In Britain, what does it take to become knighted? Who are some and why were they knighted? British knighthood today is closely associated with honorable conduct toward one's own country. The tests and qualifications to become a knight have varied immensely throughout history. In the Middle Ages knights were a product of many years of training in the arts of literature, chivalry, strategy, sword fighting, and other aspects of high society (Scher 1). Nearly the only element of knighthood that has stood the test of time is the fact that it is a desired status for many British men.The original coming of knights to Britain was early in the eleventh century. French soldiers came to England fighting off the backs of their horses and were called knights by the English people (Steele 11). This title had nothing to do with social distinction among men; in fact, nearly any man could become a knight if he had a horse and sword. Over time the importance of these mounted men would greatly increase.At the beginning of the feudal system most lords had knights to fight for them in times of war. At first, the lords would supply horses and armor for these men, but as the cost of these goods rose, the knights would simply receive land (Scher 1). This is the circumstance, the need to purchase their own armor, that made more and more knights to come from wealthy, noble backgrounds and ultimately raise them above common people. At the beginning of the age of chivalry, becoming a knight was as simple as owning a horse and armor and pledging allegiance to a lord or king. It didn't take long for the feudal system to make this a task requiring a half a lifetime of dedication and hard work. In no time, aspiring knights were spending their entire childhood studying and training to become valiant horsemen themselves.Just as a modern boy would ride in a toy car, young children would sit upon a wooden horse and ride it around with his stick lance (Steele 1...
