Carlton-in-Lindrick knight
Encyclopedia
The Carlton-in-Lindrick knight is a small (6 cm tall) bronze figurine
from the twelfth century, depicting a mounted knight
armed for combat. It is an important find because period depictions of mounted European knights are relatively rare.
in 2004 in Bassetlaw
, North Nottinghamshire. It is currently in the Bassetlaw Museum in Retford
. The figurine was sought by collections outside Britain, but the Art Fund and other funds joined with the Bassetlaw Museum to acquire it for local display.
and very complete chainmail
. Despite these typically 12th century characteristics, his helmet
is conical and he carries a kite shield
, both reminiscent of depictions of Norman knights in the Bayeux Tapestry
of the previous century.
His warhorse wears a caparison
.
Figurine
A figurine is a statuette that represents a human, deity or animal. Figurines may be realistic or iconic, depending on the skill and intention of the creator. The earliest were made of stone or clay...
from the twelfth century, depicting a mounted knight
Knight
A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
armed for combat. It is an important find because period depictions of mounted European knights are relatively rare.
Discovery and Acquisition
The figurine was discovered by use of a metal detectorMetal detector
A metal detector is a device which responds to metal that may not be readily apparent.The simplest form of a metal detector consists of an oscillator producing an alternating current that passes through a coil producing an alternating magnetic field...
in 2004 in Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw is the northernmost district of Nottinghamshire, England, with a population according to the 2001 UK census of 107,713. The borough is predominantly rural, with two towns: Worksop, site of the borough offices, and Retford...
, North Nottinghamshire. It is currently in the Bassetlaw Museum in Retford
Retford
Retford is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England, located 31 miles from the city of Nottingham, and 23 miles west of Lincoln, in the district of Bassetlaw. The town is situated in a valley with the River Idle and the Chesterfield Canal running through the centre of the...
. The figurine was sought by collections outside Britain, but the Art Fund and other funds joined with the Bassetlaw Museum to acquire it for local display.
Depiction
The figurine depicts a mounted knight of the twelfth century, apparently armed for combat, as he is holding his shield and is in full armour. Characteristic of knights of the period, he wears a surcoatSurcoat
A surcoat was an outer garment commonly worn in the Middle Ages by both men and women. It can either refer to a coat worn over other garments or the outer garment of a person...
and very complete chainmail
Chainmail
Mail is a type of armour consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh.-History:Mail was a highly successful type of armour and was used by nearly every metalworking culture....
. Despite these typically 12th century characteristics, his helmet
Helmet
A helmet is a form of protective gear worn on the head to protect it from injuries.Ceremonial or symbolic helmets without protective function are sometimes used. The oldest known use of helmets was by Assyrian soldiers in 900BC, who wore thick leather or bronze helmets to protect the head from...
is conical and he carries a kite shield
Kite shield
A kite shield was a distinct type of shield from the 10th–12th centuries. It was either a reverse teardrop shape or later on, flat-topped. The tapering point extended down to either a distinct or rounded point...
, both reminiscent of depictions of Norman knights in the Bayeux Tapestry
Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth—not an actual tapestry—nearly long, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England concerning William, Duke of Normandy and Harold, Earl of Wessex, later King of England, and culminating in the Battle of Hastings...
of the previous century.
His warhorse wears a caparison
Caparison
A caparison is a covering, or cloth, laid over a horse or other animal, especially a pack animal, or horse of state. In modern times, it is used mainly for decoration in parades and for historical reenactments. A similar term is horse-trapper....
.