Helmets

Whatever style you chose Helmets can be finished in a polished steel, be ' ' or be painted with a device of your choice though "Kettle Hats" in household livery do look very smart!

If you want to join the fun in a battle display you must wear a helmet.

There are a number of helmet styles that were in use during our period.

If you are planning a Non-Combatant role you might like to buy a Skull-cap helmet, it's the cheapest and simplest but only covers the top and back of the head. It can be worn under a hat so it is often called a "Secret" as no one will know you have one on, but you will be fairly safe from any stray arrows!

On the left Mistress Fiona, Mistress of Non-Combatants, can be seen wearing a Skullcap.

On the right, in her other guise as Lady Eleanor de Mowbray, she is wearing a Truncated Henin over the Skull Cap. In this instance it is called a 'Secret'.

A 14th century helmet was also still in use, though a little old fashioned at this time. One with a 'pig faced' visor is a little too early for us. An open-faced helmet with a globular or conical skull enclosing the sides of the face and neck. Usually worn with an aventail (curtain of maille on the lower edge of the helmet to protect the neck), and occasionally a visor. Now old fashioned as they were popular during the 100 yeas war but a peasant solider may have one handed down from his father/grandfather so you could get away with wearing one (just).

For the ultimate in full face and neck protection an Armet is the best choice, it offers a close fitting helm which is descended from the bascinet, with interlocking cheek plates and a full visor. Usually worn with full armour they look very much the knightly helmet, though they can be very hot and will restrict visibility when the visor is down. Therefore, these are suggested for experienced fighters and the nobility only.

A cheap alternative to a Sallet and just as popular was the Kettle Hat (chappel de fer) which has Low facial protection but is cooler to wear and has excellent visibility

If this shape reminds you of a WW2 ARP helmet, you're on the right track - as it should do, because the ARP helmets were based on an original medieval helmet in the Tower of London.

A lot of newbies buy one of these and paint them so they can get on the battlefield, quickly therefore they are quite common. Make sure you get this shape though, as the WW2 'Tommy Hat' is not allowed. And don’t pay more than £10 for a basic plain one whatever it's condition!

Barbute is a centuries old design but was still popular at this time,offering good protection, however it is hot to wear as the head is almost fully enclosed only offering a "T" shape eye and mouth slot.

One of the more popular types of helmet during the wars of the roses was the Sallet which came broadly in two types, with and without a visor, Visor-less with an open face is recommended for archers.