Pikeman's back plate, 1640 (c)

Dated from around 1640, this back plate would have been worn by a pikeman. Although around two-thirds of a 17th century infantry regiment would have been armed with muskets, the rest of the troops, many of whom continued to wear armour, would have used a sixteen-foot, steel-tipped pike. A pikeman's armour could weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. One of their key roles was protecting musketeers from enemy infantry and cavalry. When grouped closely together with pikes held out, the pikemen could hold off an attack by enemy horse.