Normans vs Bretons?

[Patrice]

First mention of Normans using the lance in a couched position is (...) As per the Bayeux Tapestry they were held in a stabbing or throwing manner at least until then.

Yes, the overarm position was commonly used since the Antiquity and the Dark Ages?

The Bretons tended to use the spear in an over arm fashion, like a javelin rather than the couched lance which the Normans used.

Yes, a few Norman guys (not many) on the Bayeux Tapestry seem to be already trying the experiment to charge with lance underarm?

As a point of order, Brittany and Normandy whilst part of France, consider themselves quite distinct from the French even today

Um, yes! but please don't get me involved in such a discussion on a non-political wargaming forum... or find me on FB or somewhere else.

[charla51]

IIRC the Tapestry was woven by Saxon ladies who probably didn't distinguish between Norman and Breton: they were just bastard conquerers.

[Atheling]

@charla51, you are right I think. Though there does seem to have been some sort of military direction in it's production. To what extent we will never know.

@Patrice, from what I remember, (I've got two copies of it; sad but true!) there is only one couched looking lance. It's kind of a moot point as without the development of the cornel it was not the high impact weapon that developed later on.

Please see pic below as a good illustration: