https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBL-jx1yypQ&t=337s

Hi everyone,

I was doing some research since I'm a larper who is a massive fan of medieval infantry kit and I just wanted your thoughts on this reenactors portrayal of a 15th century billman. This isn't a critique and if anything I enjoy this channels content however this is the only source where I have seen this depiction.

I find this portrayal interesting because of a few things. First there is the bishop mantel and plackart combination. I would have thought that by this period chest protection such as brigandines or plate breastplates and cuirasses would have been more readily available to the average infantryman.

Next is the jack chains over chainmail. From my research it seemed like jack chains were attached to padded jackets and arming doublets on their own and used by poorer soldiers or archers as it was either the only option they had or only thing they needed and if they access to a mail shirt they would that choose that over the jack chains not both. I don't think I have seen any other source that shows jack chains over chainmail before unless I am mistaken.

Finally there is the lower body. I was under the impression that the vast majority of infantrymen simply abandoned leg amour altogether either due to cost, comfort or mobility purposes. Here this solider has a mail skirt, tassets and upper leg protection which is more armor compared to other infantryman from that era.

Overall looking at art from the War of the Roses it seem the average infantryman wore just a helmet and chest protection while this gentlemen looks even more well protected. I still think it looks cool and impressive none the less. What are your thoughts ? Is this an accurate portrayal ? Are there any other sources that show something similar ?

Thank you very much for your time.