Product description
Poleyns emerged in the second half of the 13th century and were the earliest type of plate armor added to a knight’s equipment. Worn over chainmail chausses, poleyns provided an extra layer of protection for the vulnerable knees. For armed cavalry, the legs were always a particularly exposed area.
The development of poleyns coincided with the introduction of the shorter heater shield or knight’s shield, which replaced the older, taller kite shields designed to protect the rider’s leg. Heavy shields were cumbersome in combat, making the combination of poleyns and the heater shield a significant innovation. Poleyns remained in use well into the 16th century.
These poleyns feature laces with aglets, allowing them to be easily fastened to chainmail chausses or other garments. They can be adjusted to fit using straps at the back.
