leads from the King's Privy-Chamber down the Stairs into the Terrace viz. through that most stately Walk lying on the North side the Castle and entring again at a door heretofore made through a part of the Castle Wall into one of the Canons Lodging adjoining to Winchester Tower now made up went thence through the Cloisters into the Chapter-house nevertheless proceeding in the order before shewed as it was on the Eve of the Feasts held in the 4. 7. and 9. years of King Charles the First But when the Grand Feast was heretofore celebrated at Whitehall the Chapter was usually held in the Soveraign's Closet built over the entrance into the Chappel and then the Processional way thither lay from the Presence-Chamber into the Guard-Chamber and through the Gallery thence into the outward Closet or Ante-camera and so to the Soveraign's Closet But the Soveraigns of this most noble Order or their Lieutenants have not always though generally proceeded upon the Eve of the Grand Feast first to the Chapter-house and thence into the Chappel but sometimes gone immediately into the Chappel to Evening Prayer without entring the Chapter-house at all and at these times the Processional way at Windesor differed from the former only in this that when the Procession arrived neer unto the forementioned passage at the East end of the Chappel instead of entring thereat it went on to the South door of the Chappel and thence into the Choire In like case when the Soveraign went not to the great Closet at Whitehall to hold the usual Chapter before Vespers the publick processional way then led from the Presence-Chamber into the Guard-Chamber and so down the great Stairs into the Hall thence into the old Chappel and lastly in at the door of the new Chappel And at Greenwich from the Presence-Chamber down into the Hall and thence into the Chappel But these ways we take to be used at such time only when the Soveraign hath held a Chapter in some of the Privy Lodgings before the Proceeding set forward which Chapter being ended there was then no need of going to the Chapter-house or Closet but immediately into the Choire And thus we find it to have been observed at Windesor upon the 22. day of April an 6. Eliz. where after the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order were assembled in the Queen's Privy-Chamber a Chapter was there called and the Earl of Arundel constituted her Lieutenant for holding the Feast at the breaking up whereof the Proceeding began the said Lieutenant supplying the place of the Soveraign which passed along the publick processional way directly unto the South door of the Chappel where they entred and went thence into the Choire without going to the Chapter-house at all So was it an 20. Iac. R. at Whitehall where the Prince had been constituted the Soveraign's Lieutenant in Chapter He and the Knights-Companions proceed to the Chappel to Evening Prayers according to the Custom So also upon the 23. of November an 1. Car. 1. being the Eve of the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor by Prorogation before the Proceeding began a Chapter was held wherein the Earl of Worcester was constituted Lieutenant and the Soveraign dispensed with the non-appearance of the absent Knights-Companions after which the said Lieutenant and the rest of the Knights-Companions together with all the Officers of the Order proceeded from the Presence-Chamber immediately into the Chappel to hear Divine Service In like manner on the 23. day of September the Eve of the Grand Feast an 4. Car. 1. a Chapter was called in the Soveraign's Bedchamber at Windesor where the new Officers were sworn and when that was ended the Proceeding began to the Chappel and so into the Choire And lastly 17. Apr. an 13. Car. 1. at the Hour of Tierce in the Afternon the Soveraign and Knights-Companions opened the Chapter in the Privy-Chamber and thence proceeded to the Chappel this day being the Eve of the Feast held by Prorogation for the 12. year of his Reign And although upon the Eve of the Grand-Feast an 21. Iac. R. after the Soveraign had held a Chapter in the Privy-Chamber at Windesor and thereat sworn Sir George Moor into the Office of Chancellor to this most Noble Order the Soveraign's Lieutenant the Earl of Worcester together with the Knights-Companions proceeded to the Chapter-house and there held another Chapter yet was not this second Chapter called for Affairs appertaining to the Grand Feast they being dispatched in the Privy-Chamber before but only in reference to the calling in and investiture with the Surcoat of Iames Marquess of Hamilton who was that evening installed We shall close this head with acquainting our Reader that though the Proceedings to the Chapter-house or Chappel on the Eve of the Feast have most commonly been on foot nevertheless now and then upon an extraordinary occasion the Soveraign and Knights-Companions have proceeded on Horseback as an 3. H. 7. the Grand Feast being then held by prorogation at Windesor on Sunday following the Feastday of St. George at which time several Ambassadors being arrived here from Foreign Kings and Princes they and many of the Nobility of this Kingdom with the King's Council the two Archbishops the Bishops of Lincolne and Exceter and the Chief Iustice of the Kings Bench repaired also thither On the Eve the Soveraign accompanied with the Knights-Companions in their Mantles and the Gowns or Surcoats of the Livery of the preceding year rode from the upper Quadrangle down to the Colledge The Queen and the Kings Mother in like Gowns of that Livery rode in a Chair covered with a rich Cloth of Gold drawn by six Coursers harnised with the same Cloth of Gold and 21 Ladies habited in Crimson Velvet rode upon white Palfreys their Sadles of Cloth of Gold the Harness Goldsmiths work with white Roses demy-trapper-wise Sir Rogér Cotton Master of the Queens Horse riding upon a Courser trapped with Goldsmiths work led her Horse of State in his hand being furnished with a Saddle of Cloth of Gold and thereon three Crowns of Silver gilt with Fimbres of the same Cloth hanging down to the Knees on both sides and harnised with Goldsmiths work demy-trapper-wise as soon as they alighted the Soveraign and Knights-Companions proceeded to the Chapter-house and thence to Evensong which ended they returned in the order they came King Henry the Eighth on the 28. of May in the 11. year of his Reign at a Clock in the Afternoon with all the Knights-Companions in the Habit of the Order proceeded from the Presence-Chamber in Windesor Castle till they came to the Quadrangle where they took their Horses and rode according to their Stalls not after their Estates next before the King the reverend Father in God the Bishop of Winchester Prelate of the Order wearing on him a Mantle of Morrey with a Scutcheon of the
for this place was extraordinary finding upon survey that the former foundation and walls of the Chappel of St. George were in his time very much decayed and consumed and esteeming the Fabrick not large or stately enough designed to build one more noble and excellent in its room To this purpose he constituted Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury Master and Surveyor of the work And taking notice that divers of the Officiary Houses and other irregular Buildings and old Walls stood in his way and hindred the design he had to inlarge the Structure gave the Bishop power wholly to remove all such impediments and to demolish and dig up their Foundations particularly those ancient Buildings on the East-side of the Chappel which reached unto the Walls on the North-side of the Castle where the Towers commonly called Clure ys Tower and Le Amener ys Tower and Barner ys Tower were situated as also on the South-side of the Chappel unto the Belfrey there exclusively and to imploy the Stone Timber and other materials thereof upon such Edifices in the Castle as he should think most convenient With what diligence and sedulity and how well the Bishop performed this Office and Employment appears from the testimony given him by the King in the preamble of that Patent by which he shortly after constituted him Chancellor of the Garter to wit That out of meer love towards the Order he had given himself the leisure daily to attend the advancement and progress of this goodly Fabrick From the new Foundation thus laid by King Edward the Fourth arose like a Phoenix out of its ashes the elegant and beauteous Structure now standing enlarged in length at least one hundred fathom whose order and figure as well on the outside as the several Views from within are here represented though it attained not its beauty and perfection until the Reign of King Henry the Eighth together with the Dean and Canons Houses situate on the North-side of the Chappel and those for the Petty Canons raised at the West end thereof in form of a Fetter-lock one of King Edward the Fourths Royal Badges and so vulgarly called In Henry the Seventh's Reign Sir Reginald Bray one of the Knights-Companions of the Order became a liberal Benefactor towards finishing the Body of this Chappel and building the middle Chappel on the South side thereof still called by his name where his body lies interred as is manifest not only from his last Will but also from his Arms Crest and the initial Letters of his Christian and Surname cut in Stone and placed in divers parts of the Roof By Indenture dated the fifth of Iune in the one and twentieth year of this Kings Reign Iohn Hylmer and William Vertue Free Masons undertook the vaulting of the Roof of the Choire that curious and excellent piece of Architecture for seven hundred pounds and to finish it by Christmas anno Dom. 1508. In his Son and Successors reign the Rood-loft and Lanthorn were erected with the contributions raised among the Knights-Companions anno 8. H. 8. Adjoining to the East end of this Chappel was a little Building of Free-stone raised by Cardinal Wolsey called the Tombe-house in the middle whereof he design'd to erect a goodly Monument for King Henry the Eighth and had well-nigh finished it before he dyed But this was demolished in April 1646. by command of the long Parliament and the Statues and Figures provided to adorn it being all of Copper gilt and exceedingly enricht by Art were taken thence This place King Charles the First of ever blessed and glorious memory intended to enlarge and make fit and capable not only for the interment of his own royal Body but also for the Bodies of his Successors Kings of England had not bad times drawn on and such as with much ado afforded him but an obscure Grave neer the first haut-pace in the Choire of this Chappel his Head lying over against the eleventh Stall on the Soveraigns side and in the same Vault where the Bodies of King Henry the Eighth and his last Queen yet remain The Prospect of St. George's Chapell from the South The Tombe House The Groundplot of St. George's Chapell PROSPECT OF THE INSIDE OF THE CHAPEL 1. The midle Isle 2 The South Isle 3 The North Isle 4 The Pulpit 5 The Choire Dore 6 Roof of the Nâ—uâ— 7 Roof of the Choire 8 East Window of the Choire Fourth under a large Stone of Tuch raised within the opposite Arch at the North side of the Altar but without Inscription also having on the outside of his Grave a range of Steel gilt set to inclose it from the North Isle cut excellently well in Church-work Over this Arch hung this Kings Coat of Male gilt cover'd over with crimsoit Velvet and thereon the Arms of France and England quarterly richly embroidered with Pearl and Gold interwoven with divers Rubies This Trophy of honor had ever since his Funeral hung safely over his Grave but was plunder'd thence by Captain Fogg the twenty third day of October 1642. on which day he also robb'd the Treasury of the Chappel of all the rich Plate dedicated to the use of the Altar yet having met with an exact measure and size of each part thereof as also of his Banner both heretofore taken by Sir William le Neve sometime Clarenceux King of Arms an exact observator of any thing curious referring to Arms or Ceremony we think fit to transmit it thus to posterity The Coat of Arms was two foot seven inches deep and below two foot in breadth Above the Maunches being extended in breadth three foot and six inches whereof the length of each Maunch was one foot The breadth of the upper part of the Coat besides the Maunches one foot and a half The breadth of each Maunch one foot and eight inches The Arms were embroidered upon Velvet lined with Sattin and better wrought then they use to work in these days The Banner which also hung over his Grave was of Taffaty and thereon painted quarterly France and England it had in breadth three foot four inches besides a Fringe of about an inch broad and in depth five foot and four inches besides the Fringe There were within this Chappel of St. George several Chantries endowed with Lands and other Revenues appointed for the maintenance of Chaplains and Priests to sing Masses there for the Souls of their Founders and their Kindred As first William of Wickham Bishop of Winchester gave two hundred Marks for buying of twenty Marks Rent per annum to sustain a Chaplain to celebrate Mass in this Chappel for the health of his Soul the Soul of King Edward the Third of the said Bishops Father Mother and all his Benefactors The Covenants between him and the Dean and Chapter for performance thereof bear date at Windesor the 29. of May anno 3. H. 8. The 26. of November anno 18. E. 4. the Feossees
of Richard Duke of Gloucester confirm'd and deliver'd to the Dean and Chapter the Mannors of Bentfieldbury in the County of Essex Knapton in the County of Norfolk and Chellesworth in the County of Suffolk who thereupon granted among other things that they and their Successors should cause yearly for ever a Mass to be daily celebrated in this Chappel for the good estate of the said Duke and of Anne his Dutchess while they lived and their souls when dead as also for the souls of their Parents and Benefactors Sir Thomas St. Leger Knight sometime Husband to Anne Dutchess of Exeter Sister to King Edward the Fourth founded a Chantry of two Priests who in the middle Chappel situate on the North side of the Church were ordain'd to pray for the healthful estate of King Edward the Fourth and his Queen and Cicely Dutchess of York the Kings Mother while they lived and for their souls when dead as also for the Soul of Richard Duke of York the good estate of the said Sir Thomas and Richard Bishop of Salisbury then living and after their decease for their souls and the soul of Anne Dutchess of Exeter The Foundation of this Chantry and the Covenants between Sir Thomas St. Leger and the Dean and Colledge are dated the 20. of April anno 22. E. 4. By the last Will of King Edward the Fourth a Chantry was ordained to be founded of two Priests to serve at his Tomb to whom was appointed an exhibition of twenty Marks yearly apiece They were called King Edward's Chantry Priests The Chantry of Thomas Passche one of the Canons of this Chappel was founded for a Priest to pray daily for his Soul and the Soul of William Hermer another of the Canons there as also for the good estate of Master Iohn Arundel and Master Iohn Seymer Canons and of Master Thomas Brotherton and their Souls after they should depart this life There was another Chantry Priest assigned to pray for the Souls of the said Passche and Hermer and of Iohn Plumer Verger of the Chappel and Agatha his Wife which devotion was appointed to be perform'd at the Altar on the North side of the new Church and the setlement thereof bears date the 18. of March anno 9. Hen. 7. The first of March anno 12. H. 7. Margaret Countess of Richmond obtained license from the King that she or her Executors might found a Chantry of four Chaplains to pray for her Soul the Souls of her Parents and Ancestors and all faithful Souls departed This Celebration was to be performed in a place neer the East part of the new work of the Chappel And the 18. of Iuly anno 13. H. 7. the Dean and Canons granted that the Countess or her Executors should erect such a Chantry in the Chappel as is before mentioned The Chantry of William Lord Hastings founded of one Priest to pray for his Soul the Souls of the Lady Katherine his Widow and of Edward Lord Hastings his Son and Mary his Wife after their death The Chappel wherein this Service was celebrated is that on the North side of the Choire about the middle thereof where the Body of this Lord lies interred The Ordination is dated the 21. of February anno 18. H. 7. On the North side of St. Georges Chappel stands a little house built for the habitation of this Chantry Priest having over the Door cut in stone the Lord Hastings's Arms surrounded with a Garter Charles Somerset Lord Herbert created afterwards Earl of Worcester was buried in the South Chappel dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the West end of the Church where he ordain'd a secular Priest to say Mass every day and to pray for the Souls of him and his first Wife Elizabeth the Daughter and Heir of William Herbert Earl of Huntingdon Lord Herbert of Gower who also lies there interred Adjoining to the House built for the Lord Hastings's Chantry Priest is another like Building erected for this Chantry Priest and over the Door thereof now to be seen is the Founders Arms within a Garter cut also upon stone The Foundation of this Chantry is dated the 30. of Iuly anno 21. H. 7. To these we shall add the pious Foundation of the House called the New Commons erected over against the North Door of the Body of St. George's Chappel by Iames Denton one of the Canons of the Colledge sometimes Dean of Lichfield anno 11. H. 8. for the lodging and dieting such of the Chantry Priests Choristers and stipendary Priests who had no certain place within the Colledge where to hold Commons in but were constrained daily to eat their Meals in sundry houses of the Town this House he furnished with proper Utensils for such a use the whole charge amounting to 489 l. 7 s. 1 d. and for all which the Choristers were desired by him in the Statutes he ordained for their Rule and Government to say certain Prayers when they entred into the Chappel and after his death to pray for his and the Souls of all the faithful departed In this Chappel of St. George there were heretofore several Anniversaries or Obits held and celebrated some of them as they are entred down in an Account of Owen Oglethorp Treasurer of the Colledge for the year commencing the first of October anno 38. H. 8. and ending the last of September anno 1. E. 6. inclusive we will here remember October November 2. Sir Thomas Sentleger Knight 3. William Bewster Canon 6. Iohn Wygrym Canon 5. Iohn Plomer Verger 8. William Edyngton Bishop of Winchest 10. Iohn Brydbroke Canon 9. King Edward the Fourth 13. Thomas Pashe Canon 16. Rich. Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury 20. Robert Vere Earl of Oxford 22. William Cock Canon 27. Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick  29. Iohn Chapman Vicar Prospect of the Cancellor Screen from the West PROSPECT OF THE CANCELL from the East PROSPECT OF THE CHOIRE from the West PROSPECT OF THE CHOIRE from the East December January 3. Ralph Wyndesor 3. Katherine Queen of England 14. Iohn Howden Canon 8. King Edward the Fourth 30. Richard Duke of York 10. Anne Devereux 31. Tho. Beauford Duke of Exeter 11. Iohn Chambre Canon  12. Anne Dutchess of Exeter  14. Geoffry Aston February March 4. Richard Raunds Canon 1. Richard Smith 21. William Mugge Custos 4. Knights of the Garter 28. Roger Lupton Canon 5. Walter Devereux  10. Richard Welles Canon  19. King Henry the Fourth  24. Henry Duke of Lancaster April May. 3. William Butler Canon 11. King Henry the Seventh 5. Geoffry Wren Canon 21. King Henry the Sixth 6. King Edward the Fourth  19. Robert Ravendale Canon  20. Anne Dutchess of Exeter  21. Iohn Bean and his Wife  June July 2. Iohn Stokes Canon 9. King Edward the Fourth 7. Anne Queen of England 12. Anne Dutchess of Exeter 8. Edward the Black Prince 13. William Harmer Canon 11. William
decease of such Knight-Companion And yet besides these three Bodies most eminently known by the title of Statutes there was another drawn up and published anno 7. E. 6. the Reformation of Religion here in England giving the occasion but it being within few Months repealed by Queen Mary his Sister and Successor before it received the life of Execution and not since revived we suppose it not proper to rank it in the Appendix or make any use thereof in the following Discourse In the Month of December 1666. the Right Reverend Father in God Matthew Wren late Lord Bishop of Ely shewed me a Manuscript compiled by himself about the year 1631. being at that time Register of this most Noble Order wherein by way of Comment upon King Henry the Eighth's Statutes he briefly shews out of the Statutes and Annals of the Order what alteration there hath been in the Law of the Garter both before and since It is a work composed with a great deal of judgment and exceeding useful and had it been my good hap to have met therewith before I had so neer finished this Work the ready directions therein would have eased me of much toil whilst I was about the composing it SECT III. Several endeavours for Reforming the Statutes since the Reign of King Henry the Eighth AS the Kings of this Realm immediately at their attaining the Crown do become Soveraigns of this most Noble Order of the Garter and consequently the Supream Law and Interpreters thereof so is the regulation of the whole their undoubted Prerogative and this hath been evidenced in nothing more fully than from their constant course in exercising the power not only of making and establishing but changing and altering the Laws and Statutes thereof which upon interest of Religion pleasure of the Soveraign change of times or any other fit or necessary Occasion hath from time to time been done by them Upon this ground was it that King Edward the Sixth went about to alter and reform such things in preceding Statutes as seemed not consistent with the Religion he had established in England To which purpose at a Chapter holden at Greenwich the 23. of April in the 3. year of his Reign it was agreed That the Lord St. John the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Paget should peruse over the Statutes of the Garter and that the same should be reformed and made agreeable to the Kings Majesty's other proceedings by the advice of the Duke of Somerset Lord Protector and other Companions of this Noble Order This was seconded by another Order made also in Chapter at Greenwich on St. Georges day in the following year where it was agreed That the Book of Statutes should be reformed and thereupon the Soveraign delivered to the whole Company a Book wherein was contained certain Statutes by the same to be corrected and reformed as they thought best until the next Chapter But it seems nothing was as yet done in pursuance of either of these Orders for at the next Feast on the 24. of April anno 5. E. 6. another Order past impowering the Duke of Somerset the Marquess of Northampton the Earls of Warwick Arundel Bedford and Wiltshire to peruse over the Statutes and other Books of the Order and the same to be reformed as aforesaid This third Order it seems took more effect than the former for thereupon a new Body of Laws was collected together wherein some things were reformed others newly added but in effect the Laws of the Order very much altered and published March 17. anno 7. E. 6. But this King dying within four Months after the very first thing Queen Mary his Sister took care for in reference to the Affairs of this Order was to see these new statutes abrogated and made void To which purpose in a Chapter held at St. Iames's House the 27. of September next following her coming to the Crown it was among other things Decreed and Ordained That the said Laws and Ordinances which were in no sort convenient to be used and so impertinent and tending to novelty should be abrogated and disanulled and no account to be made of them for the future And for the speedy execution of this Decree command was then also given to Sir William Petre who that day was admitted Chancellor of the Order to see that they should be speedily expunged out of the Book of Statutes and forthwith defaced left any memory of them should remain to posterity and only those Decrees and Ordinances which her Father and his royal Predecessors had established should be retained and observed It may be also noted that in this particular of Reformation King Philip her Husband appeared no less zealous for on the 5. of August an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. which was the third day after he had been invested with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order himself being presâ—nt at a Chapter in Windesor Castle it was then Ordained That all Acts and Decrees being recorded in divers places of the Great Book to wit the Black Book of the Order which were repugnant and disagreeable either with the ancient and received Statutes of the Order or else with the Laws of the Realm should clearly be abolished and taken away by the Marquess of Winchester the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke and the Lord Paget And we no sooner see Queen Elizabeth ascending the Throne but shortly after on St. George's day in the 2. year of her Reign a view of the Statutes is committed by Commission to four of the Knights-Companions namely the Marquess of Northampton the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke and the Lord Howard of Effingham Who were thereby impowered to read over and consider those Statutes and being so read over and viewed to consider with a watchful care and diligence if any of them were disagreeable to the Religion Laws and Statutes of this Realm and if any such were found the same to be faithfully represented to the Soveraign to the end that She with the Knights-Companions might establish such Decree concerning them as she should think fit Whether any thing was done pursuant hereunto or not doth not appear in the Annals of the Order or any where else that we have seen nor do we conceive there was or that this Soveraign saw much cause to alter the frame of those Statutes which King Henry the Eighth had established and Queen Mary confirmed since the Books of Statutes delivered to the Knights-Companions at their Installations throughout her Reign were no other than Transcripts of her Father's Body of Statutes and besides the practice of her time was generally pursuant to the direction therein except in some few things now and then added or altered at future Chapters when there arose new cause for so doing of which we shall give an account as the matter occurs After her Reign King Iames her Successor observing the obscurity and disagreement of some passages among the Statutes
Book though the names of special Officers are seldom set down in Chapter Acts were by virtue of this Grant continued therein and executed the Office nor doth it appear by the Records of the Order that any other person had been invested therein besides the Bishops of Salisbury until an 7. E. 6. that Sir William Cecil then Principal Secretary of State was made Chancellor concerning which more by and by If recourse be had to the Constitutions peculiarly relating to the Officers of the Order it will appear That this Office is very noble and honorable of great trust and care requiring a person of much Honor and Reputation to exercise and manage it In which regard it is therein provided that no man should be advanced to this Dignity unless he be a Prelate of the Church viz. Archbishop or Bishop or of some other such like eminent preferment therein Or if a Lay-man then to be a Knight of known Extraction expert learned and of untainted Reputation By this Clause a Lay-man no less than a Clergy-man was made capable of this Office nevertheless it amounted not to a devesting the Bishop then living or excluding any of his Successors unless it had pleased the Soveraign after making that Constitution to have passed by the Bishop of Salisbury and bestowed it elsewhere which he did not for Edmund Audeley the then Bishop some time after the establishing these Constitutions and his immediate Successor Cardinal Campeius till he went to Rome if not more of them enjoined and executed the same But upon Reformation of the Order by King Edwâ—rd the Sixth his Statutes wholly leave out the Ecclesiasticks and appoint that the Chancellors Office should be executed by a Knight qualified as before And thereupon Sir William Cecil was constituted Chanâ—ellor whose Patent bears date the 12. of April anno 7. E. 6. And here first entred a secular person though he enjoyed the Office but a while for the 27. of Septâ—mâ—er following Sir William Petres was admitted thereinto since which time until now the Chancellorship hath continued in the execution of persons of that rank and quality Notwithstanding which in a Charter granted to the Bishop of Salisbury the first of Dec an 4. Eliz. confirming the Charters of Queen Mary King Henry the Eighth and King Henry the Seventh as also in another by the late Soveraign King Charles the First 6. Mar. an reg sui 4. the forementioned Letters Patent made to Bishop Beauchamp by King â—dward the Fourth are therein recited totidem verbis and confirmed as a tacite Reservation of the right and title of the Bishop of Salisbury whensoever the favour of the Soveraign should grow propitious to that See It doth not appear that any of the Bishops of Salisbury after the Reign of King Edward the Sixth concerned themselves for recovering the Execution of this Office to their See until the sixth year of King Iames that Henry Cotton then Bishop upon the death of Sir Edward Dyer sometime Chancellor set forth by Petition to the then Soveraign That this Office belonged to him and his Successors Bishops of Salisbury and therefore humbly prayed Restitution thereof to the Church of Salisbury But before the Soveraign would determine any thing hereupon he was pleased to call the two Chief Justices and Chief Baron to advise with who were of opinion saith the Blue Book That this Office wâ—s not compleatly or sufficiently annexed to the Bishoprick of Salisbury by King Edward the Fourth But Sir Edward Cooke one of those Judges Reports the point upon which it was void to be the incertainty of the Grant for that a new Office was erected and not defined what Iurisdiction or Authority the Officer should have And yet we find elsewhere this third reason given That the Grant was in the Soveraign's disposition because the Patent was granted without Fee With one or more of these opinions the Soveraign's judgment being swayed He forthwith nominated Sir Iohn Herbert one of his Privy Council to the Chancellorship and so this Affair slept until anno 12. Car. 1. When Iohn Davenant Bishop of Salisbury Sir Francis Crane Chancellor being lately dead with all due humiliation remonstrated to the Soveraign That the Office of Chancellor was perpetually annexed to his See by the foresaid Letters of King Edward the Fourth and though in following times it had been bestowed upon Lay-men yet he humbly desired his right might be restored Whereupon at a Chapter of the Order held in the Chapterhouse within the Castle of Windesor the 5. of December in the year aforesaid the Soveraign proposed to the Knights-Companions present That though he had of his especial Grace made Election of Sir Thomas Rowe Knight for his Chancellor at that time yet having understood a Claim made by the Bishoprick of Salisbury that the place was annexed to that See He commanded the Lords-Companions of the Order to take the pretence of right into their considerations To which proposition of his Majesty the Lords humbly answered That they thought it was not their part to search for the Title of any but that if the Bishop of Salisbury did produce his Evidence and the proofs thereof he might present it in Chapter to his Majesty to be considered Upon this encouragement the Bishop prepared a Petition which was presentâ—d and read in Chapter held at the Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor the 18. of April ensuing and here inserted To the King 's most Excellent Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter The humble Petition of John Bishop of Sarum your Majesties Chaplain in Ordinary Sheweth THat whereas your Majesties most noble Progenitor King Edward the Fourth did by Letters Patent erect and establish one Office of Chancellor of the most Noble Order of the Garter and did then also grant a Charter unto Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury and his Successors for ever that they should execute that Office in consideration that the Chappel of St. George in your Majesties Castle of Windesor was within the Diocess of Sarum and for other considerations in the said Charter specified Which Office was enjoyed by the said Richard Beauchamp and divers of his Successors in the See of Sarum according to the Charter which Charter hath also been confirmed under the great Seal of England by some other Kings and Queens since the Reign of King Edward the Fourth And was lastly most graciously confirmed by your Royal Majesty in the fourth year of your happy Reign But to the great prejudice and dishonour of the See of Sarum the use and exercise of the said Office hath been for many years discontinued from the Bishops of your Majesties said Church May it therefore please your most Excellent Majesty out of your accustomed goodness to the Church graciously to consider of your Petitioners Claim and Charter and if your Majesty shall so think fit to vouchsafe your Petitioner a hearing or
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
done him the most noble service in that Expedition did select of them the number twenty five and gave them Blue Garters embroidered and buckled under the Knee with this Motto Hony soit qui mal y pense as a caveat to avoid the emulation of other who might perhaps presume they had deserved as much honor as others Now the question may be asked said the Prince why a Garter rather than any other thing should be made an Order It is to be answered said I that at that time most men especially men of Arms wore their Boots close up gartered and buckled with thongs of Leather under their Knees a Custom yet used of some men for the strengthening of their Leg so with divers other trivial questions the Dinner was spent and ended and I with due thanks and humble salutations took my leave Tuesday morning I delivered the Robes of the Order to the Master of his Wardrobe and on Tuesday in the Afternoon I with my Sons and Mr. Lennard kissed his Excellencies hands and took our leave who most princely thanked us for the pains we had taken to do him honor Wednesday in the morning I was presented with four Chains one for my self of the value of 240 l. sterling two Chains for my Sons the third for Mr. Lennard being all lesser in value than those which I had received of Grave Maurice by 130 l. The Ambassador Lord Carleton had a standing Cup with a Cover of 500 l. being of pure Gold The same day in the Afternoon I gave Rewards to the Chastellain and his Wife with the Servants of the House and taking my leave that night of the Ambassador with whom I supped I took my Iourney on Thursday in the morning by Water to Delf where I hired two Waggons to transport me to Maisland Sluce where I took shipping for England in the same Merchants Ship that brought me thither Friday morning the first of June we set sail and on Saturday in the Afternoon we all safely arrived at Gravesend thanked be God Tuesday following I went by Coach to Oatlands and delivered my Letters to the King from the Prince of Orange and the Lord Ambassador Carleton making a brief relation of the performance of our Employments which it was his Majesties pleasure I should do A Relation of the Investiture of Charles the Eleventh King of Sweden with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order drawn up by Henry St. George Esq Richmond Herald Charles the Eleventh King of Sweden c. being elected into the most Noble Order of the Garter at a Chapter held by the Soveraign and Companions of the said Order the 18. day of June 1668. The Right Honorable Charles Earl of Carlisle c. was by the Soveraign appointed his Ambassador extraordinary to the said King and Henry St. George Esq Richmond Herald was commanded to attend the Ceremony of his said Majesty's Investiture in the place of Garter Principal King of Arms. Being furnished with all Necessaries for this service as the Robes Collar George Garter c. and having received his Majesty's Commission under the Seal of the said Order they set sail from Greenwich in the Anne a Yaght belonging to his Royal Highness the Duke of York on Friday the 5. of February 1668. and landed at Rotterdam on Sunday the 7. of the said Month from whence they proceeded on their journey to Stockholme first to Hamborough and then to Lubeck where my Lord Ambassador having received command from the King to go for Denmark they took shipping at Framond the Port of the said City on Saturday the 20. of March and landed at Copenhagen on Monday the 22. of the said Month. After same 10 days there in which time his Lordship dispatched his business in that Court they again imbarqued themselves in a Frigat of the King of Denmark's and arrived at Stockholme on Saturday the 10. of April being Easter Eve where his Excellency continued some weeks incognito till the arrival of his Train and Equipage Saturday June the 5. the Countess of Carlisle landed at Stockholme and about a week after arrived the Ship with my Lord Ambassador's Goods and Retinue Wednesday the 7. of July my Lord Ambassador made his Entry into Stockholme and on Saturday the 10. of the said Month had his publick Audience of the King Monday the 26 of July my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George at a private Audience delivered their Credentials concerning the Garter and his Majesty of Sweden received the lesser George Thursday the 29. of July was appointed for his Majesty's publick reception of the whole Habit of the Order which Ceremony was performed as followeth Abouth three of the Clock that Afternoon my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George were by two principal Senators Count Neile Brahe and Count John Steenbook the Master of the Ceremonies with the King's Coaches Pages and Footmen all in new Liveries with many Officers and Cavalier conducted to the Castle being come into the great Court they were met at the Stairs foot where they alighted by several of the King's Servants and so conducted up to certain Rooms where the Robes c. were deposited having been sent thither that morning here my Lord Ambassador for a while reposed himself whilst Mr. St. George made ready the Robes c. and put on his Mantle and having now notice that his Majesty was come into the Great Hall they proceeded thither Mr. St. George bearing the Robes c. on a Velvet Cushen At the entrance into the Hall they were met by the Rix-Marshall Count Gabriel Oxenstiern having in his hand a long Staff of Silver gilt and conducted to the upper end of the Room which was inclosed within a Rail and Ballister Here stood the King in a Suit and Cloak of Cloth of Silver with a large Plume of White Feathers in his Haet under a State of Crimson Velvet fringed with Gold to the back of which said State was affixed an Escotcheon of his Majesty's Arms within the Garter and his Stile underneath on the King 's right hand was erected a like State for the Soveraign with an Escutcheon of his Arms and his Stile also underneath with a Chair and Footstool Opposite to the King of Sweden's Chair was placed a Chair like in all things to that of the King 's for my Lord Ambassador and on the left hand of my Lord Ambassador was a Chair set for Mr. St. George and near it close to the Rails was a little Table to lay the Robes on On the King of Sweden's left hand at a good distance near the other end of the Rails sate the Queen under a lesser State of Cloth of Silver the haut-pas was covered with Turkie Carpets as was also all the ground within the Rails where stood the Regents and the rest of the Senators all in Cloaks and Bands as is used at their Dyets and most solemn Assemblies with Chairs behind them The whole Room was hung with Tapestry having a great number
of Scaffolds in it filled with the principal persons of quality both of the Courtand City After my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George had saluted the King Mr. St. George placed the Robes c. on the Table and having made an obeysance first to the Soveraigns State then to the King of Sweden stood before his own Chair till the King and my Lord Ambassador were both of them seated they being seated Mr. St. George sate down on his Chair until the Trumpets and Kettle Drums ceased which had beat and sounded from their first entrance in the Room all being quiet Mr. St. George arose and making an obeysance first to the Soveraign's State and then to the King of Sweden stood by the Table then the Ambassador arising began his Speech to the King which ended his Secretary delivered a Copy of it in the Swedish tongue to the Ambassador who gave it to the Lord Stein Bielk who delivered it to a Secretary by whom it was read aloud whereunto a Reply was made by the same Senator in Swedish this Reply translated into English was given by the said Senator to the Ambassador and by him to his Secretary who read it in English Then did Mr. St. George deliver the Commission under the Seal of the Order to my Lord Ambassador who presented it to the King who having received it gave it to a Secretary by whom it was read aloud The Commission being read Mr. St. George devested the King of his Cloak Sword and Belt untying also the Silk Garter on his left leg and delivered the Book of the Statutes of the Order to the Ambassador who presented them to the King then was the Garter of the Order presented to his Majesty by Mr. St. George who at the delivery pronounced the accustomed words in Latin which ended my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George did both of them buckle it on the King of Sweden's left leg in like manner was presented the Surcoat the Girdle and Hangers with the Sword the Mantle the Hood the Collar and great George last of all the Cap and Feather His Majesty thus fully invested with the whole Habit of the Order continued standing under his State whilst Mr. St. George descending from the haut-pas towards the lower end of the Rails returned and having made three obeysances as he came up proclaimed the Stile of the Soveraign in Latin French and English and afterwards the Stile of the King of Sweden in French only This being done Mr. St. George returned and stood before his Seat whilst my Lord Ambassador complemented his Majesty in a short Speech in English which was afterwards read in Swedish by a Secretary and a Reply made by the afore named Senator Stien Bielk in Swedish read in English by my Lord Ambassador's Secretary After this another Senator viz. Baron John Gyllenstiern did in a long Harangue congratulate his Majesty's Election and Investiture into this most Noble Order which ended the King my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George took their Seats again whilst the Trumpets and Kettle Drums beat and sounded being the signal for the firing 124 great Guns from the Ships of War in the River and several parts of the City and of divers Vollies of small shot from Horse and Foot purposely drawn into the Town for this occasion after they had all fired the first time they gave a second Volley which being near ended my Lord Ambassador and Mr St. George arose and making their obeisances to the King who stood in his Robes under his State they withdrew and were conducted by the afore mentioned Senators Count Brabe and Count Steenbook to the same Room from whence the Robes of the Order had been brought where Mr. St. George put off his Mantle and after a little repose my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George were in the same manner conducted home to my Lord Ambassador's House About eight of the Clock that Evening my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George were again brought to Court in the King's Coach by Count Torstenson and the Master of the Ceremonies to Supper where in a fair Room under a state of Crimson Velvet sate the King covered and in the Robes of the Order on his left hand the Queen and on her left hand my Lord Ambassador all under the State at each end of the Table sate two of Regents and on the other side of the Table near each end sate two of the senior Senators and between them stood two Carvers At another Table in the same Room sate Mr. St. George with the other Senators and the Officers of the Army during Supper several Healths were drank as the Soveraign's the King of Sweden's the two Queens the Duke of York's the Companions of the Order c. at each of which were fired 4 great Guns 24 being purposely planted for that service under the Wall of the Castle Supper being ended my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George having waited on the King and Queen back again in the same manner they attended them to Supper about three of the Clock the next morning they were again conducted home by Count Torstenson and tâ—â— Mâ—ster of the Ceremonies in the King's Coach and as they descended from the Castle the 24 great Guns were all fired twice over Sunday the 1. of August my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George were by Count Torstenson and the Master of the Ceremonies in the King's Coach brought to the Castle about 7 of the Clock in the Evening from whence they went with their Majesties in their Barge to see the Fireworks which had been preparing about three Months as English mile from Stockholme in honor of this Solemnity this divertisement continued about two hours and was concluded with a Banquet which ended they returned in the same manner being saluted both in their going and return with four Guns from each Ship of War in the River besides the Guns from the Fort At their landing Count Torstenson and the Master of the Ceremonies were ready to conduct my Lord Ambassador and Mr. St. George home in the same manner as they came Thursday the 19. of August Mr. St. George received his Majesty of Sweden's Letter to the Soveraign and a Certificate of his Majesties Reception of the said Order both signed by the Queen and the Regents Sunday the 22. of August Mr. St. George took his leave of the King and Queen being attended by the under Master of the Ceremonies Thursday the 2. of September Mr. St. George was presented by the under Master of the Ceremonies with a Chain of Gold and a Meddal set with Diamonds from his Majesty Saturday the 4. of September Mr. St. George began his Iourney from Stockholme to the Sound by Land and came to Elsineur the 12. of the said Month the 29. he took shipping for England and landed at Hull the 20. of October the 27. he came to London and was the next day by the Earl of Carlisle who was newly returned brought to
reported His Highness King Henry the Seventh having notice of the King of Castile's approach rode towards him a mile or two out of Windesor and there in an Arable Field where the King of Castile by the Kings pleasure tarried his comeing met with him And when the Kings Compaignie approched neer to the said King of Castyll some stode on oon part and summe on the odir part and soo made a lanne that the two Kyngs myght mete togeder and when the King of Castyll perceyved the King he toke of his hat and in like manner the King toke off his and with a loving and glad countenance everych salued and embraced odir The King with many odir good wordys welcomed him to his realme and the King of Castyll with humble and loving wordys smyling thanked the King of the great honours that he did him and alsoo for the grete plesirs and kyndness that the King had shewed and doon unto him sython his arivall and at divers tymes before and the King toke the King of Castyll on his left hand and in good ordonance Rode towards the said Castyl of Windsor the Officers of Armes beryng theyr Cots of Armes and the Kings Trumpetts blew at the metyng and soo by the way c. the Earle of Derby barre the Swerd right before the King Hit is to be noted that there was many Noble men verely well appointed both in Cloth of Gold and Goldsmyth werke as my Lord Marquis therle of Kent therll of Derby the Lord Henry Stafford with many and divers odir Noble and Gentlemen which all for the most part were in Velvet and oder silkes right honorably apparelled and when the Kings entred the furst yate of the Castyll the Mynstrells and Shackâ—uth play'd and when they approached neere the place where they alighted the King of Castyll tarryed and wold have alighted before the King but the King would not suffer him but tooke hym forth with him and soo lighted booth at oons the King of Castyll sumwhat got before the King and in like Order the Lords and odir Noble men went before the Kings through the Nedar Galarie towards the Hall and as the King perceyved that the King of Castyl's hatt was off he toke of his hatt and would not doe hit on againe till the King of Castyl was almost ready to doo on his and soo went up the Stayres and passed through the upper Galarie to the Kings grete Chamber which was richly hanged with Cloth of Arras and a gret riche Bed in the same Chamber where remayned the Knights and Esquires and from thence to the 2d. Chamber which was alsoo richly hanged where remained Barons and Baronetts and from thence to the 3d Chamber which was hanged with a very rich Arras in the which there was a Cloth of Estate and as rich a Bed as I have seen where remained the Bishopps Erlls and Officers that attended upon him and from thence would have conveyed the King of Castill to the 4th Chamber which was all hangen with rich Cloth of Gold the bordure above of Cremosin Velvett and brodered upon the Kings Armes with other the Kings devyces as Roses Portecolys c. but the King of Castill excused hym and said that the King should not take the paine to convoye him to his Logging then the King shewed him that all that he had passed through was and should be his Logging and that the King thowght that place honoured by his commyng and called hym Sonne and sayd that he was as welcome unto him as though he had been his owne Naturall Sonne and that his comyng was not only agreeable and joyfull unto him but also to all his Subjects and that that Rome and all his Servants should be at the Commandement of the said King of Castill and that he should thinke that he were come to his own Faders House and soo desired him to goo at his plesir to Dyner or to shuft hym but when the King of Castill perceyved that that greate Logginge was for hym he thanked the King bare headed for he had taken off his hood a little before and sayd that he was sorry that the King had taken soo moch labour and payne for him and for any words or thing that the King might doe he wold convoye the King to his Lodging and soo he did and after the King had showed hym his Chamber and would he should take no further paine the King would somewhat have reconvoyed him but the King of Castill would not suffer hitt and soo they enter salued the one the odir and departed Another most magnificent Cavalcade was that of King Henry the Eighth and the Knights-Companions into Windesor upon the 27. of May in the 11. year of his Reign being the day preceding the Eve of the Grand Feast during which he begun his Reformation of the Statutes of the Order which was ordered as followeth On the 27. day of May being Friday the King removed from Richemont towards his Castle of Windesor and appointed them about one a Clock at Afternoon the same Friday that all Noblemen and oder which should wayte upon his Grace should be ready between Richemont and Honslowe to attend upon him and in consideration of a scarcyte and straitnes of Lodgings as well as in avoyding and eschewing of the corrupt air every Nobleman was taxed and rated to a certain number of Horse that is to say every Duke at 60 Horses a Marquess at 50 Horses every Earl at 40 Horses every Baron at 30 Horses every Knight of the Garter Batchellor at 20 Horses and no odre Knight or Nobleman to have above 16 Horses with their Carriages and all And the King thus right nobly companyed rode to Colebroke and at the Sign of the Katherines Wheel the King took his Courser and his Henchmen richly apparelled followed and also the Kings Horse of State led Gartier King of Arms wore his Coat of Arms the Lord Richard Fox Byshop of Winchester and Prelate of the Order with many odre great Estates gave their attendance upon his Highness The Queen and the Ladies and their Compaignies stood in the feild at the Towns end besides the high way towards Windesor to see the Kings noble Compagnie pass by and then the Queen rode to the Fery next way to the Castle The King rode by Slow and so to Eton Colledge where all they of the Colledge stood along in manner of Procession receiving his Grace after their custom The King entred Windesor with his great Horses that is to say nine Coursers with nine Children of Honor upon them and the Master of the Kings Horses upon another great Coursers back following them having and leading the Kings Horse of Estate in his hand that is to say a rich Courser with a rich Saddle and trapped and garnished following the King and so entred the Castle At the Castle Gate the Ministers of the Colledge received the King with Procession and the King and Knights of
the Ordre at the Church dore took their Mantles and entred the Quere and stood before their Stalls till the Soveraign had Offred and retorned to his Stall then every Knight offered according to his as by the Statute is ordained and entred their Stallys which was a long Ceremony or ever they had all offered because of the great number of Knights that then was present which were 19 in number besides the Soveraign The Offring Doon the Soveraign and all the foresaid Knights of the Ordre putting of their Mantles at the Church Dore with the Prelate and odre Officers of the Ordre as the Register King of Armes and Huishier of the Ordre called the Black Rodd borne by Sir William Compton according to his Office of Hueshier all thes rode before the King from the Colledge unto the Quadrate of the Castle and so conveyed his highness to his Lodging The King had attendant on him all his Officers of Armes wearing their Coats of Armes and all his Trumpetts which blew the Entry of the King all the tyme of the said Entry The Lord Mountague Henry Poole hare the Sword before the King and Garter King of Armes rode next before the Sword and Sir William Compton rode on his left hand bearing the Black Rodd Another Cavalcade offers it selfe here namely that of King Philip and Queene Mary who after the Marriage solemnized betweene them at Winchester the 15. of July 1554. arived at Windesor the 3. of Aug. following where at the nether end of Pescod-street they were met by the Major of Windesor and his Brethren and thence the Trumpets sounding they Proceeded with the Officers of Arms before them into thâ— Castle till they arrived at the West door of the Chapell where was prepared a Form with Carpets and Cushons and at their entry the Byshop of Winchester sensed them The Queene having received the Mantle of the Order with a reverential kiss from the Earl of Derby and Penbroke to whom it had been presented by the Register of the Order put it upon the King assisted by the said Earles the Earls of Arundell and Penbroke receiving the Collar of the Order from Garter presented it to the Queene with the like Ceremony as was the Mantle who put it about the Kings Neck Then all the Knights Companions put on their Mantles within the Chapell Dore and Proceeded into the Choire and stood before their Stalls according to ancient Order Then the Queene went into her Stall taking the King by the Hand and setting him in the same Stall with her and after a little space they both descended and Proceeded up to the High Altar the Queene keeping the right hand and there Offred after which they retorned to their Stall where they reposed themselves while all the Knights Companions present did Offer according to their Degree and had taken their Stalls according to their ancient Custome Then was Te Deum and de Profundis sung which being finished they came all downe from their Stalls and Proceeded to the Chapter House Dore where the King and all the Knights Companions put off their Mantles and imediately going out of the Chapell they tooke their Horses at the Chapell Dore and Proceeded in Order up to the Castle where they reposed themselves that night In the last place we may properly add the duty of the Colledge of the royal Chappel of St. George touching their Reception of the Soveraign upon special occasions to wit the manner to be observed by them in their Proceeding to meet the Soveraign of the Order at his first coming thither in his royal State or in his return after some great Victory or extraordinary Action performed or some Foreign or unwonted Atchievement according to the most decent manner there observed by the most invincible Prince King Henry the Fifth in the 9. year of his Reign at which time he ordained that this his Ceremonial should be firmly observed for ever in the like cases The same in effect is also appointed by King Henry the Eighth only the direction is put into other words and where the title of Custos is in the former Precedent used in the latter that of the Dean is inserted instead thereof and is as followeth In the first place a Form or Bench decently adorned being placed after the usual manner in the midst between the Chappel of the Colledge and the uttermost gate of the Castle the Custos and Canons are there to meet with all the Officers of the Colledge each in their proper order and Habits having a handsom Cross carried before them with two Torch-bearers and two Censers The Register of the Order bearing the Kings Mantle is to present it to his Majesty who being therewith invested by the Custos assisted by the senior Canon the King is to be Censed five times and then taking the Cross to kiss from the hand of the Custos or some one of the more eminent Prelates then present he is to be conducted in way of Procession to the Chappel the Knights-Companions present vested with their Mantles going orderly immediately before the King until he hath arrived at the Faldstool before the high Altar for that purpose adorned and there kneeling till the end of the Responsory to be sung by the Choire at his arrival by appointment of the Praecentor to wit Honor Virtus or some such like answerable to the Affair in hand with a Prayer also correspondant And then kissing the venerable part of the Cross of our Lord and the Heart of St. George he is to offer and then to betake himself to his Stall and there to sit till the Knights of the Order have also offered each in their turns and placed themselves again in their Stalls and until the Anthem De Profundis hath been sung by the Canons with the accustomed Prayers then the Knights-Companions are to descend from their Stalls into the Choire each of them bowing himself towards the Altar every time they so come down and thence proceed through the middle of the Choire unto the place where the Chapter is to be celebrated at the hour of Tierce the Soveraign of the Order following in the last place as in all other Processions and consequently in his absence his Deputy doing the same These things thus performed they are to get up on Horseback and conduct the Soveraign into the place appointed by the Statutes and the Proceeding being finished the Bells are to ring at convenient seasons As touching Ecclesiastical Processions they are of great antiquity in the Christian Church some are ordinary and stative other extraordinary or indictive The Ordinary are those celebrated on Ascension-day mentioned by St. Chrisostom and on the Purification by St. Austin Rabanus St. Bernard and divers others The Extraordinary are commanded and appointed by authority on several occasions such was that which Sozimus makes mention of at the translation of the Reliques of St. Miletus So also that of the
was born at 40 minutes after five in the morning of the said day the 6. Degree of the Sign Scorpio Ascending and the 18. Degree of Leo Culminating The places of the Planets as there posited followeth gr ♄ in 5 ♑ ♃ in 27 ♉ ♂ in 21 ♠☉ in 28 ♠♀ 18 ♠☿ in 8 ♠◠in 8 ♉ ♠in 26 ♉ The Thursday after his birth he was Christned in the Chappel then of St. Edward in Windesor Castle by A. Priest Cardinal by the Title of Sancta Prisca and his Godfathers were Richard Bishop of Poictiers Iohn Bishop of Bath and Wells William Bishop of Worcester Lewis Earl of Eureux the Queens Brother Iohn de Britannia Earl of Richmond Aymer de Valence Earl of Penbroke and Hugh le Despenser Within a few days after the King his Father granted him the County of Chester except the Mannors of Mekklesfield and Shotwyke to hold to him and his Heirs Kings of England for ever And likewise the County of Flint and Cantred of Englefield with the Castles of Flint and Rothelan to hold as before except the Mannor of Overton the Lands of Mailor Seysnoke and the Castle and Mannor of Holt after which he was thus stiled by the King Edwardus Comes Cestriae filius noster Charissimus So pleasing to his Father 〈◊〉 the birth of this Prince that the 16. of December following he gave to Iohn Launge Valet to the Queen and to Isabel his Wife and the longer liver of them for bringing to him so desirable News 24 l. per annum to be paid out of the Farm of London But leaving his Infancy we will now proceed to his youth and the occurrences that attended his riper years King Edward his Father having been often summoned to the Court of France to do homage for the Dukedom of Aquitaine and other his Lands held in that Kingdom and still delaying till the French King had seized thereon it was at length concluded that he should give to this Prince that Dukedom who then should do the Homage and enjoy the Lands Hereupon preparation was made for his passing into France and a little before at Langedon Abbey near Dover the King on the 2. of September in the 19. year of his Reign first gave to him his Heirs and Successors Kings of England jure haereditario imperpetuum the Counties of Ponthieu and Monstroile and on the 10. of the same month at Dover granted to him the Dukedom of Aquitaine and all the Lands he had or ought to hold in the Kingdom of France Habendum as before two days after this new Duke took shipping at Dover thence passed into France and made his Homage in which Journey it was likewise thought fit that the Queen should accompany him in regard her Lands in that Kingdom had also been seized on Shortly after his return into England he was unanimously chosen Custos of the Kingdom in his Fathers absence then fled into Wales with Hugh le Despencer the Son Robert-Baldock and others by divers of the Bishops Nobility Barons and Knights de assensu totius Comitatûs dicti Regni ibidem existentis and at Martley the Great Seal sent from the King was delivered to him Not long after his Father ressigned his Crown upon which great preparations were made for this young Prince's Coronation which was solemnly performed at Westminster by William Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday after the Conversion of St. Paul being the 1. of Feb. an 1327. His first Martial Attempt but unsuccessful for more then what appertains to his Wars we shall not here discourse off was the raising an Army to march against the Scots For Robert Bruce King of Scotland having sent him a defiance about Easter next following his Coronation shortly after invaded England notwithstanding the Truce between the said King Robert and King Edward the Second was yet on foot and an agreement for further Treaty of Peace to be held in the Marches on Sunday next before Ascension day then next comming The Kings Army was appointed to Rendevouz at Newcastle upon Tyne on Munday next before the Ascension of our Lord though Sir Iohn Froissard saith it was at York upon Ascension day whence about three weeks after Trinity Sunday he marched towards the Enemy but the Scots having exceedingly wasted the Northern parts and declined to fight slipt from him at Stanhop Park in the Bishoprick of Durham and withdrew towards their own Country nor could the King engage them though he endeavoured it for 24. days together I confess the first Actions of Princes are looked upon by all Eyes and not seldom with many Observators taken as the Radix whence to calculate their future either Successes or Miscarriages If at these undertakings a full Age entitle them to the sole management of Affairs we are inclined to think a judicious Eye may partly discern the strength of their Fortune But while they reside within Tutorage and their designs are carried on under the conduct of others the Event of things will manifest a dependency upon the strength or weakness of the Genius of those persons who are the chief managers of their Concerns And this was fully made good in this Prince whose Martial undertakings were very unsuccessful specially while the Government of the Kingdom was committed to others and sometimes afterwards when he was tyed up and hampered by his Allies in Flanders but he no sooner arrived at full Age but his Affairs shewed themselves as if disposed by his own Genius and the first remarkable experiment was verified even upon the Scots themselves from whom before he had received some affronts and indignities For having sent Ambassadors to the Custos and chief Nobility of Scotland He demanded the Homage of David Brus their King and these were probably Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton and William de Denum for it appears they were employed thither the 14. of Decemb. an 6 E. 3. touching the Affairs of the King and Kingdom and the doing of Homage denyed He forthwith raised an Army in assistance of Iohn Balioll Son of Iohn Balioll sometime King of Scotland against David Brus the then King which being appointed to meet at Newcastle upon Tine on Trinity Sunday an 7 E. 3. King Edward entred Scotland and wasted the Country as far as Scone for six months together Insomuch that the Scots were forced to fly to their Fastnesses in the Forest of Gedworth where they abode for many years and as the King returned he encountred an Army of theirs at Hallidown Hill which he defeated and killed about 32000. common Souldiers 7. Earls 90. Knights and Bannerets and 400. Esquires In memory of this great Victory hapning on the Eve of St. Margaret the Virgin being the 13. of Iuly he repaired the Church and Convent of Nuns near the place where the Battel was fought upon that occasion destroyed and burnt and caused
an Altar to be therein erected and dedicated to that Virgin He further granted to those Nuns and their Successors 20 l. per annum out of the Issues of the Town and County of Berwick until Lands to that value should be conferred upon them to the end that annually on the Eve and day of St. Margaret for ever they should commemorate the goodness of God for his so prosperous success On the Morrow after this great Victory the King had the Town and Castle of Berwick surrendred to him and on the 19. of Iune in the following year did Edward Baliol King of Scots make Homage and Fealty to him at Newcastle as to his Superior and Chief Lord of the Realm of Scotland who then granted to the King and annexed to the Crown of England for ever the Counties next adjoining to England namely Berwick Roxbourgh Peples and Dunfres the Towns of Hadington and Gedworth with the Castle and Fortress of Silkirke Etherick and Gedworth By the assistance which King Edward afforded to Edward Baliol he gained the most part of Scotland nevertheless divers Castles refused to surrender which occasioned the King to make another expedition thither and about Allballontide he arrived at Newcastle upon Tyne and thence marched into Scotland towards the end of November and at Christmass entred Ethrick Forest but the Scots were fled whereupon having prosecuted his design as far as he thought good he returned into England The next year he raised new Forces and himself from Carlisle and Edward King of Scots from Berwick both entred Scotland on the 12. of Iuly burning and wasting the Country on both sides beyond the Scottish Sea This Expedition brought the Earl of Atholl and divers of the Scotch Nobility to a Submission upon which the King came back into the Northern parts where he wintered and kept his Christmass at Newcastle About Twelfth-tide he was provided to pass again into Scotland when Ambassadors from the Pope and King of France found him at Berwick ready to enter that Kingdom and by their earnest sollicitation about Candlemas obtained of both Kings a Truce till Midlent following but no Peace ensuing Edward King of Scotland and divers of the English Nobility at Whitsontide entred Scotland again and finding St. Iohns Town slighted by the Scots they fortified it Shortly after this King Edward followed them thither and thence passed with his Army unto Elgen in Murrey and Innerness In his return he took Aberdeen and burnt divers Towns and destroyed the Country About which time the Earl of Cornwal entred Scotland also and destroyed the Western parts and met the King his Brother at St. Iohns Town where the King stayed not long but marched to Striveling built the Fortress called the Pile and returned home About the Feast of St. Luke he marcht again with a fresh Army into Scotland and repaired Bothuill-Castle and returned into England before Christmas leaving Edward King of Scots at St. Iohns Town setled in the Government of that Kingdom The Affairs of Scotland being thus quieted for some years gave King Edward the leisure to look towards France which Kingdom afterwards became the Scene of all his Martial Glory For Robert d' Artois Earl of Beaumont in France being discontented at the Sentence wherein Philip King of France had given the Earldom of Artois from him to Maud Countess of Burgundy let fall some dangerous words and they being laid hold on forced him to fly into England where he was kindly received by King Edward who after he had been here sometime afforded him the use of the Castles of Guilford Wallingford and Somerton whensoever he pleased to retire thither for his recreation and afterwards assigned him 800 l. per annum for his support the one moiety to be received out of the Revenues of certain Priories Alien seised into the Kings hands and the other moiety out of his Exchequer Soon after his coming over he advised the King to set on foot his claim to the Crown of Franceâ— whereto the King was willing enough to hearken and to be perswaded by him but the Affair being of so great concern his Council advised him to take the opinion of his Father-in-Law the Earl of Henault before he attempted any thing therein Hereupon a Comet with long and terrible streams ushering in this grand Affair he employed thither with all privacy Henry Burghersh Bishop of Lincolne with two Banerets and two Doctors to gain him to his party with all other persons of note as they should find inclinable to assist the King who laying before the Earl King Edward's pretensions to the Crown of France he not only approved of his design but advised the King to contract other Alliances and gain to his party some of his neighbouring Princes thereabouts The PORTRAICTVRES of King EDWARD the 3. with the first 2â— KNIGHTS COMPANIOS in the HABIT of the ORDER and SVRCOATS of their ARMES In April following a like Commission was issued to Henry Bishop of Lincolne William Earl of Salisbury and William Earl of Huntingdon and they immediately dispatcht into Flanders where they found business so well prepared by the Commissioners before named that by the 24. of May ensuing they had fully engaged divers of the Nobility and others in Henault Geldres and the Marquisate of Iuliers to appear in the Kings assistance against the French and withall setled the proportion of Men and Arms each of them were to furnish the King with in that Service together with the stipends and wages to be paid them in lieu thereof This done the said Bishop went to Gaunt and there won so much upon the humour of Iaques Dartuell that he gained him also to the Kings party Within a few days after Renaut the Second Earl of Guildres and Zuitphen who had married Leonora the Kings Sister and William Marquess of Iuliers Husband to Ioane Sister to Queen Philippa entred into the Association and next Rupert Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria signed an Agreement at Frankeford whereby he obliged himself to assist the King for the recovery and maintenance of his Inheritance against all persons whatsoever except Lewis the Emperor his Uncle which several Contracts made by the foresaid Ambassadors with these Princes were confirmed by the King under the Great Seal of England the 26. of August following Between this Emperor and the King and their Heirs past also an Union and Confederacy which obliged them to use all their power particularly against Philip de Valois who carried himself as King of France and his Successors in that Kingdom for the recovery and defence of their Honors Inheritances and Possessions The 13. of Iuly was Iohn Duke of Loraine Brabant and Lemburgh retained for the King and with the assent of the Emperor was the Confederation made with Lewis his eldest Son there stiled Marquess of Brandenburgh Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria
