An introduction to European armour in the Royal Collection

Sport and War
In its original context, armour was first and foremost practical equipment – for battle or for tournaments. The two activities were closely interrelated, with sporting events like the tilt (joust) and barriers (foot combats) serving as a training ground for armed conflict, as well as a demonstration of bravery and skill. For this reason, many of the armours in the Collection are 'garnitures', having interchangeable pieces allowing adaptation to different cavalry and infantry roles as well as tournament activities.
Benjamin West (1738-1820)
Edward III (1312-1377) with the Black Prince (1330-1376) after the Battle of Crécy (1346)
Flemish School, 16th century
The Battle of the Spurs
Erasmus Kyrkenar (c.1495-1567)
Armour garniture of Henry VIII for the field and tilt
Northern Italy
Four of a set of five saddle-steels of Henry VIII
Jacob Halder (active 1576-1608)
Armour garniture of Henry, future Prince of Wales, for the field, tourney, tilt and barriers
Simon van de Passe (c. 1595-1647)
Henry, Prince of Wales practising with a pike for combat at the barriers
William Dobson (1611-46)
Charles II (1630-85), when Prince of Wales
West European
Round buckler
Jacob Jacobsz de Wet II (Haarlem 1641/2 - Amsterdam 1697)
Caratacus, British Chieftain (34-54)
John Michael Rysbrack (1693-1770)
Edward, Prince of Wales, the Black Prince (1330-1376)
Antonio Canova (1757-1822)