Captain Norwood funerary helm, d.1636

3D Model

Helm of the close-helmet type, located on the north nave arcade of St Peter the Apostle Church, Broadstairs. Forged in iron and typical of late Elizabethan to early Stuart martial equipment. It features a rounded skull with a pronounced comb and a visor and bevor hinged at the sides, the latter pierced and etched with scrolling foliate ornament - perhaps a decorative embellishment added for ceremonial rather than functional use. The lower edge flares outward to form a reinforced neck guard. Such helms were commonly carried in funeral processions of gentlemen or officers of rank and then hung in the church above their tomb or monument as part of the heraldic achievements commemorating their life and military service.