List of Shields Used by Medieval Knights in History

Medieval knights relied on armor and specialized equipment when fighting on the battlefield. Unlike lesser soldiers, knights could afford the best protection. 

Shields were essential components of most knightly uniforms. Shields protected a knight in different battle scenarios, whether on horseback or on foot.

Shields used by medieval knights evolved with the improvement of armor. As the Middle Ages entered the Renaissance period, knights relied less on shields and more on innovate plate armor. 

The extensive protection offered by plate armor eventually made most shields redundant. However, the shield as a symbol of the nobility continued to be important, with shields displaying the heraldry of royalty and elite European families. 

The following are five of the most popular shield types used by knights during the early, high, and late Middle Ages. They are listed in chronological order to help you better understand their evolution over the centuries. 

1) Buckler Shield 

The buckler shield originated in antiquity, but gained massive popularity throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods. This shield type was small and round. It typically measured 18 inches in diameter.

The size of this shield made it useless against projectiles like arrows, but it paired well with an arming sword or rapier. 

Knights and other fighters who used a buckler shield held it in their fist by a handle attached to the back of the shield. 

Today, the buckler is organized into typologies based on its shape and cross section. Common categories include round, rectangular, oval, and teardrop. Cross sections include flat, concave, convex, and wavelike.  

2) Kite Shield

The medieval kite shield is one of the more recognizable types seen in art, films, and reenactments. The kite shield was common in the 1000s and is often attributed to the Normans. 

One of the most famous historical sources that depicts kite shields is the Bayeux Tapestry. As shown in the image above, the kite shield could be used by both cavalry and infantrymen. The shield’s unique shape protected both the upper body and the left leg of knights on horseback. 

While considered a Norman shield, the kite shield’s popularity eventually spread to Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and other areas of Europe. Some scholars think the kite shield’s shape was derived from Viking equipment, while examples of kite shields in Byzantium suggest the shield may have Eastern origins. 

Kite shields measured 3 feet tall on average and were commonly crafted from a combination of wood, animal hide, and iron. 

3) Heater Shield

The heater shield developed from the kite shield in the 12th century. As armor continued to evolve and provided better protection for the legs, large shields proved redundant. 

Smaller shields like the heater shield were inexpensive and lightweight. They were useful in a variety of combat scenarios. 

Heater shields were made from thin wood and leather. Most were braced with steel or iron bands, with canvas or parchment layers for decoration. 

The shape of the heater shield proved ideal for the display of a noble family’s coat of arms. The heater shield outlasted the era of the knights because of this. 

Even today the heater shield serves as the backdrop for famous heraldry. 

4) Bouche Shield

The bouche shield developed from the earlier heater shield. While the heater shield was utilized by knights in combat, the bouche evolved for tournament use. 

The shield featured a unique notch in which a lance could rest. The shape of the shield also reflected the purpose of this object. The slightly curved shape of the shield’s face deflected an opponent’s lance. 

The bouche’s notched design made it ideal for tournament jousting, but the shield was also effective for hand-to hand fighting as shown in the illustration above. 

Today, you can see reproduction bouche shields at Renaissance festivals and tournaments. 

5) Rondache Shield

The rondache shield is the last main type of medieval and Renaissance shield. Its round shape and medium size allowed men of all ranks to carry it effectively. 

The rondache was most popular in Italy in the 1500s. 

Depending on the user’s status, this shield could be decorated with silver, gold, embossed detailing, and studs.