Name: Date: 1
Knights have always fascinated people. Many books and movies are made about knights and their heroic quests. Have you ever wondered how someone became a knight? Sometimes, a brave soldier would earn that title on the battlefield for his courageous acts. But most of the time, becoming a knight was a long process that took years to accomplish. Knights of the Round Table This way To Knighthood Normally, a seven-year-old boy would be sent away from his home and family to live in the manor or castle of a baron or knight. There he would learn all about becoming a knight. Not all boys had this opportunity. Becoming a knight was a very expensive process. Most knights-in-training came from wealthy and high-ranking families. 2
When he arrived at his new home, he was called a page. A page learned many things during the next seven years. He learned useful skills such as how to care for and handle horses and weapons. The pages would practice fighting with wooden swords. They would also try their skill at jousting with a practice target, a lance and a wooden horse. He learned to hunt for food, and even how to read and write. Part of the duties of a knight-in-training was to run errands, do chores and serve meals. He also learned about proper manners and being a gentleman. 3
At fourteen, a page became a squire. It was very important for the squire to practice his fighting skills, improve his riding skills, and even get used to wearing armor. His training and duties required him to be very physically fit. A squire was a personal servant to the knight or baron that he worked under. A squire s duties included polishing the knight s armor, taking care of the knight s horses, and making sure his weapons were in working order. He followed him everywhere, even into battle. He would help his knight put on armor, make sure his weapons were clean and ready as well as tend to his horse. A squire would even have to rescue his knight if he were in trouble. 4
Finally, between the ages of eighteen and twentyone, a squire could become a knight. That is, if he could afford his own armor and horse. The night before the ceremony, the squire bathed to wash away his sins and put on new clothes. He prayed much of the night in the chapel. At the official ceremony, he would make a pact to uphold the code of chivalry. He knelt in front of the baron or knight, or maybe even the king. The squire would then be tapped on the shoulders with a sword and dubbed a knight in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The new knight might even have received gifts from the baron or knight that he served, such as a sword or armor. 5
Today, people can still become knights. However, it is only a title. The Queen of England bestows this honor upon people who have served society in some special way. Even women can have this honor. If a woman is knighted, her title becomes Dame. If a man is knighted, his title becomes Sir. List as many knights as you can think of. They can be from the Middle Ages, or from today. 6
Name: Date: 7
Write a story about a boy who is being sent off to live with a knight. Remember, he is only 7 years old and has never been away from home before. Think about these questions as you are writing: What was it like for him to say goodbye to his family? What was his reaction when he arrived at the castle? How was he greeted? Were people nice to him? What did he do on that first day? Describe how he felt that first night in his new bed. Did he want to run back home? Was he excited about his new life in the castle? Write a story about a squire who is about to be knighted. Think about these questions as you are writing: How does he feel about finally being dubbed a knight after all of the years of service? How does he spend his evening before the ceremony? Describe the ceremony. Who attended? What will he do after the ceremony? Will he go off to fight in a battle? Will he go home to visit his family? 8
Write and illustrate a comic strip about the three stages of a boy s journey to knighthood. Include six cells for each stage. Make sure you include descriptions of what is happening. Use dialogue to help explain what is going on. Create a poster inviting the townspeople to witness a knighting ceremony. Include a detailed description of who is being knighted. Give a detailed description of what will happen. Make sure your artwork depicts some part of the knighting ceremony. 9
Comic Strip Template 10