Medieval Knights and Their Armor: How Long Did They Stay in It?

Medieval knights were known for their formidable presence on the battlefield and in tournaments, heavily adorned with armor. However, the duration for which they stayed in their protective gear was not constant, varying depending on the context of the activity. This article explores the typical duration of a knight's armor usage in battles and tournaments, and how it contrasted with their daily life.

Battles and Armor Duration

During battles, medieval knights would often wear their armor for extended periods. Preparing for such engagements typically involved donning the armor ahead of time. Knights would begin the process of putting on their armor several hours before the battle to allow sufficient drying time for the padding.

Armor, particularly with its heavy padding, was designed to absorb sweat and protect the knight. However, it could become uncomfortable and even burdensome during extended wear. The sun's position was sometimes used as a strategic advantage, leading knights to prepare their armor early to ensure it was effective and fresh for the duration of the battle.

Preparation was key, as the duration of the battle could be long and grueling. Knights would remain in their armor for several hours, engaging in fierce combat that could last from hours to even full days, depending on the intensity and outcome.

Tournaments and Armor Duration

At tournaments, a knight's armor would often be worn for a longer period, as these events were designed to last multiple days. The format of the tournament would determine the exact duration of each event, from champion jousts to various combat scenarios. Even if individual jousts were shorter, knights still needed to be prepared and equipped for extended periods.

Besides the jousting itself, tournament participants would have to prepare and wait for their turns. Therefore, armor would be worn for a considerable length of time, sometimes up to an entire day, ensuring that knights were always battle-ready.

Daily Life Without Armor

Outside of combat and tournaments, knights would typically avoid wearing their armor, as it was cumbersome and impractical for daily activities. The weight and rigidity of the armor made it difficult to perform everyday tasks efficiently. Instead, knights would remove their armor, sometimes only donning it when necessary for specific duties or before going into battle.

In the movie depictions, it is often portrayed that knights wore armor in daily activities such as feasting or walking around the castle. This is a popular misconception. During times of peace, knights removed their armor to prevent it from becoming uncomfortable and to avoid excessive wear and tear. Armor was reserved for when it was truly needed, such as during training or approaching a battle.

Conclusion

In summary, while medieval knights were clad in their armor during specific events like battles and tournaments, they did not remain in their protective gear continuously. The duration of armor usage was context-dependent, with knights preparing in advance and removing their armor for non-military activities to maintain its effectiveness and comfort.

References

Mitchell, C. (2015). Armor in the Middle Ages: A Guide to Arms and Armor Assembled by the Royal Armories. Royal Armories, UK.

Hollingsworth, A. (2005). The Armies of Henry V. Boydell Brewer.

Green, D. H. (2001). Medieval Warfare: A Practical History. Oxford University Press.