We’re knights of the roundtable…

17/07/2007 by Lee.

Let me start by saying that after typing that heading, what a bizzare looking word “knight” is. All the letters are wrong to make the sound that it does. Any-hoo, on with the post.

I’m a traditionalist deep down. I like our history and quirky ceremonies. I feel it helps define England as a nation. The main point of tradition is that it by and large remains unchanged down the years. Yet knighthood has changed beyond all recognition. Knighthood itself dates from around the 10th century and by the 12th century the image we have in our heads of a knight started to form: the armoured leader of men on horseback. The principal duty of a knight was to fight with and lead heavy cavalry into battle. Knights were not “appointed” as such, but trained from the age of 6 or 7 to be a “page” in a noble persons household. Schooled mainly by the women of the household in manners and courtesy the prospective knight also learns falconry and basic hunting, along with horse and weapon care.

At 14 or 15 years old, our would be knight becomes a squire and sergeant for an already existing knight, a personal aide if you will. Following his master into battle and tending to him when injured the squire would learn the mainstays of knighthood. Much of the training still focused on chivalry, politeness, compassion and loyalty. Upon judging the squires training to be complete, the squire would be knighted by his Lord and master and free to use the title “Sir”. Having been trained in battle from childhood, learned skills in hunting and chivalry the knights would be called upon by the King to lead men into battle to defend the nation, or Christendom.

How much of this do you feel Sir Elton John has been through? Could he be called up to Iraq or Afghanistan to lead troops on horseback? Sir Alex Ferguson could no doubt organise a quick kick about for Lancelot and Guain, but could he hunt with a falcon? Speaking of falcons, Sir David Attenborough could be useful with the birds and Sir Steve Redgrave could row our men into battle. Before you say, “Ah yes, but these people are honourary knights.” let me assure you they are not. Bob Geldof is an honourary knight, as is Bono and frankly if I was going into battle I’d rather follow Sir Bob than Sir Cliff Richard.

Knighthood was designed to show that you had reached a level of skill in battle, you were a leader of men, loyal to your cause and able to pass on those skills to the next generation all with the manners and grace to say “Sorry” as your broadsword hacked your opponents arm off. It was not meant to celebrate your latest album. Monty Python sang, “We’re knights of the round table. We dance whenever we’re able. We do routines and chorus scenes with footwork impec-a-ble.” and sadly that is now the level of ability for many of our knights. They could do a chorus scene, their footwork would be great, but that doesn’t make them a knight.

Give honurs to recognise charity work or commitment to a cause. I’m all for it, isn’t that what CBE’s, OBE’s and MBE’s are for? But don’t confuse it with an order that was trained from the age of 6 to fight for King and country.   

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