What did a medieval foot soldier wear? | 15th C billman

In this video Kevin Hicks takes a look at what a medieval foot soldier, a billman, may have worn during the 15th century, Wars of the Roses period. Kevin, his son Josh and Steve Arnold, members of the Oxford Household re-enactment group, will show you how they would have armed and equipped a foot soldier of that time.
#warsoftheroses, #medieval #MiddleAges #medievalweapons #billman #footsoldier #medievalsoldier #15thCentury #15C #armour #medievalarmour
For more information on the Oxford Household re-enactment society email [e-mail] or check out their website www.oxfordhousehold.com or their Facebook page / 1045229015584366
For more medieval films in the playlist: • Medieval History
If you’d like to help the channel and enable us to make more models and great history videos, you can support us through Patreon at / thehistorysquad
Facebook: / historysquad
Twitter: / history_hicks
Website: www.historysquad.ca

[@chehalem]

Even though it was brief, I really liked the demonstration of how the billmen formed up. Movies and such typically just have the guys in front doing all the work and never show the 2nd or 3rd rank doing anything.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're right, I get fed up with Hollywood. There are a couple more moves coming up soon in our 'weapons' video of this series.

[@UNrDD]

I really enjoy the way they show HOW they put on the armor. This guy knows a lot about history and I am glad I found this channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

We're glad you found us too, thanks for the visit 👍

[@debugden9172]

Absolutely love the aesthetic of the heavy mail and partial plate, makes for a much more gritty and serious look than something like full plate I find.

[@billysasterd5707]

What was medieval battlefield communication like? I assume there would be signals from flags and instruments passing information up and down to commanders; with that assumption, I believe there would have been code books. And having the necessity to keep those private or secret.

[@rodrigobarreto1947]

I would like very much a video about medieval battlefield communication! please notice it Mr.!

[@thehistorysquad]

A great suggestion 👍

[@ArbyTV]

@@thehistorysquad Yes please. I would love a video on this

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Communications and also the medieval equivalent of an aide station , or did that die out between the fall of Rome and the renaissance?

[@hemaccabe4292]

I had never heard the word “ventnar,” pronounced before. Video was worth it just for that. Thank you.

[@claudiobernardi3002]

Kevin, I've been a lifelong 13th century reenactor, but my love for jackchains (probably my favorite piece of armor) might convince me to start with the 15th century instead 😆

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@claudiobernardi3002]

@@thehistorysquad 😏

[@ShelbyV100]

That’s ALOT OF EFFORT. Can u imagine if you r under a ‘surprise’ attack and u got to get dressed??

[@srice8959]

Hey I don’t know if you’re anywhere close to Lindybeige, but I really really think that the two of y’all could really do an excellent episode together. Lindybeige, and yourself are Literally my two favorite KZbinrs by far. The Knowledge between the could fill a library at Oxford Your Son is Huge!! I’m sure he would have never had trouble back then to be a Warrior

[@antonioruizfernandez8281]

I've been loving this series about what medieval (and Roman) soldiers and knights would had wear, have you considered making a video about what the Celts would had worn, again, loving your videos they are very use full for the fantasy and history enthusiasts like me. Cheers from Spain!

[@DefeatedRoyalist]

Well done as always Mr. Hicks! The humble jack-chain seems to be one of the many overlooked aspects of late medieval warfare! Glad to see you and your team could shed some light on it! Keep up the stellar work friend!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Brendan, will do 👍🏻

[@louayghanjati5056]

That skirt of mail is FABULOUS! Fighting with style

[@stephenrenwick8781]

Ahhh that takes me back to my Rosamundi days as a bowman of the Scrope Household. Great video.

[@birdlawyer4885]

This is great. thanks for creating this and thanks to your son and friend for spending their time doing this

[@thehistorysquad]

No problem! Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@davidvergara607]

Your son Josh did a great job in this video. Hope to see more of him in other videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! Yes we've been planning some stuff for my next visit to him in the spring 👍🏻

[@RTBurke]

Brilliant as always. It’s easy to fall into binge-watching these films.

[@MsRain49]

I've been watching them all day today. 😊

[@andrewburkinshaw1446]

That was an awesome demonstration of the different ways they dressed up and how they formed up. I have learned so many things from your channel and absolutely love your style of presentation

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm so glad, thanks very much.

[@wattyler9806]

Great video really shows what men wore in a medieval battle.

