Innholdsfortegnelse for Everything You Need to Know About Knights i All About History

Lionised in both historical records and epic fantasies, knights have come to represent the ideal of everything a warrior should be; brave, fair, just and always ready to defend the weak. But how much do we really know about these fabled fighters? Where did the concept of chivalry and knighthood come from? What did it take to become a knight? And were all of them really such noble and honest men? In Everything You Need To Know About Knights, you’ll explore the origins of the knight, discover how they trained for war and examine the weapons and armour they relied on. You’ll then meet the fearsome figures who shaped the Medieval period, including warriors such as Richard the Lionheart and the Black Prince. Then it will be time to step…

In both myth and history, the knight has always been strongly associated with the sword. It’s what they were knighted with on their shoulder, and in myth many knights’ swords, such as the mystical Excalibur, were given their own names and special powers. Traditionally, the sword was regarded with honour, and mastering the use of it was considered to be the epitome of a knight’s power. With the Iron Age, swords became longer, stronger and even more deadly. The handles of swords also grew longer, allowing for the knights to wield powerful, two-handed weapons. There were even swords that were developed specifically to cut and thrust through armour. However, the sword was not the only weapon at a knight’s disposal. The use of maces in battle was popular in the…

Lozenge-shape heavy bodkin Heavy, large and with four sharpened edges, this long bodkin point was developed purely to punch holes right through the steel plate armour of soldiers. The arrowhead socket is formed from a flattened spoon shape then rolled into a cone and fitted over the wooden arrow shaft. When used with a half-inch-thick arrow weighing almost a quarter of a pound and shot from a true military war bow by an archer, this would have been the equivalent of a Medieval rocket-propelled grenade. Type 10 This was perhaps the most common arrowhead of the war as it was simple and fast to make and highly effective against the armour of the period. The Type 10 was a simple bodkin – a foursided point and a rolled socket. Forged…

1 The conquest of England strengthened the bond between the British Isles and the mainland considerably, especially in religious institutions. 2 The effectiveness of knights at the Battle of Hastings and the domination by Norman armies led to an increased use of cavalry in England. 3 William introduced the English to the advanced continental castles by constructing many of his own to help his army occupy the country. 4 William’s gradual but effective purge of nearly all Anglo-Saxon secular and lay magnates led to an almost entirely Norman aristocracy in England. 5 The Norman process of rebuilding the religious structures of England created a unique Anglo-Norman style for most local churches. 6 In one of his many tense conflicts with the papacy, William successfully defended the rights of Norman dukes…

SALADIN Leader He attained his exalted position as leader of the Ayyubid army and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty and was a wise and experienced military commander. Strengths Respected tactical thinker and powerful politician. Weaknesses Hands-off leader with little personal combat prowess. MOUNTED ARCHER Key unit The light cavalry of Saladin was feared throughout the world due to its infamous ability to strike quickly and at range, with many skilled marksmen riding the world’s fastest horses. Strengths Fast units that excelled in ambush and hit-and-run attacks. Weaknesses Easily cut down by knights in hand-to-hand combat. SHORT BOW Key weapon The most popular hand-to-hand weapon of all Christian knight orders, including the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller, the broadsword was a well-balanced and deadly weapon capable of stabbing and cleaving. Strengths…

Swords Straight and deadly The swords the Saracens used in the period of the Crusades were generally straight, unlike the curved blades often depicted in films about the period. Horseback rider Warfare on the move The Saracen army in the Third Crusade had a good number of cavalrymen – more than their Christian counterparts. The soldiers on these horses were normally archers and could be very effective when harassing their enemy. Armour For the high-ranking While the lower ranking Saracens wore little or no armour, higher ranking warriors and leaders such as Saladin would often wear mail coats or other armour under their robes. Physical appearance Slight, not scary Most accounts of Saladin make reference to him being quite slight and frail – he did not have the imposing physical…

Bow and arrow Although the Iron Age had made swords cheap, the bow was popular for its accuracy and range. The Welsh had proved themselves adept at using them but the user needed space to operate. As it proved at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the cramped conditions north of the river and the aggressive nature of the Scots’ attack gave little opportunity to use them, but they could be devastating. Battle-axe The battle-axe was designed for one-handed combat, although some required the use of two hands. Although they were not as popular in the 13th century, they were nonetheless used. They would struggle to hack through steelplate armour, but their weight and sharpness would make light work of most enemies. The Scots would also have had axes and indeed…

