Tower of London

Henry VIII's silvered and engraved armour, Greenwich, England, about 1515 

The silver and engraved field armour showcases an athletic 24-year-old Henry, determined to make his mark on the world. This the first known product of the King's new armour workshops at Greenwich. The decoration reflects his political and dynastic aspirations. His marriage to Katherine, daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castille, is celebrated by their gilded initials 'H&K' along the edge of the skirt.

Henry VIII's field and tournament armour, Greenwich, England, 1540

Made at the Greenwich Armoury in 1540, the date engraved on this armour. Henry VIII was 49-year old and overweight, no longer the athletic young king who had competed at the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. Yet he still sought the admiration that competition brought and, in this instance, undoubtedly wished to impress his new queen, Anne of Cleves. Regarded by many as Henry VIII's greatest garniture, it was very possibly made for the May Day tournament held at the Palace of Westminster in 1540.

Japanese armour of King James VI and I, Nambu, Japan, 16th century

This exquisite armour was one of two sent by the Shogun of Japan, Tokugawa Hidetada, to King James VI and I in 1613. It was presented to King James by Captain Saris of the East India Company. By 1660 it was on public display in the Tower of London and is possibly the first Asian armour to enter the collection.

Harquebusier's armour of King James II, English, London, 1686

In 1686, following the 'Monmouth Rebellion', James took delivery of this harquebusier armour made by the London armourer Richard Holden. The most striking feature of the armour is the helmet's faceguard which, instead of the usual three bars, takes the form of the royal coat of arms along with the letters 'IR' for 'Iacobus Rex' (King James).

Armour for a boy, probably Henry Prince of Wales, Netherlands, about 1607

The armour is decorated with the story of the campaigns of Alexander the Great, and was presented as a gift in 1608 to the eldest son of James I, Prince Henry, who died in 1612 at the age of 18.

Cuirassier armour of King Charles I, Netherlands, 1612

This armour was originally made for Charles I's elder brother, Henry. The use of gilding on armour was much favoured by wealthy patrons, and some like this one, the entire outer surface was covered. The armour was probably an attempt by Sir Edward Cecil, a former cavalry commander in the Netherlands and close friend of Henry, to gain his favour. Unfortunately, the Prince had already died when it was finally delivered in 1613.