Medieval battle flags, what were they like and how were they used?

What's the significance of a medieval banner and how hard is it to ride with one? #medieval #flag #knight
Credits:
Warlord
Kasumi
Jason Kingsley OBE
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[@stephaniezawaduk3746]

Having worked with people who train horses to run flag I am flabbergasted at the superb training of his horse. Warlord is relatively unfazed by all of this and takes everything in stride. This is very difficult with a normal flag let alone an 18ft long banner on an enormous pole this is so impressive. What an absolutely amazing horseman you are.

[@scarlet8078]

I wrote nearly the same comment. Anyone who's trained horses knows that controlling a horse when there's a waving banner like that in their peripheral vision is not as simple as it looks. In fact, it goes against horses natures to tolerate it. My family has a horse farm that trains horses used in some cinema and this Warlord horse is certainly a treasure

[@jeremiaspatrick7833]

i guess im asking the wrong place but does anyone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot the password. I love any help you can give me

[@jeremiaspatrick7833]

@Gus Khalid thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jeremiaspatrick7833]

@Gus Khalid It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@guskhalid4873]

@Jeremias Patrick Happy to help :D

[@HenryElfin]

It's rare to see rich businessman making KZbin videos that aren't ads, and it's even rarer when the videos are nicely made!

[@JunelieArthur111]

@@mig-stallion1359 He's the CEO and Co-Founder of Rebellion Games (most famous , for me at least, for the Sniper Elite games).

[@slutrepellant]

@@JunelieArthur111 explains all the names of his horses, what a legend.

[@sparsh415]

I thought he was a Farmer/Knight when I first watched his videos.lol

[@alejandrojoserodriguezarre45]

@Yohan Abou Merhi Probably doesn´t want to mix his hobby with his work

[@JackieGreen71]

@Yohan Abou Merhi Actually.. if you go back to the late 90's there are a couple :)

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

As a long time horse owner (currently four!) and trainer, I can tell you how immensely difficult and time consuming it is to desensitise horses to flags and loud sounds. Jason (it’s ok, he said I can be so bold as to use his first name) is a well rounded and chilled horseman from what I can see, and is a credit to his passion. Thanks from me!

[@bcaye]

Warlord is so gorgeous.

[@rescue00751]

Have you met Ghost already?

[@angelinabrown2931]

Warlord really needs a fan club.

[@a.mie.533]

That might be, where "to pass with flying colours " comes from....

[@ModernKnight]

What a great thought,

[@a.mie.533]

@@ModernKnight Thank you, I love your project.

[@sirtuna8066]

I always thought it came from sailing.

[@razvanconstantin740]

I read once that the phrase came from British sailors coming back from war or even a successful trade with their flags and banners in the wind fully unfurled

[@nutyyyy]

Most likely it's a naval thing.

[@savannafc]

Seeing that banner unfurled and waving whilst Warlord is moving fast does bring a strong emotional response. I’d imagine if I was a soldier on the battlefield seeing that I’d get a morale boost and adrenaline spike. Great video series!

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

savannafc It’s at times like this I start accepting Jung’s idea of genetic memory, it has the same effect on me but then I’m boringly Anglo/Viking.

[@ModelHorseYouTuber]

Same with me!

[@ModelHorseYouTuber]

@@scarletpimpernelagain9124 yes I do too

[@Skorpychan]

Yeah, that's why I want to attach one to my motorbike. Got to make sure it won't tangle up in the rear wheel, though. Or snag on low bridges.

[@mariposahorribilis]

Love the way Warlord seems to nod whenever you tell him he's a good boy, as if to say "Yes I am!"

[@tiggle5485]

I’m jealous as all hell of this. Everything. A gorgeous horse, a majestic banner, and a wide open space to gallop. You sir are living my dream.

[@cyqry]

He's a very wealthy game-developer and reenactor. He's living the life I hope to achieve one day!

[@simplystreeptacular]

Effing. Same.

[@adityasuresh6607]

Respect

[@palomamelo1012]

Same!