WILLIAM WALLACE Leader Wallace’s stature as a fearless leader rose following his slaying of the English sheriff of Lanark, William Heselrig. Men joined him, striking at Scone, Ancrum and Dundee. He proved to be a good, tactical thinker. Strengths Unafraid to get stuck in, his beliefs and desire for a free Scotland motivated his army. Weaknesses Lack of true nobility meant he wasn’t universally accepted. SPEARMAN Key unit With the majority of the Scots nobles under lock and key in England, Wallace’s army was made up of men from lower society, but they were strong and willing. Strengths Although seen as peasant amateur fighters, they nevertheless fought well as a unit thanks to the army’s tactics. Weaknesses When up against betterorganised opposition, as proved at Falkirk, they were left wanting.…

HERMANN VON BUXHÖVDEN Leader Hermann came from a prominent family of German churchmen. After the disastrous Battle on the Ice, Hermann focused on state matters and founded an influential dynasty. Strengths: He was a solid leader with real military skills. Weaknesses: Hermann lacked sufficient troops with which to conduct the crusade. TEUTONIC KNIGHTS OF LIVONIA Key unit The Teutonic Knights of Livonia were an independent element of the larger Teutonic Knights Order. The Knights lived like monks and were some of the best warriors of the Middle Ages. Strengths: They were superb horsemen and displayed unexcelled discipline on the battlefield. Weaknesses: The Teutonic Knights were few in number and roughly 100 fought at Lake Peipus. LANCE Key weapon The lance was a long spear used by mounted warriors all over…

SENESCHAL Also known as the grand commander, the seneschal was the grand master’s righthand man and adviser. He was responsible for many administrative duties; during peacetime he would manage the Order’s lands, and in war he would organise the movement of the men and supplies. GRAND MASTER The grand master was the supreme authority of the Knights Templar and answered only to the pope. The role of grand master was a lifelong one, and the men who occupied the position served in it until death. Grand masters often fought and fell in battle, so the position was anything but a safe one. MARSHAL The marshal was in control of everything to do with war. He was responsible for all the arms and horses, as well as a host of other…

COUNT ROBERT II OF ARTOIS Leader Count Robert II of Artois was an experienced commander and was known to have won numerous contests in single combat. Strengths: Veteran commander with a good grasp of military and battlefield tactics. Weaknesses: Unable to adapt to changing circumstances and failed to understand terrain. FRENCH KNIGHTS Key unit The heavily armed and armoured noble knight was the king of the battlefield prior to the Battle of the Golden Spurs. Strengths: Armour protection and weight of attacking force. Weakness: Lack of mobility if unhorsed and vulnerable to prepared infantry. PIKE Key weapon A long pole with a sharp multipoint spike attached, the pike was a standard medieval weapon. Strengths: Penetrating power against charging enemy forces. Weaknesses: Very difficult to use if the opponent gets past…

1328 • The death of Charles IV of France Charles IV dies at Vincennes without a male heir to continue the House of Capet. His death creates a power vacuum that leads to his cousin, Philip of Valois, becoming Philip VI of France. 1 February 1328 DEFINING MOMENT Onset of the Hundred Years’ War Tensions between England and France had simmered with barely tempered rivalry, but hostilities began when Philip VI was named King of France instead of the better connected King Edward III of England. Negotiations turn sour when Edward offers refuge to a defector from Philip’s court, Robert III of Artois. When Edward refuses to agree to Philip’s demands, the French king reacts by taking control of the English-claimed French fiefdom of Guienne/Aquitaine. Edward does not react well…

CHARLES D’ALBRET Leader The former Constable of France co-commanded the French army alongside Jean le Maingre. Strengths Experienced soldier. Weaknesses Low social rank, so orders were ignored by noblemen. KNIGHTS Key unit Much of the French forces consisted of heavy infantry, making them tough adversaries in open combat. Strengths Heavily armoured and effective at hand-to-hand fighting. Weaknesses Slow, cumbersome and easy to pick off by archers. HORSES Key weapon A large numbers of knights on horseback often presented a fearful sight for their opponents across the field. Strengths Fast and powerful opponents in battle. Weaknesses The cramped and boggy conditions rendered them useless.…

