I know plate armour was relatively advanced and not readily available throughout much of the middle ages, but when you look at middle ages sources - it seems plate armour often.
How effective was plate armour other armour types against weapons such as broadswords, arrows, spears/lances, maces and hammer/clubby weapons?
Despite what we see in media, I find it difficult to think of how effective armour was?
Plate armour was usually used in conjuction with other protection, like a padded tunic underneath to help absorb the force of blows.
For armour piercing- a lance probably would if it had the full force of a charging horse behind it's point. Even if not the force of it would be terrifying.
I think generally arrows wouldn't go through full plate- even bodkin arrows, though these would penetrate mail. Most soldiers wouldn't afford full plate though, so would be vulnerable.
A lot of polearms were designed to attack gaps in the armour, and even open it up like a can opener.
Have you ever been to the Royal Armouries? It's well worth a visit!