a new Governor of the Town before he went thence It having been agreed on at the last Truce that Commissioners on both sides should meet at Boloigne on Sunday in medio Quadragesimae following the King appointed William Bishop of Norwich William Bohun Earl of Northampton William Clynton Earl of Huntingdon Regnold de Cobham Robert de Bourghcher and Iohn de Carleton Doctor of Laws his Commissioners to Treat of and conclude a Peace or prorogation of the Truce and League of perpetual friendship between him and his Adversary of France But no final Peace could be agreed on while Philip de Valois lived nor after till King Iohn his Son and Successor was taken Prisoner at the Battel of Poictiers only several Truces were made from time to time and the last consented to in February an 28. E. 3. to hold till Midsummer following While these Truces were on foot endeavours were made for the Release of David King of Scots the Kings Prisoner and at length it was agreed that upon the coming into England of Iohn the Son and Heir of the Steward of Scotland and several other young Noblemen Hostages for the said King who when they came were disposed into the Castles of York and Notingham King David should be permitted to go into Scotland and upon his return back the Hostages should be delivered The Kings Letters as well of safe conduct to the Hostages as of power to receive them and to take King Davids Oath for his return and the Command for his safe Custody at Newcastle till the Hostages were come bear Teste the 5. of September an 25. E. 3. to continue unto the Quindena of the Purification next following and the 3. of November after were they renued to the Feast of St. Philip and Iacob ensuing It seems King David returned back into England about half a year after for the 28. of March an 26. E. 3. a Command was sent to the Sheriff of Yorkshire to conduct the Hostages to Berwick to be there in Quindena Paschae it being the day set for King David's return to that Town On the same 5. of October command was sent to Iohn Coupeland Sheriff of Northumberland who had then the Custody of the said King to deliver him to the Bishops of Duresm and Carlisle William Earl of Northampton Henry de Percy and Ralph Nevil or to any 4 3 or 2. of them and likewise another command issued to them to deliver him upon the conditions and under the form agreed on Whilst the foresaid Truce agreed on in February an 28 E. 3. was on foot the Pope undertook to do what he could to further the effecting of a Peace and to that purpose he sent again to both Kings to obtain their Authority to bring it about but it doth not appear that any thing was done before Midsummer while it was in being Nevertheless we find that whereas in the Treaty between them held at Guynes among other things it was agreed that Ambassadors from King Edward should be sent to Pope Innocent in Kal. Octob. following the King did accordingly impower William Bishop of Norwich Henry Duke of Lancaster and some others his special Ambassadors to treat with his Adversary of France or his Deputies touching a final Peace between them but they returned without effecting any thing all but the Bishop of Norwich who died at Avignion and was there buried Towards the latter end of the following Summer the King having intelligence that Iohn the French King was drawing down with an Army towards St. Omars in the beginning of November passed over to Calais with Lyonel of Vlster and Iohn of Gaunt his two Sons and a considerable Army where he arrived the 2. day of November and immediately marched against him but upon notice of his approach King Iohn retired breaking down all the Bridges behind him whom King Edward followed as far as Heyden and the Country being wasted by the French he for want of Provision for his Army returned to Calais and thence into England And whilst in his absence the Scots had broke out and taken the Town but not the Castle of Berwick he immediately marched thither and 13. Ianuary recovered the Town passing further into Scotland and on the 25. of the same Month being then at Roxbrough King Edward Baliol there made a solemn resignation of his Crown and Kingdom to him by his Letters Patent after which he marched with his Army to Hadington burning and wasting the Country on each side as he went and having laid it waste returned into England and took Edward Baliol along with him The King having notice in the precedent year that Iohn the French King had given to Charles Dauphin of Vienvois the Dukedom of Aquitaine constituted the Prince of Wales his Lieutenant in that Dukedom and sent him with an Army thither where he fought that memorable Battel at Poictiers and took Iohn the French King Prisoner whom he brought into England in May following King Iohn was lodged at the Savoy and there continued all the Winter and in the Spring after was removed from thence to Windesor Castle where he and his youngest Son spent their time in Hawking and Hunting and towards Winter returned to the Savoy And it appears that the 12. of December an 32. E. 3. He was again setled at this House under the Custody of Roger Beauchamp and several Knights Esquires and other Attendants appointed for his Guard The French King had not been long in England ere the Pope sent hither Talairand Bishop of Alba commonly called the Cardinal of Pyergort and Nicholas Priest Cardinal by the Title of St. Vital to assist at the Treaty of Peace to be held about Midsummer an 31. E. 3. the Kings Letters of safe conduct for them and their Train consisting of 200 Horse were dated the 3. of Iune that year The Bishop of St. Gean de Maurienne in Savoy came also hither to the Treaty having like Letters for himself and a Train of 30 Horse dated the 26. of May preceding and though a final Peace was not concluded yet several Truces were made one upon another in hopes of it till Midsummer an 33. E. 3. Before this there had been great endeavours used for the Release of David King of Scots the Kings Prisoner and several addresses made to the King from King David himself as also the Prelates Peers and Commons of Scotland seconded by the zealous sollicitations of Ioan his Queen Sister to King Edward But this affair though often treated of came not to an issue till the 3. of Octob. an 31. E. 3. when at a meeting of Commissioners on both sides at Berwick namely Iohn Archbishop of York Thomas Bishop of Duresme Gilbert Bishop of Carlisle Henry de Percy Rauf de Nevile Henry le Scrope and Thomas Musgrave deputed by King Edward on the one part and William Bishop of St. Andrews
of whom this Henry was one himself being then at Botheuill in Scotland so busied in the War that he could not be at the meeting appointed to treat on his behalf with certain Prelates and others whom he had commanded to meet at London on Wednesday after Newyears day following upon the defence and safety of the Kingdom repulsion of the Enemies and other things relating to the State of the King and Kingdom as also seriously and fully to acquaint them with the King's intensions to ordain and do all things referring thereunto and to his honor as if he were there personally present The following year he was created Earl of Derby and invested by girding him with the Sword his Father yet living by the Charter of his Creation did the King grant to him and his Heirs an Annuity of Honor of 20 l. out of the Farm of the County of Derby and to the end he might better maintain the State of an Earl he also granted him an annual Pension of 1000 Marks during his Fathers life out of the Customs in London St. Butolphs and Kingston upon Hull until the King should provide for him 1000 Marks per annum in Lands or Rents and in case the issues of the said Customs fell short of that annual sum then was it provided that it should be made up out of the Exchequer and for more surety out of the Custody of his Wards The third of October following the King granted to him the Manor of Wyghton and Hundred of Northgreneho with their appurtenances in the County of Norfolk as also the Mannor of Laghton in Morthynges with its appurtenances in the County of York which Ralph Earl of Eu had lately held and were then seised into the Kings hands to hold also during the life of his Father at the annual value of 72 l. 7. s. 6 d. q. at which rate they were extended in part of satisfaction of the said annual Pension of 1000 Marks But the Letters Patents of the 18. of March were resigned up to be cancelled the 24. of October an 13. E. 3. and the King thereupon by other Letters Patent dated the 20. of September preceding granted him during his said Fathers life all the Issues of the small Customs in London for the payment of 891 Marks 5 s. 9 d. ½ q. above the extent of the Mannors and Hundred aforesaid both which sums made up the foresaid annual Pension of 1000 Marks and in case the small Customs fell short of 891 Marks 5 s. 9 d. ½ q. then what they wanted was to be paid him out of the great Customs of the said City but if they exceeded that sum then the surplusage to be paid into the Exchequer which Lands and Pension out of the small Customs reverting to the King upon the death of this Earls Father were then granted to the Queen for the support and maintenance of her Children until the King should otherwise provide for them In the 11. year of King Edward the Third the King having sent over the Bishop of Lincolne and others into Flanders to make Alliances for him with Flemings the French King had laid a Garrison in the Isle of Cagaunt with design to take these Commissioners in their return home but they having notice thereof and the friendship and assistance of Iacques Dartuel took their way to Dort in Holland and so escaped that snare And the King resolving to clear that Island of this Garrison designed for this Service the Earl of Derby who raised part of his men in Staffordshire a Country where he was exceedingly beloved in which his Father had then great Possessions that after his death descended to him and of which for the better conservation of the Peace there the King made him high Sheriff during lifâ— These men levied by the King 's Writ he was commanded to have in readiness with hâ—â—self at London on the Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin next ensuing At the arrival of the English in the Haven they found the Town of Cagaunt well garrison'd and therein divers stout Commanders chosen by the Earl of Flanders for its defence well arm'd and ready to forbid their Landing so that with great difficulty and some loss they got ashore and here our Earl pressing on and fighting for his passage was struck down to the ground but relieved by the Lord Manny In fine the Town on Sunday before the Feast of St. Martin was taken by the English and above 3000 Flemmings slain after which they plundered and burnt it and brought their Prisoners to their Ships among whom was Sir Guy the Bastard of Flanders who after made Fealty to the King and sided with him in the War The 16. of February an 13. E. 3. he was put in Commission with others to array men in the County of Leicester against the Invasion of Enemies and the 3. of Iuly after made one of the 8 Commissioners to treat with Philip de Valois upon all Controversies between the King and him and also one of the 5 Commissioners constituted the second of Ianuary following to treat with the said Philip as also with the Cardinals of St. Praxide and St. Mary in Aquiro upon the same Affair The 6. of March an 14. E. 3. he had Commission given him to raise men in the Counties of Derby Leicester Staffordshire and Lancashire to pass over Sea with the King or himself at the Kings next Voyage beyond Sea This Earl attended the King in his first Expedition into France and had Command in the Battel ready pitcht to fight the French neer Vyronfoss as also at the Battel of Sluce an 14. E. 3. and the 10. of August the same year command issued to Robert de Morley Admiral of the Fleet from the Thames towards the North to send forth 10 Ships to Orewell to take in his Troops of Horse that were to pass over into Flanders after him In the following year He and Henry de Percy Ralph de Nevil and Robert de Dalton had Commission given them to treat with the Bishops Earls and all other persons as well Ecclesiastick as Secular in the Northern parts touching the defence of the Kingdom against the Scots and to sollicite them who had Lands in those parts to dwell there or otherwise to assign other persons there to remain in their stead He was again made the Kings Lieutenant in the North parts of England and in Scotland as also General of the Army sent against the Scots who had invaded England having power given him to defend the Marches to march into Scotland to create Stewards Constables Marshals and other Officers necessary for the Government of the Army and three days after had a Commission given him and power to treat and agree with the Scots about a Cessation of Arms to admit such of them as were willing to the Kings Peace to receive their Fealty to grant them
Chancellor Treasurer the Earls of Arundel and Huntingdon Sir Bartholomew Burghersh Mr. Nicholas Northburgh Clark of the Privy Seal William Basset and other the Kings Justices and being not able to deny the premises he put himself upon the Kings favour and was thereupon committed to the Custody of Iohn de Long Marshal of the Kings Bench. We have met with little else concerning this Knight save that he went over into Bretagne with his said Brother Thomas an 29. E. 3. and had been Governor of Gernsey Iarsey Sark and Aurney We also find that a Fine was acknowledged at Westminster on the morrow after the Purification of our Lady an 33. E. 3. between him and the said Otho Querent and Robert de Holland the elder Knight and Robert de Holland the younger Deforcients of the Mannor of Yokeshale and the Advowson of the Church there to the use of the said Otho for life and after his death to return to the said Sir Robert the elder and Robert the younger and the Heirs of the said Sir Robert But he lived not to enjoy the benefit of it long for he dyed in Normandy the 3. day of September following being seized also for life of the Mannors of Kersey in Suffolk Taleworth in Surrey and Chesterfield in Derbyshire and these of the gift of his Brother Thomas and the Lady Ioane his Wife as also of the Mannor of Dalbery in the said County of Derby for life by the Grant of Robert de Holland 24. Sir Henry Eam ALL we have met with relating to this noble Knight is only what the following Instrument made to him by the Prince of Wales of an Annuity of 100 marks and confirmed by the King doth inform us of whereby it appears that he was a Native of Brabant and received the Honor of Knighthood from the said Prince's hands Rex omnibus ad quos c. Salutem Inspeximus Literas Patentes dilecti fidelis nostri Edwardi Principis Walliae Ducis Cornubiae Comitis Cestriae filii nostri Charissimi in haec verba Edward eisné filz au Noble Roy d' Engleterre de France Prince de Gales Duc de Cornwaill Counte de Cestre A tous ceux qui cestes Lettres verront on orront Saluz Sachez que come nostre trescher bien ame Monsit Henri Eam au temps qil avoit pris de noz meins l' Ordre de Chivaler se ofâ—rist premist de sa fraunche volunté destre entendant à noz services à terme de sa vie qeu temps qe noâ—s luy ferrions sufficialment garnir d'aler ovesqe nous queu part que nous vourrions auessi bien pur la pees come pur la guerre destre armes od nous à noz volontez countre toute gent forpris le Ducs de Brabant son Seigneur lige en la defense de ses terres propres Nous acceptantz celles offre premesse voillantz pour son dit service avoir qil soit le plus tennz à nous servir devant nul antre tiel regard faire à luy dont il se purra le mieltz contenir à l'avenance de son estat lui avons doné un annuele rent de Cent marez à terme de sa vie à receiure de nostre Manoir de Bradenash en Counte de Deveneshire chesâ—un an à les termes de Pasques de Seint Michel per oueles porcions per les meyns des gardeins de mesmes le Manoir qi pur les temps serront les offre premesse dussusditz en toutz pointz tenuz gardez volons que à qule heure à quant des foitz son dit paiement soit aderrier en partie ou en tout à nul terme assigné il lise au dit Monsir Henri destreindre en le dit Manoir les destresses tenir tanqil soit pleinement paiez de quanqe lui serra à derriere come dessus est dit En Tesmoignance de quel chose nous avons fait faire cestes noz Lettres overtez Donné souz nostre Seal à Westm. le xviij jour de Jeneuer l'an du Regne nostre trescher Seigneur Piere le Roy d' Engleterre vintisme primer de France octisme Nos autem concessionem praedictam ratem habentes gratam eam pro nobis haeredibus nostris quantum in nobis est praefato Henrico ad totam vitam suam tenere praesentium concedimus confirmamus sicut Literae praedictae rationabilitèr testantur In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Westmonasterium xxviij die Iunii Per ipsum Regem 25 Sir Sanchet Dabrichcourt SIR Iohn Froissard takes notice that Queen Isabel Wife to King Edward the Second being driven out of France was courteously entertained at the Castle of Amberticourt in Henault by a Knight of that name whose then it was and that thereupon the Queen and the Prince brought him his Lady and Children over with them where they all received advancement in the Court of England 'T is very probable then that this Sir Sanchet might be Son to that Knight and yet Ralph Brooke York Herald makes him to be the Son of Eustace Dabrichcourt and Elizabeth Daughter of the Duke of Iuliers the Relict of the Iohn Plantagenet Earl of Kent But this is a great mistake and overseen by Augustine Vincent Windesor Herald in his correction of Brooke For it is clear that after the death of that Earl his Widow vowed chastity in the Monastery of Waverly where she continued some years and that on Michaelmas day an Dom. 1360. which was above 11. years after the Institution of this Order of the Garter she was clandestinely married to Eustace de Abrichescourt by one Iohn de Ireland and therefore he could not be Son of these two persons whose marriage was so long after the Institution of that Order whereof he was one of the first Founders We find mention of a gift which King Edward the Third made to this Knight of all the Chattels belonging to Iohn Wardedien who had fled for killing of Robert Poteman but nothing else 26 Sir Walter Paveley THis Sir Walter was Son and Heir of Walter Paveley and Maud Daughter and Heir of Stephen Burghersh His said Father died an 1. E. 3. at which time he was about 8 years old He was also Cousin and next Heir to Henry Burghersh Bishop of Lincolne He went into Bretagne in the Kings Service with Sir Bartholomew Burghersh senior an 16. E. 3. so also the following year and again an 19. E. 3. The 20. of King Edward the Third he went with him in the Expedition the King made into France and therefore had his Lands in Northamptonshire and Wiltshire discharged from finding men at Arms c. to serve the King in that Expedition And the next year it seems he had command abroad under Sir
this Employment 311. CHAP. XI Of Preparations for the Personal Installation of a Knight Sect. I. That Installation gives the Title of Founder Page 312. II. Of the Time and Place appointed for Installation 313. III. Of Commissions for Installation 314. IV. Letters of Summons 315. V. Warrants for the Livery of the Order 316. VI. The Removal of Atchievements and Plates ibid. VII Preparations made by the Knight Elect. 334. CHAP. XII The Personal Installation of a Knight-Subject I. Of the Cavalcade to Windesor Page 338. II. The Offering in the Chappel on the Eve of the Installation 342. III. The Supper on the Eve 344. IV. The Order in Proceeding to the Chapter-house ibid. V. The Ceremonies performed in the Chapter-house 350. VI. The Proceeding into the Choire 352. VII The Ceremonies of Installation 354. VIII The Order observed when two or more Knights are Installed in one day 360. IX The Offering of Gold and Silver 364. X. Of the Grand Dinner at the Installation ib. XI Of setting up the Knights Atchievements 367. CHAP. XIII The Installation of a Knight Subject by Proxie Sect. I. The Original Cause of making Proxies 372. II. Letters of Procuration Page 373. III. Qualifications of a Proxie 375. IV. Preparations for Installation ibid. V. Proceeding to the Chapter-house 377. VI. Transactions in it ibid. VII Proceeding to the Choire 378. VIII Ceremonies performed there ibid. IX The Grand Dinner 380. CHAP. XIV The Signification of Election to Strangers Sect. I. Within what time and in what manner Certificate is made of their Election 381. II. Of Notice given of an Election before sending the Habit. 384. III. Notice of Election sent with the Habit. ibid. IV. Certificate of Acceptation 386. V. Of an Election not accepted of 387. CHAP. XV. The Investiture of Strangers with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order Sect. I. The Time for sending the Habit and Ensigns unlimited Page 389. II. Preparations made for the Legation 390. III. The Ceremonies of Investiture 399. IV. Certificates of having received the Habit and Ensigns of the Order 432. CHAP. XVI The Installation of a Stranger by Proxie Sect. I. Touching the Choice and Nomination of a Proxie Page 434. II. The Proctor's Qualifications 437. III. His Letters of Procuration 439. IV. Of the Proctor's Reception ibid. V. The Preparations for Installation 440. VI. The Proctor's Cavalcade to Windesor 441. VII Supper after his Arrival there 442. VIII Of the Proceeding to the Chapter-house 443. IX The Ceremonies performed therein 444. X. Of the Proceeding to the Choire 447. XI The Ceremonies of Installation 448. XII The Proctor's Offering 452. XIII The Dinner 454. CHAP. XVII The Duties and Fees Payable by the Knights-Companrons at their Installations Sect. I. Touching the Fees due to the Colledge of Windesor Page 455. II. Fees due to the Register Garter Black-Rod and Officers of Arms. 458. III. Fees belonging to other of the Soveraign's Servants 462. IV. Fees payable for Strangers 463. CHAP. XVIII Of the Grand Feast of the Order Sect. I. The Grand Feast appointed to be annually celebrated on St. George's day Page 467. II. The Anniversary of St. George fixed by the Church unto the 23. of April 468. III. St. George's day made Festum duplex 469. IV. The Place for celebrating the Grand Feast assigned to Windesor-Castle 471. V. St. George's day kept apart from the Grand Feast and how then observed Ibid. VI. The Grand Feast neglected by King Edward the Sixth 473. VII Removed from Windesor by Queen Elizabeth 474. VIII Of Prorogation of the Grand Feast 475. IX Of Commissions for Prorogation 480. X. That the Grand Feast ought to be celebrated once every year 482. CHAP. XIX Of Preparations for the Grand Feast of the Order Sect. I. Of Letters giving notice of the Time and Place Page 484. II. Of Dispensations for not attending at the Grand Feast 485. III. Of Commissions of Lieutenancy and Assistance 487. IV. Warrants for the Removal of Atchievements Ibid. V. Scutcheons of Arms and Stiles Ibid. VI. Of adorning the Chappel 490. VII The furnishing of St. George's Hall 500. VIII Officers and Servants appointed to attend at the Grand Feast 502. CHAP. XX. The Order of the Ceremonies on the Eve of the Grand Feast Sect. I. Of the beginning of the Grand Feast Page 504. II. Of setting the Proceeding in order 509. III. Of Proceeding to the Chapter-house 516. IV. Of the Opening of the Chapter 519. V. Transactions in the Chapter held before the first Vespers 520. VI. The Ceremonies relating to the first Vespers 538. VII The Supper on the Eve 544. CHAP. XXI The Order of the Ceremonies on the Feast Day Sect. I. The Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning Page 547. II. The Proceeding to the second Service 550. III. Of the Grand Procession 551. IV. The Order of the second Service 576. V. The Offering of Gold and Silver 580. VI. The Return to the Presence 587. VII Of the Dinner on the Feast Day 588. VIII The Ceremonies belonging to the second Vespers 597. IX Of the Supper on the Evening of the Feast Day 598. CHAP. XXII The Ceremonies observed on the last Day of the Feast Sect. I. Of Proceeding to the Chapter-house in the Morning Page 599. II. Of the Elect Knights Proceeding into the Choire 600. III. Of the Ceremonies performed at Divine Service 601. IV. The Diets at some of the Grand Feasts 602. CHAP. XXIII The Observation of the Grand Feast by Absent Knights Sect. I. Absent Knights enjoyned to observe the Grand Feast Page 613. II. More particular Directions for their Observation of it 614. III. How to be observed in case of Sickness 616. IV. In what manner the Feast hath been observed by Absent Knights ibid. V. Dispensation for Absence granted during life 619. CHAP. XXIV The Degradation of a Knight-Companion Sect. I. Of the Degradation of a Knight-Batchellor Page 620. II. The manner of Degrading a Knight-Companion of the Garter 621. III. Of Restauration into the Order after Degradation 622. CHAP. XXV Honors paid to Deceased Knights-Companions Sect. I. Of the Celebration heretofore of Masses for defunct Knights-Companions Page 623. II. Of fixing on the Stalls Plates of their Arms and Stiles 627. III. The Offering of Atchievements 629. IV. Of depositing the deceased Knights Mantles in the Chapter-house 636. CHAP. XXVI Of the Founder the first Knights-Companions and their Successors Sect. I. Of what Number they consisted Page 642. II. A short view of the Founder's Wars 643. III. Some account of the first 25 Knights-Companions 670. IV. A Catalogue of their Successors 708. HONI· SOIT QVI· MAL· Y· PENSE· CHAP. I. OF Knighthood in general SECT I. Of Vertue and Honor. IT hath been the Practice of all well-govern'd Kingdoms and States to encourage Merit by Reward Merit consists in the performance of some vertuous Action directed to the Publick good As Vertue is either Military or Civil so Reward is differently distributed either by Honor or Profit to the end each sort of Vertue may have
4. E. 2. That the Banerets wages by the day was four shillings the Knights two shillings and the Esquires one shilling Next unto the Knights Banerets we shall speak of Knights of the Bath which is a degree that hath the Investiture and Title of a Knight with an additional denomination derived from part of the Ceremony of his Creation It is the most received opinion that our King Henry the Fourth first instituted these Knights and true it is according to Sir Iohn Froisard He at his Coronation to adde to the lustre and magnificence of it created six and forty of them making an especial choice of such as he favoured either out of an inward affection or consideration of their service or deserts And as he designed them to attend him in the Ceremonies of his Coronation then at hand so did he retain them neerer unto his person thereby seeming to honor them with a more familiar consociation than he vouchsafed to the Knights Batchelors But if the Ceremonies and circumstances of their Creation be well considered it will appear that this King did not institute but rather restore the ancient manner of making Knights and consequently that the Knights of the Bath are in truth no other than Knights Batchelors that is to say such as are created with those Ceremonies wherewith Knights Batchelors were formerly created by Ecclesiasticks but some of them having been for a long time laid aside with us were then brought again into use and made peculiar to the Degree of Knights of the Bath and since continued to them upon some solemn and great occasion At the first view this Degree looks like a peculiar and distinct Order of Knighthood and may perhaps by some be thought more fit to be spoken of in the third Chapter rather than here But it cannot properly and justly be so accounted if we consider that they have not either Statutes or Laws assigned them nor are they in case of vacancy supplied which are the essentials of distinct Orders nor do they wear their Robes beyond the time of that occasion upon which they were created as chiefly the Coronation of Kings and Queens of England or otherwise the Creation of a Prince of Wales Duke of York and the like whereto also is to be considered that their Number hath been uncertain and always at the pleasure of the King Andrew Favin will have these Knights to be otherwise called Knights of the Crown because saith he to distinguish them from Esquires they wear upon their left shoulders an Escutcheon of Black Silk with three Crowns of Gold embroidered thereon But this is a great mistake for it is not found that such or indeed any other Badge was at any time after that manner used by them save only a Silk Lace but the Jewel worn to be known by is made of Gold containing three Crowns with this Motto Tria juncta in una and hanging down under the left arm at a Carnation Ribbon worn cross the body This leads us to the consideration of another Degree among us here in England namely Baronets who seem to be allied to Knighthood by having granted to them the addition of Sir to be set before their Names but this Title gives not the Dignity of Knighthood nor can any of them be properly stiled Knights until they be actually knighted It is a Degree but of a late erection to wit in the ninth year of King Iames and the grant thereof made only by Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England a Copy of one of which is transcribed into the Titles of Honor. This Honor is made hereditary to them and the Heirs males of their bodies lawfully begotten for ever and by a subsequent Decree of the said King precedence is granted to them before all Banerets except such as should be made by the King his Heirs and Successors under his or their Standard displaid in an Army royal in open War and the King personally present and next unto and immediately after the younger Sons of Viscounts and Barons The ground for erecting this Degree as appears by the Instructions given to the Commissioners appointed to treat about this affair was partly Martial for though themselves were not enjoined personal service in the Wars yet the motive of this Honor was a certain contribution from each Baronet to maintain thirty Foot Soldiers for three years in Ireland after the rate of eight pence a day for the defence of that Kingdom and chiefly to secure the Plantation in the Province of Vlster Their Qualifications were that at least they should be descended from a Grandfather on the Fathers side that bore Arms and had a Revenue of one thousand pounds per annum of Lands of inheritance in possession or Lands of old Rents as good as one thousand pounds a year of improved Lands or at least two parts of three to the said value in possession and the other third part in reversion expectant upon one life only held in Jointure The year after the first Patent past King Iames was pleased to adde some new Priviledges and Ornaments to this Degree namely to Knight those Baronets already made that were no Knights as also such as should be afterwards created and the Heirs males of their bodies when they attained the age of one and twenty years that the Baronets and their Descendants might bear either in Canton or in an Inescutcheon the Arms of Vlster and further to have place in the Armies of the King and his Heirs and Successors in the gross neer about the Royal Standard for defence of the same Since the Institution of Baronets in England there have been made divers in Ireland after the like form And the Knights of Nova Scotia in the West-Indies were ordained in imitation of Baronets in England by the said King Iames anno Dom. 1622. and upon a like design to wit the planting of that Country by Scotch Colonies and the Degree made likewise hereditary These later have the priviledge to wear an Orange-tawny Ribbon as a Badge of Honor to distinguish them from other Knights and it appears by a Letter from Henry Earl of Holland dated the 29. of Iune 1627. and directed to the Officers of Arms that there was some intention to move his then Majesty to declare his pleasure that all Baronets and Knights Batchelors might wear in Ribbons of several colours some Badge or Iewel to distinguish the one from the other and both from persons of inferiour quality in such sort as did the Knights of the Baeth to which end he desired their opinion touching the fitness and conveniency thereof Which Officers from precedents of the differences and marks set upon Robes belonging to several Degrees of Nobility and Honor and from the Ensigns and Ornaments of Knighthood used for distinctions sake both at home and abroad being esteemed as peculiar marks of Soveraignty in the Giver and eminent tokens of Honor in
viz. arch-Arch-Bishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons and Knights Verstegan is of opinion that this word began to be made use of among our Ancestors as a Title of Honor from such as were admitted for their merit to be Knights to the King viz. his own Servants and Reteyners and such as were appointed to ride with or attend on him to whom our industrious Minshew agrees the Equites saith he which heretofore followed and accompanied the Emperor are in the German Tongue called Knechtes that is Servitors or Ministers But our learned Cambden is of opinion that the word Knercht was in far more ancient times used and accepted as an honorary Title and among the old Germans signified a person armed with Spear and Launce the Ensigns of their Knighthood as in after times such were among other Nations adorned with a Girdle and Belt who are since called Equites Aurati and sometimes simply Milites In the last place we think it not amiss to say something here touching the usual and accustomed English word with us added to the names of Knights viz. Sir We note then that since Titles and honorary Appellations have been in use for anciently no other Appellations were used but only the persons names the word Sire in old French was taken to signifie Seignieur or Lord and though in Latin the word Dominus hath been indifferently attributed to all Degrees of Nobility yet in the Registries of the most noble Order of the Garter it is us'd with a distinction For wherever the Names of any of the Knights Companions are recorded if he be a Baron of the Kingdom it is exprest by Dominus and his Surname only added thereunto as for instance the Lord Cameux is termed Dominus de Cameux and so others whereas a Knight Baneret or Batchelor hath his Christian Name adjoined as Sir Iohn Chandos who was one of the first Founders of this most noble Order is stiled Dominus Iohannes Chandos Sir Walter Paâ—ely another of those Founders is written Dominus Gualterâ—s Paâ—ely and so of others Now this addition Sir is properly attributed to the Names of all Knights Banerets Knights of the Bath and Batchelor Knights the words sometimes pronounced at the time when they are dubbed being with this compellation to their Christian Names Arise Sir Iohn or Sir Thomas or whatsoever else is his Christian Name and therefore is accounted parcel of their stile as among the French Messire is used in the same nature But to Knights Baronets the addition of Sir is granted by a peculiar clause in their Patents of Creation to be prefixt to their Christian Names albeit they be not dubbed Knights How it came to be first given we cannot find but Custom from former times hath continued it to ours upon the Degrees before mentioned and divers of our old English Writers have bestowed it upon the major Nobility after they had been received into the Order of Knighthood Nevertheless though it be wholly uncertain when it first began to be used with us yet our learned Selden hath observed it in an Hebrew Star of King Edward the First 's time And in the life of Saint Thomas Becket written also about that Age we meet with the Title prefixt to the Names of the four Knights there called Luther Knigths who slew the said Saint Thomas His Knyghts tho hi i husde this hi stode some stille Hi bethoghte stillelich to pay the Kyng at wille Hour that mest â—rewen wer bithoghte of one gile Sir Renaud le uz Ours and Sir Hewe de Morbile And Sir William Trati and Sir Richard le Brut. SECT VI. The Ensigns of the Equestrian Order among the Romans THE Equestrian Order among the ancient Romans was conferr'd by particular Ceremonies to wit the donation of a Horse or giving of a Ring and these were accounted the two chief and principal Ensigns and Ornaments of that Order as appears out of Pliny and other Writers and both bestowed upon the publick account The giving of the publick or military Horse was a far more ancient Ceremony than that of bestowing the Ring there being a time when only those who received the publick Horse weâ—â— of the Equestrian Order and none other and this was long before the Gold Ring was used as a mark of this Honor. For it appears out of Livy that upon Servius his Institution of the Cense and his inrolling the Knights by it he forthwith took care to pay them out of the publick Treasure Ten thousand pieces of Brass Money to buy them Horses and certain Widows were assigned to pay two thousand pieces of like money annually towards the keeping of them Therefore saith the learned Salmasius no other were then enrolled in the Equestrian Order but such as had the Equestrian Cense and to whom a publick Horse was assigned And this is further evident from this passage in Pliny That the Name to wit Equites which was heretofore saith he derived from the â—ilitary Horses now the Iudges upon the account of money viz. the Censors bestow But here instead of the word Iudices the learned Critick Iustus Lipsius is rather willing to read Indices and we find the Letters n and u are frequently mistaken by Transcribers the one for the other which indeed seems as well sutable to the meaning which the whole sentence aims at for the former part thereof declares that the Rings were the Notes or Ensigns of the middle viz. Equestrian Degree and then according to Lipsius his correction of the word the latter part runs thus that the Name which formerly the military Horses gave the Notes and Indices of wealth did afterwards to wit in Pliny's time bestow And as the donation of a Horse was the ancienter badge of Knighthood so were those to whom it was given saith Iustus Lipsius most anciently properly and alone in times past called Equites The same Lipsius reflecting on the twofold Ensigns of Knighthood among the Romans makes a dichotomy of the Equestrian Order into those who had a publick Horse and others who had none but only the honor of wearing of a Gold Ring In succeeding times when the Custom was received of electing Knights as well by bestowing of a Gold Ring as formerly had been used by the single Ceremony of giving a publick Horse yet still to those who had the Equestrian Cense then was the number of these Knights very much increased whereupon no publick Horses were afterwards assigned but unto such as were ready to enter into the military service and to fight in the Legions and then also to such persons only who were chosen out of the Body Number and Order of the Knights to wit such as to whom there had not yet any publick Horse been assigned but were only known to be of that Order by wearing of a Gold Ring Those therefore to whom the publick Horse was then assigned were thenceforth
intimation that where any reasonable cause could be made appear at the time of Knighthood to impede the receiving of the Order the person might be admitted to make Fine for the respite thereof Yet was not this Fine constant or certain but estimated and set according to the nature of the excuse or length of time given for instance Robert de Menevil of Northumberland having obtained respite for two years was set at five Marks and Peter Founden at forty eight Shillings and eight Pence for three years respite but Iohn de Drokensford paid ten Pounds for a suspension of his Knighthood only for the same time And in these cases the Kings Writ usually issued to the Sheriff with command to permit the person to have that respite and to forbear taking any distress till the time compounded for should be expired and if nevertheless the person happened to be impleaded for not having received Knighthood the Kings Letters Patents granting him the time of respite being produced have been allowed If any person had been distrained by the Sheriff and a retorn thereof made to the King and did not appear at the time and place in the Writ nominated to receive the Honor of Knighthood in such case we sometimes find that a Writ hath issued giving command to the Sheriff forthwith to seize all his Lands and Tenements into the Kings hands and answer the profits thereof into the Exchequer The Fines and Amerciaments set upon such contempt seem to have been arbitrary and the Court swayed according as the nature of the default appeared William the Son of Gilbert de Alton paid twenty shillings for not appearing and receiving Knighthood according to the command of the Kings Proclamation Thomas Pauncefoot paid four Nobles Iohn de Lodbroke forty shillings the like Fine was set upon Simon de Bradeney and Thomas Trivet both of Somersetshire and Iohn de Neirvote in the County of Bucks and lastly William Lassels paid four pounds for that he had not received Knighthood before Michaelmas Anno 30. E. 3. and for obtaining respite for three years from thence But albeit in the promiscuous course of bestowing of Knighthood where the men of Wealth and Estate whether otherwise worthy or not became dignified yet was not the gate of Honor then shut against those who wanting Riches sought her out by the paths of Virtue and Merit For where men of low Fortunes deserved well of their Country and that for their good services the King had judged them worthy of Honor He was accordingly pleas'd to bestow such annual Pension or Lands upon them as He esteemed sufficient to maintain that degree of Dignity whatsoever it was so conferr'd And this is agreeable to the judgment of the Author of the Division du Monde who saith That the Honor of Knighthood is not to be given to any person who hath not a considerable Estate unless sufficient means to support the Honor of that Order be also given with it Hence it is that the Kings of England have allowed Pensions and frequent mention of them is made in the Rolls sometimes during pleasure and then again during the lives of those on whom they have thought fit to confer the Honor for their better support as for instance King Edward the Third granted by Letters Patents forty Pounds per annum out of his Exchequer to Iohn atte Lee Queen Isabel's Steward in auxilium status sui manutenendi first during pleasure and afterwards for his life But the case is more remarkable of Sir Nele Loring who afterwards attained the Honor to be one of the first Founders of the most noble Order of the Garter for whose valiant performances in the Naval Fight against the French at Sluce the King conferr'd the Dignity of Knighthood upon him and immediately after granted to him and his Heirs Males twenty Pounds per annum that he might better maintain that Honor until he could settle on him and them so much in value of Lands or yearly Rents in Fee And here the following Grant made by King Richard the Second to Sir Iohn Walssh of forty Marks per annum for life to support that Dignity of Knighthood he had given him may very well be inserted Rex omnibus ad quos c. salutem Sciatis quod cum nos pro eo quod dilectus fidelis noster Johannes Walssh nuper in praesentia nostra pro defensione suâ— multum strenue fecit prout satis est notorium ipsum Ordinem Militarem suscipere facerimus Ordinem illum ei de manibus nostris dederimus eum penes nos ipsos retinuerimus Et quia ipse sufficienter non habet unde Onus cum honore valeat supportare Dedimus Concessimus ei Quadraginta Marcas per annum ad terminum vitae suae percipiend per manus Vicecomitis nostri Lincolniensis qui pro tempore fuerit de exitibus balivae suae ad terminos Paschae Sancti Michaelis per aequales portiones In cujus c. Teste R. apud Westminst quinto die Decembris The Kings of England upon the same account did usually bestow like annual rewards on such whose merit raised them to the Degree of Baneret and in the Letters Patents whereby such Pensions are granted we observe it usually exprest ad manutenendum statum Baneretti or words to the like effect Hereupon King Edward the Third gave to Sir Reginald Cobbâ—m four hundred Marks per annum during his life to be paid him out of the Exchequer afterwards the Mannor of Tippenham in Buckinghamshire for life and a Mill under Oxford Castle with a Meadow there called Kings Meade We find moreover that Thomas de Rokeley who in the service of this King had received the Degree of Baneret had two hundred Marks per annum granted unto him pro sustentatione sua during life To Sir Iohn Lysle one other of the Founders of the said most noble Order ut ipse statum Baneretti which the King had before conferr'd on him melius manutenere possit he gave two hundred pounds a year during life and upon Roger de Swynerton Baneret He bestowed for life pro statu suo manutenendo all the Mannors Lands c. which lying in the Counties of Stafford and Chester came to the Kings hands by the forfeiture of Hugh le Despenser as likewise the Mannor of Barew in the County Palatine of Chester to him and his Heirs And it is worthy of note that some times such like Grants have been made by the consent of Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament for so were the two hundred Marks per annum given to Geoffry le Scroop Baneret in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth Thus far we have spoken of the Qualifications which capacitate him who receives the Degree of Knighthood it will not now be amiss to touch upon one particular relating to the Person
who confers this Honor before we leave this Section It hath been thought by divers that no man can make a Knight unless himself be first Knighted and because that some have not given this Honor before they received it they thence would imply that no man ought for so Prince Edward of Carnarvan having been first Knighted by his Father King Edward the First forthwith Knighted a great number more in Westminster Abbey So Anno 20. E. 3. the King being landed at Hoggs in Normandy Knighted Edward his eldest Son and immediately the said Prince made Mortimer Monteacute Ros and others Knights And King Edward the Sixth being Knighted by the â—arl of Hertford in the Tower of London assoon as the Ceremony was over Knighted Henry Hoblethorn Lord Mayor of London with the same Sword wherewith himself received this Military Honor. But it is apparent enough that they who never were and others who never could be Knights have conferr'd this Dignity and we are to understand that necessity and custom hath in this case the force of a Law for anciently Bishops and Priests made Knights so also do the Popes and some Common-wealths nay Women in whom the supream Power is vested may and have done the like witness our Queens Mary and Elizabeth and we find it to be the ancient Law in Spain That the King or his Son and Heir though they be no Knights may nevertheless make Knights by reason that they possess the Kingdom and are therefore the Head and Chief of Chivalry and consequently all the power thereof is closed up and contained in the Kings command To conclude in all the instances and examples where the creation of a Knight hath been performed either with Ceremony or by Diploma of which we shall speak in the next Section it may be observed that the Dignity was always given by and received from the hands of another Person except only the Kings of Spain who time out of mind have made themselves Knights and this by virtue of an old Law written in the Aragonian Tongue as Ambrosius Morales reports which saith thus The whole night preceding the Ceremony viz. of Knighting the King shall watch in the Church in the morning he shall hear Mass and offer both Purple and some of his Money and after he shall receive the Sacrament And when they are going to raise him he shall ascend upon his Shield the Noblemen holding and supporting him Then shall all cry with a loud voice three times Real Real Real This done he shall command to scatter more of his Money to the quantity of one hundred shillings among the People and to shew that no man upon earth hath any power over him he shall gird himself with the Sword made after the form of a Cross and that day can no other man be Knighted One Example of this ancient Rite is remembred by the said Chiffletius at the Coronation of King Ferdinando the Third who took from the high Altar the regal Sword and with his own hand girt himself therewith to the end being so girded he might shew himself openly to the People and declare that he received the power of Governing and making War from none but God alone and that he owed not his Kingdoms to the gift of any mortal man And it seems this manner of Knighting was a thing of such remarque that it was sometime taken notice of and entred for a memorable note of time as for instance in the Teste of a Charter which this Don Ferdinando made to the Monastery of De solos alvos in the third year of his Reign and is reported by the said Chiffletius out of Colmenars History of Segovia c. 20. as also by another Charter wherein the Knighting Prince Edward eldest Son to our King Henry the Third by Alphonso King of Castile at Bruges anno Domini 1255. is remembred after the same manner SECT IX The various Ceremonies used at the conferring of Knighthood BEsides the donation of the before-mentioned honorary Ensigns there were several Ceremonies and Formalities begun to be used in the middle Ages at the investiture of Knights some of which we shall here set down by way of Instance The most ancient of these is the investing of the Knight with a Belt and Sword and this was performed either by putting the Belt loose over the shoulder or girding it close about the waste the Bend in Armory represents the one and the Fess the other Of this kind of Honor we have spoken before The first Christian Kings and Princes saith Favin at the giving of the Cingulum militare kissed the new Knight on the left cheek and used these words In the honor of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost I make you a Knight And this was called Osculum pacis the kiss of Favour or Brotherhood Some think this to be the same with the Accollade or Ceremony of imbracing which was performed by Charles the Great who before his expedition against the Hungarians Knighted his Son Lewis the debonair at the City of Ratisbone for upon the girding him with the Military Belt and Sword he gave him the Accollade that is he imbraced him though it be rendred for kissing by the Translator of Favin and this was the first time we observe the Ceremony of the Accollade to have been used It was in the time of the same Emperor that the way of Knighting by the Colaphum or giving a blow on the Ear was used in sign of sustaining future hardships and indurances which is thought to have been derived from the manner of manumission of a Slave among the Romans where first the Praetor gently struck him on the head with the Vindicta a Rod so called after which the Lictor did the like and moreover struck him on the Face and Back with his hand in token of full liberty and freedom This Custom was retained long after both in Germany and France much like the Pescosada or blow on the neck given in Spain at the Creation of the Cavalleros de Espuela d' orada or Knights of the Golden Spur as appears from a clause in the Instrument of the Frizons Infranchisment to this effect That the â—otestate or Governor of the Country should gird the Sword about him who was to be Knighted and then give him a Box on the Ear with his hand with which Ceremony he was made a Knight he also gave him special charge and command that thenceforth he should go armed after the manner of Knights of the sacred Empire or of the Kingdom of France It is also said this Emperor ordain'd that no King should succeed to the Empire if he were not Knighted as aforesaid before his Coronation And there is an eminent example of this formality in William Earl of Holland who when he came to be chosen King of the Romans Anno Domini 1247. preparation was
Favin and Petrus Blessensis there is particular mention made of consecrating the Sword offering it at the Altar and receiving it again from thence which manner of reception from the Altar was an implicite kind of taking an Oath as may be deduced from the said Petrus Blessensis who saith That Candidates in his time received their Swords from the Altar that they might profess themselves the Sons of the Church and that they received the Sword to the honor of the Priesthood defence of the poor punishment of Malefactors and deliverance of their Country Lastly at the institution of those Christian Orders of Knighthood erected for the defence of the Holy-Land which we shall in the next Chapter discourse of the Knights entred into a solemn Vow and Oath chiefly to propagate and sight in defence of the Christian Faith and to repel the violence and cruelties of Pagans and Saracens In fine among the various Ceremonies performed at the admission of Knights in all the several Orders and Societies of Knighthood whether Religious or Secular which have been erected there are none esteemed greater or ought more solemnly to be observed than the taking of an Oath It was in the times of Peace and great leisure that the before-mentioned solemn and tedious Ceremonies used at the making of Knights were observed whether by great Princes in their own Courts or by Ecclesiasticks in the Church but much otherwise in times of War or on a day of Battel where the hurry and throng of Affairs gave not time for so long and troublesome Ceremonies And therefore aswell before the joining of Battel as after Victory obtain'd the one to encourage and stir up the Valor and Virtue of gallant men to overcome or if they dyed in fight to give their bodies the Honor of Knightly Enterment the other to reward the eminent prowess and valiant performances of those that hapned to survive it was usual for the Prince or General in the Field and sight of the whole Army to give those whom he thought fit to advance to the Honor of Knighthood they humbly kneeling before him a stroke with a naked Sword flat-wise upon their shoulders or else to touch their heads or shoulders lightly as aforesaid without any other Ceremony except pronouncing the words of Creation which latter kind of Ceremony is used in Europe at this day it supplying all the rest and this we commonly call Dubbing the old English word used for creating of a Knight As touching those Ceremonies used at the making of a Knight in Scotland which are chiefly dubbing with a Sword and putting on â—â—urs together with the particulars which the Knights Oath contains see our learned Seldens Titles of Honor they being for substance much the same with what the Knights of former Ages either swore or profest The Benediction of a new Knight at the time of his Creation by the Pope or those whose power in this particular is derivative from him as it is set down in the Pontificale Romanum may be found there or in the said Titles of Honor whither it is transcribed But there is another manner of creating of Knights abroad namely by Royal Codicils or Letters Patents these the Spaniards call Privilegios de Cavelleria and thereupon such Knights are intituled Equites Codicillares and this without any actual Ceremony or Solemnity for the Codicils were chiefly design'd to supply the ordinary way of Dubbing to those who dwelt in remote Countries yet under the Dominion of the Prince that bestowed the Honor. In these Instruments the Emperor or King is said thereby to make and create them Knights willing and intending that thence-forward they should be held and reputed for such and moreover grants that they shall in all their acts and affairs enjoy all the Rights Liberties and Franchises accustomably due to all other Knights throughout all his Dominions aswell also in the same form and manner as if the person had been actually Knighted by his own hand Of this manner of Creation two Presidents are exhibited by the Author of the Iurisprudentia Heroica the one granted by Philip the Fourth King of Spain to Sir Philip Ryckewaert Councellor of his Council of Brabant dated at Madrid the twenty seventh of October 1663. and the other by the present King namely Charles the First and Mary Anne Queen Regent to Leon Iean de Pape Councellor also and Advocate of the Exchequer of his said Council of Brabant dated likewise at Madrid the sixteenth day of December Anno Domini 1665. These Royal Codicils have sometimes though very rarely extended so far as to make this Knightly Degree hereditary which being unknown among us in the Dignity of Knighthood though that of Baronet comes something neer it a few Examples may be worth mentioning We have met with two of these Diplomas in the time of Charles the Fifth Emperor of Germany whereby this Dignity or the Degree of Knight of the Roman Empire as therein it is called is granted by him 20. Nov. 1553. to Sir Stephen Prats of Barcelon and made to reach to his posterity which then or afterwards should be born As also another of the same Emperors made to Lucas de Broyart the twenty fourth day of September 1540. that extends much farther to wit not only to himself and Children born or to be born their Successors and Heirs and the Successors and Heirs of their Children born in lawful Matrimony and carrying the Surname of Broyart but also to all those who should marry any of the Daughters of the said Luke or the Daughters of his Sons their Successors or Heirs There are besides Examples of Grants in this nature which take in the Collateral Lines as in that ancient Diploma which Sir Edward Bysshe Knight Clarenceux King of Arms hath transferr'd to his Notes upon Vpton where it appears that Raymond Viscount of Turine anno 1219. granted to Rodolph de Bessa that he and his Nephews Sons to his Brother Ademar and their Successors should be Knights and enjoy all the Priviledges and Honors of Knights This is the ancientest that I have met with of this sort to which there is another in that place adjoined whereby Maximilian the Emperor granted the Dignity of Knighthood to Thomas Salernitana President of the Council of Naples and to his seven Brothers therein named and their Sons born or to be born and their Male descendants in infinitum But there is one Example of greater rarity in relation to the creating of Knights than any yet remembred viz. by the bare signification of a Kingly Letter without using either any of the afore-mentioned Ceremonies or granting Letters Patents under Seal to that purpose Of which kind the Author of the Iurisprudentia Heroica gives an instance worthy taking notice of where Philip the Fourth King of Spain the fifteenth of Ianuary 1633. conferr'd upon all the Captains that had behaved themselves valiantly in the
their Dominion and Power this their Valor and Courage as may be properly instanced in Geysa King of Hungary who waging War with the Austrians was by the Bishops when he came into the field Armis accinctus girded with Arms that is Knighted and in like manner Leopold Marquess of Austria Ottacher Duke of Stiria and Frederick Duke of Austria and Stiria so also Godfrey Duke of Brabant with Henry his Son solemnly received the Order of Knighthood before his Expedition to Hierusalem So Peter King of Aragon was girt with the Military Girdle from Pope Innocent the Third anno Domini 1204. the Emperor Henry the Third was made Knight by the Bishop of Breme and our William Rufus by Lanfranke Arch-Bishop of Canterbury But to proceed yet a little farther in Examples of this nature Kings themselves have been Knighted not only by inferiour Princes but sometimes by their own Subjects as Lewis the Eleventh of France at his Coronation by Philip le bon Duke of Burgundy Francis the First immediately after the memorable Fight at Marignan neer Millan by Peter Baiarde Of our own Nation King Edward the Third by Henry Earl of Lancaster King Henry the Sixth by his Uncle Iohn Duke of Bedford King Henry the Seventh by the Earl of Arundel and lastly King Edward the Sixth by Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford afterwards created Duke of Somerset And though it is commonly said That all the Sons of the French King are Knights assoon as they receive their Baptism nevertheless Sir Henry Spelman from Goropus seems to contradict this opinion by informing us that they were not judged worthy of the Kingdom unless they had been first solemnly admitted into the Knightly Order And we elsewhere find that the Royal Heirs of Aragon were suspended from the Crown of that Kingdom until they had received the Honor of Knighthood To this purpose the usage and fashion of the time shortly after the Norman Conquest is considerable when our young Princes were sent over to neighbouring Kings that from them they might receive this Honor Thus was our Henry the Second sent to David King of Scots and Knighted by him in Carlisle and Edward the First at the Age of fifteen years to Alphonsus the Eleventh King of Castile for the same Dignity In like manner did Foreign Princes repair hither to receive the Honor from our Kings as Malcolne King of Scotland and Alexander Son of William King of Scotland Knighted by our King Iohn anno Domini 1212. So was Alexander the Third by our King Henry the Third on Christmas day at York anno 1252. and Magnus King of the Isle of Man by the same King All which sufficiently demonstrate the great Renown of Knighthood and the honor and esteem which was ever had for that Order The estimation of Knighthood may be yet further manifest from divers expressions in that part of an Edict transcribed by Mr. Selden out of Goldastus which Conrade King of the Romans sent to those of Palermo to give them notice he had received the Order of Knighthood which he did after this manner That although he ought not to want the Ensigns and Tokens of Military Honor considering the nobleness of his Birth and greatness of his Dignity he at that time swaying two Scepters yet because he had not as then received the Military Girdle established by venerable Antiquity he did chuse to adorn himself therewith in that Month of August wherein the said Edict passed to the end that from thence the â—lower of his victorious years might put on the Ensigns of greater valor and the excellency of this new Militia renew the lustre of original Nobility What peculiar respects Knights have had paid them in our own Nation Mr. Selden hath collected from our legal proceedings and set down in his Titles of Honor pag. 783 784 785 and 786. In the close of this Chapter we think fit to insert a few memorials of that additional favour in augmentation of the Knightly Honor which some of our Kings have pleas'd to afford those Strangers on whom they have conferr'd the Dignity of Knighthood and to make it more known and publick given Declarations thereof under the Great Seal of England where the person so honored made sute for the same whereby they have declared and attested that willingly and of their own accord they have given and conferr'd on them the Degree Honor and Title of a Knight as due to their Virtues and Merits to the end that those persons should be esteemed and ranked in the place and number of Knights aswell among their own Subjects as in their own Countries and also by all persons elsewhere no less than themselves should esteem any other honorable and worthy men adorned with the like Honor from other Kings and Princes The first that we have met with in this kind was given by King Henry the Eighth to Sir Gregory de Caalis born of a Noble Family in Rome on whom in consideration of his Virtues and Merits the King had bestowed the Honor of Knighthood as may be collected from a Warrant directed to the Cardinal Arch-Bishop of York his Chancellor to make out Letters Patents under the Great Seal as well of the said Order of Knighthood as of the Grant of an annual Pension of two hundred Crowns of Gold per Annum during his life for the better and more honorable maintenance of that Dignity His late Majesty of ever blessed memory King Charles the First having Knighted Sir Iames Cats Doctor of Law Syndick of Dort and Ambassador extraordinary to his said Majesty from the States General of the Vnited Provinces was also pleas'd 26º Ian. 1627. to give him a Declaration thereof under the Great Seal of England to notifie his being such not only with us here but in his own Country and elsewhere And sometimes there hath past in these Letters Testimonial a kind of Ennoblement to their Posterity where that hath been before wanting to the Family which the King in regard of the Knights great Virtue and Merits hath thereby rais'd into that Degree Title and Dignity of Gentleman as may be seen by those Letters Patents granted to Sir Lewis Van Alteren eldest Son to Simon Van Alteren Lord of Iaerâ—velt and Councellor in the Court of Admiralty of Amsterdam dated the twenty ninth of Ianuary anno 4. Car. 1. The like Letters Patents of Declaration of Knighthood and Ennoblement of Posterity were shortly after viz. 26. Feb. following given to Sir Peter Pau Son of Sir Adrian Pau Lord of Hemsted and then extraordinary Ambassador from the aforesaid States General But in some others this declarative Clause of having bestowed the Dignity of Knighthood hath been much more contracted then in the Precedent before remembred and the testimony of donation only and that briefly express'd as in those Letters Patents made forth to
Knights of this Order in France were in one and the same hour seized on and imprisoned by the command of Philip le Bel King of France with the consent of Pope Clement the Fifth being charged with most infamous and damnable Crimes the Articles confessed are set down by Andr. Favin But in England their apprehension was on Wednesday next after the Feast of Epiphany in the first year of the Reign of our King Edward the Second Shortly after a solemn examination of their Crimes upon the Articles exhibited against them was by the special Commission of the said Pope committed to William de Grenesfeild Arch-Bishop of York and Ralph Baldock Bishop of London in the presence of the accused Templars who sufficiently answered all the objections Howbeit they were afterwards convicted in a Council held at London and all their Lands and Goods seized into the Kings hands Upon this the aforesaid Arch-Bishop very greatly commiserating the sad state and condition of the Templars within his Diocess thus left destitute of maintenance most charitably disposed of them in several Monasteries under his Jurisdiction where they were provided for during their lives Two years after many of these Knights were burnt in France nay some of the Bones of Iohn de la Tur who had been long buried were taken up and in like manner burnt Upon Munday Sennight after Easter anno 1312. in the second Session of the Council called at Vienna in Daulphine the year before this Order was by Papal Authority condemned and perpetually dissolved and in March of the following year the last Great Master Iaques de la Maule a Bourgundian burnt at Paris Their Lands Possessions and Goods by a Decree of the said Pope dated at Vienna 6. Non. Maii in the seventh year of his Papacy were annexed to the Knights Hospitallers of St. Iohn of Ierusalem except those within the Kingdoms of Castile Arragon Portugal and Majorca which were reserved to the disposition of the Roman See because they had constantly hazarded their lives in the defence of the Christian Faith and continually suffered great dangers and undergone vast expences in transmarine parts as also for five years before with exceeding great charge and signal valor had maintain'd the Isle of Rhodes against the Turkish power Thus fell this Noble Order no less famous for Martial Atchievements in the East than their wealthy Possessions in the West For according to Doctor Heylins account they enjoyed no less than 16000 Lordships in Europe and a Spanish Author tells us their Revenue was two Millions annually and had in possession 40000 Commanderies Which gave occasion to many sober men to judge that their Wealth was their greatest crime And there are several Authors remembred by Alfonsus Ciaconius who are of opinion they were falsly accused and by suborned Witnesses meerly â—pon the ambition and covetous design of Philip King of France who gaped after their Lands but nevertheless the morsel fell beside his mouth The Statutes of this Order are recorded by Favin Knights of the Order of St. Lazarus 4. We are here to note that this Order was at the first Institution only a Fraternity of Religious Monks not Ecclesiastick Knights whose Weapons in the Christian warfare were Prayers and Tears not the Military Sword And albeit the time is uncertain when they first began to be an Order of Knighthood yet it cannot be presumed to be before the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre took upon them that Military profession since to them is generally attributed the beginning of that Custom for Ecclesiasticks to make use of Arms in defence and propagation of the Christian Religion nor was there indeed occasion administred for it until the Christian Princes set on foot the Holy War in Palestine This Order then is accounted the most ancient of all others in Christendom which occasioned Pope Pius the Fifth in two Bulls given in the year 1572. to stile it Antiquissimum Charitatis Militiae Christi Ordinem but that as hath been said must be understood as an Order of Monks and before they were made Ecclesiastick Knights The Original of such their foundation being by St. Gregory Nazianzen attributed to St. Basil about the years 360. or 370. or between both viz. anno 366. about the time of Iulian surnamed the Apostate The first Institution of this Order was upon a most charitable account namely to take care of persons infected with incurable Leprosie a Disease frequent in the Eastern Countries by which Malady they became separated even from the conversation and society of men And albeit through the Incursion of Barbarians and Saracens and the injury of time this Order lay as it were extinguished for a great while yet was it revived when the Latin Princes joined together in a holy League to expel the Saracens out of the Holy Land and a famous Hospital was then erected in Ierusalem under the Title of St. Lazarus for the reception and entertainment of Lepers For in that time the Monks of this Order added Martial Discipline to their knowledge in Physick and became very skilful both at their Weapons and in feats of Arms insomuch as their services against the Infidels begat a great esteem and value with Baldwin the Second King of Ierusalem and some of his Successors and other Princes enumerated by Aubertus Miraeus in which Age this Order flourished with great lustre under the Government of a Great Master In the year of our Lord 1120. Pope Innocent the Third and after him Honorius the Third granted very great priviledges to this Order and received it under the protection of the Papal See The Knights wore a Green Cross anciently plain afterwards of eight points and Pope Gregory the Ninth prescribed the form of creating their Great Master About the year 1150 they made their Vows of Obedience Poverty and Chastity before William Patriarch of Ierusalem and submitted themselves to the Rule of St. Benedict receiving his black habit But seven years after Pope Alexander the Fourth commanded them to observe the Rule of St. Aug. and approved the donation of the Emperor Frederick who had given great Revenues in Calabria Apulia and Sicily to this Order Nicholas the Third exempted them from payment of Tythes and several of the succeeding Popes indulged them with divers priviledges These Knights were so admired and favoured by St. Lewis of France that he brought twelve of them with him out of Palestine and placed them at Boigny in the Diocess of Orleans where he established a Colledge anno Domini 1154. which as Favin affirms was acknowledged for the chief Seat of this Order in Europe In process of time the dignity of this Order sunk being suppressed by Pope Innocent the Eighth who united it to the Order of Hospitalars at Rhodes by virtue of his Bull dated anno 1490.
