The myth of the knight in shining armour

Contrary to popular belief, knights never actually wore shining armour. Despite its romanticised portrayal in movies, the reality is more boring.

In short, the knight in shining armour image is a product of storytelling rather than reality. The shiny appearance comes from the misconception that armour was always made of polished steel. As it turns out, armour was made from a variety of materials including leather, chain mail, and plate armour.

And, well, the primary purpose of armour was to protect, not to look pretty and sparkly.

Chris Dobson is a Master Armourer who became an Art Historian, and he refers to himself as a renaissance dissident.

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