Stirrup

Culturepossibly English

Date1100s–1200s

Mediumbrass-clad iron

Dimensions16.5 × 19.1 × 4.4 cm (6 1/2 × 7 1/2 × 1 3/4 in.), 12 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsAccession number on bottom of foot plate near knob.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1008

DescriptionIn excavated condition. Of iron, external surfaces clad in brass alloy sheet. Symmetrical triangular frame with slightly arched plain tread plate that narrows at the ends. Foot-plate welded to the knobbed terminals of the iron frame which are deeply vertically carved. Trapezoidal suspension loop. Except for that of the suspension ring, which is rectangular, the frame is of half-round stock. The outer faces of the suspension-ring, the frame, and the anterior and posterior edges of the foot-plates are covered with brass (latten?) sheeting. At terminals of frame are deeply fluted knobs, possibly of bronze.
Label TextA knight was in many ways defined by his horse: the word chivalry comes from the Latin caballus, “horse.” An aristocratic boy would learn to ride almost as soon as he could walk. By the time he was a teenager and started learning to fight, he was already an accomplished horseman. Stirrups first came to Europe around the year 700. Their arrival heralded the rise of the mounted knight as the powerhouse that would dominate the medieval battlefield, allowing armored riders to serve as shock troops that could break apart enemy formations. The brass cladding on this example protected the iron from corrosion, as well as making the stirrups look golden.ProvenanceSaid by vendor to have come from a find site near Gloucester (England). Purchased by John W. Higgins on May 1, 1931 from W.O. Oldman (London, England). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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