Troopers armour of the English Civil War, on display in Maidstone Museum in Kent. The armour bears the commonwealth mark of the Tower of London. This armour would of course been worn over a tough buff coat that would have also provided some protection against sword blows.
The English Civil War section in the museum, sadly is limited to one cabinet and a brief description of the battle of Maidstone which I will relate soon accompanied with photo's of the town. The painting in the background is of Lady Ann Brockman 1600-1660 wife of Sir William Brockman staunch royalist and Sherriff of Kent in 1643. The painting dates from around 1642. The displays in this section of the room are dated & contained in cabinets which annoyingly effect the quality of the photographs with 'reflection issues'
I wonder if the armor was polished up for display? Interesting too is the rough finish of the helmet.
ReplyDeleteYes I hate to think what conservation techniques were used in the museum in the past on the armour, I know the museums manager through work so will see what additional information is 'behind the scenes' on the ECW collection & if there is anything in the massive reserve store. The museum is having a new wing built courtesy of some heritage lottery funding so it's interesting times there at the moment!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I was going to comment on the rather rough and ready look of the helmet. Maybe we have got too used to finely finished re-enactors equipment!
ReplyDeleteHope you haven't got locked in the museum Fraximus
ReplyDeleteLife must be busy for you
Best wishes and I hope to hear from your blog again soon
I second Geordies remark..."Night At The Museum 3"?
ReplyDeleteMatt
Onward to Victory!!
ReplyDeleteFollowing!
fraxinus victorious a buff medway headcharge
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