Pembridge Great Helm - 14th century (14 gauge)

Make your own Medieval experience and complete your 14th-century Medieval re-enactment armour harness with this great helm. This helm was designed by Make Your Own Medieval based on feedback from the Australian reenactment community and features full padding on all sides of the helm (except for the face) which provides extra protection for the neck and keeps the helm more stable on the head.

This helmet is inspired by two extant artifacts currently held by the Royal Armouries Collection located in Leeds England (Object Number IV.600) and also the National Museum of Scotland item number A.1905.489. This helm is most suitable for mid 14th-century historical personas between 1331 and 1370.

Several helms of this style have been found in England and of English manufacture. The helms held by the Royal Armouries and Museum of Scottland were most likely made in the same workshop and are structurally identical except that the Pembridge helm is pierced on both sides for ventilation. Another comparable helm is that of the Black Prince (d.1376) from the funeral achievements in Canterbuy Cathedral. It has been suggested that the Royal Armouries helm belonged to Sir John Chandos.

The helm held by the National Museum of Scotland belonged to Sir Richard Pembridge (d.1375) who was a knight of King Edward III's and an early recipient of the order of the garter in (1368). He was one of Edwards III’s most distinguished captains during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Helmets of this style would have been worn by a knight in the army of the black prince in battles such as Crecy in 1346 and Poitiers in 1356.

Often worn over an open bascinet. Chains with toggle ends were passed through the circle holes at the bottom front to attach the helm to the breastplate. Towards the end of the 14^th century this style of helm was increasing used for tournaments. Due to the full padded lining a bascinet can not be worn under this helm.

Securely constructed from steel rivets and made from 14 gauge steel this helm comes complete with an adjustable fabric liner and chin strap with solid brass buckle. 

The helm can fit a forehead circumference up to 61cm. This helmet is battle ready and suitable for re-enactment combat.

Other 14th and 15th-century historical re-enactment and renaissance armour also available.

Information concerning the original artifacts can be viewed on the following links

http://www.nms.ac.uk/explore/stories/art-and-design/pembridge-helm/ 

https://collections.royalarmouries.org/object/rac-object-507.html

The helm weighs 4.34kg.