How To Be A Medieval Knight

Describes the job requirements, training, physical demands, compensation, and daily life of a knight in the Middle Ages.

"What would it be like to be a knight in the Middle Ages? This book takes readers on the journey of becoming a knight, from fighting practice and jousting tournaments to actual battles"--Provided by publisher.

The 'knight in shining armour' has become a staple figure in popular culture, and images of bloody battlefields, bustling feasting halls and courtly tournaments have been creatively interpreted many times in film and fiction. But what was the medieval knight truly like? In this fascinating title, former Senior Curator at the Royal Armouries Christopher Gravett describes how knights evolved over three centuries of English and European history, the wars they fought, their lives both in peacetime and on campaign, the weapons they fought with, the armour and clothing they wore and their fascinating code and mythology of chivalry. The text is richly illustrated with images ranging from manuscript illustrations to modern artwork reconstructions and many photographs of historic artefacts and sites.

Enter the dark and dangerous world of the medieval knight. Find out how these skilled warriors fought in bloody battles, riding on fierce warhorses trained to kick and bite their masters' enemies. See the weaponry and armor used by knights, learn how knights began their training at just 8 years old, and explore the everyday lives of these historic warriors who fought in return for castles and treasure. And for fun!

Presents the qualifications and training needed, job hazards, and everyday routine of a knight, with primary source quotations and annotated bibliographies.

In Medieval times, brave, skillful warriors faced each other on the battlefield. They fought with lances, swords, and battle-axes. They wore shining armor and rode powerful warhorses. Each man fought for his king and was not afraid to die in battle. These fearsome warriors were knights—the fighting men of the Medieval age.

The 15th century was a time of change for knighthood. Knights no longer fought for their lords in return for land, since the feudal summons had long before given way to a system of contracts. Moreover, many knights now preferred the role of landowner, man-about-town or parliamentary representative. However, this was also the age of the knight in plate armour, of the battle of Agincourt and the conquests of Henry V, and of the Wars of the Roses, the bloody internecine struggle that tore medieval England apart. In this title Christopher Gravett describes the life of a 15th century knight, his equipment and experiences from his earliest days as a squire through to his experiences on the battlefields of England and France.

On the great influence of a valiant lord: "The companions, who see that good warriors are honored by the great lords for their prowess, become more determined to attain this level of prowess." On the lady who sees her knight honored: "All of this makes the noble lady rejoice greatly within herself at the fact that she has set her mind and heart on loving and helping to make such a good knight or good man-at-arms." On the worthiest amusements: "The best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come." Enter the real world of knights and their code of ethics and behavior. Read how an aspiring knight of the fourteenth century would conduct himself and learn what he would have needed to know when traveling, fighting, appearing in court, and engaging fellow knights. Composed at the height of the Hundred Years War by Geoffroi de Charny, one of the most respected knights of his age, A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry was designed as a guide for members of the Company of the Star, an order created by Jean II of France in 1352 to rival the English Order of the Garter. This is the most authentic and complete manual on the day-to-day life of the knight that has survived the centuries, and this edition contains a specially commissioned introduction from historian Richard W. Kaeuper that gives the history of both the book and its author, who, among his other achievements, was the original owner of the Shroud of Turin.