[@lynnettejalufka2682]

I never realized how big those banners were. I'm glad Warlord was a little excited. I can imagine the horses on the battlefield acted the same way.

[@DjDolHaus86]

And how did you lose your eye at the battle of Hastings, Granddad? Was it shot out by an archers arrow or poked out with a spear?! No lad, I was stood behind the banner bearer when the wind changed direction.

[@kerryandrews4017]

I love how Warlord gets into this - what a match you two make. As a medieval embroiderer - I noticed the influence of the Bayeux in your own lovely banner. Your banner was magnificent. The other thing I noted was when you mentioned the banner getting ragged and worn and covered in blood and mud. The ongoing work of people sewing and mending banners came to mind. You have given me much food for thought when pondering the role of the banner bearer. Again, thank you.

[@jasonkingsley2762]

my pleasure, that's part of why I do these. I end up with as many questions as answers.

[@ragnkja]

john Mullholand The confanonier, being right next to the marshal, shared all of his protections except one: lords were more likely to be captured and traded for other captives or ransom. Of course, that wasn’t the case for the Knights Templar, whose Rule forbade trading members of their order in such a way, so captured Knights Templar, and their sergeants for that matter, were executed since they were worthless as hostages.

[@ren-uz2mz]

Horses get so much from their riders. Warlord knows in his way your pride in your banner and carries it very well indeed for you.

[@blackwater4707]

I love how the horse, Warlord, gets a credit at the end.

[@lonnieporter8566]

He does that with all his horses. The man is dedicated to his steeds, as all knights were.

[@kylebax5105]

The pure majesty is awe-inspiring. Warlord is such a beautiful horse. Thank you for making these videos for our community.

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure!

[@sharenladd2948]

Jason is equally as beautiful and impressive as the horse.

[@galahaddayne]

Call the banners! All of them my lord? Aye all of them

[@NW0Zezima]

They've all sworn fielty to my father, have they not?

[@jesterssketchbook]

All have sworn oaths - let's see what their words are worth

[@Golgari213]

Stop making me cry..

[@galahaddayne]

Bradley Cossins if we ignore the last two seasons the show was alright, the books are on a totally different level, am eagerly waiting to find out the true ending

[@uegvdczuVF]

@@galahaddayne meh. The first 2-3 books were something else but since they are even more drawn out, illogical and full of filler that the show was. You can tell he's milking it. I just stopped caring... imho the best part of the books are the Tales of Dunk and Egg...

[@jacopoarmini7889]

now I know that Joan of Arc had to be a pretty damn strong woman to carry that standard all the time.

[@nutyyyy]

Yes she was definitely pretty tough if you read accounts of her actions.

[@mortache]

A farm girl probably had to do hard physical labor before the industrial revolution

[@Thaadd]

I was once crew on a (very low budget) fantasy movie, and carrying the team-evil battle standard, consisting of a wooden pole, horse skull, and some flappy fabric. Holy crap did my arms hurt at the end of the day, and that was when I was used to slinging 50lb lights around. Neat to see this!

[@legitwisemonkey]

What's that movie's name?

[@mikedrop4421]

I know he was talking, I'm sure it was interesting but Warlord revving up and begging to blast off stole the show. Great channel!

[@nmccutcheon2243]

Rewatching this because I’ve binged and watched all videos. WarLord clearly wants to cut loose, but is very well trained. I have a new respect for horses.

[@stephanmenzel9457]

In my long life as an professional horseman I had to deal with nearly three thousands of horses in a lot of breeds, but I'm always impressed of all your horses and your wonderful grey mule. You practicise HORSEMANSHIP on top level. Very very enjoying.

[@ModernKnight]

Thanks!

[@mistahanansi2264]

I'm imaging countless Knights riding on horseback with their banners unfurled in the wind saying "Good boy!" and "Good girl!" as they trek across the battlefield. xD

[@kennymonty8206]

Love your dedication to the minutiae, to the little details. Reveal it all! We'll be watching and learning with you! Thank you very much for your hard work.

[@BigBluenoser]

Dat production quality tho. Who is this guy and how does he finance this? Eccentic millionaire? (UPDATE: He co-founded game development company Rebellion)

[@bcaye]

Google Jason Kingsley OBE.

