to refer the examination thereof to some others That thereupon such course may be taken for the restoring and preserving of the right of the said Church herein either for the present or future time as your Majesty in your Princely wisdom shall find agreeable to honor and justice And the Petitioner according to his duty shall pray for your Majesties long happy and glorious Reign To the substance of this Petition it was objected 1. That the Great Seals of England did not work within or upon the Statutes and Rules of the Order of the Garter 2. That no Grant could prescribe or limit the present Soveraign it being a Fundamental Law within the Order Suprema Lex was Supremi voluntas 3. That it did not appear by the Records of the Order that the place of Chancellor was any otherwise conferred upon Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury than quam diu Regiae celcitudini complaceret So as the free disposition thereof did remain with the Soveraign To the first It was answered by way of exception as to the Grant of Offices forasmuch as the power of the Great Seal of England was anciently took into and became legal within the Order in like Cases and not any Patent for an Office from the Institution of the Order unto that time had past under the Seal of the Order but under the Great Seal of England and in particular the Office of Chancellor as was manifest enough from their Enrolments For besides the first Grant made by King Edward the Fourth when the Office came afterwards into the hands of Lay-men from the Patent granted to Sir William Cecil to that made to Sir Thomas Rowe all past under the said Great Seal which had not been done if any legal defect had been therein To the second it being so as was objected it thence appeared that the Soveraign was as much at liberty to restore this Office to the See of Salisbury as continue it to secular Dignities To the third What was alledged out of the Records of the Order related only to the time of delivering the Seals to Bishop Beauchamp but when afterwards the Office was erected by Letters Patent it was then granted to him during life Something was replied from the Judges opinions given in this case an Iac. Regis 6. but the Soveraign thought it was not then well considered to permit the Chapter Acts of this Order which hath Statutes and Rules of its own and wholly independent from other Laws to receive construction and determination from the Measures and Rules of our Common-Law and therefore notwithstanding what had been objected against the Bishops Claim the Soveraign was pleased justly to pronounce That he ought to be heard and to that purpose gave the Chancellor order to signifie unto him that he should prepare and set down in writing a brief of the Vouchers and Proofs of his Pretentions in verification of his Petition and send them to the Chancellor to be delivered to the Knights-Commissioners appointed for the Affairs of the Order to consider of them and present them at the next Chapter to the Soveraign who would therein take such Order as was conformable to his most impartial and untainted Justice The 4. of October after in a Chapter held at Windesor during the Feast of St. George the Chancellor represented the said Bishop's Petition with the Vouchers to his Pretensions which the Bishop exhibited no otherwise than as Inducements and humble Motives for restoring the ancient right of the Church of Salisbury and perpetually re-uniting the Chancellorship of the Order to that See if it should seem agreeable to his Will Wisdom and Justice But the Knights-Commissioners having not to that time met the business was again referr'd to them to be considered prepared and abreviated for the Soveraign's consideration and final judgment All which the Chancellor by Letter thus signified to the Bishop Right Reverend and my very good Lord I Mâ—y have justly incurred the censure of your Lordship either of want of manners or prevarication that I have not given you an account of the trust you pleased to repose in me and that I so willingly undertook both out of true respect I bear to your Lordship and duty and service to the Church whose cause you solicite but I hope your goodness will acquit me of any of these crimes and be pleased to take my just excuse that I deferred only to give you a more certain answer than yet I am able â—â— left a longer delay might endanger the good opinion which I desire to preserve with â—ou you may be pleased to know that at the last Chapter of the Order held in October at Windesor I represented your Lordships Petition and all the several Vouchers and verifications of your demand and pretension but his Majesty having not leisure at that time to enter into a full debate did refer it to the Knights-Commissioners standing for the Order both to consider and to deliver their opinions and to make report to him at the next Feast reserving to Himself the final judgment Of this I have made a Record and registred it in the Acts of the Order for continuance of your Claim I have since solicited the Knights-Commissioners often to meet upon it and other occasions of the Order but hic labor hoc opus I cannot procure them till after the Term when I beseech you to believe that I will be a faithful Remembrancer and Advocate of your cause and that as soon as I can get any resolution I will thereof render you an account and if they will do nothing therein I will again bring it to his Majesty In this business I cannot omit to let you know the care of his Grace my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury in your behalf who doth often call upon me and if you please to take notice thereof to him and to desire him to move his Majesty to command some of the Knights to meet and to hear it it will procure both a quick and effectual dispatch and there shall be of my part no manner of omission to testifie to your Lordship both my reverence to your person and desire to deserve of you the name of Your Lordships most humble servant Tho. Rowe St. Martyns-Lane 29 Nov. 1637. Nor was this worthy Chancellor unmindful of his promise for the next time the Knights-Commissioners sat which was the first of February following at Whitehall He to their considerations presented the foresaid Petition Claim and Vouchers to be heard by them according to the former Order But it was their opinion That unless the Bishop were himself present it would be labour lost and that they could not conclude in the cause without hearing his own Reply And therefore they entred not into the debate but Ordered the Chancellor to write a Letter to his Lordship that whensoever he came up to London he should be heard personally and his reasons considered and to the Soveraign represented The Letter
Windesor according to which Constitutions there having lately been made divers pieces of rich Plate presented and consecrated in that Chappel to the neer value of 800 l. the Dean of Windesor and Register of the Order being by Statute Collector of such moneys received and disbursed did bring in his full account unto his Majesty the Soveraign and the Knights of the Order at the Solemnity of the Feast of Saint George for this year held by prorogation upon the 2.3 and 4. of October upon the view whereof your Lordship being found behind and not having paid the sums expressed in the inclosed paper with the Reasons how they did grow due taken out of his accompt in writing it was resolved in full Chapter and registred among the Acts of the Order that those several sums should be called for and collected before the next Feast In pursuance whereof I then received command from his Majesty with the approbation and consent of all the Knights then assembled to signifie to your Lordship under the Signet of the Order the Soveraign Will That you make present payment of your arrearages and to deliver it unto the bearer hereof who is appointed Collector for this service which if your Lordship shall delay or refuse to do being only the observance of the Statutes to which you are obliged both in honor and by your Oath I have also express order to return your answer and to signifie to you the displeasure of his Majesty of all which respects I am confident your Lordship will be most tender And so I humbly take my leave Your Lordships in all due observance Tho. Rowe St. Martyns-Lane 9. Nov. 1637. And yet notwithstanding all these Injunctions in the List of the Knights-Companions who ought to have paid the Earls of Somerset Sussex and Marr were at last returned insolvent All this Plate was treble gilt and thereon were the Scripture Histories rarely well designed and chased and especially the great Bason and the Covers of two Books hereafter mentioned for I find the said Van Vianan complaining that he was a great loser at the rate agreed upon so much and so good work had he bestowed on them above the rest Upon the 22. day of Iuly after the delivery of this Plate into the Chapter-house order was given by the Soveraign to the Chancellor to remove and carry the afore recited parcels to Croyden or Lambeth wither the Dean of Windesor or some of the Prebends should also go there to be consecrated by his Grace Doctor Land the then Archbishop of Canterbury and from thence they to see it returned and safely delivered into the Treasury of the Dean and Chapter of Windesor But they went not thither according to the appointment for this solemn and sacred action was deferred till the next Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor wherein at a Chapter held the 2. of October in the year aforesaid the said Plate was ordered to be offered the next morning at the Altar and there to be consecrated to God and his Service for ever by the Prelate of the Order And because the whole Ceremony was performed with great veneration and all due reverence his late Majesty being a high promoter of Ecclesiastical decency and holy discipline we think fit to present it here at large On the 3. day of the said Month of October being the Feast day held by Prorogation at Windesor-Castle in the time of the Second Service at the Versicle Let your light so shine before men c. Walter Bishop of Winchester then Prelate standing before the middle of the Altar read certain select Verses out of the Old Testament concerning the dedication of Solomons Temple and the Riches thereof the first of which was taken from the 35. Chapter of Exodus ver 4. the second being the 21. versâ— of the same Chapter and the third taken out of the second Chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel verse 11. and afterwards fitted himself for the Offring At which time the Soveraign descended from his Throne as in the manner of Offring and thrice bowed down towards the Altar worshiping and adoring God in the middle of the Choire and so past to the Degrees of the Altar where humbly kneeling did present and offer to God the before mentioned great Bason devoutly saying Part of thy bounty to us O Lord Almighty I offer to thee and to thy Service The Offring was forthwith received by the Prelate and set upon the Altar which done every one of the Knights-Companions present after the example of this holy King in their due ranks and single did offer his piece of dedicated Plate with the same words and in like manner And that their ordinary Offring of Gold and Silver might not be interrupted or omitted all the Knights-Companions at the time of offring the Plate made the same in another Bason held by one of the Prebends Every of these holy Vessels being thus offred and decently placed upon the Altar the Prelate with his hand touched every piece severally as on God's part receiving them and after made the following Prayers of Consecration and Benediction O Lord God Heavenly Father we thy most humble servants do earnestly entreat thee that thou wilt graciously vouchsafe to accept these sacred Offrings by thâ— hands of our most gracious Soveraign Lord King Charles and the most honorable Companions which are here present dedicated to thee Grant me beseech thee and cause that whatsoever is this day offered unto thee may be preserved from all profane use and may for ever abide consecrated to thy service through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen Let us bless thee our most glorious Lord God for that it hath pleased thee to put into the heart of our most gracious Lord Charles and of these Princes to dedicate these oblations to thy service Regard we beseech thee from the Highest Heavens and power out thy blessings upon the head of his most gracious Majesty Bless him in his Royal Person in hiâ— most gracious Queen Mary in the most illustrious Prince Charles and in all the rest of the Branches of the Royal Stock Bless we pray thee all those whose donations offered to thee we have here this day received Let thy blessing fall down as the dew of Heaven upon them and upon their posterities and upon all things which they have from thee and grant that by the holy and debout use of these things which are here offered the glory of thy name may ever he proclaimed and thy Majesty may by these our due observances be exalted through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen These sacred Ceremonies being compleated the Soveraign and Knights-Companions marched to the great Hall to Dinner But to make some further addition to the Glory of this Altar his Majesty that now is at the time of his Installation into this most Noble Order being the 22. of May 1638. offered two large gilt Water-pots chaced with Histories
