Happy Birthday to the main man, Henry VIII.

Published on June 28, 2026
Duration: 2:49

This video explores Henry VIII's significant impact on English armour making. It highlights the establishment of the Royal Workshop at Greenwich, which employed German and Dutch armourers known as the Almanes. The Royal Armouries houses armours made for Henry, including those for the Field of Cloth of Gold tournament, showcasing the advanced craftsmanship of the era and the Greenwich Workshop's ability to compete with European masters.

Quick Summary

Henry VIII's establishment of the Greenwich Royal Workshop in the early 16th century revolutionized English armour making. He employed skilled 'Almanes' from Germany and the Netherlands, enabling England to produce high-quality, technically advanced armour that rivaled European masters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Henry VIII's Birthday & Impact
  2. 00:14Establishment of the Greenwich Royal Workshop
  3. 00:24Pre-Greenwich Armour Making Dominance
  4. 00:35Gifted Armours: Horned Helmet & Burgundian Bard
  5. 00:51The Almanes: German & Dutch Armourers
  6. 01:01Armours at the Royal Armouries
  7. 01:07Field of Cloth of Gold Tournament Armours
  8. 01:22Technically Advanced Foot Combat Armour
  9. 01:44Tonnet Armour & Rule Changes
  10. 01:55Greenwich Workshop's Mastery
  11. 02:14Legacy of Greenwich Armour
  12. 02:25Visit the Royal Armouries Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of Henry VIII's royal workshop at Greenwich?

Henry VIII established the royal workshop at Greenwich in the early 16th century to produce high-quality armour for himself and his court. This initiative significantly boosted English armour making capabilities, reducing reliance on imports and fostering a distinct national style.

Who were the 'Almanes' employed by Henry VIII?

The 'Almanes' were skilled armourers recruited by Henry VIII from Germany and the Netherlands to work at his royal workshop in Greenwich. Their expertise was crucial in advancing the quality and technical sophistication of English-made armour during the Tudor period.

What was the 'tonnet' armour required for the Field of Cloth of Gold?

The 'tonnet' armour was a specific type of tournament armour that included a 'tonlet,' an articulated steel skirt. This requirement was introduced shortly before the Field of Cloth of Gold tournament in 1520, necessitating rapid adaptation by the Greenwich Workshop.

Where can one see armours made for Henry VIII?

Two of the armours specially made for Henry VIII at his Greenwich Royal Workshop are displayed in the tournament gallery at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. These pieces showcase the peak of 16th-century armour craftsmanship.

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