House of York Anne De Mortimer 1390-1411 The mother of Richard Plantagenet and grandmother of King Edward IV and King Richard III, Anne de Mortimer was descended from royalty through her mother and grandparents. She died during childbirth. Richard of Conisburgh 1375-1415 The father of Richard Plantagenet and husband to Anne de Mortimer, Richard of Conisburgh was the 3rd Earl of Cambridge and a prominent figure in the Southampton Plot against Henry V. He was caught and executed. Richard Plantagenet 1411-1460 The son of Anne de Mortimer and Richard of Conisburgh, Richard of York became a key Yorkist leader during the early parts of the Wars of the Roses, winning numerous battles and even becoming Lord Protector for a time. Cecily Neville 1415-1495 The wife of Richard Plantagenet, Cecily Neville…

Henry VI is born The son of warrior king Henry V and Catherine de Valois, Henry VI was crowned king of both England and France during infancy. He would proceed to oversee England’s final losses in the Hundred Years’ War and famously married the strong and powerful Margaret of Anjou. 6 December 1421 The Kingmaker Richard Neville, the future Earl of Warwick and one of the most powerful figures in the entire war, is born. 22 November 1428 Margaret of Anjou is born One of the key players in the Wars of the Roses, Margaret of Anjou, the future wife of King Henry VI, is born to René d’Anjou, Duke of Anjou, and Isabel de Lorraine. 23 March 1430 Jasper Tudor is born Son of legendary Welsh warrior Owen Tudor,…

When speaking about knightly chivalry, the ‘chivalric code’ is often referenced. This was not an actual document with set rules for knights to follow, but rather a social code that knights were expected to uphold. However, a code of chivalry was documented in epic poem The Song of Roland, written between 1089 and 1100, and gives a good basis for how a chivalrous knight was expected to behave. For example, the poem says that a knight was expected to: Uphold the church Protect the weak, especially widows and orphans Live with honour and glory Obey authority Protect the honour of fellow knights Refrain from deceit, unfairness and meanness Always speak the truth Never give up Respect the honour of women Never back down from a challenge from an equal Never…

RICHARD THE LIONHEART Leader Excellent on the battlefield, Richard the Lionheart was a brutal killer and a gifted tactical thinker, leading an army of religious fanatics with ruthless efficiency. Strengths Amazing warrior and powerful military leader. Weaknesses Politically and economically reckless as king. TEMPLAR KNIGHT Key unit The most skilled Christian fighting unit to take part in the Third Crusade, the Knights Templar were wealthy, welltrained and fanatical fighters, driven by a holy purpose. Strengths Wellequipped and trained in hand-tohand combat. Weaknesses Few in number and fanatically religious, leading to recklessness. BROADSWORD Key weapon The most popular hand-to-hand weapon of all Christian knight orders, including the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller, the broadsword was a well-balanced and deadly weapon capable of stabbing and cleaving. Strengths Great all-round weapon that also…

The geographical region of Palestine, between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, was referred to as the Holy Land by Christians and Muslims alike. Both religions claimed ownership due to an association with their faith, with the city of Jerusalem held in particular esteem. Both Islam and Christianity were Abrahamic monotheistic religions and as such, both sides considered the other to be unbelievers in the one true god and considered their presence heretical. By the Third Crusade, Jerusalem and large parts of Palestine and the Levant region had changed hands again and again, with conflicts destabilising the region. Richard, coming from the Christian West, therefore perceived the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin’s forces in 1187 as a direct attack on his faith. From Saladin's point of view he was…

Cumming Most notable figure John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch was Guardian of Scotland between 1296 and 1306. Together with his father and cousin, he attacked Carlisle, which Robert Bruce was defending for King Edward I. How powerful was the clan? As the most powerful clan in Scotland in the 13th century, they had great influence over the political scene and they played a major role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Donald Most notable figure Aonghas Óg of Islay fought for Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, which he lped the Donald clan to cem ent its very strong and enviable position in Scotland. How powerful was the clan? Clan Donald was one of the large st clans and King Robert the Bruce often held…