Alcantara make always their protestation against it and so this matter rests still undecided After this pretension of being exempted from obedience to the Order of Calatrava Benedict the Thirteenth one of the Anti-Popes changed their Badge into a Cross Flory vert in the year of our Lord 1411. and this they wore upon the left shoulder of their Scapulary for the Badge of their Order The Examination of the Candidates and in what manner they receive the Habit is related at full by Ioseph Micheli Marquez The Catholick Kings Don Fernando and Donna Isabella having about three years before obtained the Administration of the Order of Calatrava for their lives had an eye also upon this of Alcantara and therefore endeavoured that at the first time the Mastership thereof should fall vacant to gain it likewise with the like Title of Administrator to avoid several inconveniences that had hapned to the Crown of Castile when the Master of Alcantara did confederate with the King of Portugal Hereupon in the year of our Lord 1492. they made their address to Pope Innocent the Eighth that he would reserve to himself the provision of the supreme Dignity of this Order whensoever it became vacant either by the death or renunciation of the then Master Don Iohn de Cuniga or after any other manner Upon this address the Pope did accordingly reserve the disposing thereof as was desired and then gave it in Administration to the said Kings that they two should govern this Order under that Title until such time as his Holiness should provide a Master A little after Pope Innocent dyed and Alexander the Sixth succeeded who at the like supplication of these Kings confirmed and of new granted what his Predecessor had granted them before Upon which anno 1494. they treated with Don Iohn de Cuniga for the renunciation of his Mastership yet with condition to reserve to himself all the Rents of the Masters Table that he held in that part of Serena to which he consented Whereupon he resigned and surrendred his Dignity of Master of this Order into the hands of the Pope which the Bishop of Valencia received by Commission back from him and gave the Possession thereof in administration to the said Catholick Kings After this manner it was that these Kings succeeded in the Administration of the Mastership of Alcantara in the year of our Lord 1494. which they held during their lives But it was not long e're Pope Adrian the Sixth annexed this Mastership together with those other of St. Iames and Calatrava to the Royal Crown of Castile for ever as hath been before observed Knights of Trugillo or Truxillo in Spain 20. Ioseph Micheli Marquez professeth that it had been his great endeavour to satisfie himself about the Foundation of this Order notwithstanding which neither by information from the Natives of the City of Trugillo a Town situate in Estremadura in Spain nor otherwise from History could he understand when or by whom it was erected Evident it is these Knights were in being in the year of our Lord 1227. though it be unknown how long before they had their beginning But because it is found in some slight memorials of the Order of Alcantara That Don Arias Perez Gallego elected Master of that Order in the year before mentioned took Trugillo from the Moors and there placed a Fraternity or Brotherhood of Knights and Priests who lived after the manner of a Convent therefore it is presumed that they were no other than of the Order of Alcantara Now it is certain that there was a Convent and Order of the Fraternity of Trugillo but it is not so certain that these were of Alcantara It rather seems to be the opinion of Fr. Rades y Andrada that these had been some other and a distinct Order of Knighthood by it self which he collects from a Donation of Lands that King Don Alonso the Ninth gave them some years after viz. in the Aera of Caesar 1233. of the Towns of Trugillo Sancta Cruz Zuferola Canaba and Albala in which it appears that several years before the time of Don Arias there were Brothers or Knights of Trugillo It is not unlikely therefore that this Order might be incorporated into that of St. Iulian de Pereyro and by this means the Order of Alcantara pretend these Towns to be theirs which in the Reign of King Don Alonso the Ninth of Castile and King Don Fernando of Leon were taken by force of Arms from the Moors and given to the Fraternity of Knights who kept their Convent in Trugillo Hieronymus Romanus saith that these Knights were of noble descent and that no man was admitted into this Order unless he first made proof of his Gentility But there is not any Writer that gives an account what was the Ensign or Badge of their Order It is guessed by Marquez that their Institution obliged them to be neer the person of the King and upon every martial Expedition that he undertook to attend him armed and well provided maintaining always two Horses and Servants to be in readiness such for services The Order of Knights of Calatrava in Castile 21. This ancient Order of Knighthood was instituted in Castile and took beginning under the Reign of Don Sanchio the Third and appellation from the Castle Calatrava being a Frontire both of Castile and Toledo which Castle the Moors took upon their Victory over Don Rodrigo King of Spain anno Dom. 714. The word is compounded of Cala signifying in Arabick a Castle and of the Spanish word Travas which signifies Manacles Gives or Irons to fasten about the feet and wrists of Captives for with such as these the Moors lockt up and fettered the Christians whom they held Prisoners in that Castle After its recovery from the Moors who had held it above 400 years it was given by Don Alphonso surnamed the Emperor of Spain to the Knights Templars of whose virtue that Age had a great opinion to be made a Bulwark against the Inrodes of the Moors being the very Key into the Kingdom of Toledo but they no way able to hold it withdrew their Garrison and what with the Knights Templars deserting it and the approach of the Moors all others were disheartned from accepting the place although the foresaid King Sanchio Son of Don Alphonso the Emperor had caused it to be proclaimed at his Court that whosoever would take upon them the defence thereof to them he would freely give it and to their Heirs for ever At length one Don Raymond native of Barcelona formerly a Knight of great renown then Abbot of the Monastery of St. Mary de Fitero of the Cistertian Order in the Kingdom of Navarr by the advice of Diego Velasquez of the same Order being then at Court accepted of the Kings proffer and took upon him the fortifying and maintaining this Castle and
Clement the Eighth in the fifth year of the Reign of this King Iames as is manifest from several authentick testimonies collected and alledged by Alphonsus Remon in his History of this Order The end of its Institution and the Profession and Obligation of the Knights was in effect the same with that vowed by King Iames in his Captivity to wit to gather Alms and to go in person to redeem Christian Slaves who either by Piracy the chance of War or other sad accident had fallen into the hands of the Moors This work prospered so well that Pedro Nolasco being first sent into the Kingdom of Valentia to make redemption of Captives redeemed four hundred within the space of six years after the Foundation of the Order This Pedro Nolasco was by the Founder constituted the first General or Head of the Order but as concerning the person that gave the Habit to him there are these three opinions First That it was by the hands of King Iames the Founder Secondly That Rerengario Pallovasino Bishop of Barcelona gave it Thirdly That he received it from Raymond de Penafort all which our Author sets down but there determines nothing only seems inclinable to the first opinion as most rational because the King was Founder and was so called by the blessed Virgin in the Vision and for that the Order it self was at first composed meerly of Laymen and wholly military and so declared by the Popes Boniface the Eighth and Clement the Fifth Besides their Laws are in favour of those that are of this opinion and exclude out of this Act judicially Kingly all Ecclesiastical ones and by the same reason the Bishop for saith the Canon of their Law A Priest ought not to make Knights But afterwards in another place he absolutely concludes that the King himself gave the Habit to Nolasco from the evidence he exhibits out of a Letter which King Don Pedro the Fourth sent to Pope Innocent the Sixth Such a like Habit as was given to Nolasco was also prescribed to the first Knights viz. a Coat and Scapular of a common sort of coarse White Cloth Their Coat was garnished with Cordons and Ribbons wherewith they fastned it about their necks and from the upper end thereof issued a Cap that covered half their head The Monks wore their Coats and Scapulars reaching down to their feet but those of the Knights were much shorter and the form of their Coat or rather Mantle and Cap was the same as they now wear When the Government of the Order became both spiritual and temporal as well the Knights as Monks were commanded by order of Chapter to keep the manner and form of their Habit apart according to the intention of the first appointment In the time and upon request of Gulielmo de Bas the second General of this Order King Iames the Founder by his Diploma dated at Saragosa the 15. of Iuly anno 1251. granted unto him and all the Fraternity of the Order That they should wear upon their Scapulars an Escotcheon of Aragon viz. Or four Pales Gules and above that the White Cross of the Church of Barcelona in a Red Field which two Coats being joined together per Fess in one shield were so born for sometime but afterwards came to be encompassed with a Border The Knights wore their Escotcheon of Arms sixt on their Scapulars but the Monks on their Mantles and both before upon their Breasts The Founder by his Diploma dated at Valentia the 14. of March anno Dom. 1254. granted particular Priviledges to the Order which he confirmed by another royal Instrument dated at Lirida the third of March anno 1275. Besides these Royal Grants this Order received approbation from the Papal See namely from Pope Gregory the Ninth in the eighth year of his Papacy on the day of St. Anthony the Abbot who prescribed to the Master and Fraternity the Rule of St. Augustine It was afterwards confirmed by Alexander the Fourth as appears by a Bull of his wherein he granted them several Indulgences and dated at Naples the 10. of April in the first year of his Papacy These Knights professed conjugal Chastity and Obedience to their Superiors In time this Order also which was at first solely under the Government of Knights came to be as well Spiritual as Temporal and at length fell into the power of the Monks and Priests For the Knights and Priests falling at variance about the election of a General of their Order upon the death of Arnoldo Rosiniol their seventh General who died anno 1317. the Knights having chosen Berengario Hostales and the Priests Raimundo Alberto they appealed to the Pope Iohn the 22. then holding the Chair who it seems the 17. of November in the year aforesaid declared That the Order seeming inclinable to be governed after the manner of Monks he thought it convenient for them to have a Master General which should be a Priest and that for the future no Lay-man should be elected General and so determined the controversie on the behalf of the Priests This Judgment gave the Knights so great discontent that one of them being Kinsman to the Governor of the new erected Order of Montesa offered to bring over to that Society all the Knights of Merced being then threescore in number which being accepted of he did so and from henceforth they became incorporated with the Knights of Montesa So that ever since the whole Fraternity have been only Priests and no Lay or Military person among them and therefore Andr. Mendo reckons this Order among those that are extinct The Master General is also a Priest and hath his residence at Barcelona by the Decrees of Popes Clement the Fifth and Iohn the 22. Raymond de Penasort the Founder's Confessor called also Raymond of Barcelona because it was the place of his Birth who had a powerful hand in the Institution of this Order and devised the Statutes lived neer to the age of an hundred years he was canonized for a Saint and the 7. of Ianuary appointed for his Anniversary by the Bull of Pope Clement the Eighth On the 12. of Iuly anno 1664. the approbation of the Colledge passed for making the 29. of Ianuary the Anniversary of Petro Nolasco Confessor the other great assister and first General of the Order The Office appointed for that day may be seen in the Missale Romamum printed lately at Paris in the large Volume This way of Canonizing holy men by the Popes is said to have been first used by Leo the Third anno Dom. 803. who then solemnly Canonized Suibert Bishop of Werden To conclude the charitable and pious work for which this Order was erected hath been carried on from the time of its Institution and managed by the Fraternity thereof with all religious care and faithfulness very great sums of Money being
obliged to defend the Christian Faith and acknowledge Obedience to his Successors Kings of Navarre He ordained the Habit of the Order to be White and the Ensign thereof a plain Red Cross set on the top of a green Oak which gave the Title after the same manner as it appeared to him but time hath darkned this Order not only in its heroick actions but laudable Foundation since we find no further memorial of it The Order of the Gennet in France 3. To preserve the memory of that famous Battel fought neer Tours anno Christi 726. or as Mennenius margins it about the year 738. where 385000 Sarâ—cens and Moors together with their General Abdiramo fell by the conquering Sword of Charles Martel and to reward those who had behaved themselves valiantly in that action the said Charles instituted an Order of Knighthood under the Title of the Gennet The great number of rich Gennet Furs anciently esteemed among them the most excellent though since the Ermine hath gained a better value as also of the Creatures themselves alive taken among the Spoils of that Victory giving him occasion to bestow that name upon his new erected Order But others not improperly impute the reason of this appellation to a kind of neat shap'd Horses of which not unlikely a great part of the Founders Cavalry might consist The Knights saith Favin were sixteen whose Collars were made of three Chains of Gold interwoven or linked with Red Roses at the end of which Collar hung a Gennet of Gold Black and Red sitting on a flowry bank all enamell'd with variety of Colour and Art And in further honor of this Institution the Founder not only renewed the â—se of Gold Rings so peculiar of old to the Equestrian Order among the Romans but caused them and all other Ornaments of this Order to be engraven and wrought with the Effigies of a Gennet This is accounted by Favin the first Order of Knighthood among the French which is to be understood of a distinct Order acknowledged by a particular and peculiar Title and continued in glory until the institution of the Order of the Star some say but till the Reign of St. Lewis after which time it was laid aside But though Favin be thus particular as to the Institution of this Order and the occasion thereof the exact number of Knights and especially in assigning a Collar with the Ensign hanging at it sutable to the mode of later times yet some other of his Countrymen wanting the assurance and authority of ancient Writers to back them are not confident enough to perswade the world that there was ever any such The Order of the Crown Royal among the Frizons 4. The erection of this Order is referred to Charles the Great Son of King Pepin in the year of Christ 802. which more fully appears in his pragmatical Sanction then dated at the Lateran Palace in Rome and instituted out of a design to honor and reward those among the Frizons who had behaved themselves valiantly in his Armies against the Sesnes or ancient Saxons or as others say against the Lombards in subduing that Kingdom and to stir up and encourage others to emulate their virtue This Order was so called from the Ensign appointed to the same namely an Imperial Crown embroidered with Gold which the Knights used to wear upon the breasts of their Habit and to perpetuate this Militia he ordained that the Governor of that Country whom they then called Potestat should confer the same upon such as had followed the Armies of France as well in Italy as Germany for five years together at their own expence by which means the Emperor was served at a less charge The Knights were invested with the Military Belt and a box on the Ear of which we have spoken in the first Chapter The Order of the Dog and Cock in France 5. The Institution of this Order of the Dog and Cock is generally attributed to the Family of Montmorency in France and it is more particularly affirmed by Robertus Caenalis to have been erected by the first Christian of that Family called Protochristianus Archibaro which causeth us to bring in this Order here neer to the Age he lived in but to say truth as to the Institution it self or to the time thereof there is not any more certain or more satisfactory account than that anciently this Family carried a Dog the Embleme of fidelity and sincerity upon their Helmet for a Crest and that Peter Montmorency was a Knight of the Order of the Cock which Bird was called by the Ancients the Bird of Mars But some make two distinct Orders of this and after that of the Dog they say another Order viz. of the Cock was also Instituted whose Collar had the Comb of a Cock pendent thereat the Motto being Vigiles howbeit afterwards both these Orders came to be united and hereupon the Ensign was then the Effigies both of a Dog and Cock joined together Moraeus relates that Burchard Montmorency appeared at the Court of Philip the First King of France attended with many Knights and all of them like himself adorned with Collars of Gold composed of Stag-heads whereat hung the Figure of a Dog whence we may presume that it had some relation to the more ancient Order of which this was the Badge or Ensign The Order of the Thistle in Scotland 6. Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross reports that a bright Cross appeared from Heaven in fashion of that whereon St. Andrew suffered Martyrdom to Hungus King of the Picts but Favin saith to the Scots whom Achaius King of Scotland sent to his assistance the night preceding the Battel with Athelstan King of England or rather of Denmark to whom King Alured had given the Kingdom of Northumberland over whom Hungus prevailing bore the Figure of that Cross at all times after in his Ensigns and Banners and from this time and occasion hath the like bearing thereof been religiously observed by all succeeding Kings of Scotland Hence also it is believed saith Mennenius that the Equestrian Order of St. Andrew vulgarly called of the Thistle took beginning To this agrees the relation which I received from Sir Charles Areskin now Lyon King of Arms in Scotland through the favour of the Right Honorable the Earl of Lauderdail who adds that after this Victory obtained which was as he saith anno 819. but according to George Buchanan Achains dyed 9 years before King Hungius and Achaius Confederates against Athelstan went in solemn Procession bare-footed to the Kirk of St. Andrew to thank God and his Apostle for their Victory promising that they and their Posterity in time coming would ever use in their Ensigns the Cross of St. Andrew whensoever they undertook any warlike Expedition which custom not only remained among the Picts but is still among the Scots to this
Vrsus of the Theban Legion who was martyr'd before the Temple of the Sun at Soleurre in Switzerland as also of St. Gall from the name of the Patron of the place where it received Institution This Order continued among the Switzers till they became a Common-wealth and then the Castles and strong holds of the Noblemen and Gentry of the Country being dismantled the use thereof was wholly laid aside The Order of the Broom Flower in France 11. Saint Lewis King of France saith Favin instituted this Order to honor the Coronation of Margaret his Queen eldest Daughter of Berengâ—rius Count of Provence anno Dom. 1234. The Habit appointed for the Knights were Cassocks of White Damask and Violet Chaperons the Collar was composed of Broom Flowers of the native colours interlaced with Flowers de Lis hanging thereat a Cross Florence Gold to which was added this Inscription Exaltat humiles the Founder accounting it the Symbol of humility As to the number of the Knights it was not made certain by the Founder but wholly depended on the will of the Sovereign This Order continued to the death of King Charles the Fifth Notwithstanding all that Favin thus relates the Saincte Marthe's are of opinion for the reason before noted that neither this St. Lewis nor the before mentioned King Robert nor King Charlemain did ever institute any Military Order of Chevalry And Mennenius reports that Charles the Sixth is said to have been the Founder of the Knights of the Broom Flower if this be true the Order will want many years of that antiquity which Favin bestows upon it Peter Bellay rather thinks this later Institution not to have been any Order of Knighthood but a Company of young Esquires the Sons of Noblemen who attended King Charle's person as a Life-Guard or as Esquires of the Body and were oftentimes imployed to interpret the messages of Embassadors from foreign parts The Order of the Ship and double Crescent in France 12. Mennenius acknowledgeth that of old there was such an Order in France erected in honor of the great atchievements that Nation did by Sea but by whom it was founded or at what time doth not appear from him Yet Favin is full in both for he affirms that the before mentioned St. Lewis after the Institution of the Broom Flower erected this likewise for animating the Nobility of France by this new prize of honor to accompany him in his Voyage into Africa 1269. The Collar was interlaced with double Escallops of Gold and double Crescents of Silver interwoven and fastned together with double Gold Chains at which the Figure of a Ship was pendent in an Oval of Gold This Order continued in France after the death of St. Lewis no longer than those Knights lived who were admitted thereinto by him but it was retained by Charles Brother of the said St. Lewis and by him setled in Sicily where it remained in request with his Successors until the Kings of Aragon gained that Kingdom Knights of St. James in Holland 13. Albertus Miraeus from an old Dutch Register called Register der Ridderscap or the Register of the Order of Knighthood informs us That Florentius Earl of Holland and Zeland and Lord of Friseland in the year 1290. bestowed the Ensigns of his Order of St. Iames in the Hall of his Palace at the Hague upon twelve of his principal Nobility whose names he sets down among whom the second in rank is Lancelot Lord Hamilton then Embassador from the King of Scots The Knights of this Order were invested with a Collar of Gold or military Belt of Silver and gilt adorned with six Escallops whereat was appended the Picture of St. Iames the Apostle All the Knights Shields whereon were painted their proper Arms were delivered to Iohn Paypaert Herald of Holland and by him hung up in the great Hall of the Palace at the Hague in perpetual memory and testimony of this Institution Order of the Swan in Cleveland 14. If ever there was an Order there under that Title it hath been very ancient and long since laid aside yet Favin says the Princes of Cleve have born the Swan for their Order Devise Crest and Supporters to preserve the memory of the Knight of the Swan the Romance of whose Adventures he also sets down and further reports that Charles Gonzaga of Cleve Duke of Nivers and Retelois had it in design to re-establish this Order peculiar to the House of Cleve The Knights of Jesus at Rome 15. The Popes of Rome as they are Lords Paramount of St. Peters Patrimony are Temporal Princes upon which account to honor the Nobles principally of that Territory and others they have erected and established certain Orders of Knighthood as well Religious as Military but all of them Stipendaries to the Papal See Of the former sort we have spoken before in the last Chapter but this being esteemed a Military Order we therefore place it here It was instituted by Pope Iohn the 22. at Avignon in France anno 1320. and much augmented by Paul the Fifth The Knights wear for the Badge of this Order a plain Cross gules inclosed within a Cross Patee Or hanging at a Gold Chain In the Month of Ianuary 1668 9. Pope Clement the Ninth created three of the Ambassadors from the Catholick Cantons in Switzerland with the accustomed Ceremony himself putting on their Gold Chains with the Ensigns appendant and the Captain of his Guards girding their Swords about them Order of the White Eagle in Poland 16. The information we have of this Order is from Favin also who saith that Ladislaùs the Fifth King of Poland instituted the same to honor the marriage of his Son Casimire the Great with Anne Daughter of Gedimir Duke of Lithuania in the Month of February in the year of our Lord 1325. The Ensign hereof was a White Eagle crowned The Order of Knights de la Banda in Castile 17. This Order of Knights called de la Banda was erected by Alphonsus the Eleventh King of Leon and Castile in the City of Victoria anno 1332. but Favin from Antonio de Guevara saith it was in the City of Palencia anno 1330. and Sansovin in Burgos anno 1368. For this King considering that he had to do with many Enemies could find no better way to secure himself than by erecting this Order and constituting himself Master thereof which he did a little before his Coronation Shortly after saith Mennenius to wit anno 1332. the Solemnity of this Order was celebrated in the City of Burgos where on the Eve thereof in the Monastery of St. Mary Royal each of the Candidates was conducted by the King to the Altar and having there laid down his Arms spent the whole night in watching and Prayer The next day after Mass he was invested with a Red military Belt or a Ribband of four fingers broad
the Senate sees fitting and for asmuch as the Senate is a representation of the whole Common-wealth and that the Creations of these Knights are confirmed by publick Decrees it is taken that the Knights of their creating are of greater Dignity than those made by the Duke When the Creation is in a full Colledge whether it be by the Senate or the Duke only the Collar and Medal is bestowed at the publick Charge but when by the Duke privately then upon his particular expence These Knights wear the Honor among other Titles of Dignity as I have seen it inscribed about the Effigies of Sir Daniel Heinsius thus DANIEL HEINSIVS D. MARCI EQVES ILLVSTR. HOLLANDIAE ORDINVM HISTORICVS POLITICVS ET HISTORIARVM PROFESSOR BIBLIOTHECARIVS ACADEMIAE ET SECRETARIVS And among those other Titles given to that famous Mathematician and Astrologer Sir Andrew Argoll that of his Knighthood by this Title is also thus inserted ANDREAS ARGOLVS D. MARCI EQVES ET IN CELEBERRIMO LYCEO PATAVINO PROFESSOR MATHEMATICVS The Order of Seraphins in Sweden 20. In the year of our Lord 1334. Magnus the Fourth King of Sweden in imitation of other Christian Princes who had established Military Orders instituted this of the Seraphins or Seraphick Knights otherwise surnamed of Iesus in memory of the Siege laid to the Metropolitan City of Vpsala The Collar of this Order was composed of Seraphins and Patriarchal Crosses the former of Gold enamelled Red the later also of Gold but without any enamel At the end thereof hung the Image of Christ in an Oval Favin saith it was this Cipher IHS composed of three Letters and signifying the name of Iesus and in point four Nails But elsewhere 't is said to be the Figure of the blessed Virgin Mary and to make the thing yet more uncertain another tells us it was a Patriarchal Cross that hung thereat The Order of the Sword and Military Belt in Sweden 21. We find mention made of another Order of Knights in Sweden called of the Sword and Military Belt whose Collar consisted of Swords and Belts conjoyn'd the Symbols of Justice and Love the Swords somewhat bending towards the point and so joined point to point round into a Circle But by whom or when this Order was instituted we are not yet informed The Order of the Knot in Naples 22. When Lewis King of Hungary design'd a War against Ioane Queen of Naples he undertook an Expedition into Italy not so much to deprive her of her Kingdom as to revenge the death of his Brother Andrew whom as 't is reported Queen Ioane his Wife had commanded to be strangled After many troubles and three years of War they came to an accord the first of April anno 1351. and the 26. of May following with the consent of Pope Clement the Sixth the Queen and Lewis Prince of Tarentum were crowned King and Queen of that Realm and that same day in memory of such a happy Peace and to take away all suspitions and enmities the Prince instituted this Order of Knights into which entred threescore and ten of the illustrious Lords in blood of Naples and some other Strangers The Habit he appointed was White and for the Orders chief Ensign he gave a Knot the Embleme of Love and Friendship intermixt with Gold and as the like Institutions in that Kingdom commonly ended with the death of their Founders so this Order expired in a short time The Order of Knights of the Annunciade in Savoy 23. Ame the Sixth of that name Earl of Savoy surnamed Conte le Verde instituted this Order under the Title of the Collar in the year of our Lord 1362. in honor of the 15 Divine Mysteries of the Rosary Andrew Favin on a mistaken ground calls it the Order of the Snares of Love in regard as he alledgeth the Founder had received of his Lady the favour of a Bracelet made of the Tresses of her hair knit or plaited in Love-knots and that the four Letters afterward interlaced by the Founder within such like Love-knots should signifie Frappés Entrés Rompés Tout But Francis Capre Councellor and Secretary of State to the present Duke of Savoy who hath given an account of the Institution together with the several restaurations of this Order from the Records thereof preserved in the Charter-house in Pierre Chastle appointed at the time of the Foundation for the Seat of the Order confutes this error of Favin and with him several others who have unwarily swallowed down the same mistake Mennenius and Miraeus take not the least notice of its denomination from the Collar but call it the Order of the Annunciation in Savoy But it is cleer enough from the Founders last Will and Testament bearing date the 27. of February anno 1383. and from what Capre and Guichenon alledge as also from the Statutes of Ame the Eighth that at the time of the Foundation it was called the Order of the Collar under which name it continued till the time of Charles the Third surnamed le Bon Duke of Savoy when and not before it had bestowed on it the Title of the Annunciation from the Picture of the History of the blessed Virgin Mary by him first made appendant to the Collar in the year 1518. The Founder appointed the number of his Knights reckoning himself the Chief and Sovereign for one to be fifteen among whom we find Sir Richard Musard an English Gentleman recorded agreeable to the number of the before mentioned Divine Mysteries but in the additional Statutes made by Ame the Eighth first Duke of Savoy anno 1434. and by Duke Emanuel Philibert 1568. there is a permission given to augment their number by adding five to the former fifteen but the Soveraigns have not always been confin'd to this number Besides the Institution of this Order the Founder erected and founded the Chartreuse of Pierre Chastle in Bugey wherein were entertained 15 Priests and they obliged to celebrate every day 15 Masses to the honor of the 15 Joys of the blessed Virgin to the Souls health of him his Predecessors and all who had been were or should hereafter be Knights of this Order So that the resemblance of this Institution with the foundation of this religious house is some argument that the Order as well as the House were founded upon a religious and pious not amorous or wanton account At Pierre Chastle were the Ceremonies observed and the Chapters held by the Sovereign and Knights until the time that Charles Emanuel First of that name Duke of Savoy exchanged it and some other places for the Marquisate of Saluces upon the Treaty of Peace concluded at Lyons 17. Ian. 1607. and then the Anniversary of the Feast and celebrations of the Order being fixt to the Feast-day of the Annunciation of our Lady were translated from hence first to the Church of St. Dominick at
Collar hung the Mus Ponticus or Ermine passing over a Turf of Grass diapred with Flowers at the edge whereof was imbossed this Epigraph in French A Ma Vie the devise of his Grandfather Iohn by which he made known the greatness of his courage and rather than fail of his word that he would undergo any misfortune This Order took ending when the Dukedom of Bretagne became annexed to the Crown of France by the marriage of Anne Dutchess of Bretagne with Charles the Eighth and he being dead with Lewis the Twelfth both French Kings The Order of the Ermyne in Naples 38. Ferdinand the First King of Naples after the end of the War which he had with Iohn of Lorain Duke of Calabria erected this Order in the year of our Lord 1463. being moved thereunto upon the Treason intended against him by Marinus Marcianus Duke of Sessa and Prince of Rosiona his Brother-in-law who raising a confederacy against him intended to kill him when they should be together that so he might transfer the Kingdom to the Duke of Calabria But this Plot being discovered and the Duke apprehended by the King his Subjects expecting that he should have executed Justice upon him he not only forbore it but having instituted this Order of Chevalry the first of many that were invested with the Collar thereof was this his Brother-in-law whom he not only pardoned but also honored and besides whom admitted all the Noblemen of Title in the Kingdom thereinto The Collar was of Gold intermixt with Mud or Dirt to which depended an Ermyne and this Motto Malo mori quam faedari The Order of St. Michael in Naples 39. Albertus Miraeus makes this King Ferdinand Founder of another Order of Knighthood in Naples in memory of St. Michael the Arch-Angel Patron of Apulia The Habit of the Knights was a long White Mantle embroidered with Ermyns and the Collar of Gold composed of the Letters O to which was added for Symbol this Epigraph Decorum This Order is likewise taken notice of by the Author of the Iurisprudentia Heroica but perhaps it may be the same with that of the Ermyn since we observe the Habit hereof is embroidered with Ermyns and might be otherwise called of St. Michael if so be it were dedicated to his honor The Order of Knights of St. Michael in France 40. Lewis the Eleventh of France considering how much the Factions of the Nobility of his Realm had disordered his Affairs to the end he might reunite their affections to himself and confirm the same by new obligations of Honor instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1469. to which he gave the Title of St. Michael this Arch-Angel being esteemed the titular Angel and Protector of the Realm of France in reverence of whom the ancient Kings of France were wont to observe the Feast-day of this Saint with great solemnity and keep an open Court This King Lewis by the foundational Statutes of the Order which passed his Royal Assent at Amboise the first of August in the year aforesaid ordained That the number of Knights should be 36. whereof himself and his Successors were to be Chief but afterwards the number far exceeded even to 300. The Collar of this Order is composed of Scallop-shells of Gold joined one with another and double banded fastned on small Chains or Males of Gold to the midst thereof is annexed an Oval of Gold on which a rising hillock whereon standeth the Picture of St. Michael combating with and trampling upon the Dragon all curiously enamelled to which saith Mennenius was adjoined this Epigraph Immensi tremor Oceani The Habit appointed by the Founder was a Mantle of White Damask hanging down to the ground furr'd with Ermyn having its Cape embroidered with Gold and the border of the Robe interwoven with Scallops of Gold the Chaperon or Hood with its long Tippet was made of Crimson Velvet But afterwards King Henry the Second ordered That this Mantle should be made of Cloth of Silver embroidered with three Crescents of Silver interwoven with Trophies Quivers and Turkish Bows semed and cantoned with Tongues and Flames of fire and moreover that the Chaperons of Crimson Velvet should be covered with the same embroidery The grand Assembly was by the Soveraign and Knights directed according to the Statutes to be held as a solemn Festival on Michaelmas day and the place appointed for celebration of these pompous Ceremonies at the Church of Mount St. Michael in Normandy built by St. Autbert upon St. Michael's appearing to him in a Vision and liberally endowed by â—ollo Duke of Normandy and his Successors but afterwards removed to Bois de Vincennes not far from Paris There is an Herald of Arms appointed to this Order called Monsieur St. Michel whose duty is to attend the Solemnities thereof and who in most things is precedented by our Garter King of Arms. Such care and moderation was used by King Henry the Third of France when he instituted the Order of the Holy Ghost not only to preserve the honor of this Order in its full splendor notwithstanding the example of former times where the rising of a new Order hath commonly proved the setting of the old but to reform some miscarriages which had crept into it by bestowing it upon some meâ—â— and undeserving persons that he not only continued the annual Solemnities thereof and Election of Knights thereinto but also declared that neither Strangers nor the Natives of France who before are Knights of any other Order should enter into that of the Holy Ghost except those only of St. Michael The Collar of which Order is thereby made lawful to be worn with that of the Holy Ghost and usually represented within it that being esteemed the more worthy place And we are told it is now customary for those that are design'd to be Knights of the Holy Ghost to be admitted into the Order of St. Michael the Evening before they receive that Order Knights of St. Hubert in Gullick 41. Gerard Duke of Gullick and Berg or as the French call them Iuliers and Mont Instituted a Military Order in the year of our Lord 1473. in veneration of St. Hubert Bishop of Liege who died anno 727. The Statutes thereof were written in the Dutch Tongue whereunto was added a Catalogue of the Knights and their Arms to the year of our Lord 1487. But further mention of this Order or what was the Badge thereof we do not find The Order of the Elephant in Denmark 42. Observing some difference among Writers touching the Institution Collar and Ensign of this Order I was in doubt what to say till at length I haply met with better satisfaction from a Letter wrote anno 1537. by Avo Bilde Bishop of Arhusen sometime Chancellor to Iohn King of Denmark and Norway unto Iohn Fris Chancellor to King Christian the Third
was garnished with a Mantlet of Cloth of Silver covered with embroidery made after the same fashion as was the great Mantle excepting only that instead of Cyphers there were wrought fair Doves of Silver and both these robes double-lined with Satin of Orange-tawney colour The great Collar of the Order worn over the Mantlet was at first composed of Flowers de Lis cantoned or cornered with Flames of Fire interwoven with three Cyphers and divers Monogramms of Silver one was the Letter H and a Greek Lambda both double the first of these belonging to the Kings own name the other to the Queen his Wife Madam Lovisa de Loraine the other two were reserved in the Kings own mind but not without suspicion of referring to some wanton Amours But these Cyphers were taken off from the Collar and the embroidery of the Robes by Henry the Fourth his Successor and for a mark of his Battels and Victories Trophies of Arms were interlaced instead thereof with the Letter H crowned because it was also the initial Letter to his Christian name whereout arose flames and sparks of Fire and for the like reason hath this Letter H been since changed into the Letter L both by Lewis the Thirteenth and Lewis the Fourteenth At this Collar hung a Cross artificially wrought and adorned with a rich enamel in the midst whereof was represented the form of a Dove in a flying posture as descending down from Heaven with full spread Wings and to the end an Epigraph might not be wanting some have attributed to it this Duce Auspice thereby to signifie that those who wear it ought to hope for good success in their designs and enterprises being guided and assisted by the happy conduct of the Holy Ghost Besides these Ornaments the Knights wear a Black Velvet Cap adorned with a white Plume their Breeches and Doublets are of Cloth of Silver and their Shoes White tyed with Roses or Knots of Black Velvet The Badges ordained to be ordinarily worn are a Cross of Yellow or Orange colour Velvet wrought in the fashion of a Malta Cross fixed on the lest side of the Soveraigns breast but this at pleasure and the like Cross sewed on the left side of the upper Garments of the Prelates Commanders and Officers except in actions of Arms and then they are permitted to wear them of Cloth of Silver or White Velvet having in the midst thereof a Dove embroidered in Silver and at the angles or corners Rays and Flowers de Lis of Silver Moreover a Cross of the Order made of Gold like to the Cross of Malta also with a Flower de Lis in each angle thereof was appointed to be worn about their necks in a Blue Ribbon and to be enamelled White about the sides but not in the middle such as are Knights both of the Order of St. Michael and the Holy Ghost are to bear the Figure of St. Michael on the one side and of a Dove on the other The Anniversary of the grand Feast is ordained to be held on the first day of the new Year but the first part of the Ceremony begins always on the last day of the old the place for celebrating thereof is the Church of Augustine Friars in Paris An account of the first Solemnity as also of some other which have succeeded in the Reign of King Lewis the Thirteenth are set forth by Monsieur Boitel in his historical relations of the Pomps and Ceremonies used at the receiving of several Knights into this Order by this King and Printed at Paris 1620. The Order of the Precious Blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ of Mantua 45. Vincentio de Gonzago the Fourth Duke of Mantua and Second of Montferat instituted this Order anno Dom. 1608. for defence and propagation of the Christian Religion and in honor of three drops of blood of our Saviour and Redeemer as also the more nobly to set forth the Nuptials of his eldest Son Francisco who succeeded him in his Dukedoms with Margaret of Savoy Daughter to Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy and Catharine of Austria It was allowed and approved by Pope Paul the Fifth and consisted of 20 Knights the Founder declared himself Great Master and after him his Successors Dukes of Mantua and Montferat The Collar is fill'd with variety of fancy and design being composed of Ovals of Gold some extended in length others in breadth and interlinkt with small Annulets On those Ovals in length is raised in white enamel these words Domine Probâsti on the other in breadth upon flames of Fire on a Trevet enamelled Black a Crucible Grey fill'd with small rods of Gold he being desirous to intimate by this devise that they who entred into this Society should hold inviolable faith and perpetual concord in the greatest tryals and extremities At the end of this Collar is pendent a larger Oval of Gold in which are exprest two Angels standing upright enamelled according to life holding between them a Chalice crowned in the Table whereof are figured three drops of blood enamelled Red and round the Oval Nihil isto triste recepto On Whitsonday in the year 1608. were the first Ceremonies of this Order performed in the Dukes Chappel of the Palace at Mantua The Order of Amaranta in Sweden 46. This Order of the Knights of Amaranta was instituted by Christina Queen of Sweden about the year 1645. in honor of a Lady of that name of great beauty courage modesty and charity The chief Ensign is a Jewel of Gold composed of two great AA adorned with Diamonds on both fides and joined together by reversing one of them being set within a Circle of Laurel Leaves wreathed about with White and on the four sides this Motto Dolce nella memoria which Jewel the Knights wear either in a Gold Chain or a Crimson or Blue Ribbon as they best like of The Ceremony used at the Investiture of these Knights with this Ensign is briefly this The Queen being seated under her state the designed Knight is brought up with usual Reverences and approaching neer the Queen he kneels before her then she in a short speech acquaints him with the inducements that invited her to bestow this honor enumerating his services and merits to which he makes a return of humble thanks This done he takes his Oath still kneeling and holding his hands between the Queens hands the effect whereof is to defend the Queens person from harm and the persons of the Brothers of the Order to promote to his power Justice Virtue and Piety and to discountenance Vice Injury and Wickedness Having obliged himself to the performance of this Oath the Queen puts about him in the manner of a Baudrick a Crimson Silk Scarf with the Iewel fastned thereto after which the Knight ariseth and retireth with all sutable reverence To an absent Prince or great Personage whom the Queen intends to honor
upper Ward King Henry the Eighth new built the great Gate at the entrance into the lower Ward King Edward the Sixth began and Queen Mary perfected the bringing of Water from Blackmore Park in Wingfield Parish into a Fountain of curious workmanship erected in the middle of the upper Ward which served all the Castle Queen Elizabeth made a Terrace Walk on the North-side of the Castle from whence there is a pleasant prospect down upon Eaton Colledge the Thames and neighbouring Country And King Charles the First an 1636. built the Gate at the East end of the said Terrace leading into the Park Lastly his now Majesty out of a particular regard to this princely place hath issued great sums of money in its repair and furnishing it with a curious and gallant Magazine of Arms so well order'd and kept that it is worthy the sight of every Traveller And here our learned Cambden's elegant Description of this Castle 's situation must not be omitted For from an high Hill saith he that riseth with a gentle ascent it enjoyeth a most delightful prospect round about Foreright in the Front it over-looketh a Vale lying out far and wide garnished with Corn-fields flourishing with Meadows dâ—ckt with Groves on either side and watered with the most mild and calm River Thames behind it arise Hills every where neither rough nor over high attired as it were with Woods and even dedicated as one would say by Nature to hunting Game With this let us offer what Sir Denham's ingenious Muse hath rarely limn'd out of its situation also and majestick fabrick Windesor the next where Mars with Venus dwells Beauty with strength above the Valley swells Into my eye and doth it self present With such an easie and unforc't ascent That no stupendious precipice denies Access no horror turns away our Eyes But such a Rise as doth at once invite A pleasure and a reverence from our sight Thy mighty Masters Emblem in whose face Sat Meekness heightned with Majestick Grace Such seems thy gentle height made only proud To be the basis of that pompous load Than which a nobler weight no Mountain bears But Atlas only that supports the Spheres And now to afford our Reader 's Eye yet more pleasure and satisfaction than these verbal Descriptions can do his fancy we shall here insert the exact Draughts of several Views and Prospects of this princely and magnificent Structure This Castle is under the government of a Constable whose Office is of great antiquity honor and power but of little profit The use and signification of the word Constabularius with others of a neer spelling and like sense found in Historians is shewed by the learned Spelman and particularly applied to the Governour of a Castle the French call him Chastelan whom we call Constable of a Castle but in the Rolls of King Iohn's time which is as high as we have any the Governour of this Castle is called Constable and under that title hath the Office ever since passed His Office is mixt partly Military and partly Civil as a Military Officer pertains to him the sole Command of the place and of any Garrison placed there as also of the Magazine of Arms Stores and Houses He is obliged to defend it against all Enemies whether domestick or foreign hath the charge of Prisoners brought thither and is answerable for them and for all that is in the Castle to the King under whom he is Captain or Governour there Prospect of the Castle from the S. E. Prospect of WINDSOR CASTLE from the North. He hath a Deputy learned in the Law who is called Steward of the Court of Record and is Keeper of the Constables Seal of Office belonging to this Court with which all things issuing out of it are sealed This Officer supplies the Constables places as Iudge of that Court of Pleas from whose Judgment the appeal is by Writ of Error returnable in the Kings-Bench or Common-Pleas at Westminster The Constable of this Castle is likewise chief Forester and Warden of the Forest of Windesor which is one hundred and twenty miles in compass He hath under him one or more Lieutenants at his pleasure with several other Officers and hath power to imprison any Trespasser in Vert or Venison being convicted according to the Law of the Forest having a Prison in the Castle for that purpose called the Colehole This Command of his is not only great but full of pleasure specially to such a one as takes delight in Hunting for he hath the freedom of using the sports of the Forest when he pleaseth which none else can do unless the Kings license or Constables leave be first obtained He signs all Warrants to kill Deer except what the King signs to fell Timber and Wood. He that was Chastelain of this Castle in William the Conquerors Reign was Walter fitz Other from whom the Honorable Family of Barons Windesor are descended and the present Constable is his Highness Prince Rupert SECT II. Of the Chappel of St. George PRoceed we next to the Chappel of St. George situate in the lower Ward or Court of this princely Castle concerning which we think fit to give our present discourse commencement at the foundation of the Colledge within this Chappel by King Edward the Third because it had a peculiar respect to the most noble Order of the Garter and wave speaking of the first erection thereof by King Henry the First who dedicated it to King Edward the Confessor First therefore we shall observe That King Edward the Third shortly after he had founded the Colledge of which we shall treat in the next Section thought it convenient to pull down the old Chappel and to erect another more large and stately Hereupon he granted to Iohn de Sponlee the Office of Master of the Stone-hewers and gave him power to take and press as well within Liberties as without so many Masons and other Artificers as were necessary and to convey them to Windesor to work at the Kings pay but to arrest and imprison such as should disobey or refuse until the King took other order with a command to all Sheriffs Mayors Bailiffs c. to be assisting to him on the Kings behalf The following year this King assigned Iames de Dorchester Sub-Constable of the Castle to keep a Controll upon all the Provisions whatsoever bought for the works of the Chappel as also on the payments made for the same and all other things relating thereunto Together with this Fabrick he erected several Houses neer adjoining for the Custos and Canons to inhabit in and afterwards King Henry the Fourth gave to them a void place in the Castle called the Wodehawe nigh to the great Hall for building of Houses and Chambers for the Vicars Clerks Choristers and the other Ministers assigned to the service of the Chappel But King Edward the Fourth whose inclination to and kindness
Ferrys 16. William Palet Canon 12. Iohn Vaughan Canon 17. Henry Deane 13. William Lord Hastings 27. Iohn Oxenbrydge Canon 14. Brothers and Sisters of St. Anthony  21. King Edward the Third Founder  27. Will Askew Bishop of Salisbury  August September 4. Sir Reginald Bray Knight 5. Iohn Seymor Canon 8. Iohn Blount 13. Henry Hanslappe Canon 10. William Mychell Canon 14. Iohn Duke of Bedford 11. Robert Barham Canon 16. William Bohun Earl of Northampton 17. Philippa Queen of England Foundress 27. William Wykham Bishop of Winchest 18. Richard Surland Canon  31. King Henry the Fifth  It was an usual thing in former Ages especially for those of the Military profession after they had spent their youth and manhood in the service of their King and Country to bestow the remainder of their livâ—â— in Prayers for both and the salvation of their own Souls And therefore to cherish the piety of well disposed Knights-Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter who for devotions sakâ— were induced to retire to Windesor permission was given then by the Statutes of Institution to make their continual abode there Nevertheless to maintain themselves out of their own Estates not at the Colledge charge This Article is confirmed by the Statutes of King Henry the Fifth to which those of King Henry the Eighth add That the Soveraign should assign them convenient Habitations within the Castle The like favour upon like occasion was afforded to other devout Knights though not of the Order but the Lodgings to be such as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions should decree We no where find that any of the Knights-Companions made use of the benefit of this Article hitherto but in another nature and for their better accommodation at the grand Feast of the Order and other Solemnities held at Windesor they moved the Soveraign in Chapter there 22. of May anno 14. Car. 1. That they might have Rooms for Lodgings assigned them in the great or upper Court which they offered to repair at their own charge since all the officers of the Order had Lodgings in the Castle but the Knights-Companions none This motion was not disliked by the Soveraign so it might be without exclusion of the Great Officers of State concerning whom He declared That he would not have them removed from him at any time and thereupon it was left to further consideration SECT III. The Foundation of the Colledge within the Chappel KIng Henry the First as he had erected a Chappel within the Castle so did he therein found a Colledge for eight Canons neither endowed nor incorporate but maintained by an annual Pension out of the Kings Exchequer King Edward the Second founded here a Chantry for four Chaplains and two Clerks to pray for his Soul and the Souls of all his Progenitors as likewise a Chappel in the Park of Windesor under the same Ordination for four more Chaplains whom his Son King Edward the Third by the advice of his Council removed and joined to those other before setled in the Chappel of the Castle and built habitations for their better accommodation on the South side thereof all which we shall pass over with this short mention as not directly relative to our present purpose But the Foundation that we shall treat of here King Edward the Third laid by His Letters Patent bearing Teste at Westminster on the sixth day of August anno regni sui 22. that being about three quarters of a year before He instituted the most Noble Order of the Garter for being inflamed with the zeal of a pious devotion and desiring by a good kind of Commerce to exchange earthly for heavenly and transitory for eternal things at his own Royal Charge He new founded the ancient Chappel in honor and to the praise of the omnipotent God the glorious Virgin Mary of St. George the Martyr and St. Edward the Confessor And by his Kingly authority and as much as in him lay Ordained that to King Henry's eight Canons there should be added one Custos fifteen more Canons and twenty four Alms-Knights together with other Ministers all under the Government nevertheless of the Custos and these to be maintained out of the Revenues wherewith this Chappel was and should be endowed But according to the opinion of those times his Kingly Authority extended not to the instituting therein men of Religion and other Officers to perform and attend the Service of God for that lay in the power and disposition of the Pope And therefore this King setting forth what he had profer'd to do in reference to the endowment of this Chappel requested Pope Clement the Sixth to grant to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Winchester the authority and power of ordaining and instituting the Colledge and other things thereunto appertaining Hereupon this Pope by his Bull dated at Avignion pridie Calendas Decembris in the ninth year of his Papacy which answers to the thirtieth day oâ— November Anno Domini 1351. commending the pious purpose of the King in this affair granted to the Archbishop and Bishop and to either of them full power to Ordain Institutâ— and Appoint in this Chappel as should seem good to them a certain number of Canons Priests Clerks Knights and Officers continually to attend upon the Service of God of which Canons and Priests one should have the Title of Custos and preside over the rest On that day twelvemonth the Statutes and Ordinances of the Colledge bear date being made by virtue of the Popes authority the Kings Command the Consent of the Bishop of Salisbury in whose Diocess the Chappel is situate and of the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury By which Statutes the Bishop of Winchester one of the Popes Delegates for we find not the Archbishop's name used in them did Ordain and Institute a Colledge within the Chappel of St. George consisting of one Custos twelve secular Canons thirteen Priâ—sts or Vicars four Clerks fix Choristers and twenty six Alms-Knights beside other Officers And to this Custos and Colledge by the name of Custos and Colledge of the Free-Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windesor for the most part but sometimes of Custos and Colledge of Chaplains or otherwise of Custos and Chaplains of the same Chappel were the Donations of Advowsons and other temporal Endowments commonly made and granted SECT IV. Of the Dean Canons Petty-Canons Clerks and Choristers SHortly after the Foundation of the Colledge by the Kings Letters Patent to wit the 14. of November anno 22. E. 3. the King constituted Iohn de la Châ—mbre Custos of the Chappel of St. George but he enjoyed this dignity not above half a year for the 18. of Iune ensuing the Letters Patent for constituting William Mugg Custos bears Teste so that in truth Iohn de la Chambrâ— was the first Custos though in the Preamble to the Letters
Patent past under the Great Seal of England with consent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament anno 8. H. 6. William Mugg is there said to be the first and so hath been since accounted But it seems the Catalogue of Custos's and Deans took commencement at the Institution of the Colledge by Papal not Kingly authority and though William Mugg in like manner as Iohn de la Chambre had been constituted Custos above three years before yet being then again nominated by the King to receive Institution from the Bishop of Winchester upon his ordaining the Colledge he came to be accounted the first Custos as being so under that Institution and consequently Iohn de la Chambre not taken notice of By this Title of Custos were those that succeeded De la Chambre and Mugg presented by the King till the last year of King Henry the Fourth when Thomas Kingston was the first of them presented by the name of Dean and his Successor Iohn Arundell observing that divers of the Lands and Endowments of the Colledge were sometimes granted thereunto by the name of Custos at other times of Dean and Custos or lastly of Dean only and doubting that this variation and diversity of names might beget some damage to the Colledge especially being both beside and against the form of the Foundation wherein the Title of Custos was only used he applied himself by Petition to the Parliament before mentioned whereupon the King being pleased to provide for the security of the Colledge in this particular did with consent of the Lords and Commons by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England grant and declare That the said Iohn should be Custos sive Decanus for his life and enjoy all rights thereunto belonging and for the future he and every other Custos of the Chappel for the time being should be called Custodes sive Decani viz. Wardens or Deans of the free Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windesor and that the Custos or Dean and Canons thereof and their Successors by the Name of Custos or Dean and Canons of the said free Chappel should have and hold to them and their Successors for ever all Lands Tenements Rents Possessions c. â—s also all manner of Liberties Franchises Immunities c. granted to the Colledge at any time before So that here was instituted a kind of new Incorporation of this Chappel by the Title of Custos or Dean and Canons only and the whole State of the Colledge together with its possessions strengthened and constituted in a manner De novo at least this was a great step to the compleat incorporating them by King Edward the Fourth when through the interest of Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury then also Dean of Windesor â—â—d Chancellor of the most noble Order of the Garter there was obtained from King Edward the Fourth Letters Patent bearing Teste at Windesor the 6. of December in the 19. year of his Reign for incorporating the Custos or Dean and Canons and their Successors by the name of Dean and Canons of the free Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windesor and that thenceforward they should be one Body Corporate in thing and name and have a perpetual Succession Furthermore that they and their Successors should by the same Name be persons capable in Law to purchase receive and take Lands Tenements Rents Reversions Services Liberties Franchises and Priviledges or other Possessions whatsoever to be held and possest in Fee and Perpetuity As also to have a Common Seal for the Affairs and Causes of them and their Successors And that they and their Successors by the name of Dean and Canons c. might plead and be impleaded pursue all manner of Causes and Actions real and mixt challenge all Franchises and Liberties and answer and be answered before any Judges spiritual or temporal But for the avoiding all further doubts which might be taken for any occasion or cause touching the Dean and Canons of this Chappel in their Corporation Capacity or Possessions and for the more surety of them in all their temporaâ— Endowments the Letters Patent of Incorporation were within three years after past into an Act of Parliament which yet remains in force Thus much for his Title of Custos and Decanus we shall next touch upon his Authority and Ecclesiastical Iurisdiction for as he is constituted both by the Bull of Pope Clement the Sixth and the Institution of the Colledge thereupon President over the rest of the Colledge to govern direct and order them their Goods and Estates so is he to exercise all manner of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction over them with a reservation of power of Appeal to the Chancellor of England Visitor of that Colledge Moreover where any of them live inordinately or unpeaceably he with the advice of the Chapter in cases where no particular penalty is appointed to be inflicted hath power to reprehend or correct at discretion And in case where discord ariseth among any of them shall within eight days reconcile the parties or do justice Lastly he hath power after the third time of admonition to expel from the Colledge all sowers of Discord Back-biters and Whisperers that are below the Degree of a Canon And to the end there may be no defect in Government at any time during his non-residence it is provided by the Statutes of the Colledge That when he hath occasion to be absent from thence above eight days or more he shall before his departure constitute one of the Canon-Residents whom he please for his Deputy who during his absence having the Title of Lieutenant shall in all things exercise and execute his Office for we are to note that the said Statutes allow him sixty days for non-residence the Royal Visitation held anno 1552. enlarged that time to one hundred and ten days and the Lord Chancellor Hyde gave him liberty of six weeks absence to attend the affairs of his Deanry of Wolverhampton But in the vacancy of the Custos whatever power or authority belongs unto him the same is then devolv'd upon the Chapter of the Colledge which Chapter ought within two days after the vacancy known to elect one of the Resident-Canons under the Title of President to govern the Colledge and direct all affairs relating thereunto until there be provided another Custos Leaving the Custos thus setled under the Title of Decanus which later he is only known by at this day we are now to speak of the Canons whose number by the Letters Patent of Foundation were appointed to be four and twenty including the Custos but upon Institution of the Colledge by the Bishop of Winchester there was then ordained as hath been noted one Custos twelve Secular-Canons and thirteen Priests or Vicars in all twenty six being the very number before ordained by the Statutes of Institution of the Order of the
observed upon any of these occasions we shall hereafter note them down in their proper places and only mention here the Robe appointed for them to wear at these times over their Ecclesiastical Habit This by the Statutes of Institution is appointed to be a Mantle and though these mention not the matter whereof it was made which at this day is Taffaty of the fashion of the three inferiour Officers of the Order yet they set down the Colour to be Murrey as also that the Arms of St. George should be placed within a Rundle on the right shoulder thereof Those who are now called Petty Canons have no nominal nor other distinction in the Founders Patent of Foundation from those other afterwards called Canonici majores but both go under the Title of Canons only In the Bull of Pope Clement the Sixth which recites the substance of the Founders Patent in reference to the transferring his authority to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Winchester for instituting the Colledge they are called Presbyteri and by the said Bishop in the very words of his Institution Presbyteri sen Vicarii but in the Foundational Statutes of the Order of the Garter are stiled Vicarii only Their Number at the first Institution was thirteen and the same number appears to be continued being taken notice of in all the Exemplars of the Statutes of the Order Only King Henry the Eighths English Statutes mention eight Petty Canons beside thirteen Vicars but the Latin takes notice only of thirteen Priests part of them are there called Canonici minores and other part Vicarii afterwards the Injunctions of the Kings Commissioners dated the 23. of November anno 1. E. 6. appointed twelve Priests and they to be called Petty Canons that is four to be added to the former eight mentioned in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes which the said Article directed to be done after this manner to wit that at the first avoidance of the next Vicar his stipend should be equally divided among three of the eldest Vicars who thereupon were to be called Petty Canons and when the room of another Vicar became void then five marks of his stipend should be appointed to the next senior Vicar who was likewise to be stiled Petty Canon and this direction being observed the number of twelve Petty Canons became compleated Yet in Queen Elizabeths Ordinances for the continual charge the number of Petty Canons thereby provided for are noted to be thirteen agreeable to the ancient number of Vicars but at this day they are but seven and one of them Sub-chanter The Vicars at their admission according to the appointment both of the Statutes of the Colledge and those of the Order are bound to be Priests or at least Deacons from whence they are next to be ordained Priests to wit the next time appointed for Ordination Those Statutes bound them also to continual personal residence and if absent without a lawful cause from Mattens they were amerced two pence apiece for each omission and two pence a time more if not at every grand Mass and one penny for their absence from every Canonical hour the Mass of the Virgin Mary or for the Defunct All which forfeitures were to be deducted oâ—t of their Sallary and divided among those Vicars who gave their attendance in the foresaid Duties But the Injunctions anno 1. E. 6. appoint the forfeit of absence from Mattens to be one penny half penny and from either Procession Communion or Even-Song the like Sum to be paid to the poor Mens Box. And not only they but all other Ministers of the Chappel if absent from the Colledge above twenty days without just cause approved of by the Resident Canons or do behave themselves scandalously in life or conversation are by the Statutes of the Colledge to be expell'd after the fact proved before the Custos or his Lieutenant but if any of them absent themselves for less than twenty days without the like approbation then to be punished at discretion Each of these Vicars had at first but the annual Pension of eight pounds Sterling paid after this manner to wit every Kalendar Month eight shillings for their Diet and that which then remained at the Quarters end went towards furnishing them with other necessaries Afterwards King Edward the Fourth encreased their Pensions to twenty marks apiece To which Queen Elizabeth in augmentation of their livings they being then called Petty Canons added thirteen shillings four pence per annum to each of them out of the Lands setled on the Colledge by King Edward the Sixth as appears by the Book of Establishment made by her among the certain disbursments And now their yearly Pensions are lately encreased by the Colledge to thirty pounds One of these Petty Canons is chosen from among the rest to be Sub-Chanter and usually the same person is the Deans Vicar to whose duty belongs the cure of Souls Marrying Burying c. To these Petty Canons it is requisite that we subjoin those who after the Foundation of the Colledge by King Edward the Third were took into the Choire for the service thereof As first the Quatuor Clerici remembred in the Preface to the Statutes of the Colledge whereof one was to be instituted a Deacon and another a Sub-Deacon before their admission and these two were next in designation and accordingly promoted to the Vicars places but for the other two it was sufficient if they had institution into lesser Orders in which they were to continue Each of the two first of these had eight Marks yearly Pension and the two last but six King Edward the Fourth increased their number to thirteen and allowed them ten pounds per annum apiece The same number do we find mentioned in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes of the Order and by the Injunctions 23. Nov. anno 1. E. 6. made by the Kings Commissioners they were increased to fifteen but here appointed to be Laymen wearing Surplices in the Choire each having an allowance of ten pounds annually for his service In the 23. Article of the Injunctions of 28. Feb. an 4. E. 6. a course is prescribed to bring these fifteen Clerks to twenty but in Queen Elizabeth's Establishment they were again reduced to thirteen which number is yet continued one of them being Organist hath a double Clerks place and consequently reckoned for two of the thirteen and an augmentation to each of two pounds thirteen shillings four pence half penny farthing yearly which being at first opposed by the Dean and Prebends they at length anno 5. Eliz. consented to allow them forty shillings per annum apiece not out of the New-lands but out of other payments which the Dean and Canons should otherwise yearly receive and anno 1662. increased their annual Pensions to three and twenty pounds apiece
They are tyed to be present in the Choire at all times of Service as are the Petty Canons and under the same forfeitures nor may they or the Petty Canons go out of Town without the Dean's or his Lieutenant's license nor then neither above three at once except for very weighty cause left the Choire should be unfurnished of a convenient number to perform the daily Service Secondly There were appointed for the further service of the Choire six Choristers and they to be likewise Clerks or at the time of their admission to have been instituted of the Clerical Order to each of which was allowed five Marks Sterling annually or to the value thereof in common Money And in like manner as the Deacon and Sub-Deacon were placed in the Colledge only in addition to the Vicars and designed to succeed them as vacancies hapned so also were there six secular Children endued with cleer and tuneable voices admitted and design'd to succeed the Choristers when their voices altered King Edward the Fourth enlarged the number of Choristers to thirteen and allowed them annually six Marks apiece and though this number was confirm'd by King Henry the Eighth's Statutes yet the Injunctions dated the 8. of Feb. anno 4. E. 6. reduced them to ten nevertheless by Queen Elizabeth's Establishment the former number of thirteen was restored and thereby given in augmentation among them all three pounds eleven shillings eight pence Howbeit they were since brought to eight and their present exhibition is twelve shillings a Month to each SECT V. Of the Alms-Knights PUrsuing the Order of our Discourse the Alms-Knights come next to be spoken of wherein to avoid confusion we shall consider them first under the Foundation of King Edward the Third Secondly when separated from that by Act of Parliament and lastly as they were established anew by Queen Elizabeth First then King Edward the Third out of the great respect he bore to Military honor of which himself had gain'd a large share and due regard had of valiant men chiefly such as had behaved themselves bravely in his Wars yet afterwards hapned to fall in decay took care for their relief and comfortable subsistence in old age by making room for them within this his Foundation and uniting them under one Corporation and join Body with the Custos and Canons these he called Milites Pauperes and we vulgarly Poor or Alms-Knights the ordained number being at first but four and twenty as were the Custos and Canons at the first foundation of the Colledge But shortly after upon his Instituting the Princely Society of Knights of the most noble Order of the Garter consisting of six and twenty there were added two more to the former number as there was to the first Canons to make them of like number with the Knights-Companions of that Order which number of twenty six we after find setled at the Ordination of the Colledge by the Bishop of Winchester the Popes Delegate The charitable intention of the Royal Founder was to provide for such only as were truly objects of Charity and therefore he describes even in the Instrument of Foundation what kind of men they should be to wit Poor Knights weak in body indigent and decayed and to like effect is their qualification inserted in the Statutes of Institution of the most noble Order of the Garter viz. such as through adverse fortune were brought to that extremity that they had not of their own wherewith to sustain them or live so gentilely as became a military condition but this being thought not enough the same is repeated probably for greater caution in King Henry the Fifth and King Henry the Eighth's Statutes to prevent diverting the Founders pious intention and against admittance of such as are otherwise able to live of themselves which conjecture is not improbable because we find the ancient Statutes of the Colledge Ordained as also the Orders of Queen Elizabeth That in case there should happen to fall to any of the Alms-Knights either Lands or Rents by succession or any other way to the yearly value of twenty pounds or more then such Knight should immediately be removed from the Colledge and made incapable of receiving any profits or emoluments thence and another Alms-Knight preferr'd into his place Their presentation when first admitted was by the same hands that presented the first Canons viz. Each Knight-Companion of the Order presented his Alms-Knight nevertheless it was then also Ordered That from thenceforward every Election should remain at the disposal of the Soveraign of this most noble Order To each of these Alms-Knights was appointed for their Habit a Red Mantle with a Scutcheon of St. George but without any Garter to surround the same Their Exhibition from the Colledge at first was twelve pence apiece for every day they were at Service in the Chappel or abode in the Colledge and forty shillings per annum for other necessaries it being the like allowance as was appointed to each of the Canon-Residents which shews the quality and esteem then had of these Alms-Knights It seems about the beginning of King Henry the Sixth's Reign these quotidian distributions and the forty shillings per annum so assigned them had been unpaid by reason of some dissentions and quarrels that had risen between the Dean and Canons and Alms-Knights but upon complaint to Iohn Archbishop of York Lord Chancellor of England Visitor of the Colledge by the Injunctions issued upon his Visitation anno 10. H. 6. the Arrears of both were appointed to be forthwith paid without charge and in case the Treasurer of the Colledge became negligent in future payments he was to incur the loss of his own Quotidiaus from the time of his voluntary delay the same to be divided among the Alms-Knights Their duty was to attend the Service of God and pray for the prosperity of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions of the Order to be every day present at high Mass the Masses of the Virgin Mary as also at Vespers and Compline from the beginning to the end except any lawful occasion did impede But it was Ordained that for every days absence from the Chappel they should be debarred of receiving the twelve pence per diem and whatsoever was raised from such forfeitures should be converted to the use of the rest of the Alms-Knights then being in the Castle of Windesor Notwithstanding which Decree it appears that the Dean did afterwards take upon him the disposure of these Mulcts at his pleasure which occasioned the Alms-Knights to complain to Adam Lord Bishop of St. Davids Chancellor of England and Visitor of the Colledge who among other of his Injunctions dated the 8. of October anno 2. R. 2. commanded that the Mulcts should be equally distributed among those Alms-Knights who did attend at Divine Service in the Chappel as the Statute had
enjoin'd And besides the like complaint being made for the Dean's disposing of Donations and other Liberalities of the Knights-Companions so that the Alms-Knights had no part thereof towards their sustentation this Chancellor also appointed an equal distribution of them among the Alms-Knights and Canons until the King and his Council should otherwise determine These and other differences between the Dean and Canons and Alms-Knights grew at length so wide that they could not be reconciled insomuch as in the Act of Parliament anno 22. E. 4. for the Incorporation of the Custos and Canons by the name of Dean and Canons the Alms-Knights were not only omitted but this Clause inserted That the Dean and Canons and their Successors should for evermore be utterly quit and discharged from all manner of Exhibition or Charge of or for any of the said Knights And this was obtained upon pretence That the King had greatly increased the number of the Ministers of the Chappel so that the Revenue was not sufficient to maintain both them and the Alms-Knights as also that the King had otherwise provided for the Alms-Knights But we elsewhere find some other cause and this afterwards alledged by the Dean and Canons in their Answer to the Knights Petition for Repeal of the said Act to wit That William Omerey and Iohn Kendall Alms-Knights laboured much before this Act pass'd to be incorporate by themselves to get Lands setled on them to be exempt from the obedience and rule of the Dean and Canons and governed by Ordinances made among themselves In the second place this Act being thus obtained and the Alms-Knights divided from the Body of the Colledge as also struck off from the benefit of the Quotidians Portions and Fees assigned by the Foundation of King Edward the Third how they next subsisted doth not fully enough appear but so soon as King Henry the Seventh came to the Crown they petitioned the King and Parliament for repeal of the Act anno 22. E. 4. affirming it was gained without their knowledge or being called thereunto to which Petition the Dean and Canons answered and the Alms-Knights replied but it seems all they could alledge did not induce the Parliament to repeal the Act but on the contrary the Dean and Canons some years after obtained an Exemplification thereof under the Great Seal dated 4. Feb. anno 18. H. 7. And it is clear from King Henry the Eigth's Letter to the Colledge which takes notice of their discharge from any exhibition to the Alms-Knights by virtue of the said Act That what the Colledge did in that kind after this Act past was meerly upon courtesie and not obliged thereunto for He thanks them for granting a Pension of twenty Marks to Peter Narbone whom He had recommended to an Alms-Knights place and promiseth they should be no further burthened with Alms-Knights but that he would setle Lands upon them for their maintenance and free the Colledge from the said Pension Besides when Mr. Narbone had the Pension granted him it was by an Indenture made between Nicholas West then Dean of Windesor and the Canons on the one part and the said Peter on the other dated 18. Iuly anno 3. H. 8. wherein he covenanted that when the King should setle any Lands on the Colledge for sustentation of such Knights then the grant of the Pension should be void and of none effect In the interval between the disunion of the Colledge and Alms-Knights by the foresaid Act to their establishment by Queen Elizabeth their Habit and Badge continued the same and was so confirm'd by King Henry the Eighth's Statutes But it may be collected from his last Will that there was then an intention to draw the Garter about the Scutcheon of St. George's Arms but it took no effect We observe also that in this interval several persons who had been of considerable quality and worth became Alms-Knights some of them were nevertheless great objects of Charity among whom was Sir Robert Champlayne Knight a valiant Soldier and one whose martial services abroad rendred him an honor to our Nation It seems he had taken part in the Civil Wars here with King Henry the Sixth against King Edward the Fourth shortly after whose coming to the Crown he left England and travelled into Hungary having with him an Equipage of three Servants and four Horses where in the assistance of Matthias Corvinus King of Hungary against the Turk he behaved himself bravely and like a valiant Knight But prosperous Fortune not attending him at all times he received many wounds and at length was taken Prisoner lost all and forced to pay 1500 Ducates for his Ransom For the justification of all which he obtained several authentick Testimonies under the Great Seals of Matthias King of Hungary Ieronimus Archbishop of Crete Legate de Latere in Hungary Frederick the Third Emperor of Germany Renat King of Sicily Father to Queen Margaret Wife of our King Henry the Sixth Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne Charles Duke of Burgundy and lastly a Declaration thereof from our King Edward the Fourth under his Privy Seal dated the third of April in the nineteenth year of his Reign And being reduced to a low condition by his great losses and the charge of his Ransom he was through the favour of King Henry the Seventh admitted an Alms-Knight here But some others made their retreat hither and obtained admittance into this Fraternity probably out of devotion rather than cause of poverty and among these were Thomas Hulme sometime Clarenceux King of Arms Lodowick Carly the Kings Physician Iohn Mewtes Secretary of the French Tongue and Bartholomew Westby made second Baron of the Exchequer 2. Iune anno 1. H. 8. It is manifest by the Will of King Henry the Eighth as also by an Indenture Tripartite between King Edward the Sixth of the first part the Executors of his Father of the second part and the Dean and Canons of Windesor of the third part dated the fourth of August anno 1. E. 6. that he intended a re-establishment of half the ancient number of Alms-Knights viz. Thirteen to which end he appointed that as soon as might be after his death if not done in his life time there should be a Revenue of 600 l. per annum in Mannors Lands and Spiritual Promotions above all charges setled upon the Dean and Canons and their Successors for ever upon the Conditions following that is to say That the Dean and Canons should for ever find two Priests to say Mass at the Altar neer his Tomb to keep yearly four solemn Obits for him and at every Obit to distribute ten pounds in Alms as also to pay twelve pence a day to each of those thirteen Alms-Knights and they to have once in a year a long Gown of White Cloth and a Mantle of Red Cloth besides five Marks annually to such one among them as should be
appointed for their Governor And lastly to cause a Sermon to be made at Windesor every Sunday throughout the year King Edward the Sixth in performance of this Will the 7. of October in the first year of his Reign did setle several Lands upon the Colledge which we shall mention by and by immediately after which the Dean and Canons were put in possession thereof and received the Rents but 600 l. per annum of these Rents were by them paid back at the appointment of the then Lord Treasurer to be imployed in building of Houses for the Alms-Knights intended to be setled as King Henry the Eighth designed But it seems this work was not begun till the last of February anno 3. 4. Ph. Mar. and finished the 25. of Sept. anno 5. 6. of the same King and Queen the charge whereof came to 2747 l. 7 s. 6 d. These Houses are situate in the South side of the lower Ward of the Castle and contain thirteen Rooms besides a Hall a Kitchin and Pastry The Stone for building was brought from Redding the Timber from several places in the Forest and the Lead and Apparels for Chimnies from Suffolk-place in Southwark At a Chapter of the Order of the Garter held the first of Iune anno 4. 5. Ph. Mar. these Houses being then neer finished debate was had about placing some Alms-Knights therein if possible by Michaelmas following whereupon it was Ordered That the Marquess of Winchester Lord Treasurer should assign Lands for their maintenance that not any thing might be wanting to finish so pious a work And towards the completing of all the Queen had nominated nine of the thirteen designed Alms-Knights namely Iames Crane Michael Whiting Silvester Clessop Hugh Iohans Robert Case Iohn Brigby George Fothergill George Thackwell and William Berd but she fell sick of a Fever in August following and so a stop was put to this business But now in the third place to come to the Establishment which these Alms-Knights obtained and under which to this present they continue Queen Elizabeth immediately after her coming to the Crown confirmed her Sisters Grants to the said nine Alms-Knights and associated unto them Thomas Kemp William Barret William Cowper and Iohn Acton to make up the full number of thirteen ordained by King Henry the Eighth Afterwards viz. 30. Aug. anno primo Eliz. the Queen minding the continuance of the Foundation erected by King Edward the Third and as neer as might be the performance of the intent of her Progenitors and advancement of the most noble Order of the Garter and especially of the knowledge given her of the last mind and Will of her Father King Henry the Eighth to make a special Foundation and continuance of thirteen poor men decayed in Wars and such like service of the Realm to be called Thirteen Knights of Windesor and kept there in succession And having also set forth and expressed certain Orders and Rules for their better Government and declared how and in what manner the profits of certain Lands of the yearly value of 600 l. given and assigned by her Father to the Dean and Canons and their Successors should be imployed for the maintenance of these Poor-Knights and otherwise according to his mind and will she lastly declared her pleasure That the Dean and Canons and their Successors should for ever cause the said Orders and Rules to be observed and kept which are these that follow 1. First We do establish 13 Poor-Knights whereof one to be Governor of all the residue by such Order as followeth The same 13 to be taken of Gentlemen brought to necessity such as have spent their times in the service of the Wars Garrisons or other service of the Prince having but little or nothing whereupon to live to be continually chosen by Vs and our Heirs and Successors 2. Item We Ordain that the Governor and Knights shall be chosen of men unmarried and shall continue except in special case where it shall please Vs the Soveraign and the Heirs and Successors of Vs the Soveraign Kings of this Realm to dispense with any person to the contrary Provided nevertheless if any of them will marry he may so do losing his place at the day of his Marriage 3. Item We Ordain that no man desamed and convicted of Heresie Treason Fellony or any notable Crime shall be admitted to any Room of the said 13 Knights and if any so admitted be afterwards convicted of any such Crime he shall be expelled out of that company and lose his Room 4. Item The same 13 Knights to have yearly for their Liveries each of them one Gown of 4 yards of the colour of Red and a Mantle of Blue or Purple Cloth of five yards at six shillings eight pence the yard 5. Item The Cross of St. George in a Scutcheon embroidered without the Garter to be set upon the left shoulder of their Mantles 6. Item The charges of the Cloth and of the Lyning making and embroidering to be paid by the Dean and Chapter out of the Revenue of that foundation and endowment given for that and other causes 7. Item The said 13 Knights to come together before Noon and afternoon daily at all the Divine Service said within the Colledge in their ordinary Apparel and to continue to the end of the same service without a reasonable lett to be allowed by the Governor 8. Item The said 13 Knights shall keep their Lodgings appointed unto them and their Table together in their common Hall appointed and to have their provisions made by their common Purse except for any reasonable cause any of them be licensed to the contrary by the Dean or his Deputy and that License to endure not above 20 days in no year except it be for sickness only 9. Item The said 13 Knights shall not haunt the Town the Ale-houses the Taverns nor call any Woman into their Lodgings without it be upon a reasonable cause and that with the License of the Dean or his Deputy 10. And further We will that 12 of the said Knights shall be obedient to the thirteenth appointed for the Governor and all 13 shall be obedient to the Dean and Chapter in the observation of these Statutes for the good Order of themselves 11. Item The said 13 Knights shall be placed within the Church where the Dean and Canons shall think best to hear the Divine Service together where they shall least trouble the Ministers of the Church 12. Item They shall be present at the Service to be done quarterly for the memory of the Patrons and Founders of the said Colledge and specially of our said deaer Father and Us and have for every of them at each time 20 d. and the Governor 2 s. The said Service shall be used at the four quarters of the Year every Sunday next before the Quarter-day That is to say the Sunday next before the Feast
is an Officer under both the before mentioned Stewards He keeps the Courts by himself or Deputy he is a Barraster at Law and the standing Council for the Colledge his yearly Pension is twenty Nobles but the Council in Spiritualibus is usually a Graduate in the Civil Law The Chapter-Clerks Office or Registership is to enter or register all Acts agreed upon in the Chapter-house he also draws ingrosseth and registreth all Indentures Patents Grants Leases and other Writings which pass under the common Seal of the Dean and Canons His Pension is 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. per annum The Vnder Stewardship and Chapter-Clarkeship went sometimes heretofore together but of late they are divided and now this Officer is also a Barraster at Law Of the Vergers Institution the Statutes of the Colledge take notice and appoint that in the Chappel at Processions and other Solemnities he shall go before the Dean and Canons bearing his Rod for which service there was then allowed him annually one Robe and six pence per diem And besides these Officers there are two Sextons two Bell-ringers a Clock-keeper and a Porter who attends the shutting and opening of the Gates SECT VII Of the Endowment of the Colledge OUR brief account relating to the Dean Canons and other Members of the Colledge being now dispatch'd it follows that we treat of the Endowment thereof and shew what Lands were given towards the maintenance and support of this Foundation But because we intend no other account here than in that of the Castle Chappel and Colledge which was but short we will only set down what Lands c. the Founder endowed the Colledge with and then touch upon those other considerable additions made by some of his Successors Soveraigns of the most noble Order of the Garter and of the Knights-Companions referring the rest after a bare mention of some other that were taken into the first Foundation to the larger discourse which we intend hereafter to make publick The Endowments wherewith King Edward the Third invested this Colledge by his Letters Patent of Foundation before mentioned were first the Advowsons of the Churches of Wyrardesbury vulgarly called Rasbury in the Diocess of Lincoln of Southtanton in the Diocess of Exeter and of Uttoxater in the Diocess of Coventry and Lichfield These he gave to the Custos Canons Alms-Knights and Ministers of the Colledge to hold in free pure and perpetual Alms throughly and perpetually free from all secular exactions with license to appropriate the same to the Colledge notwithstanding the Statute of Mortmain He thereby also appointed so much of his Treasure as should be for their decent support until he had setled an immoveable estate of 1000 l. per annum upon them in Lands Benefices or Rents But as for two of these Advowsons namely Vttoxater and Southtanton 't is to be doubted there was afterwards discovered some defect in the Kings Title to them and that the right of Patronage lay rather in Henry Earl of Lancaster and Thomas Earl of Warwick for the 18. of Iune anno 23. E. 3. the King granted special Licence to Henry Earl of Lancaster that he should give and assign to the Custos and Chaplains of the Chappel of St. George in Windesor and their Successors for ever the Advowson of the Church of Vttokeshatre it being there said to be of the Earls proper Patronage And the like license to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick for assigning to them the Advowson of the Church of Southtanton that being of his Patronage also The King gave special license likewise to receive these Advowsons from these Earls and to appropriate them to the use of the Colledge Another like license pass'd 26. Ian. anno 24. E. 3. to William de Bohun Earl of Northampton that enabled him to assign to the said Custos and Chaplâ—ins and their Successors the Advowson of the Church of Dadyngton in the County of Oxford which he held of the King in Caepite with license for them to receive and appropriate the same The 28. of Ianuary following this royal Founder gave unto the Custos and Colledge by the name of Custos and Chaplains of his Free Chappel of Windesor one Messuage seventeen Acres of Land one Acre of Pasture and three shillings Rent with the appurtenances lying in Wyrardesbury in the County of Buckingham which had been conveyed to him by Rich. de Gloucester Heir to Isabell de Ditton And on the 22. of May ensuing he also granted unto them the Advowson of the Church of Dachet neer Windesor with license to appropriate it to them and their Successors In the following year primo Martii the King gave them the Advowsons of the Churches of Eure in Buckinghamshire of Riston in the County of Norfolk and of Whaddon and Caxton in the County of Cambridge to appropriate these also to them and their Successors And the 9. of May after he likewise granted and assigned to them the Advowson of the Churches of Symondesbourn which the Colledge in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth surrendred to Richard Duke of Gloucester and of St. Stephens of Saltash with like license of Appropriation But the first of these was the gift of Queen Philippa she having purchased it of Sir Iohn Darcy Knight and the other of Edward the black Prince and both granted by them first to the King that by his Grant afterwards to the Colledge its Title might be better strengthened The 26. of October in the same year the King granted to the said Custos and Colledge and their Successors one hundred Marks per annum to be received out of the Farm of the Town of Northampton and paid them by the hands of the Bailiff of that Town for the time being at Easter and Michaelmas by equal portions towards their sustentation and maintenance and the supportation of the burthen of the Chappel It was at the instance of the Founder and therefore we mention it here That the Bailiffs and Communality of Yarmouth granted to the Colledge the first of April anno 26. E. 3. under their Common-Seal a Last of Red Herrings yearly well dried and cleansed to the end they might take this Corporation into their Prayers But some say it was enjoin'd them as a Penance for murdering a Magistrate among them Moreover the Founder granted to them and their Successors 18. Iuly anno 26. E. 3. the Mannor of Eure neer Weybrigg with its appurtenances in Buckinghamshire the Mannor of Craswell with its appurtenances in the Parish of Bray in the County of Berks and a certain Weare called Braybrok placed in the River of Thames with all the Lands and Tenements in the said Parish conveyed unto him by Sir Iohn Philibert together with the Knights Fees and Advowsons of Churches Chappels Chanteries and other things whatsoever to the said Mannors Lands and Tenements belonging or appertaining And the 23. of
de bonà Requie and another annual Pension of 20 l. paid by the Abbot of Rousford for the mediety of the Church of Rotheram The 29. of Ianuary anno regni sui 13. he gave the Mannor or Priorate of Munclane in the County of Hereford parcel of the possessions belonging to the Priories Alien with all and singular its appurtenances The following year viz. 27. of February he granted to them by the name of Custos or Dean and Chapter of this Colledge the Custody Patronage and free disposition of the Hospital or Free-Chappel of St. Anthonies London a Preceptory of the Monastery of St. Anthony at Vienna with all the Liberties Priviledges Lands Rents Services and Emoluments whatsoever thereunto belonging upon the first vacancy whether it should happen by death resignation or otherwise He also gave them the 17. of May ensuing the Priorate of Brimsfield in the County of Gloucester the Mannor of Blakenham in the County of Suffolk parcel of the Priory of Okeburne the Priorate of St. Elene in the Isle of Wight in Hampshire the Priorate of Mannor of Charleton in Wiltshire and all the Lands Tenements Rents and Services in Northumudon Compton and Welegh in the Counties of Sussex and Southampton which sometime belonged to the Abbey of Lucerne in Normandy the Mannor of Ponyngton and Wedon in the County of Dorset parcel of the possessions of Okeburne Priory one annual Pension of twelve Marks payable by the Prior of the Priory of Monte-Acuto together with all and singular the Lands Tenements Rents Advowsons Liberties c. annexed to the said Priorates and Mannors or in any manner appertaining with license to appropriate the same to them and their Successors About two Moneths after this King gave also to the Colledge the Mannor of Membury in Devonshire and Lordships of Preston and Monkesilver in the County of Somerset the Advowsons of the Churches of Puryton and Wollavington in the said County being parcel of the Priory of Golalys in Wales and one of the Priors Aliens together with the Knights Fees Advowsons Profits Rights c. thereunto belonging In the 18. year of his Reign the Queen Thomas Archbishop of York and several Bishops Noblemen and others being seised to the use of the King his Heirs and Successors of the Mannor of Wykecombe called Bassetsbury the Fee Farm of the Town of great Wykecombe the Mannor of Crendon in the County of Buckingham and of the Mannors of Haseley and Pyrton in the County of Oxford parcel of the Lands of the Dutchy of Lancaster they at the special command of the King demised and granted the premises with all their appurtenances to the Custos or Dean and Canons and their Successors until such time as the King his Heirs or Successors should grant to them other Lands of the like yearly value The 17. of February following this King gave them the Advowson of the Church of Cheshunt being of his own Patronage with license to appropriate the same provided the Vicarage were sufficiently endowed and a competent sum of money annually distributed among the poor Parishioners according to the Diocesan's Ordinance and form of the Statute in such case provided This King the 21. of February following united the Custody or Deanry of the Free Chappel of Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford to the Custos or Dean of this Colledge and his Successors for ever This Church cum membris is exempt not only from the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry but by a Papal Bull from all his Legates and Delegates nor is it subject to any terrene power but the Majesty of England and under it to the perpetual visitation of the Keepers of the Great Seal pro tempore He likewise gave them the Advowson or Patronage of the Prebend of Ewern in the County of Dorset the 27. of Sept. in the 20. year of his Reign with all its rights and appurtenances and also a license of appropriation And lastly the 21. of November in the ensuing year he granted to them two parts of the Mannors of Old-Swynford and Gannow in the County of Worcester and the Reversion of the third part of them after the death of Mâ—rgaret Wife of Fulk Stafford Esquire with the Advowson of the Church of Old-Swynford These were the effects of this most noble and munificent Princes piety and liberality towards this Colledge Nor was he alone bountiful but excited others to be so likewise and to that purpose in the first year of his Reign hâ—â—nsed all his Subjects in general to give what Lands Rents or Advowâ—ons they pleaâ—ed to the Dean and Canons within the value of 300 Marks per annum as well such as they held of the King in Capite or in Burgage or otherwise as any other Land the same to be united and appropriated to the Colledge and its uses pâ—rpâ—tually notwithstanding the Statute of Mortmaiâ—e and afterwards increased this license to Lands of the value of 500 l. a year but King Henry the Eighth extended the like license to the value of 1000 l. per annum Hereupon shortly after to wit Iune 29. anno Regni sui 20. he granted license to Iohn Duke of Suffolk and Elizabeth his Wife the Kings Sister to give and assign unto them the Mannor or Lordship of Grovebury otherwise called Leighton-Busard with its appurtenances in the County of Bedford the Church of Tintagell in Cornwall with all its emoluments as also 19 Messuages 7 Tofts 140 Acres of Land 14 Acres of Medow 140 Acres of Pasture 1â—â— Acres of Wood and 4 l. Rent with their appurtenances in Newford and Blanford in the County of Dorset And 70 Messuages 12 Tofts 500 Acres of Land 100 Acres of Medow 300 Acres of Pasture 100 Acres of Wood and 100 shillings Rent with the appurtenances in Stokeley Northall Edelesburgh and Rodenach in Buckinghamshire And 20 Messuages 8 Tosts 300 Acres of Land 60 Acres of Medow 200 Acres of Pasture 40 Acres of Wood and 20 shillings Rent with the appurtenances in Compton-St John in the County of Sussex And 10 Messuages 9 Tofts 200 Acres of Land 20 Acres of Medow 100 Acres of Pasture 10 Acres of Wood and 20 shillings Rent with the appurtenances in Portsmouth and Burgbegge in Hampshire And one Messuage 3 Tofts 60 Acres of Land 6 Acres of Medow 40 Acres of Pasture and 20 shillings Rent with the appurtenances in Stodeham in the County of Hertford held of the King in Capite notwithstanding the Statute of Mortmaine or any other restriction or proviso whatsoever We shall here note that the 24. of Iuly anno 18. E. 4. this Duke of Suffolk infeoffed Richard Duke of York Thomas Bishop of Lincoln and others of the Mannor of Leighton-Busard who the 25. of Iune anno 19. E. 4. at his special instance Demised and Granted the said Mannor to the Dean and Canons forever And in the Octaves of St. Iohn Baptist anno 20. E. 4.
