SIR ROBERT DE BURES

d.1331, Acton, Suffolk

Rubbing size: 7' X 2.5'

Colour: Gold on Black

Price: $125(US)

This brass has long been valued for the beauty of its engraving and many regard it as the finest military brass in existence.

Sir Robert's successful career was based on royal service. He seems to have been one of Edward I's main aides in the administration of Wales after Edward's conquest of the country as well as being a member of the royal bodyguard.

The armour compares with that on the brass to Sir William Setvans. In this brass the mail coif and mittens cover the head and hands. The surcoat is long and has a deep split up the front for ease in riding, but seems to have been plain, not, as was more usual, worked with the arms of the deceased. The thighs are covered by gamboised cuisses, a quilted defense for the thigh, with the poleyns (knee caps) attached to them. The sword belt has a plaited hanger, the most frequently depicted type at this period.