How expensive was it to be a knight?
In the 14th century, a knight's full suit of armor and equipment cost as much as a luxury car or a house costs today.
Knighthood was a profession exclusively for the wealthy elite. A knight needed custom-fitted steel plate armor, specialized weapons, and several trained warhorses—all of which were expensive and required expert craftsmanship. In the late 1300s, this complete outfit could cost over £20, which represented several years of income for a skilled craftsman. This enormous expense kept knighthood a rare and exclusive symbol of status and privilege.
Nerd Mode
During the late Middle Ages, the cost of becoming a knight was staggering due to the highly specialized nature of the equipment required. A full harness of plate armor had to be custom-fitted by a master armorer to ensure both mobility and adequate protection in combat. Historical records from 1374 indicate that a complete set of armor cost around £5, while a high-quality warhorse—known as a destrier—could cost £10 or more.To understand the true financial burden, consider that a skilled laborer in London during the 14th century earned roughly 4 pence per day. At this rate, it would take a craftsman more than 30 years of continuous labor just to afford the basic equipment of a knight. This calculation excludes the additional costs of maintaining a squire, purchasing additional horses, and acquiring the expensive textiles worn beneath and over the armor.Research by medieval historian Christopher Gravett indicates that the total investment for a knight banneret often exceeded £50—an astronomical sum for the period. This financial barrier meant that many men who were technically eligible for knighthood chose to avoid the title to escape the associated costs. The English Crown eventually implemented "distraint of knighthood" policies to compel wealthy landowners to accept the title and fulfill military service obligations.
Verified Fact
FP-0003633 · Feb 18, 2026