The History of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
by Elias Ashmole · English · Gutenberg #48555 · 1,240,314 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: The History of the Most Noble Order of the Garter
Author: Elias Ashmole
Release date: March 22, 2015 [eBook #48555]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HISTORY OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER ***
Transcriber's Note:
When italics were used in the original book, the corresponding text has
been surrounded by _underscores_. Text printed in blackletter has been
surrounded by #pound signs#. Superscripts have been indicated by
preceding the superscripted letters with ^. When more than one
character in a row is superscripted, the letters have been surrounded
with {}. Some corrections have been made to the text. These are listed
in a second transcriber's note at the end of the book.
[Illustration:
_His Royal Highness GEORGE AUGUSTUS
Prince of Wales, &c. And Knight of the
most Noble Order of the Garter.
M. V^{dr}. Gucht Scul._
]
THE
HISTORY
Of the most NOBLE
_Order of the GARTER_:
And the several ORDERS of _Knighthood_ extant in _EUROPE_.
Containing
I. The Antiquity of the Town, Castle, Chapel, and College of _Windsor_;
with their several _Officers_: The Foundation of the _ORDER_ by King
_EDWARD_ III. The Statutes and Annals at large, as they have been
altered and amended.
II. The HABITS, ENSIGNS, and OFFICERS of the _ORDER_. The Ceremonies of
Election, Investiture, and Instalment of Knights: The manner of their
Feasts; and the Duties and Fees payable on these Occasions. Some
Account of the _Founders_, with an exact List of all that have been
installed since the Institution, and their several Coats of Arms
emblazon’d.
_Written at the Command of King_ Charles II. _By_ ELIAS ASHMOLE, _Esq;_
Windsor _Herald. Now compared with the Author’s Corrections in his
Library at_ Oxford, _faithfully digested, and continued down to the
present Time_.
The Whole illustrated with proper Sculptures.
_LONDON_: Printed for _A. Bell_ in _Cornhill_, _E. Curll_, _J.
Pemberton_, and _A. Collins_ in _Fleet-street_; _W. Taylor_ and _J.
Baker_ in _Pater-Noster-Row_, 1715.
Price 7 _s._ 6 _d._
TO HIS
ROYAL HIGHNESS
GEORGE-AUGUST,
_Prince of_ WALES, _&c._
_KNIGHT_ and _COMPANION_ of the _MOST NOBLE ORDER_ of the _GARTER_.
PARDON me, Mighty Prince, that in the Crowd of Your Joyful and Devoted
_Britons_, one of an obscure Fame presumes to lay his _Humble Offering_
at Your Feet.
IT is the _History_ of the _MOST NOBLE ORDER of the GARTER_; which,
from its first Institution, has been constantly worn by Persons of the
highest Birth, and most illustrious Merit.
IF the _Stile_ and _Manner_, in which it is treated, were
proportionable to the Dignity of the Subject, there would need no
Apology for this Dedication. For to whom, next to the _Great Sovereign_
of the _Garter_, whose true _Heir_ You are, in all manner of _Virtue_
and _Honour_, could this Treatise have recourse for Protection, but to
Your Royal Highness, who are the Premier _Knight of this Most Noble
Order_, and the standing _Grace_ and _Ornament_ of it.
BUT far above all particular _Views_, are the unspeakable Blessings
derived to these Kingdoms, by the SUCCESSION of Your Illustrious Royal
_House_: Every _Briton_ seems new Born, and to have borrow’d fresh
influence from its Glorious Presence.
THE Godlike Virtues of Your Royal Father, are not to be excelled; and
should we venture to express an Equality, it can only be the Appearance
of Your Royal Highness’s imitating so Great a Pattern.
AS He is Wise and Good beyond Praise, so has He a Title to the Hearts
of His People beyond Question; which stands Confirmed by the highest
Instances of Divine Providence, as well as the incontestible
Authorities of Temporal Laws: On these Foundations, what glorious
Prospects may we not Build of future Happiness?
IT were easy to dwell on this Subject, were it not wasting Moments of
much more concern to Your Royal Highness, than what I am able to
Express.
MAY Your Royal Highness long Live to Adorn this _MOST NOBLE ORDER_, and
to support the Crown, by a bountiful and flourishing issue, that there
may never want one of Your Royal Line to sit on the Throne of
_Great-Britain_,
_Is the Ardent Prayer of,
ILLUSTRIOUS SIR!_
_Your Royal Highness’s
Most Faithful,
Most Obedient,
and Humbly Devoted Servant._
THE
PREFACE
_Those who are acquainted with Mr._ Ashmole’_s_ History of the most
Noble Order of the Garter, _will easily satisfy themselves; that no
Pains or Industry was wanting to Perfect and Complete so Voluminous a
Work: He had the Encouragement of a very gracious Prince, and the use
of publick Records, more particularly the several Books of the_ Order,
_with the Assistance of several MSS wrote by the Officers of Arms, who
bore Part in the Ceremonies, or went on Embassies to Stranger Kings,
Princes_, &c. _and by their constant Observations, were familiarly
versed in all its Laws and Customs_.
_These were very great helps to him, and it must be confessed his own
elaborate Study had not less owing to it. There is nothing that has
relation to this most_ Noble Order, _which he has not touched on; and
indeed it is a Work so very copious, that he does himself acknowledge
he has inserted some things of little importance; which he desires may
be considered to be done, to gratify some few who have a more immediate
concern therein_.
_The Reader will in this Treatise find little else omitted: A very
painful and exact Abridgment has been made, many Corrections of the
Author’s, which he saw before his Death, and left among his other Books
in his Library at_ Oxford, _are here carefully altered; some Additions
are made, a List continued, of the several_ Knights-Companions, _as
well as Officers of the_ Order, _for above forty Years; and the Coats
of Arms of abundance of the_ Knights-Companions _visibly corrected from
good Authorities; and every distinct Chapter treated of at large; so
that this Work has not been compleated but at great Labour as well as
Expence, which could not have been supported, but for the Encouragement
some of the_ Knights-Companions _of the_ most Noble Order _were pleased
to give it; as well in their Subscriptions, as in the good Opinion they
seemed to Express of the Design_.
[Illustration]
THE
HISTORY
OF THE
Most Noble ORDER
OF THE
GARTER.
IT was, undoubtedly, a good Sentiment in the first Collector of this
Learned Work, to introduce, as well as a Discourse of _Knighthood_ in
general, a Treatise of all the several _Orders_ that have prevail’d in
other Parts of the World; for these in their Rise and Institutions,
having a relative Sense to the particular Subject he was to illustrate,
seemed to afford him a very good Opportunity of doing it, by building
on so convenient a Foundation.
I shall therefore, (tho’ much more confin’d to brevity) follow the same
Method, making it serve as a proper Introduction; there being many
Things in the voluminous Original, which I conceive may with less
Inconveniency be dispenc’d with.
IT was a constant Maxim in all well-regulated Governments, to give a
just Encouragement to Merit, and this by proportioning Rewards to the
Service done; for Merit must be suppos’d to consist in the Performance
of some Virtuous or Heroick Action, directed for the publick Good: And
as Vertue is either Military or Civil, so the Distribution of Rewards
is different; either by bestowing Degrees and Titles of Honour, or by
Donations of Wealth; so that in either Construction, Vertue may have
its proper and suitable Reward.
BUT the proper Reward of Military _Vertue_, is Honour: (to which
distinct Head this Work is confin’d.) Honour, which _Aristotle_ calls
the _Greatest of exteriour Goods_: And being an Object of a nobler
Ambition than the Accumulation of Wealth, is principally the Aim of
that _Vertue_ we understand by _Valour_; which springs from more
generous Spirits, and hath been the constant Foundation of raising Men
to the highest Eminence of Glory, and superiour Dignity.
BUT that Fame might not lose itself in an unbounded Notion, it was at
length thought fit to reduce Honour into Form and Order, by investing
the Person meriting with some particular Title or Appellation of
Excellence, (the Original of all Nobility;) of which Knighthood, as it
hath been accounted the most suitable Reward to the greatest Vertue, so
it hath been esteemed the chief and primary Honour among many Nations.
THE _Romans_ held Honour and Vertue in that Esteem, that they deify’d,
and dedicated Temples to them: They made them so contiguous in their
Situation, that there was no other Passage to that of Honour, but thro’
the Temple of Vertue, mystically admonishing, that Honour was not to be
attained by any other Way.
IN several of the _Roman_ Coins we see Honour and Vertue represented
together in one Reverse, and in one Medal; the Face of Honour so
shadows that of Vertue, that but a little of it appears, _Honour being
the more illustrious of the two; and where we behold any Person
outwardly adorned with it, we are to judge him inwardly endued with
Vertue, inasmuch as Honour is his due, and justly bestowed upon him_.
§. 2. IN tracing the Original of Knighthood, we are not so vain to say,
with the _French_, that S. _Michael_ was the _premier Chevalier_; yet
thus much we may assert, that ’tis near as ancient as Valour and Heroic
Vertue, notwithstanding the Ceremonies and Circumstances of it have
varied according to several Ages and Nations: And therefore, with much
Probability, we may derive the Original of Military Honour from the
_Trojans_ and _Greeks_; among whom, as Knights of great Renown, were
_Hector_, _Troilus_, _Æneas_, _Antenor_, _Agamemnon_, _Menelaus_,
_Peleus_, _Tydeus_, &c. And thus _Homer_ uses the Word ἱππότης, in the
same Sense as _Eques_ was afterwards among the _Latins_.
Τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,
’Mong whom thus _Nestor_ spake, that honour’d Knight.
§. 3. UPON a more substantial Basis we shall descend to the _Romans_;
among whom, in the very Infancy of their Military Glory, a Society of
Knights was instituted, immediately after their Union with the
_Sabines_. _Romulus_ inrolled _Centuriæ tres Equitum_, three Centuries
of Knights, out of the chiefest Families, whom he appointed to be his
Life-guard, and called them _Celeres_, from their Activity and Dispatch
in Martial Affairs.
_Tarquinius Priscus_ made an Addition to these Centuries; the like did
_Servius Tullius_, who ordained, that those who should succeed in that
Body, should be elected _ex censu_, _viz._ from a considerable and
certain Valuation of their Estates, who had the greatest Cense, and
were of the most Noble Families, says _Dyonys. Halicarn._ And soon
after, the Equestrian Class began to be formed and constituted one of
the three Orders of the Commonwealth, which were thus rank’d, according
to _Livy_: _Senatus, Ordo Equestris & Plebs_; which in the _Roman_
Literal Notes is set down after this Manner: CON. SEN. E. ORD. P. Q. R.
And forasmuch as this Degree is placed between the _Patricians_, or
Senators, and the _Plebeians_, it answers exactly the State of our
Knights between the Nobility and Commonalty: And from this Order, to
the Height of Nobility which resided in the Senators, was the Way
prepared; _Junius Brutus_ being the first who was raised to a Senator
from the Equestrian Order.
IT was a Constitution, as old as _Tiberius_’s Reign, that none should
be admitted, unless Free-born, or a Gentleman for three Generations;
and, indeed, for a long Time none were elected Knights but the best
Sort of Gentlemen, and Persons of Extraction, as was the illustrious
_Mœcenas_.
_Atavis regibus ortus eques_, Mart.
who aspired no higher, not out of any Incapacity of attaining greater
Honours, but that he desired them not, says _Paterculus_: Yet at
length, thro’ Corruption of Times, Plebeians and Freedmen being too
frequently received into this Degree (too near a Parallel among the
Knights of this Age) occasion’d their Power to grow less and less,
’till it shrunk to nothing; so that the Places and Offices of Judges
which they before had executed, became conferrable upon the
_Publicans_. And when _Cicero_ was Consul, _anno ab urbe conditi_ 690,
the Equestrian Order stood in need of Re-establishment, whereupon they
were then incorporated into that Commonwealth in the third Degree, all
Acts passing _in the Name of the Senate, the People of_ Rome, _and the
Equestrian Order_.
They often enjoy’d Abroad the Government of several Provinces, whereof
_Egypt_ had this peculiar to itself, that none of the Senators were
admitted, but only those of the Equestrian Order, whose Decrees
_Augustus_ commanded to be had in like Regard, as if the Magistrates of
_Rome_, or Kings, Consuls, or Prætors, had pronounced them.
As a Mark of Eminence, they had the Titles of _Splendidi_ and
_Illustres_ bestowed upon them, and sometimes have been called _most
sacred_ Knights.
AND besides other Privileges, they had Seats with the Senators in the
_Circus Maximus_; and by the _Roscian_ Law, sat next them in the
Theatres: They had likewise a College called _Collegium Equitum_; and
Temples were dedicated to the Goddess _Fortune_, under the Title of
_Equestri Fortunæ_.
HAVING shewn the Dignity and Honours of the Equestrian Order among the
_Romans_, we shall now touch upon the Degrees of Knighthood which have
been Personal, and may be comprehended under the Modern Title of
_Equites Aurati_, or _Milites Simplices_, (as distinguish’d from the
several Orders of Chivalry, instituted in Christendom.) In the
Circumstance of whose Creation we confess, nothing in the _Roman Ordo
Equestris_ hath place, tho’ that might be the Ground and Original of
the Dignity, and one common End in both, namely, the Pursuit of
Military Exploits, and Service in the Wars.
§. 4. OF the Degrees of Knighthood. We shall first of the _Monozons_,
i. e. Knights begirt with the Military Girdle, a Custom devolved to the
_Germans_ and _Gauls_ from ancient Times, and from them to After-Ages.
SIR _Henry Spelman_ notes, _That the late Emperors conferred the
Dignity of Knighthood with the Military Girdle instead of all other
Arms, because that Part more eminent amongst them girdeth, supporteth,
and adorneth the rest_; whence _Selden_ calls this Girding the most
essential part of the Ceremony. Nor do we find among the various
Ceremonies of _Knighthood_ any that have continued so constant in
Practice as the endowing with Girdle and Sword, Ornaments proper to the
Dignity and Marks of _Honour_ and _Vertue_, with which the Statues and
Portraitures of _Knights_, on their Grave-stones have been adorned.
FOR as at this Day _Knights_ are styled _Equites Aurati_, from the
Golden Spurs, heretofore put on at their Creation, so were they more
anciently _Singulo Miletari donati_, in respect, when any one was
_Knighted_, he was not only smitten with the Sword, but invested with
Sword and Belt, yet retain’d at the creating our Knights of the _Bath_,
as the old Formulary thus hath it; #Then shall the King of great
Favour take the Sword, and gird the Esquire therewith.#
Secondly, The _Baccalaurei_ or Knights Batchelors, are to be
consider’d, who are indifferently styled _Chevaliers_, _Milites_,
_Equites Aurati_, and _Knights_. This Degree is truly accounted the
first of all Military Dignity, and the Foundation of all Honours in our
Nation, and is derived from, if not the same with that immediately
preceding. For as the Ceremony of a gentle Touch on the Shoulder with
the flat Side of the Sword hath been since used, instead of girting
with the Sword and Belt, (especially in Times of War, or in Haste) as
an Initiation into the Military Order; so on the contrary, it is not
unusual now-adays, for the Prince, at least _Gladio_, if not _Cingulo
donare_; for he oftentimes bestows the Sword upon the Person he
_Knighteth_.
_Miræus_ gives them the Epithet _Aurati_, from the Privilege of wearing
Gold upon their Swords and Spurs, omitting _Tiraquel_’s fanciful
Distinction between _Miles_ and _Eques Auratus_, who allows the former
to signify a Knight Noble before, and the other to denote one whom we
call a Knight and no Gentleman, or applicable to the _Neapolitan_
Gentlemen, (usually called _Cavalieri_) who are all styled _Equites_,
tho’ they never have attained the Knightly Dignity.
THE third Sort were _Knights Banerets_, who so well deserv’d in the
Wars, that they were afterwards permitted to use _Vexillum quadratum_,
a square Banner, whence they were called _Equites vexillarii_, or
_Chevaliers a Buniere_ from the Dutch _Banerheere_, Lord or Master of
the Banner.
_Camden_ conceives this Title first devis’d by K. _Edward_ 3. in
Recompence of Martial Prowess; a Recital of which Dignity is mention’d
in a Patent 20 _E._ 3. to _John Coupland_, for his Service, in taking
_David_ King of _Scots_ Prisoner. But it was much more ancient with us,
as well as in _France_; and they had particular Robes, and other
Ornaments given them from the Crown, _ad apparatum suum pro militia,
tanquam pro Baneretto, a Rege suscipienda_, &c. _viz._ _ad unum
Tunicam_, &c. after which is set down the particular Robes, and other
Ornaments appointed for his Creation.
TO shew this Dignity yet more ancient, there is the Evidence of a Writ
in K. _Edw._ 3d’s Time, for furnishing _Thomas Bardolf_ with the Robes
of a _Baneret_. It is an Honour esteemed the last among the Greatest,
_viz._ _Nobilitum Majorum_, or the First of the Second Rank; and is
placed in the Middle between the _Barons_ and the other _Knights_; in
which respect the _Baneret_ may be called _Vexillarius minor_, as if he
were the lesser _Banner-Bearer_; to the End he might be so differenced
from the Greater, namely the _Baron_, to whom the Right of bearing a
square Banner doth belong.
BUT there are some remarkable differences between these Knights and
Knights-Batchelors; as in the Occasions and Circumstances of their
Creations, the _Baneret_ being not Created, unless at a Time when the
King’s Standard is erected, and that he bears his own Banner in the
Field; whilst the _Knight-Batchelor_ follows that which is anothers.
THIS farther difference is observed between them, that the
_Knight-Baneret_ had so many Gentlemen his Servants at Command, as
that he could raise a Banner, and make up a Company of Soldiers to
be maintained at his Table, and with his own Pay: But the
_Knight-Batchelor_ had not sufficient for this, and therefore
marched under the Banner of another; and the Wages of the _Baneret_
were double.
NEXT to these, we are to mention Knights of the _Bath_, which is a
Degree that hath the Investiture and Title of Knight, with an
additional Denomination, derived from Part of the Ceremony of his
Creation. It is the general receiv’d Opinion, that our K. _Hen._ 4.
first instituted these Knights, which is justify’d by Sir _John
Froisard_, who says he created 46 of them at his Coronation, chusing
them from such, as were either his Favorites, or had pretensions to it
from their personal Merits, or Services.
BUT if the Ceremonies and Circumstances of their Creation be well
consider’d, it may be inferr’d, that he rather restor’d the ancient way
of making Knights, than Instituted them; and consequently that the
Knights of the _Bath_, are really no other than _Knights-Batchelors_;
that is, such as are created with those Ceremonies, wherewith
_Knights-Batchelors_ were formerly created by Ecclesiasticks: But some
of them having been laid aside, were then brought again into Use, and
made peculiar to this Degree, and since continued to them upon some
solemn and great Occasion.
AT the first View they look like a distinct Order of Knighthood; but
cannot be so accounted, because they have no Statutes assigned them,
nor are in Case of Vacancy, supply’d, (the Essentials of distinct
Orders) nor do they wear their Robes beyond the Time of that Occasion
upon which they were created; as chiefly, the Coronation of a King or
Queen, the Creation of a Prince of _Wales_, Duke of _York_, and the
like; whereas also their Number is uncertain, and always at the
Pleasure of the King.
_Favine_ calls them Knights of the Crown, because, to distinguish them
from Esquires, they wore upon their Left Shoulder an Escutcheon of
Black Silk embroider’d with three Crowns of Gold; but therein he
mistakes, for they never used only a Silk Lace, and the Jewel they wore
was made of Gold, containing three Crowns, with this Motto _Tria juncta
in una_, hanging down under the left Arm at a Carnation Ribbon worn
cross the Body.
THIS leads us to the Degree of Baronets, who seem allied to Knighthood,
by having granted them the Addition of _Sir_ to be set before their
Names: But this gives them not the Dignity of Knighthood; nor can they
properly be styled Knights, until they be actually Knighted.
IT is a Degree erected _Anno_ 9. _Jac._ 1. and the Grant made by
Letters Patents under the Great Seal of _England_. It is Hereditary to
them, and the Heirs Male of their Bodies lawfully begotten, for ever;
and by a subsequent Decree of the said King, Precedence is granted to
them before all Banerets, except such as should be made by the King
under his Standard, display’d in an Army Royal in open War, and the
King personally present, and next to and immediately after the younger
Sons of Viscount and Barons.
THE Ground for erecting this Degree was partly Martial; for tho’
themselves were not enjoined personal Service in the Wars, yet each
Baronet was to maintain thirty Foot Soldiers for three Years in
_Ireland_, after the rate of Eight Pence _per_ Day, for the Defence of
that Kingdom, and chiefly to secure the Plantation of _Ulster_.
THEY were at least to be descended from a Grand-father, on the Father’s
Side, that bore Arms, and had a Revenue of 1000 _l. per Ann._ or Lands
of old Rents of equal Value with 1000 _l. per Ann._ of improv’d Lands,
or at least two Parts of three of such Estate in Possession; the other
third in Reversion Expectant upon one Life held only in Jointure.
THE Year after, King _James_ I. added some new Privileges and
Ornaments, _viz._ to Knight those already made that were no Knights;
and the Heirs hereafter of every Baronet should, at the Age of One and
Twenty Years, receive Knighthood; likewise that all Baronets might bear
in Canton, or in an Inescutcheon, the Arms of _Ulster_; and farther, to
have place in the Armies of the King in the Gross, near about the Royal
Standard.
SINCE the Institution of Baronets in _England_, there have been made
divers in _Ireland_ after the like Form: And the Knights of _Nova
Scotia_ in the _West-Indies_ were ordained in Imitation of Baronets in
_England_ by the said King _James_, _A. D._ 1622. for the Planting that
Country by _Scotch_ Colonies, and the Degree made likewise Hereditary.
THESE latter wear an Orange Tawny Ribbon as their Badge, to distinguish
them from other Knights; and it appears, there was an Intention, 1627.
to move his then Majesty, that all Baronets and Knights Bachelors might
wear Ribbons of several Colours, some Badge or Jewel, in such Sort as
did the Knights of the _Bath_, to distinguish the one from the other:
But that Matter dropt.
§. 5. WE shall now observe the Etymology of _Eques_, _Miles_,
_Chevalier_, _Ritter_, and _Sir_. The _Grecians_ had a Title of Honour
equivalent to the Signification of _Eques_ in the _Latin_, from
_Equus_, an Horse, because one Part of the Ceremony, whereby this
Honour became conferred, was the giving of an Horse; or because having
an Horse at the Publick Charge, they received the Stipend of an
Horseman to serve in the Wars, Horses being Symbols of War, _Bello
armantur equi_. It is to be noted, That the Degree of Knighthood in the
Dialects of other Nations hath the same Derivation: For in the
_French_, a Knight is called _Chevalier_; in the _German_, _Ridder_, or
_Ritter_, _q. d._ _Rider_; so the _Gheslagen Ridder_ is interpreted,
_The dubbed Knight_; in the _Italian_, it is _Cavagliero_; in the old
_British_, _Morchog_; concerning which, hear one of _Jeffery Chaucer_’s
Scholars.
Eques ab Equo #is said of very right,
And# Chevalier #is said of Chevalrie,
In which a# Rider #called is a# Knight;
Arragoners #done also specifie#
Caballiero #through all that Partie,
Is Name of Worship, and so took his ’ginning
Of Spurs of Gold, and chiefly Riding#.
AND tho’ the Word _Miles_ signified at first any legally inrolled for
the War, which Inrolment was twofold, _Honoraria_ and _Vulgaris_; yet
upon the Decay of the _Roman_ Empire, upon the Irruption of the
innumerable Forces of the _Alani, Goths, Vandals, &c._ which consisted
in Horse, their Foot was rendred useless. _Miles_ was no longer said of
him that served on Foot in the Wars, but began to be properly spoken of
the Horseman; whence it came into Vogue, That among the Titles of
Nobility, he who had that of _Miles_ bestowed on him, was understood to
be Horseman, or _Eques_, that is, of the Equestrian Dignity.
_Selden_ observes _Miles_ to be equivocal: and that in the old feodal
Laws of the Empire it signify’d a Gentleman, as the Word Gentleman is
signify’d in _Nobilis_; and with us it hath been frequently used to
denote both Gentlemen, and Knights; for _Milites_ denotes Gentlemen, or
great Freeholders, and not dubbed Knights, _viz._ such who hold by
Knights Service from a Lord of a Mannour, and such who are chosen from
the several Counties to serve in the High Courts of Parliament.
