The most common definition of squire refers to the Middle Ages. A squire was typically a young boy, training to become a knight. A boy became a page at the age of 7 then a squire at age 14. Squires were the second step to becoming a knight, after having served as a page.
What is a French squire?
French rural society
reserving the designation of “squire” (or donzel, in the south) for those of noble birth awaiting or postponing the expensive dubbing (adoubement).
How many Squires does a knight have?
Each knight was leading so called Poczet, which counted not only at least one squire under his command, but also other “fighting servants”, who were providing support, guarding backs of the knights.
How did a squire become a knight?
Squires Became Knights in a Ceremony Called Dubbing
They would kneel before the king or bishop and pay homage before being given their sword. Becoming a knight meant the privilege of carrying your own banner and having a horse. These were usually paid by the new knight’s father, or if they were poor, by their sponsor.
Is a squire nobility?
As a general rule, squires were members of the nobility, and part of a long tradition of learning through service, with an emphasis on using actual experience, rather than classroom learning, to educate young men and women who wished to pursue careers. In the Middle Ages, the concept of knighthood began to shift.
When did a page become a squire?
fourteen
A page had to learn how to serve at his master’s table, and how a castle was run. He also learnt how to ride well and to handle weapons. When he was fourteen, if his master was pleased with him, the page might become a squire. The word ‘squire’ comes from the French word ‘escuyer’ meaning ‘shield-carrier’.
Is a squire above a knight?
A squire was typically a young boy, training to become a knight. A boy became a page at the age of 7 then a squire at age 14. Squires were the second step to becoming a knight, after having served as a page.
WHO could declare a squire a knight?
If a squire had proven his bravery and skill at battle, he would become a knight at the age of twenty-one. He gained the title of knight at a “dubbing” ceremony. At this ceremony he would kneel before another knight, lord, or king who would then tap the squire on the shoulder with his sword making him a knight.
What do arming squire do?
The Arming Squire takes a job to serve the knight in which he was assigned, and to fufill all of the requirments that no other wants to do. This includes with providing the knight with any wants or needs, carrying his armor to battle, set up his camp and waiting on him like a servant.
What did a page do?
Beginning as assistants to squires who attended knights and their ladies, pages were trained in arms and in the art of heraldry and received instruction in hunting, music, dancing, and such other accomplishments as befitted their social status.
What is a modern day squire?
The squire was a young servant to a knight and someone who one day hoped to become a knight himself. The job of squire was almost like that of a modern-day apprentice.
What age did a squire become a knight?
18 and 21
When finally fully trained, a squire could be made a knight by their lord or another knight, usually when between the ages of 18 and 21. It is not clear what happened to squires who failed in their training, although a career in the church or law might have been a common alternative for some noble children.
What is a squire for kids?
Kids Definition of squire
1 : a person who carries the shield or armor of a knight.