Jacks and Doublets
Similar in construction to a jack , an arming doublet is softer and thinner and will help to absorb a blow and
prevent chaffing when worn under plate or chain armour.
Its construction would be very similar to a doublet
but with eyelets sewn in at various places to allow pieces of armour to be attached (pointed) onto it, which was its primary
use. However they are also worn under metal as it protects the wearer from chaffing and acts as a shock absorber.
It may also have pieces of mail permanently attached to it under the armpits and on the inside of the arms where the outer armour
would not cover. These maile pieces are known as Voids.
Not all armour of this period was metal. Quite often the most basic form of protection available to
common foot soldiers would be a thick, padded jack. These could consist of anything up to 36 layers of heavy linen, or they could
be stuffed with soft wool, fustian cloth or even rope. These padded garments were very effective, as they were flexible, cheap and
easy to make and providing good all-round protection by absorbing the power from a blow. However against a thrusting or
stabbing attack the wearer would have been very vulnerable. They were also warm in winter and easily maintained!
To fight in
the block you must have some sort of body protection and this is a good, way to both clothe yourself and provide protection in combat.
The next "step up” the armour ladder was the Brigandine, a 15th century 'coat of plates'.
They are hard to make
and expensive to buy, made up of individual steel plates riveted to the back of a fabric or leather outer layer. It is very flexible
and protective. They seem to have been fairly common in the 15th century, however as they were not too highly regarded, many
have been lost to the world with only a few surviving to this day in museums.
Images to follow
Images to follow
Images to follow
