Unhorsing the Myths: Revealing the Real Warhorses of Medieval Britain
Medieval Warhorse: Equestrian Landscapes, Material Culture and Zooarchaeology in Britain, AD 800–1550 is a substantial and meticulously researched monograph that offers a groundbreaking interdisciplinary perspective on the role of horses in medieval Britain. Written by a team of archaeologists at the University of Exeter, with colleagues at East Anglia (UEA), University College Dublin, and other leading institutions, the study combines advanced archaeological science with historical documentation and landscape analysis. As a result, the book presents an ambitious and rich account of the medieval warhorse and its significance within the social, cultural, and military fabric of the period.
Aside from the size of the book (this one took us a little time to read!) one of the most striking revelations made is that the medieval warhorse, contrary to popular and often romanticised portrayals, was significantly smaller than the modern-day equivalents imagined in film and fiction. Based on the analysis of over 8,500 horse bones and more than 130 pieces of horse armour, the research shows that most horses stood less than 1.48 meters at the withers—comparable in size to a modern pony. This challenges the prevailing image of the massive destrier and invites a rethinking of medieval warfare, logistics, and equestrian management.
The project exemplifies methodological innovation, incorporating zooarchaeological analysis, isotopic studies, geometric morphometrics, and the study of material culture. These tools allow for the reconstruction of individual horse life histories , like those of horse remains found at the Elverton Street site in Westminster, and broader breeding practices. The study also integrates documentary analysis and landscape archaeology, linking horse remains to specific historical contexts and it makes for a fascinating read.
Where ‘Medieval Warhorse’ excels is in mapping the "equestrian landscapes" of medieval Britain. Drawing on more than 800 medieval documents, the authors chart the locations of royal horse studs and equine-related infrastructure. They offer fresh interpretations of these landscapes, highlighting how geography, ecology, and political power shaped horse breeding and training. Upland areas, for example, emerge as key zones for stud activity, challenging prior assumptions that these landscapes were marginal.
A particularly compelling section examines the period around the Norman Conquest. While it is often assumed that the Normans revolutionised English horse culture, the evidence here points to continuity rather than rupture. There is no dramatic increase in horse size post-Conquest; in fact, a slight decline is noted. Iconographic and osteological data, as detailed within the book, suggest that equestrian practices evolved more gradually, and this complicates more simplistic historical narratives currently in circulation.
Since its publication in early 2025, Medieval Warhorse has begun to attract attention in academic circles and early commentary—particularly from scholars in archaeology and medieval studies—has praised the book’s interdisciplinary rigor and its contribution to re-evaluating such a foundational element of medieval military and aristocratic life. The studies findings have also sparked public interest due to the surprising conclusions about horse size and the reimagining of medieval cavalry.
Overall, Medieval Warhorse is an essential resource for anyone interested in medieval history, archaeology, or the intersection of human-animal relationships. More than a book about horses, it is a study of power, prestige, warfare, and the environment in medieval Britain. As the academic community begins to digest its implications, this volume is poised to become a landmark in the study of medieval material culture and military history, and we highly recommend you obtain a copy!
Thank you to Liverpool University Press for giving Living Medieval the opportunity to read and review this fascinating book.
You can get your own copy of ‘Medieval Warhorse’ HERE