Greave and Sabaton (single)
When worn the greave protects mainly the outer, front and back
surfaces of the leg particularly the tibia bone which is very close
to the skin. Greaves usually consisted of a metal exterior with an
inner padding or felt. The felt padding was particularly important
because, without it, any blow would transfer directly from the
metal plating to the shin.
The sabaton is the part of a knight's body armour that covers
the foot, although these plates generally only covered the top of
the wearers' foot. The sabaton was not commonly used by knights or
men at arms fighting on foot. Instead, many would simply wear
leather shoes or boots. Heavy or pointy metal footwear would
severely hinder movement and mobility on the ground, particularly
under wet or muddy conditions. Attacks against the feet are not
common in dismounted combat, as a strike to an enemy's foot would
typically put the attacker in a very awkward and vulnerable
position. Conversely, a mounted knight's feet would be at perfect
height for strikes from dismounted soldiers, and so sabatons or
other foot armour would be vital when riding into battle.
Object no :
RI_DC_0000365
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Copyright :
East Ayrshire Leisure Trust