Mass-Money and the whole profit of the Bedrolls of Ikelington Nevertheless to pay the King and his Successors in the Court of Augmentation for the Rectories of Aberguille Talgarthe and Mara the Chappels of Llanbadock and Llanpenysaunt 4 l. 2 s. 8 d. in the name of Tenths and for all Rents Services c. of the other Rectories c. 48 l. 7 s. 4 d. annually at Michaelmas Furthermore within all these premisses the King by the said Letters Patent granted to the Dean and Canons Court Leets or Views of Frankepledge and to have Fines and Amerciaments Free-Warrens Waifs and Felons Goods and all other Profits Commodities Liberties Emoluments and Hereditaments whatsoever All which Rectories Tithes Pensions Rents c. before mentioned and all other Gifts and Grants in the possession of the Dean and Canons anno Iac. Reg. 2. were confirmed and made good and effectual in Law to them and their Successors by Act of Parliament that year The 2. of August preceding the Grant made by King Edward the Sixth a Rental pass'd under the hand of Sir Edward North Chancellor of the Court of Augmentation containing the particular charges issuing out of the aforesaid Rectories c. whereunto certain Articles were annexed and according to which the said Deed of Conveyance from the King was drawn The ancient rate of these New Lands in the Kings Books was 661 l. 6 s. 8 d. per annum but according to the improved Rents to wit as they were then turn'd over to the Colledge was 812 l. 12 s. 9 d. out of which improved value as appears by the Articles now mentioned 160 l. 2 s. 4 d. was yearly allowed them in satisfaction of the Lands past over to King Henry the Eighth and 600 l. per annum for accomplishment of his Will but the remaining sum viz. 52 l. 10 s. 5 d. was reserved in lieu of Tenths to be yearly paid into the Court of Augmentation howbeit this last reserved sum was not agreed unto by the Dean and Canons to be so paid because the Charges issuing out of the Lands were greater than were expressed in the Rental And we find that shortly after the Rents of the Parsonage of St. Germans the Rectories of Northam Ilsington Icklington Ambrosbury Stapleford and Vrchefount the Prebends of Alcanings and Vrchefount being part of the New Lands were received and accounted for according to the old rate in the Kings Books to wit 162 l. 13 s. 4 d. per annum by the Steward of the Old Lands in recompence for the Lands conveyed to King Henry the Eighth and out of which they paid a yearly surplusage of 2 l. 2 s. 1 d. this sum together with the Rents of the rest of the New Lands being upon the said improvement accounted to be 597 l. 17 s. 11 d. made in all 600 l. per annum and this was paid by the Dean and Canons for some time towards building the Alms-Knights Houses as is before remembred Thus stood the Lands accounted for till the setlement made by Queen Elizabeth for the disposition of the whole Revenue which then was accounted to the Colledge but at the value entred in the Kings Books upon which setlement the Queen appointed the Dean and Canons to convert the Rents of these New Lands from time to time to such uses and intents and in such manner and form as she had set down in a Book signed with her Sign Manual and annexed to an Indenture bearing date the 30. of August in the first year of her Reign made between Her on the one part and the Dean and Canons on the other part By which Indenture the Dean and Canons Covenant for themselves and Successors to distribute and employ at all times for ever the Rents and Profits of these Lands in such manner as in the Book is declared and appointed and to observe and keep all the Ordinances Rules and things whatsoever contained therein which on their part and behalf is limited and appointed to be performed and executed according to the true meaning of the same And if the Dean and Canons or their Successors should omit any thing to them appointed to be performed by the said Ordinances Rules and Statutes then for every such default they are to abide such Order as shall be made by the Queen her Heirs or Successors or by any of the Knights-Companions of the Order as by her or her Successors should be thereunto appointed  l. s. d. In this Book the Total of the Revenue reckoned at the ancient value amounts to 661 06 08 The Annual charge and disbursements to the Colledge therein set down is 430 19 06 And so Remains 230 07 02 Which Remainder hath been and is assigned and employed for payment of Tenths to the Crown Vicars and Curates annual stipends Officers-Fees Reparation of the premisses and for the relief of the Dean and Canons and their Successors in maintenance and defence of the said Lands And to the end the Queen might know how the Revenue of these New Lands was disposed of she also Ordered That her Lieutenant and the Knights-Companions should annually at the Feast of St. George held at Windesor see the just account thereof how the Income was expended and the payments made and that one of the Officers of the Order should from time to time yearly put her Lieutenant in mind thereof Which Order was renewed in a Chapter of the Garter held April 24. ann Iac. Reg. 21. and the Chancellor of the Order appointed to be the Remembrancer and in obedience thereunto the Account of these New Lands which begins annually at Lady-day as that of the Old Lands doth at Michaelmas was afterwards exhibited in Chapter and in particular that Account presented by the Dean of Windesor and submitted to the Soveraign and Knights-Companions consideration the 6. of November anno 9. Car. 1. was referr'd to the perusal and inspection of the Knights-Commissioners appointed at the same Chapter to consult the Affairs of the Order SECT VIII Of the Priviledges of the Chappel and Colledge IN the last place the Priviledges of both are to be considered which we shall divide into Ecclesiastical and Temporal Touching the first it appears by a Bull of Pope Clement the Sixth dated at Avignion the 12. of February in the 9. year of his Papacy That at the desire of the Founder this Pope exempted the Chappel Colledge Canons Priests Clerks Alms-Knights and Officers of the Colledge from all ordinary Jurisdiction Dominion and Superiority of Archbishops Bishops Archdeacons and all other Iudges and Officials and received them within the protection of the Papal See And further granted That the Custos for the time being should have Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction over the Canons Priests Clerks Alms-Knights and Officers and their Successors as also the Cure of their Souls notwithstanding any Papal Constitution Statutes Customs whether Provincial or Synodical or other whatsoever to the contrary Willing nevertheless
that the Custos should receive the Cure of their Souls from the Diocesan of the place And in consideratâ—â—â— of this Exemption and Priviledge the Custos was obliged to pay annually on St. Georges day one Mark in Silver to the Popes Chamber About two years before the date of this Bull we find that this Chappel had the title of the Kings free Chappel given unto it so also whilst under the former Foundation and still enjoys the same which title of Free Chappel is not only intimated but confirmed by its exemption from the Jurisdictions now mentioned It is subject to no power since the Supremacy in Ecclesiasticks became vested in the King by the Law of this Realm but only to the King of England as heretofore it stood divided to the King and See of Rome The Priviledge of Exemption by Pope Clement the Sixth is included in the Confirmation of Liberties made by the Founder in his Charter dated the 28. of February anno regni sui 47. and all Priviledges and Liberties granted by him are confirmed to the Colledge by Act of Parliament anno 8. H. 6. As this Colledge doth depend immediately on the King so is it visitable only by his Chancellor whose Visitations and accustomed Jurisdictions exercised by him in the Chappel Colledge and Persons thereunto belonging are reserved to him by the Statutes of the Colledge and himself called in the Kings Commission for Visitation of the Colledge anno 2. R. 2. Governor of the said Chappel as well in Spirituals as Temporals and under the King immediate Custos And so jealous were the Dean and Canons left the power of the foresaid Exemption should be infringed that when Sixtus the Fourth had granted a Bull to the Bishop of Salisbury and Dean and Canons with authority to make new Ordinances and to interpret the ancient Statutes they within few years obtained a Revocation of that Authority left the said Bishop in whose Diocess the Colledge is situate being so impowered might prejudice their Liberties new form their Statutes and by degrees bring them under his Jurisdiction in prejudice to the said Exemption And further to prevent any such design the same Pope commissionated the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishops of Winchester and Worcester to see this Bull of Revocation take effect and enjoined them not to suffer the Bishop of Salisbury to intermeddle further in the Colledge Affairs or Statutes but that the Bishops of London Lincolne and Rochester and the Chancellor of England or any two or more of them with the Dean and Canons should review alter or new make such Statutes or Ordinances as might be for the utility and advantage of the Colledge This later Bull is dated at Rome 7. Cal. Aug. an Dom. 1485. It is an argument of no small priviledge that if the Archbishop of Canterbury be present in the Chappel of Windesor yet he sits below the Dean nor can he consecrate there without his License And the instance is no less remarkable that at the Solemnity of ratifying the Peace between King Charles the First of ever blessed memory and Lewis the Thirteenth of France the 6. of September 1629. in the Chappel of St. George at Windesor Doctor Matthew Wren then Dean gave the Oath as Dean of this Colledge to the Marquess of Chasteneaus the French Kings Ambassador and not the Archbishop of Canterbury though he was then present By the Statutes of the Colledge the Dean and Chapter are at their yearly Chapters diligently to consider and debate all things that shall fall out or seem fit to be dispatcht in reference both to the Spiritual and Temporal Affairs of the Colledge and whatsoever Ordinances or Determination shall be made at these Chapters not repugnant to the Colledge Statutes all persons belonging thereunto are firmly obliged to observe so far as they are concern'd in them until they happen to be altered by later Resolves of succeeding Chapters Other Notes and Marks of Exemption appears in the Deans taking no Institution from any other Bishop but that his Institution Investiture and Installation into the Custoship Canonship and Prebendship is received from such of the Canons-Resident to whom the King who Collates doth recommend him by his Letters As also in the constant proving of Wills before him or in his absence before his Lieutenant In using the power of Excommunication within their Juâ—â—â—diction which is the Precincts of the Colledge and dispensing with themselves for eating of Flesh in Lent Add to these that the Ordinations for the Chantry Priests were confirmed by the Dean and Chapter not the Bishop of the Diocess so also were the Statutes of the New Commons Nor doth the Dean who hath the cure of Souls as is before noted pay any Synodals or Procurations nor can any of the Kings Chaplains preach in the Chappel of St. George unless he be a Canon there without the Kings special mandate or leave of the Dean and Canons The Dean and Canons send no Delegates to the Synod and when this point fell into debate anno 1640. it was carried in the Negative as being a perfect Novelty and against their Liberties and might intitle them to the payment of Subsidies and consequently bring a new charge upon the Colledge Nor have they share in the Government of the Church as other Deans and Chapters have So that notwithstanding any alteration or dissolution of the Government of the Church here in England by Archbishops Bishops Deans and Chapters this Colledge cannot be concerned more than the Colledges in the Vniversities where there are many nominal Deans Lastly after the Act for Vniformity past an 14. Car. 2. whereby every Clergy-man was bound to subscribe before the Archbishop or his Ordinary the Canons subscribed before the Dean of Windesor he being the Ordinary of the place And though some of them in majorem cautionem subscribed also before the Archbishop of Canterbury yet was it with this Salvo saving the rights and priviledges of this Free Chappel Thus much in relation to the Ecclesiastick Priviledges of the Colledge As to the Temporal and Civil what the Founder granted to it being very large and beneficial in regard he was born here and toucht with a prerogative of affection to this place and hath been since confirm'd by several of his Successors we shall here insert First then the Founder King Edward the Third by his Charter dated the 6. of March in the 27. year of his Reign granted them several Profits Priviledges and Immunities to the effect following That the Custos and Canons and their Successors should for ever be free from payment of any Aid for making the eldest Son of any King of England a Knight and for marrying their eldest Daughter as also of all Aids to the King Contributions and Tallages That whensoever the Clergie of this Realm or of the Province of Canterbury or Tork should give
a Tenth or other Imposition out of their Spiritualities or the Commons of England should give a Tenth or Fifteenth or any other Tax out of their Temporalities or moveable Goods or that the King and his Heirs should cause his own Demain to be taxed or that the Pope should impose any Tax or Imposition upon the Clergy of this Realm and give the same to the King and his Heirs this Colledge with all its Lands and Possessions should be wholly freed thereof That they should be free from any charge of Arraying Soldiers for the service of the King and his Heirs and from sending them for the Custody of the Sea-Coasts and from every Fine or Composition for the same That their Houses as well those within the Castle of Windesor as else-where should be free from any Livery of the Kings Stewards Marshalls Purveyors Officers and Servants and from the like Officers of the Queens or any of their Children or of the Peers or Nobles And that the said Officers should not intermeddle there without the leave of the Custos and Canons and their Successors That no Duke Earl Baron or Nobleman nor any Stewards Marshals Escheators Sheriffs Coroners Bailiffs or Officers nor any other person of what condition soever should upon any colour lodge or stay in the Houses of the Custos or Canons without their consent That they the said Custos and Canons and their Tenants should for ever be free from payment of Toll Paviage Picage Barbicanage Terrage Pontage Murage Passage Paiage Lestage Stallage Tallage Cariage Pesage and from Scot and Geld Hidage Scutage working about Castles Parks Bridges Walls for the Kings Houses And from suits to the County or Hundred Court and Wapentakes Court Leets Murder and Common Amerciaments whether they should happen before the King or any of the Justices of the Bench or Justices Itinerant or other Justices whatsoever and from every other like Custom That they should have within their Lands and Fees the Chattels of all Felons and Fugitives and seize them to their own use That they should have all Fines for Trespasses and all other Contempts and Misdemeanors Fines pro licentia concordandi and for all other causes That they should have all Amerciaments Redemptions Issues and Forfeitures whatsoever Annum Diem Vastum Streppum and all things which might belong to the King and his Heirs thereupon That they should have Wrecks Waiss and Strays within all their Lands and Fees That no Purveyance of Corn Hay Horses Carts Carriages Victuals or any Goods Chattels or any thing whatsoever should be taken by any of the Kings Officers or Ministers in or upon any of their Lands or the Lands of any of their Tenants That they should be free from the payment of any Pension Corrody or other Sustentation to be granted by the King his Heirs or Successors That they should have Free-Warren in all their Demain Lands wheresoever And that although they lay within the bounds of the Kings Forest. That they should have a weekly Market to be held on Wednesdays at their Mannor of Eure in Buckinghamshire and two Fairs to endure for eight days viz. on the Eve and Feast-day of the Apostles Peter and Paul and for two days next following and upon the Eve and Feast-day of St. Peter ad vincula and two days following with all Liberties and Customs to the said Market and Fairs belonging That they should enjoy all their Lands with the Liberties of Soc and Sac Insangthes Vtsangthes and View of Frankepledge with Thewe Pillory and Tumbrel for punishment of Malefactors and power to erect Gallows upon their own soil for Execution of such Malefactors as should fortune to be apprehended within their Jurisdiction That they should be freed and discharged from all Suits and Pleas of the Forest and of all Charges or Fees which the Justices or other Officers of the Forest might demand And from Expeditation of their Doggs and Suits of Court there That they should be free from Gelds Dane-gelds Knights-Fees Payments for Murther and Robbery Building or Repairing of Bridges Castles Parks Pools Walls Sea-banks Causeways and Inclosures and of all Assises Summons Sheriff-aids their Bailiffs or Officers carrying of Treasure and all other Aids as also from the common Assessments and Amerciaments of the County and Hundred and all Actions relating to them That they should be freed from the payment of Ward-penny Aver-penny Tithing-penny and Hundred-penny and discharged from Grithbrech Forstall Homesoken Blod-wite Ward-wite Heng-wite Fight-wite Leyr-wite Lastage Pannage Assart and Waste of the Forest so that such Waste and Offences be not committed in the Forests Woods or Parks of the King his Heirs and Successors and if it should happen so to be that then reasonable satisfaction without imprisonment or grievous recompence should be accepted That they should have return of all Writs and Attachments as well relating to the Pleas of the Crown as other throughout all their Lands or Fees and that no sheriff Bailiff or other Officer should make any Execution of such Writs there unless in default of the Custos and Canons and their Successors That they should have and hold Leets and Law-days for all within their Lands and Fees That they should have cognisance of all Pleas betwixt their Tenants as well of Trespasses and Contracts as others in their own Courts And lastly that they should have and hold Wards Reliefs Escheats Forfeitures and other Profits Issues and Emoluments whatsoever within their own Fees from all their Tenants which might belong to the King or his Heirs and which the King might receive by reason of those Fees in case they were in his own hands as if the Tenants did hold of him or others in Capite of the Crown CHAP. V. THE Institution OF THE MOST NOBLE Order Of the Garter SECT I. The several Opinions touching the occasion of its Institution EDward King of England and of France of that name after the Norman Conquest the Third was the first Founder of this most renowned Order of the Garter And this is not only unanimously attested by our own and other Historians but also by good Authorities and Records of the Order it self The Historians generally agree in the person of the Founder but as to the original occasion that gave beginning to the Order and the time when it was erected there is not small difference among them by reason whereof the truth of both is left so perplext that if we had not clearer light from some other means the world might yet live in ignorance of the verity of either But that we may set down these two particulars more exactly than hitherto hath been done and give a more perfect account of a Military Order whose same hath spread all over the World and been conferr'd on the greatest Princes thereof is our design in this present Work First then as to the occasion of its Institution the opinions of Writers as we said are various The vulgar and more general is That the
of Martial Feats and other Publick Exercises there to be held proper to the place and occasion According to which Invitation there came over at the appointed time sundry Knights and other brave Martialisis out of desire to signalize their valour and what made the Solemnity more glorious King Edward's Queen attended with three hundred of the fairest Ladies adorned with all imaginable gallantry were there likewise present SECT IV. Of the Patrons of the Order KIng Edward the Third upon his Instituting this Princely Colledge of a select number of Knights did according to the custom and opinion of that Age make choice of several Patrons to this his most noble Order under whose protection Himself and all the Knights-Companions together with the Affairs of the Order might be defended conserved and governed The first and chiefest Patron that he elected for this end was the holy Trinity which though indeed it be the Creator and Governor of all things yet nevertheless was in a more especial manner invocated to the aid and assistance of this Order Nor was it in those times accounted any derogation to God or his divine worship but rather on the contrary a great addition thereunto that what he is alone the giver of should be desired and implored by their means through whom he is well pleased to be sought unto Upon which consideration this religious and pious King being singularly affected to the blessed Virgin Mary though she was accounted the general Mediatrix and Protectress to all men and upon all occasions yet did he more peculiarly intitle her to the Patronage of this most noble Order And no less was King Edward the Fourth in a special manner devoted towards the same blessed Virgin insomuch as he thought it necessary that some additional Ceremonies within the Order should be observed by Himself and the Knights-Companions to her peculiar honor and thereupon Ordained That on her five Solemnities the Knights-Companions should annually as was wont and accustomed at the yearly Feast of St. George wear the peculiar Habit of the Order as long as Divine Service was celebrating unless they had sufficient cause of excuse bearing on the right shoulder of their Robes a golden figure of the Virgin Mary and further that they should go in the same manner and Habit upon all the Sundays throughout the year and lastly that on the same days for ever they should say five Pater Nosters with as many Ave Maria's Thirdly Saint George of Cappadocia a most choice Champion of Christ and famous Martyr was also chosen one of the Patrons to this Order and that not so much because in his life he was a Candidate of the Christian Faith a real Professor and a sincere Defendor thereof or for that he was an armed Soldier or Knight of Christ but much more because in those Wars which were waged by Christians against the Infidels he by several appearances shewed his presence as a most certain encourager and assistant to the Christians the relations of some of which Visions may be seen at large elsewhere There is no need we should in this Work engage at all in asserting the History of Saint George against those who will neither allow him either a place in Heaven or a being in the Church since that is both learnedly and judiciously maintained to our hand out of the venerable Records of Antiquity and Church-History by the elaborate endeavours of the late reverend Divine Dr. Peter Heylin in a particular Tract The like pains we are eased of in avouching and assuring him to be the special Patron Protector Defendor and Advocate of this Realm of England and manifesting in what veneration he hath been held abroad especially among the Eastern Churches by the Pen of our most learned Selden To whose testimonies we shall only add that this Title of Patron to our Nation is given to St. George by the Founder of this most noble Order in a Patent granted to the Deans and Canons of the Chappels of St. Stephen at Westminster and St. George at Windesor which dischargeth them from payment of Tenths for the Churches appropriate to those Chappels that were or should be given by the Clergie to Him and his Successors As also by King Henry the Eighth in the Preamble of his Statutes Nay further that he was likewise called our Nations Patron in relation to the Spiritual Militia of this Kingdom And though in general he is stiled the Principal Patron of the Affairs of Christendom and a Tutelar Guardian of military men yet among all Christians the English did the best and in England the Founder of this most noble Order in making particular choice of such a Captain and Patron under whose conduct to fight to wit a Captain so approved and tryed by such high testimonies as he had given In particular relation to whom the Knights-Companions had bestowed on them the title of Equites Georgiani St. George's Knights and the Order it self came to be stiled Ordo divi Sancti Georgii the Order of St. George It is worthy of observation that du Chesne a French Writer acknowledges it was by the special Invocation of St. George that King Edward the Third gained the battel of Crescy which afterward calling to mind he founded saith he to his honor a Chappel within the Castle of Windesor But if we may go higher and credit our Harding it seems King Arthur paid St. George particular honors for he advanced his Picture in one of his Banners and this was about 200 years after his Martyrdom and very early for a Country so remote from Capadocia to have him in so great estimation Lastly The Founder added to these a fourth Patron whose Name himself bore namely Saint Edward the Confessor sometime King of England and his Predecessor by which choice the Patronage of the Order belongs also to him And we find he was wont to be invocated by this noble Founder as well as Saint George at such time as he found himself in any great streight of which a memorable instance is recorded by Thomas Walsingham who reports that at a Skirmish neer Calice anno Dom. 1349. King Edward in great heat of anger and grief drew out his Sword and most passionately cried out Ha Saint Edward Ha Saint George which his Soldiers hearing ran presently unto him and rushing violently upon the Enemy put many of them to the Sword But in further declaration of electing all these for Patrons to the Order we find them ranked together in the Preamble of the Charter of Foundation of Windesor Colledge granted by King Edward the Third though in the Preamble to his Statutes of the Order and to King Henry the Fifth's Statutes Saint Edward the Confessor is omitted nevertheless in the Preamble to Henry the Eighth's Statutes he is there remembred with the rest SECT V. The Honor and Reputation thereof BEfore we leave this Chapter we
materials with those made for the Soveraign of the Order namely at first of fine Wollen Cloth and when the Soveraign changed Cloth to Velvet they did so likewise But we cannot meet with equal satisfaction in this particular as we have done in the Mantles belonging to the Soveraign because the Knights-Companions provided this Robe at their own charge and their private accounts through many casualties were of no great durability but their Surcoats were of the Soveraign's donation and consequently the particulars of them remain on Record in the Rolls and Accounts of the great Wardrobe The Colour of these Mantles is appointed by the Statutes to be Blue and of this coloured Cloth was the first Robe made for the Founder by which as by the ground-work of the Royal Garter it is not unlike he alluded in this no less than that to the Colour of the Field in the French Arms which a few years before he had assumed in Quarter with those of his Kingdom of England But the Colour of the Surcoat was changed every year as will appear by and by Of the same Colour were the Velvet Mantles made in King Henry the Sixth's Reign who though he changed the Stuff yet did he not vary the dye It is also manifest that the Blue Colour was retained to King Edward the Fourth's Reign for when this Soveraign sent the Habit and Ensigns of the Order to Iulianus de Medicis the Mantle was made of Blue Velvet But in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes there is no mention at all of the Colour of this upper Robe save only of the Mantle which a Forreign Princes Proxy is enjoined to bring along with him when he comes to assume the Stall of his Principal which though it be not directly to the point yet is it there noted to be of Blue Velvet and it is more than probable that the Blue Colour continued still in use for within a few years after the compiling this last mentioned Body of Statutes it appears the Mantle sent to Iames King of Scotland was of Blue Velvet And Polydore Virgile who wrote his History about that time affirms as much Moreover in the ancient form of admonition and signification appointed to be spoken at the Investiture of Forreign Princes and then in use it is called the Mantle of Celestial Colour If we pass from the Reign of King Henry the Eighth to the first and second years of King Philip and Queen Mary it will appear the Mantle sent to Emanuel Duke of Savoy was likewise of Blue Velvet But in Queen Elizabeth's Reign upon what ground is no where mentioned the Colour of Forreign Princes Mantles was changed from Blue to Purple for of that Colour were the Mantles sent to the French Kings Charles the Ninth anno 6. Eliz. and Henry the Third an 27. of the same Queen So also to the Emperor Maximilian an 9. Eliz. to Frederick the Second King of Denmark an 24. Eliz. to Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne an 21. Eliz. and to Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark an Iac. R. 4. but that sent to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg in the same year was of a mixt Colour to wit Purple with Violet Thus the Purple Colour came in and continued till about the 12. year of King Charles the First when that Soveraign having determined to restore the Colour of the Mantle to the primitive Institution namely a rich Celestial Blue gave directions to Mr. Peter Richant Merchant afterwards Knighted by him to furnish himself with a parcel of Velvets of that Colour from Genoa and upon their arrival into England commanded Sir Thomas Rowe then Chancellor of the Order forthwith to signifie by Letters to all the Knights-Companions his Soveraign Pleasure that every one of them should take so much of that Velvet as would make new Robes against the following St. George's day and satisfie for them in obedience to this command the Chancellor within ten days gave notice thereof to the Knights-Companions Hereupon all the Knights furnished themselves with new Mantles at the rate of thirty seven shillings a yard being the price the Soveraign paid to Mr. Richaut for the Velvet of his own Robes and the first time these Mantles were worn was to honor the Installation of the present Soveraign And because there were many Knights-Elect to be Installed after the happy return of the present Soveraign it was therefore Ordered at a Chapter held at Whitehall the 14. of Ianuary an 12. Car. 2. called to consider what preparations were fit and necessary to be made against the grand Feast of St. George then at hand That directions should be given to the Master of the Wardrobe to send abroad for special good Velvets of Skie-colour and Crimson and other materials of the proper Colours for the Mantles and Surcoats both of the old Knights-Companions and those that were then to be Installed which was accordingly done and they brought over in time to accommodate them at the said Feast Albeit the just number of Ells of Cloth which went to the making the Founder's first Mantle are not set down yet in gross for his Mantle Hood and Surcoat there was allowed 10 Ells of long Cloth The Mantle of King Henry the Sixth took up one Piece 5 Ells and 3 quarters of Blue Velvet and those sent to Frederick the Second and Christiern the Fourth Kings of Denmark and to the French King Henry the Third contained each 20 yards of Velvet This we find to be the allowance for the Mantles of Forreign Princes and are the more large by reason of their long Train which being wanting in the Mantles of Knights Subjects 18 yards served to make one of them The full length of the present Soveraign's Mantle from the Collar behind to the end of the Train is 3 yards the length of the foreside 1 yard and 3 quarters from the foot along the bottom to the setting on of the Train is 2 yards and from thence the length or compass of the Train is 2 yards The left shoulder of each of these Mantles have from the Institution of the Order been adorned with one large fair Garter containing the Motto Honi soit qui mal y pense These were distinguished from the lesser Garters anciently embroidered upon the Surcoats and Hoods of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions by the name of Garters gross Within this Garter was embroidered the Arms of St. George viz. Argent a Cross Gules and was heretofore wrought upon Satin with Gold Silver and Silk but in succeeding times more cost was bestowed upon this Ensign the embroidery being curiously wrought upon Velvet with Damask Gold and sundry sorts of Purls Plates Venice Twists and Silks and the Letters of the Motto and Borders of the Garter composed of fair Oriental Pearl The Garter fixt upon the Mantle of the present Soveraign
at Windesor an 11. H. 8. for it carries the date of 29. of May in that same year on which day that memorable Chapter was held for Reforming and Explaining the Statutes of the Order Hoods were anciently worn for defence of the Head against the inconveniences of weather c. but in later times Caps and Hats have supplied their place How they were then worn and sat upon the Head may be observed in that Plate which exhibits the Portraictures of the first Founders of the Order standing compleatly robed As also with some variety of fashion in succeeding times in the Pictures of William Beauchamp Lord Bergaveny Richard Earl of Warwick Humfry Earl of Stafford and Iohn Duke of Norfolk Yet is not the Hood quite laid aside since still kept hanging down the back almost like a Pilgrims Hat as if put in hopes being so ready at hand that it may again be restored to its former use This Hood was Ordained and is yet retained as part of the Habit of this most Noble Order And though neither it nor the Surcoat is remembred in the Statutes of Institution or in either of its Exemplars nor doth King Henry the Fifth's take notice of it yet is it of equal antiquity with the rest of the Habit as appears from several places before cited out of the Rolls of the great Wardrobe and Henry the Eighth's Statutes have made special observation of it as part of the Habit for there the Mantle Surcoat Hood and Collar are called the whole Habit of the Order Nay before this time mention is made of it in the Black Book anno 22. H. 7. where at the Investiture of Philip King of Casâ—ile the Mantle Kirtle Hood and Collar are exprest to be the whole Habit wherewith he was invested The form of this part of the Habit is perfectly described in the Plate at the beginning of this Chapter It was heretofore and now is generally made of the same materials with the Surcoat and consequently of the same Colour Moreover it was anciently trim'd and garnished with a proportion of little embroidered Garters lined with Cloth of a different colour and such as would best set off to view but now with Taffaty as is the Lining of the Surcoat of all which mention is made in those authorities cited before and relating to the Surcoat As to the Cap which in use and place succeeded the Hood we shall briefly say thus much That it hath been and yet is made of Black Velvet lin'd with Taffaty but the fashion hath several times varied for in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth the Cap was flat as appears in a Proceeding of that Soveraign and the Knights-Companions fairly limned in the Black Book of the Order In Queen Elizabeth's time it was a little raised in the head as may be seen in another Proceeding in her Reign which hereafter follows But in King Iames his Reign they were much more high crown'd and the present fashion is shewn in our before mentioned Plate This Cap hath been usually adorned with Plumes of white Feathers and Sprigs and bound about with a Band set thick with Diamonds so was that Cap provided for the Installation of the present Soveraign And sometimes the Brims have been tackt up with a large and costly Jewel It seems the custom of wearing Caps and Feathers at the grand Solemnities of the Order had for some time about the beginning of King Iames his Reign been neglected and thereupon in a Chapter held the 13. of April an 10. Iac. Regis this laudable usage was re-established To all these may be fitly added the Cross of the Order encompassed with a Garter which by King Charles the First was Ordained to be worn upon the left side of the Soveraign's and Knights-Companions Cloaks Coats and Cassocks when they did not wear their Robes The Order for which we shall here insert Charles R. WHereas the Robes concerning the Order first having the same ordinary use which Cloaks have at this time and now are worn only at the Feast of St. George Installing of Knights and holding of Chapters so that the Arms of the Garter not being daily worn thereon may be thought an omission whereby the Order doth receive some diminution of honor contrary to the intention of the Founder King Charles out of his princely desire by all due means to advance the honor of the said Noble Order at a Chapter holden at his Palace of Westminster on the 27. day of April in the 2. year of his Reign of Great Britain the same day being by Prorogation appointed for the day and Feast of St. George for that year His Majesty with eleven Knights of the Order viz. Edward Earl of Worcester Lord Privy Seal Robert Earl of Sussex William Earl of Pembroke Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties House Philip Earl of Montgomery Francis Earl of Rutland George Duke of Buckingham Lord high Admiral of England William Earl of Salisbury James Earl of Carlisle Edward Earl of Dorset Henry Earl of Holland Captain of his Majesties Guard and Thomas Earl of Berkshire hath Ordered and and Ordained That the Knights and Companions of the Order and the Prelate and Chancellor of the same shall after three months next ofter the date before mentioned of the said Order wear upon the left part of their Cloaks Coats and Riding Cassocks at all times when they shall not wear their Robes and in all Places and Assemblies an Escotcheon of the Arms of St. George that is to say a Cross within a Garter not enriched with Pearls or Stones that the wearing thereof may be a testimony apert to the World of the honor they hold from the said most Noble Order Instituted and Ordained for persons of the highest honor and greatest worth And it seems it was not long after e're the Glory or Star as it is usually called having certain beams of Silver that spread in form of a Cross was introduced and added thereunto in imitation as is thought of the French who after that manner wore the chief Ensign of the Order of the Holy Ghost being the resemblance of a Dove irradiated with such like beams And whereas some allow this Symbol of the Holy Ghost to be properly enough surrounded with a Glory like as are the representations of the Heads of our Saviour and his Apostles by a general consent among Painters yet censure it altogether improper for a Garter to be so adorned let them consider that King Edward the Fourth encompassed his White Rose with the like Glory whereof both the Stone-work and Wood-work of St. George's Chappel in Windesor Castle afford divers instances and then there will be found something of Precedent for it long before Institution of the Order of the Holy Ghost as also of its application to other no less than sacred things But this King assumed this Devise upon the Sun's appearance like three Suns which suddenly united together into one immediately
before his fortunate Victory at the Battel of Mortimer's Cross an occasion which he thought himself much obliged to perpetuate And they mistake who take it to be the Garter in this new Ornament that is thus irradiated but there is something else in it which was then thought more worthy of the Glory and from it not the Garter do the beams and rays spread namely the Cross of the Order esteemed glorious since it shined so in Heaven at its appearance to Constantine the Great which that it may more evidently appear a draught of the Medal stamped in memorial of adding this honorable Devise is here represented whereby it is manifest the Glory issues from the Cross not Garter SECT V. The Robes anciently assigned to the Queen and great Ladies HAving thus dispatcht our discourse concerning the Robes of the Order we shall next give some light to a Custom taken up shortly after its Institution of honoring the Queen some of the Knights-Companions Wives and other great Ladies with Robes and Hoods of the gift of the Soveraign and of the same materials as were the Soveraign's and Knights-Companions Surcoats garnished also with little embroidered Garters and lined with rich Furs which Robes they likewise wore during the Solemnity of the Feast of St. George The first mention of this which hath occurr'd to us is an 7. R. 2. though we conceive t is elder where against the Feast of St. George appointed to be held that year such kind of Robes and Hoods were provided for the Queen the Soveraign's Mother the Dutchess of Lancaster the Countesses of Cambridge Buckingham Penbroke Oxford and Salisbury the Ladies Philippa and Katherine Daughters to the Duke of Lancaster and the Lady Mohun They were made of Cloth Violet in grain like as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions Surcoats that year The Robes lined with Fur but the Hoods with Scarlet and both embroidered over with little Garters and the proportion of Cloth Furs and Garters were allowed according to their several Degrees For the Queens allowance was 8 Ells of Cloth and half an Ell of Scarlet for the lining of her Hood the Soveraign's Mother had allowed her one whole Cloth and a double proportion of Scarlet but we conceive she had two Robes and Hoods made at this time in regard so large quantity of all things were assigned her besides the particular number accounting the Queen for one are but 11. and cannot else reach the total of Robes provided for them and expresly set down to be 12. The Dutchess of Lancaster had the allowance of half a Cloth and half an Ell of Scarlet the Counâ—ess of Cambridge 7 Ells of Cloth and half an Ell of Scarlet and the rest of the Ladies the same proportion of Cloth with the Knights-Companions that is each of them 5 Ells apiece and half an Ell of Scarlet According to their proportion of Cloth was also their proportion of Minivers the Queens allowance was two Furs each of them containing 300 Bellies of pure Miniver the Soveraign's Mother had double that proportion the Dutchess of Lancaster and Countess of Cambridge a like proportion of Minivers as had the Queen but all the rest of the Ladies had only one Fur consisting of 200 Bellies of pure Miniver Besides the embroidered Garters provided to adorn and garnish the 24 Surcoats of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions and the 12 Robes for the Queen and other Ladies amounted to the number of 2900 Garters In like manner were there prepared against the Feast of St. George an 11. R. 2. 15 Robes and Hoods for the Queen and other Ladies of the same livery and sute which the Soveraign and Knights-Companions then wore namely white long Cloth and blue Cloth for the lining of their Hoods the proportion in all things being like the former The Dutchess of York having here the like allowance as had the Dutchess of Lancaster above mentioned Anno 13. R. 2. the Ladies Robes and Hoods were Sanguine Cloth and the lining of their Hoods Cloth in grain and in the 19. year of the same King they were Blue Cloth and long Cloth in grain for lining their Hoods In both these years we find the Dutchess of Aquitane had double the proportion of Cloth allowed her as had also the Dutchess of York viz. 14 Ells the Queen having then but the former allowance of 8 Ells and yet her proportion of lining both for the Robe and Hood was no more than is mentioned before be allowed the Queen But an 1. H. 5. the proportion of Cloth Minivers and Garters were alike to Ladies of all Degrees whether Dutchesses Countesses or other Ladies and that was to each 5 Ells of White Wollen Cloth only the Queen Mother had 8 Ells of White Cloth and 8 Ells of Black Cloth a Fur containing 200 Bellies of Miniver pure and 100 embroidered Garters And by a Letter dormant under the Privy Seal dated the 3. of November an 12. H. 6. and directed to the then Master of the Soveraign's great Wardrobe the like Livery both for Colour of Cloth number of Ells Bellies of Miniver and Garters is commanded to be provided for the Countess of Suffolk against the succeeding Feast of St. George The last mention we find of these Liveries was an 16. E. 4. when at the Feast of St. George held the Sunday after the 27. of February at Windesor the Queen the Lady Elizabeth the Kings eldest Daughter and Dutchess of Suffolk the Kings Sister had for their Livery Murrey Gowns embroidered with Garters Besides these Robes worn by the Ladies at the Festivals of the Order there seems to be some intimation of wearing a Garter also on their left arms in like manner as the Knights-Companions do on their left Legs for it is observed to our hand from the Countess of Tankerviles Monument that she is portrayed with such a Garter on her left Arm. After a long disuse of these Robes by the Queens of England and Knights-Companions Ladies there was at the Feast of St. George celebrated an 14. Car. 1. endeavour used to have them restored for the then Deputy Chancellor moved the Soveraign in Chapter held the 22. of May That the Ladies of the Knights-Companions might have the priviledge to wear a Garter of the Order about their arms and an upper Robe at Festival times according to ancient usage Upon which motion the Soveraign gave Order That the Queen should be acquainted therewith and her pleasure known and the affair left to the Ladies particular suit The 10. of October in the following year the Feast of St. George being then also kept at Windesor the Deputy Chancellor reported to the Soveraign in Chapter the Answer which the Queen was pleased to give him to the aforesaid Order Whereupon it was then left to a Chapter to be called by the Knights-Companions to consider of every circumstance how it were fittest to
for sudden chances the owners living were anciently committed to the Custody of the Black Rod as we find it granted by Letters Patent to Iohn Athelbrig with the grant of that Office and fell after the death of the Owners to the Dean and Canons of Windesor being then reserved either for publick use of the Knights-Companions when they casually came to Windesor or else sold sometimes to the Heirs of the Deceased or other Knights-Companions who succeeded in the Order as that of Charles the Fifth was to the Earl of Bedford and that of the Constable of France lent to the Earl of Warwick an 7. Eliz. which appears from the Accounts of the Chanter of the Colledge in the Reigns of King Henry the Fourth King Henry the Fifth King Henry the Eighth Queen Elizabeth and King Iames who in all times answered the full benefit thereof to the Colledge as being a certain and unquestionable due to the Dean and Canons and this they have accordingly had and enjoyed And yet we find some of the Colledge made over bold with the Robe of Sigismond the Emperor and sold it while he was yet alive But the Archbishop of York who as Chancellor of England was Visitor of the Colledge upon a Visitation made by him shortly after viz. the 22. of February anno 1431. kept the Money from being distributed among those who had sold it and reserved the dividend to the Dean and Canons who should happen to be of the Colledge at the time of that Emperors death and withall commanded for the future under pain of Excommunication That no Dean and Canon should presume to withdraw or aliene any of the Knights-Companions Mantles while he was alive but the same asmuch as possible should be well decently and faithfully kept and preserved But we are informed that the before mentioned Statute was altered anno 9. Eliz. and a new one made to this effect That the Knights-Companions should be bound by Oath to take care by their Wills that after their decease all the Ornaments which they had received should be restored the Robes to the Colledge and the Jewels to the Soveraign that gave them We come in the last place to the times of wearing the Collar of the Order with the Great George thereunto appendant which is not only enjoined to be worn as part of the Habit at the Grand Feasts and Feasts of Installation but also at other times when not any of the rest of the Habit saving the Garter is appointed to be worn as in special at the principal and solemn Feasts of the year and other Feast days to which a particular Order in Chapter anno 4. Eliz. thus directs The Holy days and Sundays within the twelve days Saint Matthias day Holy days in Easter week Saint Marks day Saint Philip and Iacobs day Holy days in Whitson week The Feast days of St. Peter St. Iames. St. Bartholomew St. Matthew St. Luke St. Simon and Iude. St. Andrew and St. Thomas Besides these the Soveraigns and Knights-Companions have been accustomed to wear this Noble Ensign upon the Aniversary of the Soveraign's Coronation of the Gunpowder Treason and now lately on the present Soveraign's Birth day So also heretofore upon some occasional Ceremonies not relative to the Order as when a Knight-Companion hath been created into Titles of Dignity and Honor he had the Collar of the Garter added to his Investiture as appears in the case of Henry Stafford created Earl of Wiltshire anâ—o 1. H. 8. And at a Chapter held the twenty second of May 1622. it was Ordained That such Knights-Companions of this most Noble Order as should afterwards assist at the Funeral of any Knight-Companion should wear the Collar apert at the said Funeral and it was so observed by the Dukes of Ormond and Richmond the Earls of Manchester and Sandwich at the solemn Funeral of his Grace George late Duke of Albemarle Howbeit the custom is otherwise as to wearing the Garter that principal Ensign of the Order for though it be enjoined to be worn especially at the Grand Feast and all times of entring into St. George's Chappel or holding of Chapters yet doth not this imply that it may be left off at all other times as may the rest of the Habit for indeed it ought daily to be worn both by the Soveraign and Knights-Companions And therefore was it Decreed even at the Institution of the Order That if any of the Knights-Companions should in publick be found without his Garter and that the same was not buckled about his Leg in deoent and usual manner upon challenge thereof he should presently pay a Noble to the Dean and Colledge of Windesor By King Henry the Eighth's Statutes the Fine was raised to a Mark the same to be paid forthwith after challenge made by any of the five Officers of the Order or as before by the Dean of Windesor beside which Fine the Knight lies liable to a check But the Article in the Statutes of Institution being pen'd too strictly and without any exception the several occasions of military or necessary affairs discovering the inconvenience King Henry the Fifth admitted of a qualification and in case of riding with Boots Ordained That it might suffice if the Knight-Companion wore some Ribband or Silk Lace to represent the Garter nevertheless in this very Article there is a Proviso added That no Knight-Companion should enter into Chapter without his Garter buckled about the Leg. To conclude King Henry the Eighth's Statutes provide that the Gold Chain whereat the Lesser George in that Age hung should be worn all other days of the year except the principal and solemn Feasts whereon the Great Collar was Ordained to be worn and except in time of War Sickness or long Voyage in any of which cases it should suffice the Knight-Companion concern'd to wear only a Silk Lace or Ribband with the Image of St. George thereat and the Blue Ribband having since succeeded in place of the Gold Chain the Injunction of this Statute extends to it in all particulars CHAP. VIII THE Officers APPOINTED FOR THE SERVICE OF THE Order SECT I. The Prelate's Institution his Oath Robe and Priviledges TO give increase and augmentation to the Honor of this most Noble Order the Founder constituted certain Officers namely a Prelate Register and Vsher to whom he assigned several and particular duties Some of his Successors added the Chancellor and Garter upon the same account and all of them sworn to be of the Council of the Order Among these the Prelate and Chancellor are usually called the principal the other three the inferior Officers of the Order known and distinguished by the Robes or Ensigns of their peculiar Offices The ancient Habits and Ensigns assigned to the Officers of the Order The present Habits Ensigns and Badges belonging to the Officers of the Order The Prelate is the first
and for Bilson by a like Warrant an 41. of the same Queen About the 12. year of King Charles the First the Prelate and Chancellor petitioned the Soveraign to restore them their ancient right and estimation in relation to their Robes and Badges of Honor upon their outward Garments whereupon it was Ordered in a Chapter held the 18. of April an 13. Car. 1. being the Feast-day celebrated by prorogation for the year 1636. among many other things relating to the Honor of this most Noble Order That the Knights-Commissioners newly established by that Chapter should consider of the Robes to be worn by the Prelate and Chancellor and certifie the Soveraign the ancient Colour and Form But we have not met with any thing further done in relation thereunto during that Soveraign's Reign nor until after the happy Restauration of the present Soveraign and then by Warrant under the Signet of the Order dated Feb. 19. an 13. Car. 2. the Prelate had assigned him for his Livery of the Order one Robe of Purple Velvet containing 18 yards and 10 yards of White Taffaty for lining as also a Scutcheon of St. George within a Garter wrought with Letters and Purls of Damask Gold and Pearls having Laces Buttons and Tassels of Purple Silk and Venice Gold but what inducements the Soveraign had for changing the Colour from Murrey to Purple we have not heard An Account being thus given of the Prelates Robe it follows that we note at what times he is enjoined to wear it concerning which it is set down in express Text That he should be obliged to wear it yearly on the Vigil and day of St. George wheresoever he is at his Liberty whether it be in Parliament or any other solemn occasion or Festival whatsoever The Honors conferr'd on this Officer are That his Place in all Proceedings and Ceremonies of the Order is on the right hand of the Chancellor That he may marshal his Arms within the ennobled Garter and accordingly hath it been customary for the Prelate to surround them impaled with those of the See of Winchester with this Noble Ensign He hath allowed him convenient Lodgings within the Castle of Windesor and these are in a Tower situate on the North side of the Castle in the middle Ward called Winchester-Tower And as often as he shall come thither or to any other place at the Soveraign's command either to celebrate the Solemnity of St. George or do any act or thing belonging to the Order he ought to have allowed him of the Court-Livery for himself and Servants according to the rate that Earls resident in Court are used to have Lastly at a Chapter held the 27. of April anno 2. Car. 1. this Officer so also the Chancellor had the Priviledge granted to wear upon the left part of his Cloak Coat and Riding Cassock at all times when he should not wear his Robe and in all Places and Assemblies a Scutcheon of the Arms of St. George but not enriched with Pearls or Stones That the wearing thereof might be an open testimony to the World of the honor he held from this most Noble Order But not long after there was some restraint put upon this Act though I do not find it repealed SECT II. The Institution of the Chancellor's Office his Oath Robe Badge and Pension AT the Institution of this most Noble Order The Common Seal was ordained to remain in the custody of whomsoever the Soveraign should please nevertheless such person is expresly appointed to be one of the Knights-Companions Among them in after times Sir Iohn Robertsack to whom its custody was commited by Decree in Chapter an 1. H. 6. is stiled Custos Sigilli Ordinis and within a few lines in the Book and Page now cited the same Chapter still sitting there is mention made also of the Chancellor where though the reference be not to Sir Iohn Robertsack by express Name yet in all likelihood is intended to him the Seal of the Order being at his Nomination delivered into his keeping And though in the course of the Annals there recorded this Title is given to Sir Iohn Robertsack preceding the entry of the Decree which constituted him Keeper of the seal yet is it probable his nomination past one of the first things in the Chapter after which the Register might justly afford him that Title though not as yet drawn up into an Order That work being commonly done after the Chapters were broke up But King Edward the Fourth finding it necessary to settle the Office of Chancellor of the Garter in a person distinct from the Knights-Companions and subservient to them Ordered in a Chapter held at his Palace of Westminster the 4. of November in the 16. year of his Reign That the Seal of the Order should be delivered to Richard Beauchamp then Bishop of Salisbury to keep during pleasure and he to be called Chancellor of this most Noble Order Not long after this King by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England bearing Teste at Westminster the 10. day of October in the 15. year of his Reign declared That though among the Officers of the Order of the Garter the Office of Chancellor was not appointed by the Founder's Statutes yet was it nevertheless very lawful and necessary And therefore did Ordain that for the advancement and good of the Order in those Affairs there should be constituted an Officer named Chancellor And forasmuch as this Office was great and of great charge and required an able and dextrous person it was his further pleasure that none should be admitted thereinto unless he were of Ecclesiastical Dignity that is to say a Bishop Moreover considering the Chappel of St. George in the Castle of Windesor was founded and established within the Diocess of Salisbury and having regard to the prudence and diligence of Richard Beauchamp then Bishop of that Diocess who out of meer love towards the Order gave himself the leisure daily to attend the advancement and progress of that goodly Work wherewith the King was then in hand in the Castle of Windesor for enlarging the Chappel there He did therefore likewise Ordain and Establish the said Bishop for the term of his life Chancellor of the Order and did further Will and Ordain that after his decease his Successors Bishops of Salisbury should always have and hold the said Office of Chancellor Nevertheless in this Patent there is a Proviso that the Kings Concession should be put in execution by the advice of the Knights-Compaenions and without prejudice of the Bishop of Winchester in those things which touching the Order ought by the Statutes of Institution to belong unto him This Office being thus conferred upon Richard Beauchamp personally for term of life and perpetually to the succeeding Bishops of the See of Salisbury divers of his Successors some of whom are remembred in the Black
or either of them to Knight the said Prince before the putting on his Garter seeing it could not possibly be done before his Election which was intended to be sent and presented unto him by the hands of Sir Iohn Burrough Garter but his death after hapning the Soveraign's intention herein was frustrated Albeit the Prince upon his coming afterwards into England received both the Garter and George from the Soveraign himself at Nottingham nevertheless without being Knighted which to excuse it may well be alledged that the Soveraign might not take into his thoughts this part of the Ceremony it being a time of so greas business and trouble occasioned by the then setting up of his Standard However upon the 17 day of Ianuary an 1644. when a Decree past in Chapter then held at Oxford that both the Duke of York and the Prince should enjoy all Rights and Priviledges of the Order though they were not hitherto Installed until Windesor was free from the Enemy but then to perform the Ceremonies of Installation there the Prince before he took his Oath was conducted by the Earl of Berkshire and Duke of Richmond and Lenox two of the Knights-Companions unto the Soveraign and kneeling down received the honor of Knighthood from him There being at the same time two of the Nobility likewise Knighted in memorial of that Solemnity namely the Lord Henry Seymour second Son to the Marquess of Hertford brought up to the Soveraign between Sir Iohn Stawell Knight and Baronet and Sir Francis Lloyd Knights and the Lord Capell conducted between Sir Richard Willis and Sir Thomas Corbet Knights SECT VIII Of the Scruteny and by whom it ought to be taken ALL this being premised we are led directly to the Scruteny it self in reference to which we shall first consider by Whom it ought or hath been usually taken next the time when and then the manner and form thereof By the Statutes of Institution the collecting Knights-Companions Votes and entring them in the Scruteny properly belongs to the Prelate of the Order and upon him is this employment conferr'd not only by the other Bodies of Statutes that succeeded but also by the Constitutions of his Office and the obligation of his Oath whose right thereunto we find afterwards duly asserted upon this Officers taking a Scruteny anno 27. Eliz. on the Feast day of St. George Nevertheless the Statutes provided that if the Prelate were at any time absent then the Dean of Windesor or the Register or the Senior Residentiary of the Colledge or the Secretary or Scribe of the Order should undertake the employment and the Constitutions of the Officers say the Chancellor Dean or Register shall in like case do it which when they did it is frequently mentioned to be performed by them in absence of the Prelate as implying a reservation of his right to the employment or as in another place more expresly In the absence of the Prelate whose particular duty otherwise it had been Now there are various Examples of all these given us in the Annals of the Order but among the many take these that follow and first of the Prelate The Prelate of the Order gathered and received the Suffrages from the Knights-Companions anno 9. H. 5. when Iohn Earl Marshal and four other Knights were Elected The like did Henry Beaufort Lord Cardinal Prelate of the Order upon the Election of the King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. And when the Duke of Norfolk was Elected an 28. H. 6. the Prelate then also collected the Suffrages which he likewise did upon the Feast days of St. George celebrated in the 12. 13. 14. 27. 28. 30. 31. 34. and 35. years of Queen Elizabeth's Reign Sometimes the Scrutenies have been collected both by the Dean of Windesor and the Register of the Order jointly as at the Elections of Iohn Lord Talbot an 2. H. 6. of Sir Iohn Fastolf an 6. H. 6. and the Duke of Quinbery an 5. H. 6. all taken at the Feasts of St. George celebrated at Windesor And peradventure the Dean at those times received the Votes from the Knights-Companions on the Soveraign's side while the Register collected those other on the Prince's for we observe that in King Henry the Fifth's Reign in employments of other natures but of like manner as to the performance one whereof was to signifie the pleasure of the Soveraign to the Knights-Companions about their giving due Reverence first to God and afterwards to Himself and the other in a Ceremonial which directs and appoints the manner and order of Censing the Knights-Companions in both which the Dean was sent to perform the service on the right hand the Choire the Soveraign's side and the Register on the left Sometimes the Register of the Order took them himself alone as at the Election of Iohn Earl of Arundel an 10. H. 6. as also at another Election of the Earl of Monteyne and Sir Iohn Grey an 14. H. 6. And we likewise find that when the Office of Register was void and Thomas Ruthall Bishop of Duresme executed it during its vacancy the Bishop himself an 2. H. 8. collected the Suffrages In like manner when William Day Dean of Windesor officiated in the absence of George Carew Dean of the Chappel and Register of the Order at the Feasts of Saint George held at Whitehall the 18. and 19. years of Queen Elizabeth he performed this service This duty was likewise performed by the Register from the 15. year of King Henry the Eighth to the end of his and his Sons Reign as appears by the Black Book of the Order in those places where the taking of Scrutenies is treated of as also on the day of St. George celebrated the first of Queen Elizabeth by Iohn Boxhall and again at the Feast of St. George held an 1. Iac. by Gâ—leâ— Thompson who in the several times were Registers of this most Noble Order Nevertheless here it must be understood that what was in these Instances done by the Register or such as officiated for him was on the behalf of the Prelate and not otherwise But in the beginning of Queen Maries Reign we find the Chancellor of the Order began to perform this service being by King Henry the Eight's Statutes adjoined to those other Officers before appointed to collect the Scrutenies In absence of the Prelate and thereby made capable of the employment which afterwards we observe somewhat tacitely noted to be performed as if in his own right when the Register hath done it in the Chancellor's absence Though in truth it was no other then as when the Bishop of Duresme and Doctor Day immediately before remembred took the Scruteny in the vacancy of the Office and absence of the Register nevertheless on the
of Shrewsbury but this Error peradventure arose for want of due information either of the Law in the Statutes or his Degree the later of which is more probably true for being a Stranger his Title of Earl might not be so generally known nor is it taken notice of in the Scruteny it self though in the Annals immediately after And which is more apparent the Earl of Oxford Devonshire and Arundel whose degrees were sufficiently known at a Scruteny taken an 24. H. 6. are once ranked in the second division among the Barons and an 1. H. 8. the Earl of Derby is three times so placed and again an 13. H. 6. the Earl of Devonshire twice But this hapned not through any oversight or neglect in observation of the Statutes in this particular but because at these Nominations wherein they are so placed the first division to which they belonged hapned to be fill'd up with those other higher degrees appertaining to the same Classis that is to say Kings or Dukes as when the before mentioned Earls of Oxford Devonshire and Arundel were named in the place of Barons the King of Portugal the Dukes of Warwick and Norfolk were set down in the place of Princes and so it fell out in like manner in the other instances On the contrary an 15. and 16. E. 4. the Lord Richard Grey one of the Queens Sons by her former Husband Sir Iohn Grey of Groby Knight in respect of his alliance to the Royal Family is ranked in the first Division among the Princes under this Title Dominus Richardus filius Reginae and afterwards an 19. of the same King set only among the Barons as well with the former Title as this Ricardus Dominus Grey But in the 22. of the same King he is thrice registred among the Princes and as often with the Barons whence we see that sometimes the place among Princes may be afforded of courtesie to Persons of most eminent Relation but then again as it is not their due so such of the Knights-Companions as rank them lower pass no diminution on their honor Within the second Division are placed Barons and Viscounts for Viscounts were in all Scrutenies after the first Erection of that Dignity ranked with Barons until the 3. of King Iames saving only Iohn Dudley Viscount Lisle an 35. H. 8. who by every Knight the Duke of Norfolk excepted is ranked in the first Division with the Princes and in a Scruteny then taken Robert Cecil Viscount Cranborne is the second Viscount that we observe to have been ranked with Princes from whence it became usual so to do in succeeding Scrutenies until an 14. Car. 1. and then upon a question put in Chapter held at Westminster the 23. Maii anno praedicto whether Earls Sons and Viscounts were elegible with Barons it was resolved they were and that by all practice except in the two cases now mentioned it was usually done and it seems so again observed neer that time for in two Scrutenies taken the 19. and 21. of that instant May the Viscounts are therein reduced to the second Division and ranked with Barons Finally in the third Division the Knights-Batchellors receive their place so also did Banerets until King Henry the Eighth in his Body of Statutes gave them equal rank in Scrutenies with Barons Only in that one Scruteny taken an 14. H. 7. Sir Reignald Bray Sir Richard Gouldford and Sir Rice ap Thomas all three created Banerets at the Battel of Black-heath are registred among the Barons and yet two of them are oftner ranked with the Knights-Batchellors in the very same Scruteny But though the word in King Henry the Eighth's Latin Statutes is Baronettus instead of Banerettus yet is this a mistake met with anciently in some both Records and Books as well as in those places of the Annals all written long before the Title of Baronet was conceived or the Dignity in use with us for the first Creation of that hapned but in this last Age. And hereof more satisfaction may be received elsewhere In the last place he who demands these Suffrages given according to the judgment of each Knight-Companion present is by the Statutes of Institution appointed to take them in writing In pursuance of which we find it so observed at a Scruteny taken an 2. H. 6. for the Election of Iohn Lord Talbot and Furnivall afterwards created Earl of Shrewsbury where the Dean of Windesor and the Register of the Order wrote down the Votes and Nominations of every one of the Knights present at the day of Election Again at a Scruteny made an 4. H. 6. so also at sundry other times to supply the Stall of Ralph Earl of Westmerland then lately deceased for whom mistakingly the Black Book of the Order sets down Sir Henry Fitz. Hugh in whose room a little before in the same Book an 3. H. 6. it appears the Lord Scales was Elected and elsewhere that Sir Iohn Fastolse was chosen a Companion of this most Noble Order upon the death not of Sir Henry Fitz. Hugh but of the said Earl of Westmerland we find it noted that the Dean and Register wrote down in order according to their seniority the Votes of the Knights-Companions And after the Scrutenies began to be entred on the Pages of the Annals it is evident the general practice hath gone along with the Injunction of the Statutes only there are two Instances of an Election made without taking a Scruteny in writing one in the case of Prince Henry and Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark where the Knights-Companions in a Chapter held at Whitehall the 14. of Iuly an Iacobi Regis primo gave their Votes Viva Voce and forthwith the Soveraign Elected them both into the Fellowship of the Order The other was the case of Iames Marquess Hamilton Elected the 2. of February in the 20. year of the same King with the vocal consent of all the Knights-Companions present But it is to be considered that this course and the omission of taking the Scruteny in writing is not only contrary to the Law of the Order so enjoined for a more certain memorial of the action and more faithful transmission of it to Posterity but exceeding prejudicial to persons of Honor and Merit whose Names would otherwise live with great reputation among the Candidates of this Illustrious Order and of which honor many deserving persons will be hereafter deprived if the Injunction of the Statutes be not observed in this particular SECT XI The Presentation of it to the Soveraign THE Suffrages being recieved from the Knights-Companions the Officer by whom they are collected is to present the whole form of the Nominations to the Soveraign with all due Reverence for so is it recorded an 9. H. 5. when the Prelate of the Order had taken the Scruteny If these Votes were taken
great Example of Honor and Courage in Iudas Maccabeus who though he had but 800 of 3000 men left him the rest being fled out of fear to encounter Bacchides Army consisting of 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse and those 800 too forward to follow after yet rather than cowardly forsake the Field whereby in all likehood he might have saved his life which was there loss he encouraged his Soldiers to receive the onset of his Enemies with these words God forbid that I should do this thing and flee away from them if our time be come let us die manfully for our Brethren and let us not stain our Honor. And to say truth the resolution of a right Martialist ought to be either to return with Honor or die upon the Bed of Honor. By the Laws of King Edward the Confessor where a Soldier in any expedition either by Land or Sea runneth from his Colours his life and Estate was made liable to answer the Offence And sad experience having from time to time made appear the inconvenience danger and loss occasioned by such cowardly and dishonourable departure out of the Field at length our Parliaments taking the same into serious consideration made it Fellony without benefit of Clergy forasmuch as this Offence tended to the hurt and jeopardy of the King the Nobility and all the Common-wealth And to secure our Naval Forces as well as Land Armies Queen Elizabeth extended the Statute of 18. H. 6. cap. 19. no less to Mariners and Gunners to all intents and purposes than to other Soldiers But much greater may the danger be and far more dishonorable to them than private Soldiers where a Commander in chief or other Officers having the conduct of an Army or any part of it shall herein offend of which there is a notable example in Thomas Earl of Lancaster who an 12. E. 2. was proclaimed Traitor for leaving the Army at the Seige of Berwick the consequence whereof proved the loss of the whole design And therefore whoever is culpable of any of these three points of Reproach is altogether uncapable of Election into this most Noble Order Ere we pass further let us take notice of an Error which Polydore Virgil hath linked with one justly observed and refuted by the learned Pen of Doctor Heylin and which Erhardus Celius hath transcribed from the said Polydore namely that the Knights-Companions have certain Laws belonging to their Order whereby they are obliged To defend and help one another and in time of Battel never to betake themselves to shameful flight But the first of these Clauses is not in truth any part of the Statute-Law of the Order nor is the latter otherwise to be taken than as one of those points of Reproach laid down in the second Article of King Henry the Eight's Statutes which renders the person nominated uncapable of Election if known guilty thereof Now that which gives some umbrage to the Knights mutual assistance and defence is an Article of the Statutes which prohibits the arming themselves one against another For to avoid begetting of Feuds among them whereby brotherly love might be extinguished a thing in all Societies specially to be preserved it was not the Founder's least care to provide against so great a mischief And therefore he Ordained which since the ensuing Bodies of Statutes have confirmed That none of the Knights-Companions should Arm themselves against any of their Fellows unless either in the cause of his Soveraign or his own just quarrel Upon this Clause some of them took hold when in the great and fatal controversie between the Houses of York and Lancaster they divided themselves to either side and both pretended to take part with the King some sticking close to Henry the Sixth whom they accounted Soveraign of the Order both de facto and de jure others taking part with Edward the Fourth as esteeming him Soveraign de jure though not de facto But to make the obligation and tye of this most Noble Fraternity more strong and to preserve a perpetual unity among the Companions thereof left they should unhappily engage in factions one against another specially to the effusion of blood it was further Ordained That if a Knight-Companion should happen to be retained in the service of a Foreign Prince to take up Arms in his quarrel and after his Adversary desired to entertain another Knight-Companion on his side also he that was last invited was bound to wave the proffer and in no wise to give his consent And therefore in all Reteynors of War the Knight-Companion was obliged to make a special precaution that his engagement should become void if any of his Fellows were before retained on the other side And if at the time of his reteynor he knew not that another of his Fellows had been engaged with the Adversary so soon as it came to his knowledge he was obliged to relinquish the service he before undertook Besides these three points of Reproach in a Manuscript of the Statutes in English which hath before it the whole preamble to Henry the Eight's Statutes and did belong to Henry Grey third Marquess Dorset Duke of Suffolk as appears by his Coat of Arms painted in the beginning of it within a Garter and his Name subscribed with his own hand under the Coat we find a fourth point of Reproach added to these other Three in these words The fourth point of Reproach is That if any Knight of the Order from henceforth by prodigality or ryot wilfully and negligently mis-spend sell aliene or do away his Patrimony or Livelihood by reason whereof be shall not be able honourably to maintain himself and his Estate in such honorable manner as may conserve the honor of the said Order and of himself In this case he shall be summoned by the Usher of Arms of the Order called the Black Rod by Commandment of the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Deputy to appear before his Majesty or his Commissioners and the Knights of the Order at the next Chapter ensuing there to be examined before the Soveraign or his said Commissioners and the Knights and Companions of the said Order and if he be found in such great default of Prodigality insolent Riot or wilful negligence That then the Soveraign with the advice of the Company of the said Order may deprive and degrade him of the said Order at the said Chapter if it be their pleasure But this point of Reproach is not inserted into King Henry the Eighth's Statutes nevertheless the substance thereof appears to have been approved of before for we find among some Orders prepared in the Chapters held at Windesor by the Marquess of Exiter and other Knights-Companions then present the 25. and 26. days of May an 8. H. 8. one of them was something to this purpose SECT XIII Of other Inducements for Election AMong the number of these Candidates the Soveraign is to regard those
