The Arms and Armour of the Bishopric of Winchester in the Thirteenth Century

Abstract

This article examines the inventories of arms and armour stored at the castles of Taunton and Farnham that are recorded in the pipe rolls of the bishopric of Winchester in the thirteenth century. Relatively few inventories for this period survive, which means that these rolls provide unique insights into changes in military equipment in England. This includes providing information about the types of armaments used by footmen, crossbowmen, and knights, as well as technological developments such as the adoption of plate armour.