[@juliadulchitiz9130]

@@bcayeSurely someone who loves five pointed stars and the Templars

[@taupoguy1]

Or just part owner of game development company that lives as a medieval knight.

[@ccandmore]

Ceo of the company that made the Sniper Elite franchise

[@MagisterialVoyager]

I didn't expect him to be the presenter AND the executive director. He does seem to enjoy everything he does on these videos, so kudos to him.

[@DaneStolthed]

This is what I really enjoy about your channel, I would have never considered the amount of skill, strength and courage it takes to be a banner bearer. Big thumbs up!

[@ModernKnight]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@daenerystargaryen6609]

@@ModernKnight this was so interesting, but i'm left to wonder... how did these riders defend themselves in battle? surely the banner must have had some kind of pointy end at the top to use as a lace? would they have had a shield? even if it's a great honor, i can't imagine it being wise to just charge into a battle with your liege's symbol but and get killed immediately? not good for the person, not good for a lord's human resources. could you elaborate on these people's options in a fight?

[@DanteYewToob]

@@daenerystargaryen6609 Well you’d be very close to the most important person on the field so if you’re being attacked, you have bigger problems. No one cares about banner guy when the king is potentially about to die. I’d imagine it’s a flex to have a defenseless bannerman near the king to prove that no one will get that close… get it? I do agree it’s scary and sketchy tho… I’d be hanged for treason because o dropped the banner and left the king when the fighting got too close… lmao

[@daenerystargaryen6609]

@@DanteYewToob good points! about the closeness to the vip as well as re the flex. haha yo i'd be like wear your own banner give me smth proper to fight with. it also seems such a duh: just put a pointy end on top of the banner and you have a lance just in case

[@RyllenKriel]

I have ridden a few horses in my life but never while managing a standard. I imagine that must be quite a burden on a windy day, truly food for thought. It must of been quite a majestic sight to witness a thousand or so knights together with their heraldry on full display, iconography and colours telling the story of their houses. Of course the romance of the scene would be dashed if they were coming to kill me but that's a minor detail. Great video!

[@tanyagarcia3721]

Dang. Dealing with a regular flag in color guard the once I did it for rotc was hard enough to do on for. Warlord, you are a true prince for dealing with that one flapping like it was

[@TomTomTomTom538]

Production quality better than most TV and only 10k subs?

[@TheCivildecay]

at the moment 220k subs... channel is blowing up

[@timothyissler3815]

293K subs.

[@HarryTwatter]

346k now

[@hadisemsmeni1059]

405k now

[@MusikCabaret]

Apparently he has produced several major films such as Dredd and Parasite.

[@yorkshire_tea_innit8097]

It's impressive to see even for us 21st century folk, we who are desensitized by things like cgi robots fighting each other, various movie explosions and jet fighters flying over. It must have been even more amazing for medieval people, especially if it was accompanied by trumpets.

[@Buchertn]

That banner is beautiful I couldn't imagine seeing all the different colors and sizes of banners during that period.

[@softballpirate]

I really love the way Jason often says “I have to imagine…” or “My guess is…”. Not a know-it-all talking down to us, but rather almost as though he’s learning WITH us. I love that.

[@RatBrain]

Puts a new theme to the old game ‘capture the flag’

[@Oscarhobbit]

This looks so majestic. The battlefield must have looked amazing. I can't help but see the correlation between Roman standards and these mediaeval banners. The idea of regimental colours acted in the same way during the battles of the 18th and 19th century. A commander would use his colours to move his troops forward, position his forces or to rally them during combat. To carry the regimental colours was one of the highest honours, however was one of the most dangerous positions on the battlefield. The colours were a magnet for for the opposing forces, accounts of multiple colour bearers being killed was common. To lose the regimental colours was considered one of the most terrible disgraces for any regiment. Colours where protected by a colour guard, perhaps this was also the case during the mediaeval period as the banner bearer was unable to protect himself.

