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In order to pursue his ambitions in France, Henry VIII formed an alliance with the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I. This painting records their meeting and the main events pertaining to Henry’s first campaign against the French in 1513.

The composit
European Armour in the Royal Collection

An introduction to European armour in the Royal Collection.

AUGUSTUS CHARLES PUGIN (1762-1832)

The Horse Armoury in the Tower of London.

published

RCIN 702283

Following the Restoration of 1660, a display known as the 'Line of Kings' was established in the Horse Armoury at the Tower of London. The exhibit was intended as a powerful reassertion of the dignity and longevity of the monarchy after the upheaval of the Interregnum. Every monarch from William the Conqueror (1028–1087) onwards would be represented by an armour mounted on a life-size wooden horse, and with a realistically carved face in the helmet. The display was opened to the public following the death of Charles II in 1685, and proved a popular addition to the sights of the Tower. Successive monarchs, each represented by a mounted armour, were added until George II (1683–1760) in 1768. The Line of Kings nevertheless proved highly anachronistic in its presentation – Edward III (1312–1377), for example, was for many years depicted in the Greenwich armour of Henry VIII (RCIN 72834). The display was eventually dismantled in 1883, but was partly re-installed in the White Tower in 2013.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.