<P> Squires were required to master the "seven points of agilities"--riding, swimming and diving, shooting different types of weapons, climbing, participation in tournaments, wrestling, fencing, long jumping, and dancing--the prerequisite skills for knighthood . All of these were even performed while wearing armour . </P> <P> Upon turning 21, the squire was eligible to be knighted . </P> <P> The accolade or knighting ceremony was usually held during one of the great feasts or holidays, like Christmas or Easter, and sometimes at the wedding of a noble or royal . The knighting ceremony usually involved a ritual bath on the eve of the ceremony and a prayer vigil during the night . On the day of the ceremony, the would - be knight would swear an oath and the master of the ceremony would dub the new knight on the shoulders with a sword . Squires, and even soldiers, could also be conferred direct knighthood early if they showed valor and efficiency for their service; such acts may include deploying for an important quest or mission, or protecting a high diplomat or a royal relative in battle . </P> <P> Knights were expected, above all, to fight bravely and to display military professionalism and courtesy . When knights were taken as prisoners of war, they were customarily held for ransom in somewhat comfortable surroundings . This same standard of conduct did not apply to non-knights (archers, peasants, foot - soldiers, etc .) who were often slaughtered after capture, and who were viewed during battle as mere impediments to knights' getting to other knights to fight them . </P>

Who did knights work for in the middle ages