[@DrAcula-mv6kb]

There is someone who let his childhood dreams become true...😊

[@ModernKnight]

you are so correct. I managed to keep them alive.

[@kerryandrews4017]

Last post I promise, don't want to be a pain but oh my gosh! If you have a copy of the Bayeux Tapestry on hand - check out the flag/banner bearers. For the first time I saw them anew. Their position in relation to their leaders - they have lances on the end of the flag/banner. The identifying feature of the banner. You have opened a whole new aspect of the Bayeux to me - and I have spent hours headfirst in its images since childhood and spent many hours embroidering aspects of it. This is very exciting. Love it! Ok - no more posting now.

[@scottmclennan6114]

Kerry Hockey 1066 by Andrew Bridgeford is a great book on the tapestry.

[@yannieangerer8558]

That must've been a sight to see -- them starting the battle and the flag flying in the wind! Your banner turned out looking very authentic and nice, btw.

[@nononono3421]

Glad I found this video again, I was writing about soldiers "rolling" their banners and was looking for the opposite word of unfurling. Well, furling! Of course. Thanks!

[@xsqio]

2:38 ; Pondering on the conclusion you reached, I'd like to add my thoughts. In my opinion the standard bearer would have been the focus of quite alot of hostility, since if the opposing side's strategy was to capture or kill the enemy commander, the person carrying the banner would have almost certainly either perished or been captured alongside his liege. That said, I imagine that the bearers which were a part of infantry companies were much better off, depending on the situation. Also it is important to add that the results of many battles throughout the ages were tallied by the number of standards or flags that were lost or captured; the Roman Eagle, or earlier the Manipular Standard come to mind, as well as regimental flags during the modern era. Food for thought I guess :) , love your videos, cheers.

[@DanteYewToob]

I imagine it was a great “honor” given to people that the king or commanders couldn’t outwardly admit they hated. You offer the “honor” to someone and they can’t refuse such a generous offer and then after the battle “Oh, my dear sister.. it seems your husband didn’t make it. Even though he constantly made jokes about me and bullied me as a child I loved him dearly, he will be missed. Oh well… I’m off to mend fences with that jester who always calls me fat and offer him a great honor. K byeeee…” Hahaha I know those nobles and royals were petty as hell!

[@sunshine2528]

What a pleasure to watch this- the beauty and romance of Warlord and his knight- just fantastic!

[@ketomaupa]

I don't know why but once Sir Kingsley unfolded his banner and at the 4:15 when music reached the top I stood up with my hand on my heart. What a inspirational moment! :-)

[@Bob3D2000]

2:05 What a pretty place! And Warlord getting all playful toward the end was very cute.

[@wafflingmean4477]

I imagine banner bearers would have been kept close to the centre of a group of cavalry, but with enough space between them and their lord - who would also likely have been in the centre - to not get in his way if he had to fight, because you would not want to place him at risk. They'd both be in the centre because if they were on the front, back or flanks they'd be far easier to attack. However, if a battle was being particularly difficult, I'd imagine on occasion both would move to the front of the formation in order to inspire troops. If their lord is willing to put themselves at risk, troops will be far more willing to fight with and for them. But understandably this would be rare as lords didn't grow on trees and so were dangerous to risk, and part of the point of being a lord is you don't need to perform duties of lesser nobility or common soldiers. Many would take advantage of that and place themselves in the part of the battle that presented the least risk in order to survive. Banner bearers would be with them, because they are to mark the lord's location and prestige, but also because seeing as they couldn't fight effectively, they'd be a liability if on the edge of the formation.

[@stephanmenzel9457]

Wow, warlord is one of thousands horses. Congreats and hat off. In stormy weathers every horse tried to spooke, and this magnificent horse stay in trust.... Wonderful to see...

[@XofHope]

Banners were extremely important in battle for all the reasons you pointed out. It was a huge honour to carry the king's banner and, not only disgraceful, but could potentially signal defeat or that the king was dead if lost. In 1476 the battle of Toro took place between Portuguese and Castilian forces. Duarte de Almeida was the bearer of the Portuguese king's banner. The whole thing didn't go too well and he was eventually surrounded by enemies who cut off his hands, so he kept holding the banner with his teeth and between his folded arms. That's how important holding on to a banner was! He was soon captured and, miraculously, was treated and survived.