after none and on Saynt George's day for to kepe the said Feast at the costes of the said Soverayne for the space abovesaid withoute any new Ordenance to be made havyng power to correcte and redresse all poyntes of the said Chapter as for then shall seme necessary VIII Item that every one on Saynt Georges Even that is to wit the xxii day of April a gatheryng together shall be made of all the Knightes of Saynt George within the Castell of Wyndesore That is to wit of all them that shall be within this Realme of Englande or withoute that conveniently may come And there they shall have the service of Saynt George and also shall were their hole habit of the said Order duryng the seid servyce beyng ordinarily in they re Stalls And every of them shall have his Banner Sworde with his Helme and Creste above his Stall the whiche duryng his lyff shall abyde in the said Chappel for his honor and in signe and knowledge that he beres them in defence of holy Churche as the Order of Knyghthod requireth But in case that the seid Feast of Saynt George happen to fall within xv dayes after the Feast of Easter or upon any Fyshe-daye or Fastyng day then it shall be proroged and prolonged at the Soverayne's pleasure as above is seid if so be that the day of the seid Feast be not assigned ne ordenyd to be kepte the xxiv xxv xxvi nor the last day of April nor upon the fowre firste dayes of May for by cause of the impediment or let of devyne servyce ordened by holy Churche for the double Feastes of Saynte Marke Philipp and Jacob and the Invention of the Holy Crosse of our Lord Jesu Chryste nor at suche dayes as shall fall the Assencion or the Feast of Penthecoste or any other Feaste of Solempnite as is ordened in holy Churche whereby the fyrst or seconde Evensonge by suche Prorogacions myght be letted and distorbed IX Item that all the Knyghtis of the said Order shall come yerely in the said place of the said Castell of Wyndesore on Saynte George's Even at th'owre of tierce the whiche is at three of the Clocke at afternoone as it is aboveseid And if thei come not at the tyme assigned without havyng a juste and reasonable excuse that may be acceptable to the said Soverayne or to his Deputie or otherwyse pardoned by the seid Soverayne of their absence by special Letters of excuse in the whiche Letters theyr names and causes shall be wryten or otherwyse shall have their pennance after th'ordenance and agreement of the said Chaptre And the said Ordenaunce is suche that they shall not entre into the Chaptre for that tyme but shall byde withoute the dore And shall have no voyce in any thynge that is done in the said Chaptre at that tyme alonly And if they come not to Evensonge before the begynnyng of the said Evensonge they shall not enter into their Stalles but shall byde belowe affore the said Stallis in the Queristers places duryng the said Evensonge And like pennance is ordened for them that come not to the high masse betyme and at Evensonge on Saynt George's daye And if there be any that come not to the Feaste and have not a reasonable excuse towarde the Soverayne or his Deputye as it is above declared his pennance shall bee that he shall not enter within his Stall tâ—e next Feast after but shall byde below as it is said at the first Evensong and shall goo in the procession before all the three Crosseâ— And shall sit below as affore is said all the mass tyme untyl the Offryng And he shall offre laste And after his penance so done incontinent he shall come before the Soverayneâ— Stall or his Deputie and there he shall aske pardon And after that the Soverayne or his Deputie shall commaunde hym to goe unto his Stall in his fyrst estate and if he come not at the seconde Feaste and be dwellyng within the â—ealm without having any excusation alowable to the Soverayne or to his Deputie as is abovesaid he shall not entre in his Stall from theâ—â—forth until the tyme that he have gyven and offered a â—ewell unto Saynte George's Aultar within the said Chappell of the valew of xx markes of Sylver of Troye and fro thens forwarde he shall double every yere the Penaltie unto the tyme â—e be reconsciled X. Item it is agreed that if any Knyght of the sayd Companye be founde in apperte withoute his Garter That he pay anon after that the chalenge hee made to hym by any of the five Officers of th' Order or of the Warden of the Seid College a marke of Mony Excepte he be voted for to ryde that then it shall suffice to were under his vote a blew â—iâ—ande of Sylke in signyfying of the Carter and also provided that no Knyght of the sayd Order from hensforthe do entre into the Chaptre without his Garter upon the payne abovesaid And whosoever of the said Officers or Warden shall make the first chalenge shall have the penaltye for his labor XI Item it is agreed that the Knyghts of the Order of St. George alwey and as often as they shall were theyr mantels they shall goo before there Soverayne every of them with his Felow that is for aneynst him ordinarily as they â—e sett in their Stalles And if it shoulde happen that eny of them were not there present his felow for aneynst hym shall goo alone The whiche Order shall be kepte and observed as well in goyng in procession as ellis where in other places But at the Offryng the Souerayn or his Deputie shall goo before all the Company and the ordinarie Officers of the said Ordre shall goo as thei have bene accustomed when any procession shall be done in the Chapter Chappel or ellis where And for the ordre of the said Knightis for to sitt at the Table for to take their reseccion by it at Diner at or Souper they shall sit all along on one side after ther Stalls and not after their state except Children and Bretherne of Kinges Princes and Dukes that be Strangers the which shall kepe their places and romes aâ—ter their astate and at their voiding and â—â—ing out shall abide and goo in order so as thei sat at the Table XII Item it is agreed that every one of them at the Casâ—ell of Windesore on the morow after the Feast of Saynte George before the departyng of the Company thâ—t the said Knyghtes upon suche Gownes as shall please them at the Chapter dore shall take their Mantels and shall goo into the said Chaptre and after that shall goo and here a mass of Requiem the which shall be solempnely songe for the souls of all the Felowes of the said Order which be departed and deceassed and for all Christen sowiles and that all the Company be there present without eny of them be lett bi a reasonable cause or have
upon this occasion was as followeth My Lord IT hath pleased the Lords Knights-Commissioners for the Garter to meet upon Thursday last the first day of this Month where in the first place I presented your Lordships Petition to his Majesty and read the Order of Reference upon it made in Chapter and offered unto their consideration the authentick Vouchers to every part sent me by your Lordship and urged your Claim as far as if it had been my own both by succession of Bishops of Salisbury in the Office of Chancellor until Henry the Eighth and of the first Grant made under the Broad Seal and of continual renewing thereof in all the Charters of Bishops since to your Lordship and all other arguments which either my wit could present or to which by sincerity and your trust I was obliged But could not induce their Lordships to view them nor to make any report upon the cause all the answer I obtained was that it was not proper for me to be the Advocate nor for them to hear where I could not be furnished with a reply on your part if they found cause to except against any part of the title and so they would not judge you by any prejudice But commanded me to signifie to your Lordship that whensoever your occasions should bring you to London or the Court that they would hear you and from you only receive the information And that when your Lordship should call upon them they would give you such an answer as the justice of your cause should merit I am sorry to write your Lordship so weak effects but I desire you to believe that I have proceeded with all faith and integrity and that I could do no more Of this proceeding I acquainted his Grace my Lord Archbishop of Canterbury who did think it fit that I should signifie to you how the business stood that you might be the better prepared against your coming to London where I shall be ready to do you all service in my power and until then will keep your Papers safe for your use Vnless his Majesty to whom I purpose to render an account of the business make a new Order for more expedition which I believe will not be done before your coming or the next Chapter In hope and desire to be of more use to your Lordship when you shall make your own Claim or in any other of your commands I shall ever rest Your Lordships most humble servant Tho. Rowe St. Martins-Lane 6. Feb. 1637. After which we find not that the Knights-Commissioners met either upon this or any other Affair relating to the Order before the Feast of St. George begun to be held at Windesor the 20. of May an 14. Car. 1. and to that being added the Ceremonies of the present Soveraign's Installation the Bishop of Salisbury thought it not convenient to interrupt any part of that great Solemnity with the consideration of this Affair and the Scotch War shortly after breaking forth and troubles growing high at home the further prosecution was laid aside and not revived until the 19. of November an 21. Car. 2. when Seth Ward now Lord Bishop of Salisbury took encouragement upon the former grounds and the Soveraign's favour to set on foot this Claim by a Petition presented in Chapter then held at Whitehall where after a full debate and consideration had of the justness of his Claim he obtained the following Decree for re-establishment of this Office on the Bishop of that See upon the first vacancy At a Chapter of the most Noble Order of the Garter held by his Majesty Soveraign and the most noble Companions hereafter named in the Red Chamber next the Bed-Chamber in Whitehall the nineteenth of November 1669. Present His Majesty Soveraign His Royal Highness the Duke of York Duke of Ormond Earl of Oxford Earl of Manchester Prince Rupert Earl of Bristol Earl of Sandwich Duke of Monmouth Officers Prelate the Bishop of Winchester Officers Register Garter Usher The Soveraign then declared That the reason of calling this Chapter was to consider of the pretensions of Dr. Seth Ward Bishop of Salisbury exhibited in a Petition concerning the Title and Claim of himself and his Successors unto the Office of Chancellor of the most Noble Order of the Garter when the same should become void the Bishop grounding the equity of his Claim upon a Charter first granted by King Edward the Fourth in the 15. year of his Reign unto Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury and his Successors for ever which Charter hath been since confirmed under the Great Seal of England by other Kings and Queens and particularly by King Charles the First of ever blessed memory hereupon the Bishop being called in and commanded to produce his proofs to make good that his pretension accordingly the Bishop humbly offered an authentique Copy of the original Charter of the said King Edward the Fourth renewed and confirmed by the said King Charles the First in the fourth year of his Reign The which