Thursday, 11 December 2014

Edinburgh - Edinburg Castle Great Hall Weapons

Edinburgh Castle
Great Hall

Claymore
The Claymore was a two handed sword used by Scots in their fights between the Clans and with the English from 1400 to 1700

Medieval Armour
 
Armour for soldiers originated around 500 BC with the invention of chainmail. This was developed by the introduction of plates to protect more venerable parts of the body eventually leading to full plate armour in the 13th century. This type of armour would last until the 17th century with increased velocity of firearms making full armour obsolete. The use of breast plates and back plate would continue through Napoleonic tmes into the 20th century.

Pole weapons and Broadswords

Poled weapons in Medieval times included the Pole Axe (left), Halbert (centre) Lochaber Axe (right). The Scottish Broadsword with it's unique hilt appeared in the mid 16th century and would last till the 18th century.

Flintlock Pistols

Flintlock pistols were introduced at the beginning of 17th Century to be used alongside the sword.

Georgian period French Mortar
Gun powder artillery was first used in the 13th century. The French developed the Bombarde-Mortier during the latter part of the 15th century, a weapon that would be produced in varying calibers over the following centuries.