Becoming a Medieval Knight

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The first step was for a knight to be born into a knight family.

• Most knights were born into knighthood, and followed the lead of their father or other family members to learn the role of knights in society.
• Knights were raised in wealthy families who could afford weapons, armor and other equipment for training.

The second step was to become a page during childhood, around the age of 7 or 8.

• A page spent his time in the castle or home of the noble on a manor, tending to his duties and being educated in sports and games that he would perform as a knight.
• As a page grew up, he was trained in chivalry and the responsibilities of the knight social class.

Next, a page would move on to become a squire as a teenager.

• Squires served directly under the knight, wearing the knight's clothing and attending to him during competitions and actual battle.
• Squires were required to refine their skills in tournaments and on the battlefield.

Finally, when a squire reached adulthood and had proven his ability, he would reach knight status.

• Becoming a knight meant a person had proven himself in training or battle, and shown his skill on horseback or in combat.
• A ceremony would be held in which the knight was honored and swore an oath of loyalty to the king or a noble in exchange for protection, a home and meals.

The last stage in the life of a knight was to train his own children, pages or squires.

• A knight then served as the mentor for his children, pages or squires, raising the next generation of knights.
• The entire process was then repeated as knights-in-training progressed through the stages of knighthood under the watch of the knight.