_Miles_, even in the _Saxon_ Times, denoted sometimes a Dignity. But
about the Year 1046, becoming a Title of Honour, it is since most
generally appropriated to Persons who have received Knighthood
correspondent to _Eques_ and _Chevalier_, tho’ indeed less proper; in
regard Knighthood is the Dignity of Horsemanship, and the Tenure of
Lands by Knights Fees here in _England_, anciently called _Regale
Servitium_, is in truth Horse Service; and the Tenants such as served
the King on Horseback in Wars, are Gentlemen at least (if not of Noble
Extraction.)
_Minshew_ says, the _Equites_, which heretofore followed and
accompanied the Emperor, are, in the _German_ Tongue, called
_Knechtes_, that is, Servitors, or Ministers; but _Camden_ says,
_Knecht_, in _Saxon_ _Cniht_, was in far more ancient Times accepted as
an honorary Title; and, among the old _Germans_, signify’d a Person
arm’d with Spear and Lance, (the Ensigns of their Knighthood) as in
After-Times such were, among other Nations, adorned with a Girdle and
Belt, since called _Equites aurati_, and sometimes simply _Milites_.
THE Addition _Sir_ to the Names of all Knights Banerets, Knights of the
_Bath_, and Batchelor Knights, pronounced at the Time when they are
created, with this Compellation: _Arise, Sir John_, or _Sir Thomas,
&c._ is accounted Parcel of their Style, which the Banerets enjoy by
virtue of a Clause in their Patent. It is a Contraction of the Old
_French_ Sire, taken for Seigneur, or Lord, from the _Greek_ Κύριος.
But how it came to be first given, we cannot find; nevertheless, our
_English_ Writers have bestowed it upon the major Part of the Nobility,
after they had been received into the Order of Knighthood; and in the
Life of St. _Thomas Becket_, written about the Time of King _Edw._ 1.
we meet with the Title prefix’d to the Names of the four Knights, who
slew the said St. _Thomas_.
§. 6. THE Ensigns of the Equestrian Order among the _Romans_, by which
they were made, was a Publick Horse, or a Gold Ring; yet still, to
those who had Equestrian Cense, the Horse was the ancienter Badge of
the two; but when thro’ the Multitude of these Knights no Publick
Horses were assigned, but to such who were ready to enter upon Military
Service, and to fight in the Legions, such were called _Legionary
Knights_, to distinguish them from the rest, who had only receiv’d the
Honour of a Gold-Ring; for they were not all employ’d in Wars.
THE Censor (after the Institution of that Office _ab urbe condita_,
310.) and afterwards the Emperor, were the Persons who bestowed this
_Equus Militaris_, or _Publicus_, as it was called from the Annual
Allowance, to keep him, which they gave unto those of known Vertue and
approv’d Life, compelling him to serve in the Wars, tho’ against his
Will; (but in the more ancient Method of Election, Constraint was not
used.) And upon Negligence in the Care of these Horses, or any Blemish,
Reproach, or Infamy, or Loss of Patrimony in the Knights, the Horses
were not only taken away, but the Knights wholly disfranchis’d.
_Rosinus_ laying down the Manner and Order used in ejecting such
Knights, adds, _A Recital being made of all the Knights that were
inrolled, those whose Names he omitted, were thereby understood to be
depriv’d of that Dignity_.
WHEN they had served in the Wars the Time appointed by Law, it was the
Custom to lead their Horses by the Bridle into the Forum, before the
_Duumvirs_ [Censors,] and giving an Account under whom and what
Generals or Captains they had served; they were thereupon dismissed
from farther Service in the Wars: An Example whereof _Plutarch_ relates
to have been given by _Pompey_ himself.
BUT whereas among the _Roman_ Inscriptions we find _Equo publico
honoratus donatus_, _ornatus_, and _exornatus_, such is not to be
construed to be of Equestrian Dignity, but only to have received the
_præmia militaria_, with which the Emperors used to recompense some
particular Exploit, by the Honour of such a Gift, according to
_Salmasius_. _Equus Publicus_, by a wondrous, nevertheless an
accustom’d Speech, among the _Romans_, is the Knight, _qui equo publico
meret_. And _qui equo publico donatus_, the other deserving Person.
AS to the Ring: In _Genesis_ we read of _Pharoah_’s taking off his
Ring, and putting it upon _Joseph_’s Hand. When they came in Fashion
with the _Romans_, the Senators at first wore Iron ones, which were
accounted the Ensign of Military Vertue, received upon a Publick
Account. Howbeit, in Process of Time, when Gold Rings were drawn into
Use, none but Senators and Knights had them. The Difference among the
Rings of the three Orders in the State were, as _Licetus_ observes,
Gold Rings set with precious Stones were given to the Senators only;
Plain Rings without Stones to the Knights, and Iron Rings to the
_Plebeians_, or Free-born-men; insomuch that _Equestri dignitate
donare_ and _annulo honorare_, is a promiscuous Phrase in _Tacitus_, to
give the Dignity of Knighthood; and at the Battle of _Cannæ_, by the
two Measures or Bushels of Gold Rings sent to _Carthage_, the Number of
the _Roman_ Knights there slain was computed.
§. 7. AT length Freed-Men being created Knights, the _Jus annulorum_,
the Right of wearing Gold Rings, became promiscuous.
AMONG the _Germans_, the Shield and Lance were accounted the grand
Badges of Military Honour, or Knighthood. This the _Lombards_, the
_Franks_, and our Country-men, all descending out of _Germany_, used,
and was to us (in the Opinion of Sir _Hen. Spelman_) the Foundation of
the Knightly Order. Much like the ancient _Germans_ was the Custom of
making Knights among the _Irish_: And _Favine_ notes the Shield and
Lance were the proper Arms appertaining to a _French_ Knight, which
Esquires, _Armigers_, carried always after their Masters, Shields and
Scutes (as they are vulgarly called) _i. e._ Equestrian Targets,
inclining to an Oval, not Shields or Bucklers of Foot Soldiers.
ANOTHER Ensign and Ornament of Knightly Honour is, the _Cingulum
militare_, or _Balteus_, which, _Varro_ says, is _Tuscan_, signifying a
military Girdle, which were garnished with great Buckles, Studs, and
Rings of pure Gold, to shew their Dignity and Power in military
Commands; and with such a Belt, set with Pearls and precious Stones,
young _Athelstan_ was girded, when he receiv’d _Knighthood_ from his
Grandfather King _Alfred_. Our Knights were no less anciently known by
these Belts, than by their gilt Swords, Spurs, _&c._ Howbeit the Use
now only appears in Knights of the _Bath_.
TO this Belt was also added a Sword, not of Ordinary Use; and therefore
termed the Sword of a _Knight_, which was hallowed with great Ceremony.
ANOTHER eminent Badge is the Golden Spurs, wherewith, at the Time of
their Creation, Knights Spurs were wont to be adorned; and to these, a
little after the Conquest, were added far more and greater Ornaments.
They were usually put on after the Person had been presented to the
Prince who gave the Honour, to signify, that the new-made Knight should
not only declare his Valour by his Sword, but also by the Management of
his Horse, which he should encourage and excite with his Spurs, to the
carrying on his valiant Designs. These Spurs have been of that Esteem,
that Knight Batchelors are latinized _Equites aurati_; among the
_Germans_, _Ritter dess Gulden Sporns_; and with us heretofore,
_Knights of the Spurs_: And several Families by the Name of _Knight_,
bear for their Arms the Spurs on a Canton.
IT is farther certify’d among the Rights of a Knight Baneret, that upon
the Account of his Knighthood he may wear gilt Spurs, as well as a gilt
Sword; and that the Spurs are essential, may be collected from the
Degradation of a Knight, where his gilt Spurs are first cut off with an
Hatchet, the Case of Sir _Andra Harcla_. In the last Place is the
Collar, an Ensign of Knightly Dignity among the _Germans_, _Gauls_,
_Britons_, _Danes_ and _Goths_, among whom it was customary to wear
them, as denoting such as were remarkable for their Valour. But in
later Times, it was the peculiar Fashion of _Knights_ among us to wear
Golden Collars composed of _S S._ or other various Devices; so that
those _Monuments_ are known to be erected for _Knights_ on whose
Portraitures such Ornaments are found.
§. 8. THE Qualifications for Knighthood are principally three. 1.
Merit, the bare mentioning whereof shall suffice here. 2. Birth, _viz._
that the Parties who enter thereinto ought first to make appear they be
Gentlemen of three Paternal Descents, bearing Coat Armour; and much the
same was the Law of the Empire under _Frederick_ 2. _A. D._ 1212. Some
think it also insufficient, unless descended so by the Mother’s Side;
at least she must be a freed Woman. And, 3. Estate, which also serves
to support the Dignity.
THUS Wealth was so much regarded among the _Chaledonians_, that those
who were rich, bore the Name of Knights. It was Estate that entitled a
Man to this Honour among the _Romans_; for the Censor might compel any
Citizen equal to the Equestrian Cense, whom he thought fit to take that
Order: And this consisted of 400000 Sesterces, _i. e._ 3025 _l._ of our
Money.
AND as in _Old Rome_, so here in _England_, not long after the
Conquest, they who held a Knights Fee, _viz._ 680 Acres of Land might
claim it, says _Camden_. But it appears from _Selden_, that no certain
Number, or Extent of Acres, made a Knight’s Fee; and _Temp. Hen._ 3.
and _Edw._ 1. and 1 _Edw._ 2. the _Census militis_ was measured by 20
_l._ by the Year, or more; and by the Royal Prerogative, some who held
15, then 20, at other times 30, then 40, and sometimes 50 _l._ Lands,
were required to accept this Honour by Writs directed to the Sheriffs
of the Counties, and were excused only by Reason of old Age,
irrecoverable Weakness, Loss of Limbs, or being in Holy Orders; and
upon all other Causes (if exempted) they paid a Fine, estimated
according to the Nature of the Excuse, or length of Time given.
BUT in the promiscuous Course of Knighthood, where the Men of Wealth
and Estate (whether otherwise worthy or not) became dignify’d; yet the
Gate of Honour was not then shut against those, who wanting Riches,
deserved well of their Country; for when Princes conferr’d such
Dignities upon Men of narrow Fortunes, they usually bestowed with them
annual Pensions, or Lands, agreeable to the Judgment of the Author of
the _Division du monde_, who saith that the Honour of Knighthood is not
to be given any Person who hath not a considerable Estate, unless
sufficient Means to support the Honour of the Order be also given with
it.
THESE Pensions are frequently mention’d in our Rolls, sometimes during
Pleasure, and sometimes during the Life of the Knight, or till better
Provision should be made for their Supports: Examples whereof are, Sir
_John Atte Lee_, Sir _Nele Loring_, Sir _John Walsh_, Knights. The like
Rewards our Kings gave to such whose Merit raised them to the Degree of
a _Baneret_, express’d in their Patents, _ad manutenendum statum
Baneretti_, _Pro sustentatione sua_, _ut ipse statum Baneretti melius
manutenere possit_, _Pro statu suo manutenendo_; or Words to the like
Effect: Examples where of are, Sir _Reginald Cobham_, Sir _Thomas de
Rokeley_, Sir _John Lysle_, and Sir _Roger de Swynerton_, Banerets.
IT may be next consider’d who can make _Knights_; wherein it is
apparent, that they who never were, and others who never could be
_Knights_, have conferr’d this Dignity; yet ’tis to be understood, that
Necessity and Custom hath in this Case the Force of a Law: For
anciently, _Bishops_ and _Priests_ made _Knights_; so also do the
_Popes_, and some Commonwealths; likewise our _Queens_. For the
_Sovereign_, or the _Heir apparent_, tho’ they be no _Knights_, may
nevertheless do it, by reason they possess the _Kingdom_; and are
therefore the Head and Chief of _Chevalry_, and consequent all the
Power thereof is contained in their Command. To conclude this Point,
_Knighthood_ was always received from the Hands of another Person,
either by Ceremony, or Diploma, except only the Kings of _Spain_, who
Time out of Mind made themselves _Knights_; and this by Vertue of an
old Law written in the _Arragonian_ Tongue, as _Ambrosias Morales_
reports. _And, to shew that no Man upon Earth hath any Power over him,
he shall gird himself with the Sword made after the Form of a Cross;
and that Day can no other Man be Knighted._
§. 9. Of the Ceremonies and Formalities used at the Conferring of
Knighthood, the most ancient was perform’d by putting the Belt loose
over the Shoulder, or girding it close about the Waste. The _Bend_ in
_Armoury_ represents the one, and the _Fess_ the other. The first
Christian Kings at giving this Belt kissed the new Knight on the Left
Cheek, saying, _In the Honour of the Father, and the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost, I make you a Knight_. It was called _Osculum pacis_, the
Kiss of Favour, or Brotherhood, and is presumed to be the Accollade, or
Ceremony of Imbracing, which _Charles_ the Great used when he Knighted
his Son _Lewis_ the _Debonair_. It was in the Time of the same Emperor,
the Way of Knighting by the _Colaphum_, or Blow on the Ear, used in
Sign of sustaining future Hardships, which is thought to have been
deriv’d from the Manner of Manumission of a Slave among the _Romans_; a
Custom long after retained in _Germany_ and _France_. Thus _William_
Earl of _Holland_, who was to be Knighted before he could be _Emperor_,
at his being elected King of the _Romans_, received Knighthood by the
Box of the Ear, _&c._ from _John_ King of _Bohemia_, _A. D._ 1247.
IN the Time of the _Saxons_ here in _England_, Knights received their
Institutions at the Hands of Great _Prelates_ or _Abbots_; which,
according to their Opinion, render’d them more auspicious. In the
accomplishing of which Solemnity, they added many religious Ceremonies,
as Watching, Fasting, Bathing, and Consecrating the Sword; an Instance
of which we have in _Heward_ Lord of _Brune_, in _Lincolnshire_, who
received this Honour from _Brand, Abbot_ of St. _Edmundsbury_. But not
long after the Conquest, this Custom was restrained by a Synod at
_Westminster_, _A. D._ 1102. 3 _H._ 1. which among other Things
ordained _Ne Abbates_ [_i. e._ all Spiritual Persons] _faciunt
milites_. However the religious Ceremonies for the most part continued,
especially Vigils and Bathings, as appears by that grand Solemnity at
the Creation of 267 Knights, Sons of Earls, Barons, and Knights, upon
_Whitsontide_, _anno_ 34 _Edw._ 1. cited by _Selden_ and _Camden_. And
these Formalities the _Saxons_ and _Normans_, not only here in
_England_, but the _French_, _Spaniards_, and other Nations, observ’d,
concluding from it, that decency of Habit was as well expected from
them, as Integrity of Life, and purity of Manners. And the like
religious Ceremony was heretofore observ’d in _Spain_ at the Creation
of Knights, whether _Cavelleros de Espuela d’Orada_, or _Amados_ [our
Knights Batchelors,] In this Form, the Person to be Knighted was bathed
in the Evening, and presently laid in Bed; then cloathed in rich Robes,
and led to the Church to perform his Vigils: That being over, and Mass
heard, his Spurs were put on, and his Sword girt about him, then drawn
out, and put into his Right Hand; whereupon the Oath was forthwith
administred to him; which taken, he that bestowed the Dignity gave him
_una Pesconade_, a Blow, or Stroke on the Neck, saying, God assist you
in the Performance of your Promise.
THE Oath or Vow the Knights professed, was in general, to relieve and
protect Widows, the Fatherless, Oppressed and Miserable, and to defend
the Church of God; which to keep and perform was esteem’d as
meritorious, as to do all that a Monk, Frier, or Canon Regular should.
THERE is also mention (by Mr. _Selden_) of consecrating the Sword,
offering it at the Altar, and receiving it again from thence, as an
implicit Kind of taking an Oath. But as in Peace and great Leisure
these tedious Ceremonies were used, yet it was otherwise in Times of
War, or on a Day of Battle, where Hurry and Throng of Affairs would not
permit; and therefore, as well before the joining of Battle, as after
Victory obtained, it was usual for the Prince or General in the Field,
on Sight of the Army, to give those whom he thought fit to advance to
that Honour (they humbly kneeling before him) a Stroke with a naked
Sword flatwise upon their Shoulders, or else to touch their Heads or
Shoulders lightly, without any other Ceremony, except pronouncing _Sis
Eques in nomine Dei_; to which he adds, _Rise, Sir —— Knight_, or in
the _French_, _Sus_, or _Sois, Chevalier, au nom de Dieu_, which we
commonly call Dubbing, the old _English_ Word used for Creating
[Consecrating] a Knight, from _doopen_ to dip, by Bathing.
ANOTHER Manner of creating Knights Abroad was, by Royal Codicils, or
Letters Patents (these the _Spaniards_ call _Privilegios de
Cavelleria_) whereupon such Knights are intitled _Equites
Codicellares_; and these were sent to such as dwelt in remote
Countries, and sometimes, but rarely, extended so as to make the Degree
hereditary. There is one Example, that by the bare signification of
Letter, without any Ceremonies or Patents under Seal; _Philip_ IV. of
_Spain_, _Jan._ 15. 1633. conferr’d upon all the Captains that behav’d
themselves valiantly in Defence of _Mastricht_ (then lately besieg’d by
the _Hollanders_) to those that were Gentlemen, the Title of Knights;
and to others, that of Gentlemen.
HAVING thus briefly shew’d the various Forms of Creation of _Knights
Batchelors_, I shall remark what _Selden_ has observ’d of _Knights
Bannerets_ in later Times, wherein he that was advanc’d to that Honour
in the Field, was inducted between two Senior Knights with Trumpets
before them, and the Heralds carrying a long Banner of his Arms, call’d
a _Penon_; in which Manner being brought to the King or Lieutenant, who
bidding him good Success, the Tip of the Banner is cut off, that of an
Oblong it might become a Square, like the Banner of a Baron: This done,
he returns to his Tent, conducted as before. As for the many and
various Formularies at the Creation of a Knight of the _Bath_, see Sir
_Edward Byshe_ among his Notes upon _Upton_ and Sir _William Dugdale_’s
_Warwicksh._ The Knights of the _Bath_, at the Coronation of King
_Charles_ II. watched and bathed; they took an Oath; they were girded
with a Sword and Belt; and lastly, dubbed by the King with the Sword of
State.
§ 10. IN the Dignity, Honour and Renown of Knighthood, is included
somewhat of Magnificence more excellent than Nobility it self; which
mounting the Royal Throne, becomes the Assertor of Civil Nobility, and
sits as Judge at the Tribunal therefore. _Knight_ is noted by _Camden_
as a Name of Dignity, but _Baron_ is not so. For if heretofore a Baron
had not receiv’d Knighthood, he was written plainly by his Christian
Name, and that of his Family, without any Addition but that of
_Dominus_, a Term attributed to a _Knight_; and in ancient Charters,
the Titles and Names of _Knights_ may be seen set before _Barons_. It
bestows Gentility not only upon the meanly Born, but upon his
Descendants, and encreaseth the Honour of those well-descended.
Hereunto agrees the Common-Law: If a Villain be made a Knight, he is
thereby immediately enfranchised, and consequently accounted a
Gentleman; agreeable to the _Roman_ Law, where the Donation of a
Gold-Ring ennobled a Slave. _Mœcenas_ dy’d a Companion of that Order;
even Kings and Princes look upon it as an Accession to their Honour,
their other Titles shewing Dominion and Power, this their Valour and
Courage. _Geysa_, King of _Hungary_, _Leopold_, Marquis of _Austria_,
_Ottacher_, Duke of _Stiria_, and _Frederick_, Duke of _Austria_ and
_Stiria_; _Godfry_, Duke of _Brabant_, with _Henry_ his Son, _Peter_,
King of _Arragon_, the Emperor _Henry_ III. our _William Rufus_, King
_Edward_ III. _Henry_ VI. _Henry_ VII. _Edward_ VI. _Lewis_ XI.
_Francis_ I. Kings of _France_, and others, received this Dignity at
the Time they enjoy’d their other Titles. And tho’ it is said the Sons
of the _French_ King are Knights as soon as they receive Baptism, yet
are they not judg’d worthy the Kingdom, unless first solemnly created.
And we elsewhere find, that the Royal Heirs of _Arragon_ were suspended
from that Crown, until they had received the Honour of Knighthood. And
after the _Norman_ Conquest, our young Princes were sent over to the
neighbouring Kings to receive this Honour. Thus our King _Henry_ II.
was sent to _David_, King of _Scots_, and Knighted by him in
_Carlisle_; and _Edward_ I. at the Age of Fifteen Years, to _Alphonsus_
XI. King of _Castile_, for the same Dignity. In like manner did foreign
Princes repair hither, to receive the Honour from our Kings. As
_Malcolme_, King of _Scotland_, and _Alexander_, Son of _William_, King
of _Scotland_, Knighted by our King _John_, _Anno_ 1212. So was
_Alexander_ III. by our King _Henry_ III. at _York_, _Anno_ 1252. and
_Magnus_, King of the _Isle of Man_, by the same King. All which
sufficiently demonstrate the great Renown of Knighthood, and the Honour
and Esteem which was ever had for that Order.
CAP. II.
_Of the Religious Orders of Knighthood in Christendom._
§ 1. THE Grounds and Causes of founding _Societies_ or _Knightly
Orders_, were several and different, tho’ all terminated in one End.
Among which, principally were these, _First_, A sincere Love to
_Honour_, and therein chiefly to excite and promote _Vertue_ by
suitable Rewards; such was the Design of King _Arthur_, when he formed
himself and other Martial Men into a Fellowship, which he stiled
_Knights of the Round Table_. _Secondly_, To repress the Incursions and
Robberies of the _Saracens_ and _Barbarians_, to vindicate the
Oppressed, redeem the Enslaved, and to entertain and relieve Pilgrims
and Strangers, which were Part of the Duties the _Knights Hospitallers_
and _Templars_, &c. stood engag’d in. A _third_ Reason was, To Fight in
Defence of the Christian Faith, against Pagans and Infidels; to enlarge
the Christian Territories, and promote the Service of the Catholick
Church: And indeed their Zeal very much advanced Christianity.
_Lastly_, When Sovereign Princes perceived themselves embroiled in Wars
or dangerous Factions, the erecting such an Order or Society was, that
they might by such a Tye restore Peace, quiet all Jealousies, unite
Affections, and secure a lasting Friendship and powerful Assistance,
both for their own and their Country’s Safety. And to this End were
Badges of several Orders devised, as Pledges of Remembrance to quicken
and establish their Friendship.
§ 2. THESE Orders are of Two Kinds, 1. _Religious_, or
_Ecclesiastical_; and, 2. _Military_, or _Secular_.
§ 3. THE Institutions of the latter Sort were after a while thought too
weak to continue, if not sustained by Religion and Piety; and too
defective without adjoyning Ecclesiastical Persons thereunto. Therefore
the Founders, considering Divine Assistance should concur with Military
Industry, began to dedicate these Orders to the Honour and Worship of
God, or to our Saviour, or to the blessed Virgin, or some other of the
Saints, to gain the Protection and Favour of Heaven, more easily, as
they thought, obtainable by the Prayers and Offices of the Clergy.
Whereupon some in their Institution joyned Sacred Orders to their
Military, and made Provision for Sacred Persons to pray for their
Prosperity at home, while they were engaged abroad. Hence King _Edw._
III. at the first Institution of the _Garter_, appointed Thirteen
Secular Canons, and Thirteen Vicars to attend the Celebration of Divine
Offices. Upon the same Account certain Foundations of Divine Service
were erected at _Bugey_, for the Order of the _Annunciads_; at _Dijon_,
for the Order of the _Golden Fleece_; and at _Mont St. Michael_ in
_Normandy_, for the Order of St. _Michael_.
§ 4. I shall now deliver a brief Account of the Religious Orders of
Knighthood, proceeding according to their Antiquity.
1. _The Knights of the_ Holy Sepulchre _in_ Jerusalem,
_are accounted the most Ancient_.
DR. _Heylin_ reports this Order to be instituted _A. D._ 1099. at such
Time as the Temple of _Jerusalem_ was regain’d from the _Saracens_ by
_Philip_ King of _France_. Yet _Favin_ will have it to be by _Baldwin_
the First, King of _Jerusalem_; for while the _Saracens_ possess’d the
City, there were certain Canons Regular of St. _Augustin_, to whom they
permitted the Custody of the Holy Sepulchre. These Canons _Baldwin_
made Men of Arms, and _Knights of the Holy Sepulchre_, and ordained
that they should nevertheless retain their white Habits, and on the
Breast bear his own Arms, which were _Argent a Cross potent: Or_,
between _four Crosses of the same_, commonly call’d _The_ Jerusalem
_Cross_. Their Great Master was the Patriarch of _Jerusalem_. They were
to guard the Sepulchre, fight against the _Saracens_ and Infidels,
protect Pilgrims, redeem Christian Captives, hear Mass every Day,
recite the Hours of the Cross, and to bear the five red Crosses in
memory of our Saviour’s Wounds. Their Rule was confirm’d by Pope
_Innocent_ III. Upon the loss of the Holy Land, these Knights retired
to _Perugia_ in _Italy_; but retaining their white Habit, chang’d their
Arms to a double _red Cross_. _A. D._ 1484. they were incorporated to
the _Knights Hospitallers of_ Jerusalem then in _Rhodes_. But _A. D._
1496. _Alexander_ VI. made himself, and the Popes his Successors, Great
Masters thereof, and empower’d the Guardian of the Holy Sepulchre (his
Vicar General) to bestow the same upon Pilgrims to the Holy Land.
_Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, endeavour’d to restore this Order in some
of his Dominions, about the Year 1558. himself being elected Great
Master: And another Attempt was made by the Duke of _Nevers_, 1615. but
these Designs took no Effect.
2. _Knights Hospitallers of St._ John Baptist _in_ Jerusalem.
BEFORE the taking of _Jerusalem_ from the _Saracens_, certain Christian
Merchants of _Naples_ obtain’d leave from the Caliph of _Egypt_ to
erect a small and convenient House, for the Entertainment of themselves
and Countrymen, which they built before the Church of the _Holy
Sepulchre_, together with a small Oratory. To them repair’d certain
Canons of the Order of St. _Augustin_, who built another Oratory; but
the Confluence of Pilgrims growing great, they erected a large
Hospital, in the Place where our Saviour celebrated his last Supper,
for the better accommodating devout Travellers, who for want of a Place
to lodge in were often robb’d and murder’d: So that at length from
their Charity and Hospitality, as also for that they took St. _John
Baptist_ for their Patron, they obtain’d that Title. It was instituted
_A. D._ 1092. or according to others 1099. by _Gerard_, a Native of
_Thoulouse_, who came to _Jerusalem_ in the Time of _Godfry_ of
_Bouillon_, and built this Hospital (which became the first Seat of
this Order) dedicated to St. _John_ of _Cyprus_, Bp. of _Alexandria_,
commonly call’d _Johannes Eleemosynarius_; and King _Baldwin_ I.
conferred on them large Privileges, permitting them Arms, and
instituted them to be Knights, _A. D._ 1104. Their Duty was to fight
against the Infidels, and they acknowledged Obedience to the Patriarch
of _Jerusalem_; but growing rich, they obtained from _Rome_ to be
absolved from that Obedience. Pope _Gelasius_ II. or _Calixtus_ II. _A.
D._ 1120. confirmed their Rule of living; and _Adrian_ IV. receiv’d
them under the Protection of the Papal See, being likewise endowed with
ample Privileges, and exempted from Payment of Tithes, by succeeding
Popes, chiefly by _Pius_ IV.
THEY took the black Habit of Hermits of St. _Augustin_, and lived under
his Rule by Grant of _Honorius_ II. _Anno_ 1125. vowing Obedience,
Poverty, and Chastity; and on the Breast of their Habit wore at first a
plain Cross of White Cloth, which was after changed to one with Eight
Points; but in time of War they used a Red Cassock, bearing the White
Cross upon it. Unto _Gerard_ succeeded _Raimund_, who digested and
enlarged their Laws and Institutions in the Composition whereof his
Stile was _Raimundus Dei gratia servus pauperum Jesu Christi & Custos
Hospitalis Jerusolymitani_; but afterwards he and his Successors had
the Title of Great Master of the Order given him, to denote his Power
and Authority. At this Day he has the Title of Prince of _Malta_ and
_Goza_; among his Privileges he seals in Lead, as doth the Pope and
Doge of _Venice_; he acknowledges the Pope for his Head, and the King
of _Spain_ for his Patron; he had under him in several Kingdoms Priors;
some of whom had also the Addition of Great with us in _England_ he was
stiled _Prior Hospitalis; St. Johannis Jerusalem in Anglia_, and by
that Title was he summoned to the Parliament as a Baron of this
Kingdom, and at length for Place and Precedency was ranked the first
Baron; and the greatness of these Knights grew to such height that
_temp. H._ 3. they had in Christendom 19000 Mannors.
WHEN _Saladine_ took _Jerusalem_, these Knights retreated to _Acres_ or
_Ptolemais_, and that being taken they seized upon the Island of
_Rhodes_, _A. D._ 1308. whence they began to be call’d Knights of
_Rhodes_; but _A. D._ 1522. being driven, thence by _Solyman_, they
betook themselves to the Island of _Malta_, which with _Tripoli_ and
_Goza_ were granted to them in Fee by the Emperor _Charles_ V. _A. D._
1530. under the Tender of one Falcon yearly to the Viceroy of _Sicily_,
and to acknowledge the King of _Spain_ and _Sicily_ for their
Protectors. In this Isle they continue a Bulwark to those Parts, and
from this their Settlement are called Knights of _Malta_.
3. _Knights_ Templars.
ABOUT the Year 1117, 1118, 1119, or 1120, this Order took Beginning,
_Baldwin_ II. then reigning in _Jerusalem_; when Nine Gentlemen, of
whom Two of noble Extraction, _Hugh de Paganes_ and _Godfrey de St.
Omer_, came in Devotion to the _Holy Land_; they were called Brothers
of the Militia of the Temple, ordinarily Knights Templars, from the
Habitation assigned them out of a part of the King’s own Palace,
adjoyning to the Temple of _Solomon_ in _Jerusalem_. Their first
Undertaking was to guard the most dangerous Ways about that City,
against the Violence and Robberies of the _Saracens_, which made them
acceptable to all, and for which they had Remission of their Sins; but
for the first Nine Years they were yet so poor that they lived upon the
Alms of others, wore Clothes bestowed in Charity upon them, and rode
two on one Horse; in memory of which primitive Poverty their Seal had
the Impress, which is represented in _Math. Paris_, _A. D._ 1127. They
had Rules assigned them, drawn up by St. _Bernard_ Abbot of
_Clairvaux_, by the Appointment of Pope _Honorius_ II. and _Stephen_
Patriarch of _Jerusalem_. They made their Vows of Obedience, Poverty
and Chastity, and to live under the Rules of Canons regular of St.
_Augustin_. Their Habit was White, to which, in the Time of _Eugenius_
III. they added the Red Cross, and of the same Form that the
Hospitallers wore (_Favin_ says a patriarchal Cross) and sowed it on
the left Shoulder of the _Maulles_. These with the Holy Sepulchre
Hospitallers and Teutonicks, principally supported a long time the
Kingdom of _Jerusalem_; but when Riches encreas’d, and their Revenues
augmented, they grew proud, fell from the Obedience of the Patriarch to
joyn with the Pope; and at last, 1307. all the Knights of this Order in
_France_ were, in one and the same Hour, seized and imprison’d by
_Philip le Bel_, King of France, with Consent of Pope _Clement_ V.
being charged with most infamous and damnable Crimes. And in _England_,
_Anno 1. Ed. 2._ they were also apprehended afterwards, rendred
Convicts, and all their Possessions seized into the King’s Hands.
Howbeit the Bishop of _York_ commiserating their deplorable Condition
within his Diocess, charitably disposed of them in Monasteries under
his Jurisdiction. Two Years after many of these Knights were burn’d in
_France_, and _Jaques de la Maule_, the last great Master, suffered the
same Fate, having seen, _A. D._ 1312. his Order by Papal Authority,
condemned and perpetually dissolved; after which their Lands were
annexed to the Hospitallers, for their Service against the _Turks_.
THUS they fell, no less famous for Martial Atchievments in the East,
than their Wealth in the West; for they enjoyed 16000 Lordships in
_Europe_, and a _Spanish_ Author tells us, their Revenue was Two
Millions yearly, and had in possession 40000 Commanderies, which
occasion’d divers to think they were falsly accused, and by suborned
Witnesses, merely upon the Ambition and covetous Design of _Philip_
King of _France_.
4. _Knights of the Order of St._ Lazarus.
THESE were at the first a Fraternity of Religious Monks, after which
they became Ecclesiastick Knights, in Imitation of the Knights of the
Holy Sepulchre. Pope _Pius_ V. 1572. stiles it _Antiquissimum
Charitatis & Militiæ Christi Ordinem_; yet it must be understood as an
Order of Monks, founded by St. _Basil_, about the time of _Julian the
Apostate_, _A. D._ 366. upon a Charitable Account, _viz._ to take Care
of Leprous Persons (a Malady frequent in the East) by which they became
separated, even from the Conversation of Men. At length, through the
Incursion of the _Barbarians_, and Injury of Time, it lay extinguish’d,
but was revived when the _Latin_ Princes joyned in a Holy League to
recover the _Holy Land_. And a famous Hospital was erected at
_Jerusalem_, under the Title of St. _Lazarus_, for the Reception of
Lepers: For in that Time the Monks of this Order added Martial
Discipline to their Skill in Physick; and for their Services against
the Infidels, begat a great Esteem from _Baldwin_ II. King of
_Jerusalem_, and some of his Successors. In process of Time this Order
decayed, being suppressed by _Innocent_ VIII. who united it to the
_Hospitallers_ at _Rhodes_, _A. D._ 1490. Nevertheless _Pius_ IV.
restored it _A. D._ 1565. confirming the old, and granting new
Privileges, making his kinsman Don _Janot de Chastillon_ great Master.
_Pius_ V. _A. D._ 1567. enlarged their Privileges, permitting them to
take one Wife only, to wit, a Virgin, not a Widow. Lastly, Pope
_Gregory_ XIII. _A. D._ 1572. bestowed the Great Mastership of this
Order upon _Emanuel Philibert_ Duke of _Savoy_, and his Successors, and
prescribed them the _Cistercian_ Rule; and accordingly he had the
Investiture and Collation of the _Commanderies_ in _Spain_ and _Italy_.
5. _Knights of the_ Teutonick _Order, or_ Prussia.
IN the Time of the Holy War, a wealthy Gentleman of _Germany_, who
dwelt at _Jerusalem_, commiserating the Condition of his Country-men,
coming thither in Devotion, made his House their Receptacle; afterwards
he erected a Chapel to the Blessed Virgin, whence they had also the
Title of _Marian_ Knights. To him associated other _Germans_, and in
short time encreasing, they professed the Military Employments of the
_Templars_, and followed the Acts of Piety and Charity of the
_Hospitallers_. _A. D._ 1190. or 1191. they elected _Henry Walpott_
their first Master, and the following Year were confirmed by
_Celestine_ III. under the Title of Knights _Teutonicks_, or _Dutch_
Knights, of the Hospital of St. _Mary_ the Virgin, vowing Poverty,
Obedience, and Charity, and following the Rule of St. _Augustin_. Their
Statutes were composed from those of the _Hospitallers_ and _Templars_,
and One Article was, _That none but_ Germans _should be of this Order_.
Their Habit was a White Mantle, on the Breast a plain _Black Cross_,
but some make it a _Black Cross_ voided with a _Cross Potent_. At
_Acon_ they erected another Hospital; but after that City was taken by
_Saladine_, they removed under _Hermannus_ their Master into _Germany_,
on whom the Emperor _Frederick_ II. _A. D._ 1229. and Pope _Honorius_
III. bestowed _Prussia_; where having conquer’d that Nation, and
reduced it from Paganism, they built the City of _Maryburgh_, and
there, _A. D._ 1340. fixed the chief Residence of their great Master.
This Country they enjoyed till 1525. that _Albertus Brandenburgh_, the
Last great Master, made solemn Renunciation of that Order, and became
feudatory to _Sigismond_ I. King of _Poland_, who created this _Albert_
first Duke of _Prussia_: However, some of the Knights disrellishing
this Action elected another great Master, _viz._ _Albert Wolfang_, and
leaving _Prussia_ setled in _Germany_, where they now reside. The
younger Sons of the _German_ Princes being, for the most part received
into this Order, giving it the greatest Reputation.
6. _Knights of_ Mount-Joy.
THESE are so called, from a Castle where this Order was instituted,
built upon the Point of a Mountain not far from _Jerusalem_, whence the
Pilgrims first view’d the _Holy City_, and where these Knights lay in
Garrison. Their Habit was White, and the Badge thereof an _Octogonal
Cross Red_; they vowed Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, and followed
the Rule of St. _Basil_; which Pope _Alexander_ III. _A. D._ 1180.
changed to that of _Augustine_. Upon the Loss of the _Holy Land_ they
retired to _Spain_, and fought against the _Moors_, and according to
the Places they resided, in had other Names, in _Catalonia_ and
_Valentia_, _Equites de Mongoia_, i. e. _Mount Joy_; but in _Castile_,
Knights of _Monfrac_, a Castle there. When _Alphonso_ IX. King of
_Castile_ gave them Lands they had won from the _Moors_, the Donation
says, _To you Don_ Rodrigo Gonsales, _Master of_ Monfrac, _of the Order
of_ Mount Joy. Upon the Decay of this Order, _A. D._ 1221. this Castle
was given to Don _Gonsalionez_, Master of the Order of _Calatrava_, by
_Ferdinand_ the Saint; and these Knights were incorporated with them.
7. _Knights of St._ John _of_ Acon _or_ Acres.
UNDER the Patronage of this Saint was this Order erected; they
exercised all Duties of Charity towards Pilgrims, and assumed Arms in
imitation of the _Hospitallers_; they followed the Rule of St.
_Augustine_; and according to _Favina_, had a Black Habit, upon which
they wore a _White Cross patee_. After _Acon_ was taken they removed
into _Spain_, and flourished in the Reign of _Alphonsus_ the Astrologer
King of _Castile_, about which time Pope _Alexander_ IV. approved the
Order under the conjoined Title of St. _Thomas_ and St. _John_ of
_Acon_. This King gave them by his Will all the Furniture of his House,
and much Money; but afterward they dwindled, and at last were united to
the _Hospitallers_. The Ensign was a _Red Cross_, in the middle whereof
stood the Figures of St. _John_ and St. _Thomas_.
8. _Knights of St._ Thomas.
DISTINCT from the former, yet wearing the same Habit, as the Knights of
St. _John_ of _Acon_, making the same Processions, and following the
same Rule; their Badge was a _Saltire Gules_, (or as others are of
Opinion) the same with that of St. _John_ of _Acon_, wanting the
Figures in the middle: But _Favin_ reports, this Order was instituted
by King _Richard_ I. after the Surprizal of _Acon_; and that these
Knights were of the _English_ Nation, who wore a White Habit and a _Red
Cross_, charged in the middle with an _Escallon_, and that St. _Thomas
Becket_ was their Patron. Howbeit, after the Christians were driven out
of the _Holy Land_, the Knights of this Order were joined to the
_Hospitallers_.
9. _Knights of St._ Blaze.
THESE were also called Knights _de Sta. Maria_; they were Officers and
Servants to the Kings of _Armenia_; their Habit was Sky colour with a
_Cross Gold_ on their Breasts; others say a _Red Cross_, and in the
middle the Picture of St. _Blaze_, their Patron. This Order was at the
height, when the _Armenian_ Kings of the House of _Luzignan_ kept their
Court in _Acon_.
10. _Knights of the Martyrs in_ Palestine.
THESE took their Denomination from an Hospital in _Palestine_,
dedicated to St. _Cosmus_ and St. _Damianus_, Martyrs; where Acts of
Charity were exercised towards Sick Strangers. Their Profession obliged
them to other Works of Mercy, _viz._ to redeem Captives, and bury their
Dead. They followed the Rule of St. _Basil_, which was confirmed to
them by Pope _John_ XXII. There Badge was a _Red Cross_, in the middle
whereof, within a Circle, was the aforesaid Two _Saints_. When they
retir’d into _Europe_ they changed into a _Red Cross_, and St.
_Augustin_’s Rule.
11. _Knights of St._ Catherine _at Mount_ Sinai.
THIS Order was instituted, _A. D._ 1063. under the Patronage of St.
_Catherine_, whose Body was there deposited in the Church of the
Monastery erected and dedicated to her Name. Their first Institution
was to guard the said Sepulchre, to secure Travellers, defend the
_Grecian_ Pilgrims, and to relieve them with Hospitality. Their Habit
was White, and they lived under the Rule of St. _Basil the Great_,
vowing conjugal Chastity, and Obedience to the Abbot of this Monastery,
who was their Superior. But when the _Turks_ obtained these Countries,
these Knights were ill treated and driven away, and the Order almost
abolished; nevertheless some Shadow remains for such as travel to visit
the Holy Sepulchre at _Jerusalem_, do now and then pass to this
Monastery at Mount _Sinai_, where in imitation of the _Padre Guardian_
of _Jerusalem_, the principal Monk in this Covent makes them Knights of
St. _Catherine_ over her Tomb, with the like Questions and Formulary as
used at the Holy Sepulchre. These Knights now wear upon the left side
of their White Habit the Cross of _Jerusalem_, and Instrument of St.
_Catherine_’s Martyrdom; but according to others, the middle of the
Wheel is pierced with a Sword.
12. _Knights of St._ Anthony _in_ Æthiopia.
AFTER the Death of St. _Anthony_ the Hermite, who dy’d about the Year
357. many of his Disciples remaining near _Æthiopia_, follow’d his
Example and Manner of Life, and their Successors liv’d in great
Austerity and Solitariness in the Desart (therefore call’d
_Anchorites_) till the Year 370. when ’tis said _John_, Emperor of
_Æthiopia_, erected them into a Religious Order of Knighthood, under
the Title and Protection of St. _Anthony_, Patron of his Empire, and
bestow’d upon them great Privileges; and being thus instituted, they
receiv’d St. _Basil_’s Rule, and cohabited in Monasteries. Their Habit
is black, with a blue Cross _Tau_. Their chief Seat is in the _Isle of
Meroe_; but in other Parts of _Æthiopia_ they have great Numbers of
Convents, and no less than 2000000 of annual Revenue. The eldest Sons
of Nobles and Gentlemen cannot be admitted, but the second Sons may;
and if a Man (except a Physician) have three Sons, he is bound to
assign one of them to be of this Order. Their Vow is to observe
conjugal Chastity; to die in Defence of the Christian Faith; to guard
the Empire; to obey their Laws and their Superiors; and to go to War
when and wheresoever commanded: Moreover, they take an Oath not to
fight in Wars between Christians, nor receive Holy Orders, or marry
without License. They are of two Sorts: One employ’d in the Wars, the
other who being Old are exempted from Military Services, and retire
themselves under the Title and Profession of Monks, to the Abbies where
they first took their Habit; before which they must serve three Years
against the _Arabian_ Pyrates about the _Red Sea_, three Years against
the _Turks_, and three against the _Moors_ upon the Borders of
_Borneo_. When they come to be admitted into their Abbey, they are
introduced in their Military Habit, of which being disrob’d, the
Religious one is put on, _viz._ a black Gown reaching down to the
Ground, lined with blue, having a blue Cross fix’d to the Breast, and
over that a black Cowle; they are afterwards led to the Church, and
there make their Profession. _Philip_ VII. Son to the Founder, enlarg’d
their Lands and Privileges, and added a Border of _Gold_ to the Badge
of the _blue Cross_, as observed at this Day.
IN _Italy_, _France_ and _Spain_, there are a Sort of Monks that have
the Title of Knights of St. _Anthony_, which observe the Rule of St.
_Augustin_, and they wear a plain Cross like that in _Æthiopia_; but
the Principals of these wear a double St. _Anthony_’s Cross of blue
Satin, the one above the other. Their chief Seat is at _Vienne_ in
_Dauphine_, of which Place the General of the Order bears the Title of
Abbot, the Monastery being erected into an Abbey 1297. in Honour of St.
_Anthony_, whose Body was translated thither from _Constantinople_; and
all other Places built in Honour of his Name, were made subject to him
_A. D._ 1523. _Morœus_ calls them _The Hospitallers of St._ Anthony,
and says they begun in _France_ _A. D._ 1121. from _Gaston_ a Nobleman
of _Vienna_. But _Baronius_ and others say, _Gaston_ and _Gerin_
instituted it earlier, making the Letter _Thau_ their Ensign or Badge.
13. _The_ Constantinian _Angelick Knights of St._ George
_in_ Greece, _but now in_ Italy.
MARQUEZ, a _Spanish_ Writer, makes this one of the first Military
Orders in Christendom, and derives a formal Institution, Rules and Laws
from _Constantine_ the Great, which appears little better than
Fabulous, therefore we shall omit his Account.
THE Great Masters have their chief Seat and Convent at _Brianno_ near
_Venice_, and is Hereditary in the Family of _Angelus Flavius
Comnenus_. Among the rest of their Prerogatives, the Masters are
_Commensales Pontificum_, i. e. may sit at the Table with the Pope, who
defends them as Benefactors to the Church, and Founders of the
_Lateran_ Cathedral at _Rome_. As Subjects to no Prince, they have
Power of coyning Money: They give Titles of Counts and Princes to their
own Fraternity, and take upon them the restoring to _Honours_, of
legitimating _Bastards_, making _Doctors_, _Poets Laureats_ and
_Publick Notaries_. This Order is under the Protection of the Virgin
_Mary_ and Patronage of St. _George_; and they profess Obedience and
conjugal Chastity; they wear a white Habit, on the left Side whereof is
sowed a red or crimson Velvet Cross, Flory; in the middle is the
_Labarum_ ⳨ imbroidered with the Letter A upon one Arm of the Cross,
and Ω on the other. The Sides are wrought with Gold and Silk, but the
_Labarum_ is all Gold. Amongst these Knights are three Degrees; the
first call’d Collered or Grand Crosses, wearing a Collar form’d of
_Labarums_, whereat hangs the Cross and St. _George_. The second are
the Knights, and these wear the Cross above describ’d. The third are
Servants, and they bear the Cross only, without the _Labarum_. The many
Grand Priorates or Commanderies belonging to this Order, shew the Power
they were formerly endow’d with.
14. _Knights of St._ James _in_ Galicia _or_ Sanctiago.
THIS is the principal Order in _Spain_, and had its Title of _Don
Raniro_, King of _Leon_, who about the Year 826. at _Clavigio_, by the
Assistance of St. _James_ (said to appear upon a white Horse, bearing a
Banner with a _red Cross_) and gain’d a mighty Victory over a great
Army of the _Moors_. Some place the Institution about the Year 1160.
others 1175. whereas it was only then confirm’d, and their Rule of
Living prescrib’d by Pope _Alexander_ III. there being a Fraternity of
Knights in Spain, _A. D._ 1030. under a _Master_ and _Governor_, with
Revenues.
AND altho’ this Order at first were dispos’d to vertuous Courses, and
valiantly to encounter the _Moors_, Enemies to the _Cross_ of _Christ_,
yet in time they became scandalously perverted, but were afterwards
reduc’d to a better Life, and approv’d on by the said Pope _Alexander_,
who receiv’d them into the Protection of the Papal See, and gave them
the Rule of St. _Augustin_, the Form of holding Chapters, of electing
their _Masters_, of _Treves_, and thirteen Commendadores of Houses, and
of the Visitors; and in short very large Privileges, together with the
Monastery of St. _Lorjo_, situate in _Galicia_ near _Sanctiago_; and
the Prior and Canons thereof were incorporated into this Order.
THEIR Ensign is a _red Cross_, which the Knights wear upon their
Breast, terminating like the Blade of a Sword, the Hilt crosletted and
fashion’d after the ancient Manner; whereupon it was call’d _La Order
de Sanctiago de la Espada_.
THEIR Habit is a white Mantle close before, on the Breast whereon is
placed the said Cross, made of Silk or Cloth, and they are obliged to
wear it upon their Garments, Coats or Cloaks, tho’ they use Crosses of
Gold likewise.
WHEN the _Moors_ were driven out of _Spain_, and the principal Branch
of this Order expir’d, upon a Contest for the Place of Great Master,
the Crown of _Castile_ stepp’d in between, and by consent of the
Knights, obtain’d it under the Title of Administrator, which was
granted to King _Ferdinand_; and his Son _Charles_ V. annex’d it with
all its Rights, _&c._ to his Successors in the Kingdoms of _Castile_
and _Leon_. Since which, the Kings of _Spain_ now enjoy the
Administration of this Order, and carry that Title and Stile in the
Inscription upon the Great Seal thereof, which holds the Royal Arms of
_Spain_, upon a Cross that filleth all the Shield, with a Sword at each
of the four Corners.
15. _Knights of St._ Saviour _in_ Arragon.
