What Are the Stages of Becoming a Knight?

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Parents had to decide at an early age if they desired for their sons to become knights. They began by teaching their sons manners and loyalty. Once their sons reached the age of 7, they were sent off to live in a king's home. When this happened, the boy was termed a page. A boy would spend 7 years as a page serving others and continue to learn manners, courtesy, loyalty and religion. A page had many duties and often assisted knights with their armor and horses. Pages also played battle games, learning some of the techniques that they would later need as knights.

Squire

When a page successfully completed his duties and reached the age of 14 or 15, he was promoted to a new title, a squire. A squire was more like an apprentice. A squire received hands-on training. He was taught everything he needed to know to become a knight later on. He was heavily instructed on battle techniques and performed scrimmages with other squires. After a few years, squires went to battle with their assigned knights and even took over fighting if the knight was injured.

Knight

Once a squire proved himself worthy of becoming a knight, a ceremony was held. The squire was knighted, finally reaching the last stage in his journey. He became responsible for upholding honor and all that he was taught. He also had to bravely fight in all battles that were assigned to him. Eventually he was responsible for training other squires on how to become a knight.