being read and duly considered together with the Objections to the contrary particularly that the possession and execution of the said Office of Chancellor had been for above an hundred years commited unto Laymen notwithstanding which the Soveraign and Companions being fully satisfied with the justness of the Claim of the said Bishop grounded upon the aforesaid Charters and likewise considering that the returning of the said Office to the first Institution would be for the honor and dignity of the said most Noble Order the Soveraign thereupon with the unanimous consent of the most Noble Companions then present did Declare and Ordain That the Bishop of Sarum and his Successors for ever shall have and execute the Office of Chancellor of the said most Noble Order and receive and enjoy all Rights Priviledges and Advantages thereunto belonging immediately upon the first vacancy of the said Office Proceed we next to the Oath the Chancellor takes at his admission which we find to be the same with the Prelate's and in the like humble posture that is upon the Knee and usually administred by the Register of the Order When Sir Iames Palmer was to be admitted Chancellor 17. Ian. an 20. Car. 1. the Register moved the Soveraign That in regard his Majesty had made choice of him for that Office in place of Sir Thomas Rowe deceased and though he had long executed the same in his absence and taken the Oath as Deputy Chancellor yet being now elected Chancellor ought to take the Oath in the quality he was in The Soveraign and Knights-Companions present thought it fit to be done and thereupon the Register gave him the Oath after which being saluted by the Knights-Companions and joy given him of his new Office he went on with the business of the Chapter It is clear from the Precedent of the Soveraign's Livery of the Garter that the Chancellor's Robe was at first the same with the Prelates both
to send over hither any person of his own Court or give his Procuration to some one of the Soveraign's Subjects to receive his Stall and in his name to take possession of it the later of which hath been several times done out of desire to favour some of our Nobility or other persons of quality at Court with this honor For instance Frederick the Second King of Denmark gave his Procuration to the Lord Willoughby principal in the Legation for the carriage of the Habit of the Order to him to be installed for him and in like manner Iohn Prince Palatine of the Rhyne deputed Sir Philip Sidney to the same Employment Viscount Dorchester was installed for Henry Prince of Orange to whom he and Sir Williams Segar Garter had before carried the Habit and Ensigns and this was done by virtue of a Deputation pen'd in French and sent him hither from the said Prince The Earl of Carlisle received his Deputation from Charles King of Sweden at Stockholme and the Prince Elector of Saxony sent his hither to the Earl of Bath But it hath sometimes hapned that a Proctor for the installation of a Stranger hath been appointed and nominated by the Soveraign of the Order though the Principal had named another before perchance induced thereto by some extraordinary necessity Thus it hapned in the case of Maurice Prince of Orange an 10. Iac. R. who having deputed Count Henry his Brother to be installed for him and he having put to Sea in order thereto but by reason of contrary winds not arriving in England before the day appointed for his Installation the Soveraign and Knights-Companions ordered that Lodowick of Nassau Kinsman to the Elect Prince should take possession of his Stall on his behalf to the end that the honor designed the said Prince in accompanying Frederick Prince Elector Palatine to his personal Installation might not become frustrate A case somewhat like to this was that of Iohn George Duke of Saxony for having sent over his Procuration to Iohn Earl of Bath and he being detained in the West by extraordinary occasions when St. George's Feast was held at Windesor an 23. Car. 2. wrote to the Chancellor of the Order to obtain the Soveraign's Dispensation for his not appearing there in the name of his Principal who representing his humble request to the Soveraign in Chapter held on the Eve of the said Feast he was pleased to grant it and appointed Heneage Earl of Winchelsey to be the Duke's Proxie who performed the whole service And there is an ancient Example in this kind an 9. H. 5. where the Soveraign nominated the Lord Fitz-Hugh Procter for the King of Denmark which yet was not done till after the Soveraign had been certified that the said King had been invested with the Habit and Ornaments of the Order and also obliged himself by Oath to the observation of the Statutes In like manner it is recorded that the Earl of Cleveland was by the Soveraign appointed Deputy for the Installation of Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and yet not unlike but this might be by consent of the said King though the Annals herein are silent as is very usual and sometimes in circumstances and passages of note for if we look towards the end of the said King's Certificate returned of his Receipt of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order we shall there find he desired that the Qualifications therein before mentioned might be admitted into his Oath when any solemn attestation should be made by his Proctor in his Name whence it may be well enough and without much wresting inferr'd that he had not then named his Proctor but probably either by a private Letter or verbal message returned by those or some of them joined in the Legation with the Habit might leave him and the time to the choice and appointment of the Soveraign But suppose the Soveraign being loth to defer this King's Installation too long considering the hazards of War did appoint a Deputy for his Installation without his direction as the case stood he might do it and not intrench upon that leave given a Stranger by the Statutes to chuse his own because in the body of the said Kings Certificate there is set down the very qualifications wherewith his Oath should be taken by his Proctor which being allowed and admitted by the Soveraign any further concern in this Affair was but matter of indifferency But if the Soveraign having nominated a Proctor should also cause him to take the ancient Oath in its absolute nature and form not allowing those qualifications which the interests of his Principal to his Religion or to other Princes Orders and such like might justly exact which without consulting an invested Stranger cannot well be known or set down and such an Oath as his Principal had neither allowed of nor consented unto this might seem good cause of exception and be esteemed done in prejudice to his preingaged interests SECT II. The Proctor's Qualifications BUT whether the Proctor be nominated by his Principal or by the Soveraign the Statutes of the Order put some qualifications upon the person so sent or appointed as aforesaid and first That he be Procurator sufficiens idoneus that is such a person who hath been always accounted of an unblamable conversation not branded with any note of infamy but altogether irreproveable And such as one was Dominus Franciscus Deputy to Hercules Duke of Ferara who in the Black-Book of the Order is characterised to be a Knight of an incorrupt Fame nor are we to doubt but that other Proctors to Strangers were such though the testimonials of their virtue do not appear in the Annals of the Order Secondly the Proctor ought to be a person correspondent to the State and Dignity of that Stranger which doth depute him so that answerable to the dignity of the Invested Knight ought to be in some Proportion the quality of the Proctor And how this Injunction hath been observed will sufficiently appear in the following Scheme  Knights Proctors  Emperor Maximilian the First Marquess of Brandenburgh An. 6. H. 7. Kings Ericus King of Denmark Lord Fitz-Hugh An. 9. H. 5. Kings Francis the First of France Andrian de Tercelin Lord of Bross An. 19. H. 8. Kings Iames the Fifth King of Scotland Lord Iohn Erskine An. 26. H. 8. Kings Charles the Ninth of France Iaques Lord Remboilliet An. 8. Eliz. Kings Frederick the Second King of Denmark Peregrine Lord Willoughby of Ersby An. 24. Eliz. Kings Henry the Fourth of France Sier de Chastes Vice-Admiral of France An. 42. Eliz. Kings Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark Henry Ramell hereditary Lord of Wosterwitz and Beckeskaw An. 3. Iac. R. Kings Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden Thomas Wentworth Earl of Cleveland An. 4. Car. 1. Kings Charles King of Sweden Charles Howard Earl of Carlisle An. 23. Car. 2. Arch
Montmorency 40 Crowns Frederick Prince Palatine 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. And not only to Garter and Officers of Arms but likewise to several others did the Proctors bestow Gratuities as doth appear from what Monsieur de Tercelin Proctor to Francis the First of France gave an 19. H. 8. To Garter for his Gown 60 Crowns To the Black-Rod 6 Crowns Officers of Arms 60 Crowns Gentlemen-Vshers Guard and other of the Chamber 20 Crowns Master of the Houshold and other Officers of the Houshold 30 Crowns The two Sextons 2 Crowns Choristers 3 Crowns Vicars and Clarks 6 Crowns Vergers of the Colledge 8 Nobles Besides it is evident from a Bill of particulars which Prince Henry of Nassau Brother to Maurice Prince of Orange paid to Sir William Seagar that the Alms-Knights Trumpets Drums Fifes and Musicians received Gratuities also upon the foresaid account CHAP. XVIII OF THE Grand Feast OF THE Order SECT I. The Grand Feast appointed to be annually celebrated on St. George's day AT the Institution of this most Noble Order it was Ordained That its high and solemn Festival commonly called St. George's Feast should be annually celebrated on the 23. day of April or Saint George's day in honor of that Saint made choice of for its peculiar Patron And it is very observable that the Founders of several other Military Orders whose Institutions bear later date than this of the Garter setled also the Anniversary of their Festivals upon the Feast-day of their Patrons Thus Philip Duke of Burgundy upon his erection of the Order of the Golden Fleece making choice of St. Andrew for its Patron ordained the Grant Festival to be kept on St. Andrew's day The like did Lewis the Eleventh of France in appointing Michaelmas day for holding the Feast of the Order of St. Michael So also the Solemnities of the Duke of Savoy's Order of the Annunciade are annually held upon our Lady-day in Lent And the Festival of the Duke of Burbons Order of Knights of our Lady on the day of the Conception of our Lady being the 8. of December in which kind more instances might be produced were it needful Since then the Founders of Knightly Orders have generally appointed the celebration of their Solemnities on the days set apart by the Church for commemoration of those particular Saints whom they had pitched upon for Patrons it will not be besides our subject to enquire upon what grounds those days were advanced into Festivals for the honoring such Saints The Church saith Durand celebrates the Feasts of Saints for several causes first by way of return of thanks to them for keeping a continual Feast for us forasmuch as there is joy among the Angels and holy Souls in regard of onâ— penitent sinner Secondly because in honoring them we are highly concerned our selves their cause of Festivity being indeed ours for charity makes all things common A third reason he will have to be that we may the better engage them to intercede for us Fourthly in imitation of them since by their examples we are the better incited to imitate their virtues Fifthly for confirmation and advancement of our hopes seeing mortal men like our selves advanced to that height of glory whereupon we have the less cause to despair of the like since the hand of the Lord is no way shortned Sixthly for the honor of the Divine Majesty because in them we honor and exalt God himself who sanctified and glorified them Seventhly that upon the contemplation of their beauty and felicity men may be weaned from their sins and learn to contemn worldly things But the eighth and principal for our present purpose is because the keeping of the Anniversary Feasts of Saints brings their actions and examples the better to our memory for our profit and