Knighthood Training in other physical skills included climbing, swimming, throwing stones, javelins, archery and wrestling. Fighting on piggyback introduced the young knights to the balance and skills required in mounted combat. Sword play was practised using wooden swords and shields. The Page was expected to learn the technique called the 'couch' where the lance is held under the arm to steady it during a course, substantially reducing the amount of flex and increasing the accuracy of a lunge. The wooden horse would be pulled along by two other pages towards the target and the page would aim the lance. A target was erected and the Page would mount a wooden 'horse' on wheels holding a lance. A Page would start to acquire the skills required of a Knight by practising the skills of tilting a lance during their knighthood training. Obviously dangerous weapons were not used by these young boys! Great emphasis was placed on physical fitness and strength.
The Knighthood training began in earnest as a Page when all their games and sports were geared towards learning skills related to horsemanship, the two-handed sword, battle axe, mace, dagger and lance. The duties of a knight were seen as the combat duties and those duties related to serving the lords and ladies. But his training commenced from the age of seven. The Medieval Page of the Middle Ages was little more than a child. Knighthood training was focussed on weapon practise which included enhancing skills in horsemanship, the two-handed sword, battle axe, mace, dagger and lance. The different types and styles of Knighthood training depended on the age and strength of the apprentice knights. From fourteen to twenty-one these 'apprentice knights' were referred to as Squires. From the age of seven to fourteen these young boys were given the role of a Medieval Page. Knighthood training began in early childhood when a basic education and good manners and rules of etiquette were taught at home.Īt the age of 7 young boys were sent away to the castles and homes of wealthy lords or relatives to embark on their knighthood training.
Knighthood training was a long and often arduous process.
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