Work Cited

English, Edward D. "Chivalry." Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File News Services, 2011. Web. 12 May 2011.

English, Edward D. "Knights and Knighthood in the Middle Ages." Ancient and Medieval History Online. Facts On File News Services, 2005. Web. 12 May 2011.

Macdonald, Fiona. Knights and Castles. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens Pub., 2005. Print.

Macdonald, Fiona. You Wouldn't Want to Be a Medieval Knight!: Armor You'd Rather Not Wear. New York: Franklin Watts, 2007. Print. You Wouldn't Want to Be a.

Singman, Jeffrey L. "The Life Cycle." Daily Life Through History. Greenwood, 2002. Web. 12 May 2011.

Areas to Improve

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Blog Visitor Response Question

Would you want to be a knight if you had the choice? Why, or why not?

What were mock battles and what were they for?

     Mock battles were both for fun and for practice.  In these battles, knights would battle each other with fake weapons.  The knights would fight each other using wooden swords, lances and shields. These battles would sometimes take the form of a joust which would feature two heavily-armored knights riding toward each other on horseback carrying long lances.  The object would be for one knight to knock the other one off his horse.  The last knight still on their horse would be declared the winner of the mock battle.  Sometimes the loser of the battle would have to give up their armor or possibly even their horse to the winner.

     Knights would show off their skills to the crowds that would gather to watch the entertainment.  Spectators at these events would often include kings, queens, lords, and ladies.  These mock battles were mainly used to increase the knight’s skills, but the competition was often fierce when showing off for royalty.  The knight’s did not want to miss an opportunity to look good in front of the royal families.  Even though the battles were intense it would be rare to see someone get hurt during them.

What is chivalry and how did it affect the medieval times?

Not only were knights expected to have great strength and leadership in times of war but they were also expected to be kind-hearted servants of the people when not at war.  This non-wartime conduct became better known as chivalry.  This was the code of conduct and the way of life for knights.  Chivalry was often described as the perfect qualification for being a knight.  The honor of being a knight and following the chivalrous way of life were inseparable ideas.

By accepting the knighthood, knights were required to accept and abide by this code of conduct.  As a result of this acceptance, knights were pledging to be audacious, compassionate, benevolent, gracious, devoted, considerate, courageous, attentive, calm, and enduring.  Additionally, knights promised to defend the weak, be courteous to women, loyal to their king, and serve God at all times.  If a knight did not follow this code, a punishment may be the consequence.  This punishment could result in the loss of knighthood.

Where do knights live and what was the life style like?

            Knights lived in the castles with the kings.  They faced harsh conditions throughout the year. Knights had to deal with freezing temperatures and battle the elements. Rowdy soldiers who also lived in the castles were a distraction, flaming hot kitchens, drawbridges which rose unexpectedly, and also fast falling portcullis were some of the drawbacks of castle life.

            Although castles were very stylish, living in them was not always a pleasant experience. Knights were allowed to bring family to live with them in their small rooms/apartments. Noisy, fiery forges and /or dismal dungeons were often the place that knights and soldiers called home. The castles did not have a sophisticated sewage system like we do today so occasionally the castle would smell terrible. Castle life was very neat and luxurious but also rough.