Medieval 15th Century Leeds Brigandine

A Brigandine was the most common form of protection among commoners and nobility. On a 15th-century battlefield, you will find all the different styles of brigandine, ranging from the most ordinary longbowman’s brigandine to the most expensive and luxurious, high-ranking nobleman’s brigandine! A versatile form of protection offering excellent mobility, a historical brigandine features clever construction. It was made of 100s of small plates under a sturdy canvas or leather covering that gave it its iconic appearance with all the rows of plates elegantly appearing on the outside. Not only did it have an extremely distinguished appearance, but it was also extremely comfortable, precisely because of the excellent mobility it allowed. All these parameters have supported an advantage of being able to be worn for long hours, which is something all reenactors have respected and enjoyed during hours on battlefields and long events. A brigandine was also quite efficient in offering excellent protection, forming a perfect balance between having almost no hindrance in the movement and retaining a significant amount of protection. It was usually worn by a common soldier, with a haubergeon underneath or just a pair of mail sleeves, a skirt, and a limited amount of armour (all are available separately). It was implemented by knights and men at arms, in conjunction with full plate armour for the limbs and rest of the body. So if you want to reenact a 15th-century foot soldier or men at arms in the 21st century, BE SURE OUR LEEDS BRIGANDINE IS THE BEST POSSIBLE CHOICE! Directly inspired by an original today in the royal armouries at Leeds in England, you can be sure that it enhances your mobility and offers significant protection when you fight event after event, battle after battle, reenactment after reenactment.

The construction of this brigandine includes a layer of supple, GENUINE SUEDE LEATHER riveted to underlying sheets of 18gauge MILD STEEL PLATES (149 plates for small and medium sizes; 147 plates for large and extra-large sizes). This historical brigandine is easily adjustable for your body shape, thanks to its different sizes AVAILABLE and the carefully placed leather straps on the front and shoulders that allow you to adjust it, depending on the type of gambeson you are using. Our reproduction is ideal for LARP, SCA, and reenactments.