MAP 84: The Medieval Knight with Christopher Gravett

MAP 84: The Medieval Knight with Christopher Gravett

Author: The Archivist December 23, 2020 Duration: 1:13:44
When people think of the Middle Ages one of the first images that pops into their head is a knight in shining armor. Knights are synonymous with the Middle Ages. Slaying dragons, saving damsels in distress, but beyond the fairy tales are the real life knights. Men who sacrificed and endlessly trained to earn the title of Knight. On this episode of the Medieval Archives podcast I’m joined by historian and author Christopher Gravett to discuss The Medieval Knight. Chris is a former curator at the Royal Armouries, Tower of London, and an expert in the field of medieval arms, armor and warfare. He also worked with numerous TV series and movies as a historical advisor including The Conquerors, Braveheart and Ivanhoe. Chris even advised Terry Jones, best known as part of Monty Python, for his books. Chris has some fascinating ‘behind-the-scenes’ stories. Chris’s new book The Medieval Knight covers the evolution of the knight over 300 years, from the early Norman Knights of William the Conqueror to the gradual decline in the 15th century. We discuss a variety of topics including how knights trained, how armor evolved over the years and tournaments. Did you know a king and a prince were killed while jousting in a tournament! Listen in to find out. You can read my review of The Medieval Knight here. It is a fantastic book! Grab a copy today and enjoy the well researched history and the amazing pictures that help visualize the weapons and armor.

Step into the world of Medieval Archives, where host The Archivist guides you through the sprawling, complex landscape of a thousand-year era. This isn't just a parade of dates and famous names. Instead, each episode is a deep exploration, peeling back the layers of popular legend to examine the tangible realities of medieval life. You'll hear about the strategic calculations behind what we call epic battles, the fragile alliances within courtly intrigue, and the quiet rhythms of survival in villages far from castle walls. The podcast is built on a foundation of historical evidence, carefully separating enduring fact from compelling fiction. By focusing on the people-from monarchs and saints to merchants and peasants-and the beliefs that guided them, the narrative connects these distant events to our understanding of today. Whether discussing the rise of a kingdom, the fall of a dynasty, or the evolution of a simple tool, the aim is to provide context and clarity. Tune in for a thoughtful, accessible journey that treats history not as a static record but as a continuous, human story. The medieval world was one of profound transformation, and this series seeks to illuminate how it was truly lived, felt, and shaped by those who were there.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Medieval Archives
Podcast Episodes
MAP#24 – Christy English Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:28
It's 2012! I hope you all had a safe and happy new year. We are kicking off the new year with an interview with Historical Fiction author Christy English. Christy is a writer of historical fiction centering on Eleanor of…
MAP#23 – Christmas Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:18
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from the Medieval Archives! It's the holiday season and the Medieval Archives Podcast is bringing you an episode jam packed with holiday music! The intro is short, but if you want to sk…
MAP#22 – ‘Witchcraft’ Pillars of the Earth Episode 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:29
Love, marriage and lose during the Anarchy. Waleran continues his quest to become the Archbishop of Canterbury and William Hamliegh tries to become the Earl of Shiring. Aliena faces a tough decision that involves the fut…
MAP#21: Halloween Special – Dracula Radio Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:10
This year's Halloween Special we present the radio drama Dracula, by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater, originally broadcast on 11 July 1938. The inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula is Vlad Tepes or Vlad the Impaler…
MAP#20 – Moat Jumper CD and Interview with Joe Matzzie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:44
Today we have a review of the debut CD by Moat Jumper, Christmas At The Renaissance Fair. Moat Jumper is a group of World Class musicians that came together for a new collaboration of Medieval and Renaissance Christmas s…
MAP#19 – 1066 and The Battle of Hastings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:47
Today is the 945th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. We look at the year 1066, the death of King Edward the Confessor and the dispute over the throne of England. Harold Godwinson was crowned the new king of England.…
MAP#18 – Pillars of the Earth 5: “Legacy” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:09
Tragedy strikes during The Anarchy! (Which is probably why it's called Anarchy) Maud and Stephen are still battling for power. As Prior Philip and Tom Builder try to build the cathedral at Kingsbridge. All the while Wale…
MAP: Ep 16 – Pillars of the Earth 4: “Battlefields” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
The Anarchy heats up this week! There are beseiged castles, fierce battles and of course, double dealings! Join us as we continuing our trip through The Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode four "Battl…
MAP: Ep 15 – Pillars of the Earth “Redemption” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:58
We are continuing the trip through Pillars of the Earth. This week we recap/review episode three "Redemption" of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth te…
MAP: Episode 14 – The Pillars of the Earth Episode 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:16
We are back an ready for 2011! Our first podcast of the year is a recap/review of the Starz Original series The Pillars of the Earth. Set in the the 12th century The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of King Stephen's…