edification not that they stand in need of our Prayers being themselves perfectly happy but that we should give thanks and honor to God for them Nor hath it been the practice only of later Ages but even of the primitive Christians also to make Anniversary Commemorations of deceased Martyrs as appears from Rodolph Hospinian who saith That the ancient Christians as they had an affectionate care and respect to the Saints and Martyrs while they were yet in the flesh so neither were they unmindful of them after their decease for on those days whereon by suffring Martyrdom they were deprived of this life they meeting at their Sepulchres celebrated their memorials and this they did not only once but every year namely as often as that day came about whereon they suffred But to resume the prosecution of our present discourse the next thing to be considered is the Day whereon the Patron of this most Noble Order suffered Martyrdom and which was thereupon designed to be his Anniversary Festival SECT II. The Anniversary of St. George fixed by the Church unto the 23. of April THat the 23. day of April was the day whereon St. George suffred Martyrdom by beheading appears from the Greek Hexamiter before his Commemoration among other Testimonies given us in that most elaborate Work the Titles of Honor. Therefore on that very day both the Greek and Latine Church from ancient time appointed and observed the Natalis Sancti Georgii Martyris in commemoration of the Passion of that famous and victorious Martyr as may be seen in the ancientest Martyrologies remembred both by our learned Selden and Doctor Heylin And on this day also was the Natalis of St. George observed by our Predecessors the Saxons as appears by the old Saxon Martyrologie remaining now in Benet Colledge in Cambridge whence may be also collected the estimation Saint George had gained even in the Saxon times But that we may the better understand the acception of this word Natalis and Natalitium in the matter of Martyrology Durand tells us That Natalis or Natalitium is said to be the departure of Saints out of this life as being then born to God and a state of Glory by a Nativity tending to eternal life By which it plainly appears that in the Saints Calender the day of their Martyrdom or death hath been accounted their true Natalis their Nativity or Birth-day rather than that generally so accounted namely the time of their first coming into the world And with this the forecited Hospinian agrees affirming That the Chritians of the primitive Church appointed not the days of Martyrs Nativities to be celebrated as the Ethnicks used but those of their death or suffring To which effect he cites St. Ambrose and a little after adds that those days whereon Martyrs resolutely underwent death for Christ's sake they used to call their Genethlia their Natalia or Natalitia by the testimony of Origen and Tertullian And this kind of second birth is also known by several other names as Festum transitus so called Because their souls departing from their bodies pasâ— through divers and unknown places through the aiery
the Chapter-house either through negligence or want of timely notice or other accident the Penance set on them by the Statutes of Institution is That they shall so far incur punishment from the Soveraign and Chapter for their offence as not to be permitted for that time to enter into the Chapter but shall tarry without at the door and not have voice in any thing that shall happen to be done there unless they can alledge a just excuse or render such a sufficient cause as the Soveraign or his Deputy shall approve of But we have observed few Defaulters in this kind beside the Lord Bourchier an 35. H. 6. who being noted to come thither before Vespers it seems to imply that his appearance was short of the Hour enjoyned as aforesaid Concerning the third sort of Delinquents being those Knights-Companions who are not only absent at the Hour of Tierce but likely to be so during the whole Feast the Proceedings in the Chapter relating to them are either upon what is presented and offered in excuse of their absence or determined upon their neglect or default of making Apology for it Where Excuses for absence are offered they are either by Letters or word of mouth if by Letters then are they sent either from the absent Knights themselves and directed to the Chancellor of the Order or else from the Soveraign to his Lieutenant on their behalf and both produced by the Chancellor But it Excuses be made by word of mouth then they are delivered either by the Soveraign himself or upon motion made by some of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter In order to the first of these ways of presenting the absent Knights-Companions excuses we find the Custom of sending Letters to that purpose to have been very ancient For at the Grand Feast held at Windesor by Humfry Duke of Gloucester the Soveraign's Deputy an 8. H. 5. it appears that the Lord Powis his Letter under his Hand and Seal wherein he certified his present infirmity and indisposition of Body was produced in Chapter And the following year the Dukes of York Norfolk and Buckingham with the Earls of Salisbury Shrewsbury and Penbroke Viscount Bourchier the Lord Rivers and Sir Iohn Fastolf being all absent from St. George's Feast they declared the reason of their absence by their Messenger So an 5. E. 4. we find that the Lord Beauchamp sent his Excusatory Letters which were received Again an 19. of the same King it is noted That all that were absent from this Solemnity excused their absence by Letters to that purpose signed and sealed with their Arms. And this hath been the use in following times whereunto several Memorials entred in the late Soveraign's Reign concur and among others that an 13. Car. 1. when on the Eve of the Grand Feast held by Prorogation upon the 17.18 and 19. days of April the Earls of Moulgrave Lindesey Suffolk and Exceter having signified by Letters under their Seals of Arms their several excuses of sickness and disability to attend the Chancellor producing them in Chapter they were dispensed with by the Soveraign The like Excuses made by Letters were accepted from the Earls of Suffolk Danby and Lindesey an 15. of the same King There are entred in the Registers several Memorials of Letters sent from the Soveraign to his Deputy when himself hath not been present in Chapter wherein his excusing and pardoning the defaults of absent Knights-Companions hath been signified As an 22. H. 6. the Duke of Buckingham being Lieutenant the Dukes of Gloucester and Exceter with the Lord Hungerford were excused by the Soveraign's Letters So an 36. of the same King Viscount Mountague being reckoned up amongst the absent Knights-Companions the Register saith he was excused by the Soveraign 's Letters The like is noted of the Dukes of York and Gloucester and six other Knights-Companions absent from the Feast held an 18. E. 4. the Lord Soveraign's Lieutenant And so an 21. E. 4. concerning other absent Knights-Companions Moreover an 18. H. 7. the Soveraign it being his pleasure to be absent sent his Letters thereupon to the Earl of Darby his Deputy to excuse also some others that were absent So also in the 21. 22. and 23. of the same King But an 20. H. 8. we find no less than 17 Knights-Companions at one time excused and pardoned for their absence by the Soveraign's Letters sent unto the Marquess of Exceter his Lieutenant for the Grand Feast kept at Windesor the 27. of May in the foresaid year viz. three Dukes six Earls two Viscounts five Barons and one Knight Baneret And hitherto may be referr'd what is spoken of the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester and six other Knights-Companions an 14. E. 4. that their absence was excused by the Soveraign's authority the like expression is used in the case of the Earl of Northumberland and others an 19. of his Reign And from many Precedents which we have seen of Letters sent from the Soveraign and directed to his Lieutenant to accept of Knights-Companions excuses whose absence he had beforehand dispensed with we observe those Dispensations excused not the sending of their own particular Excuses for it is evident they were also expected and that such allowance of absence was not absolute but in a manner conditional the clause running thus That you the Soveraign's Deputy allow these excuses so far as they are consonant to reason And in all other Letters of the same nature a Clause to this effect hath been inserted That as the Soveraign thought good to advertise his Deputy that for certain causes he had dispenced with their attendance for that time so he willed him to accept their reasonable excuses in that behalf accordingly Secondly The absent Knights-Companions have had their Excuses frequently made by word of mouth either of the Soveraign or some other of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter This favour of the Soveraign is either done by himself when present in Chapter or by giving order to his Lieutenant before the Feast begin In relation to what he hath personnaly done in this case we have many Examples as an 6. H. 6. the Soveraign declared the reason of the Duke of Norfolks absence So on the Eve of the Feast kept at Windesor an 26. H. 6. the Duke of York the Earl of Salisbury Viscount Beaumont the Lords Hungerford Willoughly and Sir Iohn Fastolf were absent but excused by the Soveraign Again in a Chapter held on the Eve of the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor an 36. H. 6. the Duke of York Earl of Salisbury and Viscount Bourchier being absent were excused by the Soveraign's own moâ—th the like is said on the behalf of the absent Knights an 3. H. 7. So an 17. E. 4. on the Eve of the Feast held by Prorogation the Dukes of Gloucester Buckingham and Suffolk with
the Earl of Northumberland at that time absent were excused by the Soveraign At other times the Soveraign not being present in Chapter hath before hand verbally instead of Letters given his Deputy or Lieutenant direction to excuse the absence of several of the Knights-Companions Thus it was in the case of the Prince the Earls of Surrey and Shrewsbury and Lord Daubeny who an 19. H. 7. were excused by the Soveraign by word of mouth to the Marquess of Dorset his Lieutenant because they were then employed in his service And as touching the Earls of Arundel and Devonshire at the same time the Register saith the Soveraign with his own mouth excused them to his Dputy Whereto we may add what is recorded an 26. H. 8. All others absent were by the Soveraign at that time excused to the Duke of Richmond his Lieutenant by word of mouth and afterwards by his Letters Of the latter sort to wit such as have been excused upon the motion made by some of the other Knights-Companions present in Chapter we find that on the Vigil of St. George an 1. H. 6. Humfrey Duke of Gloucester being then the Soveraign's Deputy Sir Harington's absence was excused by the Chancellor at that time Sir Iohn Robessart one of the Knights-Companions So an 2. H. 6. The Deputy took upon him the Earl of Warwick's excuse But ere we proceed any further it will not be amiss here to observe what effect the Excuses presented on the behalf of absent Knights have usually produced in reference whereunto we find the just and reasonable favourably admitted some suspended and divers disallowed Excuses easily allowed were first Sickness for those of the Knights-Companions who have either been sick far spent with age or intent upon publick Affairs have readily obtained excuse which we meet with in the Examples of the Lord Powis an 8. H. 5. the Duke of Exceter an 2. H. 6. Sir Thomas Erpingham an 6. H. 6. as also the Lord Dudley an 15. E. 4. And of later times the Earl of Bedford an 26. Eliz. Viscount Mountague and the Earl of Warwick in the 30. of the same Queen with many others Secondly The not recovery of Wounds received in the Soveraigns Service for such was the condition of Sir William Harington an 7. H. 5. whom we see excused for his illness occasioned from the Wounds then lately received at the Siege of Roan and elsewhere Thirdly Impotency and old age for which cause the Lord Burnell an 7. â— 5. at the last mentioned Chapter the Earls of Shrewsbury and Warwiâ—k and Lord Burghley an 31. Eliz. and the Earl of Moulgrave an 13. Car. 1. So also the Earl of Westmerland an 2. 