Training/Education of a Knight

1. Training/Education of a Knight http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/history/middleages/knighthood.html http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever/collections/graphics/large/adreamofthepast_large.jpg

2. Education of a KnightWrite notes about each step in becoming a knight. 1) Page - 2) Squire - 3) Knight -

3. Page • At age seven, a nobleman's son began training for knighthood. During this first step of training, boys were called pages.  • As a page, a boy learned how to fight, how to use weapons, and how to ride a horse into battle. He learned manners from the nobleman's wife.  • Like everyone, pages had a strict rule of conduct, a certain way of behaving that they had to follow. The rules were very detailed and very clear. Some of the rules were:  • When you enter a lord's place, say, "Good Speed" and with humble cheer, greet all who are present. • Do not rush in rudely, but enter with head up and at an easy pace, and kneel on one knee only to your lord. • Bow to your lord always when you answer, otherwise stand as still as a stone until he speaks.

4. Squire • At age 15, a page could become a squire. Each squire was assigned to a knight. A knight could have several squires. The squire assisted the knight to whom he was assigned. Squires continued to learn how to fight and how to behave.  • Jobs - skill with the sword, lance, and shield. • Mock battles against each other and against dummies • Looked after his master's horses, weapons and armor, and served meals. • As the squire got older, he followed his master/knight into battle and protected him if he fell in combat. • Some squires became knights for performing outstanding deeds on the battlefield, but most were knighted at home by his lord or father when training was judged to be complete.

5. Knighthood • Around age 21 was the knighting ceremony. • Ceremony - night before, would take a bath, fast, and would make confession. ` Would spend the whole night in the chapel praying to God for guidance in his journey as a knight. • Morning of knighting, dressed in white and entered the crowded hall with his sword strung around his neck. • Priest would bless the sword and - squire knelt before his lord (often the knight who had trained him). The lord asked the squire his reasons for wanting to become a knight and if the lord was satisfied with his answers, the knight agreed to perform the ceremony. • Would receive new armor • Lord would then take a sword and tap him lightly on the shoulders three times and made a short declaration such as "In the name of God and Saint George, I make thee a knight." • More than just fighting, it was also about chivalry

6. Medieval Knights Knights belonged to the noble class and were part of a military order, but not all soldiers could become knights. Those lacking the equipment, status or wealth to join an order were usually denied. However, some from the poorer class could elevate their status and be accepted into knighthood through valor on the battlefield. While Orders of female knights were rare, they did exist. The Knight's Code of Chivalry was a moral system that stated all knights should protect others who cannot protect themselves, like widows, children, and elders. Knights had to be strong and extremely disciplined, and vowed to be loyal, generous, and "noble bearing,“ and were also required to tell the truth at all times and always respect the honor of women.

7. Chivalry All knights, like all people from all walks of life in the Middle Ages, had to behave in a certain way. This way was called the Code of Chivalry. The code said that all knights had to be brave in battle; keep their promises; defend the church; and treat noblewomen in a courteous manner. Over time, chivalry became the basis of good manners in Western society.