[@magnum8256]

This is a good video. I like medieval things. This video gives me a more intuitive understanding of the middle ages. Seeing a soldier actually wearing armor is more vivid than the words written in the records

[@TimberwolfCY]

I love your conversational tone as you present all your material. Love seeing it put on, the stances, the thoughts behind some of it and perspectives. Thanks again!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the visit 👍🏻

[@brianfuller757]

Your videos are excellent and well presented. I love the attention to detail on your channel. Any medieval army was mostly foot soldiers

[@danielwhite1233]

Never apologize for the sound quality Kevin, your videos are a welcome addition to any day.

[@thehistorysquad]

I really appreciate that thank you! The purpose of the disclaimer is to try to head off any negative comments. Sadly there are sound 'purists' out there that will, and do complain 😏

[@als3022]

Considering how thick all of the other clothing is (Not just the armor), it's rather surprising that the livery coat which is meant to identify him looks much more delicate. And that it could rot off sounds rather dangerous when it comes to identifying your opponent. The standard of mail made me think of the gorget of centuries in the future.

[@SQUIRRELSONASTICK]

I theorize that could be because it sits on top. The livery is going to take a lot of damage just by virtue of existing over the armor, so why bother with heavy material when something light and easy is going to get just as ripped just as fast.

[@als3022]

@@SQUIRRELSONASTICK Good point

[@peterwallace9764]

I got the impression the Livery Coat 🧥 was just a means of Identifying the man’s Unit & Loyalty, with whom he aligns with.

[@SQUIRRELSONASTICK]

@@peterwallace9764, exactly! So it's not actually needed for the protection of the wearer, and would therefore be "extra weight". Remembering that these men (or at least, their underlings) would carry their gear to and from battle. Not to mention have to wear the damn stuff. Why invest in heavy livery if it's extra baggage and is just going to get banged to fuck anyway? Far better to keep a decent seamster on payroll and whip a new one up as needed.

[@petehall889]

A very interesting demonstration, Kevin. Nice to see the riveted mail. One hopes you are not tempted to test whether it would stop an arrow! Your son Josh looks to be a fine fellow and clearly one to be proud of!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Pete, I'm very proud of Josh indeed 👍🏻

[@Riceball01]

Tod of Tod's Workshop has a series of video showing just how well Mediveal Plate armor from around the time of the Battle of Agincourt stands up to a high poundage Engliish/Welsh longbow. In the first video of the series, the archer misses the target which was an authentic replica breastplate and hits the mail skirt under it and it goes clean through, almost like it wasn't there.

[@petehall889]

@@Riceball01 Ah, that's very interesting.

[@prawnenjoyer]

Another fantastic video! It’s fascinating to see the different types of equipment that soldiers would have carried based on their status. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about it.

[@marionbowler5440]

I'd croak from the heat. Learning is fun, love history 🍁😊🐘🇨🇦

[@thehistorysquad]

You and me both!

[@PreppyClaw]

Wow! 100k +!!! Well done and well deserved Kevin! My favorite place for history.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks a million!

[@cnawan]

Fascinating :) I've never seen armour from this period. Most of the video and tv content I've seen focuses on the medieval period.

[@ianbyron7464]

The men who did that sort of thing back in those days were brave & tough as nails. Great content!!

[@noahmotion6101]

Thank you so much for these videos. I very much appreciate the information, education and enjoyment I get from them. 🖤👍

[@AdministrativeResults]

Another banger

[@PackLeader-1990]

Thanks for the great number of uploads recently I really enjoying learning more about my favorite period of history after the Roman Empire's height. That being said I really enjoyed your video where you spoke about Gaelen. Very cool video

[@nothsa1107]

I love this guy. Been binge watching all his videos for a couple of weeks now. Not only is he informative and knowledgeable. He also seems very friendly and he definitely cares about what he does.

[@thehistorysquad]

I do indeed, thank you for watching & your kind comment 👍🏻

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I love thease armor and tactics videos simple and easy to understand!

[@ManDuderGuy]

I'm a simple man. I see Kevin, I smash the buttons.

[@magusvedarinreinhart7970]

Amazing. I love everything put into this and the accumulated knowledge behind it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it! Cheers Magus.

[@lyndalawrence4383]

i expect that lot was heavy and took some getting used to wearing. great video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulamos2817]

Have been watching for the last month. Keep up the good work. So interesting to see how the armour fits together in real time. So nice to get a feel of the weight and texture rather than cgi or pictorials.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Doing better than me Paul, I only found it a week ago.?

