KNIGHT’S SPUR
This late-medieval cavalry tool is an extravagant example of knightly chivalry and a practical means to control horses in battle
Ametal device designed to be worn in pairs on the heels of riding boots, spurs direct horses or other animals to move them forward or laterally while in the saddle. During the Middle Ages, the status of a knight became closely related to his horse and so spurs became a symbol of chivalry. To become a knight, a squire had to literally ‘win his spurs’ because they were presented during the knighthood ceremony and regarded as an important token. Wealthy knights or royalty would commission elaborate examples that were engraved, gilded or inlaid with precious metals or stones.
Spurs were first used by the Ancient Celts but by the
Middle Ages they had developed a revolving disc at the end of the neck. This disc was known as a rowel and it was first introduced to Western Europe during the mid-13th century. Rowel spurs allowed riders to touch the flanks of their horse at any foot angle. The spur also helped the horse in that it rolled against the body rather than directly hitting it. This meant that there was less chance of the animal being injured while it was being given directions.
This pictured spur dates from c.1400 and is made of gilded copper, enamel and gold. It holds a large rowel that’s shaped as a sunburst and also engraved with a chequy pattern and trefoils. The spur’s origin is uncertain and could either come from France or Catalonia in Spain. The chequy pattern may hold a clue to the original owner’s heraldry, with the French Dreux or Catalan Urgell families being suggested. However, the pattern has several colours and the feature may just be ornamental.