who have most voices or whom he conceives likely to contribute most to the honor of the Order and prove most serviceable to himself or most useful to his Crown and Kingdom Touching the first of these Inducements the greater number of Voices we find the Law hath not been always observed as from the many Scrutenies entred in the Annals will appear if need were to refer thereunto Nevertheless it is sometimes noted to have taken place as at the Election of the Duke of Quinbere an 5. H. 6. where after a due and sufficient examination had of the Scruteny then taken the said Duke by the consent of most voices was then Elected into the Stall of Thomas Duke of Exiter This plurality of Voices is again taken notice of among other Inducements for the Election of Sir Nicholas Carew the 24. of April an 28. H. 8. It is remarkable that one time when the number of Voices on the behalf of two Knights were upon Examination found equal which hapned in the case between Sir Iohn Fastolf and Sir Iohn Radcliff an 4. H. 6. Sir Iohn Fastolf being by the Soveraign's Lieutenant esteemed the more worthy of the two obtained the Election The second Inducement relates to such as in probability may bring most reputation to this Order or advance the good and prosperity thereof and these have been chiefly Foreign Princes esteemed so in respect of that high pitch of Honor they attained and whose eminent Valour and Worthiness proclaimed them deserving both of Nomination and Election And therefore the late Soveraign of blessed memory upon consideration had of the Glorious Atchievements and high Renown of Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden judg'd it a part of his respect not only to render him all offices of kindness and friendship as to a Prince neerly allyed and his most special friend but also to impart to him as far as in him lay the greatest and highest honors that might be and especially such wherewith the Military Virtue of a great Captain was wont to be adorned But the general consideration for which the Soveraigns thought fit to Elect Foreign Princes into this most Noble Society and to impart to them these Testimonies of Honor hath been exprest in the Commissions of Legation to be in respect of their Glorious Merits ennobled by the lustre and grace of their Heroick Virtues their eminent Nobleness Grandeur Prowess and Magnificence the renown of which Fame had divulg'd and spread abroad through the World Thirdly where the advantage of the Soveraign's service was cast into the Ballance it frequently out-weighed other pretentions insomuch that an 2. H. 6. the consideration of the Eminent services of Iohn Lord Talbot for his King and Country appears to be the strongest motive for his Election And the great zeal and affection which Iohn Gaspar Ferdinand de Marchin had to engage himself in the present Soveraign's service and Cause for the recovery of his just rights besides his eminent and famous actions performed in several military Commands wherein he had been for many years employed was the strongest inducement that swayed with the Soveraign to chuse him a Knight-Companion of this most Noble Order an 10. Car. 2. But the last of these Inducements is of greatest latitude for thereby the Soveraign has power to reject whosoever he pleases though exceed in number of Voices or other Qualifications and to Elect a Person but once named which appears full enough in the case of Casimire the Fourth King of Poland an 28. H. 6. who having but the single Vote of the Lord Scales yet upon consideration had by the Soveraign how advantageous he might become to his and his Kingdoms Interest pass'd in Election And of later times as appears in some of the Preambles to the Commissions for carrying the Ensigns c. to Foreign Princes the advantages which the Soveraign has conceived to possess himself of in the improving confirming and establishing of a most strict and inviolable Bond of Friendship and fair correspondency between him and Foreign Princes their Realms and Subjects hath been a main Inducement to Elect such into the Order SECT XIV That the Soveraign only doth Elect. UPon the vacancy of any of the Knights-Companions Stalls the Election of new Knights appertains to the Soveraign and in some case to his Lieutenant in declaration of which it is recorded in the Black Book of the Order That if any Stalls fall vacant it should belong to the Soveraign to Elect new Knights wheresoever he were resident provided he have with him the compleat number of six Knights-Companions but if he be beyond Seas wanting that Number and the Feast of St. George held by his Lieutenant at Windesor in such case the Election belongs to the Lieutenant who is first to be certified of the Soveraign's pleasure as also who they are that in His esteem appear fit persons to be chosen to the end such Information may guide his Election This power of Election is fully acknowledged by the Knights-Companions themselves to be in the Soveraign as appears out of their Letter sent to King Henry the Fifth then in France and dated at Windesor on the morrow after Saint George's day where it is said That the Soveraign in what place soever residing may as is most fitting elect into a vacant Stall there being a sufficient number of Knights called to the Election such as he shall judge serviceable to his Crown or do exceed others in deserts and nobleness of descent Observable herewith is this that at the publishing the Election of Emanuel Duke of Savoy King Philip and Queen Mary being at that time joint Soveraigns of the Order it is called the Election of the King and Queen This grand Prerogative of the Soveraign being not duly considered by Polydore Virgil occasioned his committing a great mistake and Claudius Coteraeus from him for speaking of this Order and the succession of new Knights into the rooms of those deceased he hath this passage One Knight is received into the room of another deceast by the Choice and Election of all the râ—st But Erhard Celly being as much ignorant of the Soveraign's Prerogative and rather more mistaken sticks not to affirm That no person may be received into this Order not so much as by the Soveraign unless with the common consent or suffrage of all the Knights-Companions But these passages are altogether erroneous the Knights-Companions part being only to Nominate the Persons nevertheless qualified as aforesaid but the right of Election remains wholly in the Soveraign of the Order For whosoever He designs appoints and chuseth is forthwith admitted His only pronouncing the Name of the Person in Chapter being sufficient For after the Scruteny hath been taken and presented to the Soveraign in the manner and order before laid down He peruseth it himself or otherwise the Chancellor or
hither being pronounced by the Chancellor if the Soveraign or his Lieutenant be present otherwise by the Register To the land and honor of Almighty God his imaculate Mother and Saint George the holy Martyr tye or gird your Leg with this Noble Garter wearing it to the encrease of your honor and in token and remembrance of this most Noble Order remembring that thereby you being admonished and encouraged in all just Battels and Wars which only you shall take in hand both strongly to fight valiantly to stand and honorable to have the Victory But against the Investiture of the present Soveraign the words of Signification being better weighed and considered were put into this form To the honor of God omnipotent and in memorial of the blessed Martyr St. George tye about thy Leg for thy renown this Noble Garter wear it as the Symbol of the most illustrious Order never to be forgotten or laid aside That thereby thou mayst be admonished to be courageous and having undertaken a just War into which only thou shalt be engaged thou mayest stand firm valiantly fight and successfully conquer The Princely Garter being in manner aforesaid buckled on and the words of Signification pronounced the Elect-Knight is brought before the Soveraign who puts about his Neck the George pendant at a Skie coloured Ribband at which part of the Ceremony the Admonition used at the adorning of an Installed Knight with the Collar of the Order changing only the word Collar for Ribband is pronounced but were thus framed for the before mentioned occasion of the present Soveraign's Investiture with the George and Ribband Weaâ— this Ribband about thy Neck adorned with the Image of the blessed Martyr and Soldier of Christ St. George by whose imitation provoked thou mayest so overpass both prosperous and adverse encounters that having stoutly vanquished thy Enemies both of Body and Soul thou mayest not only receive the praise of this transient Combat but be crowned with the Palm of eternal Victory In further progress upon this Ceremony we shall note that so great a respect hath been given to Foreign Princes who receive the honor here that the Soveraign most usually performs the Investiture himself For so when Philip King of Castile received a personal Investiture in the Chapter-house at Windesor it was from the Soveraign's own hands for he took the Garter from the King of Arms put it about the Kings Leg and Prince Henry fastned the Buckle Queen Elizabeth her self buckled the Garter about the Leg of Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and hung about his Neck a Gold Chain with the George at it The like honor did King Iames to the Duke of Holâ—tein in the third year of his Reign And now and then though seldom out of special grace and favour hath the Soveraign done this honor to a Knight-Subject though when Queen Eliz. was pleased to adorn the Lord Burghley with the Garter the Annals note it to be done as it were by the by and Henry Earl of Susseâ— an 31. Eliz. received these Ensigns of the Order from the Soveraign her self The like favour did she to the Earl of Shrewsbury in the 34. year of her Reign So also did King Iames invest Henry Earl of Northampton with the principal Ensigns of the Order as a person worthy so great an honor and lastly his late Mâ—jesty of blessed memory placed both the Garter and George upon the present Soveraign the 21. of May 1638. with his own hands Sometimes the Soveraign hath performed but part of the Investiture and commanded the senior Knight to do the rest Thus when the Earl of Devonshire an 13. H. 8. received these Ensigns it was on this manner first the Soveraign reached out the Garter to the Marquess Dorset and commanded him buckle it about his left Leg which as he was doing the Duke of Norsolk gave him his assistance then the Soveraign put on the Gold Chain with the Image of Saint George at it At the Investiture of Christian Duke of Brunswick an 22. Iac. R. the Soveraign put about his neck the Blue Ribband whereat hung the Effigies of St. George and the Earls who introduced him to the Soveraign's presâ—â—â—e buckled on the Garter The like did the late Soveraign to William Earl of Northampton an 4. Car. 1. at which time the Earl of Penbroke fastned the Garter about his left Leg and an 9. Car. 1. the Earls of Danby and Moreton were both of them invested with the George by the Soveraign himself while the Earl of Penbroke invested the former and the Earl of Carlisle the latter with the Garter So also since the Soveraign's happy return in the cases of the Prince of Denmark the Dukes of Monmouth Cambridge and Albemarle was the Investiture begun with the George And thus we see that an 22. Iac. Reg. the order of Investiture began to be inverted the George and Ribband being then first put on and the Garter last Nevertheless the Garter as it was the first so the principal and most worthy Ensign of the Order and therefore in the practice of all former times thought fit to have the precedence of Investiture given it and was so observed at the Investiture of the present Soveraign Lastly the Investiture with these two Ensigns hath for the most part been heretofore performed by the two senior Knights and at the command of the Soveraign but always in his presence the Chapter sitting but if absent then by his Lieutenant and so it hapned an 31. Eliz. for the Lord Buckhurst being Elected at Whitehall upon the 24. of April that year and coming to Court having no knowledge of his Election after the Soveraign was risen yet leaving the Chapter sitting her Lieutenant invested him both with the Garter and George The Solemnity of Investiture being compleated the Elect-Knight recollecting himself with all befitting humility renders thanks to the Soveraign for these Tokens and Ensigns of Honor and after with due respects salutes the Knights-Companions who thereupon re-salute the Elect-Knight and joyfully receive him into their Fellowship Society In case two or more Elect-Knights receive the honor of this Investiture at one time then so soon as the senior hath been Invested and his humble thanks presented he passeth down towards the Chapter-house door and there stands while the next junior is in like manner invested which Ceremony being ended he also goes down and stands with the other Elect-Knight and so do the rest in order if there be more present that attend their Investiture until the Chapter break up SECT IV. Of sending the Garter and George to an Elect-Knight Subject WHere a Knight-Subject at the time of his Election is remote from Court or beyond Sea and the Soveraign determines to send him the two principal Ensigns of the Order the charge of this employment doth of right belong to Garter and herein there are divers Precedents Sir
Thomas Wriothesley Garter was sent to the Earls of Arundel and Westmerland with the Garter and George an 17. H. 8. So also was Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter sent upon the like employment to the Earl of Westmerland an 6. Ed. 6. to the Earl of Sussex an 1 2. Ph. M. to the Lord Grey of Wilton an 3. 4. Ph. M. to the Earl of Shrewsbury an 3. Eliz. to the Earl of Bedford an 6. Eliz. to the Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. being then at Newhaven in France to William Earl of Worcester an 12. Eliz. to William Lord Cobham an 26. Eliz. and to the Lord Scroop the same year who then was at Carlisle in Cumberland This Investiture of the Lord Scroop was the last action in this kind which Sir Gilbert Dethick performed who had served four Soveraigns of this Order an Officer of Arms the space of 65. years whereof he had been Garter 38. years and having most worthily and faithfully accomplished his service upon his return to London from Carlisle aforesaid he languished by the space of ten weeks or thereabouts and dyed the 3. day of October an Dom. 1584. in the 81. year of his age The Letters heretofore sent from the Soveraign along with these Ensigns of the Order to the Elect-Knights have for the most part been drawn after the form of those certifying Election only instead of the last Clause which therein requires the Elect Knights repair to the Soveraign for receiving the Garter and George from him in these was an allowance to use them as to their Election appertain And these were the two general forms of Letters sent upon the foresaid occasions all further difference lay not in the body but direction of the Letters which were evermore worded according to the quality of the person to whom sent as to a Knight Batchellor the direction was To our trusty and wellbeloved c. to a Baron Right trusty and wellbeloved c. to an Earl Right trusty and right wellbeloved Cousin c. and to a Duke Right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin c. But we observe the forms of those Letters sent upon like occasion to Knights-Subjects when the present Soveraign was beyond the Seas were pen'd after another manner and the necessity of those times requiring contained some other particulars namely besides a large preamble relative to the Election of Knights eminent for noble birth and heroick virtue additional clauses of 1. Power to wear the Star of Silver about St. George's Cross 2. The great Collar of the Order And 3. to stile themselves Knights and Companions of the Order of the Garter in as ample manner as if they had been Installed at Windesor with an assurance of receiving the whole Habit there when the Soveraign was restored to the possession thereof And it appears from some of these Letters that by reason Sir Edward Walker Garter was otherwise employed in the Soveraign's service when they were sent therefore the Soveraign made choice of other persons to carry both the said Letters and Ensigns of the Order nevertheless reserving unto him as Garter the rights of hâ—s Office Howbeit the said Sir Edward looking on the disposing this employment to others as an invasion upon the rights of his Office and having a just regard to the preservation of the interest of his Successors no less than his own humbly petitioned the present Soveraign for redress and obtained his gracious Reference thereupon to several Knights-Companions of the Order to examine the matter and make report both what they found and what they thought fit to be done therein upon whose Report the Soveraign did him full right by his gracious Declaration All which Proceedings we think necessary to insert here for cleering and setling the interest of so ancient an Office To his sacred Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter The most humble Petition of Sir Edward Walker Knight Garter principal King of Arms and Officer of the said Order In all humility representing THat by the especial favour of his late Majestly your Royal Father of ever glorious and blessed memory he was created Garter Principal King of Arms and was thereby to enjoy all immunities and advantages thereunto belonging as amply as any of his Predecessors That since your Majesties accession to the Crown he hath by right continued in the said Office it being granted during life by Letters-Patent Notwithstanding which there have lately some disputes arisen about the execution of that part of his Office wherein he conceives himself most concerned and for which his Office was at first erected He therefore in all humility appeals to your Majesty as Soveraign of the said Order and Protector of the Officers thereof for the vindication of his just rights which were never questioned until this time of general Invasion hoping clearly to make it appear First when any Foreign Prince is chosen that the Ensigns of the Order are sent and delivered him by an Ambassador and Garter joined with him in the presenting thereof Secondly that until this time of Rebellion wherein your Majesty cannot formally either Elect or Install any subject the Garter hath rarely been sent to any of them but according to the Statutes was always delivered them in the Chapterhouse Garter and the rest of the Officers of the Order assisting To prove the first he refers himself to the Statutes and to the constant practice As for example the Garter was delivered by the Earl of Arundel and Garter King of Arms to Philip the second King of Spain in the time of Queen Mary By the Lord Spencer and Sir William Dethick Garter in joint commission with him to the Duke of Westemberg in the first year of King James By the Lord Carleton and Sir William Seagar to Maurice Prince of Orange By Mr. Peter Young Gentleman Vsher and Mr. Henry St. George Richmond Herald Deputy to Sir William Seagar Garter to the King of Sweden by whom they were both Knighted and as he remembers by Sir William Boswell and Mr. Philpot Deputy to Sir John Burrough Garter to the now Prince of Orange from all which Garter and his Deputies received large and honorary rewards To the second by the Statutes no Knight chosen or elect shall be installed by Attorney except he be a Stranger or busâ—ed without the Realm for the affairs of the Soveraign nor receive the Garter but in Chapter so that the sending of the Garter to any subject rarely happens The only example he remembers is of that sent by Garter to the Lord Scroop President of the North in Queen Elizabeth's time As for the other alledged of that sent to the Earl of Holland into France it is subsequent in time and was only the delivery of the Garter and no compleating of the Order and may if it were so for ought appears to the contrary have been done by Garter's
Knight Subject either with Letters to signifie his Election or the Garter and George wherewith to invest him and this is commonly proportioned according to the length or shortness of the Journey The allowance for that Journey which Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter made into the Counties of Lincolne and Cumberland by the Soveraign's command given in Chapter first to the Earl of Rutland and next to the Lord Scroop an 26. Eliz. appears to have been 20 l. Besides the Soveraign's allowance to Garter he hath been accustomed to receive honorable gratuities and rewards from the Elect-Knight himself after the Investiture performed and these have usually been proportioned according to the esteem of the honor he receives and his particular inclinations to Garter and the service done by him Among whom we find the Earl of Arundel an 17. H. 8. gave to Thomas Wriothesley Garter 10 l. in Angelotts being then at his Mannor of Dawnley and Ralph Earl of Westmerland elected at the same time with the said Earl of Arundel then at Myle-end 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. But the Earl of Northumberland an 23. H. 8. gave Garter for the verbal certifying him of his Election 4. l. though he went no farther than the Chapter-house door Lastly an 26. Eliz. the Earl of Rutland honorably rewarded Garter at Newark and the Lord Scroop gave unto him 30 l. in Gold a Velvet Cloak and a Gallaway Nag and to William Dethick York Herald who then went along with Garter to Carlisle 10 l. But since these times the Knights-Elect have greatly enlarged their Gratuities to Garter for his service upon this occasion CHAP. XI OF Preparations FOR THE Personal Installation OF A KNIGHT SECT I. That Installation gives the Title of Founder THE Installation or Inauguration of a Knight of this most Noble Order consists in a conjunction of many Ceremonies and contains the most solemn part of those whereby so great an honor is conferr'd indeed that which compleateth all the rest And till this great Ceremony be duly and solemnly performed the person Elected hath not the honor of being reckoned among the number of Founders but barely passes for an Elect Knight and no other For the express Text is That in case a Knight Elect dye before his Installation he shall not be named one of the Founders And the reason is there given forasmuch as he hath not had the full possession of his state and in this point do the other Bodies of the Statutes agree Howbeit assoon as the Ceremonies of Installation are compleatly finished the Knight is unquestionably vested in full possession of all the Honors and Priviledges belonging to a Founder of this most Noble Order But to quicken each Elect Knight who is either a Subject to the Soveraign or resides within his Realm and consequently in a more ready capacity of receiving Installation then one remaining in Foreign parts to the full attainment of his honor or otherwise to wave what hath been conferr'd on him by the Act of Election the compass of one year after such his Election is allowed him by the Statutes for Installation albeit for sooner speeding thereof the Statutes do as well appoint him to use all convenient diligence otherwise his Election is ordained to be absolutely nul and void Nor can any thing hinder but that the Soveraign may then freely proceed to a new Election unless the Elect-Knight send or produce an excuse for such delay sufficient and fit to be accepted by the Soveraign or his Deputy and the whole Society or that the Soveraign himself think fit to defer the Ceremony of Installation for some longer time For which cause when certain Articles concerning the honor of the Order had been prepared by the Soveraign's Lieutenant and ten Knights-Companions approved by the Soveraign and in a Chapter held 24. April an 21. Iac. R. ordered to be observed one of them was for hastning the Installation after a Knight had been Elected nevertheless with this Exception unless for some special cause the Soveraign should think fit to defer the same until the Eve or day of Saint George next following the time of Election SECT II. Of the Time and Place appointed for Installation THE Feast of Installation hath not been hitherto fixed to any certain time but always rested in the pleasure of the Soveraign to assign a convenient day which hath been obtained either upon the sute of the Knight-Elect or some other of the Knights-Companions whose favour and esteem with the Soveraign was best able to prevail Such a one do we find the Lord Burghley an 35. Eliz. partly in regard he had been Lieutenant at St. Georges Feast immediately preceding and partly by reason of his being Lord Treasurer of England who on the behalf of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland obtained the 19. of Iune in the foresaid year to be appointed for the day of their Installation It sometimes fell out that though the day for Installation was set down nevertheless upon some extraordinary occasion intervening it hath been protogued to a further and more convenient time for the Soveraign's Affairs and the most remarkable instance is that an 3. 4. Ph. Mar. when the Earl of Sussex the Lord Grey and Sir Robert Rochester Knights Elect had their Installation together with St. George's Feast prorogued to the 10. of May in the year aforesaid But many and urgent affairs relating both to the King and Queen hapning about that time not only the Grand Feast but the Solemnity of their Installations were in a Chapter held the 3. of the same Month prorogued to the 5. of December following and on the last day of October preceding were they again prorogued to the first Sunday after Twelf-day in case the King should not return into England before the said 5. of December After all this on the 5. of Ianuary following the Grand Feast was prorogued a fourth time to the 20. of February next coming Nevertheless it was then Ordered that the Earl of Sussex one of the three Elect Knights should be forthwith Installed which was performed on the 8. of the same Ianuary And the 6. of February following the Lord Grey also obtained an appointment for his Installation and that was celebrated the 20. of April ensuing but we do not find that Sir Robert Rochester ever received that honor But though the time of Installation be arbitrary and uncertain yet hath the place been from the Institution of the Order fixt as an essential Priviledge only to the Soveraign's free Chappel of St. George in the Castle of Windesor within whose Choire stand erected the Soveraign's and Knights-Companions Stalls and under its sacred Roof their Banners and Atchievements are set up as Monuments of their high deservings and so great honor For albeit the celebration of the Grand Feast of St. George hapned to be withdrawn from Windesor by a Decree past an
Lieutenant he dispatcheth a Letter to the Prelate of the Order signifying the Soveraign's commands for his attendance at the day appointed In both which cases as also if the Installation be dispatcht by Commissioners he writes his Letters to the three inferior Officers of the Order purporting the same command The conveyance of all which appertain to Garter and are left to his care and trust by the Constitutions relating to the Officers of the Order whose allowance and reward upon these and such like service shall be noted in its due place SECT V. Warrant for the Livery of the Order THE third thing to be obtained by the Chancellor of the Order is the Soveraign's Warrant directed to the Master of the Great Wardrobe for the time being to deliver so much Velvet for the Livery of the Order as will make the Knight Elect a Surcoat and Hood and as much Sarcenet or Taffety as will line them Of such a Warrant there is an ancient Precedent in Latin entred in the Black Book of the Order and transferred to the Appendix together with which we have also inserted another Precedent in English for delivery forth of materials for the Livery to Sir Iohn Wallop Knight Elected an 35. H. 8. And in the same form run all the Warrants we have seen in the Reigns of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth There is also to be provided a Book wherein King Henry the Eighths English Statutes are written in a fair and legible hand upon Vellom having in the beginning the Soveraign's Arms impaled with those of the Order and the proper Arms of the Knight for whom the Book is provided both fairly limned and surrounded with the Garter This Book of Statutes is prepared by the Register of the Order to whom for the writing there is an allowance made which generally in the Reigns of King Edward the Sixth Queen Mary and Queen Eliz. was 2 l. but at King Iames his coming to the Crown it was enlarged to 3 l. 6 â— 8 d. SECT VI. The Removal of Atchievements and Plates BEsides these particulars before mentioned there is a Warrant or Scheme prepared for the Soveraign to sign wherein the order of the Stalls in the Choire at Windesor is set down according as he appoints them to stand at the ensuing Installation by virtue of which Garter is impowered to removed the Plates and Atchievements of the present Knights-Companions that so way be made for the Elect Knight or Knights and to fix the new Plates and Atchievements within and over the Stalls in such order as they are ranked in the said Scheme In reference to this alteration Garter so soon as the Soveraign's pleasure is known touching an Installation brings to the Chancellor of the Order the Names of the present Knights-Companions ranked in the order they then sit in their Stalls in which the Stalls void are to be so noted to the end he may present them to the Soveraign who upon observing the series wherein they be already placed may the better consider and determine how to alter and seat both them and the new Elect Knights And we find in the vacancy of Garter's Office this Employment was put upon Clarenceux for an 27. Eliz. the Soveraign's Warrant for removal and placing of Plates and Atchievements was delivered to him five days before the Installation of the Earl of Rutland the Lords Cobham and Scroop who thereupon fixed them according to the direction therein given This Section may be further enlarged by adding thereunto an account upon what ground this Alteration and Removal came to be made and how it continueth now in practice seeing it was otherwise at the Institution of the Order wherein we must first have recourse to the Statutes of the Order and ancient practice grounded thereupon Among the Statutes those of Institution did Ordain That if any Earl Baron or Knight Batchellor should depart this life he that succeeded in his place of what condition or state soever should possess the same Stall which his Predecessor held before without changing So that it might happen for an Earl or Duke to succeed a Knight and a Knight an Earl or Duke And it was thus at first appointed That it might be known who were the first Founders of this most Noble Order Now how punctually this Article of the Statutes hath been observed and what care was generally taken for a long time after the Institution of the Order that none chosen should interrupt or change this course we shall shew in the following Instances conceiving it very material to make use of those Tables yet preserved in the Chapter-house at Windesor but heretofore in the Choire of St. George's Chappel there wherein are collected the Names of all those Knights Companions who succeeded one another in each Stall until the beginning of King Henry the Seventh's Reign a transcript whereof we have inserted in the Appendix next after the Constitutions belonging to the Officers of the Order From which Series of succession and other Authorities we shall note how exactly the Law in this point hath been kept and observed even unto King Henry the Eighth's Reign when it received some alteration in this particular with reference no less to Election than Installation for we find in the Annals several Knights designed to the Stall of their immediate Predecessor by the honor only of Election albeit prevented of Installation by death or other accidental occasion and the Statutes do not bind him only who shall fortune to attain the honor of Installation but him who shall come after or succeed the desunct Knight which may as well be understood of and applied to an Elect as Installed Knight though the before mentioned Tables take notice only of the latter of these First therefore we shall instance in foreign Kings among whom we see the King of Denmark Ericus to have received Installation in King Henry the Fifth's Reign not according to his own state and degree as a King but into the Stall of that Knight-Companion whom he succeeded namely the Duke of Bavaria it being the eighth on the Soveraign's side whose first Predecessor and Founder was Sir Iohn Grey of Codnore Castle in the Country of Darby Besides Iohn the First King of Portugal a Knight-Companion in King Henry the Fifth's time also was installed in the second Stall on the Soveraign's side which belonged to Henry Duke of Lancaster his first Predeccessor and to this King did succeed in the same Stall his Son Edward King of Portugal elected an 13. H. 6. to whose Successor Humfry Duke of Gloucester an 34. of the same King succeeded Alphonsus the Fifth King of Portugal and to him as saith the French Table Iohn the Second King of Portugal But I rather doubt this Table as to the last King is mistaken for the second Stall not on the Soveraign's but Princes side because there we find as may be
21. Oct. an 18. H. 8. and to make room for his Instalment in the second Stall on the Soveraign's side which hitherto had been possessed by the Duke of Richmond both the said Duke and Marquess of Dorset were removed lower the Duke into the said Marques's Stall and the Marquess into the Earl of Northumberlaâ—ds then lately void by death And this was now so done that the Soveraign might express what honor he could to a King between whom and him there had lately past so great endearments All the rest of the Stalls may be observed to stand ranked as they did the year before and the void Stall on the Soveraign's side to be here supplied by the Installation of the Earl of Oxford Elected in the same Chapter with the French King In the 20.21 and 22. years of King Henry the Eighth the Stalls received no alteration and but little an 23. of the same King when the death of the Marquess Dorset occasioned advancing the Duke of Suffolk into his void Stall and placing the Earl of Arundel in the Dukes Whereupon the Earl of Northumberland Elected in the room of the Marquess Dorset was Installed in that which the Earl of Arundel relinquished and in this order they continued the 24. and 25. years of this King Nor was there any removal made an 26. H. 8. for albeit the Earls of Beaumont and Newblâ—nke French Noblemen were elected in a Chapter held at Callire the 27. of Oct. an 24. H. 8. yet at their Installation they were placed in the two Stalls then void by the death of two of the Knights-Companions viz. the first in the Stall of the Lord Dudley and the other in that of Sir Henry Guilford But the alterations became yet more considerable and extended almost to a general Translation which were made in the Stalls an 27. H. 8. upon the admission of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland one Stall being then void by the death of the Lord Montjoy for there remained unchanged only these five viz. the Earl of Rutland and Earl of Beaumont but called only Lord Beaumont in the Warrant for Translation on the Soveraign's side and the Emperor the King of Bohemia and Duke of Suffolk on the Princess side Nevertheless this so great an alteration was not made but upon consultation in Chapter held at Greenwich on St. George's day in the aforesaid year where the Soveraign with the assent of the rest of the Knights-Companions present thought it expedient that forasmuch as the said King of Scots was newly admitted into the Society of the Order and that there ought to be assigned a Stall answerable to his greatness that the Stalls of the Knights-Companions should be translated so as the said King should be placed next to the King of the Romans and the rest to be ranked according to the Soveraign's pleasure and thereupon it was given in charge to Garter to see the same accordingly performed The setlement of the Stalls at this time as it was sub-signed by the Soveraign coming to our hands we have exactly transcribed hither The Kings Highness appointment for the Stall of the King of Scots An. R. sui 27.23 April 1535. 1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor 2. The French King 2. The King of the Romans 3. The King of Scotland 3. The Duke of Richmond 4. The Duke of Norfolk 4. The Duke of Suffolk 5. The Marquess of Exceter 5. The Earl of Shrewsbury 6. The Earl of Arundel 6. The Earl of Essex 7. The Earl of Northumberland 7. The Earl of Westmerland 8. The Earl of Wiltshire 8. The Earl of Sussex 9. The Earl of Rutland 9. The Earl of Oxenford 10. The Lord Beaumond 10. The Viscount Lysle 11. The Lord Burgaveny 11. The Earl of Newblanke 12. The Lord Ferrars 12. The Lord Darcy 13. The Lord Sandys 13. Sir William Fitz William  Henry R. In this Scheme we find the King of Scots placed in the Duke of Richmond's Stall who with the Duke of Norfolk the Earls of Shrewsbury Arundel Essex Northumberland Westmerland and Sussex were all removed into the next Stall below that which each of them sat in before whether it were on the Soveraign's or Princes side The Marquess of Exeter to the next below his own on the Soveraign's side Viscount Lisle from the seventh to the tenth Stall on the Prince's side the Lord Abergaveny from the eighth on the Prince's side to the eleventh on the Soveraign's side the Lord Ferrars from the ninth on the Prince's side to the twelfth on the Soveraign's side the Lord Darcy from the tenth on the Prince's side to the twelfth on the same and the Lord Sandys from the twelfth on the Prince's side to the thirteenth on the Soveraign's And as these before mentioned Knights Companions were removed lower so the Earls of Oxford Wilts and Newblanke were honored with higher Stalls than they before possest for the first of them was advanced from the eleventh Stall on the Soveraign's side to the ninth on the Prince's the second from the eleventh on the Prince's side to the eighth on the Soveraign's and the third from the thirteenth of the Prince's to the eleventh on the same side So that in this last example though many of the Knights-Companions were removed lower yet it may be observed that the English Nobility were now ranked according to their Degrees first Dukes next a Marquess then Earls next Viscounts afterwards Barons and last of all Knights Some few removals were made in the following years of this King but none of so great note as this last mentioned and therefore we need not enlarge our Instances Nor were there any considerable translations in the Reigns of King Edward the Sixth or Queen Mary But immediately after Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown by consent of the Knights-Companions in Chapter held the 12. of Ianuary an 1. Eliz. the Atchievments of Philip King of Spain late Soveraign of the Order were removed to the Stall of the Emperor Ferdinand void by his being advanced into the Princes Stall for which Garter had then command given him And when the French King Charles the Ninth was Elected into this Order to wit on the morrow after St. George's day an 6. Eliz. it occasioned the Soveraign then to alter some Stalls to leave one vacant for him and the better to observe this alteration which was considerable we shall first shew how they stood ranked on the Eve of the said Feast Elizabeth R.  1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor Ferdinand 2. The King of Spain 2. The Duke of Savoy 3. The Constable of France 3. The Duke of Holstein 4. The Earl of Arundel 4. The Marquess of Winchester 5. The Earl of Derby 5. The Earl of Penbroke 6. The Duke of Norfolk 6. The Lord Clynton 7. Void 7. The Marquess of Northampton 8. Void 8. Void 9. The Lord Effingham 9. The Earl of Sussex 10. The Earl of Shrewsbury 10. The Lord Hastings 11. The Viscount
4. of Iuly after And when the Removal of Stalls was considered on for admission of these seven Elect Knights it was determined that the Dukes of Brunswick and Chevereux should be installed in the uppermost Stalls among Strangers as King Henry the Eighth had ordained but the Knights Subjects in the lowermost Stalls according to the constant practice since passing the Decree an 6. Eliz. as doth appear from the setlement of Stalls then made and thus Intituled A Remove of Banners and Plates at the Feast of St. George and Installation holden at Windesor the 13.14 and 15. days of December an 1625. At which time were Installed the Dukes of Brunswick and Chevereux the Earls of Salisbury Carlisle Holland Dorset and the Viscount Andover as followeth Charles R. Â 1. King Charles Soveraign 1. The King of Denmark 2. The Prince Palatine 2. The Duke of Brunswick 3. The Duke of Chevereux 3. The Earl of Northumberland 4. The Earl of Worcester 4. The Lord Sheffield 5. The Earl of Suffolk 5. The Earl of Sussex 6. The Earl of Derby 6. The Earl of Marr. 7. The Earl of Penbroke 7. The Earl of Montgomery 8. The Earl of Arundel 8. The Earl of Somerset 9. The Earl of Kelly 9. The Visc. Wallingford 10. The Earl of Rutland 10. The Duke of Buckingham 11. The Earl of Leicester 11. The Earl of Salisbury 12. The Earl of Carlisle 12. The Earl of Dorset 13. The Earl of Holland 13. The Viscount Andover Shortly after the Restauration of the present Soveraign to his Crowns and Kingdoms when several Knights-Companions both Strangers and Subjects were to be Installed debate was had in Chapter held at Whitehall the 10. of April an 13. Car. 2. about placing their Atchievements over their Stalls whereupon the following Order issued Charles R. WHereas divers Elected Knights and Companions of our most Noble Order of the Garter are by our special appointment to be installed in the Chappel of our Castle of Windesor upon the 15. day of this instant and that some of them who are Strangers do not yet nor are likely to appear either in their own persons or by their sufficient Proxies at the said Instalment and so might run hazard to lose the benefit and advantage of their pre-election in point of rank and precedency in respect of some of our Subject Knights who though since Elected will be first installed without some expedient taken therein to prevent it There being no reason nor is it in our intention that those Noble Persons should suffer that prejudice for want of that usual formality and for which they are not in fault but others who according to the Statutes and ancient Custom were to give timely advertisement to the said Foreign elected Knights and to summon them by themselves or Proxies to assist at the said Instalment Our will and pleasure is you proceed forthwith to the placing of the Hatchments of all the respective Knights and Companions of our said Order whether Installed or Elect Subject or Strangers over the Stalls which we do in manner as followeth assign and appoint them in our foresaid Chappel 2. The Duke of York 1. 1. The Soveraign 2. The Elector Palatine 3. Prince Elector of Brandenburg 3. Prince of Orange 4. Prince Rupert 4. Prince Edward 5. Earl of Salisbury 5. Earl of Berkshire 6. Earl of Northumberland 6. Duke of Espernon 7. Duke of Ormond 7. Duke of Buckingham 8. Earl of Southampton 8. Marquess of Newcastle 9. Earl of Bristol 9. Prince of Tarente 10. Count Marshin 10. Duke of Albemarle 11. Earl of Sandwich 11. Earl of Oxford 12. Duke of Richmond 12. Earl of Lindsey 13. Earl of Manchester 13. Earl of Strafford And for so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant any Statute or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding Given under the Signet of Our said Order at our Court at Whitehall the 10. of April 1661. By the Soveraign's command Hen. de Vic. To our trusty and wellbeloved servant Sir Edward Walker Knight Garter and Principal King of Arms of our most Noble Order of the Garter So that here we see the Stranger Princes are setled in the upper Stalls neerest the Soveraign according to their several dignities and degrees and all the Knights Subjects among whom were reckoned the Duke of Espernon the Prince of Tarente and Count Marshiâ— according to the times of their Elections this being in confirmation as well of the setlement made by King Henry the Eighth as of Queen Elizabeth before remembred And among the Knights Companions in this setlement it is to be noted that though the Earl of Southampton did not receive his Garter and George till the Soveraign's happy return into England and then from his own hands yet was his place and precedence here allowed him according to the time of his Election in the Isle of Iersey in Ianuary an Dom. 1649. some few days before Duke Hamilton and the Marquess of Newcastlâ— were elected But the 10. of Ianuary an 14. Car. 2. the Soveraign and Knights-Companions assembled in Chapter Ordered That thence forward all Princes Strangers of what condition soever should have precedence among themselves according to the seniority of their Elections and Installations and thereupon the Soveraign's Warrant issued out to Garter under the Signet of the Order dated the 30. of March following to authorise him to set up their Atchievements in the Chappel of St. George at Windesor in the order here exhibited Charles R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. Void 2. Duke of York 2. Prince Elector Palatine 3. Prince Rupert 3. Prince of Orange 4. Prince Elector of Brandenburg 4. Prince of Denmark 5. Earl of Salisbury 5. Earl of Berkshire 6. Earl of Northumberland 6. Duke of Ormond 7. Duke of Buckingham 7. Earl of Southampton 8. Marquess of Newcastle 8. Earl of Bristoll 9. Prince of Tarente 9. Count Marshin 10. Duke of Albemarle 10. Earl of Sandwich 11. Earl of Oxford 11. Duke of Richmond 12. Earl of Lindsey 12. Earl of Manchester 13. Earl of Strafford 13. Duke of Monmouth Nevertheless the 19. of November and. Dom. 1669. at a Chapter held at Whitehall upon due consideration had of the Law made by King Henry the Eighth for placing of Strangers as also of Queen Elizabeth for Knights Subjects and to remove all Orders made in alteration thereof the Soveraign by the advice and consent of the most Noble Companions present was pleased to Ordain and Declare First that the Princes of Wales and such Emperors and Kings that should be of the Order should be placed in the neerest Stalls to that of the Soveraign according to their Elections and Installations Then that all other Soveraign Princes and Princes of the Blood should be placed in the Stalls next unto Kings according to their seniority in the Order And thirdly that all other his Majesties Subjects and Strangers not of the dignity above mentioned should be installed in the lowest Stalls according to their antiquity in the
Order and the ancient Practice Thus stands the Law for setlement of Stalls at this day And whereas the Stall commonly called the Prince's Stall was and had been long void the Soveraign by the advice of the most Noble Companions present in Chapter the said 19. of November was pleased to order That the present King of Sweden should by his Proxie be placed in that Stall and his Atchievements hung up thereon accordingly in convenient time All which being done as this Order directed the Stalls at the Feast of St. George celebrated an 23. Car. 2. were ordered in the following manner 1. The Soveraign 1. The King of Sweden 2. King of Denmark 2. Duke of York 3. Prince Elector Palatine 3. Prince Rupert 4. Prince of Orange 4. Prince Elector of Brandenburgh 5. Prince Elector of Saxony 5. Duke of Ormond 6. Duke of Buckingham 6. Duke of Newcastle 7. Earl of Bristol 7. Prince of Tarente 8. Count Marshin 8. Earl of Sandwich 9. Earl of Oxford 9. Duke of Richmond 10. Earl of Strafford 10. Duke of Monmouth 11. Duke of Albemarle 11. Void 12. Void 12. Void 13. Void 13. Void SECT VII Preparations made by the Knight Elect. HAving in the preceding Section laid down the ancient Law of succession into void Stalls and of Translation from one Stall to another with several instances both while such removals were at the Soveraign's pleasure and after when they became confin'd to the regular course now observed and having also discourt concerning those things which are to be prepared for the Installation of a Knight Subject on the Soveraign's part and for which his Warrants and Letters issue forth as is before shewed at large we come now to consider what is further to be prepared for the Knight Elect at his own charge against the day of this great Solemnity and they are chiefly these which follow 1. A Mantle or upper Robe with its appurtenances 2. A Collar of the Garter and Great George 3. A Cap of black Velvet adorn'd with Plumes 4. An Helm Crest Mantlings and Sword 5. A Banner of his Arms. 6. A Plate of his Arms and Stile 7. A Cushen to carry his Robes and Collar upon 8. Lodging Scutcheons We do not find that the Mantle of the Order was anciently bestowed by the Soveraign upon Knights Subjects as was the Kirtle or Surcoat nor indeed of late unless now and then as a peculiar favour for seeing the Injunction for returning the Mantle upon the death of a Knight-Companion is restrained to such only on whom the Soveraign should vouchsafe to bestow them it is thence evident that the Soveraign is not obliged to give the Mantle at all nor to all but only where himself pleaseth But it appears that the Soveraign always bestowed the Mantle together with the rest of the Habit upon Strangers after he had Elected any of them into the Society of the Order And when the whole Habit was sent over by Garter to the King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. the Mantle Surcoat and Hood were accompted for together in the Accompts of the Great Wardrobe and the like hath been done in all such cases since Howbeit of late times the Soveraign as an especial mark of favour hath been pleased now and then to give a Knight-Subject the Mantle also as did King Iames to Iames Marquess Hamilton an 21. Iac. R. and King Charles the First to Theophilus Earl of Suffolk an 4. Car. 1. to William Earl of Northampton an 5. Car. 1. and an 14. Car. 1. Sir Iames Palmer by this Soveraign's direction paid for the Velvet and Taffety of the Earl of Kelly's Mantle and Surcoat to Sir Peter Richaut and put it upon the Accompt of extraordinary charges of the Order Besides which the present Soveraign as a mark of like favour caused 17 Mantles with the usual Liveries of Surcoat and Hood to be provided against the Grand Feast of St. George an 13. Car. 2. which were bestowed not only among the new Elect Knights but the three senior Knights-Companions also namely the Earls of Salisbury Berkshire and Northumberland for which see the Warrant in the Appendix But the Elect Knight being otherwise to provide the Mantle at his own charge directions may be had in the Chapter of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order as to all the materials for making thereof The Collar of the Order with the Great George is to be provided by the Elect Knight unless where the Soveraign is pleased to bestow the Mantle and in such case he also bestows the Collar and then a like Warrant issues to the Master of the Iewel-house as did for providing the 17. Collars an 13. Car. 2. The Black Velvet Cap mentioned and described before and therefore needless to speak of it here is also to be provided at the charge of the Knight Elect. Likewise the Helm and Crest with Mantlings thereunto belonging also a Sword and Girdle usually called within the verge of this Order the Atchievements of a Knight-Companion are to be got in readiness by the care and direction of Garter but at the Elect Knights cost all which are to be set over his Stall assoon as his Installation Fees are paid This honor that every Knight-Companion should have his Helme Crest and Sword hung up over his Stall in the Chappel of St. George at Windesor is particularly provided for in all the several Bodies of Statutes and are ordained to remain there during the lives of the possessors in memory or as a Token or Mark of Honor of him that bears them and a testimony of the defence of the Church as the Oaths of Military Orders require The Helms used for this purpose and upon this occasion are made of Steel large and fair and of a more than ordinary proportion they are likewise for the most part of two sorts the one appointed for Soveraign Princes and framed open with large Bailes or Bars the other for Knights Subjects whose Vizors are made close About King Henry the Eighth's Reign the Knights Subjects Helms were parcel gilt with fine Gold in Oyle wrought with Rabeskys and other works and burnished with fine Gold But in Queen Elizabeth's Reign and since it hath been the Custom to gild their Helms all over placing St. George's Arms in the middle before the Vizors The Mantlings that hang down on either side the Helm which with the Wreath are in some places called Appendixes are all of Tissue or Cloth of Gold and heretofore lined with Sarcenet but in Queen Mary's Reign they began to make use of White Satin for of such were the Linings to the Mantlings of Anthony Brown Viscount Montague and William Howard Lord Admiral At the bottom of these Mantlings hang a pair of gilt knobs burnished with Gold from which issue Tassels of either Gold or Silver according as is the metal in the Knights Coat Armour mixed
the chief Circuâ—â—â—ances of this great Solemnity namely the particular Ceremonies of Installation managed and ordered after either the Soveraign or in his absence his Lieutenant or Commissioners and Knights-Elect are arrived at Windesor In reference to which we shall premise this general note That since neither the Statutes of Institution nor the Statutes of King Henry the Fifth afford us a Formulary for the personal Installation of a Knight-Elect though each of them contain some part of those Ceremonies observed at the Installation of Strangers by Proxy yet those made by King Henry the Eighth do exhibit in short the order and method thereof which we shall make use of as we pass along and regularly place those directions under their proper heads We must further observe that if the Installation be appointed together with the Feast of St. George then either the Soveraign and consequently the Knights-Companions or else his Lieutenant and Assistants are present but if any other time of the year then it passeth by Commissioners only and where we mention the Soveraign and his Lieutenant and Commissioners together there the Case or Rule inserted will sute with every of them After such time therefore as the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commissioners have prefixed an hour wherein to begin the Proceding to the Chapter-house in order to the Installation of the Elect Knight which Ceremony for the most part hath been performed and dispatcht on the Evening of their arrival at Windesor but sometimes the next morning all the Knights-Companions and Elect-Knights the Officers of the Order and of Arms the Prebends of the Colledge and Alms-Knights are to give their attendance that is to say the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order on the Soveraign in his inward Lodging the Elect-Knights and Officers of Arms in the Presence Chamber the Prebends and Alms-Knights in the Great Chamber where they wait the Soveraign's coming forth The attendance to be given upon the Soveraign's Lieutenant and such of the Knights-Companions as are appointed for his Assistants is by the Officers of the Order and of Arms the Prebends and Alms-Knights either at his Lodgings or else where as he shall appoint but not by any other of the Knights-Companions For though we find the Knights-Companions have sometimes proceeded to the Chappel before the Soveraign's Lieutenant when an Installation was celebrated yet hath it been at such time only as they came to Windesor with the Soveraign chiefly to hold St. George's Feast where though the Soveraign through indisposition of body or weighty affairs could not pass down to the Chappel on the Eve of the Feast yet they being obliged by the Statutes to celebrate Vespers did on this occasion not that of Installation proceed thither as it fell out at the Installation of Prince Henry and four other Knights an 1. Iac. R. when the Proceeding began from the Presence Chamber and thence past to the Chapter-house in the following Order Alms-Knights Prebends Pursuivants Heralds Vlster King of Arms. Lyon King of Arms. Clarenceux King of Arms. The four â—lect-Knights Knights-Companions Black Rod. Register Garter Chancellor The Soveraign's Lieutenant leading the Prince in his hand The Knights-Companions proceeded likewise before the Soveraign's Lieutenant at the Installation of the Duke of Brunswick and five other Elect-Knights the 23. of Nov. an 1. Car. 1. but the Soveraign was then at Windesor Castle though not in the Proceeding and the Feast of St. George there also solemnized But upon the Soveraign's Commissioneâ—s neither the Knights-Companions nor the Prelate nor Chancellor do give theâ—r attendance only at the Grand Feast of St. George an 13. Car. 2. the Chancellor then waiting on the Soveraign at Windesor in the duties of his place out of a particular regard to his Royal Highness the Duke of York being then Controller of his Houshold attended the Commissioners in the proceeding to his Installation The Proceedings upon this solemn occasion have been generally ordered on foot Nevertheless upon some extraordinary account marshalled and disposed on Horseback in manner of a Cavalcade as was set forth at the Installation of Philip King of Castile an 22. H. 7. and that when the Lord Russel and other Elect-Knights were installed an 31. H. 8. So also at the Installation of the Earl of Sussex an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. which King Philip honored with his own presence Himself and several of the Knights-Companions riding on Horseback from his Lodgings in the Castle down to the Cloister door at the East end of the Chappel and there alighting proceeded directly into the Chapter-house When the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon were installed an 3. Eliz. the Proceeding was likewise ordered on Horseback So also at the Installation of the Earl of Northumberland and Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. and lastly at the Installations of Francis Duke of Montmorency the Viscount Hereford and the Lords Burghley Grey and Shandos an 14. Eliz. concerning which it is further observed that the Soveraign's Lieutenant and Knights-Assistants did then put on their Robes in the Soveraign's Lodgings in the Castle and meeting in the Presence-Chamber proceeded down to the outward Hall door in the upper Ward of the Castle where taking their Horses adorned with foot Clothes they proceeded on Horseback to the West door of the Chappel If the Proceeding was ordered on Horseback at the beginning of the Feast it continued the same throughout at the usual times so often as the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commissioners went to the Chapter-house or Chappel and all the returns were marshalled in the like order as the settings forth As concerning the marshalling this proceeding to the Chapter-house it hath been done after the same manner and order as that celebrated on the Eve of the Grand Feast of St. George in relation to the degrees whereof it was composed of which we shall discourse at large below nevertheless where there happened any considerable difference it shall be noted in this Section as we have occasion To begin now as we shall do there with Servants and Attendants belonging to the Knight-Elect who if they be taken into the Proceeding pass on first two and two in rank according to their quality those of the meanest condition formost Next the Alms-Knights in their Habits and usual order Then follows the Verger of the Colledge After him the Prebends or Canons but what attendance they have given heretofore at Installations we cannot make appear for in those Schemes left us of Proceeding to Installations in the Reigns of King Henry the Eighth King Edward the Sixth Queen Mary and part of Queen Elizabeth we find them not inserted though since they are Next to the Prebends of the Colledge do the Pursuivants Heralds and Provincial Kings of Arms proceed in a Body And after them the Knight-Subject Elect unless the Proctor of an absent Knight-Subject pass at the same time in this Proceeding whose place is
the Hood should be carried upon the Cushen by Garter into the Choire together with the Mantle and Collar and not be put on till after the Investiture with the Mantle and so was it observed at the Feast of St. George an 13.15 23. Car. 2. And though anciently it was laid over the left shoulder of the Elect-Knight and so worn upon all occasions yet an 2. 3. Phil. Mar. the wearing thereof being taken notice of to obscure the Scutcheon of St. George embroidered on the same shoulder of the Mantle it was therefore in a Chapter held at St. Iames's on the 22. of April in the foresaid year Decreed That thenceforth the Knights-Companions should wear their Hoods on the right shoulders to the end the Scutcheon might be the better seen and appear Nevertheless there was a question moved an 12. Iac. R. whether the Knights-Companions should not restore the usage of wearing their Hoods to the left shoulder which it seems was over-ruled and the custom of wearing them on the right thought fit to be continued as the foresaid Decree appoints And on the Eve of the Feast of St. George an 23. Car. 2. some of the Knights-Companions supposing the Hoods ought to be worn rather on the left shoulder did so wear them to Vespers but the next morning being better perswaded of the Law and later Custom they altered them to the right To great Princes-Strangers there is a liberty given by King Henry the Eighth's Statutes to receive if they please their Habit wholly within the Chapter-house and before they enter their Stalls and it thereby appears that this was the Custom in times past and whereof we have an Instance in Philip King of Castile an 22. H. 7. who was fully invested in the Chapter-house with the Garter Surcoat Mantle Hood and Collar the Soveraign himself putting his hand to his Investiture with the Mantle Hereupon King Philip Grandchild to the foresaid King of Castile was invested with the whole Habit of the Order before he assumed his Stall for arriving at Windesor the 3. of Aug. 1. 2. Ph. Mar. he proceeded to the Chappel and received his Investiture within the West door where was prepared a Form adorned with Carpet and Cushens and there the Register of the Order delivered the Mantle to the Earls of Derby and Penbroke who kissing it presented it to the Queen and she her self assisted by the said Earls invested the King therewith next Garter gave the Collar to the Earls of Arundel and Penbroke who presented it also to the Queen with the like ceremony whâ—rewith the Mantle was delivered and She thereupon put it about King Philips neck and forthwith the Knight-Companions having also robed themselves within the Chappel door proceeded before the King and Queen who with joined hands passed into the Choire where being arived the Queen led him to the Soveraign's Stall which having ascended they both sat therein But as the foresaid Statute leaves this to the pleasure of the Stranger-Prince and was permitted only for gaining of time so have not any who received a Personal Installation at Windesor since been fully invested before they entred the Choire For Francis Duke of Montmorency an 14. Eliz. and â—rederick Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 10. Iac. R. were both invested with their Surcoats only in the Chapter-house but received the Mantles Hoods and Collars in their Stalls after they had taken their Oaths SECT VI. The Proceeding into the Choire THE Elect-Knight habited as before forthwith passeth from the Chapter-house along the North Isle and so in at the West door of the Choire in solemn order but his place in this Proceeding is changed for here he is led between two of the Knights-Companions This is noted in the Black Book to be the order wherein Albro Vasques d' Almadea Earl of Averence and two other Elect-Knights proceeded to their Installation an 24. H. 6. And albeit the Statutes of Institution and those made by King Henry the Fifth are silent in the order of this Proceeding yet for an Elect-Knight to be led to his Stall between two other of the Knights-Companions is no modern Ceremony since we also find that Viscount Bouchier an 30. H. 6. past to his Installation between the Lord Hastings and Lord Beauchamp But the order of Proceeding is precisely set down in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes to wit That the Elect-Knight attended by his Gentlemen and Servants shall be led between two other of the Knights-Companions the Officers of the Order going before them To this Rule the constant practice hath been answerable at all Installations since the Knight-Elect proceeding either between two of the Knights-Commissioners when there hath been no Lieutenant or between two of the Knights Assistants where a Lieutenant was constituted or lastly between the two senior Knights-Companions the Soveraign being present Of which cases we shall here assign each a President A Proceeding from the Chapter-house into the Choire at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland an 26. Eliz. Viscount Mountagu and Lord Hunsdon being Commissioners for that Solemnity Verger with his Rod. Alms-Knights two and two Pursuivants Heralds and Norroy Black Rod. Register Clarenceux who then executed the Office of Garter Lord Hunsdon Earl of Rutland Viscount Mountagu Another Proceeding from the Chapterhouse at the Installation of the Lord Russel an 31. H. 8. the Earls of Essex and Rutland being then the Lieutenants's Assistants Heralds Register Garter Earl of Rutland Lord Russell Earl of Essex A third Proceeding at the Installation of the present Soveraign an 14. Car 1. the two senior Knights-Companions being appointed to conduct the Prince from the Chapter-house to his Stall in the Choire Alms-Knights two and two Officers of Arms two and two Black Rod. Register Garter Earl of Arundell The Prince Earl of Penbroke But when there hath been three Commissioners nominated then the two senior Commissioners take the Knight-Elect between them and the junior Knight Commissioner proceeds before them and thus was it ordered at the Installation of the Earls of Essex and Ormond and Sir Christopher Hatton an 30. Eliz. where the Earl of Essex proceeded from the Chapter-house into the Choire between the Lord Hunsdon and Earl of Worcester and the Lord Grey the junior Commiâ—sioner past singly before them In all cases where the Soveraign is present at an Installation since the Custom of Investing with the Collar in the Chapter-house was left off this is generally to be observed that so soon as the Investiture with the Surcoat is finished the Soveraign passeth from the Chapter-house into the Choire with the whole Proceeding before him leaving the Elect-Knight behind And so soon as he and the Knights-Companions have taken their Stalls in the usual manner the two senior Knights-Companions upon the Soveraign's verbal directions descend from their Stalls and stand under their Banners while the
them the substance of those of the Garter and being of later Institution cannot but be acknowledged Copies from this Original so we here think it requisite to exhibit the manner of Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order of St. Michael of our King Edward the Sixth Thomas Duke of Norfolk and Robert Earl of Leicester to the end the Reader may also observe that the order of our Ceremonies used at the Investiture of a Knight-Companion of the Garter is also the Precedent to theirs of St. Michael The manner of receiving the Order of Saint Mychaell by King Edward the Sixth FIrst the King's Majesty to be in his Privy Chamber accompanied with his Noble-men and all them of the Order of the Garter to have their Collars about their necks and the French King's Ambassador to enter with the Order and so after his obeysance the proposition to be given and after the proposition done the King's Majesty must put off his uppermost garment the Ambassador shall invest him with the Robes of that and afterwards when the King is full invested then all the Noblemen to proceed afore the King and the Ambassadors which be in Commission to go afore the King with the Noble-men in order to the Chappel and after them the two French Lords then the King of Arms then the Sword then the King's Majesty himself then the Lord Chamberlain and the Vice-Chamberlain to bear the train of the Robes and in this order to proceed to the Chappel and the King to go into his Stall and the other into their Stalls and at the Offering time the King's Majesty to Offer and the greatest man about the King to give the King his Offring and then the two other to offer according to their Estates when the King is in his Stall and when all the Service is done they to proceed in like order as they came to the Chappel to the place appointed for Dinner and none to sit at the King's Board but only the two Knights which be of the same Order of France and after Dinner the King's Majesty to put off his Robes and to near such Apparel as shall please his Majesty Note the King's Majesty when he passeth by the French King's Stall is to make but only a beck with his head Add hereunto That King Edward the Sixth observed the Anniversary of St. Michael after the same manner and order as Strangers were long before obliged to do that of St. George and caused his Arms surrounded with the Order of St. Michael to be set up in his Chappel at Hampton Court each Michaelmas-day after his acceptation of that Order during his life The order and manner of furnishing the Chappel at the Queen's Palace of Westminster against Thursday the 24. of January 1565. Anno. 8. Eliz. Reginae that the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Leicester received the Order of Saint Michael there ITem the said Chappel both before and behind the Stalls to the ground was hanged with rich Arras and the upper part from the Table of Administration to the Stalls hanged with like Stuff which said Table was richly garnished with Plate and Iewels as followeth First to the wall was set in a row five gilt Bâ—sins and afore them another row and in the middle a gilt Cross between two greâ—t gilt Cups covered garnished with Stone a Ship or Ark likewise garnished a Fountain of Mother of Pearl and a pair of gilt Candlesticks afore that another row in the middle whereof was set a rich Bason and Ewer gilt railed over with Gold between two great Mawdlyn Cups with Covers two great Leywres two Cruâ—ts and a Pax all gilt and over the said Table on the wall upon the Arras was fastned a fronte of Cloth of silver embroidered with Angels of Gold and before the said Table to the ground a front of the same suit The Dean's Stall was garnished with Cushens and a rich Cloth of Estate whereon was set within a black Table the Arms of the French King within his own Order under a Crown Imperial the ground palee of 6. Blue White and Orange Tawney without any style Then on the same side over the 6. Stall on the Arras hanged a like Table with the Arms within the Order Crest and Supporters of the Deputy Mounsâ—eur Remboilliet with a Cushen before him the Table palee of six Ar. and Sa. the Arms Sab. a Saulter Ar. the Crest a Lyon couchant Ar. collored Or his supporters two Woodmen with Clubs in their hands the great end downward and under his Style written viz. Messier Iaques D'angennes Seigneur de Remboilliet Chivaler de L'ordre du Roy Capitaine des Cinquantes hommes des Armes de ses Ordonnances On the other side on the Arras over the eight Stall hanged a little Table palee of six Ar. and Gu. with the Arms within that Order of the Duke of Norfolk under a Dukes Crown with no Crest nor Supporters but his Style De treshault puissant tresnoble Prince Thomas Dac de Norfolk Conte Marishall D'angleterre Seigneur de Mowbrey Segrave de Brews Chivaler de tresnoble Ordre de la Jarritier aussi du tresnoble Ordre de St. Michell On the third Stall beneath on the same side hanged a like Table Palee of six Or Az. with the Arms in that Order of the Earle of Leicester under an Earls Crown without Crest or Supporters but his Style Du tresnoble puissant Seigneur Robert Conte de Leicester Baron de Denbeigh Chivaler du tres-noble c. Grand Escuyer de la Royne nostre Souveraigne On the ground before the Duke and Earls Stall stood two Chairs with Cushens for them to sit on if they pleased till they took their Stalls And about the Stalls on the South side was set a Chair Carpet and Cushen where the Embassador Leger sate all the Ceremony time And below afore the Deputy's Stall was set a Form covered with a Carpet for Monsieur Doze alias St. Michell to sit on And above that on either side were Tables and Forms for the Gentlemen and Children of the Chappel The receiving of the said Order of St. Michaell Thursday the 24. of January Anno 8. Reg. Elizab. ITem about 10. of the Clock the said day the Embassador Leger with Mounsieur Remboilliet the French King's Deputy together with the other Lords and Gentlemen accompanied with certain English Gentlemen came to the Court at the Queen's Palace of Westminster where at the Gate they were met by the Earl of Warwick and others and conveyed up to the Queen 's great Closset whither after a while came the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Leicester And for that the said Duke and Deputy had not till then seen either other they then embraced each other and then communed a while And then the said Deputy left the same Lords there and he with Mounsieur Doze alias St. Michaell Mr. Garter and others went down through the Chappel into
