Our £194,450 grant has allowed the Royal Armouries to acquire this complete suit of armour, which dates from around 1520. It’s one of Britain's rarest pieces of royal ceremonial history and the only armour confirmed to have been worn by a 'King's Champion', whose role is to defend the monarch's right to the throne. It was worn by Henry Dymoke during George IV's coronation in 1821.
Our funding prevented the armour from being taken into a private collection or leaving the UK. Now this important heritage will be expertly cared for and can be enjoyed by the public.
It's on display in the White Tower alongside other historic and royal pieces at the Tower of London. There are future plans for it to travel to Leeds, where the Royal Armouries Museum is located.