12 2 • Hadrian’s Wall As Roman Emperor Hadrian rules Britain, he decides to build a defence wall to help prevent an invasion from the north. With locally sourced materials, the wall reaches a length of 117.5km (73mi). 122 • Western independence There are two Gaelic kingdoms called Dairada, one in Ireland and one in Scotland. Dependent on each other, but King Aidan secures Scottish independence for Argyllshire. 575 • Capture of Edinburgh The Kingdom of Northumbria, formed in 604, decides to capture Edinburgh from Gododdin, a kingdom in the northeast of Britannia. It keeps it for three centuries. 638 • Burning of Iona Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides on the western coast of Scotland, is set alight by the Vikings which had been raiding and trading…

Prince Edward was actively involved in the foundation of the Order of the Garter in 1348. Today it is the third most prestigious honour that the British state can award after the Victoria and George crosses, with membership numbers always capped at 24 Companions. It has a reputation for epitomising the chivalric knightly ideal, but its foundation was grounded much more in the power politics of the time. The Order was designed to bring together the inner circle of Edward III’s military commanders in France, who also happened to be his companions in the jousting arena. Some of the earliest records of the Order’s existence come from Prince Edward’s wardrobe accounts. In December 1348 Edward’s wardrobe keeper bought 24 garters that were given to the first knights at an unspecified…

After William the Conqueror defeated Harold at Hastings in 1066 and claimed the English throne, English and Norman territories were combined. It was inevitably difficult to keep control of the taken land. By the reign of English King Edward III in 1327, only Gascony and Pontieu remained. When the French King Charles IV died heirless, Edward believed his mother and Charles’ sister Isabella was the next in line, meaning the crown should be his. The French disagreed and chose Charles’ cousin Philip. A furious Edward refused to pay homage and when Philip confiscated his lands in Aquitaine in retaliation, Edward declared war. The Edwardian era of the Hundred Years’ War lasted until 1360. The English captured Philip’s successor, King John II, but a compromise wasn’t reached until the Treaty of…

For the best possible chance of victory during a siege in the Middle Ages, huge siege engines were financed to bring death and destruction upon a fortress and its inhabitants. These imposing machines rumbling into view could even frighten castles into submission before an arrow was nocked. Different siege engines were useful against different types of castles, so commanders would purchase what they needed depending on the terrain and defences they were going to face. As castles were often built with sieges in mind, many were surrounded by moats and steep climbs. It was also important to take a range of siege engines to keep the attack varied and relentless. For example, siege towers could soak up arrows and keep the defenders at bay while trebuchets and battering rams did…

ALEXANDER NEVSKY Leader Alexander Nevsky was a politician of rare acumen as well as a great war leader. His rule had alienated the people of Novgorod, but they turned to him when the Crusaders threatened their city. Strengths: He was a master tactician who used the frozen lake to the best advantage against superior soldiers. Weaknesses: Alexander’s hold over Novgorod was not entirely secure. ALEXANDER’S DRUZHINA Key unit A druzhina was a personal army of a Medieval Russian prince. These mounted warriors, close comrades of their lord, were sworn to fight for Alexander and, if need be, die for him. Strengths: It had high morale and was well armed and armoured. Weaknesses: The druzhina was expensive to equip and maintain. SWORD Key weapon Russian warriors prized their swords and often…

For Spitting on the cross Although often written as one of Philip’s many trumped-up charges, there is evidence that this accusation had basis in fact. Not only did a number of Templars confess to it, but Philip’s spies, who secretly joined the Order, confirmed it. A recent discovery of the ‘Chinon Parchment’ in the Vatican library further confirms the charges. Under questioning in 1308, Jacques de Molay admitted to such practices. Worship of an idol called Baphomet The charge put against the Templars read, “They surrounded or touched each head of the idols with small cords, which they wore around themselves next to the shirt or the flesh.” Unlike Philip’s other charges, this accusation was so specific to the Templars that it’s difficult to believe he didn’t have some inside…

