Bouvines: "Iron Hooks" and "Long Knives" -- myArmoury.com

Craig Peters

What is the general consensus on the so-called "iron hooks" wielded by the Imperial forces at the Battle of Bouvines. Are they bills? Are they literally just iron hooks attached on the end of a pole? Are they some other form of polearm?

And what of the "long knives"?

Robin Palmer · Posted: Thu 13 Mar, 2008 11:22 am Post subject:

Hi craig

I have found one illustration of what may be your iron hooks from the King Wenceslas Bible 15th century it shows a pole with two curved hooked spikes. The reference calls it a talon pike it seems to fit what you are looking for hope it is of value.

James Head · Posted: Thu 13 Mar, 2008 4:40 pm Post subject:

Hi Craig. I haven't had a chance to review the history of the battle of Bouvines, it took place in France correct? The German word for big knife is Grosse Messer and long knife is Langes Messer. Medieval combat manuals devote pages to the art of fighting with the messer, a common peasant's knife, that looked pretty much like a machette with a cross guard and a sharp edge on the back side of the blade. So I would wager to guess that the 'Long Knives' at Bouvines were used similarly, if not the exact same weapon.