[@Aria432]

Thank you we do our best 🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!

[@markharrisllb]

Again a fascinating video. I'm glad you chose a family from the right side in the war.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 oh yes.

[@Richard-fv7rq]

We can only imagine how brutal these days were to be alive in. Your vids are clear and easy to watch/learn by.

[@strangeways4217]

Just before bed time! My nightly routine of a history fix before bed is complete

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 Goodnight

[@mickusable]

Same as ever Kev, another interesting video 🤘🏹

[@northeee8887]

Thanks Kevin & team

[@scotthockman3060]

Hey Kevin! I have been watching your videos here on the History Squad for about a year now, and i must say... as a person who deals with crippling anxiety of several kinds, and who loves medieval history (well, history in general), you and your videos always put me in the right state of being... you really help me keep calm in this crazy world! thank you for doing what you do, and know that you and yours are amazing :D Cheers, Mate

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Scott, that's very kind of you. I'm glad I can help and hope one day you'll overcome your anxieties. Best wishes, Kevin 👍🏻

[@meganwhite9090]

This channel is quickly becoming my favourite history channel, it fills a rare niche where it both tells history AND engages in it in an interesting way that is also entertaining, bravo!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks Megan 👍🏻

[@thecraftygoat624]

I really love these impromptu armor videos! Great stuff

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear!

[@jorklind]

Thanks Steve and Josh!

[@thehistorysquad]

They did a great job 👍🏻

[@johngolombek61]

Congrats on 100k sir well deserved sir .

[@hemaccabe4292]

And you were absolutely correct, I did find this video entertaining and educational. Thank you. BTW, the sound is not bad at all.

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome, thank you!

[@doughunter3967]

great info, Rhanks for sharing...Yah bless...doug

[@josephgonzales4802]

Really loving this! 👍

[@allanburt5250]

Brilliant thanks for sharing 👍 Fantastic to see it all getting put together, along with the history and reasoning for it all ... Great stuff

[@CobraDar23]

thanks man, love learning from you

[@kiwifruit27]

Love these videos, so informative. Thanks

[@greywanderer5935]

Love these Kevin!

[@davidbmason]

Great one Kevin. Really interesting.

[@Scriblington]

Kevin your videos are fantastic, keep up the good work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@kitakitzFarm]

Thank you. Very very interesting.

[@williamwallace9427]

Awesome as usual

[@trin7346]

I'm loving these armor centered videos! Great stuff

[@MZeki-gw2xg]

Great work, really appreciate the detail.

[@stevenblack1903]

How they fought in their gear truly amazes me.

[@migsy_66]

Great job chaps, although I am a bit biased ;)

[@risingSisyphus]

Fantastic content, love seeing the donning process and the information about different classes of soldier on the battlefield.

[@deadhorse1391]

Another interesting video, you did a good job!

[@HyeenaWulf]

Love this stuff so much! Thanks for all the fantastic content here!

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure!

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Great stuff.

[@qu1xotic]

Great loved it. Especially the example at the end, cool to see

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you liked it!

[@alekshukhevych2644]

I love this channel.

[@stav1369]

Keep them coming. Another great vid

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@kirkmorrison6131]

A. Great video,I found it really interesting.

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks again good sir, I love your videos, always entertaining to listen to. Please keep doing what you do, be safe and as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching Arthur 👍

[@averagejones8621]

Just found your channel and am really enjoying it! Great videos and content and you are a great story teller. Keep up the good work sir!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! Will do!

[@mr.svenson3406]

Simple some of the best historical content available. Love the way you tell stories.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks 👍🏻

[@davidc6510]

Nice episode Kevin. Congratulations on surpassing 100k subscribers! Thanks for sharing!

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet! 👍🏻

[@ericnorsman9203]

So very interesting and well presented I really enjoy your channel sir I'm so grateful that you take the time to bring our history to life. Many thanks!

[@cpt.fisher7836]

Good work

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

Thanks for making these videos. I've learned a lot from watching them.

[@coreybarnes1802]

Great conent, keep it up!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@mitchel8522]

I don't mind the sound quality, now Kevin needs to get dressed up as the archer haha!

[@patstokes7040]

You're very talented.

