Order of the Band facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Order of the Band |
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Emblem of the Order of the Band, the same of the Royal Bend of Castile.
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| Awarded by Alfonso XI of Castile | |
| Type | Chivalric order in one class |
| Established | 1332 |
| Status | Disestablished |
| Grades | Knight |
The Order of the Band was a special group of knights in Spain. It was like a club for brave and loyal warriors. King Alfonso XI of Castile started this order in 1332.
The order got its name from a special red sash or ribbon, called a banda, that its knights wore. This ribbon showed they were part of this important group.
Contents
What Was the Order of the Band?
The Order of the Band was a military order. This means it was a group of knights who followed a special set of rules and often fought for a cause. The idea for this order started even earlier, around 1324.
Who Could Join the Order?
Joining the Order of the Band was a great honor. Only members of the nobility could become knights in this order. However, the oldest sons of the most powerful noble families, called grandees, were not allowed to join.
To be accepted, a knight or squire had to show great dedication. They needed to have served for at least ten years. This service could be in the army, fighting battles, or at the royal court, helping the king.
What Did the Knights Do?
The knights of the Order of the Band had an important duty. They promised to take up arms and fight for their Christian faith. They were expected to defend their beliefs against anyone who did not share them.
The King of Castile himself was the leader of the order. He was known as the Grand Master. This meant he was in charge of all the knights and made the important decisions for the group.
The End of the Order
Over time, the Order of the Band became less active. Its importance slowly faded away. By the year 1474, the order was considered to have ended. It no longer existed as an active group of knights.
See also
