Since the July 10th update I have been intrigued by the battle scene illustration in the article on the battle of Poitiers. Nathan has informed me that the British library dates this illustration to 1415, which is significantly later than the battle itself but still early enough to make it raise a few questions. My main interest is in the pole weapons depicted, many of which look like later period poleaxes, halberds, and bardiches (sp?). Does anyone know of any originals from this period that look like these? Also, most of the warriors are wearing brightly colored short-sleeved, knee length quilted garments worn over plate armour. Would these be referred to as jacks or gambesons? Finally, several are wearing colored breastplates. Are these most likely painted metal breastplates or something like a brigandine?
Sorry about so many questions at once.

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Hi Shae

Shae Bishop wrote:

Since the July 10th update I have been intrigued by the battle scene illustration in the article on the battle of Poitiers. Nathan has informed me that the British library dates this illustration to 1415, which is significantly later than the battle itself but still early enough to make it raise a few questions. My main interest is in the pole weapons depicted, many of which look like later period poleaxes, halberds, and bardiches (sp?). Does anyone know of any originals from this period that look like these?

French author Christiane Raynaud speaks of these axes, frequently depicted in late 14th- early15th century atwork as "Haches de Créqui", named after the Lord of créqui who made reat use of such an axe, whose main features were a top and rear spike - and posibly a rather short haft, at least not of 'standard' polearm dimension. Basically, it is just a state in the develoment of the poleaxe - interesting thing is that they are used on horseback.

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Also, most of the warriors are wearing brightly colored short-sleeved, knee length quilted garments worn over plate armour. Would these be referred to as jacks or gambesons? Finally, several are wearing colored breastplates. Are these most likely painted metal breastplates or something like a brigandine?

As said, mainly a cloth garment worn over armour.

Cheers

Fab