Medieval Leg Armour

The use of leather and metal protection is believed to be the reason why Victorian people thought that "studded" armour was worn in the Middle Ages. In many cases this confusion is still perpetuated today where we can easily find references in role games or literature. The truth is that there were historical samples of leather or cloth protection riveted to metal bands to reinforce the structure, and this probably led to the error to our ancestors.

It was a logical evolution in the transitional armour age and some examples can be seen on Günther von Schwarzburg's (1349) and Sir Thomas Cheyne's (1375) funerary brasses, which give a wide range on dating these pieces of protection. A very similar form of leg protection can be found on the Sir Thomas Cheynes's effigy, where rows of rivets can be seen on the outside of the armour.

Circumference (higher part): 39cm to 58cm max.
Circumference (lower part): 30cm to 52cm max.

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the 14th Century Reinforced Suede Greaves with confidence from the UK’s leading medieval armour retailer.

The use of leather and metal protection is believed to be the reason why Victorian people thought that "studded" armour was worn in the Middle Ages. In many cases this confusion is still perpetuated today where we can easily find references in role games or literature. The truth is that there were historical samples of leather or cloth protection riveted to metal bands to reinforce the structure, and this probably led to the error to our ancestors.

It was a logical evolution in the transitional armour age and some examples can be seen on Günther von Schwarzburg's (1349) and Sir Thomas Cheyne's (1375) funerary brasses, which give a wide range on dating these pieces of protection. A very similar form of leg protection can be found on the Sir Thomas Cheynes's effigy, where rows of rivets can be seen on the outside of the armour.

Circumference (higher part): 39cm to 58cm max.
Circumference (lower part): 30cm to 52cm max.

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the 14th Century Reinforced Suede Greaves with confidence from the UK’s leading medieval armour retailer.

Poleyns were widely used among many different types of warrior in the medieval period. Our Poleyns are crafted from 16 gauge steel with adjustable leather straps, making them suitable for most forms of re-enactment. Re-enactors should check with their safety officer before purchase.

Weight: 1.98kg
Length: 45cm

Buy with confidence from the UK's top Medieval retail seller.

We have called this “Archer’s Knee Armour” even though it was widely used among many different types of warrior in the medieval period. This name comes from several pictorial representations from the 15th century where archers appear wearing this armour. Our Archer’s Knee Armour is crafted from a mixture of steel thicknesses making it light but durable. Re-enactors should check with their safety officer before purchase.

This item has a satin finish so its surface will be slightly reflective as seen on many original armours.

Upper part: 1.4mm steel
Knee: 1.6mm steel
Lower part: 1.2mm steel

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Buy the Archer’s Knee Armour with confidence from the UK’s leading medieval armour retailer.

During the Middle Age, not everyone could afford full plate leg armour…   Archers, billmen, spearmen and most other footsoldier had to do with simpler poleyns covering only the knee and a bit of the leg.

They were lighter than a full leg harness and obviously far less expensive…  But on the other hand they were not offering the same level of protection than a knightly pair of full legs.

Well-designed by our skilled artisans from STURDY 16 gauge MILD STEEL and GENUINE LEATHER, these poleyns are FULLY FUNCTIONNAL and are well suited for reenactment battles.

ONE SIZE FIT MOST.

Length: 45cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

During the Middle Age, not everyone could afford full plate leg armour. Archers, billmen, spearmen and most other footsoldiers had to do with simpler poleyns covering only the knee and a bit of the leg.

They were lighter than a full leg harness and far less expensive. But on the other hand, they were not offering the same level of protection as a knightly pair of full legs.

Well-designed by our skilled artisans from STURDY 16 gauge MILD STEEL and GENUINE LEATHER, these poleyns are FULLY FUNCTIONAL and are well suited for reenactment battles.

ONE SIZE FIT MOST.

Length: 31cm
Circumference: 36cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

To keep the knee protected yet provide efficient mobility was tough in the early middle ages. It was only in the late medieval period that the sturdy poleyns could easily fasten to your armour!

This pair of poleyns is HANDCRAFTED from STURDY 16 gauge mild steel; it has comfortable and secure padding on the inside. These fasten with sturdy (3.5 mm thick) GENUINE LEATHER straps and sturdy iron buckles for a snug fit. The historically inspired wing is meant to protect the side of the knee as well,

ONE SIZE FIT MOST.

Our 13th to 14th-century poleyns effortlessly accentuate your medieval armour, perfect for knee protection on the battlefield!

This set of medieval poleyns is meticulously handmade from sturdy 16 gauge mild steel (available in 18 gauge mild steel as well). The back of the knee poleyns is covered with black suede, riveted to the armour using 9 rivets on both top and bottom borders, this ensures added comfort and protection. The straps are made of approx. 3 mm thick cowhide and can be adjusted using sturdy iron buckles.

Length: 12cm
Circumference: 16cm

All dimensions are approximate and may vary from piece to piece.

Over a relatively short period of time, different forms of rigid plate protection for use with chainmail appeared. Towards the end of the 13th C. a variety of illuminations, funerary sculptures and others sources were produced that showed the use of elbow and knee protection to reinforce a knight's weak points.

Our 14^th century Poleyns and crafted from 16 gauge steel making them great for re-enactment, and feature a canvas lining and leather strap.

Steel thickness may vary due to the handcrafted methods used on its manufacturing.

Buy the Poleyns (Knee Armour) with confidence from the UK’s leading medieval armour retailer.