Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Funerary Helm Definition

History and Architecture

Funerary Helm

When a knight or member of the nobility died, particularly if they had a reputation as a warrior, a special helmet called a funerary helm was hung near or above their monument. Such funerary helms could be purely ornamental, but were more commonly actual armour worn by the person during their life - though not necessarily a helm used in battle. For example, the helm of Edward, the Black Prince, hangs on a wall near his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral.

Framlingham, Suffolk

Framlingham, Suffolk




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