The body shield (or kite shield), is the largest of all medieval
shields. This massive protection device stands nearly 6 feet
tall, and is capable of covering the users entire body from
assault if needed.  The most common type of body shield was
wooden or metal, and was firmly strapped to the forearm. This
type made for great protection against arrows, but the sheer
bulk made it uncommon at best. One very effective trick was to
duck down behind an angled body shield to avoid a flurry of
arrows fired by enemy troops, (take a look at the movie
Braveheart to see how many arrows a group of longbowmen can fire
at once).  The second more uncommon type of body shield was
often called the "tower shield". This one is even larger. The
tower shield stands over 6 feet tall, and is over 3 feet wide.
They usually have a curve to them and will have several spikes
mounted in front. The tower shield was too bulky to even carry,
so it was mounted on wheels and could stand up without anyone
holding on to it. This shield was use