Medieval Knights Needed Cranes to Mount Horses

The image of a clumsy knight, a walking tin can unable to stand if knocked over, is a persistent myth. In truth, a suit of combat-ready plate armor was a masterpiece of engineering. Weighing between 45 and 55 pounds, its weight was so well-distributed across the body that a trained warrior could run, jump, and fight with surprising agility. This mobility was not a luxury; it was essential for survival on a chaotic battlefield where a knight might need to fight on foot.

The grain of truth in this myth, however, comes from the world of sport, not war. Tournament jousting armor was an entirely different beast, designed for the single purpose of withstanding the shattering impact of a lance. This specialized "jousting plate" prioritized maximum protection over movement and could weigh over 100 pounds. It was often so rigid and heavy that a knight couldn't mount their horse (Review) unassisted. Consequently, they frequently required a small crane, a hoist, or a team of squires to be lifted and settled into the saddle, effectively becoming one with their powerful warhorse for the spectacle of the joust.