WILLIAM OF JÜLICH Leader Perhaps motivated by revenge, William of Jülich received a grand welcome as he arrived to assist Flemish arms. Strengths: Popular with his troops and a solid tactician. Weaknesses: Little experience in actual combat situations. FLEMISH INFANTRYMEN Key unit Although they were not professional soldiers, the Flemish infantry were well trained and well led at Courtrai. Strengths: Disciplined and committed to their cause. Weaknesses: Despite training, they lacked the experience of professional soldiers. GOEDENDAG Key weapon A regional weapon, the goedendag consisted of a three-to five-foot pole topped with an iron spike. Strengths: Effective as a club or thrusting weapon. Weaknesses: As a close-quarter weapon it was sometimes difficult to withdraw from a target.…

Although the most common image of a knight is a man clothed in full plate mail, this imposing figure was actually the accumulation of years of development of metalworking and blacksmithing. As more efficient weapons were created to penetrate a knight’s defences, armour was built to withstand them. Chain mail was a knight’s staple, but as crossbows were developed, smiths added pieces of plate in order to halt these arrows either on top of or beneath the chain mail suits. These were not full suits of armour, as just specific parts of the body were protected, such as the elbows and chest. Over time, more plate armour was developed, such as vambraces for the arms and grieves for the legs. By the 15th century, Medieval armour had developed into a…

Across much of Medieval Europe, the feudal system of grants of land made in return for service held sway. Kings gave vast areas to their wealthiest nobles in return for military support. Similarly, those nobles gave smaller plots to lower lords, who rented it to peasants to farm. Yet while kings and higher nobles weren’t strangers to battle, it was those lower lords, or knights, who were the true warrior class. Their fighting skills were so valued that they were often ransomed if captured in combat. Small wonder, then, that acquiring those skills took years of determination and dedication. What you’ll need: 1 Be lucky at birth While it is not unheard of for sons of lowly peasants to rise to knighthood, it helps greatly to be born of noble,…

ENGLISH LONGBOW DRAW WEIGHT: Up to 180lb FIRING RATE: 8-10 arrows per minute RANGE: 250-350 yards 1 Bow A Medieval war bow was usually made of yew wood from Europe. The thin layer of living outer sapwood resisted tension – perfect for the flat ‘back’ of the bow. The dead inner heartwood resisted the massive compressive forces acting against it at full draw, making it an ideal timber for the rounded ‘belly’ of the bow. This formed a naturally occurring spring. 2 Bowstring Bowstrings were made from hemp or linen. The strands were coated in beeswax and twisted together to form a strong loop with no knots or joins that could result in weakness. 3 Arrows The arrows used in military archery varied greatly in size, shape and weight, but…

Harold Godwinson Earl of Wessex Harold was a powerful English magnate. He was present while Edward lay on his deathbed and bequeathed his throne to Harold. The Witan of Anglo-Saxon nobles accepted his coronation. William Duke of Normandy Before Edward the Confessor became king in 1042, he lived in exile at the court of the dukes of Normandy. To show his appreciation, he supposedly promised to leave the throne to William. Harald Hardrada King of Norway The Norwegian king had the weakest claim and was merely attempting to exploit a great opportunity to further his wealth and prestige through the conquest of prosperous England.…

Helmet Decapitation resistance The great helm was the mainstay of the Templar Order and offered excellent protection against blows, as did the sugarloaf helmet. Due to narrow viewing corridors and high temperatures experienced in the Holy Land, many opted for more lightweight alternatives with open faces. Broadsword Designed to hack and slash As standard for western knights, the typical Knight Templar was armed with a broadsword, however when fighting on horseback spears were also used. Sometimes, two-handed broadswords were opted for while fighting on foot, but while they granted extra reach and cleaving power, they left the knight shieldless. Chain mail Thy enemy’s blade shall not pass The primary form of defence against enemy strikes, the hauberk, a longsleeved shirt of chain mail fitted with chain covers for the hands…

JOHN DE WARENNE Leader The 6th Earl of Surrey had defeated the Scots a year earlier in the Battle of Dunbar and he was accompanied in leading the army by Hugh de Cressingham, treasurer of the English administration in Scotland. Strengths Had fought in many battles, including Edward I’s Welsh campaigns during which Wales was captured. Weaknesses Known for switching sides, he wasn’t the most loyal of men. KNIGHTS Key unit Sitting atop their warhorses in full regalia, the knights were well trained, experienced, ruthless and accustomed to winning. Strengths Honour and chivalry was important to the knights, themselves professional heavy cavalry soldiers. Weaknesses In the case of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the horses made them cumbersome fighters and made crossing the bridge more difficult. SWORD Key weapon The…

