Contrary to popular belief, knights never actually wore shining armour. Despite its romanticised portrayal in movies, the reality is more boring.

In short, the knight in shining armour image is a product of storytelling rather than reality. The shiny appearance comes from the misconception that armour was always made of polished steel. As it turns out, armour was made from a variety of materials including leather, chain mail, and plate armour.

And, well, the primary purpose of armour was to protect, not to look pretty and sparkly.

Chris Dobson is a Master Armourer who became an Art Historian, and he refers to himself as a renaissance dissident.

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