Knighthood was a title for elite, mounted professional soldiers in the European Middle Ages. The training began around age 7 and involved three distinct levels: Page, Squire, and Knight. Learn the epic quest required to earn shining armor and the strict Code of Chivalry!

Did you know that in the Middle Ages, becoming a knight wasn't something you were just born into—it was a super long, super tough job you had to *earn*?

Knights were the ultimate superheroes of the Middle Ages! They were elite warriors who rode horses, wore heavy armor, and protected the king and the land. But getting that shiny title wasn't easy. For boys from noble families, the journey to knighthood often started around age seven and could last over a decade! It was a path built on loyalty, fighting skill, and learning a strict code of honor. Let's find out the three big steps needed for this amazing adventure for kids!

Mira

Mira says:

"Wow! Becoming a knight meant you had to be good at *so* much more than just fighting. Imagine polishing armor all day and then learning fancy songs and dances for the castle parties! Talk about a busy schedule!"

What is Knighthood? More Than Just Shiny Armor!

A knight was a professional soldier, usually mounted on a horse, during the European Middle Ages. Think of them as the highly-trained, heavily-armored special forces of their time. They were the best fighters on the battlefield, especially before powerful gunpowder weapons became common.

To be a knight, you needed serious resources! Armor, horses, and weapons were incredibly expensive. Because of this, knighthood was usually reserved for the sons of wealthy and well-known families, like lords or other knights. It was a high-status job!

Mind-Blowing Fact!

The word 'knight' comes from the Old English word *cniht*, which originally meant a boy or a servant. Over time, it evolved to mean the noble, armed horseman we think of today!

The Three Stages: A Long Climb to Glory

The road to becoming a knight was a structured training program, broken into three main levels. It was like leveling up in a video game, but with much heavier swords! Each stage built on the skills learned before it.

The whole process was designed to teach the young man everything: how to fight, how to behave at court, and how to be loyal to his lord and his faith.

7 Age to Start
(As a Page)
14 Age to Advance
(To Squire)
21 Typical Age
(To Become a Knight)

How Did a Boy Train for Knighthood?

The journey was long and required total dedication from childhood until young adulthood. Here are the main steps to becoming a knight:

Step 1: The Page (Around Age 7 to 14)

When a boy was about seven, he left home to live in the castle of a knight or nobleman who was often his father's lord. As a Page, his job was mostly about learning manners and serving! He waited on the lord and lady at the table and learned basic etiquette. He would also start light physical training, practicing with wooden swords and learning to ride a horse.

Step 2: The Squire (Around Age 14 to 21)

If the Page did well, he was promoted to Squire! This was the real warrior apprenticeship. The Squire was a personal assistant to one knight. He was in charge of polishing the knight's armor until it shone like a mirror and caring for his expensive warhorses. The most important part was combat training—practicing with real weapons and even training on a device called a quintain!

💡 Did You Know?

Squires had to be strong enough to help their knight get into his heavy armor, which could weigh up to 50 pounds! That’s like wearing a fully grown bear!

🎯 Quick Quiz!

What was a squire responsible for doing for their knight?

A) Writing all his letters and balancing his budget.
B) Cooking all the meals for the castle kitchen staff.
C) Caring for the knight's armor and horses.
D) Leading the army into battle every day.

Why Was the Code of Chivalry So Important?

Knighthood wasn't just about being a good fighter; it was about being a good person—at least by medieval standards! Knights followed a strict set of rules called the Code of Chivalry.

This code meant knights had to be brave, loyal to their lord, and defend the weak. They were also expected to be very religious and courteous, especially to women. A knight who didn't follow these rules could bring shame to his lord and lose his respected place in society.

  • Loyalty: Never betray your lord or king.
  • Bravery: Always fight bravely and never surrender.
  • Piety: Have deep faith and love for the Christian religion.
  • Courtesy: Show respect, especially to ladies, and be generous to others.

Finally, after years of training and proving his skill, a Squire would take an oath and undergo a knighting ceremony (or 'dubbing'). The lord would tap the kneeling squire lightly on the shoulder with a sword, officially making him a knight and a respected member of the warrior class!

Questions Kids Ask About Medieval History

How long did it take to become a knight?
The whole process, from page to knight, usually took about seven years or more, often from age seven until around twenty-one years old.
Did only boys from noble families become knights?
Almost always, yes. Since the equipment was so expensive, only wealthy noble families could afford the training path. However, sometimes a common soldier could be knighted on the battlefield for extreme bravery.
What were the three stages of training to become a knight?
The stages were Page, Squire, and finally, Knight. Each one involved more responsibility and harder training than the last.

Keep Exploring the Middle Ages!

You've learned the amazing, challenging steps to join the legendary ranks of medieval knights! While actual knighthood faded away with new types of weapons, the ideals of bravery and honor live on. Keep listening to History's Not Boring to uncover more amazing stories from the past!