medieval knight was a heavily armored mounted warrior who played a central role in European feudal society between the 9th and 15th centuries. Knights were associated with a code of conduct known as chivalry and were expected to serve their lords, protect the weak, and uphold justice.

Key Attributes of a Medieval Knight:

Role in Society

• Vassalage: As a vassal of a lord or king the knight received land (a fief) in exchange for military service.
• Hierarchy: Knights occupied a privileged position in the feudal system, between the nobles and peasants.
• Oath of Fealty: Knights swore an oath of loyalty to their lord, promising to fight for them when required.

Becoming a knight

Dedication to military excellence, taking an oath of piety to God and navigating the complex political landscape of the medieval court were just some of the many skills that were needed to become a successful medival knight.

Training and Knighthood

• Education: Training began in childhood. A boy, often of noble birth, became a page around age 7, learning manners, basic combat skills, and horsemanship.
• Squire: Around age 14, a page became a squire, serving an experienced knight. Squires received advanced combat training and learned to care for armor and weapons.
• Dubbing Ceremony: At about 21, a squire could be knighted in a religious and ceremonial ritual, often involving the blessing of a sword.

The Page

All knights had to start somewhere and for most it was as a page before the age of 10. The young sons of medieval nobles were sent to the household of other nobles to learn the basics of fighting, etiquette and manners. Boys were sent to other households for many reasons, some of which were: -

• As Hostages. Males heirs in medieval society were very important and holding a boy as hostage helped ensure the boy's family were loyal.
• Alliances. Creating bonds between different families could prove vital in times of conflict.
• Climbing the social ladder. Boys from minor nobles could improve their chances of becoming more powerful by joining the household of an important noble.

The Squire

When the page became a teenager, he would be promotted to a squire. Rigorous training in combat with various weapons like swords, lances, and axes would begin. The squire would also learn the code of chivalry, which emphasized honour, courage, and courtesy.