Medieval Iron Rowel Spur

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

Medieval iron rowel spur. Spurs were metal spikes attached to a boot heel so that horsemen could prick their mounts to make them move faster. The earliest had a single prong which could easily injure a horse and they were replaced by the 14th century by the safer rowel spur which had a rotating wheel of spikes. The metal used originally showed the rank of the wearer. Knights had gilt spurs; esquires, who were training to be knights, had silvered ones; sergeants or men-at-arms were allowed only brass or iron spurs, like this one.

PX4920.tif

Digital Camera

[not applicable].

27/06/2007