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KNIGHTS
Article posted February 16, 2012 at 06:40 PM GMT •
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Page: At age seven, a nobleman's son began training for knighthood. During this first step of training, boys were called pages.
As a page, a boy learned how to fight, how to use weapons, and how to ride a horse into battle. He learned manners from the nobleman's wife.
Like everyone, pages had a strict rule of conduct, a certain way of behaving that they had to follow. The rules were very detailed and very clear. Some of the rules were:
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.
Make obeisance (bow) to your lord always when you answer, otherwise stand as still as a stone until he speak.
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Squire: At age 15, a page could become a squire. Each squire was assigned to a knight. A knight could have several squires. The squire assisted the knight to whom he was assigned. Squires continued to learn how to fight and how to behave.
Knights: Once a squire proved himself in battle, and his knight felt he was ready, he could become a knight himself. Squires were knighted in elaborate ceremonies.
Chivalry: All knights, like all people from all walks of life in the Middle Ages, had to behave in a certain way. This way was called the Code of Chivalry. The code said that all knights had to be brave in battle. They had to keep their promises. They had to defend the church. They had to treat noblewomen in a courteous manner. Over time, chivalry became the basis of good manners in Western society.
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Article posted February 16, 2012 at 06:40 PM GMT •
comment • Reads 309
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Medieval Castles
Article posted February 14, 2012 at 05:05 PM GMT •
comment • Reads 130
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Medieval Castles
Castles: Since the power and security of a lord depended upon his ability to defend himself, fief owners began to build sturdy castles. Castles were designed to withstand a siege and to mount a defense.
At first castles were made of wood. But they were too easy to burn down. By 1100 CE, castles were built of stone. Thick walls surrounded a castle. Inside these thick walls, there were many buildings.
At the first sign of trouble, the commoners rushed to get inside the castle walls before the gates closed and shut them out.
Location: Castles were usually built on top of a hill, if one was handy. That way, the lookout guards could more easily spot attackers approaching.
The Moat: A moat was built around many of the castles. This was a deep ditch surrounding the castle walls, filled with water. A bridge was built to cross the moat. The bridge was raised during an attack. The moat was loaded with traps and sharp spikes in case someone tried to swim across.
The Drawbridge: The drawbridge was the bridge built across the moat. This bridge could be raised and lowered for added protection from intruders.
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The Keep: One of the largest spaces behind the thick walls was the keep. The keep was a storage area topped by a huge square tower with slotted windows for castle archers to use. The keep stored food, wine, and grain in case of siege.
The Barracks: Other buildings made up the barracks. the barracks were the homes of the knights and their families.
The Great Hall: The Great Hall was a passageway that connected the lord's home to the keep.
The Chapel: The chapel was build either inside the lord's home or as a separate building. The chapel was a place to hold religious services.
The Gatehouse: The gatehouse was a building used by the guards at the gates. The portcullis was the grating of iron bars at the gateway.
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Article posted February 14, 2012 at 05:05 PM GMT •
comment • Reads 130
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