3. H. 6. and the Earl of Suffolk an 13. Car. 1. for the weakness of his Limbs were all of them excused for absence at those several Feasts Fourthly imployment in the Soveraigns service either abroad or at home Of the first sort was the case of Sir Robert Vmfrevile excused an 7. H. 5. because he had been sent towards Scotland to defend the Borders So the Lord Scroop engaged in the like Service an 30. Eliz. his absence was immediately excused As was that of the Duke of Bedford and the Lord Talâ—ot an 6. H. 6. both being employed in the Wars of France whilst the Grand Feast was celebrated at Windesor Again the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Faucombridge had such another Apology an 28. H. 6. And lastly the Earl of Essex an 41. Eliz. who according to his Commission was endeavouring to subdue by Arms the Irish Rebels and therefore deservedly excused Of the second sort of employment to wit at home was that of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Hungtington an 22. 26. Eliz. the first of whom was taken up in the managery of certain Affairs enjoined him by the Soveraign but the other being President of the Council in the North his absence was for that and several years following favourably admitted And a like case was that of the Earl of Danby an 13. Car. 1. who for his necessary attendance at the Seat of Iustice in Eyre was excused of his waiting on the Soveraign at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation on the 2.3 and 4. days of October in the foresaid year Fifthly When the Grand Feast hath received Prorogation and any of the Knights-Companions have not had notice of the day whereunto it was prorogued and for non-attendance for want of such notice Sir Simon Fehbridge an 8. H. 6. the Feast for that year having been prorogued unto the 22. of May was excused by Humfry Duke of Gloucester then the Soveraign's Deputy Sixthly When any of the Knights-Companions have been employed upon Embassie or other Civil Affairs as Sir Here Tanke Clux who an 3. H. 6. was by the Soveraign sent in Legation to the Emperor of Germany and also for that an 5. 6. H. 6. he yet remained in the Emperor's Court by the Soveraign's command In like manner the Indulgence of the Soveraign excused the Earl of Derby and Lord Cobham an 30. Eliz. they being sent Ambassadors into the Low-Countries to treat with Philip King of Spain about a Peace To like purpose is that Entry made in excuse of the Earl of Marr's absence in Scotland and Earl of Carlisse's Embassy abroad an 4. Car. 1. Seventhly When any of them have been in Captivity as was Thomas Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Huntington both Prisioners in France an 2. H. 6. So also the Earl of Suffolk the Lord Talbot and Lord Scales an 7. H. 6. the Lord Fauconbridge an 30. 36. H. 6. and Earl of Kendal an 32. H. 6. and lastly in the 4.5 and 6. years of Edward the Fourth Sir Iohn Astley who was Prisoner there also Eighthly When any of them have obtained the Soveraign's Letters of Dispensation of which sufficient is spoken before Lastly some other just and lawful occasion as well as accident having fallen out not relating to those under the former heads the Soveraign upon information given in Chapter hath been pleased to allow of as sufficient to excuse the non-appearance and non-attendance of the Knights-Companions at the Grand Feasts in which rank the foresaid Lord Fauconbridge's care of his domestick Affairs an 32. H. 6. was readily admitted because having been lately in Prison he had obtained leave to go to see his House and Lands in the Country And the Earl of Arundel's absence an 15. Car. 1. was pardoned by reason of the Dutchess of Richmond's Death who died on the Eve of the Grand Feast that so he being the chief of her Family might be at hand to advise and assist in all things conducing to the honor of the deceased Dutchess And as the Knights-Companions have been often excused for not appearing at the Grand-Feast
upon lawful and sufficient grounds so hath the Soveraign for like reasons been pleased to license and dispence with their departure from the same Of this we have met with an Example an 6. Eliz. in the Lord Hastings of Longhborough who falling ill a little before the Offring on St. George's day obtained license from the Soveraign to depart out of the Choire and came no more abroad that day nor during that Feast As also another in the Duke of Lenox an 15. Car. 1. who being forced to go back to London by reason of the aforesaid Dutchess of Richmond's death had his excuse made in Chapter held the morning of the Feast day by the Deputy Chancellor whereupon he obtained the Soveraign's allowance for such his departure We are next to consider Excuses which though sent in due time yet upon debate and consultation in Chapter were suspended rather than allowed to this head may be referred that case of several of the Knights-Companions who were members of the Lords house in the Long Parliament For an 18. Car. 1. the Deputy Chancellor having by command of the Soveraign and in discharge of the duty of his Office sent unto each of them a several Summons for their attendance at the celebration of the Grand Feast to be held for the preceding year at York upon the 18.19 and 20. days of April and notice thereof being given to the House of Lords they immediately made the ensuing Order Die Martis 22. Maii 1641. WHereas the Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties houshold and some other Lords of Parliament Knights of the Garter have been summoned to give their attendance and repair unto the City of York for the celebration of St. George's Feast who acquainting this House with the Summons aforesaid it is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament that they attend the weighty Affairs of the Kingdom discussed in Parliament whereunto they are obliged by his Majesties Writ and the Law of the Land Jo. Browne Cleric Parliament Whereupon every one of the said Knights-Companions before the days appointed by Prorogation for holding the Feast sent their Petitionary Letters of excuse to the Deputy Chancellor wherein they professed their desire and readiness to attend in obedience of the said Summons nevertheless pleaded the foresaid Order for the ground of their stay at London and therefore desired him to obtain for them the Soveraign's gracious Letters of Dispensation But when the said Letters were severally presented in Chapter held before Vespers on the Eve of the said Feast the Soveraign would not at present either admit or disallow of their Excuses but deferred the consideration thereupon until the next Chapter to be held by Prorogation Of excuses which have not been allowed the most remarkable is that of the Duke of Norfolk and the Lord Scales an 36. H. 6. who in regard the causes alledged to excuse their absence at the Feast were not approved in a Chapter held on the Eve were adjudged to the penalty of the Statute the latter being particularly fined by the Soveraign and Knights-Companions in a Iewel to the value of 20 Marks to be offered in the Colledge whereby the rigour of the Statute appears to have been more strictly executed upon him than on the Duke whose contempt might be of a less nature though it seems great enough to shut out his excuse probably because the Lord Scales having been absent the year before and no cause thereof being then shewed in Chapter was therefore to suffer penalty for his absence according to the Statute so that this it seems was the second fault But now to enter upon the second Branch of the third general head which relates to the proceedings upon the absent Knights-Companions neglect or default of sending their Excuses We shall therein observe that some of them have with difficulty been remitted some left in suspence and others sentenced and referred either to the Soveraign's pleasure or the punishment assigned by Law Of the first kind are those who having such a plea for their absence as might induce the Chapter to dispence therewith yet were with much ado excused because they neglected giving the due intimation thereof according to the Statutes Such was that of the Earl of Westmerland an 10. H. 5. who though not very well yet had much ado to be excused because he signified not the cause of his absence as the Statutes required So an 12. Car. 1. The Earls of Derby and Kelly having made no Excuse nor Petition for Dispensation were for that omission blameable but by the grace of the Soveraign for that time pardoned Of the second sort are such who through the indulgence of the Soveraign or his Lieutenant where probable cause hath induced it have not had sentence passed on them at that present but were deferred in expectation of some satisfactory cause to be shewed As in the cafe of the Prince the Duke of Tuckingham and five other of the Knights-Companions absent from the Feast held an 18. H. 7. concerning whom no cause of Excuse was shewed but there was an expectation of one to be alledged But as for those of the third sort upon whom sentence hath passed for default of sending their Excuses they have been left either to the pleasure of the Soveraign or to those penalties and penances which the Law of this Order doth inflict And first of such Offenders as are left by the Chapter to the mercy of the Soveraign we have several Examples Of the Earl of Essex an 18. H. 7. it is recorded That his absence was referred to the Soveraign's indulgence So an 21. of the same King upon occasion of the absence of the Earls of Northumberland Oxford Devonshire Kent together with the Lord Stafford and no cause thereof assigned they were left to the Soveraign's indulgence To the like effect is the entry made of the Earls of Essex and Kent absent the following year without cause shewn to the Chapter Lastly touching those on whom Iudgment hath passed divers instances may be given among which are these that follow An. 10. H. 5. the Lord Willoughby Sir Robert Vmsrevill Sir Iohn Cornewall and Sir William Harington were in no wise excused for their absence because being within the Kingdom they sent not the cause of their absence And an 2. H. 6. the said Sir Robert Vmsrevile was also found culpable in regard no cause of his absence had been shâ—wed Moreover seeing the reasons of the Duke of Norfolk's the Lord Scales and Fastolss absence an 33. H. 6. were not made known to the Chapter they were left to the Iudgment of the Statutes And of the same Lord Scales an 35. H. 6. it is recorded that he gave no reason of his absence therefore underwent the punishment thereof Lastly The Duke of York the Earl of Salisbury the foresaid Lord Scales and Lord Willoughby for presuming
