Knight

Knights: The Golden Age of Chivalry

Imagine a world where valor and honor were not just words but lived through every swing of a sword and every charge into battle. This was the era of knights, men who wore armor like a second skin and fought for their lords with unwavering loyalty. The concept of knighthood has its roots in ancient times, evolving from simple household retainers to become symbols of chivalry and nobility during the Middle Ages.

The Origins of Knighthood

Did you know that the term ‘knight’ comes from Old English cniht, meaning ‘boy’ or ‘servant’? It’s a fascinating journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of history’s most revered titles. The word originally referred to a household retainer but over time transformed into a symbol of mounted warriors and chivalry.

Knighthood in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, knighthood was not just about combat; it was a social rank with its own code of conduct. The ideals of chivalry were popularized through medieval literature, focusing on virtues like loyalty, bravery, and courtesy. These values were so deeply ingrained that even today, many orders of knighthood continue to exist, often centered around charity and civic service.

Knights in the Carolingian Age

The institution of knights was established by the 10th century, with nobles granting fiefs in return for loyalty and service. Knights typically held their lands by military tenure, serving for 40 days a year. Training began at age seven as pages, who learned hunting, academics, and combat skills before becoming squires at 14.

Knights and Chivalry

The accolade or knighting ceremony was usually held during one of the great feasts or holidays and involved a ritual bath, prayer vigil, oath swearing, and sword dubbing. Knights were expected to fight bravely and display military professionalism and courtesy, with chivalry evolving into an early standard of professional ethics for knights.

Knights in Literature

The ideals of knighthood found their way into literature, with works like Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur and Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale. These tales portrayed knights as paragons of virtue and chivalry, embodying the values that defined their era.

Decline and Modern Knighthood

As the feudal system ended, lords no longer needed knights due to rising costs. Mercenaries became an alternative, and knights lost their identity as professional armies adopted a more realistic approach to warfare. Some knightly orders survived, adopting new technology while retaining traditional chivalric practices.

Hereditary Knighthoods

Today, hereditary knighthoods exist in various forms across Europe, including the Order of the Golden Fleece in Spain and Ridder in the Netherlands and Belgium. The title can be considered roughly equal to that of a knight or baronet.

The Modern Honours System

Modern honours systems include the British honours system and European countries such as Spain and The Netherlands. In Britain, knighthood continues to be conferred in various ways, often for services rendered to society. Recipients are addressed as Sir or Dame, with wives entitled to use the pre-nominal ‘Lady’.

Women in Knighthood

The Order of the Garter has appointed women almost from its start, with 68 women between 1358 and 1488. Queens consort have been made Ladies of the Garter since 1901. The first non-royal woman to receive an order was The Duchess of Norfolk in 1990, followed by The Baroness Thatcher in 1995.

Condensed Infos to Knight

As we look back at the golden age of chivalry, it’s clear that knights were more than just warriors. They were symbols of honor and integrity, embodying a code of conduct that has inspired generations. Even today, knighthood continues to be a symbol of service and dedication, reminding us of the values that once defined our world.