Context (Related Documents)
Photo Neg. 49.76
Event Date
Author: Imogen Gunn

Context (Related Documents)
See lantern slide (LS.134957.TC1) in Photographic Collection.
Event Date
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (References)
Mann, James G. (1940). 'Armour in Essex'. Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society, N.S. vol. 22(2). p. 297
Event Date 1940
Author: Imogen Gunn

Loan (Long Term Gallery Loan)
Tower of London (also from Oct 2003-Jan 2004 to V& A for Glory of gothic Exhibition), 01/01/1972 to 30/11/2018, Permanent display in the White Tower, Tower of London.
Event Date 1/1/1972
Author: maa

Context (Other owners)
Said to have come to Audley End from Debden Hall, but believed to belong to a bodyguard of Henry VIII.
Event Date 19/3/1992
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Latten pole-hammer head, with iron tip to beak
Event Date 19/3/1992
Author: maa

Context (Analysis)
Marks and Williamson note: 'The association of the... pollaxe with Henry [VIII] may be strengthened by the incised decoration on the base of the rear fluke resembling a pomegranate, the device of his first wife Catherine of Aragon, which, if accepted, would date the weapon to between 1509 and about 1530.'
Event Date 2003
Author: Imogen Gunn

Context (References)
Marks, R. and P. Williamson (eds). (2003). Gothic: Art for England 1400-1547. London: Victoria & Albert Museum. p. 198, no. 57.
Event Date 2003
Author: Imogen Gunn

Context (Display)
Exhibited in 'The Glory of Gothic: Art in England 1400-1547', Victoria & Albert Museum, 9 October 2003 - 18 January 2004.
Event Date 9/10/2003
Author: Imogen Gunn

Context (Display)
Exhibited in 'The Medieval Mind: Art Treasures from East Anglia. Part II', Colchester Castle Museum, 17 July 2010 - 30 January 2011.
Event Date 17/7/2010
Author: Imogen Gunn

Description (CMS Description)
The pollaxe head is mostly of case copper alloy (probably originally gilt) with cast relief, punched and incised decoration. Half the rear fluke and top spike have partly exposed iron cores (the latter restored in wood). Lions' masks support the hammer head and fluke. The shortened haft (restored to approximately its original length) is strengthened by four straps (langets) decorated with applied fleurs-de-lis (some missing). (R. Marks & P. Williamson, see Bib)
Event Date 10/1/2014
Author: maa

Loan (Long Term Gallery Loan)
Royal Armouries, Leeds, 01/11/2024 to 31/10/2027, Tournament Gallery
Event Date 1/11/2024
Author: Chloe Pearce