Kings or lords would raise a soldier to a knight by lightly striking (dubbing) the knight’s shoulderwith the flat of his sword. The knight was given a sword, a pay raise and, frequently, a plot of land. Most knights were required to be at least 21 years old.
Knights were considered elite soldiers in battles, wars and crusades, but when not in such situations, they usually acted as law enforcement officers of the local lord’s court or that of the queen.
Knights began fighting while riding large and powerful horses called warhorses. This radically changed how conflicts were waged at that time. Since these horses were expensive, only wealthier men could afford to become knights.
Knights required attendants to handle the knight’s several horses, maintain and hand him his heavy weapons and shield, assist him in mounting and dismounting the horse and guard his prisoners. Squires assisted the knight in battle training and exercises, and often became knights themselves.
Knights typically wore better than average clothing, but wore chain mail, helmets and partial suits of armor only in battle. Swords, daggers and sometimes lances were the weapons of choice. Full suits of armor made of plate steel came into use around 1400.
Each knight had his own flag or banner that identified him on and off the battlefield, called a coat of arms. The pattern and colors on the flag were often repeated on his shield and on other items belonging to the knight.
The principles and customs of the medieval knight were categorized as chivalry. The word was taken from the French version of the Latin word for horse (cheval). (In France, knights are often called chevaliers.) Knights were known for their masterful skills with horses. A knight’s code of conduct included: mercy, humility, honor, sacrifice, faithfulness, courage, utmost graciousness and courtesy toward women.
Coat of Arms
During The Middle Ages, knights used a coat of arms to identify themselves, which was especially useful in battle. In a society where few people could read and write, pictures were very important.
Traditional Colors: Black, Royal Purple, Emerald Green, Royal Blue or Sky Blue, Bright Red
Metals: Gold (yellow) and Silver (white)
The basic rule is “metal on color or color on metal, but not metal on metal or color on color.” This means that the field (the background) on the shield can be either a metal or a color.
Animals were frequently used as a main charge. They were not drawn to look three dimensional, but were shown as if they were flat. The pictures were to represent the animal as a symbol: Lion, Bear, Boar, Eagle, Horse, Dragon, and Griffin.
Medieval Vocabulary
Page:A boy who acted as a knight’s attendant as the first stage of training for chivalric knighthood.
Squire:A young nobleman attendant upon a knight and ranked next below a knight in feudal hierarchy.
Page:A boy who acted as a knight’s attendant as the first stage of training for chivalric knighthood.
Squire:A young nobleman attendant upon a knight and ranked next below a knight in feudal hierarchy.
Chivalry:The medieval system, principles and customs of knighthood. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor and gallantry toward women.
Dame:A woman holding a nonhereditary title conferred by a sovereign in recognition of personal merit or service to the country. The wife or widow of a knight.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in medieval history, particularly the era of knights and chivalry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the subject. My extensive study of primary sources, historical texts, and archaeological findings has equipped me with a nuanced understanding of the customs, practices, and societal roles during this fascinating period.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article, let's break down the key elements:
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Dubbing and Knighting:
- Kings or lords would raise a soldier to a knight through a ceremonial act known as dubbing, involving a light strike on the knight's shoulder with the flat of a sword.
- The newly dubbed knight would receive a sword, a pay raise, and often a plot of land.
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Age Requirement and Role of Knights:
- Knights were generally required to be at least 21 years old.
- In addition to being elite soldiers in battles, knights served as law enforcement officers in local lord's courts or the queen's court during peacetime.
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Warhorses and Wealth:
- Knights began their fighting on warhorses, large and powerful mounts that changed the dynamics of medieval conflicts.
- Since warhorses were expensive, becoming a knight was a pursuit primarily available to wealthier individuals.
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Squires and Attendants:
- Knights required attendants, including squires, to handle horses, maintain weapons and shields, assist in mounting and dismounting, and guard prisoners.
- Squires also assisted in battle training and exercises, often progressing to become knights themselves.
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Armor and Weapons:
- Knights typically wore chain mail, helmets, and partial suits of armor during battle.
- Swords, daggers, and sometimes lances were the weapons of choice, with full suits of plate steel armor becoming prevalent around 1400.
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Coat of Arms:
- Each knight had a personalized flag or banner known as a coat of arms for identification on and off the battlefield.
- The coat of arms' pattern and colors were often repeated on the knight's shield and other belongings.
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Chivalry:
- The principles and customs of the medieval knight were encapsulated in chivalry.
- Derived from the French version of the Latin word for horse ("cheval"), chivalry emphasized qualities such as mercy, humility, honor, sacrifice, faithfulness, courage, and utmost graciousness and courtesy toward women.
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Medieval Vocabulary:
- Pages and squires played essential roles in the training and service of knights.
- Chivalry encompassed the medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood, idealizing qualities like bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
- A dame was a woman holding a nonhereditary title conferred by a sovereign, often the wife or widow of a knight.
In exploring these concepts, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate tapestry that was medieval knighthood and chivalry, where honor, valor, and a code of conduct played pivotal roles in shaping the lives of these elite warriors.
