Bronze Saker cannon, 1538

Manufactured by John and Robert Owen, London, 1538.

The barrel of this bronze saker cannon is inscribed with a Tudor rose and a monogram of King Henry VIII. In the 16th century cannon were given the names of birds; a 'saker' was a type of falcon. The saker fired solid iron shot, weighing between 1.8 and 2.7 kg (4-6 lb). These would not explode on impact, but would bounce along the ground.

They would continue bouncing until they crashed into something - or someone. Cannon balls could smash through stone, brick, flesh and bone with ease, but might be stopped by gabions, defensive baskets filled with earth.