Bucklers are the smallest version of the shield in use. These shields are a smaller version of the small size shields and were quite light and easy to carry around.
Shields were often used in combat to stop the opponents blows from hitting the body. The shield was usually carried in the warrior's free hand when they had a one-handed weapon. When the shield was not in use or could not be used because of a two-handed weapon, it was usually slung on the warrior's back.
Most shields were made out of either metal or wood although these days shields can be made out of fibreglass as well.
Bucklers are the smallest version of the shield in use. These shields are a smaller version of the small size shields and were quite light and easy to carry around.
The small shield is the most common type of shield that was used after the Medium sized shields. These shields were usually round and could be strapped to the forearm and held by the warrior's hand for additional leverage.
The medium size shields were the most common type of shield used in medieval times. This was mainly because of the size and weight of the shield made it an all-round easy and comfortable shield to use in combat.
The Medium shield was also known as a heater shield and was generally in the form of a triangle with the point pointing downwards. This type of shield was also carried in the same manner as the small shield.
The largest type of shield made was the Tower or Kite shield. This type of shield was quite big and very heavy to use in combat. The size of the shield was almost from the chin to the toe of the warrior.
Because this shield was so heavy and big, it had to be firmly strapped to the forearm and the shield hand had to firmly grasp it at all times.
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For further information on these and other weapons and armour described here in these web pages, see my bibliography page.
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