Helm

The helm or helmet is the armour that covers the head. There are many different designs of helm through the years. Some general descriptions are:

• Roman - Covers the top and back of the head with metal flaps covering the ears and part of the cheeks.
• Saxon - Covers the top, the back and sides of the head, sometimes extending to cover the cheeks. There may be some nasal protection. The higher the rank, the more ornate the decoration.
• Norman - Covers the top of the head and the nose.
• Crusade/Early Renaissance - Enclose the entire head with airholes and slit for eyesight
• Late Renaissance - Enclose the entire head with airholes and even smaller slit for eyesight. Shaped more to match the shape of the head.

General soldiers used simpler designs than those described above for the higher ranked warriors.

The helm may be attached to chainmail or a gorget to protect the neck. A coif is often worn under the helm.

Helms in heraldry

In heraldry, helms appear as charges within devices. They also appear above the device's shield as a signifier of the owner's rank. The crest is placed on top of the helm.

SCA Combat Helms

In the SCA, a helm needs to be constructed of at least 16 gauge steel to be legal for use in heavy or light combat. For further details, consult your kingdom's combat handbook.

The contents of this page have been expanded by Cian but he is not an expert on armour. Any further corrections or expansions are welcome. Please remove this notice when appropriate.