Medieval Castle - Europe

Medieval Castle - Feudal Knights
Feudal knights have played an important role in the history of Europe. The actual word, “knight,” is in reference to a position in society that was granted to a warrior or other individual by a king or lord. Knighthood was a granted form of gentility, not nobility. The key differences are that noble positions can be inherited by birth. Positions in gentility have to be earned, and cannot be inherited. Therefore, it was considered a great honor to be granted this title by someone in the position of nobility. The title of Knight in Feudal Times (during the Middle Ages) was bestowed to someone who was expected to fight, or lead in battle. The designation of Knight is still granted today in Great Britain, but is now an honorary title granted to British citizens who have achieved great accomplishments in their field of expertise (such as writers and musicians). Feudal Knights were held accountable for their title, and the very real responsibilities that came with it.

People who were granted Knighthood could be very poor people, but gain in riches and fame as their fighting skills became more well known. In the 12th Century, Feudal Knights were associated with armored men who rode on horses, the main means of battle for that time. These men were not just warriors, however. As they were trained in fighting skills during their adolescence, they were also trained in how to become a fine gentleman. Once they had perfected their skills in all these areas, they became a Knight via a ceremony known as “dubbbing.” During this ceremony, they took oaths swearing allegiance to the Crown, respectfulness of the law, protection of Christians, and of chastity. Knighthood had its social and military peak during the 13th Century. In the 14th Century, advanced fighting techniques made calvary-mounted knights less necessary. Knights were therefore trained in foot-soldier fighting techniques, both simultaneously by France and England, while the countries were fighting one another during the Hundred Years War. France ended up being the victors of the war, since they switched back to basic calvary-mounted defenses towards the end, while England kept their Knights on foot.

The techniques of the French Knights kept revolving between foot and calvary fighting skills, and their unpredictability in battle led to their victory in The Italian Wars and several other subsequent battles. Eventually, the evolution of firearms, other fighting techniques, and new methods of waging war led to the abandonment of both calvary and sword-fighting techniques. As the countries of England and France advanced, Knights remained in the form of gentlemen and aristocrats, as a new level of societal class. However, their need and skills for fighting soon became obsolete, and thus ended the legend and force of the Feudal Knight.