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Foot-Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556)

ca. 1510
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 371
This helm, or “great bascinet,” for the tournament fought on foot, formerly hung above the tomb of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556) in Rayne Church, Essex, as specified in his will that this, his “beste helmett,” and his sword be placed there. Sir Giles was part of the retinue of Henry VIII that challenged all comers during the tournaments held at the Field of Cloth of Gold, the famous summit meeting between England and France at Calais in 1520. Sir Giles may have worn this helm on that occasion. It is arguably the finest of its kind to survive from that period.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Foot-Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel (1485–1556)
  • Date: ca. 1510
  • Culture: possibly British
  • Medium: Steel
  • Dimensions: H. 17 1/2 in. (44.4 cm); W. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm); D. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm); Wt. 13 lb. 8 oz. (6123 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.3.274
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

Audio

Cover Image for 4424. Foot Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel

4424. Foot Combat Helm of Sir Giles Capel

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NARRATOR: This sixteenth century helmet was designed for a particular type of tournament called “foot combat.” Curator Donald LaRocca.

DONALD LAROCCA: The shape of the helmet is perfect for the tournament fought on foot because of its rounded forms that would cause a weapon, if it hit the helmet, to glance off or slide off. It has all these multiple perforations. For a helmet intended for battle, this would not necessarily be very useful or practical, but for this type of tournament, it’s a perfect visor. It would give great protection to the face, allow a certain amount of visibility, and allow a certain amount of airflow, because this type of helmet enclosing the entire head could get very hot.

NARRATOR: This helmet originally belonged to Sir Giles Capel.

DONALD LAROCCA: Sir Giles Capel was a courtier in England in the early sixteenth century at the court of Henry VIII. He was a companion of Henry’s, and he was very famous for his ability and skill in tournaments. So, when Henry was invited by the King of France to a very important event in 1520 called the Field of Cloth and Gold, Sir Giles Capel accompanied Henry and fought in tournaments alongside him. It is possible that at the Field of Cloth and Gold, Sir Giles Capel wore this helmet in the tournaments that were held.

NARRATOR: Press PLAY to see what a helmet like this might have looked like in action.

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