I understand that Europe actually had quite a low number of actual professional warriors, and when it came to war lords would need to round up an army of peasants. Would they be given any actual training, or did they amount to little more than a mob equipped with whatever they could bring from home?
I understand that Europe actually had quite a low number of actual professional warriors, and when it came to war lords would need to round up an army of peasants.
You're not really wrong, but I'm afraid you're not really right, either. In answering this, we turn to my Medieval Armies Compilation, in particular these answers:
Should anyone have any further insight, you're more than welcome to make a post of your own, especially if you have any knowledge from outside England! Do note that any worthy answers may be added to the Medieval Armies Compilation.