The ‘Age of Chivalry’

Tournaments began at the end of the 11th century, as a way of practising for battle. By the 16th century, they were the medieval equivalent of today's 'extreme sports', where those taking part wore specially designed armour. Sometimes 'field armour' which was intended for use in battle was also used.

Tournaments were made up of three types of event: the tourney, the joust and the foot combat, often combined with dancing, dining and other entertainments. These were also occasions for knights to be seen in parades and processions. They paraded in their fashionable, expensive - and sometimes unusual armours. The Royal Armouries' logo 'Max' is taken from the horned helmet in the Tournament Gallery which was part of a parade armour belonging to King Henry VIII. The Tournament Gallery also has a fabulous collection of real jousting armours.