The latest collection piece from Dean Castle's Collections is a Basinet - a steel helmet which is of European origin.

The pointed shape of this helmet was designed to deflect a weapon striking from above. The visor would also have been pointed for the same purpose. On each side of the helmet there is a round hole for the pivot of the visor. The holes all around the lower edge and face were for attaching a chain mail cape and a lining for the helmet. Many of these helmets were produced in the late 14th and early 15th centuries but very few survive today.

The Castle’s fabulous and nationally recognised collections of early musical instruments, tapestries and more are currently being restored to Dean Castle which will reopen in Spring of 2023..