THESE were instituted _A. D._ 1118. by Don _Alphonso_, call’d _Emperor_
of _Spain_, _King_ of _Navarre_, _Arragon_, &c. chosen out of the
_Spanish_ and _French_ Nobility that assisted in his Wars. He form’d
them into a Society, the better to enable him to drive the _Moors_ out
of _Saragossa_, and the whole Territory of _Arragon_. Their Rule of
living was the _Cistercian_, and somewhat conformable to the _Knights
Templars_. When the _Moors_ were driven out of _Spain_, their rich
_Commanderies_ were at length united to the Crown.
THEIR Habit was a white Mantle, on the Breast whereof was a _red Cross
Anchre_; but some say it was the Figure of our Saviour.
16. _Knights_ d’Avis _in_ Portugal.
DON _Alphonso Henriquez_, first King of _Portugal_, took from the
_Moors_, _A. D._ 1147. the City of _Evora_, and to strengthen it, sent
thither several gallant Commanders, who assum’d the Title of Knights of
St. _Mary_ of _Evora_, putting themselves under the Protection of our
blessed Lady. Not long after they were call’d _d’Avis_, from a Castle
upon the _Portuguese_ Frontiers, conquer’d from the _Moors_, whither
they transplanted themselves. It was confirm’d by Pope _Innocent_ III.
_A. D._ 1204. under the Rule of St. _Benedict_, and therefore in some
Papal Rules call’d of St. _Benedict d’Avis_. The _Knights_ profess
_conjugal Chastity_ and _Obedience_. _Anno_ 1213. they submitted
themselves to the _Rule_, _Statutes_ and _Visitation_ of the Order of
_Calatrava_; but in the Time of _John_ of _Portugal_ (natural Son to
_Pedro_ King of _Portugal_) seventh Great Master _d’Avis_, they cast
off their Acknowledgments to _Calatrava_, and never after submitted to
them; and afterwards, when the Crown of _Portugal_ fell into the Hands
of _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, this Order was govern’d according to
the Statutes of _Portugal_.
Their Badge is a _green Cross, Flory_, (such as the _Knights_ of
_Alcantara_ us’d to wear.) They must be Gentlemen by Extraction, both
of the Father’s and Mother’s side.
17. _Knights of St._ Michael_’s Wing in_ Portugal.
About the Year 1165. others say 1171. Don _Alphonso_, who founded the
Order _d’Avis_, founded this also after his obtaining a notable Victory
over the _Moors_ and _Albara_ King of _Sevil_, in which Battle St.
_Michael_ the Archangel is said to appear on the right Side of
_Alphonso_, and fight against them.
Their Investiture, _&c._ was the same with _d’Avis_. It is now grown
out of Use, but the Mastership remains with the King of _Portugal_.
18. _Knights of St._ Gereon.
This Order was establish’d by _Frederick Barbarossa_ the Emperor;
others say by _Frederick_ II. and consisted only of the _German_
Nation. They follow’d the Rule of St. _Augustin_, and wore a white
Habit, whereon was sow’d a black Patriarchal Cross, set on a little
green Hill.
19. _Knights of St._ Julian de Pereyro, _or of_ Alcantara.
They had the first Appellation from St. _Julian de Pereyro_, a Town in
_Leon_, where they had a Monastery built for them by _Ferdinand_ II.
King of _Leon_ and _Galicia_, who in his Diploma of Privileges granted
thereunto 1176. stiled himself Protector of this Society of Knights. In
the Approbation-Bull of Pope _Alexander_ III. their Chief is called
Prior; but in that of Pope _Lucius_ III. he is stiled Master of
_Pereyro_. They used a Secular Habit, modest and grave, and the
Ecclesiasticks a Clerical Habit, with a Shred of Cloth and a Scapulary,
to distinguish them from other Seculars and Ecclesiasticks. They
observed the Rule of St. _Benedict_ moderated, as it was convenient for
the Exercise of Arms against the _Moors_, for which End it was
instituted. Their ancient Badge was a _Pear-tree Vert_, in Allusion to
the Name.
The Occasion of altering the first Appellation was upon change of their
Habitation. Pope _Adrian_ VI. annex’d this Mastership, together with
those of St. _James_ and _Calatrava_, to the Royal Crown of _Castile_
for ever.
20. _Knights of_ Trugillo _or_ Truxillo _in_ Spain.
This Order is so call’d from the City of _Trugillo_ in _Estremadura_,
but when, or by whom founded, or their Badge, is unknown. Some suppose
these Knights the same with that of _Alcantara_; ’tis evident they were
in being _A. D._ 1227. when ’tis pretended the Master of _Alcantara_
took _Trugillo_ from the _Moors_, and plac’d there a Brotherhood of
Knights. But it seems these Knights of _Truxillo_, were a distinct
Order several Years before, and ’tis not unlikely that they might be
incorporated into that of St. _Julian de Pereyro_, and by this Means
the Order of _Alcantara_ acquired the Towns of _Trugillo_, _Sancta
Cruz_, &c. which _Alfonso_ IX. King of _Castile_ had given them. They
were to be of Noble Descent, and make proof of their Gentility; they
were obliged to be near the King’s Person, and to attend him in all
Martial Expeditions, maintaining always Two Horses and Servants in
Readiness.
21. _Knights of_ Calatrava.
This Order was instituted in _Castile_ by _Sanchio_ III. and so called
from _Calatrava_, a Frontier Castle of _Castile_ and _Toledo_, which
the _Moors_ took, _A. D._ 714. compounded of the _Arabick_ _Cala_ a
Castle, and the _Spanish_ _Travas_ Manacles, with which the _Moors_
fettered the Christians; 400 Years after which, upon the Recovery of
the Town from the _Moors_, it was given to the Knights _Templars_; but
they, unable to stop the mighty Conquests of the _Moors_, the said
_Sanchio_ by Proclamation promis’d the Inheritance to any who would
undertake the Defence of it, being the Key of the Kingdom of _Toledo_.
At length _Raymond_ of _Barcelona_ (formerly a Knight, then a
_Cistercian_ Abbot) by the Perswasion of _Velasquez_, accepted the
Proffer, and had the Donation, _A. D._ 1158. and fortifying it by the
Help of his Associates, this Order arose, call’d at first _Militia de
Calatrava_. Upon the account of the Fertility of the Place, 20000 Men
and their Families were drawn from the neighbouring Countries to settle
there, so that the _Moors_ never after attempted it. They remain’d
under their own Masters till Pope _Adrian_ VI. annex’d it to the Crowns
of _Castile_ and _Leon_.
22. _Order of the Holy Ghost at_ Rome.
_Marquez_ calls them _Brothers of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost_, who
tho’ not invested with Swords and Spurs, are nevertheless reckoned
among the Military Orders, because bound to certify their Gentility
before Admittance. Their chief Seat is the Sumptuous Hospital of the
Holy Ghost, founded at _Saxia_ near the River _Tyber_ at _Rome_, by
Pope _Innocent_ III. _A. D._ 1198. or 1201. But the Ancient Foundation
was the Hospital of the _Holy Ghost_ at _Montpelier_ in _France_, tho’
this other became the Principal. They profess Chastity, Poverty, and
Obedience, living under the Rule of St. _Augustine_, and have a Master.
Their Ensign is a _White Patriarchal Cross with Twelve Points_, sowed
to their Breast, and on the left side of their Black Mantle.
In this Hospital, Care is taken for the nursing and bringing up exposed
Children, curing Infirmities, Entertainment of Strangers for Three
Days, relieving the Poor, and the like Works. Their Revenue is about
24000 Ducats _per_ Day, having great Commandaries in _Italy_, _Sicily_,
_Spain_, _France_, _Burgundy_, _Germany_, and elsewhere.
23. _Knights of St._ George d’Alfama.
So named from a Town in _Tortosa_, were instituted, _A. D._ 1201.
received Approbation from the Papal See, _A. D._ 1363. and _A. D._
1399. was united to the Order of our Lady of _Montesa_.
24. _Knights of_ Christ _in_ Livonia, _or of the Sword-bearers_.
_A. D._ 1186. _Mainard_ first preach’d Christianity to the _Livonians_,
and erected the Bishoprick of _Riga_; but his Successors meeting with
many Difficulties, _A. D._ 1200. _Albert_, then Bishop of _Livonia_,
instituted this Order in Imitation of the Knights _Teutonicks_, with
design to extirpate Idolatry, and promote the Gospel. He prescribed to
these Knights the _Cistercian_ Rule and Habit, _viz._ a long White
Mantle and Black Hood; on the Breast was the Figure of a _Red Sword_,
or rather _Two plac’d in Saltire_, whence they had the Title of
_Ensiferi fratres_, or _Brethren Sword-bearers_. Their Statutes were
something like the Knights _Templars_, and they vowed Obedience and
Chastity. Pope _Innocent_ III. confirmed this Order, which became fully
instituted, _A. D._ 1203. but because they could not of themselves
accomplish their End. About the Year 1237, they were united to the
_Teutonick_ Order, and submitted to their Rule and Habit, by whose Help
they overcame the _Livonians_, and brought them to the Christian Faith;
thenceforward the Great Master of _Livonia_ acknowledged him of
_Prussia_ their Superior, until _Walter de Pletemberg_, their Great
Master, separated this Order from their Obedience to the _Teutonick_.
Finally, _A. D._ 1561. _Gothard de Ketler_, the last Great Master,
following the Example of the Great Master of _Prussia_, became subject
to the Crown of _Poland_, surrendering to King _Sigismond_ II. the City
and Castle of _Riga_, and all the Lands, Charters, Privileges, _&c._ of
this Order, receiving in exchange the Dukedom of _Curland_, to him and
his Heirs for ever; so the Order expired after 357 Years continuance.
25. _Knights of_ Jesus Christ _in_ Italy _or_ France.
ST. _Dominick_ descended of the Family of the _Guzmans_ in _Spain_,
instituted this Order, _A. D._ 1206. principally to fight against the
_Albigenses_, then call’d Hereticks. He prescribed to them a White
Habit, and for their Badge a _Cross flory, quarterly, sable and
argent_. The Work being done with the _Albigenses_, they devoted
themselves wholly to spiritual Warfare; and afterwards, upon admitting
Widows and Virgins into their Order, they became called _Fratres seu
Sorores de Pœnitentia B. Dominici_, whose Rule Pope _Innocent_ VI.
confirm’d _circa An._ 1360.
26. _Knights of St._ Mary de Merced. _in_ Aragon.
_James_ I. of _Aragon_, being sometime a Prisoner to _Simon_ Earl of
_Montfort_ in _France_, where he suffered much Hardship, and being
moved with the insufferable Miseries the Christians endured under the
Slavery of the _Moors_, made a Vow to the Blessed Virgin, That when
delivered himself, he would endeavour the Redemption of such Christians
as the _Moors_ had made Captives, and accordingly laid up great Summs
for the Performance; and afterwards, by the Council of _Raymond de
Penafort_, his Confessor, and _Pedro Nolasco_, a Noble Chevalier, he
founded in _Barcelona_ this Order of _la Nueva Merced_, so named by the
Virgin, who, as they reported, appeared to them all in one and the same
Hour, directing the Institution. In _Anno_ 1358. I find it called also
_Ordo beatæ Eulaliæ_, from St. _Eulalia_ the Virgin and Martyr, buried
at _Barcelona_ in the Church bearing her Name. This Order began on the
Day of St. _Laurence_, in _August_, _A. D._ 1218. in the Fifth Year of
that King, which Day they annually commemorate. They were to gather
Alms, and go in Person to redeem Christian Slaves; which Work prospered
so well, that _Velasco_ (the first General or Head) set at Liberty 400
within the Space of Six Years after its Foundation. Their Habit was a
Coat and Scapular of course white Cloath, garnished with Cordons and
Ribbons, wherewith they fast’ned it about their Necks, and from the
upper-end thereof issued a Cap that covered half their Head: The Monks
wore their Coats and Scapulars reaching down to their Feet; but those
of the Knights were much shorter. _A. D._ 1251. King _James_, the
Founder, granted unto all the Fraternity, that they should wear upon
their Scapulars the Arms of _Aragon_, _viz._ _Or_ 4 _Pales Gules_, and
above that the White Cross of the Church of _Barcelona_ in a red Field,
with Two Coats joined together _per fess_ in one Shield, which came
afterwards to be encompassed with a _Bordure_, which the Knights wore
on their Scapulars, but the Monks on their Mantles, and both upon their
Breasts. Disputes arising among themselves, they were incorporated with
the Knights of _Montesa_; so that, ever since, the whole Fraternity
have been only Priests. The Master General hath his Residence at
_Barcelona_, by the Decrees of Pope _Clement_ V. and _John_ XXII. To
conclude, they now collect great Sums of Money, send out their Agents
yearly, chiefly to _Algiers_ and _Fess_, and for the Redemption of
Christian Captives, and have from the Time of their Institution
followed their proposed Ends with all religious Care and Faithfulness.
27. _Knights of the_ Rosary _in_ Toledo.
_Roderick_, Bishop of _Toledo_ in _Spain_, seeing the Country sore
oppressed by the _Moors_, assembled the Noblest of the City, and
proposed the Necessity of their Assistance to extirpate the _Moors_;
whereunto they being unanimously inclin’d, he gave Beginning to this
Order. By their Statutes, besides fighting against the _Moors_, they
are obliged to say, continually, the Rosary of our Blessed Lady. Their
Rule of Living was that of St. _Dominick_; and their Ensign the _Figure
of our Lady of the Rosary upon a Cross flory, quarterly, argent and
sable_.
28. _Knights of St._ Mary the Glorious, _in_ Italy.
Their Author was _Bartholomeo de Vincenza_, a Friar Preacher, or
_Dominican_, afterwards Bishop of that City. The End he chiefly
designed, was to procure Peace to _Italy_, then much disquieted by
Civil Wars. It was instituted, _A. D._ 1233. called _Generalis
Devotionis annus_, and approved and confirmed by Pope _Urban_ IV. _A.
D._ 1262. and the Rule of St. _Dominick_ prescribed them, who are
obliged to take into their Care Widows and Orphans, and endeavour to
beget Concord among such as are at Variance. Their Habit is a White
Tunick or Cassock, and a Mantle of Russet; some make their Badge which
they wear upon their Breast _a purple Cross patee bordered with Gold_,
others make it _a purple Cross patee, with Two Stars in chief_; but
_Marquez_, that has writ of the Order of Knighthood, gives it an
_Octogonal Cross_, like that of _Malta_. They profess Obedience and
Conjugal Chastity; but are forbid to wear Spurs or Bridles of Gold:
They are commonly called _Cavaleri de Madona_, and reside at _Bolonia_,
_Modena_, and other _Italian_ Cities; and because they have no
Monasteries, but dwell in their own Houses at Ease and Plenty, they
were called _Fratres Gaudentes_ or _Hilares_.
29. _Knights of St._ James, _in_ Portugal,
WERE instituted, _A. D._ 1310. by _Denys_ VI. King of _Portugal_, in
honour of St. _James_, under whose Protection he became victorious in
divers Battles against the _Moors_, and at length quieted his Kingdom
by the Assistance of these Knights. It was not long after its
Institution ere this Order flourished, through the Privileges the
Founder bestowed, and the Approbation of Pope _Nicholas_ IV. and others
his Successors. The Knights profess Conjugal Chastity, Hospitality and
Obedience, and none are admitted till they make proof of their
Gentility by Blood. Their Ensign is a _red Sword_, formed like that of
St. _James_ of _Galicia_; the Habit White, and the only difference
between them lies in a little Twist of Gold which these of _Portugal_
draw about their Sword. At _Alcasar de Sul_ was their Principal
Convent, which they afterwards removed to _Dalmela_, where it yet
continues. Their Statutes, _&c._ are much the same with those of St.
_James_ in _Galicia_, whereupon some erroneously have confounded them.
30. _Knights of our_ Lady, _and of St._ George _of_ Montesa.
THIS Order succeeded into the Lands and Possessions of the Knights
_Templars_ in _Valentia_, as the Knights _Hospitallers_ did into those
of the _Templars_ in _France_, _Italy_, and _England_; for _James_ II.
King of _Aragon_ and _Valentia_, refusing to give their Revenues to the
_Hospitallers_ (which as other Princes had done) gave them to the
Convent of _Montesa_, where had been placed both Knights and Friars of
the Order of _Calatrava_; and excusing himself to Pope _John_ XXII. _A.
D._ 1317. he instituted this Order in the City _Valentia_ (nevertheless
subject to that of _Calatrava_) and made choice of the Town of
_Montesa_, to give the Knights both Name and Habitation, whom he
obliged to defend his Kingdom against the _Moors_. Their College,
dedicated to St. _George_, was built the following Year, and their
Statutes confirmed by the said Pope _John_, who gave them the
_Cistercian_ Rule. Upon their Habit is White, and the Badge a plain
_red Cross_, which they wear on their Breasts. _A. D._ 1399. the Order
of St. _George d’Alfama_ was incorporated to it. And the Great Office
of Master hereof is in the King of _Spain_, who hath the Revenue of
Thirteen Commandaries belonging thereunto to the Value of 23000 Ducats
_per annum_.
31. _Knights of_ Christ _in_ Portugal.
THESE sprang also from the Ruin of the Knights _Templars_, whose
confiscated Estates King _Denys_, sirnamed _Penoca_, desired of Pope
_John_ XXII. might not be disposed out of his Kingdom, in regard of the
great Evils the Neighbouring _Moors_ in _Algarves_, did his Kingdom;
and forasmuch as the Town of _Castro Marin_ was a Frontier, and
commodious to resist the Enemy, he moved for Licence to institute an
Order of Knights therein, and offer’d his Holiness the Rents and
Jurisdiction thereof, which accordingly was granted by the Pope, and
dedicated it to the Honour of God, and the Exaltation of the Catholick
Faith, under the Title of the _Military Order of our Lord Jesus
Christ_, as is alledged from the miraculous Apparition of our Saviour
crucified, seen by the King when he went out to fight the _Moors_.
32. _Knights of the_ Passion of Jesus Christ.
THIS Order was erected by _Charles_ King of _France_, (tho’ it made no
Progress) and our King _Richard_ II. with a large Design exceeding all
other Religious Orders, except those of St. _John of Jerusalem_ and
Knights _Templars_. They were to renew the Memory of our Saviour’s
Passion, to extirpate Pride, Covetousness and Luxury, to make way for
the Reconquest of _Jerusalem_ and _Palestine_, and for the Subversion
and Confusion of Enemies of the Faith. A MSS. in the _Arundelian_
Library, reckons up Twenty Causes for the Necessity of its Institution,
which are too long to be inserted; and altho’ it was dedicated to our
Saviour, yet the Blessed Virgin was look’d upon as a principal
Mediatress and Advocate of this Holy Chevalry. Their Governments in the
principal Convent, were to be debated by Five Councils, in the Presence
of the Prince: 1. The _Quotidian_ Council, consisting of Twenty-four:
2. The Particular consisting of about Fourty: 3. The Grand Council
consisting of Eighty. 4. The General Chapter held every Year. And, 5.
The Universal Chapter to be held every Fourth or Sixth Years,
consisting of a Thousand Knights of the Chevalry. The Principal Officer
was the _Grand Justiciary_, the next the _Grand Bailiff_: In the Chief
City, and in every City and Castle of theirs, one was to administer
Justice called a _Potestate_. In the general Chapter was to be an
Officer called the _Senator_, and in the Universal Chapter a _Dictator_
with Coadjutors and Assistants.
IN the principal Convent were to be Ten Executers of Justice, and Four
styled Charitable Commissaries, whose Office was, to provide for Widows
and Orphans; and whereas this Order was made up of Eight several
Languages, and as many Notaries, who put on the Habit of the Brothers;
for the greater Regularity of their Order, they were to bind themselves
by Oath to the Observance of these Three Points, Obedience to
Sovereigns, Poverty of Spirit, and Conjugal Chastity. They were
allotted for their Maintainance, the Possession of Cities, Castles,
_&c._ Gold, Silver, _&c._ and all to be in common, _&c._
There was to belong to the Castle or Principal Convent a Church of
marvellous Structure; it was design’d Fifty Cubits in breadth, without
any Pillars, a Hundred Cubits long, and in height Twenty-five; likewise
an Hospital, where the Widows of the Holy Chevalry should attend upon
the Sick and Infirm; a Baptistery or Font, for the Baptizing the
Children of the Knights; a stately Palace, with a great Hall and large
Consistories, to contain the Prince and Council with their Retinue;
with a large and delightful Cloister for the Canons and Clerks;
together with a very spacious Palace, to entertain the Princes of the
_West_ when they came that Way, either to War, or upon Pilgrimage: In
fine, there was to have been Three chief Halls, wherein they might dine
together; with distinct Lodgings and Habitations, Wine-Cellars,
Granges, Granaries, Stables for Horses and Cattel, Easements, Mills,
Cisterns, Baths, and all other Necessaries for the Chevalry. Their
Habit was to denote the Passion of Jesus.
THE Dress they were obliged to was a hansome Cloth Coat of a civil
Colour, reaching down half way their Legs, and girt with a large Girdle
of Silk or Leather Two Fingers broad, the Buckle of Black Horn, the
Tongue and Garnishing of the Holes, Tin; to have Red Chaperons or Caps,
representing the Blood of our Saviour; over their said Coats, a Mantle
of White Cloth or Serge, which from the Shoulders downward was to be
open on both Sides along the Arms, and in that Part before the Breast a
_Cross_ of red Cloth or Serge Two Fingers broad, extending to the
Breadth and Length of that Part of the Mantle; the _Cross_ of the
Prince’s Mantle was to be edged round with a Gold Fringe about half an
Inch broad; there were to be some other small Distinction as to the
Shape of the Cross upon the White Habit to be used by this Holy
_Chevalry_. Their Arms in a Banner were _Argent_, upon a _Cross Gules;
a Compass of Four convex semi-circles, conjoyning Four intervening
Angles alternately sable_ (in Allusion to the Agony of our Lord)
charged with an _Agnus Dei Or, the Compass and Cross both fimbriated
Gold, with a little red Bordure_.
IN Times of extraordinary Danger, and great Battles, they were to have
another singular and solemn Banner; every Knight was to have his
Esquire armed at all Points, a little Valet for his Lance and Helmet, a
bigger to carry his Mail, and a third to lead his Sumpter; Five Horses,
and Four Servants were to attend him in all Warlike Expeditions, and
Two or Three Horses and Servants in all Times of Peace. The Number of
these Knights of the _Holy Chevalry_ was 1000 or 1100.
33. _The Order of the_ Brician _Knights in_ Sweden.
WAS founded, _A. D._ 1366. by an holy and famous Queen of that Kingdom
which they repute St. _Bridget_, the Aim of whose Profession was to
oppose Heresy, secure the Confines of the Kingdom, bury the Dead,
succour Widows and Fatherless, and to keep up Hospitality. Their chief
Ensign was a _Blue Octogonal Cross, and under it a Tongue of Fire_, the
Symbol of Love and Charity.
34. _Knights of St._ Maurice _in_ Savoy.
THIS Order took its rise upon the Retreat of _Amadeus_ VIII. Duke of
_Savoy_, into the Desart of _Ripaille_, near the Lake of _Geneva_, and
was conferr’d by him, _A. D._ 1434. on Ten of his Courtiers, who
retir’d with him, as well as to preserve the Memory of St. _Maurice_,
the Patron of _Savoy_. Nine Years after its Institution, the Founder
was elected Pope, _A. D._ 1439. and assumed the Name of _Felix_ V. Nine
Years after that he resigned the Chair, and retir’d to his Solitude in
_Ripaille_, where he died, _Jan._ 7. 1451. and lies buried at
_Lausanna_. The Order continued not long after his Death; but Duke
_Emanuel Philibert_ restored it, _A. D._ 1572. and the Dukes of _Savoy_
are their Grand Masters.
35. _Knights of the_ Holy Ghost,
WERE instituted by Pope _Paul_ II. _A. D._ 1468. under the Title of
Brethren of the Hospital of the _Holy Ghost_, They wore upon their
Habits a _White Cross forme_.
36. _Knights of St._ George _in_ Austria _and_ Carinthia.
THE Emperor _Frederick_ III. others say _Rudolphus_ of _Hapsburgh_,
first Founder of the Greatness of the House of _Austria_, instituted
this Order, A. D. 1470. chiefly to guard the Frontiers of _Germany_,
_Hungary_, _Austria_, _Stiria_, and _Carinthia_, and to suppress the
Insolency of the Turks, since which these Knights have gallantly
behaved themselves. The Great Master was advanc’d to the Honour of a
Prince; and the Castle of _Mildstad_ in _Carinthia_ was given him for
his Seat, where was founded a Cathedral Church of Canons, under the
Rule of St. _Augustin_. Their Ensign is the Arms of St. _George_, a
_red Cross_, and their Habit white; they profess Conjugal Chastity and
Obedience, and have the Emperors for their Protectors.
