Military History Lecture & Dinner

Military History Evening

Thursday, 6 March 2025

Topic: Henry VIII’s Mysterious Horned Helmet

Guest Speaker:  Dr Grace Waye-Harris

In what survives of Henry VIII’s vast collection of armour, there exists the most grotesque, ugly and bizarre helmet. Almost certainly a gift from Maximilian I in 1514, the helmet’s horns and spectacles have perplexed historians for centuries. During the Early Modern period ram’s horns were understood to symbolise the devil or a cuckold. Spectacles were often associated with the appearance of a fool. As such, it is unclear why Maximilian would gift Henry such a piece. 

What historians have so far failed to consider is the influence of Renaissance classicism during Henry’s reign. A re-examination of Henry VIII’s horned armet reveals the symbolism of this famous headpiece reflected a shared understanding between Henry and Maximilian of Greek mythology. This evaluation finally reveals the true nature of this diplomatic and most intricate…