Christianity and the Usurpation of the Heathen Gods of the Anglo-Saxon

The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion

Introduction

The sword and buckler combination is a fascinating part of England’s martial history, representing a form of combat that was both practical for self-defense and influential in the evolution of European swordsmanship. The buckler—a small, round shield—paired with a sword, often an arming sword, offered a balance between offense and defense. Among the voices shaping English martial tradition, George Silver stands out as a critical figure who provided rich commentary on the sword and buckler. His works offer valuable insights into the practice of swordsmanship during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The Nature of Sword and Buckler Combat

The sword and buckler style was widely popular during the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Europe. In England, the combination was favoured for its versatility and ease of use. Unlike larger shields, the buckler was light and small, which allowed for greater mobility. The buckler’s primary purpose was not to absorb heavy blows but to deflect strikes, control the opponent’s weapon, and open up offensive opportunities for the swordsman.

The sword, typically a single-handed weapon, worked in tandem with the buckler to create an effective combat system. The sword was used to strike, parry, and thrust, while the buckler was used to cover vital areas, trap an opponent’s blade, and provide additional protection. The coordination between the sword and the buckler required agility, precision, and timing. The combination was effective both in personal defense and in formal duels.

George Silver's Contribution

George Silver, an English swordsman and writer of the late 16th century, is a key figure when discussing historical English swordsmanship, including the use of sword and buckler. His most famous works, Paradoxes of Defence (1599) and Brief Instructions Upon My Paradoxes of Defence (c. 1605), provide significant insights into the martial techniques of the time and critique the growing influence of foreign fencing systems, particularly the Italian rapier.

Silver was a staunch advocate of traditional English martial arts, including the sword and buckler, which he viewed as practical and effective compared to the more specialized foreign styles. He argued that the long, thrust-oriented Italian rapier was less suited for real combat than traditional English weapons, like the short sword and buckler. According to Silver, the rapier’s emphasis on thrusting made it dangerous but impractical for English self-defense contexts, which often demanded adaptability and quick reactions.

Silver’s views on the sword and buckler are grounded in his broader philosophy of combat, which emphasized versatility, timing, distance, and judgment—elements he believed were essential to any effective martial system. He critiqued what he saw as the over-specialization of continental styles and instead praised the English martial tradition’s focus on weapons that could be used effectively in a variety of situations.