THERE are also _Cavalleros de San Jorge en Alemania_, an Order erected
by the Emperor _Maximilian_, 1494. upon the like Design with the
former; it was confirmed by Pope _Alexander_ VI. and is under the same
Profession and Protection as the other. There Ensign is a _red Cross_,
with a _Crown of Gold_ on the top of it; they were otherwise called
_crowned Knights_; for after they had served a Year, they and their
Heirs have a peculiar right of Adorning their Shields and Helms with a
Crown; the Occasion was upon a notable Victory obtained against the
_Turks_, who confessed that a Man on Horseback supposed to be St.
_George_, put them into that Fear and Disorder as to quit the Field.
37. _Knights of St._ George _at_ Rome.
THESE were instituted by _Alexander_ VI. 1498. or, as others say, by
Pope _Paul_ III. at whose Death it became extinct. They dwelt at
_Ravenna_, their Province, and were to secure the _Adriatick Sea_ from
Pyrates.
38. _Knights of St._ Peter _at_ Rome.
POPE _Leo_ X. _A. D._ 1520. instituted this Order to fight against the
_Turks_, and defend the Sea Coasts. Their Number was Four Hundred; they
wore the Image of St. _Peter within an Oval of Gold hanging at a Golden
Chain_.
39. _Knights of St._ Paul _at_ Rome,
WERE instituted by _Paul_ III. 1540. and while he was Pope, he made Two
Hundred of them. Their Ensign was _St._ Paul’_s Image hanging at a
Golden Chain_.
40. _Knights called_ Pios _at_ Rome.
POPE _Pius_ IV. erected this Order 1560. He created of them at first
375. but they encreased to 535. He granted them very considerable
Endowments, and preferr’d them before the Knights of the Empire, and
_Malta_, because they were his Courtiers, and had the Charge of
carrying his Chair on their Shoulders when he went abroad.
41. _Knights of St._ Stephen _at_ Florence.
THIS Order was founded in imitation of the Knights of _Malta_, 1561. by
_Cosmo de Medicis_ II. Duke of _Florence_, afterwards first Duke of
Tuscany, in honour of St. _Stephen_, Pope and Martyr, the Patron of the
City of _Florence_, and in memory of the Battle on the 6th of _August_,
(St. _Stephens-day_) at _Marciano_, where overthrowing the Assertors of
Liberty, he laid the Foundation of his Grandeur. _Pius_ IV. confirmed
it under the Rule of St. _Benedict_, which was afterwards enlarged with
many Emoluments and Privileges, by the succeeding Popes. The Knights
vow’d Conjugal Chastity and Charity, in relieving the Afflicted,
Obedience to their Masters the Great Dukes of _Tuscany_. The chief
Place of their Residence was at _Pisa_, where the Founder erected a
Church and Convent, as a Nursery for Persons skilful in Maritime
Affairs, but since it is transferred to _Cosmopoli_ in the Isle of
_Ilva_. Their Habit is a long Mantle of White Chamlet trimmed with Red,
and on the left part of their Breast a _Cross_ (like that of _Malta_)
_of red_ or _crimson Satin border’d with Gold_; it is daily worn on
their Cloaks, and on their Military Garments, and about their Necks in
a Ribbon on Festival Days. This Order (like the _Maltese_) also
consists of Knights, Priests and Servants. The Priests wear the _Cross
of red Taffaty_ without a Bordure, the Servants the _Cross_ of St.
_Anthony_ only. The Statutes were reformed by _Ferdinand_ Duke of
_Tuscany_, Son to the Founder, and approv’d, 1590.
42. _Knights of St._ Maurice _and St._ Lazarus _in_ Savoy.
POPE _Gregory_ XIII. having, at the Request of _Emanuel Philibert_,
Duke of _Savoy_, restor’d the Order of St. _Lazarus_, and the Order of
St. _Maurice_, _A. D._ 1572. and constituted this Duke Grand Master,
the same Year, for their greater Honour, he united them under the Title
of St. _Maurice_ and St. _Lazarus_, and appointed the Dukes of _Savoy_
Hereditaries and Masters, and oblig’d them to furnish out two Gallies
for the Service of the Papal See, to be employ’d against Pyrates. Upon
this Union, the Knights had assign’d them for Habit a Gown of Crimson
Tabby, with wide Sleeves, a long Train, and edg’d with white Taffaty,
and a Cordon with a Tassel of White and Green fix’d to the Collar. The
Badge is, _A green Cross ancree of St._ Laurence, _plac’d Saltirewise,
surmounted with the white Cross pornelle of St. Maurice_, which the
Knights wear either in a Gold Chain, or any colour’d Ribbon. And the
said Duke founded for the Knights two fair Convents, one at _Nice_, the
other at _Turin_, and bestow’d on them all the Revenues within his
Territories, formerly appertaining to the Order of St. _Lazarus_. The
Dukes of _Savoy_, as Grand Masters, use this Title.
43. _Knights of_ Loretto.
THIS Order, about the Year 1587. was instituted by _Sixtus_ V. who
erected the Church of our Lady at _Loretto_ into a Cathedral and
Bishop’s See, and gave the Knights for their Ensign, _the Image of our
Lady of Loretto_, hung in a Gold Chain. This is not quite extinguish’d.
44. _Knights of the Blessed Virgin_ Mary _of Mount_ Carmel.
THO’ the Grand Mastership of St. _Lazarus_, and its Commandaries in all
Dominions, were confirm’d by Pope _Gregory_ XIII. upon the House of
_Savoy_, yet under King _Henry_ III. some Knights in _France_, of that
Order, refus’d to joyn with their Fellows, under the Obedience of the
Duke of _Savoy_. King _Henry_ IV. desirous to have a new order, bearing
the Denomination of _The Blessed Virgin_, &c. apply’d himself to Pope
_Paul_ V. and obtain’d what he su’d for _A. D._ 1608. (besides other
Pensions out of certain Ecclesiastical Benefices in _France_) the
Commandaries and Hospitals of St. _Lazarus_ in that Kingdom, and the
_Knights of St._ Lazarus that remain’d in _France_, were incorporated
with them under two Titles; their Seal being inscrib’d, _Sigillum
Ordinis & Militiæ Mariæ Virginis de Monte Carmeli, & Sancti Lazari in
Hierusalem_. The Order consists of One Hundred choice _French_
Gentlemen, whose Offices are to attend on the King in every warlike
Expedition. They vow Chastity and Obedience, and profess to fight
against the Enemies of the Romish See. The Feast of the Patroness is
the 16th of _July_; _Philibert Nerestang_, a valiant Knight of St.
_Lazarus_, was elected their first Master 1608. Their Badge is a Cross
of 8 Points of tawny Velvet or Sattin, with a white Border sow’d on the
left Side of their Cloaks, and the Image of the Virgin _Mary_ of _Mount
Carmel_ plac’d in the Middle, within a Rundle encompass’d with Rays of
Gold. They also wear about their Necks, in a tawny Silk Ribbon, the
like Cross of Gold; but the Image of the said Knights is enamel’d on
both Sides. There Investiture is like that of _Malta_.
45. _Knights of the most Glorious Virgin_ Mary _of_ Rome.
_A. D._ 1618. _Pedro_, _John Baptista_, and _Bernardo_, sirnam’d
_Petrignaneos_ (three Brethren of _Spelta_ in _Italy_) invented this
Order: To which was added, the Rule of St. _Francis d’Assise_, whereof
the Popes are Great Masters. _Paul_ V. confirm’d them, and gave these
Knights the Palace of St. _John Lateran_ for their Convent, and the
City and Port of _Civita Vecchia_ to make their Arsenal; with an Island
adjacent, together with the Government of his Gallies. Their
Institution was for the Exaltation of the _Roman_ Church, and to check
or suppress the _Turks_ roving in the Mediterranean. There are three
Sorts of this Order, 1. _Knights Gentlemen_, Laicks. 2. _Knights
Gentlemen_, Priests and benefic’d. 3. _Knights Chaplains_, or _Servants
of Arms_. All of these wear on the left Side of their Mantles their
Badge, which is a _blew Cross floree Azure_, border’d with _Silver_,
having 4 _Mullets_, or _Stars_, at the End of each Flower, to signifie
the Four Evangelists; in the Middle is a Circle (extended round
underneath the Arms of the Cross) set with 12 Rays for the 12 Apostles,
inscrib’d, _In hoc signo vincam_; and within it (taking up the Center
of the Cross) is a Cypher of _M. S._ i. e. _Sancta Maria_, crown’d with
Chaplets of Flowers, and Stars of Gold set over the Chaplet.
46. _Knights of the_ Annunciade, _and St._ Michael _the Archangel in_
Mantua, _or of the Christian Militia in_ Moravia.
BY these Names they have been promiscuously called. It was instituted
1618. by _Charles Gonzaga_, Duke of _Mantua_ and _Nevers_, in
Conjunction with _Adolph_, Count of _Altham_ his Brother, and _John
Baptist Petrignan Sfortia_. To give it the greater Lustre, they divided
the World among them; _Charles_ took the North and West Parts, _Adolph_
the Eastern, and the other had the South, where they were personally to
found Convents and invest Knights. Duke _Charles_ began his Institution
of this Order under the Rule of St. _Francis_, in _Olmutz_ the
Metropolis of _Moravia_, the Year aforesaid, and dedicated it to the
blessed Virgin and St. _Michael_: But what Progress the others made in
their pious Resolutions, History is silent. It has been likewise
styl’d, _Conceptionis Ordo & Militis Virginis annunciatæ_. _Anno_ 1612.
several illustrious Princes of divers Countries entered themselves into
that Order at _Vienna_. It was approv’d by Pope _Paul_ V. and confirm’d
by Pope _Paul_ VIII. 1624. The Design of its Institution was, to
establish Peace and Concord among Christian Princes and their Subjects;
to release Captives, and deliver the Oppressed out of the Hands of the
Infidels.
On some unhappy Difference among the illustrious Founders, in a short
time it moulder’d away and became ineffectual, that the Mahometans (for
whose Destruction it was design’d) heard only the Report of it.
CAP. III.
§ 1. HAVING particulariz’d the Religious Orders, I shall proceed to
those accounted absolutely Military. Among them,
1. _Knights of the_ Round Table _may, for Antiquity,
challenge the first Place_.
The Founder was _Arthur_ King of _Britain_, crown’d in the Year of our
Lord 516, at the Age of 15 Years; of whose incredible Courage and
Gallantry, tho’ some have stretch’d too far, yet _William_ of
_Malmsbury_ is of Opinion, he was worthy to have been celebrated by
true and faithful Historians, and not false and spurious Tales. He it
was that long prop’d up his declining Country, and inspir’d Martial
Courage into his Subjects, the _Saxons_, in twelve pitch’d Battles
having overcome, and conquer’d divers Countries. He liv’d in so great
Repute and Renown, that worthy Knights came from all Parts to his
Court, as a Seminary of Military Discipline, to demonstrate their
Valour in point of Arms. This gave him Occasion to select out of these,
and his own Subjects, some say Twenty Four of the most Valiant, which
he united in a Fellowship; and to avoid all Controversy upon
Precedency, caus’d a Round Table to be made, whence the Order had its
Appellation. He admitted not only _Britains_, but Strangers; and their
Qualifications were to be Persons of Nobility, Dignity, and renown’d
for Vertue and Valour. The Place where they were instituted was
_Windsor_; and those others of Note, where he and his Knights
assembled, were at _Caerleon_ in _Monmouthshire_, _Winchester_, and
_Camelot_ in _Com’ Somerset_; and their time of convening was
_Whitsuntide_. In _Winchester_ Castle was a large Round Table, call’d
(and affirm’d to be) King _Arthur_’s; or at least set up in the room of
one more ancient, which was destroy’d in the rebellious Times of Forty
One, with other Reliques there. The Articles of their Profession
(Number 12) are set down by Sir _William Segar_. We find no authentick
Proof what Badge they bore, notwithstanding the Report that King
_Arthur_ had a Shield nam’d _Pridwin_, wherein the Virgin _Mary_ was
depicted. His Sword and Lance had also their Names, one being call’d
_Caliburne_, the other _Irone_ or _Rone_. It’s not remember’d that this
Order surviv’d the Founder, but rather that it expir’d with him, most
of these Knights perishing with him at the Battle of _Kamblan_, now
_Camelsford_, in _Cornwall_, where tho’ he kill’d his Enemy _Mordred_,
yet he dy’d _A. D._ 542.
IT may be noted, that the like Round Table grew in Estimation
shortly after the _Norman_ Conquest, being permitted at Haslelades,
Tilts and Turnaments, _temp. Steph._ and _R. I._ And _Roger
Mortimer_, Earl of _March_, kept the Celebration of the Round Table
(consisting of One Hundred Knights, and as many Ladies) with
Tilting at _Kenelworth_-Castle, in _Com’ Worcest’_ 7 _Ed._ I. And
King _Edward_ III. designing to restore it, held a Just at
_Windsor_ in the 18th Year of his Reign; and in the 19th ordain’d
it annually to be kept there at _Whitsontide_. But it was thought
fit upon divers Accounts to forbid these Assemblies, and in
particular 16 _H._ III. at _Shrewsbury_, when the King went to meet
_Llewellin_ Prince of _Wales_, and in 36 _H._ III. and at many
other times.
2. _Knights of the_ Oak _in_ Navarre,
WERE instituted by _Garcia Ximenes_ of the Blood of the _Goths_, who
had formerly retir’d from the World to a solitary Life, but
relinquish’d it to command an Army rais’d by the _Navarrois_, to
deliver themselves from the Oppression of the _Moors_. As he was
marching to encounter them, _A. D._ 722. there appear’d to him from the
Top of an Oak the Sign of the Cross, ador’d by an infinite Number of
Angels. On giving Battle to the Infidels he gain’d a remarkable
Victory, and the People elected him their King; and he in thankfulness
to God erected this Order, investing his Nobles therewith, and oblig’d
them to defend the Christian Faith, and acknowledge Obedience to his
Successors, Kings of _Navarre_. Time has eclips’d this Order.
3. _The Order of the_ Gennet,
WAS Founded by _Charles Martel_, in Memory of the famous Battle near
_Tours_, _A. D._ 726. where he overthrew 385000 _Saracens_ and _Moors_,
with their General _Abdiramo_; and to reward those who had well-behav’d
themselves in this Action. The great Number of rich Gennet Furr,
(Ermine has since gain’d the better value) as also the Creatures
themselves taken alive among the Spoils, was the Occasion of assuming
the Name: But others impute it to Gennets, a kind of neat-shap’d
Horses, whereof not unlikely a great Part of the Founder’s Cavalry
consisted. The Knights were Sixteen in Number, and were accounted the
first Order of this Nature among the _French_, which continu’d till the
Institution of the _Star_, when it was laid aside, tho’ some _French_
Authors question if ever the Order was in being.
4. _The Order of the_ Crown-Flower,
ERECTED by _Charles_ the Great, Son of King _Pepin_, _A. D._ 802. to
reward the _Frizons_, who had behav’d themselves valiantly in his
Armies, and to encourage others to emulate their Vertue. It was so
call’d from its Ensign, _viz._ an Imperial Crown embroider’d with Gold.
The Knights were invested with the Military Belt and a Box on the Ear.
5. _The Order of the_ Dog _and_ Cock.
THAT there was such an Order in _France_ is related by several Writers,
but they give no certain Account of its Institution.
6. _The Order of St._ Andrew, _or the_ Thistle, _in_ Scotland,
IS reported by _John Lesley_, Bishop of _Ross_, to take beginning from
a bright Cross in Heaven, in Fashion of that whereon St. _Andrew_
suffer’d Martyrdom, which appear’d to _Hungus_, King of the _Picts_
(and to the _Scots_ whom _Achaius_ King of _Scotland_ sent to his
Assistance) the Night preceding the Battle with _Athelstan_ King of
_England_; over whom prevailing, they went in Solemn Procession to the
Kirk of St. _Andrew_, to thank God and his Apostle for their Victory,
promising that they and their Posterity would ever bear the Figure of
that Cross in their Ensigns and Banners. _Favin_, in his _Theatre of
Honour_, relates it to be instituted upon the famous League, Offensive
and Defensive, made between _Achaius_ and _Charlemain_ King of
_France_; to preserve the Memory of which Alliance, _Achaius_ added the
_Tressure of Flowers de Lys_ to the Lyon, and took for Device the
_Thistle_ and _Rue_, which he compos’d into a Collar of his Order; and
for his Motto, _Pour ma Defence_: Yet doth _Menenius_ make these the
Symbols of two different Orders, one of the _Thistle_, whence the
Knights were so styl’d, and the Motto, _Nemo me impune lacessit_; the
other call’d _Sertum Rutæ_, or _The Garland of Rue_: Nevertheless to
both these Collars hung one and the same Jewel, _viz._ the Figure of
St. _Andrew_, bearing his Cross before him. _But there are some_, saith
the same Author, _that refer the Institution of the_ Thistle (the Badge
of the _Scotch_ Kingdom from the Times of _Achaius_) _to the Reign of_
Charles VII. _King of_ France, _when the Amity was renew’d between both
Kingdoms_. Lastly, Others place its Foundation 1500. Their principal
Ensign is a Gold Collar, compos’d of Thistles interlink’d with Anulets
of Gold, and pendant thereto St. _Andrew_ with his Cross, and this
Epigraph, _Nemo me impune lacessit_. Their solemn Meeting was annually
on St. _Andrew_’s Day, in the Church of the Town dedicated to his Name:
During the Festivity, the Knights were richly habited, and wore their
Parliament Robes, having fix’d on their left Shoulders an Azure
Roundle, charg’d with a Saltire Argent, or St. _Andrew_’s Cross enfil’d
in Centre, with a Crown compos’d of _Flower de Luces Or_. For the
ordinary and common Ensign, the Knights us’d a Green Ribbon, whereat
hung a Thistle of Gold, crown’d with an Imperial Crown, within a Circle
of Gold, containing the last nam’d Epigraph; and now of late they have
sew’d to their left Breast an Irradiation (like that of _The Knights of
the Garter_) over a Saltire Silver, the Irradiation charg’d with a Blew
Roundle of St. _Andrew_’s Cross. Their Number consisted of Thirteen, in
Allusion to our blessed Saviour and the Twelve Apostles.
7. _Knights of_ our Lady of the Star,
OWE their Original to _Robert_ the Devout of _France_, _A. D._ 1022. to
manifest his strict Devotion to the blessed Virgin. They were in Number
Thirty, inclusive of the Chief. Their Seat was in the noble and ancient
House of St. _Owen_, call’d _de Chichey_, near St. _Denys_ in _France_.
This Order was of no long continuance, for being much sully’d and
disgrac’d (during the Civil and Foreign Wars) by the Imitation of
Persons that had neither Birth nor Merit to recommend them, King
_Charles_ VII. took Occasion to efface it _A. D._ 1455. by delivering
up, in a Chapter, the Ensign that he wore to the Chevalier _du Guet_,
Captain of the Night-watch in _Paris_, the Lords and Princes throwing
it off after it had receiv’d that Mark of Infamy; tho’ some alledge it
declin’d upon the Erection of _The Order of St._ Michael, as the _Star_
supplanted that of the _Gennet_.
8. _The Order of the_ Lilly _in_ Navarre, _or of St._ Mary _of the_ Lilly,
WAS founded _A. D._ 1048. by _Garcius_ VI. King of _Navarre_, in Honour
of the blessed Virgin _Mary_, after his Recovery from a languishing
Sickness. Others relate, that prevailing against the _Moors_, he made a
Feast in Honour of the blessed Virgin, at which he instituted this
Order, electing his Brothers and Sons among the first Knights. It was
esteem’d the most Illustrious of all _Spain_, and consisted of Thirty
Eight Knights, extracted out of the ancientest Blood of _Navarre_,
_Biscay_ and _Old Castile_. The Kings of _Navarre_ were their Chief.
They promis’d, at their Institution, to expose their Lives and Fortunes
in Defence of the Christian Faith, the Conservation of the Crown, and
Expulsion of the _Moors_.
9. _The Order of the_ Sword _in_ Cyprus,
WAS erected 1195. by _Guy_ of _Lusignan_, King of _Jerusalem_ and
_Cyprus_, after he had purchas’d that Isle of our King _Richard_ I. in
Commemoration of so fortunate a Plantation of 15000 Persons whom he
brought thither. Some question the Truth of this; however all assent,
its Founder was one of the _Lusignan_ Family. The Collar was compos’d
of round Cordons of white Silk, woven into Love-Knots, interlac’d with
the Letters S and R. Beneath this Collar hung an Oval of Gold, whereon
was perfigur’d a Sword, the Blade enamell’d Silver, the Hilt Gold, and
about the Oval this _Motto_, _Securitas Regni_. _Micheli_ says, _Pro
Fide Servanda_, and _Gothofredus, pro integritate tuenda_. Their
Festivity was _Ascension-Day_, whereon the Founder gave it (in the
Church of St. _Sophia_, the Cathedral of _Nicosia_ in _Cyprus_) to his
Brother _Amaury_, and to Three Hundred Barons establish’d in that his
new Kingdom. There were Eight Kings of _Cyprus_ of the _Lusignan_ Line,
Great Masters; but when this Isle fell into the Hands of the _Turks_,
this Institution ceas’d.
10. _The_ Bear _in_ Switzerland,
WAS instituted _A. D._ 1213. by the Emperor _Frederick_ II. in Favour
of the Abbot of St. _Gall_ in _Swaben_, who had assisted him in gaining
the Empire. These Knights wore a Collar of Gold, at the End whereof
hung a Bear Gold, mounted on an Hillock enamell’d with Black, in Honour
of St. _Ursus_ of the _Theban_ Legion, who was martyr’d before the
Temple of the Sun at _Soleurre_ in _Switzerland_. It was also call’d
_The Order of St._ Gall, from the Name of the Patron (a _Scotch_
Gentleman, and the Apostle of _Swaben_) of the Place where it receiv’d
its Appellation. The Abbot whereof, for the Time being, had Power to
confer this Honour, which was done by girding with the Military Belt
(the Sword being first consecrated) and putting on the Collar. It
continu’d ’till the _Switzers_ became a Common-Wealth; and then the
Castles of the Nobles being dismantled, it was laid aside.
11. _The_ Broom-Flower _in_ France,
TOOK its Original from _Lewis_ of _France_, to honour the Coronation of
his Queen _Margaret_, _A. D._ 1234. Their Habits were Cassocks of White
Damask, and Violet Chaperons; the Collar compos’d of Broom-Flowers
Proper, interlac’d with Flowers _de Lys_, hanging thereat a Cross
_Florence_ Gold, to which was added this Inscription, _Exaltat
Humiles_; the Founder accounting the Broom the Symbol of Humility.
Their Number was at the Sovereign’s Pleasure, and this Order continu’d
till the Death of King _Charles_ V. Some say _Charles_ VI. instituted
it, and others deny the being of any such Order.
12. _The_ Ship _and_ Double Crescent _in_ France.
SUCH an Order was of Old, in Honour of the great Atchievements of that
Nation, tho’ by whom founded is unknown. _Favin_ affirms, St. _Lewis_
erected this after he had instituted the _Broom Flower_, to animate the
Nobility to accompany him in his Expedition to _Africa_, 1269. Their
Badge was alluding to the Name of the Order, the Figure of a Ship
Pendant in an Oval of Gold; and expir’d with St. _Lewis_ after the
first Class of Knights; but its Honour was kept up by _Charles_,
Brother of St. _Lewis_, and flourish’d in _Sicily_ with his Successors,
until the Kings of _Arragon_ obtain’d that Kingdom.
13. _Knights of St._ James _in_ Holland.
THIS Order was erected by _Florentius_, Earl of _Holland_ and _Zeland_,
and Lord of _Friseland_; and he, _A. D._ 1290. bestow’d the Ensigns of
it, in his Palace at the _Hague_, upon Twelve of his chief Nobility,
among which was _Lancenot_ Lord _Hamilton_, Embassador from the King of
_Scots_. They were invested with a Collar of Gold, or Military Belt of
Silver gilt, set off with Six Escallops, whereat was hung the Picture
of St. _James_ the Apostle.
14. _The Order of the_ Swan _in_ Cleveland.
IF ever any such was, it has been effac’d long since. Yet _Favin_ says,
the Princes of _Cleve_ have born the _Swan_ for their Order, Devise,
Crest and Supporters, to preserve the Memory of the _Knight of the
Swan_, whose Romance he sets down. And further reports, That _Charles
Gonzaga_ of _Cleve_, Duke of _Nevers_, had a Design to re-establish it.
