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



English Heritage

English Heritage membership

English Heritage membership

Free entry to English Heritage properties throughout England, plus discounted admission to Historic Scotland and Cadw properties in Scotland and Wales.

Membership details

About English Heritage



Featured National Trust Property
Hawford Dovecote

Hawford Dovecote
Hawford Dovecote is an attractive timber-framed 16th-century dovecote that once formed part of a monastic grange. The dovecote is built to an unusual design with a weatherboarded gable on each of its four sides, meeting …

Passionate about British Heritage!