Bevor

 ( Medieval Armour ) 

A bevor ( ) or beaver

Ewart Oakeshott (2025). 9781843837206 . ISBN 9781843837206

is a piece of plate armour designed to protect the neck, much like a gorget.

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Etymology The word “bevor” or “beaver” is derived from Old French baver, meaning ‘to dribble’. This is a reference to the effect on the wearer of the armour during battle.

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Description

The bevor was a component of a medieval suit of armour. It was usually a single piece of plate armour protecting the chin and throat and filling the gap between the combat and breastplate. The bevor could also extend over the knight’s left shoulder doubling the thickness of the armour.

(2025). 9789059724136 . ISBN 9789059724136

The bevor was originally worn in conjunction with a type of helmet known as a sallet.

Ewart Oakeshott (2025). 9781843837206 . ISBN 9781843837206

With the close helm and burgonet, developments of the sallet in the late medieval and Renaissance period, the bevor became a hinged plate protecting the lower face and throat.

Ewart Oakeshott (2025). 9781843837206 . ISBN 9781843837206

In the 16th century, the bevor developed into the falling buffe. This was a composite piece made up of several lames protecting the lower face and throat, but which could be raised or lowered as the lames were articulated.

(2025). 9781588396747, Metropolitan Museum of Art. . ISBN 9781588396747

J. Michael Kirkland (2025). 9780301307107 . ISBN 9780301307107

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External links

• The bevor's description on myarmoury.com
• The Art of Chivalry : European arms and armor from the Metropolitan Museum of Art : an exhibition, Issued in connection with an exhibition in 1982 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Categories: Medieval Armour, Western Plate Armour

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