_Arm Defences._--These were of great variety and, as the century progressed, of the most original and complicated description, giving to this period the most characteristic forms by which it can be identified. Soon after 1440, and perhaps before that time, the defences of the right and left arms in England began to be of different construction, similar to changes which had already become well advanced upon the Continent in the same direction. The right arm was encased in steel which, compared with other portions, was comparatively thin, light, and capable of the greatest flexibility and mobility; this was occasioned by the need of extreme quickness of sword-play in combat after the lance had been shivered in the charge. Laminated epaulières and laminated brassarts were accordingly lavishly used upon the right arm as affording the maximum amount of movement, these being strengthened by a few extra defences of plate adapted so that they would not hinder the flexibility so obtained. A brass at Swaffham, 1470, illustrates the use of lames upon the right arm (Fig. 292). The left or bridle arm, on the contrary, was guarded by extra strong and thick plate defences and reinforcements of all descriptions, shapes, and sizes; in fact the general idea was to render the whole of the left side of the knight impenetrable to the weapons then in use. Probably this was occasioned by the partial or total disuse of the shield in warfare, as being an encumbrance whose disadvantages more than counterbalanced any possible benefits which might have been derived from it. It can be readily seen that in combat with an ordinary right-handed swordsman the left side of the body would be liable to receive more hurts, both in number and intensity, than the right, hence this extraordinary strengthening of the defences upon that side. [Illustration: FIG. 292.--Brass at Swaffham illustrating use of lames on right arm, 1470.] [Illustration: FIG. 293.--Development of the coudière.] [Illustration: FIG. 294.--Development of palette.] [Illustration: FIG. 295.--Pauldron of Walter, Lord Hungerford, 1459. Salisbury Cathedral.] [Illustration: FIG. 296.--Laminated pauldron.(Cott. MS., Julius, E. IV.)] [Illustration: FIG. 297.--Pauldron, &c., Sir Miles Stapleton, 1466. Ingham Church, Norfolk.]