The Dates of Variously-shaped Shields, with Coincident Dates and Examples

This compact study tackles a long‑overlooked question: how to date the myriad shapes of medieval heraldic shields. By examining seals, charter illustrations, and stone carvings, the author shows listeners how subtle variations in form can pinpoint a decade rather than a vague century. The work begins with the earliest round wooden shields of the Saxon and Norman periods, grounding the discussion in tangible archaeological evidence.

The heart of the book moves chronologically through the eleventh to the fifteenth centuries, presenting a clear classification for each shield type and citing the earliest and latest known examples. Adjacent motifs—mantlings, torques, wreaths and palm branches—receive the same careful treatment, complete with dates and source references. An exhaustive index at the end lets scholars and curious listeners alike locate information in seconds.

Born from a paper read before a historic society, the treatise invites constructive criticism, hoping future editions will become a handy handbook for antiquaries, students and travellers. Its meticulous approach makes a once‑arcane subject accessible, turning the study of ancient armor into an engaging journey through history.