Henry, Prince of Wales’s Armour: A Masterpiece of the Greenwich Workshop
In the State Entrance of Windsor Castle stands a remarkable piece of history: the armor of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, crafted by the royal armor workshop at Greenwich. This masterpiece was made in 1608 for the young prince, the eldest son of King James I and Anne of Denmark. Born in 1594, Henry was groomed to be a future monarch but tragically died at age 18 due to typhoid fever, leaving his younger brother Charles to ascend the throne in 1625. Though Henry’s life was cut short, his armor remains a testament to his status, skill, and the superb craftsmanship of the Greenwich armorers.
The Origin of Henry’s Armor
Henry’s armor was created in the royal workshop at Greenwich under the direction of Jacob Halder, a master armorer responsible for some of the finest pieces of the period. By the early 17th century, the Greenwich workshop had perfected advanced techniques for crafting both visually stunning and technologically advanced armor. The piece cost around £200, a significant sum at the time, and was delivered to Henry on July 21, 1608, as a gift from Sir Henry Lee, Elizabeth I’s champion and a prominent figure in the court.
This piece is among the finest complete Greenwich armors to survive, reflecting the workshop’s peak skill level. Made of medium carbon steel and heat-treated—a relatively new technique for the time—this armor was hardened and tempered, making it five times tougher than regular armor. This technological advancement was crucial for battle and tournaments alike, ensuring durability and increased protection.
A Garniture for the Tournament Field
Henry’s armor is classified as a “garniture,” meaning it consists of interchangeable parts that could be configured for different tournament challenges. Tournaments in the early 17th century had evolved into sophisticated events that served as both a training ground for war and a stage for political spectacle. As the prince, Henry would have used his armor in various types of tournaments, practicing combat skills while showcasing his physical prowess and status.
A notable part of the armor is the tourney gauntlet, which was used during mock battles or “tourney.” Additionally, the lance rest—a small, protruding piece on the side of the armor—was designed to help secure the lance during jousting. This essential feature prevented the lance from recoiling uncontrollably when it struck an opponent. During a joust, two riders on horseback would meet at speeds approaching 60 miles per hour, making the lance rest a vital component for both safety and performance.
The Design and Functionality of the Armor
Though the armor might look small to modern observers, it was tailored for a 15-year-old Henry, who stood about 5 feet 3 or 5 feet 4 inches tall. The armor’s total weight is about 20 kilograms (44 pounds), but with additional tournament pieces, it reaches around 25 kilograms (55 pounds). While this may seem heavy, it was distributed across the body for balance and protection, especially suited for mounted combat.
Compared to the equipment carried by modern soldiers, which often exceeds 30 kilograms, Henry’s armor was relatively manageable. In battle and tournament, the armor was worn over a padded garment to minimize impact and maximize mobility, allowing the prince to fight effectively without being hindered.
Henry was known for his athleticism and skill in tournaments, earning a reputation for his military prowess. Reports from his contemporaries claim that “he was second to no prince in Christendom at the ring and the tilt,” attesting to his abilities as a young warrior. The armor itself bears witness to his active use, with some small sword cuts on the tourney helmet, likely sustained during mock battles.
The Innovative Close Helmet
One of the most fascinating components of Henry’s armor is the close helmet, a piece designed to fit snugly around the head, protecting the face and neck. This helmet included multiple catches and hooks, creating a close fit that minimized gaps, ensuring both protection and maneuverability. The helmet also had a series of “breaths” in the visor, small openings that allowed airflow and improved visibility during combat. This design was essential for maintaining stamina and spatial awareness on the battlefield.
The Greenwich workshop incorporated a unique feature: a small stud that would pop out to hold the visor up when needed. This thoughtful addition made it easier for the wearer to lift the visor temporarily, a luxury many helmets of the time did not have. The helmet was also secured to the collar by ropes, ensuring it couldn’t be easily knocked off during the high-impact actions of a tournament.
The Artistic Mastery of Greenwich Decoration
The artistry displayed on Henry’s armor is a testament to the Greenwich workshop’s mastery. The armor is adorned with four different types of intricate decoration. Embossed thistles, fleur-de-lis, and roses—the symbols of England, France, and Scotland—are sunken into the metal, each detail representing the interconnected royal heritage of the young prince.
The armor is also etched with elaborate strapwork, including Henry’s initials, “HP,” standing for “Henry, Prince.” These initials remind us of the armor’s prestigious owner, underscoring his royal lineage and place within the British monarchy. After etching, the armor was mercury amalgam gilded—a process in which mercury and gold were combined, applied to the metal, and then heated. The mercury evaporated, leaving a thin, beautiful layer of gold on the surface, creating a striking contrast against the steel.
Finally, the armor was blued, an oxidizing process that required heating the metal to about 295 degrees Celsius (563 degrees Fahrenheit). This process caused a layer of interference oxidation on the surface, giving the armor a distinctive blue tint. Originally, the bluing might have been a more vibrant, peacock blue, although it has since dulled slightly. Despite the color’s gradual fading, the armor’s brilliance would have been a breathtaking sight as Henry rode through Whitehall to a tournament.
Symbolism and Legacy
Henry’s armor also reflects a time when tournaments served as both military practice and grand spectacle. For the nobility, tournaments were highly publicized events where they could display their martial skills, attract public admiration, and reinforce political alliances. Henry, with his skill and charisma, excelled in this setting, earning admiration from English subjects and foreign dignitaries alike. The armor stands as a physical reminder of his promise, even as his early death precluded the bright future many envisioned for him.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece Preserved
Today, Henry’s armor is preserved in Windsor Castle, where it remains a lasting symbol of England’s rich history and the enduring legacy of its royal family. The piece not only showcases the height of 17th-century craftsmanship but also immortalizes Henry as a figure of strength, chivalry, and lost potential. The armor is a testament to the Greenwich workshop’s innovative techniques and to the splendor of a royal lineage that shaped Britain’s monarchy.
Through its remarkable design, advanced engineering, and artistic decoration, Henry, Prince of Wales’s armor reminds us of a young prince whose life, though brief, left a lasting imprint on history. As one of the finest examples of Greenwich craftsmanship, it preserves the memory of a time when armor was more than mere protection; it was a work of art, a symbol of honor, and a statement of the wearer’s place in the world.