with the former yet more clear and full than the Black-Book for it tells us that Mr. Newport was at the same time sent in the Legation with the Garter and Mantle to the King of Poland But to return we have not found that King Henry the Eighth or any of his Successors Soveraign's of the Order have made much use of that liberty granted by the foresaid Article of his Statutes for deferring the Significatory Letters of Election beyond the time appointed by the Statutes of Institution And that it may be the better observed how soon notice of Election hath been given to Strangers we will insert all the instances in this kind that have come to our knowledge It is recorded that the French King Francis the First was Elected Oct. 21. an 19. H. 8. and albeit we find not the exact time when the Soveraign's Letter for giving notice of his Election was sent him yet must that complement be most certainly dispatcht within the time limited by the ancient Statutes since we observe he was Installed within three months after viz. the 25. of Ianuary following When Iames the Fifth King of Scotland was Elected Ian. 20. an 26. â— 8. the Lord William Howard was forthwith sent to inform him of his â—lection Henry the Second of France before mentioned having been Elected the 24. of April an 5. E. 6. had Letters of signification sent him in May following Emanuel Duke of Savoy was chosen a Knight-Companion 6. Aug. an 1 2. Ph. M. and the same day it was Decreed That Letters should be sent unto him with the illustrious Garter and other Ensigns of the Order But hereby is to be understood the Soveraign's Credential Letters sent to accompany the Habit of the Order the Commission for delivery whereof bears teste the 17. of October following not the Letters signifying his Election for it appears clearly from the said Credentials that the Soveraign had not only before that time given him notice of his Election but that the Duke had returned a cheerful and ready acceptance of the honor The Election of Charles the Ninth of France passed the 24. of April an 6. Eliz and in May ensuing the Lord Hunsdon carried him the Habit of the Order which he received at Lyons the 24. of Iune following and the French King Henry the Fourth and Iames the Sixth King of Scotland afterwards Soveraign of this most Noble Order were both Elected together the 24. of April an 32. Eliz. to the former of these the Certificate of Election was sent by Sir Edward Stafford Knight and to the later by the Earl of Worcester Lastly Christian the Fourth King of Denmark Elected the 14. of Iune an 1. Iac. R. Maurice Prince of Orange chosen the 19. of December an 10. Iac. R. Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry Prince of Orange both Elected the 24. of April an 3. Car. 1. as also Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne chosen a Knight-Companion the 18. of April an 9. Car. 1. had Letters sent to signifie their Election within a few days after they were Elected And at such times as the present Soveraign made Election of any Stranger whilst he remained abroad care was also taken to send his Letters to acquaint them with their Election immediately after the Ceremony of Election had past SECT II. Of Notice given of an Election before sending the Habit. HEre it is to be observed with how much more caution than the former the Statutes made by King Henry the Eighth do Ordain to send Letters that signifie Election and the Book of Statutes only at the first but not the Garter and Mantle till a return be made whether the Stranger-Elect after consultation had with the Statutes will receive the Order or not And after the Certificate of Acceptance returned to the Soveraign then but not before is it there also Decreed to send a solemn Embassy with the whole Habit George and Collar And consonant to these directions in the Statutes hath the Practice sometimes been As for instance in the cases of the French King Henry the Second an 5. E. 6. and Emanuel Duke of Savoy an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. both remembred a little before as also in that of Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg to whom Queen Elizabeth sent Letters signifying his Election shortly after she had chosen him into the Society of the Order to which the Duke returned thanks and acceptation by two Ambassadors Benjamin a Buwinkhausen of Walmeroet one of his privy Councel and Cristopher ab Haugwitz Master of his Horse who received a promise from the Soveraign that the sending him the whole Habit of the Order should not be long deferr'd howbeit the same was not sent during her life SECT III. Notice of Election sent with the Habit. WHen the Soveraign hath been well assured beforehand that the Elect-Stranger would not refuse the Honor upon such confidence the same Embassy as anciently before the adding this Clause dispatcht both Ceremonies The Soveraign's Letter certifying Election being first presented together with the Book of Statutes to peruse and consider of and if upon consideration thereof the Stranger declared his acceptance then within few days after the whole Habit of the Order was with due Solemnity delivered And thus do we find it directed shortly after the Election of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland the Lord William Howard sent on that Embassy his Instructions as to this point being as followeth That he should within five or six days next after he had been with the said King of Scots for his first Embassade and resort to Court there and in most reverend fashion deliver unto the King of Scots the Letter Missive of Certification of his Election into the noble Order of the Garter from the Soveraign of the Order with due commendation from his Highness The Letter read and the said King consenting to the Reception of the said Order then incontinent the Book of Statutes to be delivered unto him and a day appointed to have his consentment on the Articles of the said Statutes In like manner were the Letters certifying Election and the Commission for presenting the Habit and Ensigns of the Order dispatcht together to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 1. Iac. R. and sent by the Earl of Rutland who went hence within a fortnight after the said King had been Elected As also to Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry Prince of Orange within two months their Election falling on the 24. of April an 3. Car. 1. and the date of the Commission for delivering the Order being on the 24. of Iune following The manner and order of the delivery of these Letters signifying Election when the Habit is sent therewith is thus First the Ambassador and Officer of Arms having notice given them of the first Audience do present
Elected the 24. of April an 8. Eliz. but it was above a year after â—re the Commission issued out to the Earl of Sussex viz. 20. May an 9. Eliz. for carrying the Ensigns of the Order over to â—im It was seven years after the Election of the French King Henry the Third before the Warrant issued out to provide his Robes and almost two years longer ere the Earl of Derby went over with them in all about nine years and something above eight months And in another instance of a French King namely Henry the Fourth we find it six years and a half from the time of his Election to his reception of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order which Solemnity fell on the 10. of October an 38. Eliz. Lastly we observe that it was five years and a half after the Election of Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg before the Embassy with the Ornaments of the Order were sent unto him for we find he was Elected at St. George's Feast an 39. Eliz. and the Commission of Legation to the Lord Spencer and Sir William Dethick bears Teste at Woodstock the 18. of Sept. an 1. Iac. R. SECT II. Preparations made for the Legation IN reference to this solemn Embassie there are several things to be provided before the Ambassadors or Commissioners take their journey as first 1. Credential Letters 2. Commission of Legation 3. Warrants for the Habit and Ensigns of the Order and 4. other Necessaries The Credential Letters are as to particulars drawn sutable to the present occasion by the Chancellor of the Order and directed to the Stranger-Elect but the substance in general is That the Soveraign having elected him into the Society of the Order hath sent his Ambassadors with full power to present the Habit and perform the Ceremonies in such case due and accustomed as if himself were present And further to desire him to give credit to all that his Ambassadors shall say or perform in his behalf in reference to their Commission as he would do to himself These Letters pass under the Sign manual of the Soveraign and Signet of the Order but it is observable that those sent to Emmanuel Duke of Savoy were subscribed both by King Philip and Queen Mary The Commission of Legation is likewise to be prepared by the Chancellor oâ— the Order fairly ingrossed in Velom and sealed with the Great Seal of the Order the substance of which for the most part hath been as followeth First the merits and worthiness of the Elect-Stranger to deserve the honor of Election and the reasons inducing the Soveraign to confer the same upon him are elegantly set forth in the Preamble Secondly the persons nominated for this honorable employment are ordained authorized and deputed and therein styled Ambassadors Procurators and special Messengers and so are they acknowledged to be by the Strangers-Elect in their Certificates of the Receipt of the Habit. Thirdly their power authority and special command is to address themselves to the Stranger-Elect and to present and deliver him from the Soveraign the Garter Mantle and other the Ensigns of the Order with due and accustomed Ceremonies and Solemnities where note that if there were four or five joined in a Commission as it hapned sometimes heretofore then any five four three or two were of the Quorum whereof the Principal in the Embassy was always one Fourthly they were impowered to require from the Stranger-Elect his Oath according to the form and manner prescribed in the Statutes but this clause we only find inserted in the Commissions of Legation to Charles Duke of Burgunâ—y an 9. E. 4. and Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria an 15. H. 8. and omitted in all Commissions since that time And lastly to perform accomplish and dispatch those things which they should judge necessary on this occasion in like manner as if the Soveraign should or were obliged to doe if he were present in his own person And this latitude was thought convenient to allow the Ambassadors in case any matter in Ceremony or other Circumstances should be thought necessary or expedient to use not repugnant to the Statutes of the Order which their Instructions had not sufficiently provided for As touching the first of these particulars we have spoken to it already but the second particular relating to the persons nominated in the Commission to perform this service we conceive most proper to handle here The first Embassy upon this occasion recorded in the Black-Book of the Order is that to Edward King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. to whom for the dignity of the Affair Garter was thought sit by the Chapter to be sent alone with the Habâ—t of the Order And hence is the original of Garter's claim to this Employment Nevertheless in succeeding times as the Order grew up into esteem both at home and abroad some one of the Knights-Companions was made choice of by the Soveraign to be the Principal in these Legations as were Galliard Sieur de Duras sent to Charles Duke of Burgundy an 9. E. 4. Arthur Plâ—rtaâ—enet Viscount Lysle to the French King Francis the First an 19. H. 8. William Marquess of Northampton to the French King Henry the Second an 5. E. 6. Edward Lord Clynton and Say to Emanuel Duke of Savoy an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Charles the Ninth French King an 6. Eliz. Thomas Earl of Sussex to Maximilian the Emperor an 9. Eliz. Henry Earl of Derby to the French King Henry the Third an 27. Eliz. And Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury to Henry the Fourth the French King an 38. Eliz. Sometimes other Noblemen and persons of great quality though not Knights-Companions of the Order yet correspondent to the Degree of the Stranger-Elect or to the esteem the present Interest begat with the Soveraign were employed chief in these Embassies among whom Sir Charles Somerset created after Earl of Worcester was sent to the Emperor Maximilian an 6. H. 7. Henry Lord Morley to Don Ferdinand Prince of Spain Arch-Duke of Austria an 15. H. 8. The Lord William Howard Brother to Thomas Duke of Norfolk to Iames the Fifth King of Scotland an 26. H. 8. The Lord Willoughby of Frâ—â—â— to Frederick the Third King of Denmark Roger Earl of Rutland to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 1. Iac. R. The Lord Spencer of Wormleighton to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg the same year Sir Ralph Winwood to Maurice Prince of Orange an 10 Iac. R. Sir Iacobs Spene of Wormston to Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden an 3. Car. 1. Dudley Viscount Doncaster to Henry Prince of Orange the same year And Sir William Boswell to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 9. Car. 1. In Embassies of this nature it was heretofore usual to join some persons of rank and quality or Office neer the Soveraign in the Commission and such were Sir Iohn Scott Controller of
the Soveraign's House and Sir Thomas Vaughan Treasurer of his Chamber both joined in Commission with Galliard Sieur de Duras Sir William Hussey with the Lord Morley and Sir Nicholas Carew and Sir Anthony Brown with Viscount Lysle To these persons the Soveraign thought fit sometimes to add a Doctor of the Civil Law or an Ecclesiastical person having dignity and such as had the Language of the Country whither they were sent not only the better to make answer to such questions as the Stranger-Elect might start upon his perusal of the Statutes but also to inform him touching the Institution of the Order or other Historical passages relating to the Founder the preceding or present Knights-Companions or honor of the Garter all which if judiciously and accurately rendred might add reputation to the Order and beget in the Stranger-Elect the better esteem of it Besides an Ecclesiastical person was in those times thought fittest to administer the Oath and to pronounce the words of Signification at the time of Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order And for these Reasons was Iohn Russell Doctor of the Civil Law and Archdeacon of Berkshire joined in Commission with the aforesaid Galliard Sieur de Duras and Edward Lee Doctor in Divinity Arch-deacon of Colchester and the Soveraign's Almoner sent over with the Lord Morley In like manner was Iohn Tailour Arch-deacon of Buckingham and Vice-chancellor joined with Arthur Plantagenet Viscount Lysle and Doctor Goodrick Bishop of Ely with the Marquess of Northampton But of later times the Soveraign's Ambassador resident with the Stranger-Elect hath supplied this place as did Sir Thomas Smith in the Legation sent over to the French King Charles the Ninth and Sir Edward Stafford in that to the French King Henry the Third and Sir Anthony Mildmay when the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent upon the like Legation to the French King Henry the Fourth Besides the before mentioned persons Garter Principal King of Arms was always joined in these Commissions of Legation not only to keep on foot his right to the employment but to manage the ceremonious part of this Solemnity and if we shall be thought over numerous in Instances to justifie this particular let our Reader excuse it since it is to make good the Priviledge of an Office and maintain the interest of an ancient right This reason we presume will also excuse our repetition here of the ancient President when Garter carried over the Habit of the Order to Edward King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. to which we shall subjoin the Embassies to Charles Duke of Burgundy where Sir Iohn Writh Garter was joined in the Commission with Galliard Sieur de Duras and that to Guido Vbaldus Duke of Vrbyn an 22. H. 7. Sir Thomas Wriothesley was also joined with Sir Charles Somerset in the Legation to the Emperor Maximilian with the Lord Morley sent to Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria and with Arthur Viscount Lysle to the French King Francis the First Sir Christopher Barker Garter was also sent with the Habit of the Order into Scotland immediately after the Lord William Howard who jointly presented the same to King Iames the Fifth Sir Gilbert Dethick likewise was joined in the Commission with the Marquess of Northampton in the Embassy to the French King Henry the Second also with the Lord Clynton in that Emanuel Duke of Savoy with the Lord Hunsdon in that Legation to Charles the Ninth with the Earl of Sussex in that to the Emperor Maximilian and with Peregrine Lord Willoughby in that to Frederick the Second King of Denmark Afterwards Sir William Dethick his Son and Successor in the Office of Gaâ—ter was in like manner joined in Commission with the Earl of Shrewsbury sent to Henry the Fourth French King and with Robert Lord Spencer to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg Lastly Sir William Segar when the Habit of the Order was sent to Henry Prince of Orange was joined in Commission with Viscount Carleton for the presentation thereof And it is here further to be noted that at such times as any other of the Officers of Arms were employed in this Affair as hath sometimes hapned when Garter could not undertake the Voyage in person such Officer recommended by him to but approved of by the Soveraign was sent to execute his Office nevertheless under a particular reservation of his Rights And therefore the Embassy to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark falling out neer to the Coronation of King Iames in reference to the preparations for which grand Solemnity Garter could not be spared William Segar Esq then Norroy King of Arms was joined in Commission with the Earl of Rutland When Henry St. George Esq Richmond Herald was joined with Sir Iames Spens Knight and Peter Young Esq in the Commission of Legation to a Gustâ—vus Adoâ—pâ—us King of Sweden he went Deputy to Sir William Sâ—gâ—r Garter and was accountable to him for the Rewards he did receive Nor was Iâ—hâ— Plâ—â—â— Esq Somerset Herald any otherwise sent than Deputy to Gaâ—tâ—r though joined in Commission with William Boswell Esq for delivery of the Garter and George to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 9. Car. 1. In like manner when the Embassy was less solemn and only part of the Ensigns of the Order sent Garter hath been jointly employed with the other Commissioners for so was William Segar Esq Garter with Sir Ralph Winwood for presenting the Garter and George to Maurice Prince of Orange an 10. Iâ—c R. But beside the ancient right the usage and prescription on Garter's side as is before laid down we find it declared by a Decree in Chapter pass'd the 18. of April an 13. Car. 1. That the carrying of the Ensigns of the Order to Stranger-Princes doth properly belong to Garter Besides those persons joined in the Commission of Legation there hath been oft times appointed either Norroy King of Arms or some one of the Heralds to go in the quality of an Attendant on this Service not only for the honor of the Sâ—veraign but of the Stranger that is to receive the Habit in regard the Ceremonies of Investiture with the whole Habit require the presence and assistance of two Officers of Arms concerning which we have met with these Presidents Lancaster Herald attended the Embassy to Charles the Ninth French King Chester Herald and Rouge Dragon Pursuivant at Arms waited on the Embassy to the French King Henry the Third A Herald also attended the Embassy to Emanuel Duke of Savoy York Herald attended that to Maximilian the Emperor And Somerset Herald to the French King Henry the Fourth And whereas there went only Norroy to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark it was because no more of the Officers of Arms could be then spared from their necessary attendance on the Soveraign's Coronation then at hand So in
like Reverence towards the Soveraign's State deposites there the Ensigns of the Order The Lord Ambassador follows and makes his Reverence towards the Soveraign's State and after turning to the Stranger-Elect and doing him Reverence he or some other fit person thereto appointed delivers himself in a short but grave and learned Oration In which he not only sets forth the praises of the most illustrious Order and of the King the Soveraign thereof his Majesties hearty affection and good will appearing in this Action but also the virtues the memorable and praise worthy Actions of the Elect-Stranger to whom the Habit and Ensigns of the Order are sent neither are his Ancestors if happily any of them have attained and enjoyed the honor reputation and dignity of this Order to be pass'd over in silence whereby his heart already sufficiently of it self breathing impatience and desire may be so much the more inflamed with an earnestness to obtain the honor and favour of this so great a dignity He adds beside that the Soveraign having well weighed these and the like things in his mind and maturely advised thereof with his Knights-Companions they were perswaded and well satisfied in themselves to nominate and chuse him before others to the end that he might both himself be honored by the choice of such a person and also thereby give an encrease and addition of Lustre to those renowned actions and virtues which already were a chief ornament unto him Lastly he points towards the Ensigns of the Order which he declares to have been sent by the Soveraign out of great love and singular affection to dignifie him therewith as to a person unto whom he wisht as well and honorably as to any other Prince whatsoever and withall intreats him kindly to accept of and wear them in remembrance of the Soveraign and his Order This or the like Oration being ended the Ambassadors present their Commission of Legation to the hands of the Elect-Stranger who delivers it to his Secretary and he publickly reads it At the before mentioned Investiture of the French King Henry the Second the Bishop of Ely one of the Commissioners in the Legation made the Speech to which the Cardinal of Loraine returned answer in the said Kings behalf with all thankful acknowledgments of the honor of the Order And when Henry the Third of France received the Habit of the Order Sir Edward Stafford the Soveraign's Leiger Ambassador performed this service After the Commission is read Garter presents the Oath fairly written which is administred to the Elect-Stranger where if any exceptions were before made and admitted they must be here rehearsed as we find it directed in the Instructions given for the Investiture of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland But the Oath was not taken by the French King Henry the Third till after his Investiture and in the Augustine Fryers Church in Paris which being before prepared and written on Parchment in Letters of Gold the said King there signed it by the subscription of his name Henry and then delivered it to his Secretary to have his Privy Seal put to it So also was the Duke of Wirtemberg an 1. Iac. first Invested in his great Hall at Studtgard and then proceeded to the great Church where he took the Oath The Ceremony of the Oath being finished Garter takes from off the Cushen the Garter and having kiss'd it presents it to the Lord Ambassador who kneeling down puts it with all Reverence about the Stranger 's left leg being assisted by Garter and therewithall Garter pronounceth these words of Signification Ad laudem atque honorem Omnipotentis Dei intemeratae Matris ejus Sancti Georgii Martyris cinge Tibiam tuam hoc insigni Subligaculo circumferens in augmentum honoris tui in signum ac memoriam illustrissimi Ordinis nusquam oblivioni daturus aut omissurus quod eo moneris ut valeas inquam velis in justo bello quod solùm inibis stare firmitèr agere fortitèr feliâ—iter omnino vincere This being said Garter next takes the Surcoat and delivers it with the Ceremony of a Kiss to the Lord Ambassador who after the Elect-Stranger hath put off his Cloak or upper Garment and Sword puts it upon him in this manner First the Lord Ambassador begins at the Stranger 's right arm and Garter or the Leiger Ambassador if present assists at the left shoulder The Stranger being thus vested with the Surcoat both the Lord Ambassador and Garter gird his Sword about him with a Velvet Girdle of the same colour at the doing whereof Garter saith these words Capito vestem hanc purpuream ad incrementum honoris in signaculum Ordinis accepti quâ munitus non vereberis pro fide Christi libertate Ecclesiae pro jure oppressorum atque indigentium necessaria tuitione sanguinâ—m etiam fundere nedum fortitèr ac strenuè dimicare After this Garter takes up the Mantle and Hood which having in like manner kissed he delivers to the Lord Ambassador who invests the Stranger therewith and lays the Hood upon his right shoulder the Train being given into the hands of some noble Personage to be born up Garter also pronouncing these words Accipe Clamidem hanc Coelici coloris in Signum Clarissimi hujus Ordinis in augmentum etiam honoris tui rubeo Clypeo Dominicae Crucis uti cernis insignitam ut cujus virtute semper ac vigore protectus per Hostes tutus abeas eos ubique superare valeas pro clarissimis deniqueâ—â—ritis post egregiam hanc hujus temporis militiam ad aeterna veréque triumphalia gaudia pertingas And in the last place Garter takes up the Collar and with a Kiss also presents it to the Lord Ambassador who placeth it about the Stranger 's shoulders at which part of the Investiture Garter uttereth these words Torquem hunc in Collo deferes ad augmentum honoris in signum quoque clarissimi Ordinis à te suscepti cum imagine sanctissimi Martyris Christi Militis Georgii cujus praesidio suffultus Mundi hujus tà m prospera quà m adversa sic pertranscas ut animae pariter ac corporis hostibus hic strenue devictis non temporariae modo Militiae gloriam sed perennis victoriae palmam denique recipere valeas Amen As soon as this Ceremony of Investiture is finished the Lord Ambassador congratulateth the new invested Stranger in the Soveraign's name and in the name of all the Knights-Companions and then delivers to him his Velvet Cap adorned with White Plumes and next the Book of Statutes By the Instructions drawn up for the Investiture of Iulianus de Medicis and Iames the Fifth King of Scotland though the form of the words of Admonition and Signification are therein more briefly coucht it may be observ'd that this was the ancient series and order of Investiture and
and the honor they derived from it some have thought fit to transmit the memory to Posterity by Medâ—ls with Inscriptions relating thereto Such were those of Gold and Silver which Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg caused to be made having on one side his Effigies and on the other the Arms of Studtgard his chief City and over them the imperial Eagle crowned some of which were preserved and others disperst abroad for a perpetual commemoration of that solemn act of his Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order So also those made by Charles King of Sweden at his Investiture emblematically pointing out the happy concord setled between the Crowns both of this and that Kingdom being copied out and here inserted What is wanting in the course of the Solemnity on the day of Investiture may be supplied from the large account we shall give of the Ceremonies on the Eve and Feast-day of St. George from whence many things may be transferr'd to their use who shall be employed abroad upon the Like Legations Yet for their sakes whose curiosity will like a more particular account of the Solemnities in Foreign parts we have thought fit to insert here the Relations of some eminent Investitures wherein several passages may seem remarkable enough while drawn together in a continued Narrative but perhaps would not appear so if taken asunder nor indeed can divers minute things in some kind worthy of knowledge be precisely referr'd to those few heads we have chosen to discourse of without too much straining A Relation of the manner of investing the French King Henry the Third with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter An. Dom. 1585. HEnry Earl of Derby appointed by her Majesty Ambassador to Henry the Third French King and to invest him with the Order of the Garter took his leave of the Queen's Majesty at Greenwiche the 20. of January an 27. Eliz. and with him such Gentlemen as were present were admitted to kiss her Highness hand Mr. Cook Clarenceux appointed to attend in that Voyage in place of Garter whose room was void and Robert Glover Somerset Herald likewise appointed to that Iourney On the 26. of January the Earl with his Train passed from London to Gravesend where taking Post-Horses they rid to Sittingborne and from thence to Dover where they embarqued and landed at Callis on the first of February on the third of February the Earl with his whole Train went from Callis to Boloigne to Bed where they were very well entertained On the fourth of February they rid to Monstreuil on the fifth to Abbevil where they were met with 150 shot of Hacquebusiers On the sixth they took their Iourney to Amyens being by Monsieur Crevecoeur accompanied with 100 Gentlemen and best Citizens met half a Mile without the Town that night the said Crevecoeur presented the Earl with great store of very large and good Fresh-water Fish and the Town with Wine of divers sorts and the day following being Sunday the said Crevecoeur invited the Earl to Dinner which Dinner was highly commended after Dinner the Earl with his Train went to Breteuil to Bed the next night to Cleremont where they stayed Tuesday and Wednesday the tenth of February he went to Luserche on the eleventh to St. Dennis where by the way he was met by Sir Edward Stafford her Majesties Ambassador resident with the French King who brought with him divers Gentlemen of England to the number of thirty horse and so accompanied him to St. Dennis where they kept Company all the day following being Friday On Saturday his honor made his Entry into Paris about two or three of the Clock at Afternoon there being of the Lord Ambassadors Train more than two hundred horse and mid-way between St. Dennis and Paris there met with them sent from the King the Duke of Montpensier a Prince of the blood the Lords Chauigny le Chapelle Comte de Lude de Pienne de Malicorne de la Mothefelon who had sometimes been Ambassador Leiger in England D'estree d'Abin de Fontaines de Cornusson the Marquess of Curton the Comte de Grignan all Councellors to the Council and Knights of the Holy Ghost the Duke of Iremonille the Counts of Brisac de Creance Sancerre and of Lazure with a great number of Lords and Barons Gentlemen of the Chamber these did accompany the Earl of Derby unto Hostell de Longuevill sometime called the Hostell of Anjou there was his Lordship with the other Lords and Gentlemen lodged where was three Tables very sumptuously furnished for them all of the Kings cost the one Table in the great Chamber for the Lords and Gentlemen Servants to her Majesty the other in the Hall for the Earl of Derby's Gentlemen and a third in a Gallery beneath for Gentlemens Servants besides livery into every Chamber both of Wax Wood Wine and such like in as great plenty as could be desired On Sunday the said Earl betwixt the hours of two and three in the Afternoon went from his Lodging by a Postern through the Garden accompanied with the said Lords de la Mothefelon de Curton and Grignan together with others and and found the Captains of the Regiment of the Kings Guard making two ranks on either side of the streets beginning from the Postern to the Louvre Gate who welcomed â—im in the Kings behalf without the Gate of the said Louvre he was received by the Lieutenant of the great Provost of France and his Archers at the Louvre Gate by the Sire de Montigny Captain thereof to his Majesty and his Archers which Archers together with those of the great Provost made two ranks from the said Gate of the Louvre to the foot of the Stairs from which foot his Lordship was received by the Sire de Pardillon the French Lieutenant of the Switzers of the Kings Guard which from the foot of the said Stairs to the door of the Hall made two ranks for his Lordships passage at the entrance of the Hall his Lordship was received by the Sire de Chasteau Viaux Knight of the Holy Ghost and Captain of Archers of the Kings Guard who likewise from the said door unto the door of the Antichamber made two ranks from the door of the Antichamber his Lordship was received by Sire de Combault Knight of the Holy Ghost Chief Master de Hostell to his Majesty and by his Gentlemen Waiters and there in the said Antichamber all the said Earl of Derby's Officers and Gentlemen wearing Liveries were appointed to stay and the Queens Servants that proceeded next went still forward at the Entry of the Chamber of Estate his Lordship was received by the Sire de Lenoncourt Knight of the Holy Ghost chief Escuier of the Kings â—scurie and the other Escuiers of the Escuire together with the Lieutenant of the hundred Gentlemen of his Majesty who made two ranks from that Chamber door to the Chamber of Audience every of them having Halberts in their hands
at the Entrance of the Antichamber his Lordship was received by the Duke Joyeuse accompanied with the Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber Ordinary who made two ranks from that Chamber door to the door of the Chamber Royal into the said Chamber Royal. First entred all the Gentlemen the Queen's Majesty's Servants the Lords that had received and accompanied the said Earl and Lords and the said Duke de Joyeuse accompanied the said Earl of Derby unto the Bars that stood about the haultpâ—ce or mounting floor in the said Chamber where the King stood at his Beds feâ—t accompanied with the said Barriers on his right hand with the Cardinals of Bourbon Vandosme and Joyeuse and on the left hand with the Lords the Princes of Conty the Comte de Soissons and D. Montpensier Princes of the Blood the Dukes of Nevers Delboeufe de la Joinuille de Retz Monsieur le Chancellourâ— Sier de Villequier du Bouchage de la Valette d'Antragues de la Chappelle aux Urfius Chavigny la Vivone Comte de Mauleurier Clermont Denitragues de l'Archant and other Knights of the Holy Ghost and Councellors of the â—states in great number The said Earl with the Lord Ambassador Ordinary of England only entred the said halt-space within the Barriers unto his Majesty of whom they were received with great curtesie and as amiable countenance as could be and the Earl delivered the Queen's Majesty's Letters unto the King with great reverenâ—e and then making rehearsal of that he had in charge to say the said Ambassador presented unto the King the Lord Sands and Windsore and other the English Knights and Gentlemen which all one after another mounted upon the halt-pace kissed their hands and did reverence unto the King Then the Earl took his leave and was conducted by all the Lords and Captains unto the place where they had first received him After he went to salute the Queen Mother and at the entrance into her Chamber he was received by Monsieur de Lansac Knight of the Holy Ghost and Knight of Honor unto the said Queen whom he found accompanied with her Neece the Princes of Loraine standing at her Beds head the Princes of Conde and the Dutchess of Nevers standing at the Beds feet the Dutchess of Duzez and of Retz and other Ladies and Gentlewomen in greâ—t number from thence his Lordship was conveyed to the Queen Regents Chamber and at the entrance whereof he was received by the Comte de Fiesque Knight of the Holy Ghost and her Knight of Honor finding her accompanied with the Dutchess of Montpensier and Joyeuse who stood at her Beds feet the Lady of Royden her Lady of Honor and other Ladies and Gentlewomen in great number and then returned to the aâ—oresaid Hostell de Longueville On Monday the 15 of February the King by Mouâ—eur de Mothefelon told the Lord Ambassador his mind touching the receipt of the Order that he intended to receive it on Thursday following in the Afternoon at the Augustine Friars which was done accordingly the 18 day of February an 27. Eliz. About two of the Clock in the Afternoon the Earl and Leiger Ambassador and all the other Gentlemen of their Train in Coaches were conducted from the house of Longueville where the Earl of Derby was lodged unto the house of Monsieur de Mantuliet Provost of Paris where the Earl did put on his Robes of the Garter and Clarenceux then representing the place of Garter did put on his Mantle and made ready the Kings Robes The King also with a great number of his Nobility came from the Louvre to the same house of Mantuliet for whom there was provided two Chambers in the inner Chamber over the Chimney was set up a cloth of Estate and on the left hand thereof a board covered with a rich Carpet against the end of which board the King did stand in a short Gown of rich Taffata having on either hand of him some sixteen of the greatest of his Nobility the rest abode in the outward Chamber for so was the Kings pleasure that there might be the more room and freer access for the Earl and the English Noblemen and Gentlemen all things being put in good order the King sent the Earl word by Monsieur Lamothe Fluelon and Monsieur de Rhoades Master of the Ceremonies that he stayed for him Whereupon thirty of the English Gentlemen accompanied with as many French Gentlemen proceeded two and two together up the Stairs before the Earl towards the King then marched Somerset Herald in his rich Coat of Arms bearing on his Arms the Kings Kittle Mantle and Hood after him went Clarenceux in a Robe of Crimson Sattin having on his arms a fair large Cushen of Purple Velvet and thereon the Collar of the Order of the Garter and the little Chain with the George After Clarenceux went the Earl in his Robes and the Ambassador Resident And being thus come before the King Somerset after due reverence laid the Robe he bare upon the Table that the King leaned unto so also did Clarenceux the Cushen with the Iewels thereon The Earl also being entred and having made his due reverence Clarenceux delivered him his Commission who giving the same reverently to the King he forthwith gave it to his secretary Pinart to be read according to the form Though at that time it was not read at all That done Clarenceux delivered unto the Ambassador the Garter who gave it unto the King who also kissing the same kneeling did put it about the Kings left leg the Ambassador pronouncing these words following Ad laudem atque honorem Omnipotentis Dei c. That being done Clarenceux killing the Kirtle of Crimson Velvet gave it to the Ambassador who also delivered it to the Earl and he to the King putting the same on with a Crimson Velvet Girdle whereunto was put a gilt Rapier which Girdle and Rapier was formerly provided by a Gentleman of the Kings Chamber at the doing whereof the Ambassador pronounced these words following Capito Vestem hanc purpuream c. The Kirtle being put on Clarenceux delivered the Mantle of Purple Velvet and the Hood of Crimson Velvet which the Earl put upon the King also with the assistance of the Ambassador that pronounced these words following Accipe Clamidem hanc Coelici coloris c. Lastly Clarenceux kissing the Collar of Gold gave the same also to be put about the Kings neck which was done by the Earl the Ambassador using these words following Torquem hunc in Collo deferes c. After the King was thus invested with all the Habilements of the Order as aforesaid the Earl delivered unto him first the Book of Statutes of the said Order fairly bound in Crimson Velvet and Gold Lace which Book the King gave to the Duke of Joyeuse to carry after him to the Church and lastly the small Chain with the George which was by the Earl delivered to the King which also was delivered by
him to the Duke of Joyeuse These Duties thus performed the King standing invested with his Robes and the â—arl likewise by him the Ambassador for and in the name of the Earl for want of the Language used a Speech to this effect Sir we rejoice greatly to see your Majesty now invested into this honorable Society and Order of the Garter desiring of God that long and most happily you may wear and use the same to his Glory and the advancement of your own greatness equal with all your Predecessors being right well assured for so hath her Majesty commanded my Lord to say unto you that if her Highness and the residue of the Knights of this Order certainly had understood of the day and time of this your Majesties reception of the same both she and all they would not have failed in their Robes to celebrate this day in token of the honor and prosperous success they wish unto your Royal Person When the King had thus received the Order and was invested as aforesaid he proceeded to the Church of the Augustines some 15 or 20 score off to Evensong being about 4 of the Clock the way being all railed in with Timber and gravelled with fine Sand and guarded on each side with the Kings several Guards that the Train might not be troubled in proceeding The body of the Church was hanged with rich Arras and all the Choire of the same Church and Stalls with Cloth of Gold At the entry of the Choire was erected two Cloths of State one for the Queens Majesty and that was over the Stall on the right hand of the same Choire and the other for the French King and that was over the Stall next unto the Queens Majesty on the left hand within these two States royal were affixed the Arms of these two Princes viz. over the Queens Stall the Arms of England and France quarterly and over the Kings Stall the Arms of France both within the Garter and set in Frames of Wood richly gilt The Earls Stall was about eleven Stalls beneath her Majesties and on the same side whereon was also affixed the Earls Arms within the Garter and his Stile fairly written under them directly before the Queens Cloth of State was placed a Form covered all with Cloth of Gold for Mr. Clarenceux to sit upon during the time of Evensong At the right side of the Altar within the same Choice was made a place of bords Sâ—affoldwise two yards high from the Ground covered with rich Carpets and hanged with Cloth of Gold whereon was placed the Queen Mother and Queen Regnant with other Ladies and great Princes and directly on the other side against them was another place made and erected whereon stood the Popes Nuntio with the Cardinals and all the Ambassadors that then were in Paris All things being thus put in Order at the Church and all persons placed therein according to their Degrees the King proceeded thither in this sort following First Trumpets and Drums Then thirty English Gentlemen accompanied by the Kings especial order and care with thirty French Gentlemen of equal or better degree Then the Lord Windesor with a French Lord. Then the Lord Sands so also accompanied Then Serjeants at Arms with their Maces Then Somerset Herald at Arms. Then Clarenceux Then the Ambassador Leiger Sir Edward Stafford And then the Earl of Darby Chief Commissioner After him followed the King his Train being born by a Brother of the Duke of Joyeuse being a Gentleman of the Kings Privy Chamber And after the King came the Princes of the Blood Royal. Then Dukes Marquessâ—s Earls and other Noblemen Note That the King had especially ordered that for her Majesties special Honor none should that day proceed before him but English and such French as were ordered to go with them and his own Nobility to wait behind him Note also that all personages of the Order of the Holy Spirit went next to the King in their Cloaks of the Order and Collars of Gold about their necks of the same Order the person of the King was guarded all the way by a number of Gentlemen Pensioners with their Pool-axes in their hands In this order the King with his Train entred the Church and in the entring in of the Choire Somerset Herald in his rich Coat of Arms made his three Reverences the first towards the Altar as it was formerly agreed upon before by the Lord Ambassadors Secondly towards the Queens Stall Thirdly towards the Kings Stall And after him Clarenceux entring the same Choire did the like Then the Ambassador Leiger then the Earl which done the said Earl went before his own Stall and there stayed till the King had taken his Stall Royal and then the Earl making his Reverence as before went up into his Stall After him the Ambassador Leiger did the like and went into the Stall next beneath the Earl towards the High Altar Then Clarenceux having made the like Reverence sat him down on his Form placed as aforesaid directly against the Queen's Stall where he remained till the Choire began to sing Magnificat At which time he stepped forward into the midst of the Choire and there making his three Reverences as aforesaid turned himself to the Earl and Leiger Ambassador then the Ambassador came forth of his Stall and making his three Reverences followed Clarenceux over the Choire towards the King and there stayed afore the Kings Stall until Clarenceux returned and fetched the Earl unto him who making his three Reverences came also with Clarenceux before the King to the right side of his Stall where standing Clarenceux delivered the Oath fairly written in Parchment and Letters of Gold which by the Earl was laid before the King to be Signed the Ambassador Leiger being ready to have read it but that the King said it needed not because he was privy to it before who taking it in his hands received of his Secretary Pinart a Pen with Ink and therewith did subscribe his Name only by the Name of Henry which done he gave the same unto the said Secretary to have the Privy Seal put thereto which was done accordingly and the next day delivered to Clarenceux After the King had thus taken his Oath as aforesaid the Earl and the Ambassador with Clarenceux before them returned back to their Stalls not omitting three Reverences and there remained till the end of Evensong at which time the King standing up in his Stall being ready to depart all the other Strangers Ambassadors presented themselves before him with words of special Congratulation to whom he gave several thanks and answers and so departing out of the Church in the same order as he came thither he returned again to the House of Mantuliet where in the same Chamber as he had put the Robes on he put them off and after some speeches with the Earl and Ambassador some Quarter of an Hour or thereabouts he departed with his Nobility over the Water to the Louvre
leaving the Earl and Ambassador and all their Trains to return in their Coaches through Paris to the House of Longueville The same night the Earl with the Lord Ambassador and all the English Gentlemen that were the Queens Servants did sup at the Court the Earl and the Ambassador at the lower end of the Kings Table at which Board did also sit with the King the two Queens and six or seven other great Ladies among whom the Lady Sheffield was one and at another Table in the same Chamber did sit divers great Ladies all along one side and over against them the Lord Sands the Lord Windesor and the other English Gentlemen Supper being ended and the place ordained for dancing the King took his Wife by the hand and danced with her the like did divers other great Lords and Ladies of France and lastly three English Gentlemen I omit the description of the Masque and other â—â—ngular Musick both costly and curious whereby the Evening was spent till three of the Clock the next morning On the 28. of February the Ambassador with his Train took their leave at whose return from the Court to his Lodging he was presented that night with a rich Cupboard of Plate worth 1200 l. at the least and unto Mr. Clarenceux was given a Chain of Gold worth 120 l. and better of 236 links to Master Somerset a Chain of 150 links worth 100 Marks and to Thomas Milles a Chain of the same value On Thursday next the Earl with his Train set forward homeward from Paris unto St. Dennis and so were lodged all the way in the same Lodgings that before they had been received in and arrived prosperously in England from Boloigne to Dover the 12. of March and on the Tuesday following were brought to the Queen'â— Majesty's presence at Greenwich who graciously welcomed them home A Relation of that pompous Solemnity celebrated at the Duke of Wirtemberg's Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter an I. Iac. R. extracted out of Erhardus Cellius his Eques Auratus Anglo-Wirtembergicus RObert Lord Spencer of Wormleiton and Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight Garter Principal King of Arms were joined in Commission bearing Teste at Woodstock the 18 day of September an I. Jac. R. to present and invest Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg and Teck with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter They began their Iourney in the beginning of October an 1603 and came to the City of Studtgard the second of November following Vpon their arrival they presented their Credential Letters which being reâ—d the said Duke began to treat the Ambassadors with the highest respect imaginable and to put all things into a readiness for his solemn reception of the Ornaments of thâ— Order To which end he sent for his three Sons with their Tutors from the Caâ—â—â—â— of Tubing where they followed their Studies to be present at this Solemnity likewise he ordered the Vice-President and twelve Assistants of his Ducal Conâ—istory anâ— all the principal and most noble Persons of his Court to be present Moreover he appointed an English Lord and the Lord Benjamin Buwingkshausin one of his Privy Council to be the principal Contrivers Directors and Managers of all things that should belong to the setting forth of this Solemnity for the performance of which two places were especially allotted prepared and adorned namely the great Church of Studtguard where the Investiture was to be conferr'd and the great Hall of the Castle called from hence Hypocaustrum Equestre whence the Proceeding was to begin and pâ—ss toward the Church At the entrance of the Choire were four stately Stalls erected with their Canopieâ— Footstools and ascents on each side and covered with Velvet the first Stall was assigned to the Soveraign of the Order on the back side whereof his Majesties Arms and Stile were engraven besides his Stile written underneath in French thus Du tres-hault tres-puissant tres-excellent Prince Iaques par la grace de Dieu Roy d' Angleterre d' Escosse France d' Irelande Defenseur de la Foy c. Souveraigne du tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier The second Stall was placed on the right hand next to the Soveraign's in like manner adorned and assigned to the Principal Ambassador the Lord Spencer who in conferring the Order was to represent the Soveraign's person The third Stall was on the left hand next to the second assigned to Sir William Dethick Garter Principal King of Arms. The fourth Stall was also on the left hand over against the Soveraign's Throne after the same manner made and adorned assigned to the Elect Duke and on the back side thereof his own Arms and Stile also engraven besides his Stile likewise underwritten in French thus Du tres-hault puissant tres-noble Prince Frederick par la grace de Dieu Duke de Wirtemberg Teck Comte de Montbeliardt Seigneur de Haydenhemb c. Chevalier du tres noble Ordre de la Iartier There were also on the right and left hand of the Stall Benches or Seats continued on either side as far as the Altar these Seats were all covered with red Cloth and also the stone Pavement from the steps of the Vestry unto the Stall of the Elect-Duke and so from the middle of the Vestry unto the Altar in the form of a Cross. The Altar was covered with red Silk hanging down to the ground in the middle of which three gilt Basons were set upright the first for the Soveraign the second for his Ambassador and the third for the Elect-Duke The Hall of the Castle was magnificently set out with rich Hangings and other costly Furniture Towards the East and South were placed five stately long Tables covered with Velvet as also the Seats and Benches about them the middlemost of these Tables was called the Soveraign's Table in honor of the King of England though absent over the Soveraign's Chair was set a stately Canopy of Silk and on the back side of the Seat towards the middle thereof were fixt his Majesty's Arms with his Stile underwritten after the same manner as on his Stall in the Church At the right hand of the Soveraign's Table were two other Tables the one for the Lord Ambassador Spencer the other for Sir William Dethick Garter both covered in like manner with Silk and adorned with Canopies and their Arms. On the left hand of the Soveraign's Table were likewise two other Tables one for the new invested Duke covered and adorned with his Arms and a Canopy in the same manner as in the Church the other for the Duke's Wife and Children who were ten in number of either Sex Besides those that were particularly warned to be present at this Feast which was cheerfully performed by them there came divers of their own accord from all parts of the Dukedom drawn by the fame of a Feast and Solemnity the like whereof had not been in
he had received the Habit and Ensigns dispatchâ— his Proctor hither to perform what the Statutes required in this particular And for the general we observe so little slackness in Stranger-Princes nay so great a forwardâ—ess to obtain the accomplishment of this Honor that their Deputieâ— have been installed for them within the limited time But King Henry the Eighth's Statutes have further provided That in case a Stranger do not send his Deputy or Proctor within seven Months without having a reasonable excuse and such as should be allowed by the Soveraign or his Deputy the Election notwithstanding his former acceptation should be also void except so it be that the Stranger be hindred or disturbed by great Affairs and then might he send his Excuse to the Soveraign or his Deputy within one month after and according as the Soveraign or his Deputy should allow or disallow of â—is Excuse that then the Soveraign or his Deputy might give unto him four months of respite more within which time if he neither come nor send his Deputy to be installed for him then the said Election should be void for that time And sometimes it hath fallen out that through the multiplicity of Affairs Strangers could not punctually observe the ancient Law of the Statutes in this point nevertheless by virtue of the limitation in those Statutes of King Henry the Eighth upon a sufficient cause the Soveraign hath been pleased to excuse the delay but the instances are very few as that of the French King Charles the Ninth who was invested at Lyons an 6. Eliz. but not installed till the 22. of Ianuary in the eighth year of the same Queen And when of late the Garter and George only were sent to a Stranger the Ceremonies of Installation have also been dispensed with till a more convenient time as appears from the Instructions of the 4. of March an 19. Car. 1. given at the sending these two Principal Ensigns of the Order to William Prince of Orange and Bernard de Foix Duke d' Espernon in regard of the interruptions then given by the Rebellion here nevertheless then to be performed with all usual Rites and Honors due to persons so neerly allied unto and so much esteemed by the then Soveraign of the Order Such Dispensations and for the same reason was the present Soveraign necessitated to give those Strangers whom he honored with Election into this most Noble Order while he remained in Foreign parts And upon his Majesties happy Restauration among many other things relating to the Order this particular was at several Chapters taken into serious consideration in reference not only to the Duke d' Espernon and Prince Maurice that were dead but those Strangers also then living both wanting the full complement of their Honor by a formal Installations for at a Chapter held at Whitehall the 10. of April an 13. Car. 2. directions were given to Garter to place the Banners and other Atchievements of the surviving Strangers over their respective Stalls The Soveraign then also did by his Supream power induced by divers considerable reasons dispence wholly and absolutely with their Installations nevertheless declared them and every of them to be esteemed Companions and to enjoy all priviledges of the Order as if they had been installed Personally or by Proxie with this further declaration notwithstanding That as the like necessity and conjuncture could never happen again so he would not upon any motion or pretence whatsoever give the like Dispensation Finally at another Chapter held at Whitehall the 20. of February following it was concluded and the Soveraign again declared his pleasure to dispence with the said Strangers Installations by a formal Act thereupon commanded to be drawn up by the Chancellor which he having performed read it in a subsequent Chapter where it received approbation A Copy whereof here follows WHereas it is expresly provided by the Statutes of the most Noble Order of the Garter That no Companion Elect of the same shall enjoy the priviledges of a compleat Knight thereof before he be actually installed either in his Person oâ— by his sufficient Proxie within the accustomed time and according to the usual Rites and Formalities which some of those noble Persons who though Elected could not possibly perform and receive during the late troubles nor legally since our return into our Dominions by reason of the space of time elapsed since their Election beyond that which is allowed and prescribed by the Statutes as also for the many difficulties and incumbrances through which the performance of their Installations must pass in some of them who are Strangers and have their aboad in Foreign and remote parts which we taking into our consideration and that if not all most part of the foresaid Knights were admitted into our said Order without those Formalities which at other times to have omitted had been an unexcusable breach of Statute We conceiving it no more irregular to pass by the Statutes in matter of their Installation than it was in point of their Election the observation of the usual forms in either of them having proved equally difficult or rather impossible for these and other reasons particularly for the avoiding that prejudice which some of the said Companions who are now dead and have a like interest therein with those that survive them would have undergone who for want of being installed would have been left out of the Catalogue of the Founders in the Register-Books of our Order as we heretofore declared our pleasure to be That such of them as are dead should not for want of being installed be deprived of the honor of being called Founders and for those that are yet alive that they should not suffer likewise in that respect or in point of their Ranks and Precedency And accordingly with the advice and consent of our other Companions in the Chapter held the 10. of April last we did regulate the Stalls and command their Hatchments to be set up in the Chappel of St. George in our Castle of Windesor according to their Elections in point of time We continuing in our former purpose for the putting an end to the irregularities which the late troubles occasioned in our foresaid Order and the many questions and difficulties which have ensued thereupon and especially in this particular We have thought good to dispence with the Installation of all the said Knights whether they be Subjects or Strangers dead or living and whatsoever omission of or contravention to the Statutes may have hapned upon that account And that the same notwithstanding they all shall be held and reputed for compleat Knights of our foresaid Order and enjoy all the priviledges and advantages of it with the rest of the Companions in as full and ample manner as if they had installed and performed all the Rites and Ceremonies usual upon such occasions But it seems to rest in the pleasure of the Stranger whether he will chuse
Church phrase the Nativity of his Patron so as to the place wherein to perform its Solemnities he made choice of that of his own Nativity the Castle of Windesor and appointed the observation of this Grand Festival in a solemn manner and with due Ceremonies to be celebrated there which for a long time after was inviolably observed either upon the very day by the Church made sacred to St. George or else upon some other appointed by Prorogation not long after for which way of Prorogation allowance was given by the Statutes of the Order and of which the Registers are full of instances SECT V. St. George's day kept apart from the Grand Feast and how then observed HOW this Noble Order spread its roots and flourished from its first plantation to the time of King Henry the Fifth we can give no account since the Annals thereof are wanting unto his Reign certain it is that then it was of a considerable growth but afterwards the Civil Wars towards the end of King Henry the Sixth's Reign caused it to stand at a stay Under the benevolent aspect of King Edward the Fourth it seemed to recover and whilst King Henry the Eighth reigned to have attained a greater height than at any time before But though the several Branches of the Order received some augmentation from the favourable influence of this last mentioned Soveraign yet the principal to wit the Grand Festival began to flag by a removal of the observation of St. George's day from Windesor the place particularly appointed for it and a prorogatory celebration of the Grand Feast to other times By which means the honor of that princely Seat and the advantages accrewing by the performance of the Solemnities there were diverted to those other places whereto the observation of St. George's day was translated The Article of the Statutes causing this great alteration and which clashed so much with the design of the first Institutor may be seen in the Appendix where it is manifest that when the Soveraign saw occasion to prorogue the celebration of the Grand Feast he might legally do it but when he did so 't is there also evident that the day of St. George was nevertheless ordained to be duly observed singly by it self in what place soever the Soveraign if within this Realm should then reside Windesor hereby being not excluded It further implies the sacred Rites and Offices to be performed with sundry other concerns of the Order for besides the particulars therein innumerated we may observe thence this general clause that what other urgent Affair soever relating to the Order should offer it self to be performed the same might be treated of and receive dispatches in the Chapter held where the Soveraign then should be as fully as if he were at Windesor Castle So that hence forward all things began to be ordered both on the Eve the Day of St. George and the Morrow after with full as great state all Affairs as legally dispatched and all Ceremonies as magnificently performed except that of Offring up of Atchievements which is peculiar and local to the Chappel of St. George in Windesor Castle as could be observed at the Grand Festival it self And how by virtue of this Article and with that Ceremonies St. George's day was held when the Grand Feast was prorogued to some further time is evident from a full and ample Precedent an 22. H. 8. now remaining in the Office of Arms. For albeit the Soveraign with thirteen Knights-Companions were at Windesor upon the 22.23 and 24. of April that year yet did they at that time observe only the Feast day of St. George with the Eve and Morrow after but deferred by Order in Chapter the celebration of the Grand Feast unto the 8. day of May ensuing the Memorial whereof follows The King went not to the Chapter before the first Evensong but immediately to his Stall viz. in the Chappel of the Soveraign's Lodgings in the Upper Ward of the Castle of Windesor not in the Chappel Royal of St. George The Bishop of London Lord Cutberde Tunstall elect of Duresme did the Divine Service and at Magnificat he and the Dean first censed the Altar and after the King both the high Altar and the Altar which was made before the King were richly garnished with Images and over garnishments of Gold and Silver and Gilt c. The Evensong the King returned to his and his Grace and the Knights of the Order were served of the void c. And on the Morn at 9. of the Clock to be at Matyns which was done above the Ordinary the King ordained in the honor of St. George a right noble Procession whereat was 35 Copes of rich Cloth of Gold after the Procession the King went immediately to his Stall and High Mass and offered as accustomed That done Dinner and 4 of the greatest Estates sat at the kings boards end And the residue sat all along at the two Tables all on the one side as accustomed and before Evensong the King went to his Closet to the Chapter and appointed the Duke of Suffolk to be his Lieutenant at the Feast which was appointed to be kept the eight day of May then ensuing accompanied with the Earl of Rutland the Lord Sandys Lord Chamberlain Sir William Fitz Williams Memoramdum That the low Evensongs that were said before the King were of St. George Also the first low Mass in the morning song by the Lord George Grey of Dorset two oder Masses of the day of the which Lord John Longland Bishop of Lincolne sang the third Mass the fourth low Mass was of Recordare and was appointed that the high Mass done the Mass of Requiem should begin Thus here we have 1. The attendance of the Knights-Companions upon the Soveraign 2. the Chapter which accustomably was held on the Eve of the Feast implied by observing that the Soveraign went not unto it 3. The Ceremonies at the first Vespers 4. The Morning Service on St. George's day 5. The Grand Procession 6. The Solemn Offring 7. The Grand Dinner 8. The Chapter held before the second Vespers 9. The day for celebrating the Grand Festival appointed And 10. The Mass of Requiem on the morrow after St. George's day celebrated SECT VI. The Grand Feast neglected by King Edward the Sixth BUT King Edward the Sixth assuming the Soveraignty of this Noble Order the days became more gloomy in as much as during his Reign there was no Anniversary of St. George kept at Windesor by a Grand Festival Under what churliâ—h Fate this noble place then suffered we cannot guess other than the common calamity of that Age wherein most Ceremonies solemn or splendid either chiefly such as related to Divine Services came under the suspicion of being superstitious if not idolatrous Insomuch as at a Chapter held at Greenewich upon the 22. day of April in the second year of his Reign an abolition being intended of all
such Ceremonies as were not consonant to the King's Injuctions then lately prescribed it was Ordained and Decreed that then and for ever from thenceforth at the Feast of this most Noble Order no other Ceremonies should be observed than such as were appointed in the following Letter Which was at that Chapter agreed upon and a little before the next years Feast day of St. George sent from the Lords of the Council to the Knights-Companions attributing the whole procedure to the great piety of the then Soveraign and the care he took that certain abuses and preposterous Ceremonies of the Church should be reformed Whereby the Solemnity State and magnificence of this Grand Festival was very much eclipsed AFter our most hearty commendations For as much as the Kings Highness hath appointed a most godly Reformation of divers abuses and rites in the Church to a more convenient and decent Order of the which some hath been used heretofore in the most honorable and amicable Order of the Garter and being not reformed there should make a disagreeing from his Majesty's most godly proceedings Therefore it is his Majesty's will and pleasure by the advice of us the Lord Protector and other his Highness Council that all such things as be not conformable and agreeing to his Majesty's Injunctions Orders or Reformations now of late prescribed should be also in that most Noble Order and the Ceremonies thereof lest undone and reformed as hereafter followeth First that no Procession be made with going about the Church or Church-yard but the Kings Majesty's Procession lately set forth in English to be used His Majesty and other Knights of that honorable Order sitting in their Stalls at the entry such Reverence to be made to the King's Majesty only as was heretofore The Offring to be in the Box for the Poor without any other Reverence or kissing of any Paten or other thing but only at the return due Reverence to the King's Majesty as was used before The Mass of Requiem to be left undone but yet both upon St. George's day and the next day a Mass to be sung with great Reverence in the which immediately after the words of Consecration is said the Priest shall say the Pater Noster and so turn and communicate all or so many of the Order or other after they have done as shall be disposed godly at the same time to receive the Communion according to such order as is prescribed in his Highness Book of Communion and without any other Rite or Ceremony after the said Communion to be used except it be some godly Psalm or Hymn to be sung in English and so to end the said Service All Chapters and other Rites concerning the said Order not being contrary to these to remain as they have been prescribed and used the which we have thought good to signifie unto you that you may follow the same accordingly From Greenwich the 20. of April 1548. This Decree we observe signified not less than a Prohibition to the holding the Grand Feâ—st at Windesor although it spoke not so plain at least the neglect of its celebration there whilst King Edward the Sixth lived makes it to seem so And albeit towards the end of this Soveraign's Reign some care was or seemed taken for a permissive holding of the said Feast either upon the day of St. George or some other day appointed by Prorogation yet was it without any regard had to the ancient and usual place the Castle of Windesor For when the Act of Parliament passed commanding the days therein mentioned to be kept holy and none other whereby the celebration of many days besides which in former time by the Canons of our Church appointed to be kept holy were prohibited and among the rest the Feast day of St. George it being not found among those Feast days at that time established It was considered That a Proviso and allowance should be entred in the aforesaid Act for the celebration of this Feast particularly by the Knights-Companions of this most Noble Order in these words Provided always and be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid that it shall be lawfull to the Knights of the right honorable Order of the Garter and to every of them to keep and celebrate solemnly the Feast of their Order commonly called St. George's Feast yearly from henceforth the 22.23 and 24. days of April and at such other time and times as yearly shall be thought convenient by the Kings Highness his Heirs and Successors and the said Knights of the said honorable Order or any of them now being or hereafter to be any thing in this Act heretofore mentioned to the contrary notwithstanding Which Act although it suffred a Repeal by Queen Mary yet strands it at this day in force being revived by King Iames his repealing of that Statute of the first of Queen Mary Cap. 2. SECT VII Removed from Windesor by Queen Elizabeth BUT that which gave the greatest and almost fatal blow to the growing Honor of this no less famous than ancient Castle of Windesor and severed the Patrons Festival from the Place was a Decree made at a Chapter held at Whitehall upon St. George's day an 9. Eliz. with the consent of the Knights-Companions then present being 12 in number namely the Earls of Arundel and Penbroke the Lord Clinton Marquess of Northampton Lord Howard of Effingham Earl of Sussex Lord Loughborow Viscount Mountague Earls of Leicester Northumberland Warwick and Lord Hunsdon to the effect following That if on the Vigil and day of St. George the Feast were not held at Windesor according to the usual Custom it should nevertheless be sufficient if the observation thereof were kept in the same place where the Soveraign should then happen to be where also all the rest of the Knights-Companions were obliged to be present no less than if the Feast had been to be celebrated at Windesor And henceforward the glory which Windesor Castle had alone possest for some Ages began to be distributed to other places nay so severe was the later part of this Decree to the interest of so flourishing a place that it welnigh extended to a prohibition of all other Celebrations there since it also commanded That no other Solemnity under the notion of St. George's Feast should thenceforth be celebrated at Windesor except upon occasion of the Installation of some illustrious personage and then also not without the leave and appointment of the Soveraign And to say truth this Statutes was but too strictly observed all the remainder of her Reign for we meet not with one Feast of St. George held simply and peculiarly as a Feast in honor of the Order's Patron at Windesor unless you mistakingly account any of the Feasts of Installation for those of St. George which for the most part were held at the charge and expence of the Knights Installed until the first year of King Iames But then the Soveraign as yet in
could not be celebrated in any part of the year following the aforesaid 29. of April because the Grand Feast it self was then already past In like manner King Henry the Seventh in the 20. year of his Reign went on St. George's day in solemn Procession and very great State to the forementioned Cathedral yet notwithstanding on the 4. of May following the Grand Feast was observed at Windesor by the Earl of Arundel deputed by the Soveraign and four other of the Knights-Companions appointed for his Assistants Again an 8. H. 8. the Soveraign being at Eltham on St. George's day it was in a Chapter there held Decreed That the accustomed celebration of the Feast of St. George should be observed at Windesor upon Sunday next after Trinity Sunday being the 25. of May ensuing and the Marquess Dorset was then also appointed Lieutenant to the Soveraign for holding thereof and the Earl of Essex in whose room the Lord Poynings was afterwards substituted with the Lords La Ware Mountegle and Lovell his Assistants And from this time it became annually customary especially all the subsequent years of King Henry the Eighth's Reign Queen Mary's and unto the 9. of Queen Elizabeth to keep the day of St. George wheresoever the Soveraign at that time abode which for the most part was at Greenewich or Whitehall on which day as also on the Eve and morning after the day the usual Solemnities were observed and a noble Feast provided as hath been said But as to the celebration of the Grand Festival it self that was in one of the Chapters held during the foresaid celebrations and most commonly on St. George's day adjourned unto some further time and then solemnized at Windesor by Prorogation not by the Soveraigns themselves but by their Lieutenants and their Assistants especially deputed and appointed for that purpose But to proceed with the causes of Prorogation which were either for some considerable reasons or upon emergent occasions An. 1. Mariae the Soveraign celebrating the day of St. George at her Mannor of St. Iames's Philip then Prince of Spain and Henry Earl of Sussex were on the morrow after elected into the Order whereupon it was also decreed That the inauguration of these two Knights-Elect should be prorogued until the Prince came over into England which hapning upon the 21. day of Iuly following the Grand Feast together with that of the Elect-Knights Installations were appointed to be celebrated together to which purpose a Letter was afterwards sent unto the Knights-Companions for their repair thither against the 5. of August then next following Again an 3. 4. Ph. Mar. at a Chapter held at Westminster upon the 22. of April the Feast of St. George together with the Installation of three Knights at that time Elected was appointed to be held at Windesor on the 9. day of May following and by a Chapter summoned at the same place the 3. of May before the appointed day for keeping the Feast the same was prorogued unto the 5. of December following because of the manifold and urgent affairs of the King and Queen But before that designed time another Chapter was held at Saint Iames's upon the last day of October in the 4. and 5. years of their Reigns wherein it was again prorogued unto the first Sunday after Twelfth-day viz. the 9. of Ianuary then following if by that time the King who it seems was gone out of Flanders should return into England but there appearing afterwards no hopes of his coming over against that prefixed time another Chapter was summoned and held at Greenewich the 5. of Ianuary wherein it was Decreed urgent Affairs requiring that the said Feast should be further prorogued unto the 20. of February next coming and then the Lieutenant and Assistants appointed to the first Prorogation should celebrate this solemn Feast at Windesor in manner as it was Decreed the 22. of April preceding Nevertheless the sixth day of February after in another Chapter the Soveraign and Knights-Companions Decreed to prorogue the last mentioned Prorogation unto St. George's day then next following Because both in respect of the meeting of the Parliament and other Affairs of great importance as also by reason of the War that was begun the said Feast could not conveniently be before observed In like manner an 2. Eliz. upon the 24. of April it was Decreed that on Sunday the 5. of May the Feast of St. George should be observed with the accustomed celebrations but that morning in a Chapter held at Whitehall for very high and important causes was it prorogued until Sunday the 12. day of May immediately following on which day it was solemnized at Windesor Again King Iames having designed his Journey into Scotland to begin the 20 of March an 14. regni sui he assembles a Chapter at Whitehall the second day of that Month and therein by reason that for the cause aforesaid Saint George's Feast for the year ensuing could not conveniently be kept on the accustomed day and place decreed to celebrate the same at Windesor the 13. day of September next following where it was accordingly observed So also for causes of another but sadder nature an 17. Iac. R. viz. Queen Anne's death and the Soveraign's dangerous sickness which had brought him also neer to the gates of death was the Grand Feast prorogued from St. George's day to the 26. of May in the same year and then celebrated at Greenewich And an 1. Car. 1. the Soveraign not thinking sit for several causes at that time to keep the Grand Feast prorogued it from the 22.23 and 24. days of April unto the 16.17 and 18. of August following thence again until the 4.5 and 6. of October and lastly to the 23. 24. and 25. of November in the same year and then observed it at Windesor Sometimes this Feast hath been put off out of a respect unto the day whereon it fell as an 22. Iac. R. St. George's day then hapning upon a Friday the Soveraign therefore prorogued it until the 26. 27. and 28. days of April at which time it was celebrated at Windesor And the authority unto which regard was had in this place was that Clause in the 8. Article of King Henry the Eighth's Statutes wherein the keeping of St. George's Feast was prohibited if it fell upon any Fish or Fasting days So also an 22. Car. 2. it falling upon a Saturday was prorogued to the 27. 28. and 29. days of April following And albeit in times past this Feast hath been for the most part upon Prorogations observed upon a Sunday yet of late in veneration to this day it hath been likewise prohibited as an 2. Car. 1. St. George's day falling upon a Sunday thereupon the Solemnity was put off until Wednesday
