Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 1).djvu/132

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it: the skull-piece likewise shows more accomplished moulding. The Anglo-Saxon helmet on the Phrygian-cap model had not yet disappeared, and was occasionally adopted by the Norman soldiery; we can refer to it in a MS. of the period (Harl. MS. 603). Indeed, as late as 1149 a Phrygian-cap model is represented on the famous enamelled plate now preserved in the Museum of Mans, whereon is Geoffrey, Count of Anjou (page 77, Fig. 93).

Although other changes in the outline of the helmet of this period are traceable here and there, they are too slight to be of much importance.

Fig. 72. Three helmets from the Soudan

Made of old material, but adapted for modern usages

The shield, the principal auxiliary defence, has now become a very prominent feature of the warrior's equipment. As we have already explained, the circular shield was, at the time of the Norman invasion, characteristic of the defenders. In the Bayeux needlework we see the knights of Harold clad in armour similar to that of the attacking force; but many carry the circular shield of the Saxon (Fig. 73), although Harold and some of his principal knights bear the kite-shaped shield of the Norman. Invariably, however, the Norman knights are depicted with the large kite-shaped shield, which was from four to four feet six inches in height.

In nearly every missal of this period, shields similar in shape to those seen in the Bayeux needlework make their appearance. It has been said that