Becoming a Knight

Knighthood training began when a boy was only eight or nine years old. The boy practiced archery, fencing, and horsemanship and other skills that were necessary to be a fighter.

When the boy turned fifteen he went to the castle of a friend or relative to begin his formal training as a page. The older knight taught him battle techniques, how to care for horses, hunting and falconry, and gentlemanly behavior.

At the age of eighteen the page became a squire. He was allowed to wear silver spurs and go into combat with the knight who had trained him. The squire served as a bodyguard and carried the master's armor and shield. The squire had to prove himself worthy before he was officially made a knight. Some squires never became knights.