This sourcebook can be used simply as a glossary to quickly check meanings. The documents are printed in chronological order. Each is numbered. When referred to in this section and the illustrated glossary the document number is in bold font in parenthesis, e.g. (64). In addition, the volume is furnished with a comprehensive index. The work can, however, be used at a more advanced level in order for the reader to build up their own better understanding of the subject. I provide here one example to demonstrate how this can be achieved.

Proofing of armour

If armour does not provide protection there is no point donning it. This is an incontrovertible fact. Don Pero Niño's undesired nose piercing (80) is a vivid – and wince-inducing – example of the danger of uncovering the face to the shot of crossbows. Arrows loosed by well-trained bowmen caused the death of the Lord of l’Isle-Adam (69) and the near-fatal injury of Prince Hal (14). Our sources can be employed as solid evidence for men having their armour proofed by crossbow-bolt shot. Before proceeding, it should be pointed out that certain dents on the ‘Avant’ harness in Glasgow Museums’ collection are almost certainly caused by crossbow bolts. The fact remains, however, that it cannot be stated with certainty at what stop on the armour's journey from manufacture to museum this damage occurred. It would be pleasing to imagine this happening in the process of proofing or in the heat of battle but, alas, this must remain in the realm of the imagination.

Returning to our sources. The Pratese merchant, Francesco di Marco Datini (4), has listed in his stock basinets and breastplates of proof (‘di p[r]ouva’) and of half proof (‘di ½ p[r]ouva’). We find similar designations in the regulations of the armourers of Paris and of merchants selling armour there (51).