Shin Guard Collection

Through the annals of sports history, shin guards have proven to be an essential piece of equipment for cricketers, footballers, and hockey players alike

Shin Guard Collection: WILLIAM GILBERT GRACE (1848-1915). English cricketer. Caricature lithograph, 1877

WILLIAM GILBERT GRACE (1848-1915). English cricketer. Caricature lithograph, 1877, by Spy (Sir Leslie Ward)

Shin Guard Collection: Greek soldiers, arms and armour, plate 38 from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne

Greek soldiers, arms and armour, plate 38 from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne
STC222095 Greek soldiers, arms and armour, plate 38 from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne by Jules Ferrario, published c.1820s-30s (colour litho) by Bonatti, D.K

Shin Guard Collection: The Boys Own Paper, 1904 (print)

The Boys Own Paper, 1904 (print)
NFM315171 The Boys Own Paper, 1904 (print) by English School, (20th century); National Football Museum, Manchester, UK; (add.info)

Leg before wicket

Football boots, shinguards and gloves

Field hockey goalkeeping gear

Shin Guard Collection: Portrait of Stefano Colonna, general of Charles V, 1546 (tempera on wood)

Portrait of Stefano Colonna, general of Charles V, 1546 (tempera on wood)
XIR899690 Portrait of Stefano Colonna, general of Charles V, 1546 (tempera on wood) by Bronzino, Agnolo (1503-72); 115x97 cm; Palazzo Barberini, Rome, Italy; (add.info.: Portrait d Etienne Colonna)

Shin Guard Collection: The Foundry of the God Vulcan, 1747 (oil on canvas)

The Foundry of the God Vulcan, 1747 (oil on canvas)
XIR898130 The Foundry of the God Vulcan, 1747 (oil on canvas) by Boucher, Francois (1703-70); 94x12.7 cm; Louvre, Paris, France; (add.info.: Les Forges de Vulcain ); French, out of copyright

Territorial Army recruits at camp in Chichester, Sussex. A game of cricket. 1939

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Through the annals of sports history, shin guards have proven to be an essential piece of equipment for cricketers, footballers, and hockey players alike. From William Gilbert Grace's iconic caricature in 1877 to the Greek soldiers' armor in ancient times, the evolution of shin guards is a fascinating journey. The Boys Own Paper from 1904 showcases cricket players donning them, while football boots and goalkeeping gear from the same era bear testament to their importance in football. Stefano Colonna, a general of Charles V in the 16th century, is depicted in a portrait with armor that bears a striking resemblance to modern shin guards. Even the Foundry of the God Vulcan from the 18th century depicts the creation of armor, including shin guards. Fast forward to the Territorial Army recruits in Chichester, Sussex in 1939, and they are still a vital part of their cricket gear. Whether it's leg before wicket in cricket or a high-speed football challenge, these protective shields continue to ensure that sports enthusiasts can play their games with confidence and comfort.