Highly skilled and heavily armored, knights were the elite soldiers of the Middle Ages (circa 500–1500 CE). Although many children of the medieval era dreamed of becoming knights, it was not an opportunity available to everyone. Most knights in training were boys and young men, and they usually came from families with enough money to afford the necessary armor, weapons, and warhorses. A future knight also needed to be strong, courageous, and willing to endure many years of preparation.
Knighthood was a prestigious and noble position, and becoming a knight required a long and rigorous process. The training of a knight usually began at a young age, typically around seven years old. Boys who were chosen to become knights would be sent to live in the castle of a lord or a knight to serve as a page.
As a page, a young boy would be responsible for performing various tasks and duties, such as caring for the knight's armor, serving at the table, and attending to the knight's needs. They would also receive basic education, learning how to read and write, as well as studying the code of chivalry, which emphasized virtues like honor, loyalty, and bravery.
After several years as a page, a young man would then become a squire. As a squire, he would assist the knight in battle and continue his training. This included learning how to handle weapons, ride a warhorse, and engage in mock combat. Squires also learned about the various strategies and tactics employed in warfare.
During this time, squires would accompany their knights to tournaments and battles, observing and gaining practical experience. They also had to prove themselves in combat, displaying their skills and courage on the battlefield. Only after a squire had proven his worth and demonstrated the necessary qualities would he have the chance to be knighted.
The ceremony of knighthood was a solemn and formal event, usually conducted by a lord or a higher-ranking knight. It involved the squire taking vows to uphold the code of chivalry, to defend the weak and oppressed, and to serve their lord faithfully. The squire would then be dubbed a knight, receiving the accolade of a tap on the shoulder or a blow with a sword.
Once knighted, a knight would be expected to actively participate in military campaigns, defending his lord's lands and fighting in wars. Knights were skilled warriors, proficient in various weapons such as swords, lances, and battle axes. They were trained in mounted combat and were known for their expertise in jousting, a popular sport and form of military training.
Knights were also expected to adhere to the code of chivalry and behave honorably. This included treating others with respect, protecting the weak, and being just in their actions. A knight was expected to be loyal to their lord and church, and serve as a protector of the realm.
While knighthood was a coveted and esteemed position, not all knights were of noble birth. In some cases, commoners who displayed exceptional skill and valor on the battlefield could be knighted by a lord as a reward for their services. However, this was relatively rare, and for the majority, knighthood remained a privilege restricted to those born into the noble class.
Overall, the path to becoming a knight was arduous and demanding, and only a select few possessed the necessary means and qualities to achieve this esteemed rank. Knights played a significant role in the medieval period, symbolizing bravery, honor, and prowess on the battlefield.
Becoming a medieval knight required a combination of financial means, physical strength, and dedication. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Noble Birth: Knights were typically born into noble or knightly families, as they were expected to uphold the chivalric code and protect their feudal lord's land. However, in some cases, exceptional commoners could also rise to knighthood through acts of valor or service to a noble.
2. Early Education: At a young age, potential knights were sent to the castle of a noble or a more experienced knight to begin their education. They would serve as pages, attending to the needs of their lord and learning basic manners and social etiquette.
3. Training as a Squire: Around the age of 14, a page would be promoted to become a squire. Squires received formal training in horsemanship, combat skills like sword fighting and jousting, as well as the proper care and maintenance of arms and armor. They would serve a specific knight, acting as their assistant and learning by observing and participating in battles and tournaments.
4. Becoming a Knight: Attaining knighthood required the completion of several milestones:
a. Vigil: Before being knighted, a squire would spend a night in a vigil, usually in a church or chapel, praying and reflecting upon their duties and responsibilities as a knight.
b. Accolade: The following day, the squire would partake in a formal ceremony known as an accolade. In this ceremony, the squire would kneel before a lord or a more experienced knight and be struck on the neck or shoulder with a sword, officially becoming a knight.
5. Chivalric Code: Once knighted, the individual would be expected to adhere to the chivalric code of conduct. This code emphasized virtues such as valor, honor, courtesy, and loyalty. Knights were expected to protect the weak, respect women, and show kindness and generosity.
6. Acquisition of Armor and Equipment: Knights needed expensive armor, weapons, and a warhorse. These items were costly, so the family of the aspiring knight needed to afford them. The armor consisted of a helmet, chainmail, gauntlets, and plate armor. Their primary weapon was usually a lance, but they also used swords, maces, and other weapons.
7. Competitions and Warfare: Knights would often participate in tournaments, where they could showcase their skills in combat and jousting. These events allowed knights to gain recognition, prestige, and potentially increase their social standing. In times of war, knights would fight on horseback as heavily armored shock troops, charging into battle and engaging in hand-to-hand combat.
Becoming a knight required substantial financial resources, years of training and education, as well as the ability to demonstrate the qualities expected of a knight.
Knighthood was a prestigious social rank awarded to individuals who showed exceptional skill in combat, demonstrated chivalry, and served their lord faithfully. If you're curious to know more about knights and the process of becoming one, keep reading!
1. Training and Education: The journey to becoming a knight started at a young age. Boys from noble or wealthy families would begin their training in the art of warfare and chivalry as early as the age of seven. They would often be placed under the supervision of an experienced knight or guardian who would oversee their education and teach them important skills such as riding, combat techniques, weapon handling, horsemanship, and medieval etiquette.
2. Page: Around the age of seven, boys would become pages. Pages served in the household of a noble or knight and learned the basics of chivalry, courtly manners, and how to care for horses and armor. They would also assist the knights with their tasks, accompanying them to battles and tournaments, which allowed them to observe and learn from experienced warriors.
3. Squire: As a page got older, usually around the age of 14, they would become a squire. Squires acted as personal assistants and apprentices to knights. They would accompany knights to war, assist them with their armor, weapons, and horses, and learn more advanced combat techniques. Squires were also responsible for their knight's well-being and often became their loyal companions.
4. Achieving Knighthood: The path to knighthood typically culminated in a religious ceremony known as the knighting ceremony. It was usually bestowed by a lord, a king, or another knight of high standing. The squire would kneel before their patron and swear an oath of loyalty, chivalry, and service. The lord would then dub them a knight by touching their shoulders or striking them lightly with a sword. This act symbolized the bestowal of honor, knighthood, and responsibility upon the individual.
5. The Code of Chivalry: Knights were expected to uphold a strict code of ethics and conduct known as chivalry. This code emphasized virtues such as bravery, loyalty, honor, respect for authority, fairness in combat, protection of the weak, and deference to women. Knights who showed exceptional adherence to the code of chivalry were highly respected and admired in medieval society.
It is important to note that not all knights came from noble backgrounds. Some commoners or lower-ranking individuals could also rise to knighthood through exceptional military skill or by receiving recognition for their bravery on the battlefield. However, such cases were relatively rare.
Understanding the history of knights and the process of becoming one can provide valuable insights into the social structure, warfare, and ideals of the medieval era.