15th century nobles fighting equipment

The typical equipment of a nobleman in the 15th century would vary depending on the wealth of the man. As a result there could be quite wide variations in the equipment worn.

A noble would typically wear the best armour he could afford

This guide leans heavily towards an English depiction.

Equipment

Arms

• spear
• dagger or knife - bollock or rondel types were common.
• sword - arming swords and falchions combined with a buckler were popular as secondary weapons and longswords were very common (often as a secondary weapon).
• pole axe - a multi-purpose pole axe instead of using a shield.
• lance
• various other weapons (maces etc) depending on the personal taste of the noble. Maces were particularly useful for incapacitating an opponent, and enabling their capture for ransom.

Armour

• helmet - basinet or sallet or other similar type. The basinet fell out of favour by the mid 15th century to be replaced by the sallet. A bevor would be worn in addition to the sallet or might wear an armet (later part of the century).
• A pair of brigandines - typically only worn by a less wealthy noble but a wealthy noble might wear a brigandine when travelling in hostile territory in case of attack.
• mail standard (standart) - mail collar to protect the neck
• plate armour - sections of armour might also be worn attached to a brigandine even if the noble could not afford a full harness with breastplate. The sabatons might be omitted if the noble expected to fight on foot in "the English fashion".
• mail skirt - to protect the groin. Internal link diameter approximately 5-6 mm and a wire thickness of approximately 1.2 to 1.6 mm and of round drawn wire. Entirely riveted.

Clothing

• hose - joined, wool hose of one colour.
• arming doublet - of wool or fustian. Mail voiders would be attached to the doublet to protect areas not covered by the rest of the armour.
• turnshoes - typically ankle boots, possibly longer. He might wear long, riding boots with spurs.

Modern Misconceptions

• Incredibly heavy harness that required the noble to be winched onto his horse or not be able to regain their feet if they fell over
• Tournament armour being worn into battle
• Incredibly heavy swords
• Two handed swords
• Always taking people prisoner
• Always honouring sanctuary taken in a church
• Always being chivalrous on the battlefield

Internal Links

See also:

• 15th century levy fighting equipment
• 15th century soldier fighting equipment