Edward the Black Prince shield with sword holder

Edward the Black Prince decorative shield with sword holder

Striking black and red decoration

The shield has an elongated outline with a pointed bottom and gently curved upper edge. Its face is divided into four alternating black and red fields. In the centre is a smaller brown shield-shaped panel surrounded by an ornate gold-coloured border. Its principal motif is a cotton embroidery on faux leather depicting St George fighting the dragon. White, silver-coloured and gold-coloured embroidery stands out strongly against the dark background.

The outer surface is decorated with raised lion heads and ornamental gold-coloured fittings. Another prominent relief ornament sits at the centre of the upper edge. The overall appearance is deliberately historicising rather than an exact reconstruction of a particular medieval shield belonging to Edward of Woodstock.

Edward of Woodstock and the 14th century

Edward of Woodstock (1330–1376), Prince of Wales, is now best known by the later name the Black Prince. The eldest son of King Edward III of England, he became one of the notable commanders of the early Hundred Years' War. He fought at Crécy in 1346 and commanded the English army at Poitiers in 1356. He never became king, dying a year before his father.

An exceptional historical connection survives at Canterbury Cathedral, where Edward is buried and where his funerary achievements, including his shield, have been preserved. This decorative product should not, however, be regarded as an exact reproduction of that surviving medieval shield.

St George and chivalric tradition

The mounted knight defeating the dragon represents St George, whose cult acquired particular importance in later medieval England. St George became closely associated with English chivalric tradition and is also the patron saint of the Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in the 14th century. This connection between St George and English knighthood provides an appropriate historical context for the shield's central decoration.

Why the name Edward the Black Prince

The name refers to Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales. The designation “Black Prince” became firmly attached to him in later tradition and is not documented as his usual nickname during his lifetime. The shield is therefore best understood as a modern historicising tribute to this famous figure of English chivalry rather than a literal reproduction of his personal heraldry.

Hanging the shield and mounting a sword

The reverse is fitted with a metal chain for wall hanging and a separate metal holder for a decorative sword. Use wall fixings appropriate to the construction of your wall and allow for both the shield's weight and the additional weight of any displayed sword. Once installed, check the stability of the complete display and make sure the sword cannot slip or fall from its holder.

Technical specifications

All stated dimensions and the weight are approximate and may vary slightly between individual pieces.

Care and safety

This shield is strictly a decorative item and is unsuitable for practical combat use. Do not use it for HEMA, stage combat, contact reenactment, buhurt or as protection against weapon strikes. Take care around the raised decorative fittings when handling the shield.

Remove dust with a soft, dry cloth. Do not scrub the embroidery or use water or aggressive cleaning products on it. Protect the shield from prolonged damp, direct heat and mechanical impacts. Regularly check the hanging chain, wall fixings and sword holder for security.

Recommended accessories

For a coordinated display, we recommend a decorative sword, helmet, knightly banner or other items inspired by the 14th century. For a collection themed around the Black Prince, accessories relating to English chivalry and the Hundred Years' War in the 14th century are particularly appropriate.