The Legendary Knights of England: Stories of Valor and Chivalry

Once upon a time, in a world filled with castles, kings, and epic battles, there existed a group of noble warriors known as the Knights of England. These brave men dedicated their lives to upholding the principles of honor, valor, and chivalry. This article unravels the captivating tales of these legendary knights who left an indelible mark on history.

to Knights of England

The Knights of England were highly skilled warriors who served the medieval kings as the backbone of their armies. Clad in shining armor, mounted on sturdy warhorses, they were expertly trained in the art of combat. Masters of various weaponry and armed with a code of conduct, known as chivalry, the knights embodied the idealized concepts of heroism that captivated the imaginations of many throughout the centuries.

The Rise of the Knights

The origins of knighthood in England can be traced back to the reign of William the Conqueror. After the Norman conquest of England in 1066, William established a feudal system, rewarding his loyal supporters with land grants in return for military service. These landowners, who were granted the title of "barons" or "lords," formed the foundation of the English knighthood.

A Knight There Was (The Knights of England Series, Book 2): A Medieval Romance

by Mary Ellen Johnson (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

During the 12th and 13th centuries, knighthood flourished in England. As warfare became more organized and complex, the need for professional soldiers grew. Knights emerged as the elite warriors, demonstrating their prowess on various battlefields across the country. Their reputation for bravery, loyalty, and martial skill soon earned them a revered status in English society.

The Armor and Weapons of Knights

The armor of a knight was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made of metal plates meticulously connected, it provided protection while allowing agility in combat. A knight's helmet, adorned with intricate designs, protected his head, while a sturdy shield and a trusty sword completed his armory.

Knights also made use of additional weapons such as lances, battle axes, and maces, depending on the nature of the combat. These weapons were essential in jousting tournaments, where knights engaged in mock battles to showcase their skills.

The Code of Chivalry

Central to the concept of knighthood was the code of chivalry, which governed a knight's behavior both on and off the battlefield. Knights were expected to embody virtues such as bravery, loyalty, courtesy, and humility.

This code dictated that a knight should fight honorably, protect the weak, respect women, and never attack unarmed opponents. The tales of these virtuous knights have inspired countless stories and legends throughout history.

Famous Knights and Their Exploits

Sir Lancelot, considered one of the greatest knights of Arthurian legend, was renowned for his strength and skill. His affair with Queen Guinevere captivated the imaginations of many, immortalizing his name in tales of love, honor, and betrayal.

Sir Gawain, known for his unwavering courage, faced various challenges during his adventures, including confronting the Green Knight. His tale illustrates the importance of virtuous conduct and staying true to one's word.

Sir William Marshal, hailed as the "greatest knight that ever lived," was admired for his exceptional skill in tournaments and battles. He served under five English monarchs and left a lasting impact on the medieval world.

The Decline of Knighthood

With the advent of gunpowder and changes in warfare tactics during the 16th century, the dominance of knights on the battlefield started to diminish. The rise of professional armies led to a shift in military power away from the traditional knightly class.

As the societal structure changed and the role of knights evolved, their influence waned. However, their legacy endured in the form of folklore, literature, and historical accounts that continue to fascinate people to this day.

The Knights of England remain iconic figures in history, representing the epitome of chivalry, valor, and honor. Their tales of bravery and noble deeds have been immortalized in legends, art, and literature. Despite the passage of time, their influence can still be felt, inspiring modern interpretations of knighthood and capturing the imagination of people worldwide.

A Knight There Was (The Knights of England Series, Book 2): A Medieval Romance

by Mary Ellen Johnson (Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3024 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

A Cocksure Knight and His Fair Lady Face Deception and Betrayal in the Medieval Historical Romance, The Lion and the Leopard, by Mary Ellen Johnson

-- Medieval England during the reign of Edward III, from 1348 to 1361 --

Following his return from battle with a life-threatening sickness, Margery Watson nurses Golden Knight Matthew Hart back to health.

A bond deepening between them, Matthew--who refuses to marry so his younger brother may inherit all--begs Margery to openly live with him. Margery agrees. Like her grandmother before her, she will risk all for love.

But a scheming adversary concocts a deception in Matthew's absence that leaves Margery the unwitting wife of a wealthy goldsmith--who seeks only to trade on her family name--while believing she was betrayed by Matthew. When Matthew returns from London to find Margery wedded and bedded, he accuses her of betraying HIM.

Now, both Margery and Matthew foolishly believe that time, distance and heartbreak will be enough to keep them forever apart.

From the Publisher: Readers with a passion for history will appreciate the author's penchant for detail and accuracy. In keeping with being authentic to the era, this story contains scenes of brutality which are true to the time and man's inhumanity. There are a limited number of sexual scenes and NO use of modern vulgarity. Fans of Elizabeth Chadwick, Bernard Cornwell and Philippa Gregory as well as Tamara Leigh and Suzan Tisdale will not want to miss this series.

"Author Mary Ellen Johnson strides through history with the reader in the front seat." ~Karen Lausa

". . . it challenged my intellect as well as my heart." ~Margaret Watkins, eBook Discovery Reviewer

THE KNIGHTS OF ENGLAND, in series order

The Lion and the Leopard
A Knight There Was
Within A Forest Dark
A Child Upon The Throne
Lords Among the Ruins