Soveraign of the Order was at the charge notwithstanding the said Order an 3. E. 6. which heretofore we see was paid out of the Treasury in the Exchequer and since the establishment of 1200. l. per an setled by the late Soveraign King Charles the First to discharge the ordinary and extraordinary expences of the Order the allowance issued thence and was paid by the Chancellor of the Order But now the charge is placed upon Garter he having an allowance therefore included in the augmentation of his Pension an 15. Car. 2. We find Privy-Seals to have issued as high as the 15. of Queen Elizabeth for the annual allowance of 7 l. Scutcheons employed for the use aforesaid and that the price sometime before was much about that rate for the three and twenty Scutcheons provided against St. George's Feast an 1 2. Ph. Mar. came to 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. and those five and twenty set up the following year to 6 l. 11 s. 8. d. some difference then also being in the work which inhanced the price viz. those provided for Princes at 6 s. 8 d. a piece and each of the rest at 5. s. The Soveraign the Prince of Wales and Stranger Kings and Princes have accustomably had at these times Majesty Scutcheons set up over each of their Stalls but the rest of the Knights-Companions Lodging Scutcheons only and we have seen an account of four Majesty Scutcheons prepared for every St. George's Feast from 1613. to 1619. to wit one for the Soveraign another for the King of Denmark a third for the Prince of Wales and a fourth for Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne at 6 s. 8 d. a piece but so many Knights-Companions as attended the Soveraign at those Feasts had each a Lodging Scutcheon at 2 s. 6 d. From the marshalling of Arms quartered in the Knights-Companions Scutcheons and ordering their Stiles printed always in French there are several things no less useful than worthy observation for First though the Plates of Arms and Quarterings fixed in each Knights-Companions Stall at Windesor continue there without alteration or very seldom changed from that order wherein they were marshalled at the time of their Installation yet these Scutcheons and Stiles annually set up do admit of frequent alteration as there is occasion either by adding more Quarterings altering the Stiles or amending any thing that is amiss For instance Whereas the Duke of Savoy before 5. Eliz. bore Gules a Cross Argent it was then altered into 5 Coats that is to say in the first quarter Westpahliâ— Saxe moderne and Angrie in the second Chablais in the third Aouste the fourth as the first and over all in the middle the foresaid Scutcheon of Savoy When the Lord Hunsdon was installed an 3. Eliz. he had 12 Coats of Arms thus marshalled in his Plate 4 4 and 4 the first Carey the second Spencer the third Somerset the fourth Bullen the fifth Ormond the sixth Hoo the seventh Rochford the eighth Seyntomer the ninth Malmains the tenth Wichingham the eleventh St. Leger and the twelfth Hangford But an 7. Eliz. his Scutcheon received an addition of four other Coats viz. Beauchamp Warwick Berkley and Gerard and these were inserted next to Somerset the third Coat in his said Plate But on the contrary where Ambrose Earl of Warwick had 21 Coats put into his Plate an 5. Eliz. and they marshalled in this order 5.5.5 and 6. namely 1. Sutton 2. Paganell 3. Grey of Ruthin 4. Hastings 5. Quincy 6. Malpas 7. Somery 8. Valence 9. Talbott 10. Warwick 11. Beauchamp 12. Berkley 13. Lisle 14. Gerard. 15. Guilford 16. Houlden 17. West 18. and 19. quarterly de la Ware and Cantilupe 20. Mortimere of Wigmore and 21. Greely at the Feast of St. George held at Whitehall an 9. Eliz. his Scutcheon contained but 16. viz. 4.4.4 and 4. namely 1. Sutton 2. Paganell 3. Somery 4. Malpas 5. Grey of Ruthin 6. Hastings 7. Valence 8. Ferrers 9. Quincy 10. Chester 11. Talbot 12 Beauchamp 13. Warwick 14. Berkley 15. Gerard. and 16. Lisle So that here was seven Coats taken out of the former namely Guilford Holden West de la Ware and Cantilupe quarterly Mortimere and Greely and two added viz. Ferrars and Chester But the greatest and most frequent variations are in the Stiles and Titles of Honor set under the Scutcheons and these relate unto and are occasioned principally from their attaining or resigning of Offices or Dignities We find that the Stile set under the Scutcheon of Ferdinand the Emperor at St. George's Feast an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. was as followeth Du tres-hault tres-excellent tres-puissant Prince Ferdinand par la grace de Dieu Roy des Romaines de Hungarie Bohemie Archiduc d' Austrie Duc de Bourgoigne c. Chevalier du tresnoble Ordre de la Iarretiere But an 5. Eliz. in the said Emperors Stile the Titles of King of Hungary and Bohemia were left out because Maximilian his Son had a little before obtained and at that time enjoyed both those Kingdoms In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth the Stiles of Philip King of Spain who while Queen Mary lived was Co Soveraign of this most Noble Order run thus Du tres-hault tres-excellent tres-puissant Prince Philip par la grace de Dieu Roy d' Espaigne des Deux Cicels Ierusalem Arch-Duc d' Austriae Duc de Bourgoigne Millan Brabant Comte de Hapsburge Flanders and Tyroll Chevalier du tres-noble Order de la Iarretiere But at the Feasts of St. George an 28.29 and 30. Eliz. the Title of Catholick Prince was also given him viz. Du tres-hault tres-excellent tres-puissant Catholique Prince Philip c. And till an 26. Eliz. we observe the Title des Deux Cicils were continued to him but an 28. Eliz. and so forward the word Deux was omitted nevertheless an 36. Eliz. that word is again added but withall we find this marginal note entred over against the said Stile This was forbidden to be set up at Greenwich the 22. of April an 1594. If we proceed with a few instances relating to Knights-Subjects we shall find that among them there hath hapned the most frequent alterations and almost every year some additions or omissions In the Duke of Norfolk's Stile an 3. Eliz. the Lieutenantship of the North was omitted In the Earl of Rutlands at the same Feast President of the Council in the North was added The Marquess of Winchester an â— Eliz. caused the Title of Bâ—ron of St. Iohn to be omitted because his eldest Son then bore that honor In like manner was the Title of Lord Strange left out of the Earl of Derby's Stile an 4. Eliz. in regard his Son was then so called and a Baron of Parliament As to these and such like particulars a multitude of Examples might be cited but let these suffice
so negligent as not to come to the celebrations of the Grand Feast and yet have no justifiable reason of his absence such as may be allowed by the Soveraign or his Deputy he shall not at the Feast to be held the ensuing year enter into his own Stall but stand below before it in the place above mentioned 2. he shall walk alone by himself before the three Crosses which in ancient times were born in the Grand Procession 3. When the Grand Procession returns to the Choire he shall stand in the place before mentioned the following part of the Mass until the time of the Offertory 4. He shall Offer last of all by himself alone And after the humble sufferance of all these Penances he shall forthwith approach the Stall of the Soveraign or his Deputy and there humbly desire absolution for his Offence Whereupon the Soveraign or his Deputy shall restore him to his Stall and first estate But we have not hitherto met with any Record or Memorial where the particulars of this punishment were executed upon any of the Knights Offenders albeit we too often find where many have neither appeared all the time of the Feast nor sent Letters of excuse nor obtained license for their absence As for instance an 9. H. 6. Sir Robert Vmsrevile Sir Simon Felbrigg and Sir William Harington signified not the cause of their absence neither did the Duke of Buckingham nor Earl of Northumberland give any reason at all of their absence The like hath been observed of many others but without further memorial of what the Chapter did thereupon Fifthly and lastly the Statutes ordain That if any Knight-Companion remain within the Kingdom and not having a sufficient excuse to be allowed upon humble suit as aforesaid shall presume to absent himself the next following year and thereby become culpable of an omission of two years successively from the Solemnity before mentioned he ought thereupon to be so long interdicted his own Stall until in the said Chappel he shall have offered at Saint George's Altar a Iewel to the value of 20 Marks of lawful money of England and thence forward every year so long as he shall continue guilty in that nature the mulct must be doubled until he be reconciled and pardoned By vertue of this last Clause of the foregoing Article was the Lord Maltravers an 15. E. 4. for such his absence fined at 20 Marks And the Lord Scales an 36. H. 6. in a Jewel of 20 Marks value which as probably may be collected was the following year endeavoured either to be mitigated or taken off nevertheless we find the sentence confirmed and he left to pay the Fine imposed Of later times the greatest Offender that we observed against this Statutes was Ferdinand Earl of Derby who having made no excuse nor Petition for his absence in two years was at a Chapter held on the Eve of the Grand Feast an 13. Car. 1. accordingly fined and that with some further note of negligence but at the mediation of the Earl of Penbroke and Montgomery he was for that time remitted Yet was he not guilty of any future neglect for the following year upon his humble Petition setting forth his age weakness and inability to Travel he obtained a Dispensation for attendance on the Soveraign at the Feasts of St. George during his life But the most memorable case in the prosecution of a contempt was that against the Earl of Arundel who in a Chapter held an 14. E. 4. was fined 40 Marks to be paid to the Colledge of Windesor for being absent from the Solemnity of the Grand Feast for two years together without any approved cause and the following year still continuing his Contempt the mulct by virtue of the aforesaid Statute was doubled and he fined in the sum of 80 Marks Touching the third particular amongst those things done of course in the Chapter held before the first Vespers to wit the nominating and constituting an Officer for holding the same if the Soveraign be not present we are beforehand to note the occasion and cause thereof which was briefly this At the time of Instituting this Order the Soveraign being engaged in Wars with France and Scotland which he then and for some time after personally managed thought fit to make provision for supply of his room no less than in case of sickness or other urgent occasion where he should be hindered from affording his personal presence at such time of the year whereon the Grand Feast should happen and hereupon allowance was given by the Statutes to depute another in his stead When therefore such occasion afterwards hapned a Commission was made out to one of the Knights-Companions some reasonable time before the approach of the Feast to the end that by such a representation of his Person none of the ancient Ceremonies might be omitted or any defect happen through his absence For till the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign we meet not with any Commissions that stayed for the Soveraign's fiat so long as until the sitting of the Chapter held before the first Vespers Nevertheless seeing from thence it hath been for the most part thus practised we think it not improper to give our account thereof here amongst those things of course which if at this day the appointing such an Officer shall be thought requisite are usually dispatcht at the foresaid Chapter And herein we shall speak 1. Of the Person Nominated to this Office 2. his Title 3. the Ceremonies used at his Constitution 4. the nature of his Employment 5. and the Dignity of his Office As to the Person Nominated we observe That most usually he hath been one if not the chief of the Knights-Companions we mean in Authority Eminence or Birth next to the Soveraign himself Such were Iohn Duke of Bedford Regent of France and Humfrey Duke of Gloucester stiled also Earl of Henalt Zeland and Penbroke Lord of Frizland Protector and Governor of England both Sons to King Henry the Fourth Brothers to King Henry the Fifth and Uncles to King Henry the Sixth Humfry Stafford Duke of Buckingham Son and Heir of Edmund Stafford by Anne Plantaginet Daughter of Thomas of Woodstock made Primer Duke of England 22. Maii an 25. H. 6. Thomas Earl of Derby Father-in-Law to King Henry the Seventh the Dukes of Suffolk and Richmond with Marquesses of Dorset and Exceter in King Henry the Eighth's time The Duke of Norfolk Marquess of Northampton Earl of Leicester and Lord Treasurers Burghley and Buckhurst under Queen Elizabeth And in King Iames his Reign the Soveraign's eldest Sons the Princes of Wales first Prince Henry and after his death Prince Charles the late Soveraign of blessed memory Next we shall consider the Time and Place when and where he hath been appointed to this Employment Concerning
the Time we observe it anciently to have been uncertain but so long before the Feast day as that this Officer might make preparation sutable to the state and grandeur this great Solemnity required For so when Henry the Sixth had deputed his Uncle the aforesaid Iohn Duke of Bedford to hold the Grand Feast at Windesor on St. George's day in the fourth year of his Reign we see the Commission bears date at Leicester the first day of April preceding In like manner the same Soveraign having appointed Iohn Earl of Shrewsbury to the same employment the 14. of May an 35. regni sui his Commission bears date at Hereford the 18. day of April preceding Again that Commission given to the Marquess of Exceter for holding the Feast at Windesor upon the 17. day of May an 20. H. 8. is dated at Richmond the 24. of April which was above three weeks before But in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth the most accustomed time for this Nomination was in the Afternoon of St. George's day the day for holding the Anniversary of the Grand Feast being in those days always appointed together with this great Officer Nevertheless in the 13. 24. 31. and 36. years of his Reign the appointment of the Feast and Nomination of this Officer may be observed to happen on the morrow after the day of St. George as also an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. and an 4. 5. of the same King and Queen and for the most part it was so ordered until the 9. of Queen Elizabeth in which year the Grand Feast was removed from Windesor unto other places as hath been before noted Afterwards it became customary to nominate him immediately before the first Vespers which hath continued in use ever since Now the reason why so many days passed heretofore between the date of the Commission and the time appointed for celebrating of the Feast was because this Officer in those times held the Feast at his own charge and therefore was it thought fit and reasonable that he should have notice of the day assigned early enough to the end he might provide all things sutable to his own honor and the dignity of the person he was to represent But afterwards when he was not named till he entred upon the Execution of his Office to wit immediately before the first Vespers there needed no warning the Soveraign being at the charge of the Feast As to the place where this Officer received the honor of Nomination that we always find to have been in Chapter held at any the times aforesaid and wheresoever called Secondly the person designed to this employment is in the Statutes of Institution and those that follow called Deputy The first we find to have been made so was Iohn Duke of Bedford an 7. H. 5. and the reason thereof given in the Registrum Chartaceum is Because the Soveraign being then in Normandy was employed in the recovery of his right to that Dukedom And albeit the Title given by the Statutes to this Officer be not particularly mentioned in the Black-Book where it speaks of the said Dukes holding the Feast of St. George at Windesor for the aforesaid year but rather implied in the words Regiae sublimitatis locum implevit yet in the Registrum Chartaceum among other memorials of that same year it is expresly set down and the said Duke there stiled Depute del Ordre de Iaritier wherein also the very same Title is given to Humphry Duke of Gloucester he being appointed to celebrate the Anniversary of the Feast at Windesor the year following And when the foresaid Black-Book comes to inform us an 1. H. 6. that the said Duke of Gloucester did execute his Office and hold that Feast we find him therein called Deputatus Ordinis which Title is given him also at other times upon the like occasion as also to the Duke of Buckingham an 28. H. 6. to the Earl of Exceter the year following to Iohn Earl of Shrewsbury the 35. year of the same King and to many others in the Reigns of King Edward the Fourth and King Henry the Seventh Sometimes also we find other Titles given to this Representative of the Soveraign as an 10. H. 5. Iohn Duke of Bedford the second time of his being such is stiled Praeses Clarissimi Ordinis Equivalent to this is that expression of the Black-Book where it says that at the Chapter begun at Windesor an 15. H. 6. Praesidebat Nobilis Dux Gloucestriae And in another place of it that the Grand Feast was observed at Windesor an 8. H. 7. per Iohannem Denham Angliae The saurarium ibi Presidem the like is said of the Earl of Worcester an 10. H. 8. In the Exemplar of the Statutes registred in the Black-Book the Title of Vicegerent is first mentioned and indifferently used with that of Deputy this great Officer being in some of those Articles called Deputy and in others Vicegerent But from that time to the 8. year of King Henry the Eighth we find no further remembrance thereof And then the Commission granted to the Marquess of Dorset for holding the Grand Feast at Windesor that very year invests him with such authority as the Soveraign's Vicegerent ever used to have and might claim by right whence it may be inferred that some of the Knights-Companions had before that time held the said Feast under the Title of Vicegerent though we have not met with any of their Commissions Afterwards an 24. H. 8. the Feastival was appointed to be held at Windesor upon the 12. day of May in qua Comes Arundeliae Supremi vicem gereret or as it is exprest an 28. H. 8. Northumbriae Comes Supremi vicem gerens And that this Title was at other times placed upon this Officer may be implied from some other places of the foresaid Register where he is said Supremi vices tenere administrare supplere c. About the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth the Title of Locum tenens or Lieutenant began to be taken up for at a Chapter held at Eltham the 23. day of April an 8. H. 8. it was determined that the celebration of St. George's day should be held at Windesor upon the 25. of May following Et quod potens vir Marchio de Dorset erit ad tunc regiae Majestatis Locum tenens And a little after the same old Register speaking of the Chapter held on the 25. and 26. days of the said Month of May saith they were celebrated per praedictum Nobilem Marchionem Locum Regis tenentem sub Sigillo Garterii legitimè deputatum Which Title of Locum tenens this Book also gives to the Earl of Arundel the ensuing year and frequently to others afterwards nominated to this Office But the first time we find this Title expresly
or Stone-Gallery do twelve Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber attend with a rich Canopy of Cloth of Gold who when the Soveraign approacheth receive him under it and bear it over his head until he arrivâ— at the Choire Door of St. George's Chappel and this Canopy is carried over the Soveraign only in the Morning of the Feast Day not in the Afternoon nor on the Eve nor the Day after the Feast The Processional way to the Chappel is the same they traversed on the Eve if the Soveraign and Knights-Companions march to the Chapter-House first for anciently it was the Custom to hold a Chapter in the Morning of the Feast Day either before Mattins and sometimes when Mattins was finished before the Grand Procession set â—orward This course received interruption in Queen Elizabeths time during which no Chapter was held in the Morning but in the 26. 31. 38. years of her Reign and then only for admitting of some of the Officers of the Order But the time of holding this Chapter was restored by King Charls the First who several times held it before the first Service began as in the 5. 14. 15. Years of his Reign But if no Chapter be at this time held then as soon as the Proceeding comes near to the Chappel instead of entring the passage between the East end of the Chappel and King Henry the Eighth's Tomb-House as it doth on the Eve because the Soveraign goes first to the Chapter-House it proceedeth straight on to the South Door of the Chappel and thence into the Choire Yet the present Soveraign An. 15. of his Reign appointed the whole Proceeding to pass by the said South Door along the Southside of the Chappel and then to enter in at the West Door which was then and since so observed When the Alms-Knights are come to the West Door of the Choire they enter and pass up above the steps to the Altar in the very same manner and Order as is at large described and mentioned to be observed upon the entry of the Proceeding into the Choire on the Eve of the Feast Then do the Prebends take their Seats and The Officers of Arms pass to the Haut Pas's of the Altar After this the Knights-Companions proceed and stand before their Stalls The Officers of the Order before their Forms and The Soveraign ascends his Royal Seat as also The Knights-Companions their Stalls Then the Prelate conducted by the Serjeant of the Vestry goes up to the Altar The Officers of Arms descend into the Choire and lastly The Alms-Knights retire to their Seats All which being done the Prelate begins the Morning Service wherein he proceeds according to the order prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer save only that the first Lesson being made proper to the Festival is taken out of the 44 Chapter of Ecclesiasticus This solemn Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning of the Feast day is and hath been most usually performed on Foot nevertheless sometimes heretofore the Soveraign and Knights-Companions have proceeded on Horseback to enlarge the state and gallantry of the show For it is remembred that an 16. E. 4. the Feast of St. George being then celebrated at Windesor the Soveraign and Knights-Companions rode to the Chappel on Horseback to hear Mass that morning and with them also rode the Queen the Lady Elizabeth the King's Daughter and the Dutchess of Suffolk the King's Sister the Lady Marchioness Mountague the Marchioness Dorset and divers other Ladies in Gowns embroidered with Garters concerning which Habit we have already spoken So also an 3. H. 7. on the Morning of the Feast-day did the Soveraign and Knights-Companions proceed on Horseback to Matins with equal splendor or rather more glorious than on the Eve to the first Vespers For the Knights-Companions were vested in Surcoats of White Cloth embroidered with Garters the Livery of the new year the Kings Courser was trapped with a Trapper of St. George of white Cloth of Gold and the Lord Berners bare the King's Sword his Courser being trapped with St. Edward's Arms. This Proceeding was augmented by the presence of the Queen and the Kings Mother attended with a splendid Train of Ladies and others that waited on them themselves being attired in the Livery of the Order and their Horses most richly accoutred with Foot-Cloths Trappings and all other Furniture correspondant in like State as on the Eve Again in the 20 year of the same Soveraign who then held the Feast of St. George at Baynards Castle in London he proceeded on Horseback to St. Paul's Church in like order as on the Evening before where he heard Matins And King Henry the Eighth at the Feast held at Windesor in the 11. year of his Reign rode with the Knights-Companions about eight a Clock in the morning down to the Colledge to hear Mattins in like manner as on the Eve and alighted at the South door of the Chappel The like did King Philip an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. And Queen Elizabeth in the sixth year of her Reign proceeded also on Horseback to the Morning Service in her whole Habit of the Order Lastly an 6. Eliz. the Soveraign in the whole Habit of the Order the French Ambassador riding neer her and all the Knights-Companions with the Officers of the Order and Officers of Arms proceeded on Horseback to the Chappel on the Morning of the Feast-day And in like manner did the Soveraign's Lieutenant at the same Feast ride to the first and second Vespers and to the Morning Service the day after the Feast It was a Custom begun by Queen Elizabeth and used when she celebrated the Feast of St. George either at Whitehall or Greenwich for the Soveraign's Lieutenant and the Knights-Companions in full Robes attended with the Officers of the Order and of Arms to meet in the Presence-Chamber about 9 a Clock in the Morning of the Feast day and thence to proceed as they did the Evening before through the Guard-Chamber down into the Great Hall and thence into the Chappel where they took their Stalls as on the Eve after which Morning Prayer according to the order established in the Church of England was begun and continued so far as the Letany and this was called the first Service which done they all descended from their Stalls in the accustomed order and proceeded back to the Presence in the same manner and by the same way as they went to the Chappel and there waited the coming of the Soveraign before whom they proceeded a second time to the Choire where the Letany and Grand Procession begun called the second Service at which the Soveraign was usually present but never at the first Service And the first memorial that we have met with of this double proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning of the Feast-day is recorded in
into the Indies concerning the King of Siam's annual Procession in October both by Land and Water through his principal City seated in an Island on the River Menam to one of his Chief Mosqueys the greatness whereof deserves particular relation and is thus set down by him In the head of this Procession march about 200. Elephants each of them carrying three Armed Men then come the Musick consisting of Hoboyes Tabours and Cimbals next come about a thousand men compleatly Armed divided into several Companies that have their Colours and Banners Next to these follow the Noblemen of the Kingdom on Horseback and amongst them many with Crowns of Gold upon their heads each attended with a Train of fourscore or a hundred persons on foot Betwixt these Noblemen and the Life-Guard march two hundred Souldiers Japoneses all very well appointed who go immediately before the Horses and Elephants which are for the Kings Life-Guard their Harness is adorned with Buckles and studs of Gold set with Diamonds and other precious stones The Servants who bear the Fruits and other things for the Sacrifice march before certain Grandees of the Kingdom whereof one bears the Kings Standard the other the Sword of Justice These walk on foot immediately before the King who sits mounted on an Elephant in a Chair of Gold The Prince his Son or some other Prince of the bloud followeth next after him and then comes the Queen and the Kings other Women on Elephants but not to be seen as being in certain wooden Closets guilt The rest of the Houshold and six hundred of the Guard follow in the Rear which by this means consisteth of fifteen or sixteen thousand persons As to their Procession upon the River the Order following is observed First in the head of this Fleet passeth about two hundred Noblemen each in his several Barge where they sit in a gilt Cabin and each Barge is rowed by three or fourscore slaves Then follow four Barges assigned for the Musick and next follow about fifty Banks of State each having fourscore or fourscore and ten Rowers and after these come ten other gilt Barges in one of which the King is seated in a Throne of Gold attended by divers Noblemen all upon their knees before him and amongst them one of the chiefest Grandees who bears his Standard The Prince followeth after him in another Barge with his Train and after him comes the Queen and the Concubines each in their Barges apart and lastly in a great number of other Barges follow the Houshold Servants and the Guards so as this Procession consists of twenty five or thirty thousand persons Together with this great Ceremony the ordinary Proceeding of the King of Iapan either on Horseback or on Mens shoulders in a Palanquin related by the said Mandeslo as also by Fr. Caron in his description of Iapan may be fitly remembred Whether we regard the numerous Train and Attendants or the manner or order thereof all of them marching with such gravity and so orderly that there is not only any one man to be seen out of his Rank but a man hears not so much as a word spoken which may well deserve our wonder and admiration There is in the Soveraigns Privy Lodgings at Whitehall the order of the King of Gulcandale his Ordinary Proceeding when he goes abroad set forth in Figures about a foot long it is of that Countries manner of Painting and an extraordinary piece of Oriental Rarity being sent thence to Sir Martin Noell Knight and by him presented to his now Majesty But we may not yet take leave of the Grandeur of these Oriental Princes in relation to these pompous shows before we have referred our Reader to Conraed Krammer's description of the magnificent and unparralleld Proceeding of the Deyro who indeed is the true Prince of Iapan when he past from his own Court in the City of Meaco to the Emperor of Iapans Palace in the same City on the 25. of Oct. 1626. which is to be seen at large Printed in English at the end of the foresaid Description of Iapan nor may we omit this That the preparation for the said Emperors usual progress from Iedo his present Imperial City to Meaco the former Metropolis and as yet the Court of the Deyro being 125. Dutch Miles to visit the said Deyro which happens once in 5. or 7. Years takes up a whole Year before the Orders are given out on what Day and with what Train every man shall go And to draw somewhat nearer Europe the State and Pomp among the Turks however barbarous enough in other things yet in these Ceremonies are exceeding regular and stately as may be seen in the Grand Seigniors Cavalcade to Sancta Sophia cut in Copper Plates by Peter van Aelst as also in the order of his Ordinary Cavalcade etched by Anthony Tempest But enough of these We now come to give some Account of the Gallantry of our Christian Princes in this particular Among whom the Triumphal Entry of Maximilian the First Emperour of Germany into Noremburg is excellently well design'd and cut in Wood by Hans Brossehaemer The Entry of the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Pópe Clement the Seventh into Bononia in Italy an 1530. in Order to his being Crowned King of Lombardy there is graved in 40. Copper Plates with large Figures excellently well designed by Nicholaus Hogenbergus Io. August Pastorius in his Acta Publica hath exactly described the solemn Cavalcade of the present Emperor Leopold his Entry into the City of Francfort upon the Mayn the 19. of March 1658. where the 18. of Iuly in the same Year non sine difficultate invidiâ tandem unanimi Octoviratus consensu he was Elected Emperor of Germany and the first of August following had his Inauguration solemnized there also The Order of this Gallant show is to be seen cut in brass by Gasper Merian in a thin Folio Printed at Franâ—fort the same Year In the same Acta Publica are also described at large the several Entrances into that City of the Electors of Mentz Tryers Collen the Duke of Saxony Count Palatine of the Rheyne as also the Deputies or Substitutes of the two other Electors Bavaria and Brandenburgh and the order of each Cavalcade is likewise particularly set forth in Copper Plates cut by the said Gasper Merian and collected together in the foresaid Book We could here insert the particulars of divers other solemn Cavalcades exhibited upon like occasions but we are unwilling to dwell longer upon them since many of them are to be met with Here in England it hath been the ancient usage for our Kings and Queens the day before their Coronation to ride from the Tower through the City of London in a most noble and magnificent Equipage they being at those times attended on by all the Nobility Officers of the Houshold and a gallant and splendid
Train Among these Proceedings the order and pomp of that magnificent and numerous Cavalcade of the present Soveraign from the Tower to Whitehall the day before his most happy Inauguration is worthy observing in that his Majesties Entertainments described by Mr. Ogilby together with the sumptuous Arches which then adorned the Streets and how well that ingenious Artist Mr. Weneslaus Hollar hath merited both in designing and etching the same is obvious to every ingenious Eye Besides these relating to the Inauguration of Princes many other solemn and particular occasions have been honored with sumptuous Cavalcades such was that of our King Henry the Eighth when he entred Boulogne and is to be seen in the Soveraign's Gallery in Whitehall being painted by a Disciple of Hans Holben Such was that brave Cavalcade of the late Duke of Florence celebrated at his Nuptials which together with the Scenes and other Representations were etched by the most excellent Iames Callot an Artist of incomparable skill and fancy in things of that kind So also that of Lewis the Fourteenth the French King with his Queen Maria Theresa of Austria into Paris the 26. of August 1660. shortly after their marriage which was as full of splendor and magnificence as could be devised But among these and indeed above all none ought more deservedly to be celebrated than that which passed through London upon the 29. of May 1660. a day since made venerable amongst us to posterity upon the safe and most happy return of the present Soveraign to his Crown and Kingdom to the unconceivable joy of all his loyal Subjects In the last place touching those Cavalcades made at the reception of Ambassadors we have met with two and those very solemn ones described at large in the foresaid Acta publica of I. A. Pastorius namely the entrance of the French and Spanish Ambassadors into Francfort that upon the 19. of August 1657. this upon the 24. of March 1658. when the Election was to be made of the present Emperor both which are likewise cut in Copper Plates by the before mentioned Gasper Merian Adam Olearius in his Voyages and Travels of the Ambassadors from the Duke of Holstein to the great Duke of Muscovy as also to the King of Persia makes mention of such Cavalcades they being ordered according to the manner of those Countries with very great Ceremony Namely that of the Turkish Ambassadors entrance into Musco 17. Sept. an 1634. he being met with 16000 Horse besides the persons who made up the Cavalcade Likewise that of the Duke of Holstein's Ambassadors entry into the same City 14. Aug. immediately before-going As also the entrance of the same Duke's Ambassador into Ispahan in Persia the 2. of Aug. 1637. To conclude the Cavalcade of the Polish Ambassador upon his Reception into Rome an 1633. was a most magnificent Ceremony it being made publick in Aqua Fortis by the incomparable hand of Stephen della Bella a Florentine And now to come within the Verge of the Order of the Garter we shall here present to the Readers view some few yet stately Cavalcades made upon the Soveraigns entrances not only into Windesor Castle but other places upon account of its Grand Solemnities and of which we have happily met with these following Memorials The 20. Year of King Henry the Seventh the Feast of St. George was celebrated at Baynards Castle in London and the Soveraign being at the Tower on the Eve Proceeded thence on Horseback to St. Paul's Church to Vespers in the following Order First all the Noblemen aftir their Estates and Degrees then the Officers of Armes next before the Knyghts of the Ordre then the Knyghts of the Ordre ryding in theyr Gownes of the Garter only with their Collers without Mantells whych Lyvery is of crymosin velvet lyned with whyte next following them the Byshopp of Winchestre Prelate of the Ordre then the Ambassadors then the Secretary and Aulmoner then Gartier Kyng of Armes of the Ordre the Maior of London beryng the Mace rode on the left hand of the Kyngs Cote then the Sword borne by then the Kyng Soverain of the Ordre then followed the Prince and after certaine Nobles and then the Garde all on foote the Aldermen and all the Craftys of London standying in theyr Lyveries in places accustomed And when the Kyng came to the West Dore of Powles he did on his Mantell and all the Knyghts did on theyrs and so entryd the Church where somewhat within the Church there was ready the Byshopp which dyd the Divine Service with the Deane and Chanons c. where they sensed and receyved the Kyng as accustomed and from thens proceeded to the Queere and entred their Stalls and there herd Evensonge and aftir Evensonge the Kyng with the odyr Knyghts rode to Baynards Castle his Logging wher hys Hyghness remayned that nyght The 16. of April in the following Year the Soveraign began his Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Blessed Lady of Walsingham and took Cambridge in his way thither where he arrived the 22 of the same Month and was in this manner received First the Maior with hys Brederen rode to meet the Kyng two or three mylle owt of the Towne Also Mr. Molory then Shereff of the Shire bore his rodd and gave hys attendance and as he approached nere the Unyversyte within a quarter of a mylle ther stode first all the four Ordres of Freres and aftir odir Religious and the King on Horsbacke kyssed the Crosse of everyche of the Religious and then ther stode all along all the Graduatts aftir their Degrees in all their Habitts and at the end of them was the Unyversyte Cross wher was a Forme and a Cushin c. as accustomed where the Kyng dyd alight and there the Byshopp of Rochestre Doctor then beyng Chaunceller of the Unyversyte accompanied with odir Doctors sensyd c. the Kyng and aftir made a litle Proposition and welcomed hym and then the Kyng took hys Horse ageyn and rood by the Blackfriers thoroughe the Towne to the Queens Colledge wher hys Grace was at that tyme lodgged and ther rested the space of a Houre and then did on hys Gowne and Mantell of the Gartier and all odir Knyghts of the Ordre there beyng present gave their attendance in the Habit of the Ordre as apperteyneth and roode from the Kyngs Logginge to the Chappell of the Kyngs Colledge whych was for the same cause ready appointed with Scochins c. as ys yerely accustomed The Byshopp of Rochestre beyng there Chaunceller did the Divine Service both the Even the Day both at Mattens c. and sang the Mass of Requiem on the Morrow With these we shall remember the same Soveraigns noble reception of Phillip King of Castile at Windesor on Saturday the 31. of Ianuary next ensuing the foresaid Feast where he was Installed Knight of this most noble Order the 5. of February following which we find thus
Christians of Antioch when Iulian the Apostate commanded the Coffin of St. Babilas to be removed who went a Procession with their Women and Children rejoicing and singing Davids Psalms and removed the Reliques of St. Babylas from Daphney to Antioch A like Procession do we find celebrated within the most Noble Order of the Garter on Wednesday in Easter week being the 27. of March 1504. at Greenwich upon reception of that noble Relique the right Leg of St. George sent to King Henry the Seventh then Soveraign from the Cardinal of Rowen being Legaâ— by a Chaplain of his own an Augustine and Abbot of by Meaux which was most solemnly ordered in the following manner First as the Oratour of the Legat was landed which landed before the Fryers yat of Greenwiche he did on a surplis and a cope holding St. George's Leg in his hand which was goodly garnished in Silver like a Knights Leg armed with a gilt Spor c. and immediately upon his arrival there went to meet the said Relique first the Kings Chappel all in Copis with Cross c. and on every side of the Chappel were divers Yoemen of the Garde in their beten Cotys of Goldsmith work beryng certain Torches brenning then the Bishop of Chestre in Pontificalibus the Dean on his left hand and on every side of them certain of the Officers of Arms then followed the Kings of Arms and next them the Knights of the Order beryng their Mantle and Collers of the Ordre that is to say the Marquiss of Dorset the Erll of Surrey the Erll of Shrewysbyry the Erll of Essex the Lord Dawbeny the Kings Chamberlaine the Lord Herbert Sir Thomas Lovell Treasurer and Sir Rich. Gilford Controller of the Household and next the Knights of the Order followed the odir Lords and Noblemen after their Estates and Degrees in gret nombre and when the Bishop approched neer the Legats Oratour which was assisted by two Doctours beyng Chappellyns to the King The Bishop censed the Relique and then the Legats Oratour beryng the Said saint George's Leg went between the Bishop and the Dean and returned in licke ordre till they came to the Kings Chappel where the Leg was set on the high Aultre and then the Quire sange O George c. that doon the Knights and Officers went up into the Galery and there did off their Mantles and the Officers of Arms their Cotys of Arms and from thence all the Noblemen went into the Kings grete Chambre to attend upon his Grace which immediately went to Mass and at Offering time his Highness kissed and offered the Leg and so the second Relique remained in the Kings Chappel and after Mass the King returned to his gret Chambre where he dyned c. with Gods blessing and Saint George Again of Processions some are called Lugubres i. e. mournful which seems to us to be properly termed Supplications being to implore some help or to avert some evil impending wherein Letanies were also used as that of The doâ—us the younger who instituted a Letany to supplicate for fair weather and a mild temper of the Air wherein as Nicephorus saith the Supplicants went in Procession with Hymns and Adorations Theodosius himself going before them in a mean Habit singing of Psalms and thereupon the face of the Heavens changed the troubled Air grew calm and serene and plenty of all things ensued and whilst the Letany in our Book of Common-Prayer was used the Grand Procession of the Order might well be cast among the Lugubres and in some places of the Blue Book we see it is so called being only upon this occasion sung walking a gesture more anciently used than the posture of kneeling or standing Others are called Letae i. e. joyful which are to give thanks for blessings received And such is the nature of the Hymn appointed by the Soveraign and Knights-Companions command to be sung in the Grand Procession of the Order an 15. Car. 2. instead of the Letany and since continued Having immediately before delivered somewhat of Proceedings Military Civil and Ecclesiastical we shall now pass on to the Grand Procession of this most Noble Order it self which consists of persons Military Civil and Ecclesiastical The Military are the Soveraign the Knights-Companions and Alms-Knights the Civil are the Officers of the Order Officers of Arms and other Attendantâ— and lastly the Ecclesiastical are the Prebends of the Colledge the Choire-men and Choristers And in reference to this magnificent Solemnity whether it fell out to be celebrated at Windesor or at any other place where the Soveraign kept his Court we are to consider the 1. Time when this great Ceremony took its beginning next the proper 2. Place or Processional way then the 3. Order and Manner of the Solemnity and lastly the 4. Pomp and State thereof The Grand Procession hath been always celebrated in the morning of the Feast day of St. George or upon such other day as the Soveraign hath appointed to hold the same by Prorogation but as to the instant of time when it began we find it divers and uncertain but those variations make no very great difference having been ordered and appointed with considerations had to conveniency and at such a part of the Church Service as was conceived most proper and generally after the end of the last Collect appointed for the morning in our Book of Common-Prayer immediately before the Letany Nevertheless an 6. Eliz. the Feast being then held at Windesor we find it began presently after the Te Deum was sung and an 20. of the said Queens Reign at Greenwich after the reading of the second Lesson Again an 22. Iac. R. it is said to begin when the second Morning Service was celebrating and almost half done And to come neerer our times the Grand Procession set forward an 8. Car. 1. when the first Service was finished and an 17. Car. 1. after the Sermon But at the Grand Feast solemnized at Windesor in the 13. year of the present Soveraign and since it took beginning at the most usual and accustomed time viz. when the Prelate then officiating at the Altar came to that part of the Common Prayer where the Letany was next to begin Who there making a pause was conducted from the Altar by the Serjeant of the Vestry down to his Seat We come next to the second consideration which is the compass of the Proceeding or the Processional way and that we observe not to have been always one and the same at Windesor for sometimes we find it confin'd within the walls of St. George's Chappel but at other times enlarged through the lower Court of the Castle in divers places of the Registers called also the Church-yard a few memorials in both cases are left unto us though none of very ancient date as An. 15. Iac. R. The Soveraign and whole assembly of the Knights-Companions going out at the
of Silk and Gold rich Cloth of Gold or Cloth of Tissue and to sute with both it is sometimes called Vmbrella aurea Vmbraculum aureum or Canopium vel Coelum portatile auri to which there are affixed 6 Golden Staves wherewith it is supported The persons appointed to carry the Canopy an 11. H. 8. were 4 Knights of the Body when 4 other Knights bore 4 Wax Tapers but since they are the Gentlemen of the Soveraign's Privy Chamber in Ordinary who at the time of the Feast are in waiting Concerning whom there is this mention made in the Blue Book an 26. Eliz. The Soveraign was pleased to follow the Grand Procession certain persons being placed already at the Choire door who wear to bear the Canopy woven of Gold and Silk for her to walk under In her Reign there were not above 6 appointed for this service but of later times they have been increased to double that number the first mention whereof that we have met with is an 8. Car. 1. The most usual place at Windesor where the Canopy bearers attend to receive the Soveraign when he enters upon the Grand Processions is at the Choire door yet once we find they received him without the outer door of the Chappel and they who bear it make a stand when the Soveraign returns to the same place where they received him while he passeth from under the same into the Choire to his Royal Stall At Windesor the Canopy is aswell used when the Soveraign descends from the Presence Chamber in the Proceeding to the Chappel on the Feast day in the Morning as during the time of Procession but at Whitehall it is carried over the Soveraign's head during the time of the Grand Pâ—â—cession only In this solemn Proceeding and at all other times of Publick Proceeding during the continuance of the Feast the Soveraign hath the long Train of his Mantle carried up by several of the young Nobility appointed to this Service concerning which we shall observe That this Custom of holding up the Train is a very ancient kind of honor and derived some think from the Roman Emperors others from the Popes Cardinals and Bishops who as they used to kneel down to offer at the Altar or perform any other part of Divine Service had the end of hindermost part of their Stoles or long Robes held up behind from the ground by their Arch-Dâ—aecons in token of great veneration and honor But what Erhardus Cellius affirms as more peculiar to our purpose is this That as Kings have anciently been accounted Priests so King Edward the Founder of this most Noble Order ordained this sacerdotal honor of the Train to be added to the Habit of the Order Which Ceremony of carrying up the Train as it hath been anciently afforded to Kings both in England France and elsewhere so at length it was drawn down into use by great Personages of both Sexes at grand Solemnities Assemblies Marriages c. whereof the foresaid Author gives sundry Examples A description of the Train together with the manner of bearing it up as of the Fashion and Figure wherein it then shews it self is also given us by him for speaking of the Duke of Wirtemberg's Train that was carried up according to the English Fashion at his solemn reception of the whole Habit of the Order of the Garter he takes occasion to tell us that this Appendix or Supplement trailing from the hindermost part of his Mantle is commonly called Syrma as being in the likeness of the Tail and Wings which Nature hath given for ornament to the Peacock The Lady Isabell Daughter to the French King Henry the Second when she was married by Proxy to Philip the Second King of Spain an 1559. had her Train carried up from the ground by Mary Queen of Scotland who had been lately married to the Dauphin of France and two other young Ladies Sisters of the Bride This being premised the Persons together with their quality who have had the honor to bear up the Soveraign's Train at the Grand Festival or other solemn Assemblies relating to this most Noble Order fall in now to be spoken of they being appointed by the Soveraign and notice thereof sent unto them by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold to the end they may give their attendance accordingly The ancientest Example we have met with of performing this Service in relation to the Solemnities of the Order is that of an 21. H. 7. at the Installation of Philip King of Castile when the Soveraign's Train as he went to make his Offring at the high Altar was born up by one of the Canons of the Colledge Queen Elizabeth had for the most part her Train carried up by great Ladies when she proceeded to the Closet at Whitehall on the Eve of St. George and in particular by the Lady Marchioness of Northampton in the third year of her Reign an 4. by the Dutchess of Suffolk an 5. by the Dutchess of Norfolk an 6. by the Lady Margaret Clifford Wife to the Lord Strange in the 7. and 9. years by the Dutchess of Somerset an 8. by the Countess of Rutland and an 10. on the Eve of the Grand Feast by the foresaid Dutchess of Suffolk At other times this service hath been performed by persons of honor both men and women together as on the Grand Feast day an 19. Eliz. the Earl of Oxford bore up the Train of the Soveraign's Robe and the Countess of Derby that of her Kirtle But an 5. Eliz. the Dutchess of Norfolk carried up the Train both of the Robe and Kirtle Sometimes the said Soveraign had her Train carried up by the Register of the Order as on St. George's day an 2. 3. Eliz. But of late times young Noblemen have performed this Office the most honorable person going on the right hand as an 3. Car. 1. the Duke of Lenox and Earl of Caernarvon an 8. Caer. 1. Visc. Grandison the Lord Wentworth and the Lord Carew of Leppington So 8. Oct. an 15 Car. 1. the Duke of Buckingham and his Brother with the Lord Buckhurst and Lord Cavendish Assistants have been usually appointed to those honourable personages who carried up the Soveraign Train and in this quality an 18. Eliz. the Earl of Oxford Lord High Chamberlain of England assisted the Countess of Derby which service the Vice-Chamberlain had before discharged for many years together viz. in the 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 and 10 th Years of Queen Eliz. and since the Gentleman of the Robes for so did Mr. Kirke an 8 9 11 Car. 1. The place of the Assistant in the Proceeding is upon the left hand of the Train-Bearers This honor of bearing up the Train hath been in like manner afforded to Stranger Kings at such times as they have
Earls of Manchester and Strafford conducted to the Offering by Clarenceux and Norroy And it is to be noted that where any Knight hath his opposite Companion absent he goeth up to Offer singly and alone and so returneth nevertheless with two Heralds before him as may also be seen by the precedent Scheme who conduct him to the lower end of the Stalls and there with a joint Reverence take their leave In this solemn Ceremony the order wherein the Knights-Companions Offer is always according to the Dignity of their Stalls wherein they sit for they obtain the honor and title of Seniority according as their Stalls stand in Order nearer to the Soveraigns Stall As touching the Offerings themselves which the Soveraign and Knights-Companions do at any time make in the Chappel at Windesor they of right belong to the Dean and Prebends of that Colledge having been conferred on them by the Statutes of the Colledge And it was also Ordained that the Chantor should see that all the Offerings there made should be received collected and faithfully kept and at the end of every Month or weekly if the Colledge required it give a faithful account of what was so received By which it appears that they were not only given to the Dean and Prebends but care was also taken by whom they should be received and when an Account should be rendered All which was confirmed by King Edward the Third by the Bishop and Dean and Chapter of Salisbury to whose Jurisdiction the Colledge of Windesor doth belong and also by the Bishop of Winchester Prelate of the Garter the last Day of November 1352. Nor do we find but that in pursuance of these Statutes the Dean and Prebends of the said Colledge have constantly enjoyed them until Dr. Mountague came to be Bishop of Winchester and Prelate of the Order who it seems challenged a right to the Offerings which he had received at the Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor an 21 Iac. Reg. Whereupon in a Chapter held on the last Day of the said Feast the Dean and Canons made their complaint against the said Prelate for not only receiving the Knights-Companions Offerings but for detaining them as also the Soveraigns and Princes Offerings Of which the said Prelate being demanded by the Soveraigns Lieutenant and Knights-Companions present in the said Chapter he acknowledged and further answered that he had left them in the hands of the Subdean of the Chappel tanquam in deposito But the Chapter being ready to rise the matter was not then further debated but referred to the next Feast Bishop Andrews did also de facto both receive and keep the Offrings whensoever he as Prelate Officiated at Windesor but his Executors to avoid Suit compounded for them It appears by the Red Book of the Order upon Complaint of the Dean and Prebends of Windsor in a Chapter held the 24. of Sept. an 4. Car. 1. that power was given to the Knights-Commissioners of the Order to determine this contention about the Offering and withal it is there noted that Bishop Neyle the then Prelate himself also desired that a Chapter might determine the matter But we have not met with any account of what these Commissioners so impowred did though by an Expression in the same Book an 5 Car. 1. one would guess as though the thing had been determined against the Prelate For an Offering having been then made in the Chappel at Windesor and the Soveraigns Offering received by the Bishop of Norwich that Officiated for the Prelate and the Knights-Companions Offering by the two Prebends who assisted at the Altar it is added That what was Offered fell according to Law of the place to the share of the Dean and Prebends And yet it appears that the controversy was not ended since by a subsequent Order of Chapter 6 Oct. an 6 Car. 1. the matter was again referred to the nine Knights-Commissioners of the Order or any four of them who were to hear both Parties and make their Report that so the same might receive a determination But here also it is immediately noted That the next Morning the Prelate nequid nimis denique suae sententiae tribuere videretur voluntarily delivered to the Dean 9 l. 4◠that sum being the moity of the Offerings he had received from the Soveraign and Knights-Companions The next Feast after held at Windsor viz. 4. Oct. an 7 Car. 1. the controversy was again resumed and after some arguments urged by the Prelate and answered by the Register it was Decreed that the Dean should attend the Knights-Commissioners at their next sitting with the Statutes and other Grants to the Colledge and that from them the controversie should be determined After this there is another Memorandum made in the same Register which informs us that the Prelate by the hands of the Chantor delivered all the Offerings received at the Feas◠an 9 Car. 1. to the Canons upon condition of restitution if it chanced they should be adjudged to him and not to the Canons And whether any final determination was afterwards made herein we have not hitherto found But since the return of the present Soveraign the Offerings received at the Feast of St. George at Windesor an 13 Car. 2. were divided between the Dean and Canons resident the Prelate not disputing the right And now that we may see what hath ordinarily been Offered in Gold and Silver this following Account of the Offring received by the Bishop of Winchester attested under his hand and delivered to the Dean and Prebends of Windesor will give us some Information Sept. 24.1628 The Offring at St. Georges Feast at Windesor besides the Kings Offring of the Bezant not yet redeemed  l. s. d. The whole Offring of the eight Knights 04 15 00. Viz. in Gold in Silver  s. s. The Lord Steward 10 01. Lord Chamberlain 10 02. Earl of Kellie 10 02. Earl of Salisbury 10 02. Earl of Dorset 10 02. Earl of Holland 10 02. Earl of Suffolk 10 02. Earl of Berk-shire 10 02.  04 15 00. The Offrings on Thursday the 25 th Day  s. s. His Majesties Offrings 20 10. Lord Steward 10 01. Lord Chamberlain 10 02. Earl of Kellie 10 02. Earl of Salisbury 10 02. Earl of Dorset 10 02. Earl of Holland 10 02. Earl of Suffolk 10 02. Earl of Berk-shire 10 02.  06 05 00.  l. s. d. The sum of both besides the Kings Besant unredeemed is 11 00 00. Of which given to Mr. Cotton who waited at the Altar by me 5 s. for the rest I am answerable R. Winton When all the Knights-Companions have Offered and are returned to their Stalls then doth the Chancellor of the Order make his Reverences and after him the Register Garter and Black Rod theirs together and take their Seats Upon this the afore-mentioned Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe roll
alone and have a whole Mess allowed to each of them Their meat is usually brought up by the Yeomen of the Guard and are attended by some of the Gentlemen Pensioners and others of the Soveraign's Servants two to each Table And now to descend to the Officers of the Order who though they sit not at this day in the great Hall at Dinner yet anciently it appears they had a Table allowed them there For first the Black Book rendring an account of the magnificent Feast of St. George held at Windesor an 3. H. 7. and having spoken somewhat of the Soveraign's splendid and sumptuous Table as also of that of the Knights-Companions placed on the right side of the Hall â—it tells us that a little beneath the said Knights-Companions there sat on both sides the Table the Dean the Register of the Order the Prebends the Choire and Alms-Knights The said Register informs us further that at the Table set in the middle of the Hall sat the Lord Bothville Ambassador from the King of Scots the Lords Edmond of Suffolk Grey Morley Latimer La Ware and Barness a little beneath whom sat the Choire of the Soveraign's Chappel At another Table on the left hand side of the Hall sat the President Kussemburg with the Ambassadors of the King of the Romans and the Duke his Son over against whom on the other side sat the Lord Malpart Ambassador from the Duke of Britagne the Lord Housey and others Knights Esquires and Officers which had given their attendance at the high Mass. Moreover at the Feast holden at Windesor an 11 H. 8. we meet with an account of several other Tables set in St. Georges Hall beside those of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions For on the Southside opposite to the Knights-Companions Table was a Table placed for the Lord Steward at which then sat certain French Gentlemen being Hostages of France accompanied with Earls and Lords and none at that Board under the Degree of a Lord. At the second Table of the said Southside sat the Dean of Windesor Doctor Vescy Register of the Order the Abbots of Towerhill and Medemenham who that Morning read the Epistle and Gospel and the Choire or Chappel And at the West end of the same Table which was all joined together as far as to the Choire sat the other Officers of the Order as Register Garter and Vsher of the Black Rod accompanied with the Legaâ—s Brother and four other Strangers and beneath the Strangers sat divers Knights next to them sat the Officers of Arms then several other Gentlemen filled up the Table unto the Chappel adjoining to the Hall the residue of Officers sat in the Chappel at divers Tables In the eighth year of King Charles the First the Dinner being then prepared in the Banqueting-House at Whitehall we find a particular mention of a Table for the Officers of the Order and in what part of the Room it was then set namely on the right hand side of the Banqueting-house over against the Table of the Knights-Companions who all sat after the manner of the Knights-Companions on the further side of the Table having their Meat brought and served up to them by the Yeomen of the Guard and some of the Soveraigns-Servants And at the Soveraigns command signified by the Treasurer of the Houshold they sat covered all Dinner while the Prelate and Register in their four cornerd Caps and the other three in their Hats So also at the next Great Feast viz. an 9 Car. 1. at Windesor these Officers Dining in the Great Hall sat covered but not till such time as the Soveraign by the Treasurer of the Houshold had given command for it And though it was by the Soveraigns command that they sat covered at this time also yet the following Afternoon it was moved against in Chapter as a thing unfit to be permitted because some of the grand Nobility always served the Soveraign at this Feast uncovered and therefore not sitting that the Officers being all of far lower Degree excepting the Prelate should sit with their Hats on Whereupon it was Ordered That it should be referred to the further consideration of the Knights-Commissioners Afterwards we find it was Ordered in Chapter on the Eve of the Feast an 10 Car. 1. That these Officers should be at their choice either to keep the Feast privately by themselves or sit uncovered where the Soveraign Dined They thereupon thence forward forbore sitting in the Hall or where else the Soveraign and Knights-Companions sat and at the Grand Feasts celebrated at Windesor since the present Soveraigns Happy Return they had their Messes served up into the Chappel at the end of St. Georges Hall and there Dined By what is before spoken touching the order of sitting at Dinner an 11. H. 8. it appears that the Officers of Arms did then also sit at a Table in St. Georges Hall which joined to that where the Officers of the Order also sat And among the memorials of the Feast held an 19 Eliz. it is noted that on the Eve thereof the Heralds had at Supper their allowance as accustomed viz. 16 Dishes of Meat at the first course and 8. at the second A little before the Soveraigns second course is sent for all the press of People which throng towards the Knights-Companions Tables out of curiosity to behold them sitting at Dinner and observe their Services are to be removed away towards the side Tables whereby a place may be left spacious enough for the Soveraign to take all the Knights-Companions in view which being done the Soveraign stands up and drinks to them and so is it remembred to be done by King Philip and Queen Mary they standing all the while uncovered and which they do altogether till they have pledged him And immediately before the said course is brought in the Press is again removed from the Knights-Companions Table to make another spacious lane from the lower end of the Hall up to the State At which lower end the Officers of Arms assemble and there make themselves ready to proceed up in the following Order Garter Clarenceux and Norroy Heralds two and two Pursuivants two and two Having put themselves in the foresaid Order they altogether make their Reverence to the Soveraign and proceed near the side of the Knights-Companions Table until they come to the middle of the Hall where after another Reverence made they go still forward and when Garter hath passed about two yards beyond the Knights Table and come near the Haut Pas ascending the Soveraigns State they jointly make the like Reverence again Then Garter with a loud and audible voice crys Largesâ— thrice though anciently but twice Upon Garters beginning to cry Largess all the Knights-Companions except Kings and Great Princes if any be present stand up uncovered so did the
for Ioyous mayess thou bee To see thy Kyng so florethe in Dignetye This Realme a Seaforte stoode in greate Iupardie When that Noble Prince deceased King Edward Which in his Dayes gate honore full nobly After his decesse nighe hand all was marr'd Eich Regione this Land dispised mischefe when they hard Wherefore Rejoyse for joyous mayst thou be To see thy Kynge so floreth in high dignetye Fraunce Spayne Scoteland and Britanny Flanders also Three of them present keepinge thy Noble Feaste Of St. George in Windsor Ambassadors comying more Eich of them in honore bothe the more and the lesse Seeking thie grace to have thie Noble begesse Wherefore now Rejoise and joyous maisse thou be To see thy Kynge so florishing in dignetye O Knightly Ordere clothed in Robes with Gartere The Queen's grace and thy Mother clothed in the same The Nobles of thie Realme Riche in araye Aftere Lords Knights and Ladyes unto thy greate same Now shall all Embassadors know thie Noble Name By thy Feaste Royal nowe joyeous mayest thou be To see thie King so florishinge in dignety Here this day St. George Patron of this Place Honored with the Gartere these of Chevalrye Chaplenes synging processyon keeping the same With Archbushopes and Bushopes beseene nobly Much people presente to see the King Henrye Wherefore now St. George all we pray to thee To keepe our Soberaine in his dignetye At the Grand Feast held at Windesor an 4. Car. 1. the Queen her Ladies attending was conducted into St. George's Hall a little before the Soveraign's Stiles were proclaimed to see the Soveraign and Knights-Companions sit at Dinner At the Feast there celebrated by the present Soveraign in the 15. year of his Reign the Soveraign's Stiles were not proclaimed as many times heretofore until the second Course was set upon the Table but it was by the Soveraign's special direction because he expected the Queens coming into the Hall to see the state and glory of the Feast who staying something long and the second Course being already brought to the lower end of the Hall and the Soveraign seeing it stand there gave command it should be set upon the Table but that the proclaiming of his Stiles should be yet forborn Immediately after the Queen attended with her Ladies entred St. George's Hall and passing up the middle came to the Soveraign's Table where she was seated on his right hand Hereupon Garter accompanied by his Fellow Officers of Arms proceeded up the Hall and with usual Ceremonies proclaimed the Soveraign's Stiles in Latine French and English In like manner when the Duke of York was Installed at the Grand Feast an 13. Car. 2. his Dutchess desirous to see the order and grandeur of it was brought into the Hall assoon as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions were set and passing to the upper end of the Table where the Duke sat she stood on his left hand all Dinner while And it appears to be no new thing that the Queens of England have been desirous to behold the magnificence of this solemn Feast since we also find it recorded an 11. H. 8. that a little while before the second Course was carried in Queen Katherine and her Ladies came to the Gallery at the end of the Hall which was nobly prepared for her to see the honorable Services and Ceremonies there performed But besides the Queens of England the Ambassadors of Foreign Kings and States have counted it an honor to have view of this Grand Feast and amongst others we find the French Ambassador was an 15. Iac. R. conducted into the Banquetting-house at Whitehall by Sir Iohn Fenet then Assistant Master of the Ceremonies about the middle of Dinner where he placed himself at the left hand of the Soveraign and having staid there about an hour he descended to the Knights-Companions Table and there saluted the Prince and the rest of the Knights of the Order as he passed along before them and so departed At the Grand Feast kept at Whitehall an 19. Iac. R. to the sight of which the Polonian Ambassador Osalinskie Count Palatine of Sindomerskie having received an invitation he went about the middle of Dinner to see and salute the Soveraign the Prince and Knights-Companions as they sat at the Table and thence retired into the Council Chamber where he and the Arch Dukes Agent Van Mab had been before treated The next following year on the 22. of May which was the day assigned for holding the Grand Feast at Whitehall the Prince being the Soveraign's Lieutenant supplied his place in the Banquetting house at the Table whither Don Carlos de Coloma the Spanish Ambassador and Philip a second Son to the Lantgrave of Hesse sent hither on a negotiation of his Father were conducted the Spanish Ambassador standing at his Highness right hand and the young Lant-grave at his left most part of the Dinner An. 3. Car. 1. the Ambassador of Denmark Paul Rosenkrantz and Ioachimi and Monsieur Catz the Ambassadors and Deputies of the States were conducted altogether in the time of the second Course to the Soveraign's Table and there presented themselves at that side next the Soveraign's left hand and after passed down along before the Knights-Companions with their respects bestowed personally on each Knight as they deemed fitting and then returned by the way they entred But in this last instance where there were more Ambassadors than one and from several Princes a Question arose whether they were to perform this Ceremony of seeing the Feast and presenting themselves at the Dinner singly and alone or jointly and together insomuch that the Danish Ambassador was of the mind to perform it by himself which course was approved by the Lord Chamberlain But the States Ambassador Ioachimi telling him that he and the French Ambassador had been joint spectators at a Feast two or three years before at which time he was employed a Commissioner hither the Ambassador of Denmark came in along with the others Lastly for we would not be over tedious with Instances when the Grand Feast was held at Whitehall an 19. Car. 2. the Swedish Ambassador had not only a place assigned him in the Choire at the North side of the Altar to behold the Solemnities on the Feast day in the Chappel and when the Grand Procession passed into the Court he also went out at the little door on the North side of the Chappel up to the Greencloth Chamber whence he had a fair prospect of it and thence returned to behold the Ceremonies of the Offring But when the Soveraign was at Dinner he entred the Banquetting-house from the Privy Gallery and passing to the Soveraign's Table stood there on the left hand of the Queen thence he went to salute the Knights-Companions at their Table beginning with his Highness the Duke of York and at all these places was attended by Sir Charles Cotterell Master of the Ceremonies In
