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 (a).

In the cathedral church of Canterbury

(b).

After Stothard's careful drawing of the effigy

century we may consider that we are dealing with general military apparel at the most interesting period of its history, at least in England; for although the earlier mediaeval times make their distinct appeal to the enthusiast, the advent of the year 1345 possesses a deeper significance as inaugurating that real age of chivalry, the era of the Black Prince. To the student of armour the idea of this era conveys, needless to say, much more than the mere fact that this noble warrior graces the history of the time. It brings vividly to his mind's eye the picture of the youthful Prince at the memorable battle of Cressy, clad in the knightly harness which must have closely resembled that represented in his matchless effigy in the Cathedral Church of Canterbury. This harness, showing as it does the general character of the knight's equipage of the period, enables him to picture the battle-field and the methods employed in the fight. In fact, he can see the