We are reluctant to disagree with such eminent authorities as were the late Mr. Burgess and Mr. Huyshe; but, in our opinion, the Aldborough bascinet has all the characteristics of an early XVth century head-piece, and so could not have belonged even to the latest John de Melsa. Not having visited Aldborough Church, we are of course unable to speak with absolute authority; but it would seem more than possible that this helmet originally hung over some tomb of early XVth century date, the record of which was lost, with the result that on the revival of archaeological interest in ecclesiastical quarters the unclaimed helmet was placed above the most important tomb in the church—that of the Melsa family.
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(a) (b)
Fig. 304. Skull-piece of a "great" bascinet helmet
Possibly English, first quarter of XVth century. Warwick Castle Collection
(a) Profile view; (b) Full view
From Grosse's "Military Antiquities"
The next great bascinet which we will consider, a bascinet distinguished by its grand proportions, early date, and fine state of preservation, is that preserved in the Norwich Castle Museum (Fig. 302). It was found half a century ago in the outskirts of the town, but where is unfortunately not recorded. It is not quite so high in the apex of the crown as the Holderness example; so we think it is of a little later date, possibly 1420-30. It is also more shapely, the back portion descending to a considerable depth down the back. It contains the customary series of holes for securing the lining; while in situ are the rivets, the plates, and even the pins that held the visor in position. It is impossible to say whether or not the style and workmanship are English; for, as we shall see by reference to the other bascinets we are about to illustrate, almost exactly similar helmets have been found in France,
