Arming the man

Vambraces, buffes, greaves – what are they and what do they protect?
Find out with this armour glossary.

In pictures: Arming the man from head to toe

The modern technical name for a 'suit of armour' is just armour. Henry would have called it a harness. The term garniture was used to describe lots of pieces of armour which could be put together in different ways to create a harness. In the 1540s, real men wore skirts!

Cover your rump

Pieces of armour for the lower body.

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Upper body and arms

Armour from the waist to the neck.

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Henry’s headwear

Various parts that protected King Henry’s head.

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In video: Arming the knight

See how our champion and his team make sure he is literally dressed to kill

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Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill

Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill From 3 April 2009 – 17 January 2010
Displayed over 3 floors of the historic White Tower, this stunning
exhibition celebrates the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII becoming King of England. Some of the world's rarest arms and armour have been selected from the treasures of the Royal Armouries and international collections. These spectacular objects have never been seen together since the reign of his daughter Elizabeth I. Click here to find out more >

Henry VIII: heads and hearts at Hampton Court Palace

Henry VIII: heads and hearts Come to Hampton Court Palace and commemorate 500 years since Henry VIII's accession to the English throne. Be part of the celebrations of Henry's wedding to his sixth wife, Kateryn Parr, and find out more about Henry's wives and daughters at the fascinating, temporary exhibition 'Henry’s Women'. Opens 10 April 2009. Click here to find out more >