Elizabethan Knights The Medieval Feudal system declined during the Elizabethan era and although Elizabethan Knights fought as soldiers for the Queen the title was conferred upon Elizabethans as a matter of prestige. Courtiers and Nobles still took part in Tournaments and were expected to be able to use the weapons of the era. Codes of Conduct and the strict etiquette of everyday court life revolved around the Code of Chivalry, courtly manners and courtly love. A young noble would start their life as a Page and then move up to the role of a Squire and then a knight. It was the duty of a Knight to learn how to fight and so serve their Queen according to the Code of Chivalry. The Code of Chivalry dictated that Elizabethan Knights should be brave and fearless in battle but would also exhibit cultured Knightly qualities showing themselves to be devout, courteous and generous. Weapon practise included enhancing skills in the two-handed sword, battle axe, mace, dagger and lance.
Interesting Facts and Information about Elizabethan Knights Armor Elizabethan Knights armor was still worn at tournaments. The elements of Knights Armor are as follows:
Linen Under-shirt and under-pants. Woollen stockings
Sabatons - armor for the foot and consisted of riveted iron plates on the boots
The Aketon - arming doublet
Armor protecting the arms
Layer of chain mail over the arms
Besagues which were small round 'shields' laced to the mail at the shoulder to defend the armpit
Rerebrace covering the upper arm
Vambrace for the defence of the lower arm
Armor protecting the legs
Greaves - Protecting the calf and ankles
Poleyns - Protecting the knee cap
Cuisses - Protecting the thigh
Chest Armor - Breast Plate - Faulds were rings of armour which were attached to the breast plate and protected the hips, abdomen and lower back
Back Armor - The Backplate
Face protection - A Visor was a detachable piece of armor which protected the face and eyes
Hand Armor - The Knights wore gloves called Gauntlets
Spurs were attached to the heel by straps and used to 'spur' the Knights horse on in battle
Surcoat: A robe, with a belt around the waist, was placed over the body armor. The Knight'ssurcoat was emblazoned with the cote of arms or device of the Knight in order for identification purposes
Weapons - A Dagger and Sword were attached to the Knights belt and a shield was carried in defence displaying the Knights heraldic blazon
Elizabethan Knights Some interesting facts and information about Elizabethan Times and Elizabethan Knights. Details, facts and information about famous Elizabethans can be accessed via the Elizabethan Era Sitemap.
Elizabethan Knights
Interesting Facts and information about Elizabethan Knights
