The Armour Archive

Report of England made by Giovanni Michiel, late Ambassador to Queen Mary and King Philip, to the Venetian Senate, on the 13th May 1557.

..... and for the body they either use some sort of breastplate (qualche petto di corsaletto) which guards the forepart, although indifferently, or else more willingly (especially those who have the means) some jack (zacco) or shirt of mail (camicia di maglia); but what they usually wear are certain canvas jupons (giubboni di canevaccio), quilted with many layers, each of which is two fingers or more in thickness; and these are considered the most secure defence against the shock of arrows. Upon their arms they place strips of mail (liste di maglia), put lengthways, and nothing else.

Calendar of State Papers Foreign, Elizabeth, Volume 5, 1562
20 Dec. Entry 1301. Vaughan to Cecil.

1. Cecil will receive from Mr. Marshall the certificate for such armour as the captains received from the countries. Of this armour the writer delivered to Mr. Ponyngs ninety-four corslets, fourteen jacks and sleeves stripped with mail, and all his arquebuses saving twelve, for which he [Vaughan] gave him 9l. which he had received of the Halls, for furnishing of them at the rate of 10s. an arquebus and flask, and the morions at 5s. each, of which armour Ponyngs had 200.

21 July 1481. From the ship of William Petyte called Christofer of Weymouth

Edward Johnson, A, 1 brl. 1 small coffer with 13 breast-plates, 5 doz. splints, 8 doz. flax brushes, 1 visor, 20 grs. girdles, 1 doz. hangers, £6 11s.8d.