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

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

Page At age seven, a nobleman's son began the first step in training for knighthood and was called a page.  A page was taught how to fight, use weapons, and ride a horse into battle by the knight, while the nobleman’s wife taught him manners.   Like everyone, pages had a strict rule of conduct that they had to follow, where the rules were very detailed and clear:   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. 

Squire At age 15, a page could become a squire and was assigned to a knight (who could have several squires). Jobs – assisting the knight, learning proper etiquette, as well as skills 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.

Knighthood Around age 21 was the knighting ceremony. The night before, the young man would take a bath, fast, and spend the whole night in the chapel praying to God for guidance in his journey as a knight. For the morning of the knighting, he was dressed in white and entered the crowded hall with his sword strung around his neck. A priest would bless the sword as the 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. He would receive new armor. His 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, knighthood was also about chivalry.

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, but 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 stated that all knights should protect those who cannot protect themselves; respect the honor of women; be brave in battle; keep their promises; defend the church; and be strong, disciplined, loyal, generous, honest, and "noble bearing.” Over time, chivalry became the basis of good manners in Western society.