History Rage
The Real Weight of Chivalry: Debunking Armour Myths with Dr. Tobias Capwell
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Episode notes
Prepare for an explosive journey into the heart of medieval misconceptions in this fiery episode of History Rage. Host Paul Bavill is joined by the formidable Dr. Tobias Capwell, historian, author, jouster, and former curator of arms and armour at the Wallace Collection. Together, they dismantle the myths surrounding knights and their armour, revealing the truth behind the legends.
The Truth About Armour:
- Dr. Capwell debunks the pervasive myth that medieval armour was unbearably heavy, explaining its practical design and the rigorous training knights underwent to master its use.
- Discover the reality of medieval knights' mobility and the misconceptions about their need for cranes to mount horses, which Dr. Capwell traces back to Victorian stage plays.
Knights in Action:
- Hear about Dr. Capwell's personal experiences in jousting and how modern armour compares to historical examples, shedding light on the physical demands and engineering marvels of medieval armour.
- Learn about the rigorous training regimes of knights and how their bodies adapted to the demands of wearing and fighting in armour from a young age.
Myth vs. Reality:
- Explore the impact of popular culture on our understanding of medieval knights, from Victorian misconceptions to Hollywood's creative liberties, and how these have shaped modern perceptions.
- Dr. Capwell discusses the importance of respecting historical source material and the dangers of modern interpretations that disregard the true context of medieval life.
Join us as Dr. Tobias Capwell takes up the mantle to correct the record on medieval knights and their armour, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of chivalry and combat. For more insights, visit Dr. Capwell's academia website and follow him on Instagram at @TobiasCapwell.
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