15. _The Knights of_ Jesus _at_ Rome,
WERE instituted by Pope _John_ XXII. at _Avignon_ in _France_, _A. D._
1320. as a Temporal Prince, being Lord Paramount of St. _Peter_’s
Patrimony. _Paul_ V. much augmented it. Their Badge is a plain Cross
Gules, inclos’d within a Cross patee Or, hanging at a Gold Chain. Pope
_Clement_ IX. 1668-9. treated Three of the Embassadors from the _Swiss
Cantons_ with the usual Ceremonies, himself putting on the Chains, and
the Captains of his Guards girding their Swords about them.
16. _The_ White Eagle _in_ Poland,
WAS instituted by _Ladeslaus_, King of _Poland_, to honour the Marriage
of his Son _Casimire_ the Great, with _Anne_ Daughter of _Gedimer_ Duke
of _Lithuania_, 1325. The Ensign was a white Eagle crown’d.
17. _The Order of Knights_ de la Banda _in_ Castile,
WAS set up by _Alphonsus_ II. King of _Leon_ in _Castile_, in the City
of _Victoria_, _A. D._ 1332. (or _Palencia_ 1330. or _Burgos_ 1368.
according to others) not long before his Coronation, the better to
secure himself against his Enemies. Soon after the Solemnity was
celebrated at _Burgos_, in the Monastery of St. _Mary Royal_, where the
Candidates, conducted by the King to the Altar, and depositing their
Arms, spent the Night in Watching and Prayer. The Morrow after Mass,
they were invested with a red military Belt or Ribbon, of four Fingers
broad, which came a-cross the Body over the right Shoulder, and so
under the left Arm, and was the Ensign from whence they took their
Denomination. This Order was chiefly to Honour the Nobility; and at
first none were admitted but the younger Sons of Noblemen [excluding
elder Brothers] or Persons well-descended, or Esquires, who had serv’d
in Court or Camp Ten Years at least. It was anciently of great Esteem,
and Kings have vouchsafed to take its Ensign; but at length it was
disus’d.
18. _The Order_ de la Calza,
INSTITUTED at _Venice_ _A. D._ 1400. from the Example of the _Knights_
de la Banda, in Honour of the Inauguration of Duke _Michele Steno_. It
consisted of a Society of particular Noblemen and Gentlemen, who
voluntarily met together, and elected a Chief among themselves. They
took an Oath to observe their Articles, part whereof was, the Honour of
the City, where noble and splendid Regales were made; and with such
like magnificent Divertisements did they entertain King _Henry_ III. of
_France_, and other noble Personages. It receiv’d the greater Lustre,
by the Addition of several Italian Princes; and the most conspicuous
Families were receiv’d into it. Their Habit, on Solemn Days, was a
Crimson Senator’s Vest appearing very splendid. Their Ensign, a Sun in
a Sheild painted in their Banners. It arriv’d to such Profuseness, that
in 1590. it was wholly laid aside.
19. _The Order of St._ Mark _in_ Venice,
IS here reckon’d, because the Knights are dignify’d with a Title and
particular Ensign of Honour at their Creation. The Ceremony is after
the Manner of _Knights Batchelors_, by Dubbing with a Sword, and their
Title a bare Mark of Honour, having no Laws or Statutes, or particular
Obligations enjoyn’d. It had the Denomination from St. _Mark_ the
Evangelist, whose Body was translated to _Venice_, 828. and became the
Titular Angel and Guardian of that City, his Picture being display’d in
their Banners. The exact Time of its Institution is not certainly
determin’d. The Badge that adorns these Knights, is, a Gold Chain put
over their Shoulders at their Creation, whereat depends a Medal, on one
side whereof is the Symbol of St. _Mark_, _viz._ a winged Lyon, holding
in his right Paw a drawn Sword, and in his left an open Book, with this
Motto, _Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus_. On the Reverse, the Duke
surviving is beautify’d with a particular Impress. Sometimes
represented on his Knee, receiving a Standard from the Hands of St.
_Mark_. This Medal is worn on a Cross enamell’d Blew. The Duke confers
this Honour, either privately in his Chamber, or publickly in a full
College. The Senate have the Power of creating this Order; and they who
receive it by their Sanction, the Dignity is greater than from the
Hands of the Duke himself. Absent Persons are invested by Letters
Patents; and to aggrandize their Honour and Title, style themselves
_Knights of St._ Mark.
20. _The Order of the_ Seraphims, _or_ Seraphick Knights,
_otherwise sirnam’d of_ Jesus,
WAS begun by _Magnus_ IV. King of _Sweden_ 1334. in Memory of the Siege
laid to the Metropolitan City of _Upsala_. The Collar was compos’d of
Seraphims and Patriarchal Crosses.
21. _The Order of the_ Sword _and_ Military Belt _in_ Sweden.
BY whom or when founded we have no Memoirs. The Collar made up of
Swords, with Belts twining round them (the Symbol of Love and Justice)
the Swords somewhat inclining towards the Point, and so joyn’d Two and
Two, Point to Point, plac’d round in a Circle.
22. _The Order of the_ Knot _in_ Naples.
WHEN _Lewis_, King of _Hungary_, warr’d against _Joan_, Queen of
_Naples_; not so much to dispossess her of the Kingdom, as to revenge
his Brother _Andrew_’s Death, whom this _Joan_, his Wife, had strangled
1351. On the 26th of _May_, the Queen and _Lewis_ Prince of
_Tarantuni_, being crown’d King and Queen of that Realm on the same
Day, in Commemoration of so pacifick an Union, and to tear up all their
Enmities, the Prince instituted this Order; into which enter’d, at that
Time, Threescore and Ten Lords. Their Habit was White, and their Ensign
a Knot (the Emblem of Love and Friendship) intermixt with Gold. This
Order expir’d in a short Time.
23. _Knights of the_ Annunciade _in_ Savoy.
_Ame_ VI. Earl of _Savoy_, instituted this Order, under the Title of
_The Collar_ 1362. in Honour of the Fifteen Divine Mysteries of the
_Rosary_. _Favin_, on a mistaken Ground, calls it _The Order of the
Snares of Love_, in regard its Founder had receiv’d of his Lady, a
Bracelet made of the Tresses of her Hair, plaited in Love-knots, and
that the four Letters, afterwards interlac’d by the Founder, should
signifie _Frappes_, _Entres_, _Rompes_, _Tout_. It is conspicuous
enough at the first Erection it was call’d of _The Collar_, and so
remain’d till _Charles_ III. or _Le Bon_ Duke of _Savoy_, bestow’d on
it the Title of _The Annunciation_, from the Picture of the
Annunciation which he annex’d to _The Collar_, 1518. The Founder
appointed the Number of his Knights to be Fifteen, among whom Sir
_Richard Musard_, an _Englishman_, is recorded 1434. and 1568. their
Number was encreas’d to Twenty, that being solely lodg’d in the Breast
of their Sovereign. _Riene_ Castle, in _Buger_, was their principal
Seat; they had a Chartreuse to entertain Fifteen Priests to celebrate
Fifteen Masses to the Honour of the Fifteen Joys of the blessed Virgin,
and to the Soul’s Health of these Knights; and here were their
Ceremonies and Chapters held, until _Charles Emmanuel_ I. exchang’d it
and other Places for the Marquisate of _Saluces_, 1607. on the
Anniversary of the Feast and Celebration of the Order (being fix’d upon
the Day of the Annunciation) were translated first to the Church of St.
_Dominick_ at _Montmeiller_, and afterwards by him to the Hermitage of
_Camaldule_, upon the Mountain of _Turin_ call’d _l’Eremo Assis_. The
ancient Collar was of Gold, Three Fingers broad; in barbarous
Characters were ingraved these Letters, F E R T, and one Knot (commonly
call’d the _Savoy Knot_) at the end of each _Fert_; which, with Three
other Knots entwin’d one within another, made up the Circumference
_pendant_ at the Collar without any Figure. These old Characters were
suppos’d to be the Initials of _Fortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit_, alluding
to _Amadeus le Grand_, who so valiantly defended _Rhodes_ against the
_Turks_, 1310. But that this was long before the Devise of the House of
_Savoy_, is manifest from the Coins of _Lewis de Savoy_, Baron _de
Vaud_. who dy’d 1301. the Monument of _Thomas de Savoy_, who dy’d 1233.
whereon was lying at the Feet of his Portraiture a Dog with a Collar
about his Neck, inscrib’d _Fert_, as an integral Word, and from a Brass
Coin of the said Earl’s, on the Reverse whereof are Two Knots of the
Model before spoke of, and the Word _Fert_ in the midst. There is the
Ectype of a Silver Coin of _Peter de Savoy_, (who erected in _England_
the noble Pile of that Name in the _Strand_, _temp. H._ III.) wherein
is represented the Devise _Fert_ in _Gothick_ Characters, the true
Interpretation of which Word cannot be explain’d. This ancient Collar
is still in vogue and daily worn, but now called _The little Collar_,
fashion’d of Gold or Silver gilt, about an Inch broad, and of different
weight. The Knights wear it about their Necks, close to the Collar of
their Doublet. Duke _Charles_ III. as he much restor’d the Splendor of
this Order, _Anno_ 1518. introduc’d the larger one, only worn upon high
Days. It weighs about Two Hundred Crowns, and is compos’d of the Word
_Fert_, interwoven with Knots, severed with Fifteen Roses of Gold,
whereof Seven are enamell’d with White, and Seven with Red, and
border’d with Two Thorns. The Figure of the Annunciation is enamell’d
in various Colours, _pendant at three Chainets_ to another
Rose-colour’d both White and Red. He first appointed the great Mantle
of Crimson Velvet, his own being furr’d with Ermines, but the rest of
the Knights with Miniver, fring’d and border’d with _Savoy Knots_ in
fine Gold; under this Mantle is worn a Surcoat of fine Damask. Duke
_Emanuel Philibert_, his Son, alter’d the Colour of the Mantle to
Azure, and lin’d it with White Taffaty, of which Silk he made the
Surcoats. _Charles Emanuel_ chang’d the Mantle into an _Amaranthus_ or
Purple Colour, seeded with Roses and Flames in embroidery of Gold and
Silver, and lin’d with Cloth of Silver tissu’d Blue, now in use; under
which, instead of the White Taffaty Surcoat, is now worn a White Satin
Suit embroider’d with Silk, the Hose gather’d upwards in the fashion of
Trouses.
24. _The_ Thistle _in_ France,
WAS instituted on _New-Year’s Day_ 1370. by _Lewis_ II. Duke of
_Bourbon_, upon his Marriage with _Anne_, Daughter to the Count
_Daulphine_ in _Auvergne_. The first Solemnities of this Order were
perform’d at _Nostre Dame de Maulins_ in _Bourbonnois_, where he
founded a College of Twelve Canons, in Honour of the blessed Virgin;
the Intent was, to corroborate his Interest for the Aid of the Duke of
_Orleans_, against the Faction of the House of _Burgundy_, and by
joyning of Flowers _de Lys_ and Thistles (the Symbols of Hope and
Courage) emblematically to express the Nobleness of his Spirit against
all the Power of Fortune. He ordain’d the Number of Knights to be
Twenty Six, comprehending himself and his Successors, Dukes of
_Bourbon_, as Chiefs, and oblig’d them to wear daily a Belt, a Girdle
of Watchel coloured Velvet, lin’d with Crimson Sattin embroider’d with
Gold, and therein the Word _Esperance_ curiously wrought. The Girdle
was fasten’d with a Buckle and Thong of Gold, bearded and chequer’d
with Green, enamel’d in Form like the Head of a Thistle. On the
Anniversary of the Festival (the Conception of our Lady) the Knights
wore Cassocks or Surcoats of Carnation Damask with White Sleeves,
girded as before; the Mantle of the Order was sky-colour’d Damask with
broad Welts of Gold Embroidered on the Collar, and lined with Red
Satin, but the Mantlet of Green Velvet, the Bonnet was also of Green
Velvet; at the Point of the Band hung a Tassel of Crimson Silk and
Threads Gold, the Lining of Crimson Taffaty, and turn’d up after the
antique manner, whereon they had embroided the Golden Shield with the
Word _Allen_; the great Collar was of Gold, of the weight of Ten Marks,
enamelled with Green, distended like Network, which was filled with
Flowers _de Lys_ (together with the Letters of the Impress) plac’d in a
Lozenge of Red Enamel; at the Bottom of the Collar, in an Oval of Gold
(the Circle whereof was enamelled with Green and Red) appeared the
Figure of the Patroness, the Virgin _Mary_, irradiated with Gold, and
crowned with Twelve Silver Stars, a Crescent of the same under her
Feet, enamell’d with Purple and Sky-colour; at the End of the Oval
depended the Head of a Thistle enamelled Green, but bearded White. The
Founder took an exact Patern for the Order of the _Garter_, with which
he acquainted himself while he was Prisoner in _Windsor_ Castle.
25. _The Order of the_ Dove
WAS begun by _John_ I. King of _Castile_ in _Segovia_, 1390. or, as
others, 1379. to encourage his Nobles to prosecute the Noble Acts of
his Grandfather King _Henry_ III. but the Founder dying the same Year,
before it had taken root, it became of small Continuance.
26. _The Order of the_ Argonauts _of St._ Nicholas
WAS instituted by _Charles_ III. King of _Naples_, 1382. to preserve
Amity among the Nobles, to compose Enmities and suppress Seditions. If
any of these Knights, upon a Variance, refused a Reconciliation, the
Ensigns were to be forfeited. Others say the Design was to advance
Navigation, to which their Ensign alludes, being a Ship floating upon
the Waters in the midst of a Storm, having this Motto, _Non credo
tempori_. In the Convent of that sumptuous Church which St. _Nicholas_,
Bishop of _Smyrna_, erected, was the grand Feast held on the
Anniversary of that Saint. This King appointed a White Habit for the
Knights, and prescribed them laudable Constitutions; but for want of a
settled Revenue, their Splendor expired with their Founder.
27. _Knights of St._ Anthony _in_ Hainault.
ALBERT of _Bavaria_, Earl of _Hainault_, _Holland_, and _Zeland_,
designing an Expedition against the _Turks_ and _Moors_, instituted
this Order, 1382. The Ensign thereof was a Golden Collar wrought after
the Fashion of an Hermit’s Girdle, at which hung a Walking-Staff, and a
little Golden Ball.
28. _The_ Porcupine _in_ France,
WAS erected by _Lewis_ of _France_, Duke of _Orleans_, 1393. to honour
the Solemnization of the Baptism of his eldest Son _Charles_, by his
Wife Daughter to the Duke of _Milain_. He chose the Porcupine for his
Devise, with this Epigraph, _Cominus & Eminus_; not only out of the
aspiring Hopes conceived of this Child, but also to intimate something
of Revenge against _John_ Duke of _Burgundy_, his mortal Enemy; the
Porcupine being an Emblem both Offensive and Defensive. Others make
_Charles_ aforesaid the Founder of this Order, 1430. in Imitation or
Emulation of the Golden Fleece, instituted by _Philip_ Duke of
_Burgundy_. Their Number, including the Founder, was Twenty Five; their
Habit, Surcoats of Violet Velvet, and over them Mantles of Watchet
Velvet lin’d with Carnation Satin; the Collar was formed of Gold
Chains, at the End whereof hung a Porcupine of Gold upon an enamelled
Hillock of Grass and Flowers, which Creature was also embroidered on
the Knights Belts.
29. _The Order of the_ Lily _or_ Lilies _in_ Arragon _or_ de la Jarra
de S. Maria, _of the Vessel of St._ Mary,
WAS erected by _Ferdinand_ King of that Country, called the infant of
_Antiquera_, 1403. and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. _Favin_ ranges
it under the Denomination of the Title of the _Looking-glass of the
Blessed Virgin in_ Castile, instituted in Memory of a Victory King
_Ferdinand_ obtained in that Kingdom against the _Moors_, 1410. whence
he transplanted them with him into _Arragon_, 1413. when he received
the Crown, where it flourished under the Sons of that King, and then
the Line was extinct.
30. _The Order of the_ Dragon overthrown _in_ Hungary,
WAS instituted, _A. D._ 1413. by the Emperor _Sigismond the Glorious_,
1418. for the Defence of the Christian Religion, and to crush or oppugn
all Hereticks and Schismaticks, and for the Satisfaction he receiv’d in
conferring Peace to the Churches of _Hungary_ and _Bohemia_, by the Aid
of the Council of _Constance_. It was in high esteem shortly after in
_Germany_; but the Order and Founder had very near the same Period. The
Knights wore daily, as their Ensign, a _Green Cross flory_, on solemn
Days, a Scarlet Cloak, and on the Mantlet of Green Silk a double Chain
of Gold (others say a Green Ribbon) at the End of which hung a Dragon
dead with broken Wings, in posture of being overcome (the Symbol of
Heresy) enamelled with Variety of Colours.
31. _The_ Equites Tusini _in_ Bohemia, _or else both in_
Bohemia _and_ Austria.
THIS Order had its Name from _Toca_, a Cap or Coif. The Archdukes of
_Austria_ were its Founders; which they enacted to engage their
Subjects in Defence of the Christian Faith against _Turks_ and
_Hereticks_, conferring upon the Knights towards their Support
whatsoever they acquired in the Wars, which was a respite to
themselves, after almost Two Hundred Years Charges, and Military
Expence; indeed the Encouragement proved so good a Bait, that they
cleared their Provinces almost of all _Turks_ and _Schismaticks_ that
infested them. Their Badge was a plain _Green Cross_, and their Habit
Red.
32. Ordo Disciplinarum,
WAS instituted by the _Bohemian_ Kings, or rather the _Austrian_, to be
a Curb upon the _Turks_ and _Hereticks_, at least to prescribe the
Confines of the Kingdom. The Collar of the Order had a White Eagle.
These Knights flourished in _Germany_, in the Reigns of _Sigismond_ and
_Albert_ Emperors.
33. Orde de la Scama, _in_ Castile,
WAS instituted by _John_ II. King of that Realm, about the Year, 1420.
to excite his Nobility to fight against the _Moors_, which produced so
good Effect, that in a short time the _Moors_ were shamefully
overthrown. That King granted them Privileges, gave them their Statutes
and Rules; but upon his Death the Splendor hereof was greatly eclips’d.
Their Ensign was a Cross composed of the Scales of Fishes. They were
obliged to defend _Castile_ against the _Moors_, to dye in Defence of
the Faith, and when the King went to War they marched before him. Their
Ensign was a Cross composed of the Scales of Fishes, the _Spanish
Scama_ bearing the same Signification as the _Latin Squama_.
34. _The Order of the_ Golden Fleece,
HAD its Original from _Philip_ II. Duke of _Burgundy_, Sirnam’d _the
Good_, the 10th of _Jan._ 1429. at his Marriage with _Elizabeth_,
Daughter of _Portugal_, in the City of _Bruges_ in _Flanders_, to
perpetuate the Memory of his great Revenues raised by Wools with the
_Low-Countries_. Some say in Commemoration of _Gideon_, who with Three
Hundred Men vanquished a numerous Army of the _Midianites_; or of
_Jacob_’s _Fleece_, viz. the Party-coloured and streaked Fleece, after
the Example of _Jason_ and his _Argonauts_, whose Expedition to
_Colchos_ he intended to make his Patern by a Voyage into _Syria_
against the _Turks_. He founded it to the Glory of the Almighty
Creator, and Redeemer, in Reverence of the Virgin _Mary_, and St.
_Andrew_ the Apostle, who was Patron thereof, and whose Festival was
celebrated on that Day, but afterwards translated to the 1st of _May_,
by reason of the shortness of the Days, and the Fatigue aged Knights
would find to convene in an intemperate Season. The Knights at first
were Twenty Four, beside the Duke, chief and supream, who reserved the
Nomination of Six more at the next Chapter; but _Charles_ V. encreased
them, 1516. to Fifty. Duke _Charles_ and _Maximilian_, Sons to the
Founder, annex’d many Privileges to them, which were confirmed, 1556.
For their Habit Three different Mantles were ordain’d them at the grand
Solemnity; the first Day, of Scarlet Cloth, richly embroidered about
the Lower End, with Flints struck into Sparks of Fire and Fleeces, with
Chaperons of the same; and the same Day, after Dinner, to proceed to
Vespers in Mantles of Black, and of the Colour of Chaperons; the Day
following they were to hear Mass habited as themselves thought fit; but
Duke _Charles_ aforesaid prescribed them Mantles of White Damask for
that Day’s Ceremony, and changed their Cloth Mantles into Velvet. The
great Collar is composed of double Fusils, placed Back to Back, Two and
Two together, in form of the Letter B, representing it both Ways, to
signify _Bourgoigne_. And these Fusils are interwoven with Flint-stones
(in reference to the Arms of the ancient Kings of _Bourgoigne_) seeming
to strike Fire, and Sparkles of Fire between them, the Device of the
Founder, at the End whereof hung the Resemblance of a Golden Fleece,
enamelled proper. To the Flint _Paradine_ ascribes the Motto, _Ante
ferit quam Flamma micet_; and to the Fleece, _Pretium non vile
laboris_. The Jewel is commonly worn in a double Chainet or Males of
Gold, linked together at convenient Distance, between which runs a
small Red Ribbon, or otherwise it is worn in a Red Ribbon alone. The
Emperors of _Germany_ descended from _Philip_ Archduke of _Austria_,
Duke of _Burgundy_ and Count of _Flanders_, were the Sovereigns of it,
till _Charles_ V. gave the Guardianship of it to the Kings of _Spain_,
which he perform’d on the 25th of _October_, 1556. conferring it on his
Son King _Philip_ at _Bruxelles_, when he took the Collar from his
Neck, and with his own Hands put it over his Son’s Shoulders in the
Presence of divers of the Knights, with this Form, _Accipe, fili mi,
quem e collo meo detraho, tibi præcipuum Aurei velleris torquem, quem
Philippus Dux Burgundiæ cognomine bonus Atavus noster, monumentum Fidei
Sacræ Romanæ Ecclesiæ, esse voluit & hujusce Institutionis ac Legum
ejus, fac semper memineris_: Since which the Honour of being Chief of
this Order remains at this Day in that Crown.
35. _The Order of St._ George _at_ Genoa,
WAS given by _Frederick_ III. Emperor of _Germany_, in honour of St.
_George_ the titular Saint and Patron of _Genoa_. The Ensign is a plain
Cross _Gules_, and worn by the Knights at a Chain of Gold about their
Neck. The Dukes of _Genoa_ are Chiefs thereof; and in regard their
Dignity lasts but two Years, the Order is much impair’d thro the
Inconstancy and Alteration of the Times.
36. _The Order of the_ Croissant, _or_ Half-Moon _in_ France,
WAS erected in the City of _Anjou_, 1464. or according to the _Saincte
Marthes_, _A. D._ 1448. by _Rene_ of the House of _Anjou_, King of
_Jerusalem_ and _Sicily_, &c. Duke of _Anjou_, &c. The Intent thereof
was the Honour of God, Support of the Church, and Exaltation of
Knighthood; over which he declared himself and his Successors, Dukes of
_Anjou_ and Kings of _Sicily_, Chiefs. He also chose St. _Maurice_,
Knight and Martyr, for Patron, and held the first Ceremonies in the
Church of _Angiers_ dedicated to his Name. The Symbol which the Knights
wore on the right Side of their Mantle, was a Golden Crescent, whereon
in Red Enamel was this Word _L’oz_, signifying _L’oz en Croissant_,
whereby they were spur’d forwards to search after the Increase of
Valour and Reputation. At this _Crescent_ was fasten’d as many small
Pieces of Gold, fashion’d like Columns, and enamell’d with Red, as the
Knights had been engag’d in Battels and Sieges; for none could be
adopted into this Order, unless he had well trod the Paths of Honour.
The Knights were Thirty Six, others say Fifty, in Number. For their
Habit they wore Mantles of Red or Crimson Velvet, and a Mantlet of
White, with the Lining and Surcoat of the same.
37. _The Order of the_ Ermin _in_ Britanny,
WAS erected by _Francis_ I. Duke of _Bretagne_, to perpetuate the
Memory of his Grand-father _John_ the Conqueror, or else in Imitation
of other Orders in _France_; and thereupon he new built his Castle of
_Ermin_. The Number of these Knights were Twenty Five. Their Habits
were Mantles of White Damask lin’d with Carnation, and the Mantlet of
the same. The great Collar was of Gold, compos’d of Ears of Corn in
_Saltire_, bound above and beneath with Two Circles of Gold, imitating
the Crown of _Ceres_, denoting the Care of Husbandry, and was sometimes
called _The Order of the Ears of Corn_. At the End of this Collar hung
the _Mus Ponticus_, or Ermin, passing over a Turf of Grass diaper’d
with Flowers, at the Edge whereof was imboss’d this Epigraph in
_French_, _Amaire_, the Device of his said Grand-father, by which he
made known his Courage; and rather than fail in the least Punctilio of
his Word, he would undergo any Misfortune. This Order ended when the
Dukedom of _Bretagne_ became annex’d to the Crown of _France_, by the
Marriage of _Anne_, Dutchess of _Bretagne_, to _Charles_ VIII. and
_Lewis_ XII. both _French_ Kings.
