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Stages Of Knighthood

 

            Knighthood was a trend that began during the 11th century as a professional association. It included only those who could afford to make and maintain the heavy capital investment required by mounted warfare - that is horse and armor fighting. Knights usually came from the nobles - the great land-owning families. .
             During the first half of the 12th century religion influenced knights to follow a certain code of behaviors called Chivalry. During the last half of the 12th century literature provides a model for the knightly community, as well as a way of glorifying it. .
             At the age of four a noble's son entered a kind of school to learn to read and write. He would learn the Code of Chivalry: Prowess, Justice, Loyalty, Defense, Courage, Faith, and Humility. When he reached the age of around seven his father, or sometimes his uncle, would take over as teacher in his path to be a great knight. At this age the young boy is called a Page. He would be taught how to handle weapons and how to defend himself. He would get up early in the morning and work at this all day. He also had to learn how to take care of the horses. Any spare time would be devoted to running errands for the Ladies of the Manor. The Ladies would train him to carve at the table.
             At age nine the teacher would advance the young boy. He would now become a Valet. This meant "little vassal" or "little lord". He would become a personal servant to his father or uncle. Part of the valet's job was to set the table before mealtimes, and then stand behind his teacher during mealtimes. He would continue learning how to handle weapons.
             After several years the boy would reach the age of fifteen. He would now advance and become a Squire. As a Squire he accompanied the teacher everywhere, even into battle. He had to prepare the knight for battle by helping him on with his armor. He also carried all of the knight's weapons. When going into battle the Squire led the extra horses that might be needed.


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