The science
From medieval engravings, carvings and tapestries, we know that mounted knights used spears and lances in a variety of positions. The Bayeux Tapestry, a pictorial recording of the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066, shows a number of knights using spears held out at arm's length. Other depictions show the spear in the couched position, tightly tucked under the arm.
Full force
Engravings and carvings also show medieval knights using lances with recessed grips and what were known as 'graper flanges'. These stopped the lance from being pushed back under the arm, allowing the full force of the horse to be felt by the target on impact.
To test these different styles and weapons, Mike Loades tried each against a quintain, the shield of which was replaced by aluminium foam to provide a consistent target. The arm's-length spear made little impact, the couched spear fared slightly better, but the lance smashed the target to pieces.
Different impacts
For a more controlled test against armour, Mike went to the Royal Military College of Science Testing Ground at Shrivenham. An iron tip, the same as used on spears and lances, was set into a machine that simulated different impacts. Against plate armour, the one-handed, arm's-length style had no effect, and the couched spear made a very small hole. However, the lance made a proper penetration of the plate.
A further test against chain maille, such as most medieval foot soldiers would have worn, proved devastating: a complete puncture of the maille and continued penetration of the ballistic plasticiser underneath.
