Medieval Gorget: The Essential Neck Protection Between Craftsmanship and Battle

A precise blow to the neck could decide the fate of a struggle; the medieval gorget was born to prevent it. This account analyzes how a seemingly small piece became a vital element of armor, how it evolved with metallurgy and tactics, and what you should know if you are passionate about historical reenactment or military history.

In this article, you will discover the origin and evolution of the medieval gorget, its technical variants (mail, plates, articulated), the tactical reasons that made it indispensable, how a modern replica is made, and what to look for when choosing one for reenactment or collecting. You will also find comparative tables, a detailed chronology, and a frequently asked questions section that clears up the main doubts about the gorget in the Middle Ages.

Why the gorget was a priority in armor design

The neck concentrates vital structures: the trachea, main arteries, larynx, and the base of the skull. A lesion in that area could be fatal or immediately put a warrior out of action.

Therefore, from the first leather reinforcements to the complex articulated steel gorgets, armorers sought solutions that balanced protection and mobility. The result was a family of pieces that, over centuries, responded to both technical needs and aesthetic and social codes.

The gorget: historical evolution of neck protection

The gorget (or gorget plate) went from being a simple protection integrated into chainmail to an independent, articulated, and often decorative piece; its development reflects advances in metallurgy, military tactics, and social status.

Era	Event
Antiquity and early forms (Late Bronze Age – Early Middle Ages)
Primitive protection	In ancient times, the need to protect the neck was already recognized; hardened leather collars and simple metal bands appeared.
Late Bronze Age	Ancient Greeks used bronze plates on chests and limbs, suggesting the idea of segmented protection also applied to the neck.
High Middle Ages (11th – 13th Centuries)
Gorget in chainmail	Gorget plates often formed part of the chainmail that covered the torso and neck; they were protective but heavy and somewhat restrictive for movement.
Initial equipment	In addition to chainmail, conical helmets and small limb reinforcements were used, marking the first integrated protection solutions.
Crusades Era
Separation and overlapping plates	Separate gorget plates composed of several overlapping metal plates are introduced, offering greater flexibility and better neck protection.
High Middle Ages
Gorget as an independent element	The gorget consolidates as a specialized piece of armor, integrated with helmet and cuirass for more uniform protection; custom-made pieces become a symbol of status.
Late Middle Ages (14th Century – towards 1420)
Standardization and articulated plates	In the 14th century, the cuirass and breastplate are standardized; articulated plates cover more and more the body and the gorget reaches a high degree of development integrated into the full harness.
Towards 1420	Complete suits of articulated plates are developed, including gorget, pauldrons, couters, bracers, gauntlets, breastplate, and tassets; the articulated gorget appears in several segments for greater mobility.
Combination with the sallet	In the late Middle Ages, the bevor was often combined with the sallet, integrating head and throat protection.
15th Century
Replacement of mail with plate	The plate gorget replaces the chainmail gorget; Gothic styles of gorget are developed (there are replicas of 15th-century Gothic gorgets).
Renaissance (15th – 16th Centuries)
Maximum sophistication	The plate gorget protects the throat and is usually the first piece to be worn. Helmets such as the armet, sallet, and close helmet become popular, incorporating rigid and decorated gorgets.
Art and decline	Armorers reach the technical and aesthetic pinnacle: richly decorated armors with heraldic motifs. However, the rise of firearms begins the functional decline of the gorget, which persists in ceremonial armors and tournaments. Famous example: Philip II’s gorget in the Royal Armory of Madrid.
Materials over time
Initial materials	In early periods, hardened leather and chain mail predominated as neck protection materials.
Steel and quality	With the advancement of metallurgy, steel takes precedence. The quality of the steel (tempered and forged) directly affects protective effectiveness; high-quality gorgets are made with carefully worked steel.

Types of gorget and technical characteristics

Understanding the variants of the gorget helps to appreciate its technical solutions and how they adapted to the demands of combat.

Mail gorget

Constructed with interwoven rings, the mail gorget offers flexibility and coverage. It protects the neck and shoulders without unduly restricting head movement.

Advantages: mobility, impact distribution, and relative lightness. Disadvantages: less resistance to direct blows and powerful thrusts compared to solid plate.

Articulated plate gorget

Composed of several overlapping plates or articulated segments, this gorget combines rigidity and movement capability. It is usually integrated with pauldrons and cuirass by means of straps or buckles.

It was the preferred solution in full plate armors and in Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Bevor and buffe

These elements were used alongside the gorget to reinforce the lower part of the face and throat, especially when helmets did not offer full protection in that area.

How did the gorget affect tactics and combat?

