Templar “Heater” Shield

The Knights Templar were a powerful crusading order of knights founded in the 11th Century with many of their number recruited from England and France. There are many Templar castles and churches throughout England including the Temple Church in London, made famous in The Da Vinci Code.

This shield shape developed from the heater shield at the end of the 12th century, because the improved protection provided by armour and helmets made larger shields unnecessary. Shields were still useful, but they needed to be lightweight and allow for lots of mobility.

Our Templar Heater Shield is made of curved wood and is covered with sturdy canvas on both sides. The shield has two crossed hand grips made of leather at the back and a long leather arm strap that you hold under tension to keep the shield close to your body. If you need to drop the shield quickly, simply let go of the leather strap (as described in the "Manesse Codex.") Another long strap allows you to carry the shield on your back, and it has a padded arm rest for extra protection against hard blows. The simple black & white design painted on the outside of the shield probably signifies the Templar knights: white stands for chivalry and purity.

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