Targe
Also known as: targaid
A round Scottish shield, 45-55 cm, of crosswise-glued boards covered in leather with brass studs; the highlanders' main defence until Culloden in 1746.
Quick Facts
United KingdomAbout the weapon
From the late 16th century until Culloden in 1746, the targe was a highlander's main defence in combat. The word comes from Frankish targa, shield; in Gaelic the shield is targaid. After the Jacobites' defeat at Culloden, carrying it was banned by the Disarming Act. It is round, 45 to 55 cm across. The core was two very thin layers of boards with grain running crosswise, joined by small wooden pegs — in effect plywood. The face was tough cowhide, fastened with many brass, sometimes silver, studs, usually with a brass boss at the centre. The back was covered with deerskin. A highlander carried a basket-hilted sword or dagger in one hand and the targe on the other arm, often with a dirk also in the shield hand, its blade protruding below the rim. Surviving pieces bear intricate patterns, suggesting they once belonged to important people.
Related weapons
- Used together with: Highland broadsword