They were usually part of the heavy cavalry, which evolved into the elite warrior caste of the Medieval Times. The knights played a crucial role in mediaeval warfare and were frequently decisive in the outcome of mediaeval battles. They were known as knights-errants because they roamed the land looking for adventures to prove their worth as knights. Aside from the so-called robber knights or robber barons, some knights refused to swear allegiance to a liege lord or a military order.

However, rules were frequently broken, and some knights even became involved in organised crime. Some knights possessed land and castles, while others were landless and belonged to various military orders. After the 12th century, acclaim was usually preceded by a religious ceremony that included praying, fasting, blessing the weapons, bad of purification, and keeping vigil.Īfter being formally knighted, knights either served or were hired by the mightier lords. Knighthood was formally conferred through a ceremony known as the accolade, which was performed by the king or overlord with a stroke with the flat of the sword on the future knight’s neck or shoulder. Some squires were knighted for outstanding battlefield performances, but they were usually knighted by their lord when the latter considered the training to be completed, which was usually at the age of 21. When a page reached the age of 14, he or she became a squire, the knight’s personal servant, and when old enough, he or she joined the knight in battle. A page was also taught knightly virtues and behaviour, as well as battle tactics. From the age of 7 to 14, the boy worked as a page, a type of waiter, and a personal servant to his elders. The process of becoming a knight began in early childhood, typically around the age of 7 or 8 years, when a boy was sent to his lord’s household to begin his training to become a knight. Regardless, the title of knight could not be inherited, and each noble had to go through a lengthy process before becoming a knight. However, knights would eventually become only male descendants of knighted men, while knightly families were regarded as nobles. Originally, the title of knight could only be obtained through military achievements, and some knights came from the lower classes of mediaeval society.

Knights in the Middle Ages were mounted soldiers who held land in exchange for military service.

Knighthood in england