38. _The Order of the_ Ermin _in_ Naples
OWES its Institution to _Ferdinand_ I. King of _Naples_, at the
Expiration of the War which he was engag’d in with _John_ of _Lorain_,
Duke of _Calabria_, 1463. being induc’d thereto by the Treason and
Confederacy of his Brother-in-law _Marinus Marcianus_, Duke of _Sessa_,
who design’d to murder him, and transfer the Kingdom to the Duke of
_Calabria_: But the Plot being defeated, instead of bringing him to
Justice, he not only pardon’d him, but instituted this Chevalry,
admitting therein all the Noblemen of Title and Figure in the Kingdom,
and generously appointed him one of the first Knights. The Collar was
of Gold, intermix’d with Mud or Dirt, to which depended an Ermin and
this Motto, _Malo mori quam fœdari_, alluding to the clean Nature of
the Animal.
39. _The Order of St._ Michael _in_ Naples,
HAD its Original from the same King _Ferdinand_, in honour of St.
_Michael_ the Arch-Angel, Patron of _Apulia_. The Habit of the Knights
was a long White Mantle embroider’d with Ermins, and the Collar of Gold
compos’d of the Letter O, to which hung in an Oval the Epigraph
_Decorum_. By the Habit it seems to be the preceding Order, if that was
dedicated to St. _Michael_.
40. _The Order of St._ Michael _in_ France.
_Lewis_ XI. King of that Realm, considering how his Affairs were
entangled, to re-unite the Affections of his Nobility to himself,
instituted these Knights, 1469. giving them their Denomination from St.
_Michael_ the Arch-Angel, the titular Angel and Protector of _France_,
in Reverence of whom their ancient Kings were wont to solemnize this
Feast-day with great Magnificence, and keep an open Court. Their Number
at first were to be Thirty Six, whereof the King and his Successors
were Chief: But it afterwards proceeded to Three Hundred. The Collar is
compos’d of Escallop-Shells of Gold, joyn’d one with another and
double-banded, fasten’d on small Chains of Gold, at the End of which is
annex’d an Oval of the same; and therein, on an Hillock, is the Figure
of St. _Michael_ combating and trampling down the Dragon. The Motto,
_Immensi tremor Oceani_. The Habit was a Mantle of White Damask hanging
down to the Ground, furr’d with Ermin, having its Cope embroider’d with
Gold, and the Border of the Robe interwoven with Escallops of Gold; the
_Chaperon_ or Hood, with its long Tippet, was made of Crimson Velvet;
but afterwards King _Henry_ II. order’d this Mantle to be Cloth of
Silver, embroider’d with Three _Crescents_ of Silver, interwoven with
Trophies, Quivers and _Turkish_ Bows, _semied_ and _canton’d_ with
Tongues and Flames of Fire; the _Chaperons_ of Crimson Velvet should
have the same Embroidery. Their Grand Festival was to be celebrated on
_Michaelmas-day_, at the Church of _Mount Michael_ in _Normandy_; but
after wards transferr’d to _Bois de Vincennes_ near _Paris_. There is
an Herald of Arms to attend this Order, called _Monsieur St._ Michael.
Upon the instituting _The Order of the Holy Ghost_, not only Care was
taken to preserve this of St. _Michael_, and to rectify it, but the
Knights had the Privilege allow’d them, that if they thought fit they
were made capable of receiving that of _The Holy Ghost_, which no
Stranger or Native could be enroll’d in that had taken upon him any
other Order. The Collar of St. _Michael_ may be worn with that of _The
Holy Ghost_, and it is now frequently us’d. The Evening before any
receive _The Order of the Holy Ghost_, he is admitted into _The Order
of St._ Michael.
41. _The Order of the_ Elephant _in_ Denmark.
KING _Christian_ I. being at _Rome_ upon a religious Account, Pope
_Sixtus_ IV. among other Honours, invested him with this Order, in
Memory of the Passion of our Saviour; and withal ordain’d the Supreme
or Chief in his Successors, Kings of _Denmark_.
THIS King founded the magnificent Chapel of the Three Kings in the
Cathedral Church of _Roschilt_, (Four Leagues from _Copenhagen_) where
the Knights were to assemble upon the Death of any of their Fraternity.
He admitted thereunto divers Kings, Princes and Noblemen. Its chief
Ensign was the Figure of an Elephant, on whose side (within a Rundle)
was a Crown of Thorns, with Three Nails all bloody, in Memory of the
Passion. The Knights were oblig’d to Acts of Piety, Alms-Deeds, and
certain Ceremonies, especially upon those Days on which they wore the
Ensigns. King _John_ valu’d it so highly, that he wore them on every
solemn Festival. He advanc’d it to that Pitch of Grandeur, that our
King _Henry_ VIII. and _James_ V. King of _Scotland_, accepted it.
_Hertholm_, a learned _Dane_, in a particular Treatise of this
_Elephantine Order_, says, The Badge was meerly Military, anciently
given as a Memorial and Incitement to the _Danish_ Princes, who took
upon them the Defence of Christianity against the _Moors_ and
_Africans_.
HERETOFORE the Knights wore a Collar of Gold compos’d of castellated
Elephants and Crosses, something like the _Crosses ancrees_ (_Menenius_
calls them Spurs) at which hung the Picture of the Virgin _Mary_ to the
Middle, holding Christ in her Arms, and surrounded with a Glory of
Sun-beams. But that long since laid aside, they now wear only a Blue
Ribbon, at which hangs an Elephant enamell’d White, adorn’d with Five
large Diamonds set in the Middle. These Elephants, in the Reign of King
_Christian_ IV. had in the same Place, within a Circle, the Letter C,
and in the Center of it the Figure 4, denoting _Christianus Quartus_.
THIS Honour is usually conferr’d on the Days of the King’s Coronation.
_Frederick_ III. brought into use, in Imitation of _The Garter_, an
embroider’d Glory of Silver Purple wrought upon the left Side of their
Cloak or Vest, on which was embroider’d Two Crowns within a Rundle,
bearing this Motto, _Deus providebit_. The late King, his Son, chang’d
the Motto to, _Pietate & Justitia_; but all the Knights created by his
Father are oblig’d to continue the former Motto.
42. _The Order of the_ Burgundian Cross _at_ Tunis,
WAS instituted on St. _Mary Magdalen_’s Day, 1535. by _Charles_ V.
Emperor of _Germany_ and King of _Spain_, after he had restor’d
_Mulleasses_, King of _Tunis_, to his Kingdom, to reward those
Commanders who had behav’d themselves well in the Victory. It was the
Day wherein he made his pompous Entry into _Tunis_, when clad in the
Coat he usually wore in Battle, whereon was embroider’d a _Burgundian
Cross_, which Cross he made the Badge, and added a Steel striking
Sparks of Fire out of a Flint, with this Inscription, _Barbaria_; and
for a more ornamental Decoration, gave a Collar of Gold, whereat hung
this Badge.
43. _Knights of the_ Holy Ghost,
WERE instituted by the _French_ King, _Henry_ III. 1578. to unite his
Nobles more firmly in their Obedience, to encourage them to persevere
in the _Romish_ Religion, and to illustrate the State of his Nobility.
It was so call’d by reason he was born on _Whitsunday_, 1550. elected
that Day, 1573. King of _Poland_; and on that Day, 1574. came to the
Crown of _France_. It was to consist of One Hundred Knights, besides
the Sovereign or Great Master, which Office is inseparable from the
Crown of _France_. A long Mantle of Black Velvet turn’d up on the left
Side, and open’d on the right, was also appointed for the Habit, being
at first embroider’d round with Gold and Silver, consisting of Flowers
_de Lys_ and Knots of Gold, between Three sundry Cyphers of Silver; and
above the Flowers _de Lys_ and Knots, were thickly powder’d Flames of
Fire. This great Mantle was garnish’d with a Mantle of Cloth of Silver,
cover’d with Embroidery made after the same Fashion, excepting only,
that instead of Cyphers there were wrought Doves of Silver, and both
these Robes double lin’d with a Satin of Orange-Tawney. The great
Collar worn over the Mantle, was at first compos’d of Flowers _de Lys_,
canton’d or corner’d with Flames of Fire, interwoven with Three Cyphers
and divers Monograms of Silver; one was the Letter _H_ and a _Greek
Lambda_, both double, for the King’s Name and the Queen’s, _Lovisa de
Lorain_; the other Two were reserv’d in the King’s own Mind. But these
Cyphers were taken off the Colour and the Embroidery of the Robes by
King _Henry_ IV. and for a Mark of his Victories, Trophies of Arms were
interlac’d instead thereof, with the Letter _H_ crown’d (the Initial of
his Name) whereout arose Flames and Sparks of Fire; and for the like
Reason the _H_ has been chang’d into _L_, both by _Lewis_ XIII and XIV.
At this Collar hung a Cross richly enamell’d in the midst, whereon was
figur’d a Dove in a flying Posture, as descending down from Heaven with
full spread Wings: And that an Epigraph might not be wanting, some have
attributed to it this, _Duce & Auspice_. Besides these Ornaments, the
Knights wear a Black Velvet Cap, with a White Plume; their Breeches and
Doublets are of Cloth of Silver, and their Shoes White ty’d with Roses
or Knots of Black Velvet. The Badges ordain’d to be ordinarily worn,
are a Cross of Yellow or Orange-colour Velvet, like a _Malta_ Cross,
fix’d on the left Side of their Breast, except in military Expeditions,
and then they are permitted to wear them of Cloth of Silver or White
Velvet, having a Silver Dove, and at the Angles or Corners, Rays and
Flowers _de Lys_ of Silver. They have a Cross of the Order made of Gold
(like the _Malta_ Cross) with a Flower _de Lys_ in each Angle, to be
worn about their Necks in a Blue Ribbon, and to be enamell’d White
about the Sides, but not in the Middle. Such as are Knights both of St.
_Michael_ and _The Holy Ghost_, are to bear the Figure of St. _Michael_
on one Side, and of a Dove on the other. The Anniversary is held on the
first Day of the New-Year, but the first Part of the Ceremony begins
always on the last Day of the Old, when it was instituted; and the
Place for celebrating thereof is the Church of _Augustin_ Fryars in
_Paris_.
44. _The Order of_ The precious Blood of our Saviour
Jesus Christ _of_ Mantua,
WAS instituted, 1608. by _Vincentio de Gonzago_ IV. Duke of _Mantua_,
and II. of _Montferat_, for Defence and Propagation of Christianity,
and in Honour of Three Drops of Blood of our Redeemer; as also to set
forth more nobly the Nuptials of his eldest Son _Francisco_. It was
confirm’d by Pope _Paul_ V. and consisted of Twenty Knights, the
Founder and his Successors to be Great Masters. The Collar is compos’d
of Ovals of Gold, some extended in Length, others in Breadth,
alternately, and interlink’d with small Anulets: Those in Length have
these Words rais’d in White Enamel, _Domine probasti_; on the other in
Breadth is a Grey Crucible fill’d with small Rods of Gold, and placed
on a Trevet of Black Enamel over Flames of Fire, intimating, that they
who incorporated in this Society, should hold inviolable Faith and
Concord in the greatest Trials and Emergences of Life; at the End of
the Collar is _pendant_ a larger Oval of Gold, in which are figur’d two
Angels standing upright, holding between them a Chalice crown’d, in the
Table whereof are painted Three Drops of Bloods enamell’d Red, and
round the Oval, _Nihil isto triste recepto_.
45. _The Order of the_ Amaranta,
OWES its Institution to _Christina_, Queen of _Sweden_, about the Year
1645. in honour of a Lady of that Name, of great Beauty, Courage,
Modesty and Charity. The chief Ensign is a Jewel of Gold compos’d of
Two _A_’s, adorn’d with Diamonds on both Sides, and join’d together by
reversing one of them, being set within a Circle of Laurel Leaves
wreath’d about with White, and on the Four Sides this Motto,
_Dolcenella memoria_; which Jewel the Knights wear either in a Gold
Chain, or a Crimson or Blue Ribbon, as they best like of. His
Investiture is with this Ceremony: The Queen being seated under her
State, an intended Knight kneels before her, when she acquaints him
with her Inducements to confer on him this Honour, enumerating his
Services and Merits: This done, he takes an Oath, still kneeling and
holding his Hands between the Queen’s, to defend her Person from Harm,
and the Persons of his Brother Knights; to incite Justice, Vertue and
Piety, and discountenance its Opposers; after which the Queen puts
about him (in the manner of a Baudrick) a Crimson Silk Scarf with the
Jewel fasten’d thereto. To an absent Prince or Personage, she sends the
Jewel, accompany’d with her Letter, which supplies the Place of a
personal Investiture. Among many others have been several Kings and
Princes. Sir _Bulstrode Whitlocke_ has been elected Knight of this
Order.
46. _The Order of the_ Black Eagle,
WAS instituted by _Frederick_ King of _Prussia_, and Elector of
_Brandenburgh_, soon after he had the Title of King conferr’d upon him.
§ 2. 1. In the _West-Indies_, _Montezuma_, King of _Mexico_, set
Knighthood in the highest Splendor, ordaining certain military Orders,
with several Badges and Ensigns. The most honourable among the Knights
were those that carry’d the Crown of their Hair ty’d with a little Red
Ribbon, having a rich Plume of Feathers, from which did hang Branches
and Rolls of Feathers upon their Shoulders. They carry’d as many Rolls
as they had done gallant Exploits in the Wars; and the King himself and
his Sons were of this Order; which _Purchas_ calls _Eagle Knights_.
2. THERE was another Order, call’d _Of the Lyons and Tygers_. These
Knights being commonly the most valiant in the Wars, always bore with
them their Badges and Armories.
3. OTHER Knights there were, as _The Grey Knights_, not so much
respected as the rest. They had their Hair cut round about the Ears:
They made War upon their Enemies with Ensigns like other Knights, and
were only arm’d to the Girdle, while the most Honourable were
_Cap-a-Pee’d_. All Knights might carry Gold and Silver, be array’d in
rich Cotton, have the use of painted and gilt Vessels, and wear Shoes;
but the common People only the earthen sort; neither might they carry
Shoes nor Attire themselves, but in a gross Stuff. Every Order had
their Lodging assign’d them in the Palace, distinguish’d by their
proper Ensigns: The first was the Lodging of the Prince, the second of
_Eagles_, the third of _Lyons and Tygers_, and the fourth of _Grey
Knights_.
THE Province of _Cinaloa_ (near _New Mexico_) created their Knights by
giving a Bow, and setting them to encounter a Lyon or some other wild
Beast.
THE _Inguas_, or Lords of _Peru_, dedicated their Children to Honour,
by adorning them with _Guarras_ or Ensigns. They pierced their Ears,
whip’d them with Slings, smeared their Faces with Blood, in order they
should be true Knights to the _Ingua_. Those of Royal Extraction,
before they received the Order of Knighthood abstained Seven Days from
all manner of Nutriment, except a little raw Grain and Water, and after
being heartned and brisked up again, performed some Military Exercises,
also Racing, Wrestling, Leaping, Shooting, Slinging, throwing the Dart
and Lance, _&c._ and enduring to be beaten on the Hands and Legs with
Wands; these being as it were the Tests whether they could endure the
Hardships of War or no; for if they did not sustain them manfully, they
were denied Knighthood. The Ceremonies being performed by boaring an
Hole in the Ears, putting on gallant Shoes, and wearing of the
Breeches, which before they were restricted, adorning their Heads with
Flowers, and having the Privilege of an Herb that none but themselves
cou’d make use of, and lastly giving an Axe into their Hands.
_Menenius_ calls these Knights _Oreiones_, from the _Spanish Orejas_,
flop or loll-eared, in the _Latin Auriculares_, from the Leaf which
they bore hanging in their Ears, or because they only negotiated
Affairs with the Emperor, and had his Ear at all times.
IN _Japan_ there’s an Order of Knights called _Mengoras_, part of whom
are called _Bonzees_, living in Fraternities, as our Religionists in
_Europe_. Some of these have the Charge of their Idols, and the Service
relating to their Temples, others follow the Wars. They profess
Chastity with such Severity, that no Woman is allow’d to enter their
Cities. They govern the Kingdoms they conquer, and are so very opulent
that some of them possess 60000 Duckets _per Annum_; and have a publick
Armory well stored to make use of upon any Exigence, which is
maintain’d by a daily Contribution. Women have been excluded their
Share in this Way of Honour, tho’ their Courage and Valour have
equalized the _Amazons_ of old; the Example is of the noble Women of
_Tortosa_ in _Spain_, or the _Femme_ Cavaliers of the _Torchi_.
_Micheli_ barely calls them _Chavalleros_, or rather _Chavalleras_,
seeing the _Latins_ have had the Words, _Equitissæ & Militissæ_, to
express, _Virago’s_ and _Heroines_.
DON _Raymond_, last Earl of _Barcelona_, having in the Year 1149.
reduced the City of _Tortosa_ from the _Moors_, on the Thirty First
following they laid a fresh Siege to it, in hopes to recover it. The
Inhabitants were at length reduced to great Streights; they desired
Relief of the Earl, but he not being in a Condition to answer their
Request, they had Thoughts of a Surrender; which the Women to prevent
put on the Apparel of the Men, and by a resolute Salley forced the
_Moors_ to raise the Siege. The Gallantry of the Action the Earl
acknowledged by granting them several Privileges, and to perpetuate the
Memory instituted this Order, somewhat like a Military one, and none
were to be admitted, only those brave Women, and the Honour to derive
to their Descendants, and assigned them for a Badge a Thing like a
_Fryer’s Capouche_, sharp at the Top, after the Form of a Torch, of a
Crimson Colour, to be worn upon their Head-Cloaths; that at all publick
Meetings the Women should have Precedence of the Men, and should be
exempted from all Taxes, and that all the Apparels and Jewels left by
their dead Husbands should be theirs.
A more general Ornament of Honour peculiar to the Fair Sex is the
_Cordon_, which some will have to be an Order, or Equivalent thereunto.
The Institution is attributed to _Anne Britaigne_, Wife to _Charles_
VIII. of _France_, who instead of the Military Belt or Collar, bestowed
a Cordon or Lace on several Ladies, admonishing them to live chastly
and devoutly, always mindful of the Cords and Bonds of our Saviour, and
to engage them to a greater Esteem of it, she surrounded her Escutcheon
of Arms with the like Cordon; from which Example the Arms of unmarried
Ladies and Gentlewomen are usually adorn’d with them.
CAP. IV.
_Of the Castle, Chapel and College of_ Windsor, _&c._
Having dispatch’d the several Orders of Knighthood, and trac’d them
from their proper Fountains, we come now to treat of the most Noble
Order of the _Garter_; an Order, that not only grants Merit, and
Honourable, and Valiant Exploits at Home, but what Imperial Heads and
Persons, fam’d for the Antiquity of their Race, or Gallantry of
Actions, have always esteem’d a further Advancement to their Glory
therein to be enroll’d. For the better Explanation, it will be
necessary to begin with the Description of the Castle, Chapel, and
College of _Windsor_. The Place claims no greater Antiquity than of the
_Saxons_, named by them _Windleshore_, and, as _Cambden_ conjectures,
had the Denomination from the Winding of a Shore thereabouts, as did
_Wandsworth_ in _Surry_, heretofore written _Windlesworth_. The first
authentick Notice is from the Donation which King _Edward the
Confessor_ made thereof to the Monks of _Westminster_, (as the Charter
expresses it) _For the Hope of eternal Reward, the Remission of all his
Sins, the Sins of his Father, Mother, and all his Ancestors, to the
Praise of Almighty_, &c. he grants _Wyndleshore_, with all its
Appurtenances, as an Endowment and perpetual Inheritance, to the Use of
the _Monks_ there, and at _Westminster_, that served GOD. Those Monks
enjoy’d it not long, for King _William the Conqueror_, in the first
Year of his Reign, being greatly enamour’d with the pleasant Situation
and Commodiousness of the Place, situate so near the _Thames_, and the
Wood fit for Game, invited _Eadwin_, the then Abbot, and the _Monks_,
to accept in Exchange for it, _Wokendune_ in _Essex_, a Mansion called
_Ferings_, with all its Members and Hamlets, together with Fourteen
_Sokemen_ and their Lands, and one Freeholder, and Three Houses in
_Colchester_, all in _Essex_, since which it has remained in the Crown.
The King being thus possess’d, forthwith built a Castle upon the Hill,
which, in _Doomsday Book_, contained half an Hide of Land, and is there
noted to be Parcel of the Mannor of [_Clivore_] _Clure_. This Castle
King _Henry_ I. rebuilt, and beautified with great Magnificence, and,
in the Tenth Year of his Reign, held his _Whitsontide_ there with great
State and Splendor. Shortly after, in a Charter of Peace between King
_Stephen_ and Duke _Henry_, (King _Henry_ II. afterwards) this Castle
was called _Mola de Windesor_, the Fortress of _Windesor_. Within this
Castle was King _Edward_ III. born, (commonly called _Edward_ of
_Windsor_) and was baptized in the old Chapel; and so great was his
Affection to that Place, that he constituted it the Seat of the most
noble Order of the _Garter_; and to embellish it the more, he founded
the College of the Chapel of St. _George_, and much enlarged, and
beautified the Castle.
For this Work he appointed several Surveyors, whom he assigned to press
Hewers of Stone, Carpenters, and such other Artificers as were thought
useful and necessary, as also to provide Stone, Timber, and all other
Materials for them. _William de Wyckham_ (who attained to be Bishop of
_Winchester_) was one of these Supervisors, and had that Place
conferr’d on him by Letters Patent, _October_ 30. _Ed._ III. And a
Grant of the same Fee was likewise allowed to _Robert de Bernham_, viz.
One Shilling a Day, while he was at _Windsor_, Two Shillings when he
went elsewhere about that Affair, and Three Shillings _per_ Week to his
Clerk; afterwards he was chief Custos and Surveyor of this Castle, of
the Mannors of Old and New _Windsor_, and of other Castles, Mannors,
_&c._ belonging to the King, to provide Workmen, and look after the
Repairs, and in those Mannors to hold Leets and other Courts, Pleas of
Trespass and Misdemeanours.
About the 34th of _Ed._ III. it is presumed the most considerable
Enlargement of the Castle was made, seeing there was then great Store
of the ablest Diggers and Masons impress’d, by virtue of Writs directed
to the several Sheriffs, with Command under 100 _l._ Penalty to send
them to _Windsor_ the _Sunday_ after the Feast of St. _George_, to work
at the Kings Charge, from whence they were not to depart without
_Wyckham_’s License, Security having been first taken by the Sheriffs,
and returned into _Chancery_. _London_ found Forty; _Essex_, in
conjunction with _Hertford_, Forty; _Wilts_, _Leicester_, with
_Worcester_, _Cambridge_, with _Huntington_ Forty, _Kent_,
_Gloucester_, _Somerset_, with _Devon_, and _Northampton_, one with
another, found also Forty a-piece. And because divers of these Workmen,
for Gain and Advantage, clandestinely left _Windsor_ to the Hindrance
of the Work, all Persons were forbid to employ or retain them under
Forfeiture of all they had, and likewise to arrest those that withdrew
themselves from the Work, and commit them to _Newgate_. _A._ 36. _Ed._
III. many of them being swept away by the Pestilence, the like Writs
were directed to other Sheriffs, under a Hundred Pound Penalty, to send
able Men; whereupon the Counties of _York_ sent Sixty, _Derby_ Twenty
Four, _Salop_ Sixty, _Hereford_ Fifty, _Nottingham_ Twenty Four,
_Lancaster_ Twenty Four, and _Devon_ Sixty. _A._ 37. _Ed._ III. The
noble Edifice was ready for Glazing, and of Twenty Four of that
Occupation impress’d for the King’s Service, Twelve were to be employed
at _Windsor_. In this Year and the next a great Proficiency was made,
and vast Quantities of Stone were amassed, dug out of the Quarries of
_Wellesfor_, _Newel_, and _Carby_, and other Places. From the 37th to
the 43d, the Building of the Castle was diligently pursued. We find no
Addition to this august Pile till his 48th Year, and after that Time
nothing more during his Reign, so that it is supposed this Famous Piece
for Magnificence and Strength was then chiefly finished, _viz._ the
Great Hall of St. _George_, the Lodgings on the East and South side of
the Upper Ward, the Keep or Tower in the Middle Ward, the Chapel of St.
