Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
Baselard
Most men wore daggers at their belts, partly for protection in the streets but also because it was fashionable. Large daggers like this, with blades as big as those of swords, were known as 'baselards': the fashion came from Basel, in Switzerland. Baselards seem to have been popular with wealthy London merchants. During the Peasants' Revolt in June 1381, the rebels met King Richard II at Smithfield. In the confusion, the mayor, William Walworth, pulled out a baselard and struck the rebel leader, Wat Tyler; then one of the king's followers killed Tyler with a sword blow.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- 80.34
- Object name:
- Baselard
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
- Material:
iron, wood
- Measurements/duration:
- L 782 mm (overall), L 655 mm (blade), W 108 mm (hilt), WT 1000 g (overall), L 783 mm, W 110 mm, H 30 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.