Edward III's two handed sword

[Richard]

Hi Katana

6 foot 8 inches is a pike, not a sword! Its enormous! Regarding medieval swords, I have always found monumental church brasses an excellent reference with regard to the armour and weapons of the time (and in Kent, you're particularly well endowed). Brass rubbing used to be a hobby of mine many years gone past. Below is a rubbing of Sir Hugh Hastings, d. 1347, from Elsing church in Norfolk. There are 8 mourners depicted in the canopy and the top left is Edward III. The sword he is carrying there is certainly nowhere near 6'8"

Richard

Originally Posted by katana

Hi
watching a recent documentary Edward III was mentioned and his two handed sworded sword shown. It was stated that this was a functional and used in battle. The reason stated for it being functional was the fact it was not ornate. This sword is 6 foot 8 inches long a real monster (203 cms or 2 metres 3cms ) Obviously a number of two handed swords are around 6 foot ....is the extra length of 8 inches not unusual or as King ....did this length make it more of a statement of status ?
Surely impressive .....but useful in battle conditions ? What do you think ???

Regards David


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