Squire

Helmeted Medieval Knight or Soldier (5)

Codex Manesse 149v Wolfram von Eschenbach

J Mathuysen Knappe in einer Waffenkammer

Malbork rekonstrukcja 2009 (8)

RichardStapledon Monument (Detail) ExeterCathedral

Squire refers to a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself. The term originates from the Old French word esquier, which means 'shield bearer'. In medieval times, the role of a squire was a crucial step in the training of knights. The position of a squire was typically held by teenage boys, who were in service to a knight, learning the ways of knighthood, chivalry, combat, and the code of conduct expected of a knight.

History

The tradition of squires dates back to the Middle Ages, where the social and military system of feudalism dictated the structure of nobility and knighthood. Squires were part of this system, serving as the second stage in a young nobleman's journey to knighthood, following the initial role of a page. The transition from squire to knight was not automatic and required the approval of the squire's lord or another knight, often after achieving a deed of valor or reaching a certain age.

Duties and Training

The duties of a squire were both varied and demanding. They included caring for the knight's armor and weapons, looking after his horse, and ensuring that all equipment was ready for battle or tournaments. In addition to these responsibilities, squires accompanied their knights into battle, providing support and learning firsthand the realities of medieval warfare.

Training as a squire was rigorous, encompassing skills necessary for combat such as swordsmanship, jousting, and archery. Equally important were the non-combat skills such as horsemanship, reading, and writing, which were essential for the management of estates and leadership in the feudal system. The education of a squire also included learning the codes of chivalry, which emphasized virtues such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and respect for women.

Ceremony of Knighthood

The culmination of a squire's training was the Ceremony of Knighthood, a solemn and significant event where the squire was officially knighted. This ceremony often involved religious rituals, vows, and the symbolic act of the lord or presiding knight tapping the squire on the shoulder with a sword. After being knighted, the individual was recognized as a full knight, entitled to wear a knight's armor and carry a sword, and held in high esteem in medieval society.

Modern Usage

In contemporary times, the term "squire" has largely fallen out of use in its historical context. However, it sometimes appears in ceremonial titles or in certain legal contexts in the United Kingdom, where it can denote a young noble or a member of the gentry. Additionally, the concept of the squire lives on in literature, film, and other forms of media, often romanticized or depicted with historical accuracy to evoke the ideals and challenges of knighthood and medieval society.