The great helm of the High Middle Ages arose in the late 12th century in the context of the crusades and remained in use until the 14th century.

In its simplest form, the great helm was a conical piece of steel that completely covered the head and had small openings for the eyes and mouth. As great helm design improved the helmets gained more of a curved design to lessen the impact of crushing blows. The great helm offered greater protection than previous helmets but limited the wearer's vision and was uncomfortable. The bascinet that replaced it featured a more convenient hinged face plate.

Great helms were often topped with fanciful crests. Due to inheritance customs, crests were often unrelated to the heraldry design worn on the shield.

External links

• The Medieval Great Helm a historical discussion of great helm developments
  • The Field of a Shield and the Heraldic Tinctures a discussion of heraldry and great helm crests
  • Arador Armour Library design and construction techniques for replica great helms
  • Medieval Helm Crests design and construction techniques for helm crests

  Medieval helmets

  Topfhelm | Hełm garnczkowy