to be absent from the Grand Feast an 30. H. 6. without shewing any allowable cause they were adjudged to the certain and deserved penalties of the Statutes against the next Feast And the said Duke being again absent the very next year and also the Lord Hastings They were both adjudged to certain Penalties as daring to be absent without sufficient cause shewn Besides these grounds for assigning Penances already mentioned there are upon a few other causes set down in the before recited ninth Article of the Statutes of Installation other Penances appointed that is to say if the Knights-Companions be absent at other times beside the hour of Tierce which if we were strictly tied to pursue the series and order of time would fall out to be spoke of a little hence Nevertheless having had occasion to discourse so much already of this subject it will become further beneficial to the concerned Reader to bring all the Injunctions which are included in the said Article and muster up the Penalties for breach thereof in view together nor will this anticipation at all interrupt our method or become improper for this place if well considered and therefore we shall proceed with them here The Knights-Companions are further punishable if they are absent at any of the times here spoken of viz. First at the beginning of the first Vespers Secondly at the beginning of the Morning Service on the Feast day Thirdly at the beginning of the Second Vespers Fourthly during the whole Feast And fifthly at the Grand Feast next following For the first admitting any Knight-Companion hath failed of meeting and attending on the Soveraign at the hour of Tierce and thereupon suffered the punishment of non-admittance into the Chapter-house and deprivation of Vote nevertheless if at the rising of the said Chapter he be not ready to proceed with the Soveraign and other the Knights-Companions into the Choire to the beginning of the first Vespers he ought not only to suffer the former but this additional penalty That he shall not presume to enter into his Stall at that time but tarry in that part of the Choire where the Taper-bearers are wont to stand nevertheless before his own Stall until the holy Offices be ended And the Law of the Order is the same in King Henry the Fifth's and King Henry the Eighth's Statutes only they render the place for the delinquent Knight to stand in to be before their Stalls in the Choristers places And now how the penalty hath been inflicted upon breach of the Law in this particular we shall see by the following instances At the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor an 21. H. 7. when it seems the Lord Kildare Sir Gilbert Talbot and Sir Richard Goulford came late to the Chappel we find this Memorandum fixed to their names They stood without before their Stalls by the Soveraign's permission or rather command But yet this is not all the punishment which hath been inflicted upon the Knights-Companions for this offence though it be all that is set down in the foresaid Article for an 25. H. 6. upon the Eve of St. George the Marquess of Dorset not coming to the first Vespers and being convicted of his late coming was prohibited joining in the Nomination then made for thâ— Election of the King of Portugal into the room of the Duke of Gloucester Offendors in the second and third case being such as neglect to come before the beginning of the high Mass or the second Vespers called also the Vespers on St. George's day have the like punishment with the former assigned them throughout all the Bodies of the Statutes viz. Exclusion from their Stalls and station in the Choristers range An. 1. H. 6. we observe the Lord Willoughby noted to be absent upon the Eve of the Grand Feast but present on the day and consequently he incurred no further penance than what his absence on the Eve drew on him The Earl of Derby an 18. Eliz. coming too late to the first morning Service on the Feast day did for some short time undergo the aforesaid penance but soon after upon Dispensation from the Lieutenant went up to his Stall In like manner an II. Car. 1. the Earl of Exceter came not to the Chappel in the morning of the Feast day till after the Grand Procession and so the Penance for his tardiness should have been according to the Statutes stare Paviamento but upon consideration of his age and the soul weather whereby it was occasioned the Soveraign permitted him to enter into his Stall And though absence at these times also be occasioned by Sickness or some unexpected accident yet notice is to be given thereof to the Soveraign or his Lieutenant For instance the Lord Burghley falling ill was absent from the first Morning Service on the Feast day an 37. Eliz. but upon notice given thereof with the consent of the Lieutenant and Knights-Companions he obtained leave of absence The Earl of Dorset an 15. Car. 1. the Grand Feast being then celebrated at Windesor suddenly falling ill before Evening Prayer on the Feast day besought the Soveraign to excuse his attendance for the present but the next morning being recovered he attended the Soveraign with the rest of the Knights-Companions to the Chapter-house The Penances inflicted upon any Knight for the foresaid defaults he is in like manner to undergo if he happen to offend in the like kind when the Grand Feast is prorogued from St. George's day in what place soever it be celebrated But if he offend in all and have neither license nor reasonable or allowable excuse for his absence he is then prohibited entring his Stall at the next St. George's Feast where ever it be kept and moreover to pay as a pecuniary mulct 10 l. to be employed towards the Ornaments of the Colledge And we find the former kind of Penance to have been inflicted upon Late Comers to Divine Service as well upon the Morrow after the Feast day as on the Eve or Feast day it self For the Earl of Lindsey coming into the Chappel on the morrow after the Feast held at Whitehall an 8. Car. 1. after the Soveraign was entred he suffred the punishment of standing before his Stall a while until the Soveraign signified his license that he might ascend thereinto In like Manner the Earl of Northumberland coming somewhat late unto morning Service on the last day of the Feast held by prorogation at Whitehall the 17.18 and 19. days of April an 13. Car. 1. did undergo the assigned Penance of standing beneath his Stall in the middle of the Choire but upon the gracious permission of the Soveraign he was soon admitted thereunto But touching the fourth degree of offence as it is far greater than any yet named so are there variety of Penances appointed to expiate the fault and therefore if any Knight-Companion shall be
that the use and custom of singing pronouncing and celebrating Divine Service of attending in the Choire and at the Altar or of celebrating about it the Masses peculiar to the day or of the Virgin Mary as also for the dead as well in celebrating as reading singing standing sitting both in the Choire and without it and all things whatsoever which were observed in the Church of Salisbury should be observed in this Chappel of St. George according to the conveniency of place and exigency of persons To the observation of this Statute they were also obliged by the Injunctions of Iohn Archbishop of York Chancellor of England under the penalty of paying 12 d. to the Treasury of the Colledge by every one that should be guilty of violating or infringing the same What difference there is between the foresaid Office and that appointed to the use of the Church of York in regard it is but small we shall also note and then close this Section with the Hymn and Prayer out of the Primmer of Salisbury If any be further curious to know what alteration hath been made since our Reformation in this Office in the Roman Church for since then they have seen cause to mend and refine divers things in their publick Liturgie they may have recourse to the Breviarium Romanum and Missale Romanum Ex decreto Concilii Tridentini restitutum wherein the Service is noted to be very solemn and for the honor of St. George scarce any Festival there is celebrated with more variety of proper and Divine Offices Officium proprium Sancti Georgii prout extat in Portiforio seu Breviario Salisburiensi Londini excuso 1555. In proprio de Sanctis Part. Hiemali ad diem April 23. Rubrica Sancti Georgii Martyris Tres Lectiones cum regimine Chori duplex Festum Capitulum Iste sanctus qui pro Lege Dei sui certavit usque ad mortem à verbis impiorum non timuit fundatus enim erat supra firmam petram Oratio Deus qui nos beati Georgii Martyris tui meritis intercessione laetificas concede propitius ut qui ejus beneficia poscimus dono tuae gratiae consequamur per dominum nostrum Iesum Christum Lectio 1. Sanctus verus Dei Cultor Georgius Cappadociae regionis oriundus cum videret multos Deum blasphemantes cum Daciano daemones adorantes spiritu sancto repletus in hanc vocem prorupit Omnes dii Gentium daemonia Dominus autem caelum fecit Dacianus ait ei qua temeritatis andaciâ nobis injuriam irrogans Deos nostros daemonia vocas fatere tum ex qua Provinciâ huc advenisti vel quo nomine vociferis Lectio 2. Sanctus Georgius dixit Christianuâ— Dei servus sum Georgius nuncupor genere Capadocus patriae meae comitatum gerens Elegi verò temporali dignitate carere immortalis Dei imperio servire Dacianus ait ei erras Georgi accede immola Deo Appollini Beatus Georgius respondet Domino enim meo Iesu Christo exhibeo culturam Regi omnium seculorum non Apollini auctori Daemonionum Lectio 3. Iratus Dacianus jussit S. Georgium in Equuleo levari extensum membraetim ungulis lacerari Deinde lateribus ejus lampades ardentes applicari salem verò in vulnera aspergi cilicio plagas ejus fricari plumboque bullienti Georgium immitti extractumque per vicos ut reum fecit trahi Cumque traheretur ad locum supplicii flexis genibus gratias egit Deo sic capitalem pro Christo subiit sententiam Rubrica Caetera de Communi unius Martyris de Pasc. temporis What is set down above is proper to St. George but the rest of the Office used on St. George's day being common to him with other Martyrs is not set down but referr'd to that part of the Portiforium called Commune Sancti Georgii Martyris Officium Protexisti me Deus à conventu malignantium Alleluia à multitudine operantium iniquitatem Alleluia Alleluia Psalmus Exaudi Deus orationem meam cum deprecar à timore inimici eripe animam meam Oratio Deus qui nos beati Georgii martyris tui meritis intercessione laetificas concede propitius ut cujus beneficia poscimus dono tuae gratiae consequamur Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum Lectio beati Jacobi Apostoli 1. Carissimi omne gaudium existimate cum in temptationes varias incideritis Scientes quòd probatio fidei vestrae patientiam operatur Patientia autem opus perfectum habeat ut sitis perfecti integri in nullo deficientes Si quis autem vestrum indiget sapientiâ postulet à Deo qui dat omnibus affluenter non improperat dabitur ei Postulet autem in fide nihil haesitans Qui enim haesitat similis est fluctui maris qui à vento movetur circumfertur Non ergo existimet homo ille quod accipiat aliquid à Domino Vir duplex animo inconstans est in omnibus viìs suis. Glorietur autem frater humilis in exaltatione suâ dives autem in humilitate suâ quoniam sicut flos foeni transibit Exortus est enim sol câ—m ardore arefecit foenum flos ejus decidit decor vultûs ejus deperiit Ita dives in itineribus suis marcescit Beatus vir qui suffert temptationem quoniam cùm probâ—tus fuerit accipiet coronam vitae quam repromisit Deus diligentibus se. Alleluia Laetabitur justus in Domino sperabit in eo laudabuntur omnes recti corde Sequentia Organicis canamus modulis Georgii solennia Omnigenis Domino vocibus reddentes odas debitas Qui in suis sanctis mirabilis nimis multiplici virtutum flore eosdem decorat ac mirificè adornat Nam in ipsis quasi in quibusdam musicis instrumentis digito proprio fides agitat fides virtutum sonoras his numerosè percurrens singulas Permiscet singulis diatessaron mellifluam melodiam quam generat virtutum mater illa quae aliis decenter composita reddit suavem symphoniam qua sine cuncta fiunt dissona necnon frivola qua cum omnia sunt consona necnon utilia qua justi benè morati rite petentes excelsa poli sidera alacres decantant nova cantica in Cithara Threiciâ quorum agentes festa consortia mereamur in coelesti patria Evangelium secundum Johannem In illo tempore dixit Iesus Discipulis suis Ego sirm vitis vera pater meus agricola est Omnem Palmitem in me non ferentem fructum tollet eum omnem qui fert fructum purgabit eum ut fructum plus afferat Iam vos mundi estis propter sermonem quem locutus sum vobis Manete in me ego in vobis Sicut Palmes non potest ferre fructum à semetipso nisi manserit in vite sic nec vos nisi in me manseritis Ego sum
