10 Facts About Medieval Chivalry in England You Didn’t Know
1. Chivalry Wasn’t Just About Fighting
In medieval England, chivalry was more than swordplay — it was a moral and religious code. Knights were expected to be courageous, loyal, and devout, upholding values like honesty, mercy, and the protection of the weak.
2. English Chivalric Orders Were Rare
While France and the Holy Roman Empire had many knightly orders, England had very few. The most famous are:
- Order of the Garter (founded 1348)
- Order of Saint Thomas of Canterbury at Acre (founded 1191)
The latter is less known, but had a distinct English identity rooted in the Crusades.
3. Knights Were Often Trained From Age 7
Boys born into noble families were sent away to become pages at age 7, then squires at 14, before (possibly) being knighted at around 21. The training focused on horsemanship, combat, etiquette, and religious devotion.
4. Chivalry Was Tightly Linked to the Church
Being a knight was seen as a spiritual vocation. Many knights took part in Crusades, pilgrimages, and religious orders, including the Order of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, which combined faith and warfare.
5. Tournaments Were More Than Games
Jousts and melees were not just entertainment — they were training exercises, social networking events, and displays of honour. Victors gained fame, money, and sometimes the favour of noble families.
6. Knights Took Oaths in Religious Ceremonies
Before donning their armour, English knights would swear an oath — often before the altar — to serve God, king, and justice. This made knighthood both a secular and sacred duty.
7. Chivalry Declined During the Wars of the Roses
Internal conflicts like the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487) saw the rise of mercenary-style warfare. The romantic ideal of the chivalrous knight was overshadowed by brutal, politically driven battles.
8. Chivalry Lived On Through Orders Like the Knights of Saint Thomas
Even after the medieval period, orders like the Knights of Saint Thomas preserved the values of honour, faith, and service. Though no longer military, their spiritual mission continues.
9. Chivalry Shaped English Literature
Works like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Le Morte d’Arthur (Thomas Malory), and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales all reflect chivalric ideals — courage, humility, virtue — that influenced generations.
10. Modern Orders Keep the Tradition Alive
Today, several historic chivalric orders, including the Order of the Garter and revived religious orders, carry forward ceremonial traditions and charitable missions inspired by medieval chivalry.
⚔️ Conclusion
Chivalry in England was never just about knighthood — it was a way of life. Blending religion, honour, discipline, and community service, its legacy still resonates in modern ceremonial life, particularly through the work of traditional orders like the Knights of Saint Thomas.
