[Greg Coffman]

Every time I watch the movie First Knight I get to thinking about the shields that the knights in the movie wore on their left shoulders as pauldrons. I've seen this several times in period artwork, but the shield seems to be a small heater, slung very loosely, and worn by an already armored fighter instead of as a substitute for armor. I'd love to see more images of this if anybody has some and to hear what you all think.

Thanks,
Greg

[Craig Shackleton]

The Gladiatoria manuals show these shields, although sometimes they are on straps, sometimes they are held in the hand, and frequently they are discarded and lying on the ground. They often look like jousting shields, but are clearly used in foot combat as well.

[Elling Polden]

it is often neglected that a knight, all the way from the early middle ages, would at most times have his shield hung on the shoulder rather than on the forearm.
This lets you use the left hand to seer the horse, but also leaves you with a free hand when dismounted.
This is done with shields of all sizes, from kite and up, but as time passes they grow smaller as body armour improves. They are still usefull, as two handed spear thrusts are not to be trifled with for a mail clad man, and weak points such as the armpit are favorite targets for two handed spearmen.

They are seen throughout the late medevial period, though they seem to be a matter of personal taste, rather than the universal accessory we see in the high middle ages.

[Greg Coffman]

[Elling Polden]

Well, shields are tools of war, so carrying one in your civvies would indicated some serious PTSD issues... However, PTSD is about as period as it gets.
A nobleman in his fine clothes might not carry a shield, but a dressed down soldier might, if he is feeling naked without 2mm of steel between him and the world.