finished or treated of in the Precedent Chapters but the chief business then is to make Election of Knights where any Stall is void Which Chapter hath sometimes when the Soveraign did not go to the Chappel been kept in the Privy Chamber and the present Affairs dispatcht in that Room and then the Soveraigns Lieutenant waving the Chapter-House hath proceeded straight on to the Chappel and entred in at the South Door thereof SECT II. Of the Elect Knights Proceeding into the Choire WHere an Election hath been made of a Person then present at Court he is called in to the Chapter-House by Garter according to the usual manner Where the Garter is buckled about his Leg and the George put about his Neck of which particular Ceremony we have already spoken this being done it hath been usual for the Elect Knight to receive the further honor of passing immediately in the Proceeding to the Chappel whether it were from the Chapter-House or Presence-Chamber which he doth in his ordinary apparel always bare-headed as did the Earl of Northumberland an 11 Car. 1. and without any other Ornaments of the Order saving the foresaid Garter and George and the place allowed him in the Proceeding is between the Knights-Companions and the Officers of Arms of which there are a multitude of Presidents In this place Sir Henry Sydney rode in the Proceeding to the Chappel at Windesor an 6 Eliz. and here went the Lord Hunsdon immediately after he was elected an 3. Eliz. so also the Earl of Northumberland the 5 th of the same Queen But where two Knights have been Elected they then proceed together before the Knights-Companions the Senior being taken on the right hand as did the Earl of Arundel and Visc. Rochester an 9 Iac. Reg. and the Earl of Rutland and Sir George Villars an 14 Iac. Reg. Howbeit Charles Duke of York being elected at the same time went in the Proceeding next before the Prince his Brother then the Soveraigns Lieutenant When the Proceeding is arrived at the Choire Door the Alms-Knights Prebends and Officers of Arms the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order enter with usual Ceremony and take their several Stations as on the Eve and lastly the Soveraign if present The Elect Knight also enters in tourn as he proceeded and is placed by Garter next before the lowest Stall or if there be two newly Elected and both proceed to the Chappel the one is placed under the lowest Stall on the Princes side the other under the lowest Stall on the Soveraigns But if any great State pass in the Proceeding he then is placed before such Stalls as is designed for him and so was Charles Duke of York an 9 Iac. Reg. to wit before the Stall next below the Princes Being thus placed they are there to stand all Service time for so did the Earl of Suffolk an 3 Car. 1. the Earl of Northampton an 4 Car. 1. and the Earl of Northumberland an 9 Car. 1. nor are they to make any more Reverences than at their coming into the Choire and passing out unless a Stool be brought in and they permitted to sit down and then are they obliged to make their Reverences upon all occasions when they either sit or rise Nevertheless by reason of the length of the Ceremonies and in case of Age or Infirmity the Knights Elect have obtained Licence from the Soveraign or his Lieutenant to sit down and be covered So for like cause the Lord Burleigh in Queen Elizabeth's Reign and the Earl of Southampton an 13 Car. 2. were permitted to sit The like indulgence had the Earls of Dunbar and Penbroke an 6 Iac. from the Prince then the Soveraigns Lieutenant and also the Earl of Rutland and Sir George Villars from the Soveraign an 14 Iac. Reg. and lastly Iames Duke of York an 17 Car. 1. But though the favour of reposing at this time is allowed the Stool may not to be brought into the Choire before the Soveraign has been pleased by some publick signal to give him leave to sit down and then to be called for and not before though it ought to be in readiness in some place near and unseen SECT III. Of the Ceremonies performed at Divine Service AND now to pass on When the Soveraign hath ascended his Royal Seat The Knights-Companions in due order take their Stalls The Officers of the Order their Seats and then The Prelate with the Serjeant of the Vestry before him goes up to the Northside of the Altar and begins the Morning Service After him the Verger of the Colledge proceeds up before two Prebends who put on their Copes on the Southside of the Altar and assist in the Divine Offices But whereas the late Soveraign King Charles the First of ever Blessed Memory had throughout all his Raign a Sermon preached before him on every Tuesday Morning it sometimes fell out that this latter Feast day hapned to be on a Tuesday as it did an 8. of the same Soveraign at Whitehall and then at such time as the Prelate was otherwise to proceed up to the Altar the Pulpit was brought into the Choire and placed in the middle of the lowermost Haut Pas and immediately the Sermon began which being ended it was removed and forthwith the Prelate proceeded up to the Altar as usually and began Service In this Morning Service before the Reformation of our Church was the Mass of Requiem solemnly sung by the Abbot of Tower-hill for the Souls of the Knights-Companions and all faithful Souls departed and this was taken care for by the Statutes As also that at the Celebration thereof all the Knights at the Feast should be present unless any one were hindered by some reasonable cause or in special manner Licenced by the Soveraign At this Celebration were the deceased Knights-Companions Atchievements also Offered with solemn Ceremony concerning which we shall discourse at large anon Another Ceremony belonging to the service of this Morning is the Offring of Gold and Silver which when the first Sentence of the Offertory hath been pronounced is again performed by the Soveraign or his Lieutenant and Knights-Companions present The Ceremonies and Circumstances appertaining thereunto at this time are the same throughout in all particulars as are set down to be observed at the like Offering on the Feast Day and therefore for avoiding Repetition we shall refer the Reader to the place where that is treated on before After all the before-mentioned Ceremonies in the Chappel and Divine Service are ended the Prelate descends from the Altar to his Form Whereupon all prepare to go out of the Choire which is exactly performed in the usual order as on the Eve of the Feast from whence the Soveraign and Knights-Companions most commonly proceed to the Chapter-House where being entred they immediately put off their Mantles and
le viii jour de May. NUM XXII A Commission to take Sir Iohn Falstolfs Oath at his Investiture with the Garter Ibidem De par le Roy Souveraine de l'Ordre de la Iartier TResâ—biers feaulx Cosins Nous vous saluons sovent pour ce que a la feste de Seinte George darraine tenuz en nostre Chastell de Wyndesore nostre Compaignie de l'Ordre de la Jartier faisant alorsque Chapitre la veille de la dit Feste a eslieu nostre chier feall John Falstolt Chivalier un de nouz Compaignons du dit Ordre en lieu de nostre treschier Cosin le Counte de Westmerland dont dieux ait l'ame nous vous envoions lez estatuz de cellui Ordre enseallez du selle du dit Ordre pour lez presenter bailler au dit Monsieur John Falstolf Si voulons vous mandons que vous ou l'un de vous a qui primerement cez presentez serront monstrez ou exibecs presentez bailles audit John Falstolf lez ditz estatuz pour lez voier visiter savoir que sont tâ—nuz de faire ceux qui sont de dit Ordre Et en cas q'il accepta le dit Ordre Ressaivez son serement en tel cas accustumé à faire en luy baillant l'Ordre du Jartier en le manere accustumé Treschiers fealx Cosins dieuÌ„x soit garde de vous Donne a Leicestre soubz le Seel du dit Ordre le viii jour de May. A nos treschiers feaulx Cousins lez Countez de Warwyk de Sarisbury de Sulfolk nouz Compaignons de la Jartier a un cheseun d'eulx NUM XXIII A Warrant for allowance of Garter's Charges when sent to signifie an Election MS. 4. penes W. le N. Cl. fol. 59. THese shall be to require you of such her Majesties Treasure as remaineth in your hands to pay or cause to be paid to Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight King of Arms being sent by her Majesties Commandment to our very good Lords the Earl of Rutland in the County of Lincolne and to the Lord Scroop in the County of Cumberland to signifie unto them the Electiâ—n made of them into the Order of Knights of the Garter for his pains and charges in that voyage expended the sum of Twenty pounds and this shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalf At the Court at Richmond the 10. of June 1584. T. Bromley Ch. Howard Chr. Hatton W. Burghley James Crofts Fran. Walâ—ingham Ed. Clynton To our very loving Friend Sir Thomas Heneage Knight Treasurer of of her Majesties Chamber NUM XXIV A Commission to the Soveraigns Lieutenant to Install an Elect-Knight Registr Chartac fol. 64. Henry R. HEnry the Eighth by the Grace of God King of England and of France Defensor of the Faith and Lord of Irland Souverain of the most Noble Order of the Gartier To our right trusty and right entirely well-beloved Cousin the Duke of Northfolk our Lieutenant at our Fest of the glorious Martir Saint George Patron of the said Noble Ordre our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosins the Marquess Dorset the Marquess of Exeter Th' Erle of Northumberland and our trusty and well-beloved the Vicounte Lisle the Vicount Fitz-water and the Vicount Rochford the Lord Ferrers Lord Bergaveny and the Lord Dakers Companions of the said Noble Order Greeting For as moche as we with you and other Companions have elected our right trusty and right entirely beloved Son Henry Duke of Richmont and of Somerset and Erle of Nottingham our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousins th' Erle of Arundel th' Erle of Westmerland and th' Erle of Rutland Companions of the said Noble Ordre We therefore will and auctorise you by these presents that ye the said Duke of Norfolk with the assistance of such other as our said Noble Ordre be aforenamed shall not only accept and admit the said Duke and Erles into the said Ordre and receve their Othes and install them but also further do therein as to the laudable Statutes and Ordinances of the said Ordre apperteigneth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf at all times hereafter Yeven under the Seal of our said Gartier at our Palais of Brydewell the xviii day of June in the xvii year of our Reign NUM XXV Another Ex Collect. Iohannis Vincent Gen. Elizabeth R. ELIZABETH by the Grace of God Queen of England Fraunce and Ireland Defendor of the Faith and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor th' Erle of Penbroke one of the Companions and Knights of the said Order by us assigned and deputed to be our Lieutenant at the Feast of the glorious Martyr St. George Patron of the saâ—d Order to be kept within our said Castell of Windesor the 4. of June next ensuing and others the Companions of the said Order that then shall be present Greeting Whereas we with others the Companions of the said Noble Order assembled at a Chapitre holden at our Palace of Westminster the xxiv day of Aprill last have elected and chosen among others our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousen the Duke of Norfolk our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousen and Councellor the Marquess of Northampton our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousen th' Erle of Rutland and our trusty and right well-beloved the Lord Robert Dudley Master of our Horse to be Knights and Companions of the said Order We will and by these presents authorise you not only to accepte and admit them into the said Order and receive their Oaths and install them accordingly but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable Custom and usage of the said Noble Order appertaineth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge in this behalf Yeven under the Seal of our said Garter the first of June in the first year of our Reign NUM XXVI A Commission to other Knights-Companions for the Installation of an Elect-Knight Regist. Chartac fol. 61. b. Henry R. HENRY the Eighth by the Grace of God King of England and of France Defensor of the Faith and Lord of Irland Soverain of our Noble Ordre of the Gartier To our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin the Marquess Dorset And also to our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosins Th' Erle of Devon and th' Erle of Kent Companions of our said Noble Ordre Greeting Forasmâ—che as we with you and other Knights and Companions of our said Noble Ordre assembled at the Chapitre holden at our Manoir of Grenewich the xiii day of July last passed have elected and chosen Walter Devereux Lord Ferrers to be Knight and Companion of the said Ordre We therefore will and by vertue of these presents auctorise you not only t' accepte and admit the said
