Funerary Helmets
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Funerary Helmets, Mortuary Helms, or Mort Helms were the major element of a suit of armour that was most often placed above or near the carved memorial effigy of the knights or members of the nobility concerned in a tradition that ran from at least the 14th through to the 17th century, particularly when the person concerned had gained a reputation in life as a warrior.[1] These helmets were often brightly painted or otherwise ornamented with floral designs, etc. Largely located within rural churches and other religious buildings, the practice was especially common in South West England and Cornwall with only a few examples known from Scotland.[2]
Some merchants sought the right to this honour and this was granted in the late 16th century, thereby recognising that the person concerned had lived an honorable, chivalric life. This privilege resulted in a greatly increased demand for helms with the reuse and redecoration of old examples and the manufacture of new ones.[3]
In the 17th century, it became more common for armour to accompany the funeral procession to the church rather than being permanently left on display at the funerary monument.[3]
The tradition was not restricted to the United Kingdom and was found elsewhere in Europe.[4]
It was common for funerary helmets to be richly decorated especially with floral designs that were painted in bright colours. The appropriate coats of arms might be added and in addition to reduce corrosion the inside of the helmet was often painted.[5] Crests may have been added in some instances, as with that of Sir Robert Montgomerie as recorded below.[6]
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