The presence of a robust gorget modified the way of fighting: it reduced direct vertical attacks to the throat and allowed men-at-arms to adopt more aggressive postures in close combat.

It also influenced the formation of skirmishes and the ergonomics of combat on horseback: a well-fitted gorget prevented a blow from moving the cuirass or helmet, maintaining the warrior’s defensive integrity.

Materials and manufacturing techniques

The transition from leather and mail to tempered steel made the difference in the gorget’s effectiveness. The forging, tempering, and riveting process defined the final quality.

• Forged and tempered steel: offers resistance to impacts and deformation. Good tempering distributes strike energy, preventing fractures.
• Steel mesh: welded or riveted rings that form a flexible metal fabric; requires specialized labor to ensure homogeneity.
• Coatings and finishes: bluing, burnishing, or varnishes that protect the metal from corrosion and improve its appearance.
• Hardware and straps: tanned leather and bronze or steel rivets that ensure fit and connection with other pieces.

Basic manufacturing process (summary)

• Design and templates: establish the pattern on paper or sheet for correct anatomical fit.
• Cutting and forging: cut the sheet and shape it with hammer and anvil.
• Articulation and riveting: join segments with rivets and ensure mobility.
• Finishing: tempering, sanding, bluing, and final assembly with straps.

Measurements, fit, and ergonomics: how a gorget should fit

An effective gorget not only covers, but also fits without causing excessive pressure points or restricting breathing. It should be the first piece to be put on, over which the cuirass is adjusted.

• Width and contour: it must cover the base of the neck and slightly overlap the breastplate to avoid exposed points.
• Front and back height: the front piece protects the throat; the back piece must cover the nape without hindering head rotation.
• Articulation points: must coincide with the natural axes of movement so as not to obstruct vision or the raising of the chin.

Comparative: mail gorget vs. plate gorget vs. modern replicas

Below is a comparative table summarizing the advantages, limitations, and recommended uses for each type.

Gorget type	Typical material	Main advantage	Recommended use
Mail gorget	Riveted or welded steel rings	Mobility and flexible protection	Reenactment events, light combat, authentic historical use
Articulated plate gorget	Forged steel (plates)	Maximum protection against cuts and thrusts	Heavy combat reenactment, historical display, functional collecting
Modern replicas (blued)	Tempered steel with modern finishes	Balance between aesthetics, safety, and durability	Reenactment, LARP, safe collecting

Mail gorget

• Features: Flexible, lightweight in relation to its coverage.
• Recommended for: those seeking historical authenticity and mobility.

Plate gorget

• Features: High protection, greater weight.
• Recommended for: reenactors who practice more forceful combat or for detailed display.

Reproductions and available gorgets

In contemporary historical reenactment, traditional techniques are combined with industrial processes to achieve safe and aesthetically finished pieces. Manufacturers usually offer variations in thickness, riveting type, and surface finish to adapt to different uses.

Maintenance and safety of replicas

An steel replica requires maintenance: cleaning, anticorrosive protection, and inspection of straps and rivets. These actions prolong its useful life and maintain its historical appearance.

• Cleaning: dry after use, remove residues, and apply a light coat of mineral oil to prevent oxidation.
• Rivet inspection: check for looseness in joints that could compromise mobility or safety.
• Leather straps: ensure the good condition of the leather and its fastening; replace if there are cracks or excessive stretching.

Iconography and symbolism: the gorget as an object of status

Beyond its defensive function, the gorget became a symbol of rank. Richly decorated weapons and armors signaled social prestige and the technical skill of the armorers. Inscriptions, embossing, and heraldic motifs were applied for both aesthetic and propaganda purposes.

Quick guide to choosing a reenactment gorget

• Define the use: static reconstruction, combat reenactment, or LARP; each use requires different thicknesses and finishes.
• Check the fit: measure the neck circumference and the distance between collarbones; request templates or sizing guides from the manufacturer.
• Material and thickness: for functional combat, look for tempered steel of 1.2 mm or more; for display, 0.9–1 mm with good finishes may be acceptable.
• Articulations and rivets: must be solid but allow freedom of movement; poorly designed articulations produce weak points or excessive noise.

Practical table: how to choose according to your activity

Activity	Recommended type	Approximate thickness	Note
Exhibition and collecting	Sanded and decorated plate	0.9–1.2 mm	Prioritize finish and details
No-contact reenactment	Mail or light plate	1.0–1.2 mm	Comfort and authenticity
Historical combat (real)	Robust articulated plate	1.5 mm onwards	Greater safety and protection

Stories and anecdotes showing the importance of the gorget

Medieval chronicles and pictorial scenes often highlight the vulnerability of the neck. Accounts of jousts and assaults show how a well-designed gorget saved lives and how its absence condemned experienced knights.

