range of swords to meet these demands. The spring steel EN45 blades are hardened and tempered to the highest standard (Rockwell C52). They are also deep hollow ground to give an unbeatable strength to weight ratio, and have a wide edge to withstand prolonged blade parrying. The hilt is heat shrunk onto the tang, the end of which is peighned over to hold everything in place, just like the originals. This construction causes the minimum stress to the tang (and gives a satisfying ring when the sword is used). There are no screw threads or welding as found on inferior quality swords The proprietor and craftsman behind St George Armoury is Mark Vickers, whose reputation for accuracy in study of genuine pieces is second to none. This has enabled him to produce work of premium quality and outstanding accuracy. Each piece is researched, which often means museum visits, photographing, drawing, taking measurements and often handling the original in order to understand the weight and mechanics of the individual piece in question. Mark Vickers also makes excellent daggers and medieval table cutlery. Some of Destrier’s members have had their needs for armour satisfied by his fine reproductions of defensive equipment. His quality is not just appreciated by Destrier members, but has come to be a benchmark in excellence throughout the medieval re-enactment community across Europe. Whilst much in demand, Mark’s output is never rushed or compromised. A true craftsman! St George Armoury (Mark Vickers) Fenway Cottage, Canister Lane, Gipsey Bridge, BOSTON, UK. PE22 7HD Tel: +44 205 280 183 Visit the Website      E-mail High quality reproduction medieval footwear from Plantagenet Shoes “If you require historically accurate footwear for either display or use, contact us.” Morgan Hubbard of Plantagenet Shoes could be called the most modest man in England if his website is anything to go by! In fact he probably doesn’t need to blow his own trumpet, for his quality speaks for itself and his reputation is second to none. Morgan has, for many years, been dedicated to making the very best in historical footwear. He uses the finest leather and the most accurate techniques in construction. In addition each creation is carefully tailored to fit the individual. Every piece is individually handmade to your specifications and measurements. Once you become a customer a template of your sole remains on record for further purchases or refurbishment. Now that’s proper service for discerning gentlemen! Most of the footwear is based on finds excavated in England and Europe. Museums and historical collections provide another valuable source of information In particular his 15th Century thigh boots are a treat to wear and ride in. Indeed for this he measures every dimension of your leg. Exceptionally durable due to using the best techniques and materials- coupled with a lifetime’s experience and care, these are by far the finest medieval riding boots around. They’re not cheap, but quality commands a price, finished with a string of carefully chosen reproduction buckles. Further down his range, his ankle boots are a popular choice for our foot attendants and knights when wearing armour. His range also contains some unfeasibly pointed shoes for dress occasions! For children, always outgrowing their shoes, Morgan is conscious that the youngest re-enactors may need re-shoeing before they’ve had the full use from a pair. To this end he operates a scheme whereby parents can trade in and move up a size or so. Owning a pair of Plantagenet Shoes is more than a pleasure- it’s a privilege! Plantagenet Shoes (Morgan Hubbard) 82 Cozens Hardy Road, Sprowston, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, NR7 8QG Visit Plantagenet Shoes Website     E-mail Plantagenet Shoes

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