Prince and his warriors as living persons: they are not to him merely incorporeal characters on a page of history.
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Fig. 185. Late XVIth century drawing of the Black Prince's tomb and achievements
From MS. 162, Society of Antiquaries, London
Without doubt this effigy, which is of copper gilt with enamel enrichments, truly represents Edward, Prince of Wales, the Black Prince, in his fighting harness, according to his will "all armed in steel for battle" (Fig. 184, a, b). It is supposed that it was set up in 1376, four years after his death, and thirty-four years after Cressy. The armour depicted, though complete in its parts, is not of an advanced form; the model from which it was taken was probably a harness worn by the Prince in the earlier days of his career. Beneath the closely fitting surcoat can distinctly be seen the plastron of plate with its wide tace plates attached. The only form of decoration appearing upon the suit is on the small plates of the coudes or elbow guards, to which are applied or embossed double cinquefoil flowers; while the short cuffed gauntlets have only a simple row of rivets as decoration. The leg defences are full, but severely plain. The sollerets of plate are but a little longer than the foot itself, with acute points which curve outwards in an unusual manner. It is strange that, despite the very accurate modelling of the various parts of the suit, no straps, buckles, or hinges for fastening are represented. The bascinet helmet is visorless, with a large chain camail admirably represented. Beneath the Prince's head lies his helm; while attached to his girdle, which lacks the dagger, is his delicately fashioned, long and slender sword.
Many effigies of this period, executed in various mediums, are extant in this country, which are more elaborate and show greater variety in their armaments; but none, we venture to think, can compare with that of Edward of Woodstock. Certainly not one of XIVth century date survives in such
