The Rankings of Knights: Understanding the Hierarchy of Chivalry

Knighthood was not just about swords and armor—it was a lifelong path shaped by discipline, loyalty, and honor.

These brave individuals, known for their valor, loyalty, and code of chivalry, served as protectors of the realm, defending their kingdoms and upholding the ideals of knighthood.

Within the realm of knighthood, there existed a complex hierarchy that determined the rankings of knights, ranging from the humblest page to the highest level of nobility.

The Page: The First Step on the Path of Knighthood

The journey to knighthood began at a young age for many aspiring knights, often as early as seven years old. Boys of noble birth were sent to serve as pages in the castles of lords or knights, where they would receive an education in the skills necessary for knighthood.

Pages were responsible for performing various tasks, such as running errands, assisting with armor and weapons, and learning basic combat techniques. They were also expected to learn courtly manners, etiquette, and religious instruction.

As pages, young boys would receive guidance from knights and squires, learning about the virtues of knighthood, such as courage, loyalty, and humility. They were also required to serve their lords and obey their orders without question.

Pages were essentially apprentices, preparing themselves for the next step in their journey towards becoming knights.

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The Squire: The Dutiful Companion of the Knight

After serving as a page for several years, a young boy would then become a squire, a crucial step in the path to knighthood. Squires were expected to assist knights in battle, accompanying them to tournaments, and serving as their personal attendants.

They would learn advanced combat skills, such as riding, jousting, and swordsmanship, as well as the art of war strategy and tactics.

Squires were responsible for caring for the knight’s armor, weapons, and horses, and were expected to be well-versed in the code of chivalry. They would also learn about heraldry, the system of identifying knights through their coats of arms and emblems.

Squires were considered the right-hand men of knights, and their duties often included guarding their lords, accompanying them on quests, and even acting as messengers or diplomats on their behalf.

The Dubbing: The Ceremony of Knighthood

Upon reaching maturity and completing their training as squires, aspiring knights would undergo a ceremony known as dubbing, where they would be officially knighted.

The dubbing ceremony varied depending on the region and time period, but it typically involved the young knight taking vows of loyalty, courage, and humility, and receiving a knighthood accolade, which could be a sword, a blow with a sword on the shoulder or neck, or a tap on the shoulder with a sword.

The newly dubbed knight would then take an oath to uphold the code of chivalry, which included ideals such as protecting the weak, defending the church, and showing mercy to enemies. Knights were expected to be valiant, honorable, and just in their actions, and were bound by a strict code of conduct that governed their behavior both on and off the battlefield.

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🏇 Knight Bachelor: The Standard Knight

A newly dubbed knight typically became a Knight Bachelor, the most common title in medieval Europe.

Knight Bachelors:

• Served lords in warfare
• Participated in tournaments and quests
• Could be rewarded with land or minor titles

They were the backbone of feudal military forces.

As Knight Bachelors, knights would participate in tournaments, battles, and campaigns, displaying their prowess in combat and earning renown for their chivalry and skill. They would also be expected to fulfill their duties as vassals to their liege lords, providing military service when called upon and assisting with the administration of their lands.

Knight Bachelors were often granted lands or estates as rewards for their service, which they would be responsible for managing and defending.

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🏴 Knight Banneret: A Battlefield Promotion

Some knights who showed exceptional leadership and valor in battle were promoted to Knight Banneret.

This honor:

• Allowed them to carry a square banner into battle
• Signified command over other knights and troops
• Was usually bestowed directly on the battlefield

It was a mark of distinction, not a routine rank.

When a Knight Bachelor showed exceptional courage, leadership, and valor in the midst of a battle, they could be promoted to the rank of Knight Banneret by their commander or liege lord.

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🏰 Orders of Knighthood: Structured Ranks Within Religious and Chivalric Orders

Knights who joined military or religious orders had access to structured hierarchies and missions. These orders included:

• The Knights Templar
• The Knights Hospitaller
• The Teutonic Order
• The Order of the Garter (England)

Common ranks within these orders:

• Knight (or Knight Brother)
• Knight Commander – A regional leader
• Grand Master – The head of the entire order

These ranks applied only within the specific order—not to general knighthood across Europe.

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👑 Ceremonial and Honorary Titles

In royal courts, some knights held honorary or ceremonial positions:

• Knight Champion – Symbolic protector of the realm (e.g., the King’s Champion of England)
• Marshal or Commander – Administrative or military appointments, not formal ranks

These titles added prestige but weren’t part of a formal knightly hierarchy.

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🧭 Final Thoughts: More Path Than Pyramid

Unlike modern military systems, medieval knighthood had no rigid or universal ranking system. While there were recognized titles like Knight Bachelor and Knight Banneret, many roles depended on:

• Feudal allegiance
• Membership in a specific order
• Recognition by a lord or king

The journey from page to knight was a personal and noble one—defined by service, discipline, and the timeless ideals of chivalry.

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Conclusion

Knighthood has a long and storied history, with a hierarchical system of ranks that varied depending on the time period, region, and chivalric order. From the humble Page to the esteemed Grand Master, the ranks of knights represented different levels of skill, valor, and leadership within the realm of chivalry.

Knights progressed through the ranks by proving themselves in battle, displaying courage, skill, and chivalry. They served their lords, their kingdom, or their chivalric order with honor and distinction, and were entrusted with increasing responsibilities as they advanced in rank.

The highest ranks of knights, such as Knight Bannerets, Knight Commanders, Knight Champions, and Grand Masters, were considered elite warriors and leaders who represented the epitome of knighthood.

Today, the legacy of knighthood lives on in the form of modern-day orders of chivalry and honorary knighthoods bestowed by monarchs and other dignitaries. The ideals of chivalry, such as courage, honor, and service, continue to inspire and influence individuals in their pursuit of excellence and nobility. The ranks of knights, both historical and contemporary, serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of knighthood as a symbol of valor, honor, and nobility in the annals of history.