4° The History of the Spur 



similar lines occur on the brasses of Sir John Curson, in 

 Bedlaugh Church, Norfolk, dated 147 1, and of Robert Bomsted, 

 in Sotterby Church, 1479. All these are very much alike, and 

 are possibly the work of the same engraver. 



The spur principally in fashion during the early part of 

 the fifteenth century is shown on Plate 19, and is characteristic 

 of the Lancastrian period. It is taken from a spur in the 

 British Museum. It does not differ much from the spurs of 

 the previous century. There is a straight, rather short neck, 

 a large star rowel, and a highly developed crest. The sides 

 are not so sharply depressed as formerly, but still with a 

 strong curve so as to fit under the ankle-bone, and terminating 

 sometimes in one, but more often in two circular perforations 

 for the attachment of the straps by hooks rivetted to the 

 straps. 



These were the spurs which were probably seen, more 

 often than others, at the battle of Agincourt. Though it must 

 be remembered that there was no " regulation " pattern in 

 those days, and each knight wore what seemed to him best. 

 Still, fashion was as powerful, no doubt, then as now, and 

 men copied each other's arms and armour, and their spurs 

 also. 



Towards the middle of the fifteenth century we notice 

 several changes to take place — an elongation of the neck and 

 a diminution of the rowel, and, for a few years, an alteration 

 of the shape and curve of the sides. 



This last-mentioned change is shown in the illustrations 

 on Plate 20, Figs, i and 2. One is a very ornate spur, and 



