Sir John Astley in
Philip de Massey
in Paris
Middle 15th century
Archeologia
Illumination of a challenge between two squires
in Paris
Glossary of Arms and Armour Terms
In this joust, supposedly held "a plaisance",
the lances are sharp. This joust was preceeded by challenges exchanged
between the two combatants, letters of "declaration"
defining the rules under which the joust would take place.
This combat took place in Paris in the shadow of the Bastille
(built by Charles V in 1369). Notice in particular the lances
stacked against the building bearing "grapers". These
points were used to hold the lance against the body and to distribute
the shock of the impact along the entire body.
For a description of Sir John and the book that contains some
of his knightly deeds, see the Archeologia
article on this web site!