1. Knighthood in the Late Middle Ages

3. 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.

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

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