Squire
Serve a knight: arm him, feed his horse and carry his shield. In seven years, if you're lucky and he's generous, you might become one.
c. 1000 – 1500About the role
Medieval knights didn't arm, feed or dress themselves. Squires did it for them: young men in training who looked after the horses, the weapons and the knight, and learned the job by watching. After years of service, the best of them were knighted.
At the Castle of Corbeil, you'll serve Sir Aldous, a member who has been a knight for longer than most of us have had our current jobs. You'll help him into his armor, which takes forty minutes, and out of it, which takes longer, and ride behind him to the tournament ground. He's demanding. He's also, in his way, a mentor.
What you'll do
- Arm Sir Aldous every morning, piece by piece, in the right order.
- Groom, feed and saddle his horse, Gauvain.
- Clean his mail by rolling it in a barrel of sand, as squires did.
- Carry his shield and lance at tournaments.
- Serve at his table and pour his wine.
What we're looking for
- Good with horses, or willing to be.
- Strong arms. Armor is heavy, even when someone else is wearing it.
- Patience and good manners.
- Ambition, carefully hidden.
Perks
- Sword lessonsEvery afternoon in the castle yard, with Sir Aldous.
- A horse of your ownOlder and slower than Gauvain. Still a good teacher.
- A knighthood, possiblyAfter seven years of service. The placement is twelve weeks.
