Ten Years Tilting

Last updated: 16/01/2007 - 16:06

The Royal Armouries Museum celebrated its first ten years in business back in 2006 we look ahead at what's coming up at the Leeds-based attraction.

There’s always more to discover at the Royal Armouries. You’ll always find something exciting going on! Where else can you see swashbuckling pirates, listen to genuine recollections of the Second World War – and witness knights jousting?

The Royal Armouries Museum put on up to nine fantastic shows a day, chosen from over 60 themes, from the Dark Ages to the present day (daily horseshows and falconry are usually from April to October).

Days & Knights to Remember

The Armouries' five extensive themed galleries cover: War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting and the arms and armour of the Orient. However, the armouries are not just for fans of the arms and armour of the medieval period. Far from it, a major recent addition to the collection is a lot more recent - though no less historical – the famous knife carried by 19th century explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

A ‘Useful’ Knife

Acquired for the Royal Armouries Museum at Christie's Africa sale a couple of years back, this hunting knife was carried by Stanley during the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, 1887-1890. This was the tool which he described as his 'useful' knife.

Originally sold to him by the firm of Watson Bros. in London, this knife was of a type popular with hunters and explorers for a variety of tasks; everything from preparing shelters and other general tasks, to hunting and even for self-defence. The blade and grip of Stanley's knife show signs of sustained hard use.

Born John Rowlands in North Wales in 1841, Henry Morton Stanley emigrated to the United States and went on to have a varied and colourful life, including his 16 years adventuring in the wilds of Africa.

Momento

The knife was one of the personal mementoes that had been held by his family since his death in 1904. The Royal Armouries already had a Winchester sporting rifle which was carried by one of Stanley's officers - Arthur Mounteney-Jephson - on the same expedition, but until recently it had nothing originally belonging to Stanley himself.

Mark Murray-Flutter, Senior Curator of Firearms, Hunting and Sporting, says of this particular acquisition; "We are delighted to have acquired such a significant object. It will provide a fascinating and useful insight into the weapons and equipment used by hunters and explorers of the 19th century".

Another must-see for visitors, and an example of the sort of variety to be found at Royal Armouries is the striking, so-called ‘Horned Helmet'. This is an extraordinary helm - originally made for King Henry VIII - that is both frightening and humorous, with its distinctive faceplate, curled horns and spectacles!

Embossed Face-Mask

Karen Watts, Royal Armouries' senior curator of armour, explains a little of the background to this extraordinary item. "This helmet is technically described as an armet type of helmet with protection for the skull, articulating cheek-pieces and a face defence.

It was 'tailor-made' especially for King Henry VIII. Because of its profoundly embossed face-mask and decorative details we know it was made for use in court pageants. King Henry VIII would have worn it at sumptuous functions such as masques and pageants accompanying tournaments.

"The 'Horned helmet' was made by one of the finest armourers of the early 16th century. Konrad Seusenhofer of Innsbruck was the court armourer of the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I. Seusenhofer made a complete armour of which only this helmet survives. The armour was decorated by an anonymous Augsburg goldsmith.

The armour was presented to King Henry VIII by the Emperor Maximilian I between 1511 and 1514. In fact, two identical armours were made at the same time. The other one was for the Emperor's grandson and heir, the future Emperor Charles V. This second armour has survived and this gives us an idea of how the full armour would have looked."

Established since 1996 as the national home for a vast national collection of arms and armour the Museum is loacted off the A61, close to city centre, and is a short stroll from Leeds railway station. Follow brown tourist signs. On site parking available with an overflow car park nearby.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm throughout the year, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT. 24-hour information hotline: 08700 344 344. Booking line: 0113 220 1985

Entry to the Royal Armouries Museum Museum is free, but there is a charge for some events and activities.

All images copyright Board of Trustees of the Armouries.