Pikemen anchored 17th-century infantry formations, standing in dense blocks with long pikes to hold off cavalry while musketeers provided ranged fire, and their armour reflected that specific tactical role. A standard pikeman’s kit combined a simple helmet or pot with a breastplate and backplate for torso protection, a gorget to guard the throat, and tassets — hinged thigh plates — to protect the upper legs while still allowing the mobility needed to manoeuvre a pike in formation. This reproduction recreates that complete kit in 18-gauge mild steel, sized 7.5 by 9 inches at the breastplate.
Pikeman’s Armour, English Civil War Style
Pikemen made up roughly a third of the infantry at the outset of the English Civil Wars, equipped with a standardised set of armour: a helmet or pot, a breastplate, a backplate, a gorget for the neck, and a pair of thigh defences called tassets. This reenactment set recreates that recognisable pikeman’s kit in 18-gauge mild steel. Fully wearable, it suits both historical re-enactment and general costume use.







