BECOMING A KNIGHT WAS A SLAP IN THE FACE

BECOMING A KNIGHT WAS A SLAP IN THE FACE

Becoming a knight was a major step forward for any ambitious medieval squire, or nobleman coming of age.

It could happen fairly casually after a battle, but in peacetime there was a detailed ceremony to be followed. The night before the service would be spent taking a bath, to wash away sin, and then at a night-long vigil saying prayers.

In the morning, having given serious thought to the role he is about to take on, the service would begin with a sermon, reminding the knight-to-be of his duty to God. Next, an oath would be sworn to uphold the expectations of knightly behaviour; to fight wrong-doers, and defend widows, orphans and the poor. Following this, the candidate was girded with a sword – a belt with a scabbard attached was secured around his waist – and spurs were attached to the heels of his shoes.

The final stage was known as dubbing, or the accolade. Today, that involves being tapped on the shoulder with a sword. In medieval times, it was something a bit different. It is derived from the Old English word dubbian, meaning to beat, and the person conducting the ceremony would slap the candidate across the face. In some accounts, the flat of a sword is used to strike the cheek. This represented inthe last blow the newly made knight was expected to take without fighting back.