WHAT DID KNIGHTS DO IN THEIR FREE TIME: EXPLORING THE TRUE PAST TIME OF A MEDIEVAL KNIGHT

Party like it's 999! No, seriously, they trained a lot! Knights were highly trained warriors, spending most of their time preparing for battle. However, their free time was not just about training, feasting, and revelry. There were many duties and responsibilities that occupied their time, just like modern-day business leaders.

KNIGHTS AND THEIR DAILY DUTIES

A knight was more than just a warrior. He was a landlord, a political figure, and a leader in his community. Sir Froderich von Frankincense, Baron of Creekbridge, was responsible for an estate that required meticulous management. This included land cultivation, livestock care, and the operation of various trades within the fiefdom.

Managing an Estate: The Full-Time Job of a Knight

Every day except part of Sunday, Sir Froderich was primarily a landlord. He managed:

A vastly diverse group of craftsmen, including yeomen, millers, herdsmen, townsmen, guild masters, hostlers, grooms, masons, carpenters, blacksmiths, and more. Each had their specific tasks and roles. The maintenance and upkeep of castle grounds and outbuildings. The task of overseeing castle servants, town walls, and fortifications required diligent management. Tax collection from his fiefdom's primary trade road, which provided a significant portion of the revenue for the estate. The enlistment, arming, and equipping of troops, as well as the management of the town militia. The organization and control of the fief and manor, including the collection of money and the operations of the local religious community.

In addition to these responsibilities, Froderich had to handle

The management of pages and squires from other noble families, who were undergoing training under his supervision. The participation in court proceedings, attending the liege-lord's court, and attending Parliament as a member of the nobility. The observance of religious holidays, Saints' days, and annual fairs, which required herding his subjects and managing their interactions.

HOURS OF TRAINING: THE ESSENTIAL TASKS OF A KNIGHT

Martial training was a crucial part of a knight's life, and it occurred at regular intervals. Even in times of peace, knights were expected to maintain their combat skills through drills, musters, and other forms of training.

Feasts and Social Gatherings: Rhythms of the Medieval Life

When not engaged in training, a knight's leisure time was primarily centered around communal meals, especially the evening meal. These gatherings were significant social events where noble families, guests, and officers/socialized, drank, and engaged in various entertainments such as jesting, dicing, and gaming.

ADVENTURES AND PASTTIMES: MORE THAN JUST FEASTING

During the working day, a knight's free moments were often taken up with everyday tasks and social activities, such as:

Wandering through the castle grounds, gossiping, and jesting with servants. Participating in hunting and hawking during their respective seasons. Visiting friends, neighbors, and relations. Hosting the occasional royal progress or liege-lord's visit.

The most significant events, apart from the daily grind, were jousting tournaments and major martial exhibitions. These were akin to a combination of Superbowl week and the circus coming to town, bringing a concentrated influx of merchants, tradesmen, performers, and other entertainers.

A WARP AND WOOF OF THE MEDIEVAL LIFESTYLE

Understanding the daily life of a knight in the Middle Ages is challenging, especially with the juxtaposition of modern conveniences. The pace of life was slow, with rapid changes not occurring until the 18th century due to the advent of commercial steam power.

However, it is important to recognize that knights were not just warriors but also skilled administrators and community leaders. They spent most of their time managing their estates, attending court, and participating in various social and military activities. Their "free time" activities were deeply intertwined with the responsibilities of their roles in medieval society.

CONCLUSION AND REFLECTION

While knights might seem like figures engaged solely in training and revelry, their lives were defined by a complex interplay of military duty, administrative responsibilities, and social activities. Understanding these nuances provides a richer picture of the true life of a knight in the Middle Ages.