Dreaming of becoming a knight after stumbling upon a suit of armor in England? Well, it’s not as simple as just strapping on some metal and riding into battle. If you happen to find armor from the late Middle Ages, perhaps near historic regions like Yorkshire or Essex, the chances are it belonged to a notable family such as the Nevilles or the de Veres. These families would have owned suits of armor crafted for specific individuals, often made of steel and weighing up to 60 pounds. The pieces would bear intricate engravings, heraldic symbols, or family crests, showcasing their noble lineage.
1. The Art of Armor: Not Your Everyday Attire
Wearing armor is far more than just a costume change. In our modern lives, we throw on clothes and go about our day. Even soldiers, despite carrying heavy gear, find it relatively manageable to move around. Medieval armor, on the other hand, was cumbersome and required skill to wear effectively. Without practice, stumbling around in a suit of heavy steel will make it glaringly obvious to any seasoned knight or man-at-arms that you’re not one of them.
2. The Perfect Fit: A Tall Order
Medieval armor was custom-made to fit the knight who commissioned it, tailored for both protection and mobility. Finding a suit of armor in England likely means you’ve stumbled upon a bespoke creation that once belonged to a specific individual. The chances of it fitting you perfectly are slim. Imagine trying to squeeze into a shirt that’s two sizes too small—it’s bound to raise eyebrows. You might attempt to pass off as a “country knight” who has outgrown his armor, but this will only invite suspicion.
3. Training: More Than Just Swordplay
Knighthood wasn’t just about donning armor; it involved years of rigorous training. Young nobles spent their teenage years learning the arts of combat while squiring for older knights. Walking up to a castle and asking for sword-fighting lessons isn’t a viable option. And hiring a tutor? That requires wealth and connections—luxuries a newly-armored peasant isn’t likely to have. Without proper training, even the finest armor will do little more than slow you down.
4. Speaking the Language of Nobility
Language is another barrier. In medieval England, there was a vast difference in speech between peasants and the nobility. Nobles often spoke Norman French or Latin, languages of the court and the educated. Even if you speak the same tongue, you’ll likely sound like a peasant—a dead giveaway. Nobles were expected to discuss politics, philosophy, and affairs of state. Your background working the fields won’t have prepared you for such conversations.
5. Manners Maketh Man (and Knight)
In the stratified society of medieval England, knowing how to behave was crucial. From knowing whom to greet and how to greet them, to understanding table manners at a noble’s feast, etiquette was everything. Your lack of noble upbringing will betray you. Fumbling with courtly manners will quickly expose you as an impostor, even if you manage to fool them with your armor.
6. The Social Web: No Anonymous Knights
Knights were a relatively small community, and everyone knew each other, either directly or by reputation. If you’re wearing the armor of a knight from a noble family like the Percys of Northumberland or the Mowbrays of Norfolk, someone will recognize it. The presence of the family crest or other identifying marks will eventually lead to questions you can’t answer. It’s only a matter of time before your deception is uncovered.
7. The Cost of Knighthood: An Expensive Pursuit
Even if you manage to pass yourself off as a knight, maintaining the appearance of knighthood is costly. Armor needs upkeep, weapons require care, and horses must be fed, stabled, and shod. Without the resources of a noble household or the income from a mercenary company, you’ll find yourself in financial ruin. Your only alternatives may be to become a heavily-armed bandit or to find a lord willing to take you on as a poorly-equipped man-at-arms.
The Realistic Path Forward
Your best bet is to come clean: admit to finding the armor and offer to serve a local lord as a man-at-arms. This role was essentially a professional soldier from the peasant class. Depending on the lord’s temperament, he may allow you to keep the armor and provide you with employment. This honest approach offers a more stable and potentially prosperous life than the perilous attempt to masquerade as a knight.