When the Romans left Britain in 410 AD, so too did Ancient Roman awards, which were generally bestowed upon individuals for their military achievements, civic contributions, and loyalty to the state.
Soon after the Romans left Britain came the start of the medieval period, which ran from about 476 AD, for about 1000 years. Here, feudalism was the name of the game, with powerful monarchies asserting their dominance, Christianity spreading its influence, and chivalry shaping the ideals of knightly conduct.
Rewards such as land and wealth were often used in lieu of physical trophies, and victorious knights would seize banners, weapons and treasure from their defeated enemies as tangible evidence of their valour and triumph. But this wasn’t just about the material gain, the fortune – it was about solidifying their reputation. And this is a theme that runs throughout the world of medieval awards.
Medieval Sports Trophies and Awards
In medieval times, various forms of sports and competitions were popular, but the concept of modern sports trophies as we know them today was not yet fully developed. However, there were still objects, honours, and prizes associated with sporting events and competitions, such as the Carlisle Bells, which are recognised as the earliest recorded sports trophy. These were first bestowed by Queen Elizabeth I in 1559 during her reign, and were awarded for a 1.5km horse race.
In some cases, winners of sporting events or competitions such as archery contests or foot races, would receive ornate cups or goblets as trophies. These vessels were usually made from gold or silver and adorned with intricate designs or inscriptions commemorating the event. Possibly the most well-known cup-style trophy from the medieval period is the Kyp Cup, a silver chalice with two handles, which was presented to winners of horse racing events.
Another medieval award was given to the winners of the Scorton Silver Arrow, an ancient archery competition which still takes place annually in the village of Scorton, Lancashire. The Scorton Silver Arrow is believed to be one of the oldest continuously running sporting events in the world.
The origins of the competition trace back to the reign of King Henry VIII in the 16th century. According to tradition, King Henry was out hunting in the area when he encountered local archers engaged in a contest. Impressed by their skill, he offered a silver arrow as a prize for an annual archery competition to be held in the village. Since then, the Scorton Silver Arrow has been held every year, with archers from the local area and beyond competing for the prestigious prize.
Awards for Medieval Knights
his son, Prince Edward, in 1346
Sir Stephen Hough in 2023
Knighthood was a medieval award bestowed upon a squire or nobleman, typically by another knight or a monarch in an accolade ceremony similar to the one carried out today, wherein the candidate would be tapped upon the shoulders with a ceremonial sword.
The journey to knighthood often began in childhood when a young nobleman would be sent to serve as a page in the household of a knight or noble. They would receive education in martial skills, etiquette, and courtly behaviour before progressing to the rank of squire where they would serve as an attendant to a knight, accompanying him in battle, assisting with his armour and weapons, and learning the practical aspects of knighthood.
A squire seeking knighthood was expected to demonstrate his martial prowess and valour in battle. This would involve participating in tournaments, skirmishes, or even full-scale battles, where he could distinguish himself through acts of bravery and skill.
Knighthood came with a lot of benefits – not only would knights be referred to by the title of “Sir” but they would also gain a range of social privileges and access to further accolades such as various orders of chivalry, titles to land, and even royal pardons for past offences.
Medieval orders of chivalry were prestigious orders of knights established by monarchs or nobles to recognize outstanding service, bravery, or loyalty. The most notable example is the Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III in 1348, which still exists today and is the most senior knighthood order.
By the 15th century CE, the attire designated for ceremonies within the order consisted of a blue robe or mantle adorned with the order’s symbol on the left shoulder. It was, and still is, also customary for members to don an actual garter on the left leg above the knee when officially representing the order at formal events.
Knights would also receive coats of arms and other heraldic symbols, often through inheritance or when becoming a knight. Knights who distinguished themselves in battle, tournaments, or through exemplary service to their lord or monarch were also granted additional heraldic honours and achievements as a mark of recognition, including additions or modifications to their existing coats of arms, as well as new heraldic symbols denoting their achievements.
These symbols would be added to a knight’s shield, banners, seals, tapestries, served to represent the knight’s identity, status, and achievements within medieval society.
Medieval Tournament Awards
Medieval tournaments, something akin to modern-day sports events, were another way for knights to vie for glory. These tournaments, originating in 11th century France, would feature mock combat in the form of melee, hand-to-hand combat, and jousts. They were often held as a means to celebrate, during coronations, important weddings and other notable events – but they would also be held simply as a form of entertainment.
Knights would convene at a designated arena, where they would be organised into two opposing factions, usually consisting of around 12 to 20 knights apiece. Positioned at opposite ends of the battlefield, and led by appointed commanders, the tension would mount until the signal was given.
With a thunderous charge, the knights on horseback would hurtle toward each other, their lances poised for impact. The initial clash often saw knights fall from their horses, but the battle raged on as those still mounted wheeled back into the fray. Meanwhile, foot soldiers would add to the chaos until the organised formations would dissolve into a free-for-all, with the knights engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat.
Standard tournaments would continue until dusk, or until both sides were exhausted. The host would then throw a lavish banquet, where the best knights on each side would be chosen and rewarded with cash or valuable items. A 1344 tournament rewarded its best knights with a peacock; other known rewards included a talking parrot, sculptures of gold, and many, many precious stones, from rubies to sapphires to diamonds.
I wouldn’t have been too happy if I was the winning knight at a particular tournament, where a noblewoman presented the victor with a dead fish. And it doesn’t seem as though he was too pleased either, as he declined the prize, stating that he was unworthy, and the fish was passed between the knights in the same manner until the host finally took it home.
The Legacy of Medieval Awards
Many prestigious orders and awards were established during the medieval period, and still exist today. But the legacy of medieval trophies and awards extends far beyond the Order of the Garter or knighthoods and damehoods. The concept of trophies and prizes, while evolved, remains integral to modern sports and competitions, serving as a tangible symbol of achievement. Medieval coats of arms are still used in Britain today, with modern iterations of our flags and symbols featuring elements born from medieval designs.
Thankfully, modern sports events don’t bestow dead fish onto the victors – a change we can all be grateful for.
Personalised Awards In The 21st Century
Medieval knights knew the value of recognition, and so do we. As the UK’s leading manufacturer of 3D crystal, our two decades worth of experience in creating crystal awards and trophies allows us to achieve unbeatable quality by using state-of-the-art 3D laser engraving to adorn each trophy with the name of the recipient.
Our huge range of crystal awards, trophies and gifts includes a wide variety of designs to suit all budgets, tastes and occasions from corporate awards to academic accolades. Let us know what you need and when you need it, and we’ll do the rest. We ship worldwide and offer a same-day courier service for UK orders. Every award will be supplied in a high-quality, satin-lined presentation gift box.
Browse our range of crystal awards or contact the Laser Crystal team for further information, to receive a quote or if you’d like a sample. Alternatively, pop us a call on 01202 675000 and we’ll be happy to chat to you about your project!