Here is one for photographers and history buffs alike – UK photographer Thom Atkinson has taken on a bit of an ambitious project. He is collecting, displaying and photographing an incredibly detailed collection of weapons, clothing, armour, and personal items that British soldiers have worn in battle over the decades – stretching as far back as the infamous Viking raids of 1066, in a collection called Soldiers’ Inventories.

Just take a moment to really look at what they had at their disposal before firearms were invented. One is then quick to realise just why so many of those battles were so bloody and brutal.

According to PetaPixel, “shields, chainmail, yo-yos, checkers, gas masks, guns and more make an appearance over the incredibly thorough collection of battle gear used over the course of the past millennium.”

If you ever wondered what the Mounted Knight wore during the Siege of Jerusalem in 1244, or for that matter what current Close Support Sapper for Royal Engineers carry in their bags, head on over to Atkinson website here, and get a glimpse of the full collection.

For a detailed description of what is exactly in each photo, head over to the Telegraph to see their extensive cataloging of the items.

[Source and images – Thom Atkinson]