The Knights Templar was a powerful military order that emerged in the 12th century. They were renowned for their bravery and dedication to their cause, which was to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The order was originally founded as a brotherhood of knights but also had female members. Despite being a male-dominated organization, women played an important role in the Knights Templar. In this article, we will explore the history of female knights, female Templars, and some of the most famous female knights in history.
The History of Female Knights
The idea of female knights is not a new one. In medieval Europe, women were not allowed to become knights in the traditional sense, but some ladies did become warriors. These women were often members of the nobility and were trained in using weapons and fighting techniques. They would accompany their husbands to battle and would fight alongside them. However, these women were not officially recognized as knights.
It wasn’t until the late 19th century that women began to be officially recognized as knights. In 1888, the Order of the Star of Romania was created, and it was open to both men and women. This order was completed to recognize individuals who had made significant contributions to Romania, and it was one of the first orders to allow women to become knights.
Today, several orders of chivalry allow women to become knights, including the Order of the British Empire and the Order of St. John.
Who was the first female knight?
The concept of female knights is complex, and it is difficult to pinpoint exactly who the first female knight was. In medieval Europe, women were not allowed to become knights in the traditional sense, but some women fought alongside men in battle and were skilled in using weapons.
One of the earliest known examples of a female warrior is the Celtic queen Boudicca, who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in 60-61 AD. While Boudicca was not a knight, she is an important example of a powerful and influential female warrior in history.
In terms of female knights in the traditional sense, the first documented case of a woman being officially recognized as a knight was in the late 19th century. In 1888, the Order of the Star of Romania was created, and it was open to both men and women. This order was created to recognize individuals who had made significant contributions to Romania, and it was one of the first orders to allow women to become knights.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that this is a relatively recent development in the history of knighthood, and it does not reflect women’s experiences in medieval Europe. The concept of female knights in the traditional sense was not recognized in medieval society. Still, some women defied social norms and took on roles traditionally reserved for men.
What is a knight female called?
A female knight is sometimes called a “knightess” or “dame,” but these terms are not commonly used today. In modern times, women who are awarded a knighthood are usually referred to as “dames.” For example, Dame Judi Dench and Dame Helen Mirren are British actresses awarded knighthoods.
Yet, it is worth mentioning that historically, women were not recognized as knights in the traditional sense, so using gender-specific terms to describe female knights was not common. Women who fought alongside male knights were often referred to as “warriors” or “ladies” rather than “knights.”
Who could join the Knights Templar?
The Knights Templar was a religious and military order that emerged in the 12th century during the Crusades. The order was created to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, and it became one of the most powerful and influential organizations of its time.
Membership in the Knights Templar was restricted to men who met certain criteria. In order to become a member of the order, a man had to be of noble birth and good character. He must also be a practicing Christian willing to take an oath of loyalty to the order.
Once a man became a member of the Knights Templar, he was required to follow a strict code of conduct. This code emphasized discipline, humility, and obedience, requiring members to live a simple and austere lifestyle. Members were also expected to be skilled in using weapons and willing to fight for the cause of the order.
While the Knights Templar was a male-dominated organization, some women were associated with the order. These women were not officially recognized as knights but played an important role in the organization. Women who were married to members of the order would often assist their husbands with their duties, and widows of Templars would provide support to the order by donating money or property. Some women also joined the order as servants and were responsible for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for the sick and injured.
The Female Templars
The Knights Templar were known for their strict rules and regulations. They were a religious order, and their members were expected to follow a code of conduct emphasizing discipline, humility, and obedience. Despite this, there were female members of the order.
The exact number of female Templar knights is unknown, but several hundred women are believed to be associated with the order. These women were not officially recognized as knights but played an important role in the organization.
The role of a female Templar knight varied. Some women were married to members of the order and would assist their husbands with their duties. Other women were widows of Templars, and they would provide support to the order by donating money or property.
Some ladies joined the order as servants. These women were responsible for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for the sick and injured. They were not considered full members of the order but were an important part of the Templar community.
Female Templar Knights
Some women fought alongside the male Templars despite not being officially recognized as knights. These women were known as female Templar knights and were a rare but essential part of the order.
There are only a few known famous female knights. One of the most famous is Joan of Arc. Although Joan was not a member of the Knights Templar, she was a female warrior who fought for the cause of the Catholic Church. She was a skilled fighter and was instrumental in helping the French army defeat the English during the Hundred Years’ War.
Another example of a female Templar knight is Marie de St. Pol. Marie was the wife of a Templar knight, and she fought alongside her husband during the Crusades. She was known for her bravery and was said to have been a skilled fighter.
Famous Female Knights in History
Although female knights were rare in medieval Europe, there are several famous examples of women who fought alongside men. Here are a few examples:
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Eleanor was a queen and a warrior. She accompanied her husband, King Henry II of England, on the Second Crusade, and she was known for her bravery and leadership skills.
Tomoe Gozen: Tomoe Gozen was a Japanese warrior who lived in the 12th century. She was a skilled archer and swordswoman known for her bravery on the battlefield. She fought in many battles alongside her husband, a samurai named Minamoto no Yoshinaka.
Isabella of France: Isabella of France was the queen of England in the 14th century. She was also a skilled rider and fighter, and she led an army against her husband, King Edward II, when he refused to listen to her advice.
Jeanne Hachette: Jeanne Hachette was a French peasant who lived in the 15th century. She is known for her bravery during a siege of her town, Beauvais. When the town was under attack, Jeanne rallied the women and led them in a counterattack against the invaders.Â
While these women were not necessarily members of the Knights Templar, they are examples of the courage and skill that women could possess in the medieval period.
The Legacy of Female Knights and Templars
Although women knights and female Templars were rare, their existence challenged the notion that women were passive and powerless in medieval Europe. These women defied social norms and took on traditionally reserved roles for men. They were warriors, leaders, and supporters of their communities and made important contributions to their societies.
These days, the legacy of female knights and Templars can be seen in the many women who continue to challenge gender roles and stereotypes. From female soldiers and athletes to women in leadership positions, these women follow in their medieval counterparts’ footsteps.Â
Bottom lineÂ
While the history of female knights and female Templars is not well-known, it is an important part of medieval history. These women were integral to their societies and played important roles in the Knights Templar. By recognizing these women’s contributions, we can better understand the diversity and complexity of medieval culture and appreciate the courage and determination of those who defied social norms to pursue their passions and beliefs.