Spurs
were Y-shaped metal objects strapped to the heel. Spurs were used
to drive the horse forward in battle. Stirrups were first used by
the Chinese in the 5th century. Stirrups were made of leather and
enabled the knight to keep his legs straight during battle. This held
him securely in place while delivering or receiving blows. The Bayeux
Tapestry shows all the Norman knights
wearing spurs and using stirrups.
Section
56: Norman knights using spurs and stirrups
at the Battle
of Hastings (Bayeux
Tapestry, c. 1090)
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