The conical helmets worn by the Norman knights at the Battle of Hastings were similar to the ones worn by the Romans. The helmets were built around a framework of bronze or iron strips, overlaid with sheets of bronze or copper. A nasal guard was riveted onto a reinforcing band around the bottom rim. A well-made conical helmet was an effective defence against a sword or a mace. It was less successful in protecting knights against the English battle-axe.