26 



That horses of "the greatest sorte " were 

 absolutely essential at this time the Immense 

 weight of iron worn by both rider and horse 

 proves to us. The engraving represents a 

 knight clad in a suit of tilting armour, which 

 is now to be seen in the Tower of London. 

 This armour was described in 1660 as 

 having belonged to Charles Brandon, Duke 

 of Suffolk, Henry VIII.'s brother-in-law. 

 The Tower officials give the weight as 

 follows : — Man's armour, Qglbs. 90Z. ; horse's 

 armour, 8olbs. 150Z. The mail would fit 

 only a big and powerful man (none other 

 could profitably wear it) whose weight must 

 have been at least 16 stone. Thus we 

 have : — 



Lbs. oz. 



Weight of rider ... ... 224 o 



Rider's armour ... ... 99 9 



,, spear ... ... 20 o 



Horse's armour ... ... 80 15 



Total ... 424 8 

 or 30 stone 4lbs. 8oz. As we must allow 

 for the knight's clothing and the horses 

 gear, bridle, &c., the total weight would not 

 fall short of the four hundredweight men- 

 tioned by the old chronicler quoted on the 

 next pages as the burden the Great Horse 

 will " carrie commonlie." 



