CROSS-LEGGED EFFIGIES IN DORSET. 9 



the sleeve was tight over the elbow joint, as shown on all 

 effigies ; therefore, it seems clear that defences for the forearm 

 were separate, though attachable. Separate defences for the 

 forearm are in the 'Wallace Collection, and in many of our 

 museums are typical hauberks, reaching to the knees and sleeved 

 only to the elbows. 



The cross-legged effigies in Dorset are found, as far as I have 

 been able to trace them, at Dorchester, Bridport, Wareham, 

 Piddletown, Trent, Wimbbrne, and Horton. There is also at 

 Mappowder a diminutive cross-legged effigy under a small 

 arched recess. 



The effigies at Wareham, Bridport, Piddletown, Wimborne, 

 and Horton have a general similarity of costume no less marked 

 than that of the disposition of the limbs, although a detailed 

 study reveals the little differences and pecularities that give to 

 each of these figures a distinct and interesting individuality. 



These effigies undoubtedly belong to about the same period, 

 and, to avoid constant repetitions of the same descriptions, I 

 have grouped them together, and, except perhaps for minute 

 details, the one account of their arms and armour will be found 

 to apply equally to them all. They belong to the latter half of 

 the first of the four great periods into which English armour 

 has been divided, and which is known as the " pure mail " * 

 period, the use of which extended in various fashions from the 

 Conquest to about 1350, at which date more solid defences 

 began to be added to the chain mail. 



They are shown in the sleeved tunics of mail, which towards 

 the middle of the Xllth century gave place to the plaited skirts 

 formerly in vogue. This hauberk, or body armour, consisted of 

 a hooded coif, which latter usually conforms to the shape of the 

 head, but is sometimes flat-crowned and brought up to an 



* Pure mail does not necessarily mean chain mail, but is a conventional term 

 for almost any kind of garment which was strengthened with studs, rings, or any 

 kind of metal attached to the surface, and we have little knowledge of chain mail 

 until the return of the knights from the crusades. (Boutell.) 



