The heater shield, triangular shield or heater shield was used from the late 12th century until late in the 14th century. It is the typical shield that is associated with the age of chivalry. Shields of this type were carried by both infantry and cavalry and were often decorated with heraldic motifs.
Naming
The name "heater shield" is a new word, invented by Victorian historians, because the shape resembled a flat iron. The shield is also sometimes called a triangular shield or a heater shield.
History of the heater shield
The heater shield is a type of medieval European shield that emerged in the late 12th century from the larger Norman kite shield. The reason for this development was possibly that body armour improved and therefore the protection of a large shield became less important. The heater shield is considerably less massive than its predecessors, but still retains the same characteristic shape. Shields of this type were used by both cavalry and infantry. Examples of this type of shield can be seen on the great seals of Richard I and John, King of England.
Details
The heater shield was smaller than the kite shield, making it easier to handle and use on horseback or on foot. From the 15th century onwards, it evolved into specialized tournament shields, often with a "bouche", a notch through which the lance could pass. As armour increasingly covered more of the body, the shield became smaller. By the middle of the 14th century, it was hardly used outside of tournaments.
Heater shields were usually made of thin wood with a textile or leather layer over it that protected the wood from impacts and made it extra tough. Sometimes the wood was reinforced with steel or iron. Some shields, such as that of Edward, the Black Prince in his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral, had additional layers of gesso, linen and/or parchment.
Contrary to what is often thought, the shield was not attached to the arm. It was held and moved with a hand strap and a strap called a guige. This went around the neck and supported the shield, and could also be carried over the back when not in use. The carrying technique can be compared to the older kite shield.
The heater shield was used by almost all ranks within the armies of the High and Late Middle Ages. The shield was popular with both the knightly class and the common soldiery. This type of shield also had disadvantages. With correct use, the legs were hardly protected at all. This disadvantage could be limited by moving away from an opponent. As an old instruction says: "If a sword comes at your leg, then strike at his face or throat: his arms will tire faster than his head." This assumes that an opponent needs to cover a longer distance to reach your leg with his weapon than you need to reach your opponent's head, throat or shoulders with yours. Unfortunately, there are hardly any other historical sources about exactly how the heater shield and sword were used in combat, as the known combat manuals all date from a later period.
