Cavalry breast plate, 1700 (c)

Despite the increasing use of firearms, one of the few pieces of armour still in use in King William III's army was the heavy cavalry breast plate. Apart from its ceremonial and symbolic value, such armour could still be of use against sword and pike.

This example is believed to have been made in Denmark for English service and reflects the Continental influences, which included soldiers and equipment, at work during William's rebuilding of the Army after 1688's Glorious Revolution.