English medieval knights wore metal armor to protect themselves from archers and the long swords of opponents. From the 9th century, chain mail suits gave protection and freedom of movement until solid plate armor became more common in the 14th century.

A crested helmet, shield with a striking coat of arms, and a liveried horse completed a costly outfit designed to protect and intimidate. Such was the mesmerizing effect of a fully suited-up knight that armor continued to be worn despite the arrival of gunpowder weapons and remained a favorite costume of the nobility when posing for their oil painting portraits.