1,600 In 1296, this number of Scotland’s leading nobles swore loyalty to Edward I. Wallace did not. 1300 The year the king of France wrote to his envoys in Rome demanding that they should help Wallace, leading some to believe he had personally visited the French king. 5 The amount of places parts of his dead body were displayed – his head was placed on London Bridge and his limbs were put on show in Perth, Stirling, Berwick and Newcastle. 1297 Wallace was first named in English chronicles in this year, following the murder of the English sheriff of Lanark. 715 The number of villages in the north of England burnt by Wallace and his men following their victory at Stirling Bridge.…

Nájera was the Black Prince’s last great triumph and is interesting because it was a victory of the English longbow that was fought not in France, but in Spain. When Peter the Cruel of Castile was deposed by his half-brother Henry of Trastámara, he travelled to Bordeaux where he appealed to Edward to help regain his throne. Edward, who needed Peter to topple a French ally like Henry, assembled an Anglo-Gascon-Majorcan army of 28,000 men and crossed the Pyrenees in February 1367 and marched into Spain. On 3 April, he encountered a combined Castilian-French army of 60,000 men near the town of Nájera. He faced not just Henry, but the renowned Breton soldier Bertrand du Guesclin, the future Constable of France. 1 Du Guesclin Strikes Leading the vanguard, Bertrand du…

1412 • Birth of a warrior Joan is born to a farming family in the town of Domrémy. She never receives a formal education or even learns how to read and write, instead learning about religion from her mother Isabelle. 1412 FIRST VISION At just 12 or 13 years old, she first claims to hear the voices of angels speaking to her. At first, the voices tell her to ‘govern’ her conduct. If she felt she had not behaved properly, the voices would admonish her. They also tell her to reject the marriage her family had arranged for her. Joan soon identifies the main voice as Michael, the archangel who led the battle against Satan in the Book of Revelation. As Joan grows older, Michael’s messages continue to advise her…

Three storeys high The largest of the towers would have three levels of attack. While the top section peered over the walls, the middle housed more troops who could shoot out at will, and also had a ladder to reinforce the top level. Ladder help Siege towers were very expensive and labourintensive to make, so their use on the battlefield could be limited. Ladders were used to supplement towers, but as they had no protection, only the bravest soldiers would dare climb up them. Dimensions At 8m (26ft) high, siege towers were tall enough to rise over most castle defences. In response, many fortifications dredged moats or were constructed on the top of a hill to nullify their effectiveness. Battering ram As well being effective weapons on their own, battering…

KING HENRY V Leader King Henry was a skilled battle commander, leading his troops into battle and fighting alongside them. Strengths Brave and experienced military leader. Weaknesses His forces were numerically inferior to those of the French. LONGBOWMAN Key unit The effectiveness of the English longbowmen played a massive part in the success of the battle. Strengths Long range and very difficult to attack. Weaknesses Relatively poorly armoured and vulnerable if attacked. LONGBOW Key weapon The longbow’s six arrows per minute could wound at 360m (1,200ft), kill at 180m (600ft) and even penetrate armour as far as 90m (300ft). Strengths Accurate and destructive in large numbers. Weaknesses Finite number of arrows available to them.…

YORK The second cadet branch of the parent House of Plantagenet, descended down the male line of the house from Edmund of Langley, the 1st Duke of York and the fourth surviving son of King Edward III. Three of its members down the ages became kings of the country. The house came to an end when Henry Tudor established the House of Tudor at the close of the Wars of the Roses. Main supporters: Prince of Wales; Lord of Ireland; Dukes of York, Clarence, Gloucester. Emblem: A white rose. Claim to the throne: Richard Plantagenet was descended from King Edward III. Richard Plantagenet Duke of York Date of birth: 21 September 1411 Strengths: Powerful and well connected; inherited large estates and influence in England and France. Weaknesses: A series of…