Is this bounder wearing football socks?

[fsn]

Gentlemen, and ladies

I took this photo in darkest Cheshire a few years ago, and it has confused me since.

It appears that this knight is wearing some sort of decorative hose OVER his armor. This seems impractical.

The effigy was restored during the Victorian times. Have they been creative?

Any wisdom would be appreciated.

[HPFlashman]

Hard to say from the picture, but decorated armour are not unheard of. 

[fsn]

I'm slightly constrained by the upload size, but there is definitely an folding over like football socks, at the knee.

[Nosher]

I'm slightly constrained by the upload size, but there is definitely an folding over like football socks, at the knee.

It might be a female knight and they might be stocking tops...

[Steve J]

I reckon it's engraved decoration on the armour. Hard to tell without being there really.

[Techno]

I think I'd tend to agree with Steve.....
But is it the piccy ?....I can't make out any real armour over the 'thighs'....Whatever the name of that part would be.
Is that why it looks a bit strange ?
Cheers - Phil.

[fsn]

There appears to be a surcoat down to mid-thigh, then mail to just above the knee, and then this stocking/hose effect.

You can see there's some kind of plate armour over the knee, but it's all covered with this patterned stocking which is folded over.

[Hertsblue]

Since the effect covers the knee it can't possibly be plate - how would he bend the knee to walk? 

[HPFlashman]

Whats the timeperiod for the effigy  and how is the fellow kitted out on the upper body ?

[fsn]

Apparently Sir William here died in 1275.

[Matt J]

Knight of the garter

I'll get my coat....

[HPFlashman]

Hmm, 1275 would be way pre-plate, if I recall my hazy medival armour knowledge, could he be wearing some sort of Hauberk on top and regular hose beneath ?

[fsn]

I think it's poleyns over mail rather than full plate.

[GordonY]

Well so far I prefer the female knight and her stocking tops theory. 

[nikharwood]

Well so far I prefer the female knight and her stocking tops theory. 

I'm with you...

[Techno]

I really think fsn's original comment about the Victorian restoration being creative, is probably the nearest we'll get to the truth.
It just doesn't make any sense to me at all.
I'll go and slap a load green stuff on the bits I think are wrong.
Cheers - Phil.

[Hertsblue]

Haven't you noticed the little label that says "armour by Janet Reager"? 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Well, he's got to wear something to keep his feet warm! 

[Druzhina]

Are they attached to a strap around the instep or is that for the spurs?

Sir William Boydell (1275), St Wilfrid's Church, Grappenhall, Cheshire, at effigiesandbrasses.com

large picture from http://www.themcs.org/armour/14th%20century%20armour.htm

Effigy in chancel (north side) of Sir William Boydell, died 1275, found in churchyard and placed in church 1874, restored. http://gohistoric.com/sites/church-st-wilfred-grappenhall-thelwall


Druzhina
Illustrations of Soldiers

[fsn]

Thank you Techno, Druzhina et Al for your helpful responses. 

It seems to me that it remains a mystery. I don't think it's painted armour, and I can't find any references to overstocking in the period for say, ceremonial purposes. I may just have to revist to have a better look.