entirely beloved Cousin the said Duke of Savoy Prince of Piemont c. and to install him in the lieu of the said Duke but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Noble Order as touching a Proctor it appertaineth And in semblable wise we will authorise and license you to admit accept and install our said right trusty and right well-beloved Counsellor the Lord William Howard of Essingham high Admiral of England and further to do for his installing as to the Statutes of the said Noble Order it belongeth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Given under the Seal of our Garter at our Palace of Westminster the 29. day of January in the first and second year of our Reign 1554. NUM CXXVII Another for the Installation of the French King Charles the Ninth Ex eod Collect. ELizabeth by the grace of God c. To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Sussex our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor the Earl of Leicester Master of our Horse our right trusty and well-beloved the Viscount Mountague with our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Clynton our high Admiral of England Knights and Companions of our Noble Order of the Garter Greeting Forasmuch as We with other the Companions of the said Noble Order assembled did lately elect and chuse our dearest and most entirely beloved Brother the French King to be Knight and Companion of our said Noble Order and forasmuch as our said dear Brother cannot for divers causes conveniently repair to our collegiate Chappel within our Castle of Windesore and for that cause hath 〈◊〉 a right noble personage the Lord Rambouilliet one of his ordinary Chamberlains Knight of the Order of Saint Michaell and Captain of fifty ordinary men of Arms sufficiently authorised as his Deputy and Procurer to be installed in his name and to receive his Oath and to perform all other such things and Ceremonies for him as to the Statutes and Ordinances of the said Order be requisite and appertains We therefore in consideration of the premisses will and by these presents give unto you full power and authority not only to accept and admit the said Procurer but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Noble Order as touching a Procurer it doth appertain And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Given under the Seal of our Order at our Palace of Westminster the 14. day of January in the 8. year of our Reign NUM CXXVIII Letters of notice to the Commissioners appointed to Install the Duke of Holstein by his Proxie Collect. A. V. W. By the Queen RIght trusty and well-beloved We greet you well and whereas we have appointed you together with our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Hastings of Loughborow to be in Commission for the Instalment in our Castle of Windesor of our dearest and most entirely beloved Cousin the Duke of Holstein by his Procurer the Viscount Hereford being lately chosen to be one of the Fellowship and Companions of our Order of the Garter We have thought it good not only to give you knowledge hereof by these our Letters but also to require you to make your repair to our said Castle of Windesor so as you may be there on Saturday the 14. day of this moneth to the end that upon Sunday next the 15. day of this present Moneth of December he may proceed to the Installation of him by his Procurer accordingly Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster the 12. day of December in the third Year of our Reign To our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Pagit of Beaudesert one of the Companious of our Order The like Letter was directed to the Lord Loughborow the other Commissioner appointed for this Installation NUM CXXIX Letters of notice to the Commissioners for Installation of the French King Charles the Ninth Ex eod Collect. By the Queen RIght trusty and right well-beloved Cousin we greet you well And whereas we have appointed you with others the Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter to be in Commission for the Installation in our Castle of Windesor of our dearest and most entirely beloved Brother the French King by his Procurer the Lord Rambouillet being lately chosen to be one of the Fellowship and Companions of our Order of the Garter We have thought it good not only to give you knowledge hereof by these our Letters but also to require you to make your repair to our said Castle of Windesor so as you may be there on Tuesday next the 15. day of this present Moneth of January to the end that on Wednesday he may proceed to his Installation accordingly Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster the day of January in the eight year of our Reign To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Sussex one of the Companions of our Order The like Letter to the Earl of Leicester Viscount Mountague and Lord Clinton NUM CXXX A Warrant for materials for the Banner of the French King Henry the Second Ex Collect. E. W. G. By the King Edward WE will and command you that unto our trusty and well-beloved Servant Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight aliàs Garter King at Arms ye deliver or cause to be delivered upon sight hereof without delay three yards of Cloth of Gold two yards of Cloth of Gold Tissue and 16 yards of Blue Velvet which shall be for the Banner for the Mantles of the Helmet and the lyning of the same for the Installation of Henry the French King and that you content and pay for the Stuff workmanship and the embroidering of the said Banner And these our Letters c. Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Greenwich the 10. of May in the fifth year of our Reign To our trusty and well-beloved Counsellor Sir Rauf Sadleyere Knight Master of our Great Wardrobe or to his Deputy there NUM CXXXI A Warrant to deliver Garter money to provide the Atchievements of the said King Ex Collect. W. le N. Cl. THE King's Majesty's pleasure is that of such his Treasure as remains in your custody to his Majesty's use ye deliver unto Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight alias Garter King at Arms for the provision of an Helm garnished with fine Gold a Crown of Copper gilt an arming Sword and Girdle to the same and a Plate of metal with the Arms of the French King engraven which are for the Installation of the King's Majesty's good Brother Henry the French King the sum of twenty pounds and these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant in that behalf From Greenwiche the 11. of May 1551. Your loving friends E. Somerset J. Bedford E. Clinton W. Herbert W. Cecil J. Warwick W. Northt W. Paget J. Gate NUM CXXXII A Warrant
Upper-Robes to be used on thâ—se solemn Days and Occasions that is to say to the old Trunk-hose or Round-Breeches whereof the Stuff or Material shall be some such Cloth of Silver as we shall chuse and appoint wherein as we shall be to them an example so we do expect they will follow us in using the same and no other Given under the Signet of our said Order this day of May 1661. NUM CLXXXI A Dispensation for a Knights attendance at the Grand Feast during life Ex ipso Autogr. in Bibl. Hatton Henry R. HEnry the Eighth by the grace of God King of England and of France Defender of the Faith and Lord of Ireland and Soveraign of the Noble Order of the Garter To the Lieutenant at the Feast of the glorious Martyr Saint George Patron of the Noble Order of the Garter and other Knights and Companions of the same Order for the time being to be assembled at any time hereafter at our Castle at Windesor and to other our Officers Ministers and Subjects these our Letters hearing or seeing Greeting We let you weet that We of our special grace and for certain urgent and great causes and special considerations concerning the old service done unto us by our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor the Lord Darcy one of the Knights and Companions of the said Noble Order of the Garter and of his great age and debility have pardoned and licensed him by these presents at all time from henceforth during his life to be absent from the said Feast of St. George and not to give attendance in any place Chapter or other Feast to be holden of the said Noble Order and that he to sustain no damage by any mean for his said absence any Act Decree Ordinance Oath or Statute of the said Noble Order of the Garter now being made or hereafter to be made to the contrary notwithstanding Given under the Seal of the Gartier of the said Noble Order the eight and twentieth day of October the six and twentieth year of our Reign NUM CLXXXII Another Inter Praecident Tho. Rome Eq. Aur. nuper Cancell Charles R. CHarles by the grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin Ferdinand Earl of Derby Knight and Companion of our said most Noble Order Greeting For asmuch as we are informed by our Chancellor of our Order upon signification to him made under your Seal of Arms of your indisposition of health and of your petition to have licence to forbear your attendance upon our person on the 22.23 24. of May next being the days appointed by Prorogation for the Celebration of the Feast of our most Noble Order of the Garter We give you to understand that we are pleased to excuse your absence and by these presents do pardon remit and dispense with any default you may thereby incur And we do further in respect of your age and weakness unable to travel signified unto us in your said Petition by these presents dispense with your attendance on our person upon the said Feast days during your natural life observing in your own house the Rites and Solemnities appointed by the Canons of the Order upon the usual days of Celebration being the 22.23 24. of April or at such times as shall be hereafter appointed by Prorogation any Statute or Article of our said Order to the contrary notwithstanding Given under the Seal of our said Order at our Court at Whitehall the 9. day of April in the 14. year of our Reign NUM CLXXXIII A Warrant to Garter to take down the Atchievements of Iohn Dudley Duke of Northumberland Collect. W. le N. Cl. By the Queen Trusty and well-beloved We greet you well letting you witte That where the Hatchments of the late Duke of Northumberland attâ—inted of High Treason and put to Execution for his offence do remain yet within our Chappel of Windesor untaken down Our pleasure is in respect of his said Offence through the which his Hatchments deserve not to be in so honorable a place among the rest of the Knights of our Order you shall repair to Windesor immediately upon the Receipt of these Our Letters and in your presence cause the said Hatchments of the said late Duke to be taken down in such sort as others in like cases have been whereof fail you not Given under our Signet of our Order c. NUM CLXXXIV A Publication of the Degrading of Edward Duke of Buckingham Ex Collect. A. V. W. BE it known unto all men That whereas Edward late Duke of Buckingham Knight and Companion of the Noble Order of Saint George named the Garter hath lately done and committed High Treason against the King Soveraign of the said Order of the Garter in compassing and imagining the destruction of the most Noble person of our said Soveraign Lord the King contrary to his Oath Duty and Allegiance for which High Treason the said Edward hath been indicted arraigned convicted and attainted and for the which detestable Offence and High Treason the said Edward hath deserved to be disgraded of the said Noble Order and expelled out of the said Company and not worthy that his Arms Ensigns and Atchievements should remain amongst other Noble Ensigns and Atchievements of other noble vertuous and approved Knights of the said Noble Order nor to have the benefits of the said Noble Order Wherefore our Soveraign Lord the King Soveraign of the said Noble Order of St. George named the Garter by the advice of other Knights of the said Noble Order for his said Offences and committing of the said High Treason willeth and commandeth that the said Edward late Duke of Buckingham be disgraded of the said Noble Order and his Arms and Ensigns and Atchievements clearly expelled and put from amongst the Arms Ensigns and Atchievements of the other Noble Knights of the said Order to the intent that all other Noble men thereby may take Example hereafter not to commit any such hainous and detestable Treason and Offence as God forbid they should God save the King NUM CLXXXV The Soveraign's Letters for celebrating Masses upon the Death of the Lord Fitz-Hugh an 3. H. 6. Lib. N. pag. 81. 82. Exteris aliis hujus Clarissimi Ordinis Sodalibus extra Regnum Commorantibus eorum cuilibet Supremus Salutem QUoniam Charissime mi Cognate N. Henricus Dominus Fitzhugh nuper unus è Commilitonibus nostris excessit ex hâ—c vitâ cujâ—s anime propitius esto Deus Nos id proprerea nunciamâ—s ut vestram commiserationem minimè lateat Missas ex praecepto Statuti pro defuncto celebrandas caeteraque complenda quâ—e vestrâ in hâ—c parte soleâ— imeresse Vestram verò nobilitatem beata Trinitas servet angeat Sub Sigillo nostri Ordinis Windesori c. Manentibus intra Regnum sed absentibus ab hâc