[@_thejava]

Congratulations on 100 K subscribers

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! 😃

[@hollysmith9104]

Yes I find your videos very interesting

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like them! Thanks Holly 👍🏻

[@Fenixx117]

Would love more videos on the differences in dress, customs, and ranks of foot soldiers. You always hear about men at arms, knights and archers but almost nothing about household retainers or the levies. Much of what I learned is from the Bernard Cornwell Grail series which is great but again is only about archers and titled men at arms who have mounts and a retinue. Also: can I come hang out with you in Saskatchewan some time Kevin? I've been watching your videos for some 10 years!

[@thehistorysquad]

Where are you? As it happens I'm having a hangout next Thursday 23rd at the Nutana legion here in Saskatoon to say thanks to local subscribers & fans for their support in helping me reach the 100k mark. Between 1-7pm. 👍🏻

[@Fenixx117]

@@thehistorysquad AB! Maybe a bit far this time but would love to come by sometimes. I have a small collection of historical firearms and even made a homemade bow when I was younger as was quite interested in medieval archery. Thanks

[@randclar2037]

Awesome

[@Key212]

Dude I love this

[@renetio7378]

VERY NICE

[@chriselson7413]

Nice 1 👍

[@raypusey8037]

Hicksie ! The preacher ECWS and all that. Ray and Lisa Pusey here, remember us ? Ambulance Service Pete Hobbs. We just today discovered your channel and subscribed and thumbs up 👍 Good to see you mucker after all this time, interesting and enjoyable vlog. 🏹 🍻

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh wow! Well bugger me....HELLO, it's great to hear from you! I drove past where Gerrards Cross nick used to be back in May and it's all gone....I still watch it on Midsommer Murders though 😜

[@raypusey8037]

@@thehistorysquad nothing is the same here mate ! It’s all changed and not for the better as far as we are concerned 😟. We have been in west Wales ( Pembrokeshire ) for the last 20 + years, 2 kids grown up and fled the nest. Haven’t seen anything of Pete Hobbs but Andy Cann lives close by. Anyway catch up again soon, remember to keep your powder dry. 🧨 Ray & Lisa 🇬🇧

[@LIQUIDHEAVYMETAL]

Saw the Henry V surgery video and subscribed instantly lol

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks & welcome aboard 👍🏻

[@MrTigroz]

That fluted jack chain looks so cool

[@thehistorysquad]

Yeah, I'm jealous of my son 👍🏻

[@MrTigroz]

@@thehistorysquad The nut doesn't fall far from the tree. You guys are legends ❤️

[@NASkeywest]

Kevin, you should really come down here to the South, Tennessee, Virginia, etc. and check out all the old civil war battlefields and forts!

[@thehistorysquad]

I would absolutely love to, it's on my bucket list for sure 👍🏻

[@matthewjarche5531]

I enjoy these greatly I was hoping to see the brig though

[@thehistorysquad]

Aah, yes, stand by, it'll be in the 'helmets video (oddly) 😉

[@BGomez-tk7lu]

This is fascinating. So he's not fully protected with a complete plate armor but he's still fairly protected while being light and maintaining a great degree of mobility. No cuirass, but a plackart to protect the vital organs in the belly while the upper chest is protected with mail and padding. And the jack of chains.. What an ingenious piece of equipement

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I love those jack chains!

[@markusl2587]

Nice

[@lemondude9868]

Good on ya!

[@asrigascanbe]

great wee watch, enjoyed it, but what was the buckler used for?

[@thehistorysquad]

Left hand defence often with a dagger in the left hand as well 👍🏻

[@nickcurry77]

Though armor is loud I jus realized how op it would be in a zombie apocalypse

[@PerssTheMerryMan]

The jack chains are very interesting armour

[@zxb995511]

I can just imagine how expensive all that armor was. Just incredible. War has always been a money game.

[@Riceball01]

That was one of the main reasons why European armies eventually stopped wearing armor, not because of the appearance of gunpowder weapons, but because it got to be too expensive to equip all of the troops with armor when the government was expected to pay for it.

[@warnersend1792]

Loving the videos! Struggling to find any reference to what a period bowman would wear on the bottom half? Woollen hose of some sort?

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, wollen hose. I'm actually in the process of making a pair as I couldn't show my old ones, they're more holes and patches than hose. One of the best illustrations is in the book the "The English Longbowman" by Osprey 👍

[@warnersend1792]

@@thehistorysquad Thanks, I've just started on my own outfit but have been struggling to find patterns or references. Have ordered a copy of the book 👍