Knighthood in the Late Middle Ages

The Feudal Social Hierarchy King: the ultimate power Feudal lords were appointed by the King in order to tend his land. These lords hired other, lesser lords and distributed land to them to divide the work Knights were often given land in return for their military service Serfs or peasants were bound to the land. They did not own land, but worked on a lord’s land.

Who was a knight? Knights were a warrior class found below the barons and above the serfs in the feudal hierarchy.

Knightly Service Some knights were mercenaries who fought mainly for money Most of them were given land by a baron in exchange for loyalty and service in battle The position of a knight was not handed down from father to son – only rich families could afford the cost of horses, armour, and servants , all required in the training to become a knight

A Knight in Shining Armour Today, we often think of knights as romantic, adventurous men, always ready to rescue. This is how they saw themselves as well.

Knights in Battle Knights were not like modern army units – they did not train together. They came face-to-face only during household groups or at tournaments Numbers were not always the determinants of victory.

Tactics Bait: group of knights on a hill protected by spearmen Rain of arrows: archers were kept in the back for safety and to break up the mass Knights charge: on horseback in attempts to overrun the opponent Surprise attack

Knights and Soldiers Foot soldiers were needed to fight a battle along with knights and archers At first, foot soldiers used to be farmers forced into service, but later they became a specialized trained group.

Archers Archers were an essential part of any army. Archers came from the lower classes, and therefore, their importance grew causing a shift in the feudal system. Archers were also quite vulnerable if overrun and therefore, were kept in the back

The Tools Peasant foot soldiers typically fought with any available weapon (war hammer, battle- axe, flail, dagger, etc.) Professionals (knights and archers) used weapons that were suited to their strengths. Swords were the best if they could afford them. Hammers and maces were good against knights in plate armour.

Becoming a Knight: Brave & Honourable Page Schooling – basic education in history, geography, religion and some reading/writing Age 7: Sent away to be a page at a lord’s castle – training in good manners Squire Age 14: Master/servant relationship with a knight. Taught about armour and helped his master dress. He followed his master into battle. Learning to fight – physical training (ie. Mock fights with wooden swords and shields) Learning to joust: most important skill was to fight on horseback Knight Dubbing: the knighting ceremony that took place when it was thought that a squire was ready with all of the skills of a knight Squire fasted and prayed for a night and later kneeled before his lord who tapped him on the shoulders with sword.

Code of Chivalry All knights were expected to follow a specific code, called the Code of Chivalry, which governed their lives. According to this Code, Knights were expected to: Defend the weak Be courteous to all women Be loyal to the King Serve God at all times Be humble and merciful Values of courage, bravery and honour

But…. Many knights did not receive an inheritance despite wealthy backgrounds and therefore fought for money They plundered villages or cities that they captured, often defiling and destroying churches and other property Brutal conduct with lower classes

Activity See if you can properly label the weapons and armour based on the descriptions.