13th Century Manorial Management

Knights were managers as well as warriors, and this selection of documents, including excerpts from the anonymous 13th century management book Seneschaucy, show that a knight was expected to lead with chivalry and honor at home as well as on the battlefield.

A Chronicle of Simon de Montfort’s Rebellion

Earl Simon led a rebellion against the king to uphold the right of the people as described in the Provisions of Oxford, a document that expanded the principles of the Magna Carta. Although the rebellion was eventually crushed, Simon is remembered as a knight who fought (to some degree, at least) for “human rights.” The cleric Matthew of Westminster describes the events of 1265.

A Letter from Joan of Arc

This letter from “the maid” who united the warriors of France to the king of England is a great example of the high and glorious language of chivalry, and a reminder that not all medieval warriors were men.

Selections from Froissart’s Chronicles

Eyewitness accouts of battles, tournaments and “acts of chivalry” from the wars between England and France in the later half of the 14th century — which would later become known as the Hundred Years War.

King Renee of Anjou’s Tournament Book

A description of the rules of the lists, and the art and pagentry of a real medieval tournament of the mid-15th century.

In Praise of the New Knighthood by St. Bernard of Clairvaux

This treatise (essay) was written in the early 12th century by Bernard of Clairvaux for Hugh de Payens, founder of the Knights Templar. It is both a statement about knighthood as it was seen in this period, and an advertisement to the knights of Europe to take up the Cross. It is an insightful look at why knights went on Crusade.

The Poem of El Cid

Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar, also known as “The Cid,” was a great knight of Spain who lived in the late 11th century. His tale is a testament of the value of loyalty and honor as part of the Code of Chivalry.

The Song of Roland

Next to King Arthur, Roland is perhaps the most famous figure of chivalry of the Middle Ages. This story explores how the notion of “chevalerie” — a new concept in the 8th century, when the events of the story took place — brought an enhanced sense of duty and integrity to the warrior’s code.

Lancelot, or The Knight of the Cart

Perhaps the most famous and influential 12th century poem of Chretien de Troyes, this story, filled with both heroic deeds and comic imagery, illustrates with great complexity the difficult balancing act between honor and responsibility.

Yvain, or The Knight With the Lion

This story, written in the late 12th century by the court poet Chretien de Troyes, is a dark exploration of broken promises and hopeless quests.(Mentioned in episode 21 of the Chivalry Today podcast. Watch a video of a part of this story in the show notes.)

Aucassin and Nicolette: A Chant-Fable

A comic tale that explores the ideals of chivalry by turning them upside down — including a queen in armor, a king who gives birth and a giant food-fight tournament. (Mentioned in episode 21 of the Chivalry Today podcast. Watch a video of a part of this story in the show notes.)

The High History of the Holy Graal

A 13th century tale of the most famous and idealist quest ever, the search for the Holy Grail, presented in a 35-chapter on-line document.

The Alliterative Morte Arthure

This lengthy work, first published in 1440, tells the tale of Arthur and his knights from beginning to end.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

A poem that draws upon the literary traditions of both England and France to tell a tale of the vigorous youth of King Arthur as he puts his greatest knight to a deadly challenge.

The Lais of Marie de France

A cycle of early 12th century poems about the exploits of the knights of King Arthur.