How do you stop a knight from charging? If you’re a soldier
in 14th or 15th century Europe, you use a
well-trained infantry line.
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| Composite Half-Armor for a Pikeman |
Infantry, or foot soldiers, fought alongside knights (heavy cavalry) throughout the Middle
Ages. They were generally professional
soldiers, and often mercenaries, but (being less wealthy and not noble-born)
lacked the money and connections to equip themselves as knights did. Infantry wore simple armor and fought on
foot, primarily with polearms (such as pikes and halberds) ranging from six to
sixteen feet.
Though not individually impressive,
a unit of foot soldiers could create a compact wall of spear points, capable of
stopping or turning aside a cavalry charge.
The trick was to listen to orders, move together, and not panic and
break formation in the face of 1,500 pounds of charging horse and rider!
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| Some of the polearms in the Higgins Collection. |
“Knights dominated in the High Middle Ages because you need
training and constant practice to make an effective infantry line,” says Neal
Bourbeau, WAM’s Education Programming Coordinator. “With the Crusades, and into the 13th century,
there were more attempts to organize and practice, and we see more examples of
these formations stopping cavalry charges.”
By the 15th century, military victories relied as much on
foot soldiers as on mounted warriors.
You can learn something of what it took to be a medieval
soldier at WAM, at our new Medieval Soldier Drills! Participants will learn basic infantry
formations and how to hold – and wield – a medieval polearm in this hands-on
outdoor demonstration. Learn to march as
a unit and the best way to brace your weapon using our six-foot practice
polearms. Don’t worry – no actual knights will be charging your formation!
Gather in the Stoddard Courtyard at 10:30 AM for practice on any Thursday or Friday this summer (weather permitting). No sign-up is required, but participation is first-come first-served. The activity is recommended for ages 9 and up, though all are welcome to watch.
To learn more about medieval warfare, visit one of our Arms and Armor Demonstrations, held most Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer (see full schedule), and visit the WAM Library to browse books on the subject. We hope to see you there!
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| Neal Bourbeau shows a guest proper halberd stance. |