Knights were not all wealthy. In the early Middle Ages, most knights were relatively poor and had to supplement their income by farming or working for a lord. Knights were responsible for providing their own weapons and armor, which would have been a significant expense. However, as the Middle Ages progressed, knights became more wealthy as they gained land and wealth through service to their lord or through successful military campaigns. They also began to receive stipends and other forms of payment for their service. By the end of the Middle Ages, many knights were very wealthy and owned large estates.