Page (servant)

The origin of the term is uncertain, but it may come either from the Latin pagius (servant), possibly linked to peasant, or an earlier Greek word παῖς (pais = child).

In return for his work, the page would receive training in horse-riding, hunting, hawking and combat – the essential skills required of adult men of his rank in medieval society.

The initial education received as a child in reading and writing would be continued to a level of modest competence under the tuition of a chaplain or other cleric,[2] and possibly from a grammar master.

While their roles in battle were generally limited to secondary assistance and minor support functions, pages might expect to participate directly in siege situations.

Unlike the hall boys, who did heavy work, these pages performed light odd-jobs and stood in attendance wearing livery when guests were being received.

[6] The character is frequently illustrated in literature and film, particularly periodwork: Similarly, Oriental pages were periodically in fashion, e.g. in Napoleonic France since Bonaparte's conquest of Ottoman Egypt.