_George_, the Houses for the Custos and the Canons in the Lower Ward,
with the whole Circumference of the Walls, their several Towers and
Gates, as in the present Posture they remain.
IN succeeding Times King _Hen._ VII. added that stately Fabrick
adjoining to the King’s Lodgings, in the Upper Ward. King _Hen._ VIII.
re-edified the great Gate at the Entrance into the Lower Ward. King
_Edw._ VI. began, and Queen _Mary_ perfected the Conveying the Water,
from _Blackmore-Park_ in _Wingfield_ Parish, into a Fountain of curious
Workmanship erected in the Middle Ward, which supplied all the Castle.
Queen _Elizabeth_ made a Terrace Work on the North side of the Castle;
from whence there is a pleasant Prospect down upon _Eaton-bridge_, the
_Thames_, and the adjacent Country. King _Charles_ I. _A. D._ 1636.
built the Gate at the East end of the Terrace, which leads into the
Park. And lastly, King _Charles_ II. greatly beautified and repair’d
the Fabrick, and furnish’d it with a curious Armory; and, in fine,
every Thing is so fitly disposed and ordered, that they are worthy of
the Notice of every nice and curious Traveller.
CAMDEN elegantly describes its Situation in Prose in this manner: _From
an Hill_ (says he) _that rises with a gentle Ascent, it enjoyeth a most
delightful Prospect round about; foreright, in the Front, it
overlooketh a Vale, lying out far and wide, garnished with Corn Fields,
flourishing with Meadows, deck’d with Groves on either side, and
watered with the most mild and calm River_ Thames. _Behind it arise
Hills every where, neither rough nor over high, attired, as it were
with Woods, and even dedicated, as one would say, by Nature, to hunting
Game._
And thus _Denham’s_ Muse pourtrays it:
Windesor, #the next (where# Mars #with# Venus #dwells,
Beauty with Strength) above the Valley swells
Into my Eye, and doth it self present
With such an easy and unforc’d ascent,
That no stupendious Precipice denies
Access, no horror turns away our Eyes;
But such a Rise as doth at once invite
A Pleasure, and a reverence from our sight.
Thy mighty Masters Emblem, in whose face
Sat Meekness heightned with Majestick Grace;
Such seems thy gentle height, made only proud
To be the Basis of that pompous Load.
Than which a nobler weight no Mountain bears
But Atlas only that supports the Spheres.#
This Castle is under the Government of a Constable, so call’d in the
Reign of King _John_, and has bore that Denomination ever since: The
Office is of great Antiquity, Honour and Power, but of small Revenue,
for it is partly Military and Civil; as Military he commands the Castle
and any Garrison placed therein, and is obliged to defend it against
all Enemies whatsoever; all the Prisoners brought hither are committed
to his Charge, and is answerable for all that is in the Castle to the
King, under whom he is Commander, as a Civil Officer. He is Judge of a
Court of Record held there by Prescription, for determining, by way of
Common Law, all Pleas between Party and Party, arising within the
Precincts of the Forest of _Windsor_, and Liberties thereof, which
compriseth many Towns; and all legal Processes issue out in his Name.
He is allowed a Deputy learned in the Law, who is called the Steward of
the Court of Record, and is Keeper of the Constable’s Seal of Office.
This Officer supplies the Constable’s Place as a Judge of the Court of
_Common Pleas_, from whose Judgment the Appeal is by Writ of Error
returnable in the _King’s-Bench_, or _Common Pleas_ at _Westminster_.
The Constable is likewise Forester and Warden of the Forest of
_Windsor_, which is an 120 Miles in compass. He hath under him one or
more Lieutenants at his Pleasure, and may imprison any Trespasser in
Vert and Venison Convict, having a Prison in the Castle for that
Purpose, named the _Coalhole_. He hath the Freedom of using the Sports
of the Forest, which is granted to no Person without his or the King’s
License, and signs all Warrants to kill Deer, (except what the King
signs) and is to fell Timber and Wood.
HE that was _Chastelain_ (the _French_ Word for Constable) in _William
the Conqueror_’s Reign was _Walter Fitz Other_, from whom the Family of
the Barons of _Windsor_ are descended, and the Earls of _Plimouth_,
bearing the Surname of _Windsor_, _Temp. Car._ II. Prince _Rupert_ was
Constable.
WE come next to the Chapel of St. _George_, which is situate in the
Lower Ward or Court of this Castle, and so named by King _Edw._ III.
shortly after he had founded the College mention’d in the next Section;
he having pulled down the old Chapel erected there by King _Henry_ I.
and dedicated to King _Edward the Confessor_, to raise a more stately
Structure in its stead; to bring which Matter to Perfection, in the
24th Year of his Reign, _John de Spoulee_ had the Office of Master of
the Stone-Hewers, and had Power to provide Masons, and other
Artificers, to whose Care they were entrusted. In _Anno_ 25. _Ed._ I.
_John de Dorchester_, Sub-Constable of the Castle, was appointed to
keep a Controul upon all the Provisions bought for the Works of the
Chapel, as well as on the Payments, and all other Affairs relating
thereunto. To this Fabrick he erected several Houses adjoining, for the
Custos and Canons to reside in; and afterwards King _Hen._ IV. gave
them the void Place in the Castle call’d the _Woodhall_, nigh the great
Hall, for building of Houses and Apartments for the Vicars, Clerks, and
Choristers, and the other Ministers, assigned for the Service of the
Chapel; but King _Edw._ IV. observing the Walls and Foundation of the
Chapel sapped and consumed, and esteeming the Fabrick not stately or
spacious enough, designed another more noble and excellent in its Room:
In order to it _Richard Beauchamp_, Bishop of _Salisbury_, was
constituted Master and Surveyor of the Work, who had Power from the
King to remove all Impediments, demolished divers of the Officiary
Houses, and other irregular Piles and decay’d Walls, and dug up their
Foundations, particularly those ancient Buildings on the East side of
the Chapel, which extended unto the Walls on the North side of the
Castle, where the Towers, _viz._ _Clurey_’s Tower, and _Le Amenery_’s
Tower, and _Barney_’s Tower, were situated; as also on the South side
of the Chapel, unto the Belfry there, exclusively; the Materials
whereof he might bestow upon any Buildings in the Castle, as he thought
convenient. How well the Bishop discharged this Office, appears from
the Preamble of his Patent, whereby that King conferred on him the
Chancellorship of the _Garter_, in which is set forth, _That out of
meer Love towards the Order, he had given himself the Leisure daily to
attend the Advancement and Progress of this goodly Fabrick_.
FROM this Erection of K. _Ed._ IV. arose the elegant and beauteous
Structure now standing, enlarged in Length at least an Hundred Fathom
(tho’ it did not arrive to its Perfection until the Reign of King
_Henry_ VIII.) together with the Dean and Canons Houses on the North
side of the Chapel, and those of the Petty Canons raised at the West
End, in form of a Fetter-lock (one of King _Edward_ the IVth’s Badges)
and so vulgarly call’d. _Temp. Henry_ VII. Sir _Reginald Bray_, Knight
of the _Garter_, became a liberal Benefactor, finishing the Body of the
Chapel, and rearing the Middle Chapel on the South thereof, which still
retains his Name, and where his Body lies interred, as is manifest by
his Arms, Badges, _&c._ cut in Stone, and by his last Will. _Anno_ 21.
_Hen._ VII. _John Hylmer_ and _William Vertue_, Free Masons, undertook
the Vaulting the Roof of the Choir (a curious Piece of Architecture)
for 700 _l._ and finish’d it by _Christmas_, 1508. _Anno_ 8 _Henry_
VIII. the Rood Loft, and Lanthorn, were erected, with the Contributions
raised by the Knights Companions. Near to the East end of this Chapel,
was a little Fabrick of Free-Stone, raised by Cardinal _Wolsey_, call’d
the _Tomb House_, in the Middle whereof he designed to erect a Monument
for King _Henry_ VIII. and had almost finished it before he died; but
this was demolished, 1646. by command of the _Long Parliament_; and all
the Copper Figures, exceedingly enriched by Art, carry’d thence. This
Place King _Charles_ I. intended to enlarge, for the Interment of his
own Royal Body, and those of his Successors; but those villainous Times
drawn on, they with much ado afforded him but a mean obscure Place near
the first high Place in the Choir of this Chapel, in the same Vault
where the Bodies of King _Henry_ VIII. and his last Queen yet remain.
IN this Chapel, besides many of the Knights Companions, repose the Body
of King _Hen._ VI. removed from _Chertsey_ Abbey in _Surrey_, deposited
under the Uppermost Arch at the South side of the Altar, without any
Monument or Inscription, and likewise that of King _Edw._ IV. under a
large Stone of Tuch, raised within the opposite Arch, at the North side
of the Altar, but without Inscription, having on the outside of his
Grave a Range of Steel gilt, to inclose it from the North Isles, cut
excellent well in Church-work.
OVER this Arch hung this King’s Coat of Mail, cover’d over with Crimson
Velvet, and thereon the Arms of _England_ and _France_ quarter’d and
richly embroider’d with Pearl and Gold, interwoven with divers Rubies;
which Trophy had remain’d over his Monument ever since his Interment,
till plunder’d by Captain _Fogg_, 1642. who at the same time
sacrilegiously robb’d the Chapel of all its Altar-Plate.
WITHIN this Chapel were several Chantries endow’d with Lands and other
Revenues, for Chaplains and Priests to sing Masses for the Souls of
their Founder’s Kindred.
_William_ of _Wickham_, Bishop of _Winchester_, in 3 _Hen._ IV. gave
Two Hundred Marks to the Dean and Chapter, to buy Twenty Marks _per
Annum_ to maintain one Chaplain.
18 _Ed._ IV. The Feoffees of _Richard_, Duke of _Glocester_, gave the
Mannors of _Bentfieldbury_ in _Essex_, _Knapton_ in _Norfolk_, and
_Chetlesworth_ in _Suffolk_, for a daily Mass.
22 _Ed._ IV. Sir _Thomas St. Leger_ founded a Chantry of Two Priests,
who were to officiate in the middle Chapel on the North Side of the
Church; and the said King, by his Will, ordain’d Two Priests to serve
at his Tomb, with an Exhibition of Twenty Marks yearly a-piece.
9 _Hen._ VII. There was another Chantry Priest assign’d for _Thomas
Pasche_ and _William Hermer_, &c. who was to perform his Office at the
Altar on the North Side the new Church.
13 _Hen._ VII. _Margaret_, Countess of _Richmond_, founded a Chantry
for Four Chaplains, to celebrate Mass in the East Part of the new Work
of the Chapel.
18 _Hen._ VII. _William_, Lord _Hastings_, founded a Chantry for One
Priest, on the North Side of the Choir, about the middle whereof this
Lord lies.
21 _Hen._ VII. _Charles Somerset_, Lord _Herbert_, (afterwards Earl of
_Worcester_) left a Secular Priest for a daily Mass, _&c._ to be said
in the South Chapel dedicated to the Virgin _Mary_, where he lies
interr’d. Both these Lords have built Appartments adjoyning for their
Chantry Priests, now to be seen and distinguish’d by their Arms,
garter’d and cut in Stone over their several Doors.
TO these we shall add the Foundation of the new Commons, erected over
against the North Door of the Body of St. _George_’s Chapel, by _James
Denton_ one of the Canons, _Anno_ 11 _Hen._ VIII. for the Lodging and
Dieting such of the Chantry Priests, Choristers and stipendiary
Priests, who had before no certain Place where to hold Commons in,
which he furnish’d with all proper Utensils, the Charge amounting to
489 _l._ 7 _s._ 1 _d._ in lieu of which the Choristers were to say
certain Prayers when they enter’d the Chapel, commemorate his Death,
and pray for his and the Souls of all the Faithful departed.
IN this Chapel of St. _George_ there were heretofore several
Anniversaries or Obits held and celebrated, which we pass over. And as
it was usual for some of the military Profession to spend the Remains
of their Lives in pious Speculations, for their King and Country, and
the Salvation of their own Souls, Permission was allow’d to the
well-dispos’d _Knights of the Garter_, who retir’d from the Noise and
Bustle of the World, to make their Abode there; yet so as to maintain
themselves out of their own Revenues. King _Henry_ VIII. ordain’d that
the Sovereign should assign them convenient Appartments within the
Castle; and the like Favour he granted to other Knights, tho’ not of
the Order; but the Lodgings to be such as the Sovereign and Knights
Companions should decree: However, we do not find the Knights
Companions made use of the Benefit, but only for their better
Accommodation at the grand Feast of the Order, _&c._ A Motion was made,
14 _Car._ I. that they might have Lodgings assign’d them in the great
Court, which they offer’d to repair at their own Charge, since all the
Officers had Conveniencies in the Castle, but the Knights Companions
none, which the King did not dissent to, provided it be without
Exclusion of the great Officers of State.
§ 3. WITHIN the Chapel of the Castle, erected by King _Henry_ I. was
founded a College for Eight Canons, to be maintain’d by an annual
Pension out of the Exchequer. King _Edw._ II. founded here a Chantry
for Four Chaplains and Two Clerks; as likewise a Chapel in the Park of
_Windsor_, under the same Regulation, for Four more Chaplains, whom
King _Edw._ III. remov’d and joyn’d to those before settled in the
Chapel of the Castle, and built Habitations for their better
Accommodation, on the South Side thereof.
THE Foundation we treated of here was confirm’d by Letters Patent,
dated at _Westminster_, _Aug._ 6. 22 _Edw._ III. three Quarters of a
Year before he erected _The Order of the Garter_, when he laid the
Foundation of the ancient Chapel a-fresh, in honour of God, the Virgin
_Mary_, St. _George_ and St. _Edward the Confessor_; and ordain’d, that
to King _Henry_’s Eight Canons there should be annex’d One Custos,
Fifteen more Canons, and Twenty Four Alms-Knights, together with other
Ministers, all under the Power of the Custos, and these to be supported
out of the Revenues wherewith this Chapel should be endow’d: Upon which
Pope _Clement_ VI. 1351. by his Bull directed to the Arch-bishop of
_Canterbury_ and Bishop of _Winchester_, approved in part the King’s
Intention.
THE next Year the Statutes and Ordinances of the College commenc’d, by
Virtue of the Pope’s Authority, the King’s Command, and Consent of the
Bishop of _Salisbury_, in whose Diocess the Chapel is situate. By which
Statutes, _Winchester_ (one of the Pope’s Delegates) instituted a
College, within the Precincts of the Chapel of St. _George_, consisting
of one Custos, Twelve Secular Canons, Thirteen Priests or Vicars, Four
Clerks, Six Choristers, and Twenty Six Alms-Knights, besides other
Officers.
DEAN.
§ 4. THE first Custos was _John de la Chambre_, constituted Nov. 14. 22
_Edw._ III. to whom succeeded _William Mugg_, on the 18th of June
following: Which _Mugg_ is the first, if the Institution of the College
bears Date by Papal, and not Kingly Authority. After him were others
that were call’d by the same Title; till the last Year of King _Henry_
IV. when _Thomas Kingston_ was presented by the Name of Dean; and his
Successor, _John Arundel_, observing divers Endowments granted to the
College alternately, by the Name of Custos, Dean and Custos, or lastly
of Dean only; and doubting this Variation of Titles in Time might bring
Inconveniences upon the Foundation, petition’d the Parliament, 8 _Hen._
VI. whereupon the King, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal, granted
that the said _John_ should be _Custos sive Decanus_ for Life, and his
Successors _Custodes sive Decani_, Wardens or Deans of the Free Chapel
of St. _George_, within the Castle of _Windsor_; and that the Custos,
or Dean and Canons thereof, and their Successors, by that Appellation,
should have and hold, to them and their Successors for ever, all Lands,
Tenements, _&c._ Liberties, _&c._ devolv’d upon the College at any Time
before: So that here was a kind of new Incorporation, by the Title of
Custos, or Deans and Canons only; at least this was a great Step to
compleat the Privilege they after enjoy’d, when thro’ the Interest of
_Richard Beauchamp_, Bishop of _Salisbury_, then also Dean of
_Windsor_, and Chancellor of the Order, King _Edw._ IV. by Letters
Patent dated _Dec._ 6. in the 19th Year of his Reign, model’d them by
the Name of Dean and Canons of the Free Chapel of St. _George_ within
the Castle of _Windsor_, one Body corporate in Thing and Name, with a
perpetual Succession, and capable in Law to purchase, receive and take
Lands, _&c._ in Fee and Perpetuity; to have a common Seal, and might
plead and be impleaded by that Name; and for better Security, the
Letters Patent of Incorporation were, within Three Years after, pass’d
into an Act of Parliament now in force.
THE Authority of the Custos or Dean consists in being President over
the rest of the College; to govern, direct and order them their Goods
and Estates. He has all manner of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction over
them, with a Reservation of Power of Appeal to the Chancellor of
_England_, who is Visitor of that College.
WHEN any Persons lead Lives inordinate, he with the Chapter (in Cases
where no particular Penalty is appointed) may reprehend or correct at
Discretion; and in Matters of Discord, shall within Eight Days
reconcile the contending Parties, or do Justice. After thrice
Admonition, may expel from the College all Sowers of Discord,
Backbiters and Whisperers, that are below the Degree of a Canon. And
that there be no defect of Government, when the Dean has Occasion to be
absent above Eight Days, he shall appoint One of the Canon Residents
for his Deputy, in whose absence he has the Title of Lieutenant, and on
all Occasions to exercise his Office; for the Statutes allow him Sixty
Days in a Year for Non-residence; which space the Royal Visitation,
1552. enlarg’d to One Hundred and Ten Days; and the Lord Chancellor
_Hyde_ granted him Liberty of Six Weeks absence. But in the Vacancy of
the Custos, the Chapter has all his Power conferr’d on them; which
Chapter ought, within Two Days after the Vacancy made known, elect one
of the Resident Canons, under the Title of President, to govern the
College until they be provided of another Custos.
CANONS.
THE Canons, by the Letters Patent of the first Erection, were appointed
to be Twenty Four, including the Custos; but upon the Institution of
the College by the Bishop of _Winton_, there was ordain’d, as
afore-noted, One Custos, Twelve Secular Canons, and Thirteen Priests or
Vicars, in all Twenty Six, compleatly the Number of _The Knights of the
Garter_: And for a fuller Distinction between these Canons Secular and
the Priests, the first Twelve are, in a Bull of Pope _Innocent_ VIII.
nam’d _Majores Canonici_, the others _Minores_, or Petty-Canons. To
these Twelve Seculars were assign’d so many Prebendships in the Chapel
of St. _George_ (as also Stalls in the Choir and Place in the Chapter)
together with that held by the Custos, whence they are frequently
styl’d Prebends, and have a sacerdotal Power; for if they are not in
full Orders before they are instal’d, they must, within a Year after
they have enjoy’d their Prebendship, be ordain’d a Priest, or quit the
Benefice.
BY the Bull of Pope _Clement_ VI. the Right of presenting the Canons,
Priests, Clerks, Alms-Knights and other Ministers, were reserv’d to the
Founder and his Successors; yet we find the first Canons were presented
to the Custos, by the Founders of _The Order of the Garter_ _viz._ the
Twenty Five first Knights Companions, every one presenting singularly;
yet this was but with the Sovereign’s Permission, _Pro hac vice_; and
that none of them should be entitled to it hereafter but the Sovereign
alone. And because it might the more effectually be observ’d, the
Custos was oblig’d upon every Canon’s Death, to signify the same to the
Sovereign, that he might pitch on One to succeed; which being
nominated, he is approved, instituted, and instal’d, by the Custos or
Dean, to whom he swears Canonical Obedience, and Observance of the
Statutes.
THE principal Duty of these Canons (and of all the other Ministers of
the College) is continually to attend upon the Service of God in the
Chapel of St. _George_; and the Statutes run upon each Day’s Omission
of a Canon Resident, to be mulcted his _quotidian_ Distribution 12 _d._
And tho’ we find no License of Non-Residence granted them by their
Founder, yet there is mention of Canons Resident and Non-Resident, for
whom great Defalcations are appointed to be made, to prevent such
Neglects, because the residentiary Canons bear not only the Burden of
that Duty belonging to the Chapel, but the Expence of Hospitality and
other Works of Charity, occasion’d from their residing at _Windsor_.
_Richard Beauchamp_, Bishop of _Salisbury_, obtain’d Power from
_Sextus_ IV. to make new Statutes, and dispens’d with the old Ones; and
in 1478. he gave to the Dean and every Canon Fourteen Days of
Non-Residence in every Term, to wit, Fifty Six Days in the Year. By the
Visitation, 1552. they obtain’d a Dispensation for Eighty Days; and the
Lord Chancellor _Hatton_ yet gave them a further Permission to Two
Hundred and Two Days, which the Lord Chancellor _Hyde_ confirm’d; so
that there remains One Hundred and Sixty Three Days in the Year, in
which the Canons ought to be resident with Hospitality, to be consonant
to their Statutes.
THE Canons are particularly oblig’d to pray for the Sovereign, and for
the happy Estate of the Order. If any Knight Companion, or other
Person, should bestow Ten Pounds _per Annum_, in order to be Partaker
of the Prayers appointed for the Benefactors of the College, his Name
was to be inscribed amongst them, and he also prayed for. Which
Article, tho’ King _Hen._ V. confirmed, yet with this Restriction, it
should not be admitted without the Consent of the Sovereign, or the
Knights-Companions of the Order. 4 _Edw._ VI. some one of them were
enjoyned to commemorate the Benefactors in a Discourse upon the
_Tuesday_ next after the third _Sunday_ in _Lent_, and on the first
_Tusedays_ in _June_, _September_ and _December_, and not only to set
forth the Munificence of the Founder, and of King _Hen._ VIII. but of
all others, so as to excite their Auditors to an Emulation, in the
Increase of Religion, and setting forth of God’s Glory.
THE civil Obligations of these Canons are to attend the Sovereign (or
his Deputy) and the Knights Companions at their grand Feast, and at the
Feasts of the Installation, or when the Sovereign or Knights Companions
shall come to the Chapel of St. _George_ upon a Religious Account. On
those solemn Days, over their Ecclessastical Habit they wear a Murrey
Mantle, (at this Day a Taffaty Robe, in Fashion like the three inferior
Officers of the Order) with the Arms of St. _George_ arched within a
Rundle on the Right Shoulder.
PETTY CANONS.
Those now call’d Petty Canons in the Patent of Foundation went
undistinguish’d with the _Canones Majores_: only in the Bull of Pope
_Clement_ VI. to the Archbishop of _Canterbury_ and Bishop of _Winton_,
for instituting the College, they are called _Presbyteri_; and by the
said Bishop in the very Words of his Statutes, _Presbyteri seu
Vicarii_, by which last Name they are styl’d at the first Erection of
the Garter. Their Number was originally Thirteen, only King _Henry_ the
VIIIth’s _English_ Statutes mention Eight petty Canons, besides
Thirteen Vicars, (but the _Latin_ takes Notice only of Thirteen
Priests, some called _Canonici Minores_, others _Vicarii_.) _Ann._ 1.
_Edw._ VI. Twelve Priests were appointed, and named Petty Canons, that
is, Four to be added to the Eight mention’d in the Statute of King
_Henry_ VIII. Yet in Queen _Elizabeth_’s Ordinances for the continual
Charge, the Petty Canons thereby provided for are Thirteen, agreeable
to the ancient Number of Vicars; but at this Day they are reduced to
Seven, and one of them Subchanter.
The Vicars at their Admission are bound to be Priests, at least
Deacons, and at the next Ordination they must commence Priests. Their
Statutes oblige them to continual Residence; and if absent from Matins
or from the grand Mass, they are amerced 2 _d._ and for every Canonical
Hour, the Mass of the Virgin _Mary_, or for the Defunct, a Penny: All
which Forfeitures were to be deducted out of their Sallary, and divided
among those Vicars that duly attend these Duties. But the Statutes 1
_Edw._ VI. state the Forfeit of Absence from Matins to be one
Half-penny, and the like from Procession, Communion or Even-Song, to be
paid to the Poor’s Box. And not only they, but all other Ministers of
the Chapel, if they leave the College above Twenty Days, without
Reasons sufficiently approved of by the Residentiary Canons; or any of
the Society that lead a vicious or scandalous Life, after the Fact
manifestly proved before the _Custos_, are to be expelled; but an
Absence less than Twenty Days, without Leave granted, is punishable at
Discretion.
Each Vicar enjoy’d at first an annual Pension of 8 _l._ paid afte
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