This image, shown on the left, is apparently on road signs across Leeds. And a professor from Huddersfield University has recently formed a theory about the image, and it also relates to Henry VIII.
“Professor Rimer has argued that the helmet, mask and spectacles were original, although the horns – which could have been part of a suit of ceremonial horse armour – might have been added later in Henry VIII’s reign to make the whole assembly look more extraordinary.
Professor Rimer showed that the spectacles and the face of the mask – which includes features such as a dripping nose – closely resembled many illustrations of fools by artists such as Peter Flotner that appeared in the early sixteenth century. He believes that the surreal features may have been inspired by German writer Sebastian Brant’s book Ship of Fools.
Experts believe that the helmet may have been a gift for Henry VIII which as the book had its first English translation in 1509 – the year that Henry VIII came to the throne.
“The runaway success of Brant’s book inspired a fashionable cult of the fool in contemporary Europe,” said Professor Rimer.
Last year was the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII ascending the throne which has been marked with events and exhibitions, which has seen the horned helmet, normally on display in Leeds, displayed at the Tower of London.”