Foot-Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556)

Unknown

ca. 1510 · Steel · Arms and Armor

This helm, or “great bascinet,” for the tournament fought on foot, formerly hung above the tomb of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556) in Rayne Church, Essex, as specified in his will that this, his “beste helmett,” and his sword be placed there. Sir Giles was part of the retinue of Henry VIII that challenged all comers during the tournaments held at the Field of Cloth of Gold, the famous summit meeting between England and France at Calais in 1520. Sir Giles may have worn this helm on that occasion. It is arguably the finest of its kind to survive from that period.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1510

Medium

Steel

Culture

possibly British

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1904