[@ModernKnight]

wonderful info. thanks for sharing.

[@XofHope]

@@ModernKnight Always my pleasure! I love your videos and your passion for History so much!

[@EddieTheMan2]

Enjoyed your video! Thank you! My ancestors are the reputed banner bearers for Mary Queen of Scots at the battle of Langside 1568. The flag of Scotland is ever since represented on our coat of arms. Unfortunately we were defeated on that occasion...

[@ireachy]

Great to see interpretive archaeology... well done sir for the entire series...

[@SimUKReviews]

As always, so interesting and delivered appropriately, passionately & honestly. Love it & my 8yr old daughter was impressed to see a 'Real Knight 😃

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure!

[@davidfunkhouser516]

Great stuff this.

[@galahaddayne]

I agree his videos are awesome

[@SigneofHorses]

Awesome images galoping around with the banner behind you. Easier as it stays up and behind, harder because the drag pulls on you and therefore the horses making it harder to ride and control. The look however is Wonderfull!!

[@alexandersmall7380]

I've marched with a battle standard before, I couldn't possibly imagine having to carry one on horseback.

[@nmccutcheon2243]

I am so glad I found this channel! Puts a visual to all the medieval books I love to read.

[@Jenjane55]

I'm happy to find your channel. Love this.

[@BobbyLCollins]

If you continue to add videos to this series, I'd love to learn more about medieval horns and trumpets on the battlefield. I know about their construction and what they actually sounded like, but I'm curious about their obligations during combat; were they trained to fight? Were they expected to draw swords after sounding a charge? Were they accorded the same protections as heralds, or did the enemy single them out to disrupt communication? And something I've always wondered; can horses tell the difference between the signals? And does it also take months of training just to keep them from panicking when a horn is sounded?

[@moonshadowmagic7116]

I expect your questions apply to cavalry actions right down to the mechanization in the 1930's and 40's. Looking at accounts and memoirs might give you some answers

[@Bugsy-gc6ii]

Great stuff ! What a gorgeous horse, well done that man ! One of the most informative channels on you tube.

[@markarato8034]

Glorious video!

[@teresa6714]

This is great to watch. As I'm a horse owner it would be great to see more videos with your horses and how you train them. Many thanks

[@istvansipos9940]

10:37 it's already Thursday. don't forget to gallop to the windmill! some random resources each week can help a lot

[@sharenladd2948]

WOW, Just beautiful in every way ! I have goose bumps :)

[@ThePulse117]

even the grass looks fukin medieval, you earned yourself a sub

[@a.mie.533]

= D

[@maidenslayer]

It looks like normal grass in England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@jimburner715]

epic, outstanding, magnificent! keep up the great work!

[@Ranstone]

Fun fact: Modern United States marine Corps recruit-platoons carry something called a "guide-on", essentially a banner. Depending on the phase of training, there will be one or two flags on it; one their platoon number, and another custom made by a n artist recruit. When the platoon performs poorly, or is unmotivated, their guide-on is rolled up as a public display of shame. It's also a signal for Drill instructors from other platoons to mess with your platoon. Bonus fact: I got to make the 2nd platoon flag. I was quite proud of it, and have a copy hanging in my house.

[@ModernKnight]

great info, thanks for sharing.

[@susanbishop5349]

That is beautiful. Your partner seems to know that he's "on". A privilege to watch. So glad it's not real and he isn't a target. He is magnificent.

[@rewmeister]

Epic slow mo shot at the end 😁

[@dorothymerrell6091]

I just found your channel the other day. Oh my I absolutely love Warlord. I am learning so much from your channel, I've always been fascinated with Medieval times.

[@johnny_pilot]

Thank you for this upload. What a beautiful horse! It was lovely watching the horse gallop so excitedly.

[@mattt9298]

Great content and beautifully filmed. Love this channel. Thank you.

[@bubbanstix2536]

Wonderful episode !

