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Poleyn

Suits of armour cover nearly the entire body, and this piece was used to protect the knee. A poleyn would attach to the cuisse (thigh armour) to protect the leg but still enable movement. This poleyn was worn by a page in Rhodes between 1500 and 1522.

This object is on display

Object type: Arms and Armour
Date: Production (possible): c. 1500
Subject(s): Arms and Armour
Knights Hospitaller
Dimensions: Height x width: 195 x 125mm
Weight: 8oz
Materials and technique: Gilded steel and gold
Production place: Italy
Related place(s): Rhodes
References: Eaves, Ian, Walter J. Karcheski Jr., and Thom Richardson. Armour from Rhodes in the Museum of the Order of St John, Clerkenwell. London: Museum of the Order of St John, 1985.

Karcheski Jr., Walter J., and Thom Richardson. The Medieval Armour from Rhodes. Leeds: Royal Armouries and Higgins Armory Museum, 2000.
Pages 130–131, 141 and 149

Foakes, Tom, ed. Treasures: Faith, Care, Valour: Highlights from the Collection of the Museum of the Order of St John. Priory of England and the Islands of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, 2019.
Page 175
Credit line: Gift of J. Foster-Smith, 1945
Catalogue number: 2617