In a recent video from Insider, Capwell tore apart footage from The Last Kingdom‘s Battle of Edington and, noting the use of rectangle-shaped shields, stated: “That’s ridiculous, it’s stupid!” He also explained that a Medieval shield would not have any openings, and that they were thoroughly constructed to avoid seeing air. Read Capwell’s comments regarding that battle scene from The Last Kingdom below:
Nobody ever used rectangular shields. I mean, that’s ridiculous, it’s stupid! And real early Medieval shields, which were all circular as far as we can tell, if air can get through, then a lot of other things can get through. Most real shields of this period are made out of boards, placed edge to edge, sort of like this, but they’re placed properly edge to edge, and they’re glued, and they’re sealed, and there’s arguments, good arguments to be made for them then being edged with rawhide or sometimes covered with hide or textile and glue. You should not be able to see that much air through your shield.
How Accurate Is That Last Kingdom Battle Scene?
The Battle of Edington was a real conflict between Wessex and the Great Heathen Army that took place in 878. During The Last Kingdom‘s season 1 finale, as Uhtred and others gathered at Egbert’s Stone, the Danes were able to penetrate their defense, and Leofric (Adrian Bower) was struck in the neck as a result. In the end, Uhtred and King Alfred appeared victorious, though the former had to endure the death of Iseult (Charlotte Murphy), but it’s worth mentioning that the show does not include the Danes’ besiege that eventually occurred.
In the video, Capwell pointed out how Uhtred would not be able to charge at the Danes’ shield wall the way he did, and that the armor worn was ineffective. The shield wall in The Last Kingdom is considered inaccurate, but having a character take one on by themselves would still be difficult. While the show’s battle scenes, including the Battle of Edington, feature various weapons, the reliance on swords was not common either.
Overall, The Last Kingdom does incorporate history into its stories, although when it comes to depicting Medieval arms, there might be some inaccuracy. It’s interesting to hear Capwell’s comments about the Battle of Edington and what is presented on-screen then. The rectangle shields used by the Saxons and the armor that was easily pierced got torn apart, but as an expert, he knows what to look for.
