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# Armour of Henry VIII by Konrad Seusenhofer and the debate over the helmet's spectacles and horns
- URL: https://theparnassian.com/en/shlem-poluchil-prozvishche-rogatyi-maks/
- Published: 2016-12-12T09:04:28.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-02T19:01:48.000Z
- Author: Alexandr Radayev
- Tags: London, Monarchies, Museums, Observations

The helmet acquired the nickname "Horned Max"

The armour itself was technologically unique and became an object of close study for English armourers. Made by the famous master Konrad Seusenhofer in Innsbruck between 1511 and 1514, the armour differed somewhat from its present appearance: the helmet was decorated with gold and silver plates and covered with a layer of velvet. It is presumed that the garniture was intended for ceremonial processions and solemn appearances before the people.

In many respects, however, the history of the armour remains disputed to this day. Some researchers are thrown off by the spectacles: one party holds that this element, which had come into fashion at the time, is here as a mark of luxury, while others speak of its "intimidating" purpose. I have found no confirmation that Henry had poor eyesight and needed spectacles; such information exists only about his son Edward VI.

Another contentious point is the horns. Many historians believe that Henry would not have put on a helmet in such a guise, in effect calling himself a cuckold, even in jest. There is a version according to which the horns were soldered on later. And there is a rather diverting one, reinforced by the presence of the golden spectacles and for many years considered the principal one: that the helmet was in fact worn by Henry's jester, Will Somers.