10TH C. NORMAN MAN-AT-ARMS

Since my involvement with historical reenactment, I’ve learned quite a bit. After my introduction to reenacting a Norman archer at the 940th reenactment of the Battle of Hastings, I was presented the opportunity to improve upon my kit and add things, like a sword, shield and chainmail. Budget constraints at the time only allowed me to purchase a butted chainmail hauberk and coif. The rings were on the large size, thus the “see through” aspect of it’s appearance over a tunic. The shield is discussed elsewhere on the website. It is a Viking round shield. The Normans would have moved on from the round to the kite shield by 1066. I have a basic blank kite, courtesy of Henrik Olsgaard, that will be painted. The hardware, guige strap and boss still need to be constructed. I expect to have it finished by summer 2024.