Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 2).djvu/370

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of the grip remains, shod at either end with ferrules of iron. This sword has been in the possession of the Dean and Chapter of St. Peter's for many centuries; so perhaps its attribution to the latter half of the XIVth century may be accepted.

Fig. 708. Great sword

Second half of XIVth century. Called that of King Edward III. St. George's Chapel, Windsor.

In the vestry of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, hangs just such another great sword (Fig. 708), not quite so great in proportion, but just as crude in make. Its whole length is 6 feet 8-1/4 inches, the blade being 5-1/2 feet 4 inches long and the quillons 16 inches wide. This sword is doubtless that which was suspended over King Edward III's stall in the first chapel of the Order of the Garter, and offered at the high altar on his death in 1377. In the precentor's account for 1387-8 the sword is alluded to:

Item in reparacione gladij Edwardi Fundatoris Collegij xvija.

"For the repair of the sword of Edward the founder of the College. 17d.