Medieval armour terminology may sound arcane and out-of-date, but some of the designs it refers to have influenced the development of modern space technologies and military equipment. For instance, Nasa were so impressed by the overlapping design of Henry VIII's 1520 armour that they studied its construction while developing their first space suits in the 1960s.

Left: One of Henry VIII's suits of armour

Left: Forefront of design: Nasa were so impressed by Henry VIII's Tonlet Armour that they used it as a template for creating their first astronaut suits.

(photos on the left: dailymail.co.uk)

Though the use of armour has declined, various craftsmen and machine shops still exist which can craft components of armour for use in a museum or in simulated combat during reenactments.

Additionally, the Iraq War saw the introduction of a modern day version of body armour worn by US soldiers.

Left: US soldiers body armour in woodland camouflage with groin and neck protector. (US Army photo)