The conical helmets worn
by the Norman knights at the Battle of Hastings were similar to the
ones worn by the Romans. The helmets were built around a framework
of bronze or iron strips, overlaid with sheets of bronze or copper.
A nasal guard was riveted onto a reinforcing band around the bottom
rim. A well-made conical helmet was an effective defence against a
sword or a mace.
It was less successful in protecting knights against the English battle-axe.
