Join Philip the archaeologist and medieval resident of York Mistress Parkin as they discuss this ingenious example of recycling from the Middle Ages: an archer’s bracer.
Archery was vital to the defence of the realm during the late 1300’s – the period from which this artefact dates – and contributed a fearsome element to tactics employed on the battlefield. All men living in the country were expected to be proficient archers, but paying for the necessary equipment could be expensive. This bracer, or arm guard, demonstrates how repurposing worn out objects helped to solve the problem.
‘Shaking Hands with the Past’ is a collection of educational vodcasts produced by York Archaeological Trust, featuring unique artefacts and explains their use, construction and history in easily understood terms and with the help of a friendly local medieval resident. They can be used by teachers, parents and pupils to help bring alive the topic of living in medieval times.
