~ Medieval Weapons ~

-  Pole Arms    -

~  Method of attack ~

The method of attack using a pole arm was determined by the type of weapon head. They all, however, were used for stabbing as well as hitting the opponent on the head, an action which the pole arm was particularly useful for given the heavy weight of the weapon. The English made extensive use of the Bill with its footsoldiers in the high Middle Ages. Also know as the Brown Bill and the Black Bill, this was a variant of pole arm which had a broad and heavy, curved cutting blade which occasionally had spikes and hooks added. These projections allowed for the soldier to dismount a rider and then inflict wounds upon the victim by piercing his armour, or simply to kill the horses of the cavalrymen. It also made for a very effective parrying weapon.

Pole Arms - continued