The World of the Medieval Knight A Vivid Exploration of the Origins, Rise and Fall of the Noble Order of Knighthood, Illustrated with Over 220 Fine Art Paintings and Photographs

Mounted on a powerful warhorse, protected by a shield bearing a heraldic coat of arms, and armed with formidable weaponry, the physical appearance of a medieval knight was an imposing sight. As a rigorously trained mounted warrior, and when joined by his peers in a might cavalry charge, a knight was able to plough his way through entire ranks of foot soldiers in a pitched battle. A knight's power and influence stretched far beyond the battlefield, however, with his noble birth, oaths of allegiance, and fearsome reputation, he played an integral role in the medieval feudal system. This book travels back in time to the intriguing middle ages, one of the most violent and turbulent periods in English history, to explore the world of a medieval knight. Delving into the origins of knighthood, the book reveals the long and arduous training and education that noble born sons under-went. It describes the acts of chivalry to achieve knighthood and the strength of character shown to protect the vulnerable, alongside the obligations and rewards expected and received. The world of the castle is also examined, unearthing the life of a knight at home, his duties to administer the King's law and maintain peace, and how he spent his leisure time pursuing the noble arts of courtly love-making, hawking, jousting, hunting and music. With an accessible text, beautiful fine art images, and an intelligent examination of how the role of the knight declined, this captivating book enlivens the world of the medieval chivalry, portraying in vivid detail the castles, battles, tournaments, honours and triumphs of these legendary heroes.