Facts and interesting information about Medieval Swords, arms and armor
specifically, the Bastard Sword (Longsword)
The Bastard Sword
The Medieval Bastard Sword was also known as the Long Sword and in later times as a Hand and a Half swords. Bastard swords often had a more tapered, narrowly pointed blade. The Medieval Bastard Sword generally had a long handle which allowed for two-handed use and a longer blade. The Medieval Bastard Sword became popular due to is extreme reach and cutting and thrusting abilities and was predominantly used by the Medieval Knights. The weapons, armor and horse of the Knight were extremely expensive - the fighting power of just one knight was worth 10 ordinary soldiers.
Definition and Origin of the Bastard Sword -
Why do they call it a bastard sword? The term Bastard sword originates from the the French 'epee batarde'. This term was used to refer to a 'hand and a half sword' or a 'long sword'. The blade could be the same length as a single hand sword but the tang and the grip were long enough to accommodate two hands providing better leverage and more power. The versatility of the design prevented the sword from being specifically categorized as either a one-handed or two-handed weapon. The word bastard was therefore to this sword meaning something irregular or inferior or of dubious origin, having a misleading appearance.
Description of Medieval Bastard Sword
The weapons used the Medieval times include the Bastard Sword. The description of the Medieval Bastard Sword which provides basic facts and information about the weapon is as follows:
- The Medieval Bastard Sword had a two-edged blade and a handle which was long enough for two hands
- The length of the Bastard Sword ranged from 40 - 48 inches
- The Bastard Sword handle that measured 10 - 15 inches in additional length
- The extended handle of the Bastard Sword allowed the blade to be held in two hands
- The Bastard Sword weighed between 5 - 8 pounds
- It was used as close contact weapon and capable of striking a massive blow
- The weapon was primarily used for cutting or slicing an opponent and was capable of cutting off the limbs or head of an enemy in one stroke
- Type or group of weapons - Cutting Weapon
Medieval Bastard Sword Training
Skill in the use of Medieval weapons and understanding the strategy of Medieval Warfare was necessary and a played a vital part in Medieval life. The Medieval Bastard Sword training required by a Knight was extremely time consuming - it was necessary for them to become expert swordsmen. Skill in using Medieval weapons, including Medieval Bastard Sword training was necessary for every Medieval Knight. A Knight was trained first as a Page from the age of 7 to 14 and then as Squire from the age of 14 to 21. Special places were assigned for Medieval Bastard Sword training called the Pell. Pell training allowed knights to practise various vicious strokes and manoeuvres during their Bastard Sword training such as thrusting, cutting, and slicing without imposing an injury on his opponent.
Medieval Weapons and Armor - Bastard Sword
The Medieval Life and Times website provides interesting facts, history and information about the swords and armor used in the battles and warfare in the history of the times, including the Bastard Sword, which scatter the history books. The Medieval Times Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts about the fascinating subject of the lives of the soldiers and knights and their swords and armor who lived during the historical period of the Middle Ages. The content of this article on Bastard Sword provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework for history courses and history coursework.