Falconry, one of the oldest, noblest, forms of animal training known to man. It truly know's no border.

The basic definition of falconry is the use of birds of prey to fly after quarry. During the Middle Ages it became so much more than that, both in imagery and everyday life, with a social distinction between the types of birds that paralleled the social distinction of the people. The sport was a pastime of the nobility, as well as a basic way of providing food. Favorite birds were taken to church so often that many churches had rules prohibiting it. So valued were prize falcons that they were often gifted from one noble to another.

Falconry began in China around 2,000 B.C., and slowly spread west, reaching Britain by 860 A.D. The Normans restricted falconry rights to the upper classes, and peasants could be hanged for keeping hawks. Yeomen were allowed to use short-winged hawks to hunt for food, as they were 'ignoble'. Out of this practice the French came to refer to goshawks as cuisiniers. Commoners weren't allowed to have the more noble long-winged falcons.

Falconry, has in a sense, been regulated for 100's of years. The position of falconer was usually handed down from father to son. The falconer was responsible for capturing, training, and caring for the hawks. In training the birds, he wasn't teaching them how to kill, but how to return to captivity. The falconer made jesses (leg straps) and hoods for the birds and leather gloves for the owners. He was a key member of the hunt, planning beforehand with the lord which birds to fly at which prey, and being on hand to mend any broken harnesses. The falconer also rode to war with the lord, bringing the birds along to hunt for food. The falcons often worked in conjunction with hunting dogs… not the usual pack of hunting dogs, but specially trained dogs raised with the falcons since puppyhood. ("This sounds like a "House Trainer" who is respected, and left alone to do what he does." my quote)

The ideal falconer was an early riser, with good hearing, good eyesight, an even-temper, a loud calling voice, and the ability to swim. Unlike the other hunters, he was also valued for his sobriety.

In a royal household the position was called Lord Falconer, and was often granted to a member of the aristocracy. In this case the position was a ceremonial role, with others responsible for the day-to-day care of the birds. This was a high office, with the holder sitting fourth from the king at table.

The Boke of St. Albans, written in 1486, detailed the types of hawks along with who could own them:

Emperor--Eagle

King--Gyrfalcon

Prince--Peregrine Falcon

Duke--Rock Falcon

Baron--Red Tailed Hawk

Priest--Female Sparrowhawk