Page 55 - British Museum: SYTYGIB Medieval Castle

One of the most popular events was jousting, during which two knights faced each other on horseback, wearing full armour and holding long wooden lances. They’d charge towards each other at full speed before lowering their lances and aiming right at their opponent.
The aim was to either knock the other knight off his horse or smash their lance against his shield or helmet.
Have you ever thought about taking up table tennis instead?
FANCY THAT!
The winner of a jousting match at a tournament gottokeepthelosers’ horseandarmour,which were very valuable. He could then charge a lot of money to return them. Asking to keep everyone elses’ trainersifyouwinthesackraceatyour village fair might not go down too well.
If this sounds a little bit on the “DoN’T dO tHaT, YoU iDiOtS!” side of dangerous, you’re right.
If you’ve ever had a splinter in your finger, you’ll know it really hurts. So imagine how much a massive shard of wood from a shattered lance would sting if it went right through your head. You’d dEfInItElY need a plaster.
Serious injuries and death were not uncommon at tournaments, which suggests they were probably a little more on the risky side than your school sports day.
If that isn’t the case, the egg and spoon situation must have got rEaLlY out of hand! 55
Knights and Tournaments