In fierce battles, the gorget protected against sword cuts and lance thrusts. In tournaments, its presence defined maneuvers and rules: the area protected by the gorget marked the difference between a sanctioned impact and a serious injury.

Frequently asked questions: common doubts about forms, materials, and use

Here are practical answers that complement what has already been described and allow you to make informed decisions if you approach the world of functional armor.

We clear up unknowns about the gorget in the Middle Ages

What were the main innovations in gorget design throughout the Middle Ages?

The main innovations in gorget design throughout the Middle Ages were:

• The evolution from a simple or mail gorget to an independent and specialized part of the armor, with designs that balanced protection and mobility.
• In the High Middle Ages, the progressive integration of the gorget with the helmet and cuirass to achieve more uniform and effective protection.
• The customization of the gorget, with custom-made pieces to perfectly adapt to the body shape and combat style of each knight, improving both protection and status symbol.
• In the Late Middle Ages, the development of articulated gorget plates composed of several movable segments that allowed greater freedom of head movement without compromising protection.
• The use of metal mesh to provide flexible neck and shoulder protection, which allowed for better defense in combat and was a sign of advancement in medieval blacksmithing.

These innovations reflected advances in metallurgy and armory that favored the mobility, resistance, and adaptability of the gorget as a key element of medieval armor.

What materials were most common for making gorgets in different eras?

Gorgets were made with hardened leather and chainmail in the earliest periods. With the advancement of metallurgy, tempered and forged steel became the predominant material to achieve greater protection and resistance, although also maintaining a certain balance with mobility. The weight and flexibility depended on the quality of the steel and the design of the gorget. In summary, the most common materials in different eras were first leather and mail, and then mainly steel.

How did the use of the gorget influence the combat tactics of medieval warriors?

The use of the gorget decisively influenced the combat tactics of medieval warriors by providing crucial protection to the neck, a vulnerable and vital area. This allowed combatants to maintain a more aggressive and close posture in hand-to-hand combat, trusting that this robust piece would prevent lethal cuts and thrusts in that area.

Furthermore, the gorget was an integral part of the armor, joining the helmet with the cuirass and closing defensive gaps, which improved mobility without sacrificing defense. This facilitated riskier and more offensive tactical maneuvers, knowing that the neck was protected against direct attacks or long weapons. It also helped deflect impacts, contributing to the warrior’s overall resistance in battle.

The gorget allowed medieval warriors to fight with greater safety and effectiveness in close combat, modifying their tactics to take advantage of this focused protection in a very exposed and dangerous area.

Are there significant differences between mail gorgets and plate gorgets?

Yes, there are significant differences between mail gorgets and plate gorgets. Mail gorgets are flexible pieces formed by interwoven rings that offer good mobility and moderate protection, typical in armors such as chainmail. In contrast, plate gorgets are composed of solid metal plates that provide superior protection against blows and cuts, at the cost of less flexibility and greater rigidity. Additionally, plate gorgets were usually integrated into the general plate armor and had articulation mechanisms to balance protection and mobility, while mail gorgets were separate and more flexible pieces. Therefore, the choice between the two depended on the desired balance between protection and mobility in combat.

What styles of gorgets were most popular in medieval armament culture?

The most popular styles of gorgets in medieval armament culture were functional armor pieces that protected the neck, consisting of an iron collar divided into two articulated pieces to adjust and allow mobility. This gorget was placed over the upper chest and back, protecting a vital and vulnerable area in combat. It was the first piece to be worn, over which the cuirass and other parts of the armor were adjusted. Its use continued well into the 16th century, adapting to different needs for defense and mobility.

Oil type	Main characteristics	Recommended use
Mineral oil	High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt	Regular protection and maintenance
Camellia oil	Natural, acid-free, non-volatile	Antioxidant protection, lubrication
Lithium grease	Dense, durable, does not evaporate	Extended storage, protection

Mineral oil

• Main characteristics: High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt
• Recommended use: Regular protection and maintenance

Camellia oil

• Main characteristics: Natural, acid-free, non-volatile
• Recommended use: Antioxidant protection, lubrication

Lithium grease

• Main characteristics: Dense, durable, does not evaporate
• Recommended use: Extended storage, protection

Concluding the journey: what to remember about the medieval gorget

The medieval gorget is a synthesis of technique and symbolism: it protects the most vulnerable part of the body and, at the same time, reflects the armorer’s skill and the wearer’s status. Understanding its variants allows you to appreciate not only its function but also the historical context that drove it.

If you are interested in reenactment or collecting, evaluate the type of use, fit, and material quality before deciding. A well-made gorget not only provides authenticity but also safety and comfort.

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