[@SlimRhyno]

I LOVE this channel, especially those videos involving medieval horsemanship. Thank you for creating such an entertaining and informative resource!

[@frantucker608]

Quite an impressive sight with the banner flowing in the wind on that gorgeous steed! Quite a picture and it absolutely makes a statement. Seems to speak of all that was noble, brave and good about the knights! Really moving.

[@ModernKnight]

Many thanks

[@sharenladd2948]

well said:) every womans fantasy !

[@Skorpychan]

I love that your horse is in the credits as well.

[@paulmarkmoffat4638]

Beautiful Horse and Banner it brings tears to my eyes with such proud moment you have.

[@michaelwhite8031]

Superb stuff !!!!

[@poletooke4691]

@11:23 It feels like the last knight of England has come to her aid and is gonna fight to his last for his ancient land, but the music makes it be that we know he's gonna die cuz it's a Last Samurai charge scene deal

[@rolansanchez8946]

Subscribed. Thanks for your work!

[@Matt-vj8ou]

Great video. Loved this one. Fascinating in many ways. Would love to know where I found find more on this subject.

[@strawberrytart3540]

What a handsome horse you have! He has a lot of high spirits 😊

[@_v53]

Outstanding. Beautiful slo-motion.

[@barbararey-constantin5679]

Thank you very much for another interesting episode. It gave me a much more accurate and majestic image of the noble knights fighting for that which is true and good.

[@ModernKnight]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mskatiecline]

This reminds me of the verse and hymn saying, “His banner over me Is love.” Very interesting video that was surprisingly able to draw out emotions .

[@whoahanant]

It's 1 in the morning and I now have the worlds biggest drive to draw a banner carrier.

[@hughjanus3875]

Nothing short of epic.great video

[@ModernKnight]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Nana-vi4rd]

Very nicely done, very informative. Also very majestic in appearance as well. thank you for up loading.

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure.

[@jaqenhgar2264]

What a nice intelligent horsey!

[@justabigchicken1466]

What a spectacular horse Warlord is! So interesting and well done. Thank you!

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure!

[@Kporterphotography]

I absolutely love this. Thank you for doing this. Beautiful demonstration. I want to ride Warlord and be your banner bearer! :)

[@naterlandsw2963]

It’s been a while since I’ve tuned in, but man, I love your stuff!

[@yes0r787]

Brilliant video, thank you everyone. Warlord is such a lively and smart horse. Gorgeous camera work and editing here.

[@ModernKnight]

Our pleasure!

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Excellent and instructive. THhnk you again

[@ModernKnight]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChrisSunHwa]

Warlord looks so majestic!

[@ModernKnight]

He's very photogenic!

[@ChrisSunHwa]

@@ModernKnight I love how excited he looks, too!

[@nuvostef]

Gorgeous tableau, sir! 🤙🏼🌹

[@trojanette8345]

......can you imagine. There must have been hundreds of banner carrying knights on the Field of the Cloth of Gold, in June of 1520. It must have been a sight.

[@Floofian]

This is absolutely majestic

[@attilathehen1555]

Warlord is very convincing as a destrier! (Which auto correct turned into destroyer!)

[@ontheedgeofshadow2790]

*Sees the Kingsley Banner, Sprints towards it through the Foot.* 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧⚔️🐴🏹

[@lokilostboy8893]

I love your videos!

[@TheMazz1234]

Goosebumps !! Warlord is beautiful !

[@edithallen238]

That is awesome- not only marking the various lords etc but also through sheer numbers trying to psyche out the opposing forces. Also, since the banner has the heraldry of the lord, which would be identifiable and potentially make more a target.

[@nadbed2550]

You should visit the sea castle of Sidon in Lebanon. Beautiful castle built by the knight templars in the sea. A magical place.

[@kfpquest9628]

This guy is awesome. Every video makes me love this channel more. I think the banner bearer was not totally defenseless... they were riding a great big weapon called a horse! A mass of horses packs a lot of punch

[@drsmilezdental]

Wonderful info

[@mirandamaritima]

AWESOME VIDEO