The Carlton-in-Lindrick Knight

A very rare and beautiful 12th-century bronze figurine of a knight equipped for battle. The knight holds a kite-shaped shield in his right hand and the horse's reins in his left. He wears a conical helmet and surcoat, and the horse has a bridle, saddle cloth and caparison. Although images of the knight proliferate in this period, representations of equestrian knights in the round are rare and this piece provides an evocative insight into Medieval culture. Its exact function is unknown although it may have been made as decoration for a larger object.