therewith the Ceremonies of this Grand Feast take ending Heretofore when the Feast was held at Whitehall the Soveraigns Lieutenant and Knights-Companions were accustomed to put off their Mantles without the Chappel-Door assoon as they returned from Morning Service But an 13 Car. 1. at the finishing of this Morning Service the Proceeding went back before the Soveraign to the Presence-Chamber so also an 19 Car. 2. and in like manner an 17 Car. 1. it marched before the Soveraign in order from the Cathedral Church in York to the Soveraign Palace before they put off their Mantles SECT IV. The Diets at some of the Grand Feasts WE were unwilling to interrupt the Course of the Ceremonies relative to this Grand Feast with what some will esteem perhaps improper if not trivial nevertheless since others judge it may contribute to the setting forth the Grandeur and Magnificence of it if the particulars of the Diets be made known we shall add for Corolary an account of some of them here An Ordinance for the King the Queen and the Knights of the Garter at Windesor for Saturday Supper and Sunday Dinner the 28. and 29. days of May an 11. Reg. Henrici Octavi Saturday Supper Sunday Dinner first Course first Course Canell Soppus to Potage A George on Horseback Organs of Ling Standerd Chikins in brewel Salmon Calver Pestel of Hert for gr sh. Pyke in Erblade Capons in Erblade Plece Cignets Bremes mar Carpes of Venison Cunger gr Capons of halt gr Solles in solemsauce Herons Moletts in grave Pyke in Latum sawce Tenches in Gresell sawce Salman Calver Carpe in sharpe sawce A made Dish Creves mar Pies of Paries Dowsetts desire Custard planted with Garters Tart covered A Tart closed with Arms.  Fritor Lion  Prewne Orangs  Vno eq per pero  Leche Second Course Second Course Mainemâ— Royal. A Sotelte Halebut in engrailed Iely Ypocras Fresh Sturgion Kind Kid. Base Fesants Sowre Moletts Brewes or Mewes Bremes aque dulc Godwits Perches in soyle Birds of the Nest. Eliis gr rost Chikens Chines of Salmon r. Peions Porpos in Armor Rabets Creves dozen Peres made Orangs bak Sturgion r. Tart melior Creves dd Leche Cumforte Quales  Venison in past  Tart party  Orangs bak  Leche For the Knights Dinner on Sunday First Course Second Course Chikins in brewel Iely Yppocras Pestels or gr schare Kyd or Lambe peru Capon in Erblade Fesaunts Cignets or Green-Geese Quales Carpis of Venison or Veal Chikins Herons or Gullys Pigeons Pyke or Lampre p. Rabets Salmon Calver Sturgion r. Pies of Paris Creves dd Custard Plancyd Venison in past Fryttors Tart party  Bawdrets or Orangs bak  Leche This Fare followeth the Knights at the second Table First Course Second Course Potage A Viande Gr. Schare Lambe Capon boiled Chikins or Pigions Green Geese Venison bak or Tart. Veal rosted Creves dd Pies or Custard Leche or Frittor Lampre pr.  Frittor or Leche  This Fare is for the first Hall First Course Second Course Potage A Viand Gr. Schare Lamb. Capon boiled Chikins or Pigions Green Geese for 12 or 16 Mess. Venison bak Veal Leche or Frittor Pies or Custard paru  Frittor  Waste to be given by the great Officers Cxx Mess. Beef Veal Geese and Capon Waste to be dealt at Gate viz. CCCC Mess. Beef Veal and Bakemeats Venison or other This course for giving Waste was continued until an 12. Car. 2. that the Purveyances and Provisions for the Kings Houshold were taken away by Act of Parliament A Proportion made for the foresaid Feast of St. George Beef 24 Moulton 92 Veales 74 Pykes 24 Lampre pr. 240 Cygnets 3 doz Green Geese 18 dd Herons 8 dd Fesants 4 dd Brewz or Gullys 6 dd Goddwitts 5 dd Birds of the Nest 200. Pigeons 50 dd Chikins 52 dd Rabits 36 dd Capon of gr 12. Capon k. 8. dd Capon cos 16. dd Hens 40. dd Kyds 14 Lambs Sukkers 14 Lambs gr 96 Young Cranes 3 doz Dottrells 5 dd Quails 15 dd Creme 16 gall Crude 60 g. Milk 60 g. Butter and Eggs plenty  Peacocks with their Tails Pastry 16 Creme 24 g. Crude 80 g. Milk 76 g. Aples 200. Oranges 300. Butter to serve the said Feast  Eggs to serve the said Feast   l. s. d. The charge of the whole came to 431 03 09 For the Feast of St. George held at Whitehall on Munday the 22. and Tuesday the 23. days of April in the 19. year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord King Charles the Second An. Dom. 1667. The Supper for the Soveraign on the Eve being Munday night was prepared and set upon the Table in the Banqueting-House two by two beginning at the East end of it and the rest of the Dishes were set upon the other Dishes as Rinders in the middle  First Course  1. Ducklings boyled xij 21. Petty Paties 2. Veal Arago 3. Salmon boyled j. case 22. Rabbits fryed xij 4. Pidgeon Pye 5. Green Geese xij 23. Sallet 6. Gammon Bacon with iiij Pullets greatcourse 7. Pike with Prawns Cockles and Oysters 24. Capon good per Sallets iiij 8. Bisk Pigeons xij 9. Venison Pye 25. Rabbits marrionated 10. Chines Mutton and Veal iij. 11. Chickens boyled xij 26. Hashed Sallet 12. Hens with Eggs hasht vj. 13. Carps Great iij. 27. Cold Sparagraâ—s 14. Oyster Pye 15. Tongues and Vdders iiij 28. Pickled Sallets 16. Capons boyled ij 17. Kid j. case 29. Sweet breads Arago 18. Pullet a Granow iiij 19. Beatilia Pye  20. Capons fat v.  Second Course  1. Veal Soust ij 21. Tongues iiij 2. Salmon col 3. Pullets Great vj. 22. Leich 4. Tongue Pye 5. Ducklings xij 23. Anchovis Caveare and pickled Oysters 6. Leverets vj. 7. Lobsters vj. 24. Eggs of Portugal 8. Chickens fat xij 9. Pheasants with Eggs vj. 25. Blamange 10. Skerret Pye 11. Partridges xij 26. Creame Pistache 12. Turky Chicks xij 13. Crabs buttered vj. 27. Sparragrass 14. Tarts sorts 15. Gammons Bacon ij 28. Ielly 16. Pigeons tame xij 17. Chickens marrionated xij 29. Prawnes 18. Lamprey Pye 19. Pullets Soust vj.  20. Sallet Four Mess of Fare served to Supper on the Eve to the Knights-Companions Tables viz. one to the Duke of Yorks Table and three to the other six Knights then present and one Mess of the same fare to the Prelate and the other Officers of the Order First Course Second Course Capons boyled ij Pullets great vj. Wildboar Pye Gammon Bacon ij Kid j. case Ducklings xij Carpes great iij. Carpes Soust ij Chicken Pye frosted Partridges viij Gammon Bacon with 4. Pullets great Lamprey Pye Oyster Pye Bisk of Shelfish Turkey Chicks xij Venison Pye Prawnes Bisk Pigeons xij Pidgeons tame xij Tongue and Vdders iiij Tongues iiij Pike great Chickens fat xij Capons fat iiij Tongue Pye Turkey Pye Rabbets xij Jegot Multon ferst Anchovis Caveare and pickled Oysters Veal Arago  Green Geese x. Leich Beatilia Pye
Mantlets which Garter assisted by the Officers of Arms spurned out of the West-Door of the Chappel into the Castle Ditch But in the case of Robert Earl of Essex 25 of May an 43 Eliz. his Atchievements were only thrown down and those of Henry Lord Cobham 12 Febr. an 1 Iac. Reg. only spurned out of the Church Door but by the Kings Clemency not into the Ditch But Degradation was not alone thought sufficient and therefore an 32 H. 8. it was considered in Chapter what course should â—e taken with the Names of such of the Order as were convicted of High Treason and whether they should remain in the Registers or be razed out for it seemed just that Traitors who had deserved to have their Atchievements disgracefully thrown down should also have their Actions and Names extinguished and the Books wherein they were entred to be esteemed as polluted This being debated before the Soveraign He keeping a mean between both extreams determined That wheresoever the Actions and Names of such Offenders should be found these words vah Proditor should be written in the Margent by which means the Registers would be preserved fair and not defaced with razures and blots SECT III. Of Restauration into the Order after Degradation SOme of the Knights-Companions who have injuriously suffred Deprivation of the Ensigns and Degradation from the Order have lived to enjoy the Honor of Restauration and both re-elected and re-invested and their Atchievements again set up as were the Lord Pagits an 1 Mar. and the Marquess of Northampton's an 1 Eliz. whose Cases we have before Reported Another Instance there is of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk who being Degraded by King Edward the Sixth was upon Queen Maries's coming to the Crown restored into this Noble Fellowship as will fully appear by the Order for his Restauration which was this By the Queen Trusty and wellbeloved we greet you well And whereas our Right Trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin and Councellour the Duke of Norfolk for the good and valiant service by him of long time done to the King our Father of most famous memory King Henry the Eight as well here within the Realm as abroad with Foreign Princes both in Peace and in War and in respect of other his good qualities and vertues was by our said Father elected into the Company of the most Honourable Order of the Garter and duly invested in the same from which nevertheless afterward in the time of our late Brother King Edward the Sixth whom God assoil the said Duke was by our said late Brother and other the Companions of our said Order of the Garter through wrong information and accusation cleerly expelled and removed and his Hatchments to his no small slaunder and dishonour openly cast down and taken from the Stall appointed for him in our Chappel at Windesor We let you wet that we minding to do Iustice to all men have sythence our coming to the Government of the Realm called a Chapter for the redress of the Injuries aforesaid and such like and at the same holden at our Mannor of St. James the 27. day of Sept. last by the advice and consent of the Companions of our said Order have restored the said Duke of Norfolk to his former room and place among other the Companions of our said Order as one that was injuriously put from the same wherefore like as we have willed him to use and wear the Garter Collar George Robes and other the Apparel of our said Order in such sort as he was wont to do before his said wrongful deprivation So have we also thought good to will and require both you the Register of our said Order to cancel and utterly to put out of your Register all Writings Records or other mynyments making mention of the said deviation And you also Garter King of Arms for our said Order to see his Hatchments honourably set up in the place appointed for them and his Banner to be of such Arms as his Father bare and had set up aforetime being late Knight of the said Order there to remain and continue among the Hatchments of other our Companions of our said Order according to the ancient Ordinances and landable usages heretofore accustomed at the seting up whereof our Pleasure is these our Letters shall be openly read for a more plain Declaration of our pleasure in the premises And these our Letters shall be to you and either of you for the doing of the premises and every part thereof a sufficient Warrant and discharge Given under our Signet of our said Order at our Palace of Westminster the 7. of March the first year of our Reign To our Trusty and Well-beloved the Dean of our Chappel at Windesor Register of our Order of the Garter and Sir Gilbert Dethick alias Garter Knight King at Arms for our said Order and to either of them CHAP. XXV Honors PAID TO DECEASED Knights-Companions SECT I. Of the celebration heretofore of Masses for the defunct Knights-Companions WE observe it to have been the Custom in all Religious and most Military Orders that when any of the Knights departed this life the several Members of them should contribute their devotions for the benefit of their departed Souls according to their different qualifications some in celebrating Mâ—sses or causing them to be celebrated and others in the recitation of Divine Offices and Alms-giving as it were to satisfie the World of the honor they had from their being enrolled in their several Fraternities and Societies But the Order of the Garter hath outvy'd all others in this particular for as the reputation which the Knights-Companions while living derived from their admission into so renowned and illustrious a Body specially Knights-Subjects who were thereby advanced to a Fellowship with their King and Supreme Lord and made Companions to Emperors Kings and Princes was very great so were the several Honors paid to their memory after their decease particularly in the Royal Chappel of St. George at Windesor very remarkable not including the Solemnities at their publick Funerals many times hapning elsewhere and these we find reducible to five heads 1. The number of Masses celebrated for their Souls departed 2. The fastning Plates of their Arms at the back of their Stalls 3. Offering up their Atchievements at the Altar and 4. Depositing Mantles in the Chapter-house at Windesor As to the celebrating of Masses for the deceased Knights-Companions though it might suffice to say that it was done consonantly to the perswasion of those times yet we shall not think it much to give the reasons thereof as we find them laid down in the Preface to the Black-Book of the Order in direct relation to this solemn Ceremony performed for them It was the general opinion then That Monasteries Convents and Colledges were founded out of this motive that among devout charitable and well disposed Christians there should be a continual harmony of Prayer as well for the
of which sort as they are there mentioned are the reparation of High-ways the relief of the Poor and other things of like nature as the Soveraign should from time to time limit and appoint And of the receipt of these sums and their disbursements it was also decreed That the Dean and Register or either of them should yearly in Chapter present his Account to the Soveraign under the penalty of Ten pounds to be imployed for such like use for every such default And that Knight-Companion whose portion did appear to be then unpaid should by way of penalty or fine add unto his former duty another third part of the same and so for every year that he should be behind to pay a third part more than he was at first enjoyned to pay according to the rate before set down This charitable distribution in a Chapter held at Greenwich the 24. of April an 5. E. 6. was enlarged to the relief and succour of the Poor where most need was in the Town of Windesor and other Towns Villages and Places at and by the discretion of the Dean of Windesor he advising with some honest men who could best give an account of such as were truly poor and indigent To the bringing in of these Collections the Soveraigns have sometimes vouchsafed to cast their eyes and an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. by an Order in Chapter a Scedule was appointed to be made of all the monies due and in arrear upon the decease of Knights-Companions to the end they might be imployed to publick and pious uses But though the foresaid Decree was confirmed by King Edward the Sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth yet for many years had the Collection of these Obit monies been neglected even till the 9. of King Charles the First and then the noble Earl of Portland inflamed with zeal for the restoring of so pious a work did in full Chapter held at Windesor on the 5. of Nov. in the aforesaid year put the Soveraign in mind of the Decrees anciently made in this case Whereupon it was ordained by the Soveraign with the consent of all the Knights-Companions present That the said Constitution so honorable and charitable in it self and to which they were all sworn at their entrance into the Order should be revived and put in practice and for ever hereafter observed under the penalty contained in the Statutes both towards the Knights that were to pay the same and towards the Dean of Windesor who was to collect it And further That the same should begin for the five Knights whose Atchievements were at that Feast offered that is to say for the King of Sweden the Prince Elector Palatine the Earls of Northumberland Banbury and Rutland And concerning Stranger Princes it pleased the Soveraign to express himself That as by the Statutes they are left to perform these payments by themselves if they would so if the same were not done by them that them and thenceforwards the same should be paid by the Soveraign himself The Soveraign whose total for these five deceased Knights amounted to 129 l. 3 s. 4 d. caused the same to be paid to Doctor Christopher Wren the then Register of the Order so did the Earls of Arundel and Surry Salisbury Dorset Holland Berks Portland and Lindsey the Total of each of theirs amounting to 12 l. 10. s. But from the rest as the said Register himself complained in his Letters to Sir Tho. Rowe the then Chancellor of the Order all his endeavours could not obtain their proportions Afterwards all the Sums of money to be collected by vertue of this Decree together with the Knights-Companions duties at their first entrance into this Order were imployed towards the providing Plate for the Altar within St. George's Chappel in Windesor Castle of which we have already treated SECT II. Of fixing on the Stalls Plates of their Arms and Stiles THE next thing provided for by the Statutes of Institution was the deceased Knights Honor in commemoration whereof among other things conducing thereunto it was ordained That when any one of the first Founders should dye there should be made in metal a Scutcheon of his Arms with his Helm or Crest and fastned at the back of his Stall for a mark of Honor to him that bore them And in like manner that their Successors should have a like Scutcheon fixed on the backs of their Stalls and to difference them from those of the first Founders they were appointed to be made in bigness less than theirs and to be placed somewhat underneath them But this Article relates only to the Knights-Companions not to the Soveraigns of this most Noble Order nor do we find that any of them had Plates of their Arms and Stiles set upon the back of their Stalls in manner as is before prescribed to the rest of the Knights-Companions King Henry the Eighth in his Body of Statutes alters this Article in three particulars first as to the time of setting up their Plates he appoints it to be not after their death but within a year after the Installation of every Knight-Companion Secondly as to the nature of the Metal that it may be such as the Knight shall please himself And lastly as to the size though he also restrains the Knights Subjects to a lesser than those of the first Founders yet gives he liberty to Knights Strangers to use their Plates and fashions at pleasure As to the first of these we find not but that it hath been duly observed But the last the size of the Plates as will appear upon sight hath been little regarded For the very Plates of those Knights who were installed soon after the confirmation of these Statutes and thence downwards are bigger than those of the first Founders As to the other relating to the Metal they are off it is to be acknowledged that the succeeding Knights-Companions did prudently follow the example of their Predecessors who appointed their Plates to be of Copper and thereby unexpectedly defeated the design of Avarice and Rapine Of which we have an instance in the Duke of Wirtemberg's Plate for that being of Silver and large withal gave so great a temptation that in the late Wars it was forced from the back of the Stall whereto it was fixed with some difficulty sure since they could not get it thence without carrying away some part of the Wainscot along with it But if the Metal of these Plates were of small value the workmanship about them was extraordinary especially of late the Plate it self being gilt over and the colours of the Armory and Supporters richly enamelled all which though it added much lustre to the Shield yet did it nothing contribute to the advantage of the Thief In tract of time many of these noble and remarkable Memorials were by sacrilegious hands torn off and imbezelled which the late Soveraign of
command of King Edward the Fourth signified by Letters sent to his Deputy and the Knights-Companions were by Garter taken down and carried out of the Choire into the Vestry and in their place were set up the new Atchievements of King Edward the Fourth and this was done at the Feast of St. George held at Windesor an 1. E. 4. and long before the Death of King Henry the Sixth which when it hapned he was first buried at Chertsey Abbey in Surrey and by King Richard the Thirds Command Reinterred on the Southside of the High Altar in St. Georges Chappel at Windesor and therefore this cannot sute with King Henry the Eighths Case whose Atchievements were not taken down at all But when the Soveraigns of this most Noble Order are not interred at Windesor then are their Atchievements offered up at the next ensuing Feast according to the usual manner as were those of Queen Elizabeth which the Blew Book notes to be done at Morning Prayer the 11. of Iuly an 1. Iac. R. The Banner being offered by the Earl of Nottingham Lord Admiral then the Soveraign's Lieutenant and the Lord Buckhurst Lord Treasurer the Sword by the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland and the Helm and Crest by the Earls of Northumberland and Worcester and also of King Iames her Successor an 1 Car. 1. both these Soveraigns being buried at Westminster As to the time for performing this Ceremony it was ordained to be on the Morrow after the Feast when the Mass was sung for the soul of the Knights-Companions and of all the Faithful deceased and before the Offering of Money Thus was it ordered even in the first precedent we have of this solemn Ceremony and so was it duly and constantly performed in succeeding times till that of the Reformation at which the Mass of Requiem being abolished this Solemnity was nevertheless performed in the Morning Service on the Morrow immediately after the Offertory But after Queen Elizabeth had removed the Feasts of St. George from Windesor and left those of Installation only to be held there that Solemnity was commonly dispatcht in one day and the Atchievements of the defunct Knights offered before they went out of the Choire as in the 16. year of her Reign at the Installation of the Earls of Derby and Penbroke when assoon as the Morning Service was ended in which the Ceremony of Installation was performed the Commissioners appointed for that Solemnity came down from their Stalls and offered the Atchievments of the Earl of Derby Lord William Howard of Effingham and Lord Chandos And this was the first time we observe this Ceremony to have been translated from the Morrow after the Feast of St. George to any other time and the ancient rule as to the time being thus broken was never after restored but generally thence forward the Offring of the defunct Knights Atchievments was performed the very same Morning wherein the Elect-Knights were Installed For the Installation being fully compleated towards the end of the second Service viz. at the time of the Offertory the Atchievments were offered after which succeeded the Offring of Money And yet once when the Solemnity of Installation was celebrated at Evening Prayer being that of Frederick the Second King of Denmark and Iohn Casimire Prince Palatine of the Rhyne the 13. of Ianuary an 25. Eliz. immediately after their Proctors had taken possession of their Stalls and an Anthem been sung the Atchievments of Maximilian the Emperor Emanuel Duke of Savoy Francis Duke of Montmorency Henry Earl of Arundel and Walter Earl of Essex were with wonted honor as the Statutes of the Order required severally Offered but not without the sad and sorrowful view of all the standers by Sometime before the day was thus changed an intermixture of both the Offerings together viz. of Money and Atchievments began to be introduced when after the Offertory was read the Soveraign's Lieutenant descended from his Stall and proceeded to the Altar and there Offered both Gold and Silver for the Soveraign and so returned to his Seat after which the Offering of the defunct Knights Atchievements began and that Ceremony being ended the Soveraign's Lieutenant proceeded again to the Altar and there offered Money for himself and lastly all the rest of the Knights-Companions present offered Money in order Thus we find these Ceremonies managed an 5. Eliz. at the Offering of the Atchievements of the Lord Grey and an 6. Eliz. when the Atchievements of the Earls of Westmerland and Rutland and the Lord Paget were offered the Earl of Arundel being the Soveraign's Lieutenant at both these Feasts But not long after this course was altered in part and the Lieutenant Offered not for the Soveraign till after such time as the Atchievements of the defunct had been compleatly offered And albeit the day was thus changed for performance of this Ceremony yet was not the Ceremony it self begun till after the Installation was finished that Solemnity having at all times the precedency until an 9. Iac. R. when he observing a kind of incongruity in the order of the Ceremony namely to Install a new Knight and who being thus installed frequently became one of those Knights that offered part of the defunct Knights Atchievments as may be seen in divers and sundry Examples before his Predecessor had been fully discharged of his Stall gave order for Offering the Atchievments of Sir Henry Lea the Lord Scroop Viscount Bindon and the Earl of Dunbar first and before the Instalment of the Elect Knights Charles Duke of York Tho. Earl of Arundel and Robert Viscount Rochester which was accordingly performed as also at the Installation of Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Henry Prince of Orange an 10. Iac. R. And two years after at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland Sir George Villars afterwards created Duke of â—uckingham and Viscount Lisle the Lord Admiral going out of the Choire to fetch in the said Earl of Rutland to his Installation according to the old manner before the Offering of the Atchievments and as had been done the year before the Soveraign remanded him and again ordered That the Atchievments of the Earl of Shrewsbury should be first Offered before any of the Elect Knights should be Installed Not long after it was thought convenient to perform this Ceremony on the Eve of the Feast presently after the first Vespers begun and next to proceed on with the Installation of the Elect Knight whereby as much as possible the Stalls of the Knights-Companions might be supplyed and consequently the places among them filled up in all the rest of the Solemnities of the Feast Thus was it ordered at the Installation of Marquess Hamilton an 21. Iac. R. when the Atchievments of the Earl of Exceter were Offered In like manner the following year were the Atchievments of the Duke of Lenox first
Sir Christopher Hatton sometime before his Death commanded that his Mantle should be delivered to the Dean and Canons and accordingly it was sent to Windesor after his decease But the Mantle of Sir Henry Lea being left to the disposal of others and not sent to the Colledge hapned at length to come into the hands of Brokers and openly exposed to sale in Long-lane to the great dishonor of the Order This Decree was in after-times but slackly observed and therefore in a Chapter held at Windesor the 24. of September an 4. Car. 1. the Knights were admonished That where the Soveraign should vouchsafe to bestow upon a Knight the Mantle of the Order the said Knight should take care at his death to have it sent to the Chappel at Windesor according as the Statutes do provide But this taking little effect the same Soveraign thought fit to restore to life and vigour the Law in this particular by a Decree made in Chapter held also at Windesor the 18. of April in the 13. year of his Reign which obliged all the Knights-Companions receiving the Ensigns of the Order from the Soveraign to take care according to the obligation of their Oath that these together with the Book of Statutes should be restored into the hands of the Soveraign after their Death And a command was therewithal given That certain Books Mantles and Surcoats then lying at Whitehall should be delivered to the Register of the Order to be laid up at Windesor in honorable memory of them to whom they belonged In observation of these Decrees where the Habit or Ensigns of the Order were either wholly or in part bestowed by the Soveraign order was taken in either case to send for them in after such Knights decease Accordingly at a Chapter held the 10. day of October an 15 Car. 1. the Garter and George of the Lord Treasurer Weston being sent back was then presented to the Soveraign by whom it had been accustomed and affirmed to be all that the Soveraign had given the said Earl whereupon the same was accepted and delivered to the Dean and Chapter of Windesor to be preserved And at the same Chapter it was ordered that the Earl of Kelley's Robes and Ornaments of the Order should be sent for by the Chancellor as having been given him by the Soveraign to wit the Garter and George immediately after his Election and the Mantle and Surcoat against the Installation of the present Soveraign These former Decrees were yet thought needfull to be confirmed by the present Soveraign and therefore in a Chapter held in the Yellow-Chamber at Whitehall the 4. of Febr. 1669. it was decreed That the Mantle of each Knight-Companion so also the Book of Statutes should be sent to Windesor immediately after their Death and that the Chancellor of the Order should be obliged by Letters to their Heirs and Executors to put them in mind of sending them thither Nevertheless it is to be understood that where the Mantle hath been provided at the Knights own charge there lyes no obligation for sending it to Windesor after his decease And it appears upon the Death of Philip Earl of Penbroke and Montgomery that the Trustees for sail of the late Kings Goods having sent and made demand of his Mantle and Surcoat his Executors making it appear that they were bought with his own money of Sir Peter Richaâ—t by the then Soveraign's command signified not only to him but the rest of the Knights-Companions an 14 Car. 1. they desisted from further prosecution There is a memorable Instance in the return of the Habit and Ensigns of Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden being sent back in a solemn Embassy from Christina Queen of Sweden his Daughter and Successor to that Crown The Reception of which having been ordered with considerable State and Ceremony will most fitly be here remembred Saturday the 18. of April an 11 Car. 1. was the day appointed for the resigning them up into the Soveraigns hands on the Afternoon of which day Iohn Baron Skiite Ambassador from the said Queen came to Whitehall and was conducted to the Council Chamber to retire himself till he was sent for into the Chapter The Chapter was upon this occasion held in the Presence-Chamber where as soon as they were set the Soveraign assigned the Earls of Penbroke and Arnudel attended by Garter and Black Rod to go for the said Ambassador who was conducted to the Chapter in the order following First the Ambassadors Followers two and two The Officers of Arms in their Coats two and two Garter carrying on a Velvet Cushion the deceased Kings Mantle Surcoat Hood Garter Collar and great George and the wearing George Earl of Arundel The Ambassador Earl of Penbroke The Ambassadors Followers and the Officers of Arms having proceeded in this order as far as the Presence-Chamber door there divided themselves on each side and made a stand Garter going before and the Ambassador between the said two Knights-Companions entred the Chapter making the usual Congies in coming up to the Soveraign Then Garter kneeling down held the Ornaments and Iewells of the Order on the Cushion whilst the Ambassador made the following Oration in Latin Serenissime Potentissimeque Rex Domine clementissime NEmini potest esse obscurum quod ab omni aevo omnibus omninò Populis Nationibus in more usu positum fuerit homines ob praeclara facta variis premiis atque honoribus afficere tum ut fortitudinem acuerent virtutem câ—nservarent tum ut robur disciplinam tuerentur Quâ quidem re procuratum videmus ut Equestris etiam dignitas inde ex hâc occasione originem ceperit postmodum per omnes ferè aetates validissimo roboris incremento aucta amplificata fuerit rit ac licèt in tantâ ejusdem copiâ varietate difficile videatur judicare quae species alteri praevalere debeat quasi palmam praeripere Siquis tamen paulò altiùs hoc ipsum ponderaverit deprehendet veterum illorum honores dignitates ac privilegia cum Garterio Ordine non esse comparanda Permitte mihi Serenissime Rex ut in Augustâ Nobili hâc coronâ Ordinis Periscelidis decora accuratiùs contempler quid mihi insuper in mandatis sit datum humilimè referam Edwardi tertii incredibilem virtutem atque fortitudinem omnis posteritas in hunc usque diem est admirata semper qui cum à vetustissimis Angliae Regibus Originem traexerit nulli veterum tum rerum gestarum gloria tum invictissimi animi magnitudine tum summae faelicitatis admiraâ—tione videtur esse postponendus ab hoc inquam Heroë laudatissimo fortissimo cum Ordo hic Garterius excogitatus sit inventus quid tanto Instituto potest esse Nobilius quid praeclarius Summa quoque dïgnitas huic Ordini ex eo aboritur quod non modò praecipuae Nobilitatis viri Potentissimi
and Arch-Chamberlain to the Emperor With these the King retained for his intended Expedition into France several other Noblemen of those Countries as namely Adolph Earl of Monte who having made Fealty and Homage to the King he in reward thereof setled on him a Pension for life of 1200 Florens of Gold per annum out of his Exchequer Everhard eldest Son to Thideric Earl of Lymborg Adolph Earl of Marlia Robert de Touburgh Lord of Warnich Theodorick Earl of Lossen and Heuseberg and Lord of Blatikenburgh and Theodorick de Montjoy Lord of Valkenborgh besides divers valiant Knights and Commanders of eminent note But Philip de Valois was so alarm'd at the report of these Alliances that he used all endeavours to interrupt the foresaid Ambassadors in their passage home both by placing a Garrison in the Isle of Cogaunt and setting out several men of War to Sea Of which the King having intelligene directed his Writ to Iohn de Ros Admiral of the Fleet from the River of Thames Northward to fit up a Convoy of 40 stout Ships well mann'd to be at Dort in Holland on Monday after Midsommer-day to secure their return where they lay ready for their coming And whereas these Ambassadors in making these Alliances and Retainers upon the Kings account had obliged themselves to pay sundry great sums of money the King indempulfied them their Heirs and Executors of all those sums and other things whereto they were so engaged This great Affair of strengthening the King with Alliances and Friends in Germany and Flanders was again set on foot and to that purpose another Commission was issued to the said Bishop of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury to whom was added Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk and Iohn Darcy Steward of the Kings Houshould with power to any three of them to treat thereupon with Lewis the Emperor Another Commission of the same date was made out to them and to Richard de Winkele Iohn de Offord Paul de Monteflorum Iohn de Montgomery and Iohn Wauwyn impowering them to treat with and retain all persons aswell Nobles as others for the Kings Service And as the King did endeavour by these means to gain assistance for the recovery of his right to the Crown of France so did he not neglect all methods of Peace among which he thought fit to constitute the foresaid Bishop of Lincolne the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk and Iohn Darcy his Agents to treat cum magnifico Principe Domino Philippo Rege Franciae illustri or his Deputies touching his right to the said Crown to wit whether it ought to remain to him or King Edward And by another Commission they were impowered to treat upon all Controversies and Demands whatsoever relating to the Dukedom of Aquitaine or other parts beyond Sea and also of a happy and perpetual peace The same day he constituted Iohn Duke of Brabant and Loraine his Lieutenant Captain and Vicar General in the Kingdom of France where it is worthy note that the King in this Commission challenging the Crown of France as devolved to him by right of succession and consequently become his lawful Inheritance did assume the Title of that Kingdom and stiled himself Edwardus Dei gratiâ Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Dux Aquitaniae And by another Commission bearing even date made of these Officiary Dignities to the said Duke he put France in the first place thus Edwardus Dei gratiâ Rex Franciae Angliae c. but it was not long e're he voluntarily laid this Title of France aside nor did he solemnly assume it again till the 14. year of his Reign over England By several other Commissions of the same date wherein the Titles of England and France were so transposed did the King constitute into the same Dignities William Marquess of Iuliers William Earl of Henault his Father-in-Law and William Bohun Earl of Northampton and by another then dated and directed to the Archbishops Bishops Dukes Marquesses Earls Barons and all other persons in the Kingdom of France having therein the Titles of England and France transposed as before they are commanded to receive the said Duke as if it were the King in his own person as also the Marquesses and Earls And further the said Marquesses and the Earls were by other Commissions severally constituted the Kings special Ambassadors to make known his said Title to all whom it should concern to challenge and prosecute his right to require every unjust detainor to render to the King whatsoever he so withheld from him to displace and punish such as they should think meet and lastly to do and execute all other things which should be most necessary for the recovery and preservation of his right The King of France had in the beginning of this year sent Forces into Gascoigne and seised upon many of the Kings Castles and Fortresses upon notice hereof the King gave command to arrest 20 Ships in the Port of Southampton and thereabouts and to press men to be ready at Portsmouth to set forward for Gascoigne on Whitson-Eve following for he had raised a great Army to send thither It may not here be forgotten what is recorded of Reymond Cornely Lord of Abertha a Gascoigner who made an offer to the King of France to fight in defence of Edward's right to those Countries for which he sent him very great and particular thanks But withall made several applications by his Ambassadors to the Court of France for restitution of what had been seized on and prevention of a War His Offers were these 1. To marry his eldest Son the Duke of Cornwall to the King of France's Daughter without Dowry 2. The marriage of his Sister the Countess of Geldres to his Son with a great sum of money 3. The marriage of his Brother the Earl of Cornwall with any of the Blood Royal. 4. To make restitution for any dammage he tendered him as much money as he could in reason demand 5. He also proferr'd to take a Voyage to the Holy Land with the King of France if he would restore his Lands to him 6. To go the Voyage if he would restore but half or some of those Lands 7. To take the Voyage with him if he would make restitution after his return or lastly 8. To take the Voyage singly himself so that at his return he would restore him his right These Overtures with many others which the King or his Council could think off were offered to the King of France in order to a Peace with this general proposal beside That if any one could think of any other way tending thereunto he would be ready to accept thereof But all in vain for on the contrary King Philip excited and maintained the Scots against him and his Navy also did great mischiefs at Sea Whereupon the Pope perceiving that the War was likely to proceed sent
into England P. Priest Cardinal of St. Praxid and B. Deacon Cardinal of St. Mary in Aquiro to use their best endeavours to compose the differences now growing high between the two Kings Upon whose mediation with King Edward though Peace could not be obtained yet that things relating to Peace might the better be effected a Truce was agreed on to the Morrow after Candlemas day an 12. E. 3. and thence prorogued to the first of March and lastly a further enlargement of it to Midsummer following in case the King of France should consent to it and give Security that it should be observed but he it seems refusing the King was advised to revoke this later cessation which he did the 6. of May and to take a Journey into Flanders personally to confer with his Allies in pursuance of his design against France and thereupon he took shipping at the Port of Orewell the 16. of Iuly and went to Antwerp But before he went upon the Cardinals further importunity a Commission issued to I. Archbishop of Canterbury R. Bishop of Durham R. de Vfford Earl of Suffolk Sir Geoffry le Scrop Knight and Mr. Iohn Vfford Archdeacon of Ely with power to treat and agree touching all things in difference between them in reference to a full and final Peace And by another Commission bearing the same date the Duke of Brabant Earl of Hanow and Gueldres the Marquess of Iuliers and Sir William Dunort Lord of Oustrehout Knight are added to them These Commissions were double and of two several Stiles in the one the King calls Philip de Valoys Consanguineus noster Franciae only and in the other Excellentissimus Princeps Dominus Philippus Rex Franciae illustris Consanguineus noster charissimus At Antwerp the confederate Princes gave the King a meeting and here he expresly revoked all the powers he had given the forementioned Commissioners to treat with Philip de Valois as King of France At length it was resolved that the Duke of Iuliers should be sent Ambassador from the King to the Emperor which Embassy obtained a promise to the King of the Vicar-generalship of the Empire whereupon about the beginning of September he took a Journey to Colen where the Emperor publickly defied the King of France and constituted King Edward his Vicar-General who at his return into Flanders entred upon the execution of that Office In the 13. year of this Kings Reign at the instance of the foresaid Cardinals Iohn Archbishop of Canterbury Richard Bishop of Durham Henry Bishop of Lincolne the Earls of Derby Salisbury and Suffolk and some others were impowered to treat with Philip de Valois or his Deputies upon the Dignities Honors Lands and Rights belonging to King Edward and all other controversies whatsoever The Deputies on the other part were the Archbishop of Rouen the Bishops of Langres and Beauvais and the place for treaty Arras but nothing of Peace being thereby effected the King prepared effectually for War having some time before made an alliance with Albert and Otho Dukes of Austria Stiria and Karinthia and received Homage as King of France from Reiginald Duke of Gueldres and Earl of Zutphen for which he afterwards granted him 1000 l. sterling per Annum for his life He likewise made alliances with other Princes who were to furnish him with men to be imployed in his intended expedition into France as also with Lewis the Emperour after which he sent a Letter from Antwerp to the Pope asserting his claim to the Crown of France which is to be seen in Walsingham's History of England All things for War being now in readiness the King with the assistance of his Allies first besieged Cambray an Imperial City and then in the hands of the French but it being too well fortified and provided to be suddenly taken he raised his Siege and passed into France first sending his defiance to Philip de Valois then at Paris by the Bishop of Lincoln Sir Walter Many was the first who after the defiance made entred France with 40. Horse burnt Mortaigne took the Castle of Thyne garrisoned it and returned to the King at Mechlin The King having passed the River Skell entred France upon St. Matthews Day and burnt the Country before him And not long after at the request of the Duke of Brabant to admit of a Treaty of Peace the King at Markoyne grants the said Duke power in his name to give safe conduct to such persons as he should think fit to meet at any place within two or three Leagues from his Camp to treat of Peace the same to continue till Friday following and all that day but nothing was effected The Saturday before St. Lukes Day the King with his Army passed the River Oyze and marching forward till he came between Vyronfoss and Flamengery the two Armies drew near each other where the Day of Battel was agreed on to be the Friday after But in the interim a Letter of advice was brought to the French King from Robert King of Sicily a famous Astrologer to disswade him from fighting since he had by his Science found that if he fought with the King of England he should be vanquished and loose the day This Letter so prevailed with the King of France that though he had the greater power and that both Armies stood ranged for Battel yet was there not a blow struck on the appointed Day The Munday following intelligence was brought to the King that the French were dispersed and returning homewards whereupon he withdrew his Army and marched back into Brabant At his return to Antwerp he issued out another Commission to Iohn Archbishop of Canterbury R. Bishop of Durham H. Bishop of Lincoln W. Earl of Salisbury Sir Bartholomew Burghersh and Sir Geoffry le Scrop Knights and Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely to treat of Peace with Philip de Valois or with Commissioners from him and a month after this Commission was renued upon adding Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk to the before-named Commissioners Here also the King was advised to ingage the Flemmings to his further Assistance who were willing enough for by the means of Iaques D'artuell he had gained a great influence upon them but considering they stood ingaged in the Pope's Chamber in two Millions of Florens not to make War against the King of France they proposed that the King would quarter the Arms of France with those of England and call himself King of France as he ought of right to do and then they would take him to be the rightful King of France and receive from him a discharge of that Obligation and afford him their assistance To this proposal the King agreed and solemnly assumed both the Arms of the Kingdom and Title of King of France He also caused his Great Seal to be changed and brought it with him at his return to
England landing at Orewell the 21. of Febr. at 9. a Clock in the Morning and the first of March delivered it to Sir Iohn de St. Paul in a Chamber called the Cage Chamber at Westminster The old Great Seal was then delivered up to him by the said Sir Iohn which he gave to William de Kildesby to be kept in his Wardrobe But that the New Seal might be made more publick he caused Impressions thereof and of his Privy Seal to be made and sent to all the Sheriffs in England to be published in the several Counties in regard he intended at the meeting of the Parliament on the Wednesday next after Midlent Sunday to acquaint them with the cause wherefore he had added to his Stile the title of King of France That day being come he under his New Great Seal as King of France vacated all Papal Processes made at the instance of the French King against the Inhabitants of Flanders and granted to the Earl of Flanders his Heirs and Successors for ever the Towns of Lysle Doway Bethune and Orchies with the County of Artois and City of Tournay and to their Inhabitants divers Priviledges And by another Instrument of the same date under the said Seal with the consent of the Parliament he granted that the staple of Wools should be setled at Bruges A little before his return into England he wrote a Letter from Gaunt which bore Teste the 8. of Febr. in the first year of his Reign over France and 14. over England to the Prelates Peers and Commons of France thereby signifying that Charles late King of France his Mothers Brother being dead that Kingdom was fallen to him by manifest Law and that Philip de Valois Son to the Uncle of the said King had by force intruded into it in his Minority and yet detained it Lest therefore he should seem to neglect his own right he thought good to own the Title of France and take on him the defence and Government thereof and having offered the said Philip divers friendly conditions of Peace to which he refused all condiscention he was therefore necessitated to defend himself and recover his right by force of Arms and therefore all such Subjects as would submit to him as true King of France by Easter then next ensuing should be received into his grace and protection Having dispatcht his Affairs with the Parliament which had given him a great Supply to go on with this War and wherein an Act passed that he might with the assent of his Allies condescend to any reasonable terms of Peace And having created the Marquess of Iuliers Earl of Cambridge and given him 1000 l. per annum until he were provided for of so much Land of Inheritance He got in readiness an Army to go beyond Sea and prepared his Navy to transport it and on the 22. of Iune horâ diei quasi primâ set sail from Orewell The French King had laid 120. great Ships beside Genoeses Normans and Picards Manned with 40000. Men to intercept his passage But after a fierce and bloody fight on Midsummer Eve the King got the Victory before Sluce destroying most of the Enemy and taking the greatest part of their Fleet and on Midsummer day landed at Sluce and went forthwith to Gaunt Of this Signal Victory an account by Letter was sent from the King to the Bishops and Prelates by the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Trussell Not long after the King held a Council with his Allies at Villenort where it was resolved that the King should besiege Tournay before which he brought 120000. Men. Thence he sent a Letter sealed with his Great Seal to Philip de Valois signifying that he had fairly requested him to render him his lawful right to the Crown of France but perceiving he meant to persist in detaining it without returning him any answer He was therefore entred Flanders as Soveraign Lord thereof to pass through that Country for recovery of his Inheritance so detained yet to avoid the effusion of Christian blood and determine the right he challenged him to fight body to body or else 100. chosen Souldiers on each side or if both were refused then to pitch upon a day for both Armies to fight neer Tournay But the French King returned no answer to this Letter The Siege continued eleven weeks wanting three days in which time by the mediation and effectual endeavour of Iane de Valois the French Kings Sister a Treaty was set on foot Iohn King of Bohemia Adolph Bishop of Leige Reynel Duke of Loraine Am Earl of Savoy and Iohn Earl of Arminiack being Commissioners for the French King the Dukes of Brabant and Gueldres the Marquess of Iuliers and Iohn of Henault Lord Beaumont for King Edward who on the 25. of September agreed upon a Truce between both Kings to endure till Midsummer following of which publication was made in England the 6. of October and thus both Armies retired But this was much against the Kings Will though not against those of his Allies who were very desirous to return home The Siege being raised the King went to Gaunt and thence returned into England where he arrived at the Tower Wharf on the Feast of St. Andrew about Midnight At this Treaty before Tournay it was among other things agreed that another Treaty should be held at Arras within that year whither both Kings and the Pope should send Commissioners but that meeting produced only another year to be added to the Truce The Kings Commissioners were the Bishops of Lincolne and Durham the Earl of Warwick Sir Robert d' Artois Sir Iohn Henault and Sir Henry of Flanders This year produced some other Overtures for the amicable composure of all Controversies and concluding a Peace between the two Kings to which purpose a Commission issued to R. Bishop of Durham Hugh Earl of Gloucester William Fitz Warren Nicholas de Flisco and William Trussell Another Commission issued to Iohn Duke of Brabant Reignold Duke of Gueldres and Zuthphen William Marquess of Iuliers and Earl of Cambridge and William Earl of Hanaw and Iohn de Hanaw Lord Beaumont to treat and agree with Philip de Valois upon a Truce to the Feast of the decollation of St. Iohn Baptist then coming on which it seems became so far hopeful as to produce a prorogation till the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and thence till Midsummer in the following year Another Commission was made forth to William Earl of Huntingdon Bernard Dominus de le Brett Bartolomew de Burglersh Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely and Michael de Flisco to treat with the 〈◊〉 Philip de Valois aswell touching the Kingdom and Crown of France as divers other questions and controversies between them and to compose the differences by a full Peace or otherwise a Truce and one of these Commissions was
to treat by the advice of Iohn Duke of Brabant and other the Kings Allies in â—landers While the King lay at the Siege of Tournay the Scots excited by the French King invaded England and passing by Berwick marched into Northumberland and thence to Dâ—â—â—â—m foraging the Country still as they went and after returned home 〈◊〉 this incursion they recovered all the Castles formerly lost except those of Edeâ—â—urgh Strivling and Roxborough the first of which within a short time after was taken by stratagem But in the Truce made at Tournay the Scotch were by a particular Article included and so all hostility ceased during that Truce yet after the expiration thereof and some new provocations given the King he raiâ—ed an Army to enter Scotland but being engaged in the War with France could not go with it himself and therefore constituted Edward King of Scotland his Captain and Lieutenant of his Army and in another Commission of the same date gave him power nevertheless to treat with the Scots and to admit them to Peace and pardon their offences In these Commissions the King stiles him Magnisicus Princeps Edwardus Rex Scotiae fidelis consanguineus noster charâ—simus The following year he was again constituted the King's Captain and Commander in chief of the Army designed against Scotland for defence of the Kingdom of England and destruction of his Scotch Enemies and further commissionated to raise men in all the Counties beyond Trent aswell within Liberties as without for that Expedition Upon which preparation a Truce was made for one year before the ending of which the Truce concluded at Vannes in Britagne between the King and his Adversary of France took commencement being to hold from Michaelmâ—s 17. E. 3. for three years And in the mean time the Bishop of Durham and others were appointed by the King to treat and conclude with the Scots touching the manner form and conditions appointed by the said Truce and the mutual commerce of the Subjects of both Kingdoms as also to reform and punish the breakers of the Truce The Truce made with the French at Tournay and enlarged at Arras gave the King time to see his Allies in Flanders aimed chiefly at the accomplishment of their own designs by his hands rather than the advancement of his interest in France by their assistance and the two fruitless Expeditions in attempting to enter that Kingdom through Flanders shewed they would do little for him besides he now judged it a more easie and advantagious passage thither through Britagne which he hoped to gain by laying hold of the occasion offered him to protect and assist Iohn Earl of Montsort Duke of Britagne whose Title to that Dukedom and the occasion of the War between him and Charles de Bloys are set down at large by Sir Iohn Froissard This Iohn Montfort being taken Prisoner at Nants by Charles de Bloys whom the French King had assisted with an Army to enter Britagne was sent to Paris and there died in Prison his Widow Ioane of Flanders being of a manlike courage nevertheless maintained the War and to gain further aiâ— and supplies from King Edward proposed by Sir Emere de Clisson a Nobleman of Britagne to marry her Son to one of his Daughters which taking effect the King sâ—nt Sir Walter Many in November with 3000 Archers into Britagne who though they wandred 40 days at Sea by distress of weather yet came timely to her assistance The King in the 16. year of his Reign raised a great Army and by Proclamation made appointed his Souldiers in all Counties of England except Yorkshire Northumberland Cumberland and Westmerland to be in readiness by Midsummer following to go along with him and after directed his Letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops for publick Prayers to be made and the divine goodness sought to for a blessing upon his Armies which now he designed both against France and Scotland The 4. of October following he took shipping at Sandwich in a Ship called the George and sailing towards France met with the French Fleet where after a fierce Encounter they were separated by Tempest at length he landed neer Vannes in Britagne and laid Siege thereto and here leaving the Lord Stafford he marched to Remes and Nantes laying Siege to both Towns as also to Dynan and took it after which he returned to Vannes and then drew off his Forces from Nantes thither and there the Bishop Cardinals of Penestrina and Tusculan sent from Pope Clement the Sixth obtained of him 19. Ian. 1343. a Truce for 3 years which the King gave way to in hope of an honorable Peace This done the King returned into England and set forth a Proclamation to give publick notice of this Truce But the Truce expiring the War was again renewed between Charles de Bloys and the Countess of Montfort to whose assistance the King sâ—nt Sir Thomas Dagworth from the Siege of Calais with a supply of men and the English having Rochedaren surrendred to them Charles de Bloys laid Siege to it to relief of which the Countess sent Sir Thomas Dangorne and Sir Iohn Artwell who 20. Iune 1347. took Charles de Bloys with the Britagne and Norman Lords that were on his part Prisoners and raised the Siege which Charles was sent into England where he remained in custody a long time The 24. of February an 17. E. 3. the King summoned a Parliament to be held die Lunae proximò post Quindena Paschae wherein Sir Bartholomew Burghersh present at the making of the Truce neer Vannes declared that the King consented thereto provided it might be honorable and advantageous for his Allies and was content to have the Peace made before the Pope as before a Friend but not as a Judge otherwise he would pursue his Quarrel And that as the King did not undertake this War without the assent of Parliament so without it he would conclude no Peace and therefore it rested whether it were best for the King to take this Offer and send Ambassadors to the Pope instructed for this Affair before Midsummer or not Hereupon both Lords and Commons answered That it was good to pursue the Peace and to send Ambassadors as was proposed Those who were first sent to the Popes Court upon this Affair were Hugh le Despenser Lord of Glamorgan Ralph Lord Stafford William de Norwich Dean of Lincoln Sir William Trussel and Andrew de Offord a Civilian The Authority given them was to Treat in presence of the Pope not as a Judge but private Person and Friend to both parties with the Agents of his Cosin the Lord Philip de Valois upon the Kings Right to the Crown of France as also upon whatsoever Dominions Dignities Honors Lands Possessions Places and Rights appertained to him concerning which any controversy had
among whom were Robert de Maule Guy de Brian Iohn de Ravensholm Peter de Brewes Thomas de Lancastre Henry Dengayne and Iohn the Son of Guy de Beauchamp to whom the King gave annual Pensions for their lives to support these Honors The Battel was fought between Bray and Cressy on Saturday the 7. of the Calends of September viz. the 26. of August an Dom. 1346. and the Victory fell to King Edward There were kill'd on the French part the King of Bohemia the Duke of Lorraine the Earls of Alanson Flanders Harcourt Almor Bloys Auser and St. Paul but the French King fled to Bray Castle with 5 Barons only and thence to Amiens On the day after the Battel there were four times as many slain coming to the assistance of the French King but knew nothing of his defeat as on the day on which the Battel was fought After this Battel the King forthwith carried his Army towards Calais and sat down before it the 7. day of September continuing his Siege all the Winter ensuing The next Summer the French King came down with an Army of 200000 men to raise the Siege and on Monday after St. Iame's day drawing neer to the Castle of Guisnes and finding the King so strongly intrenched that he could not attempt him he on the 2. of August returned whereupon the Town was surrendred to the King's mercy the 4. of August following and the King having setled his Affairs there returned into England the 14. of October The 7. of October an 20. E. 3. which was within a Month after King Edward had laid Siege to Calais David King of Scots invaded England with 50000 men The Queen being then at York raised an Army to oppose him and marched towards Newcastle neer which on St. Luke's Eve she encountred the Scots flew 15000 of them and vanquished the rest Their King was taken Prisoner at Meryngton by Iohn Copland an Esquire of Northumberland and according to the Kings command signified to Thomas Rokely high Sheriff of Yorkshire who had received him by Indenture from Monsieur Ralph Nevill was delivered by Indenture dated the 2. of Ianuary after unto Iohn Darcy Constable of the Tower of London there to be kept in safe custody After this Victory the English entred Scotland and took the Castles of Roxburgh and Hermitage and subdued the Counties of Anandale Galloway Mers Tividale and Ethrick Forest extending their March as far as Cockburns Peth and Sowtray hedge Tralnilips and Cross Cave Shortly after the defeating of the King of Scots upon the mediation of the Cardinal of Naples and Clermont a Commission was made out to William Marquess of Iuliers William de Bohun Earl of Northampton Constable of England Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Marshal of England Bartholomew de Burghersh Richard Talbot Steward of the King's House Thomas Bradewardyn Chancellor of London Iohn de Thoresby Canon of Lincolne and Andrew Offord Canon of York or any 8 7 6 5 4 or 3 of them to treat of and conclude with the said Cardinals upon all Quarrels and Controversies depending between the King and Sir Philip de Valois and their Allies but this meeting came to nothing Nevertheless after Calais was taken the Earls of Lancaster and Huntingdon were commissionated to treat of a Peace with the said Sir Philip de Valois which upon the interposition and mediation of the foresaid Cardinals produced a Truce to endure from Michaelmas Eve an 21. E. 3. to the Qninzeme of St. Iohn Baptist next ensuing Lewis of Bavaria the Emperor being dead about this time Henry Archbishop of Mentz Arch-Chancellor of the Empire in Germany Rudolph and Rupert Counts Palatine of the Rhyne and Dukes of Bavaria Lewis Marquess of Brandenburgh and Lusatia and the Dukes of Saxony assembled at Collen whence they sent Ambassadors to King Edward with the offer of Electing him Emperor of Germany in return of which he sent to them Sir Hugh Nevil and Ivo de Glynton Canon of St. Pauls London with full information of the Kings intention which contained a refusal of that Imperial Dignity but with great thanks for the honor they designed him The Truce made at Calais as aforesaid now growing towards an end the King was prevailed with upon the Popes Letters to depute Thomas Fastolf Arch Deacon of Wells Iohn Carleton Canon of Wells both Doctors of Law and Fryer Iohn de Reppes of the Order of Mount Carmell who had Commission to prorogue the Truce and to treat of a final Peace the former of which was concluded on for 6 weeks in Picardy Normandy Artois Boloigne and Flanders and to commence the 13. of September an 22. E. 3. But the King well seeing the delay and unwillingness of the French to close with him either for Truce or Peace drew down his Forces in October to Sandwich intending to pass the Sea which quickned the French to agree to the prorogation of the Truce from the 18. of November till the first of September an 23. E. 3. upon which he returned to London No sooner was this Truce concluded but the Lord Geoffry Charney attempted to corrupt Sir Amery de Pavy an Italian then Governor of Calais to betray the Town to him for 20000 Crowns of which the King having notice came privately the night before the delivery was agreed on The Lord Geoffry had paid his money and expected the surrender of the Town when the King issued out disguised under the Banner of Sir Walter Many and fought on foot among the Common Souldiers and within a while he encountred the Lord Eustace of Rybemont a Valiant Knight who having struck him twice on his Knees was at last Mastered by the King and made his Prisoner The encounter being over and the King desirous to view the Prisoners caused a great Supper to be prepared for them at which time he came in wearing a Chaplet of Pearls and passing to Sir Eustace of Rybemont took the Chaplet off his own head and placed it upon the head of Sir Eustace with the commendation of a valiant Knight and one that had performed best in the late Action and with all forgave him his ransom Thomas of Walsingham placeth this famous exploit to the year 1349. and consequently to be done in the 23 d year of King Edward the Third But we rather judge Sir Iohn Froissard to be in the right since we find Sir Iohn Beauchamp made Captain of Calais the first of Ianuary an 22. E. 3. which according to Froissard's Account was the next day after this defeat of Sir Geoffry Charney And though the French Writers affirm that Sir Aymery de Pavy discovered the design to the King yet Froissard saith not tell the King had otherwise first heard of it and therefore not unlike but there might rest so much suspicion upon Sir Aymery as induced the King to appoint
Thomas Bishop of Catness Patrick Bishop of Brethin Chancellor of Scotland Patrick Earl of March Robert de Irskin and William de Levington Knights Deputies of Robert Steward Guardian of Scotland the Prelates Lords and Commons of Scotland on the other party it was agreed that King David should be delivered out of Prison and ransomed for the sum of 100000 Marks Sterling to be paid by 10000 Marks annually at Midsummer the first payment to begin at Midsummer following It was also agreed that the Truce should be kept and observed in England Scotland and the Isle of Man until the money was paid and that Edward de Baliol and all the Kings Allies should be comprised in the said Truce That for payment of the said sum King David should leave 20 Hostages who are named in the conditions set down for their delivery that King David the Peers Bishops and Prelates of Scotland should be obliged by writing and oath for payment of the said Ransom and observing the Truces That if there were a failer of payment they should be also obliged after the foresaid manner to render the Body of King David within three Months after failer of any term and he to remain Prisoner till the sum due at the said term were paid and for the true payment thereof 20 Hostages were to be left in England besides which there were several other conditions agreed upon that made up the consideration of his Release The Truces between England and France being expired as aforesaid without obtaining Peace and all endeavours of others becoming ineffectual the two Kings themselves began to confer and fell at length upon such terms as it was hoped would produce a Peace of which an account was sent into France but the French determined rather to let their King lye in Prison than to agree to them upon notice of which refusal the King resolved upon a War and the following Winter to enter France and either make an end of the War or obtain Peace and honor at his pleasure And having designed his Expedition he next provided for the security of the Kingdom in his absence and issued out Writs to the Sheriffs of the several Counties to summon both Knights and Burgesses to treat with his Council at London as also with certain Bishops and Earls in other parts of the Kingdom how that might best be done He next caused all the French Prisoners to be disposed into several safe places and the French King having been secured in the Castle of Hereford under the custody of Roger de Beauchamp was afterwards by the advice of his Council sent to the Castle of Somerton in Lincolnshire on Monday the 29. of Iuly and conducted thither by William Deyncourt William Colvill Iohn Kirketon Iohn Deyncourt and Saier de Rocheford with a strong Guard of Horse and Foot Nevertheless upon the first of March following upon a spreading rumor that the French were at Sea with a design to deliver their King from Imprisonment command was given that King Iohn and all the French Prisoners should be removed thence to Berkhampsted and Iohn de Buckingham Keeper of the Privy-Seal to Thomas the King's Son Custos of England and Ralph Spigurnell were appointed to conduct them thither But it seems Iohn de Buckingham went not as was designed for it appears by a Writ of assistance directed to all Mayors c. That Thomas de Baddely was put in his room nor afterwards was either of them employed in this Service nor Berkhampsted but London the place whither King Iohn was brought for we have met with a later Writ whereby William de Ayremynne Iohn de Buscy and Thomas de Meaux were commanded to be at Somerton on Friday the 20. of March to bring the said King to Grantham and the like Writs were sent to others to conduct him from place to place till he was brought to London to wit the 21. of March to Stanford the 22. to Higham Ferrars the 23. to Wooburn Abby the 24. to St. Albans and the 25. to London The King having raised his Army first sent over to Calais Henry Duke of Lancaster and himself presently followed taking Shipping at Sandwich in the Dertmouth the 28. day of October inter auroram diei ortum solis with him went the Prince of Wales and his other Sons Lyonel and Edmund and many of the Nobility and landed that Evening at Calais circa horam Vesperarum This Army then which never before departed from England one greater or more gallant marched through the very heart of France and laid all wast before it for the French not daring to encounter the King in all his March kept themselves within their fortified Towns and relinquished the Country to the spoil of this Army and to the end the Reader may observe the course of this Expedition we will here set down from Froissard the most notable places it passed through From Calais on the 4. of November he marched through the Country of Artois by Arras and so to Beauvois thence into Thierach and so to Reims to which he laid Seige for 7. weeks but provision growing scarce thereabouts he departed towards Chaalons in Champaigne and thence towards Troyes Tonnerre Noirs Mont-royal and so to Avallon where he stayed from Ash-Wednesday to Midlent During this time the young Duke of Burgoigne sent some Noblemen to the King who made a Composition with him to preserve his Country from plundering for 3. years after which the King dislodged his Army and marched towards Paris and sat down within two Leagues of it at Bourg la Reyne The King of Sicily was not the only Astrologer that prognosticated of King Edward's success but one Fryer Iohn de Rochtaylade as Froissard calls him whom Pope Innocent the Sixth kept Prisoner had foretold many notable things which about that time came to pass among others being demanded an account of the War he affirmed that all the misery that had been seen was not like that to come and for the wasting of France assigned the years 1356 1357 1358 and 1359. which hapned right enough for so great desolation and devastation was made by the Sword and Famine in those years that when King Edward entred France an 1359. he met with exceeding great scarcity of provision of all kinds and in all places where he passed While the King lay at Bourg la Reyne he sent his Heralds to Paris to demand Battel of the Duke of Normandy eldest Son to King Iohn and then Regent of France to which he would not consent whereupon the King dislodged and went to Manto le herry where he arrived on Tuesday before Easter being the last of March intending to enter the Country of Beausse and stay part of that Summer in Britagne and about August to return and besiege Paris but the Pope sending into France the Abbot of Cluygny and Simon de Lengres Provincial of the Friars
Preachers with Hugh de Geneve Knight Seigneur d'Auton the Duke of Normandy dispatcht them to King Edward to propose a Treaty of Peace who required things so great they could not be yielded to Howbeit they still followed the King to Chartres where a meeting for Commissioners on both sides was consented to and they brought demands to such moderation that with the Duke of Lancasters effectual perswasion the King was content to accept of Peace But what inclined the King to hearken thereto as Froissard tells the story was this That while the Commissioners on both sides were upon Treaty and the King wholly untractable there fell in the Kings Army so great a Tempest of Thunder Lightning Rain Hail and Stones of such bigness that kill'd both Men and Horses at which time the King beholding the Church of our Lady of Chartres vowed devoutly to condescend to Peace This prodigious storm hapned on Easter Munday which falling that year on the 14. of April neer a Month before the conclusion of the Treaty was from its dismal effects called Black Munday which name it retains to this day The Treaty was managed between Edward Prince of Wales and Charles Regent of France their Proctors and Agents in the name of both Kings these two Princes and all the Subjects of France Those deputed on the English part were Sir Reginald de Cobham Sir Bartholomew Burghersh Sir Francis Hale Bannerets Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Richard la Vache and Sir Neel Loring Knights and others of the Council of the King of England Those other on the French side were the Ellect of Beauues his Chancellor Charles Lord Momorency Monsieur Iohn le Meingre Marshal of France Monsieur Aynart de la Tour Lord of Vivoy Monsieur Ralph de Ravenal Monsieur Simon de Bucy Knights Monsieur Stephen de Paris and Peter de la Charite his Councillors with many others of his Council deputed by King Iohn and Himself At first a Truce was agreed on the 7. of May An. Dom. 1360. in the 34. year of King Edward over England to continue till Michaelmas following and thence till Michaelmas an 35 E. 3. which upon the return of the King into England was by Writs bearing Teste the 24. of the same Month commanded to be published throughout all the Sea-Ports in England and by a like Writ notice was given to the Duke of Lancaster to proclaim it in Gascoigne And the next day viz. 8. of May were the Articles referring to a final Peace agreed to on the behalf of both Kings This was that Famous Treaty of Renunciation of both Kings so much spoken of by Writers to which their eldest Sons were parties in regard the King of France renounced the Soveraignty of several Territories to King Edward and he in like manner renounced his Title to France and some other Places all which we shall here briefly mention First it was agreed that King Edward with what he held in Aquitaine and Gascoigne should hold perpetually to him and his Heirs in the same manner as the King of France or his Son or any of his Ancestors held the same to wit that in Soveraignty in Soveraignty and that in Demain in Demain the City Castle and County of Poytiers with the Fees of Thoâ—ars and Land of Belleville the Cities and Castles of Xaintes Agen Pierregort Lymoges Caours Tarbe Angolesme and Rodeis and the Land and Countries of Poytou Xaintonge on this and the furthest side of the River of Charente with the Town and Fortress of Rochell Agenoys Pierreguis Lymosyn Caorsyn Tarbe Bigorre Gaure Angolesmoys Rovergue the Counties of Pierregort Bigorre Gaure and Angolesmoys And that such Earls or Lords as had Lands within the forementioned places should do their Homages and Services to him That King Edward should have in Demain all that any of his Predecessors anciently held in the Town of Monstrereul on the Sea As also all the County of Ponthieu with some few exceptions the Town and Castles of Calais the Towns Castles and Lordships of Merk Sangate Coloigne Hames Wale and Oye with their appurtenances as likewise all the places lying within the Jurisdictions and bounds following that is to say from Calais to the border of the River before Gravelinges and so by the same River round about Langle and by the River that runneth beyond the Poil and by the same River that falleth into the great Lake of Guynes to Freton and thence by the valley about Calculy Hill inclosing that Hill and so to the Sea with Sangate and all the appurtenances that the King should have the County of Guynes with all the Lands Towns Fortresses Places Men Homages Lordships Woods Forests and Rights thereunto belonging in as ample manner as the then late Earl of Guynes or his Predecessors held the same and likewise all the Isles adjoining to the Lands aforesaid and all other Isles he then held That the King of France and his eldest Son the Regent should before Michaelmas 1361. give and deliver to the King of England his Heirs and Successors all the Honors Obediences Homages Liegeances Subjections Fees Services Recognizances Rights and all manner of Jurisdictions high and low Resorts and Saveguards Advowsons and Patronages of Churches and all Lordships and Soveraignties with all the right they had and belonging to them by any Cause Right Title or Colour or to the Crown of France in the said Cities Counties Castles Towns Lands Countries Isles and Places and of their appurtenances and appendencies without holding any thing to them their Heirs or Successors or Crown of France And also to give notice to all Archbishops Bishops and Prelates and all Earls and other Noblemen and Citizens by Letters-Patent in all the said places to yield obedience to the King of England his Heirs and Successors in the same manner as they had obeyed the Kings and Crown of France and thereby also to quit and absolve them of all their Homages Fealties Oaths Obligations Subjections and Promises made to the Kings and Crown of France And that the King of England his Heirs and Successors should have and hold all the forementioned Cities Counties Castles Lands Places and Persons perpetually and freely in their Lordship Soveraignty Obedience and Subjection as the Kings of France had or did hold them in times past and all the Countries with their appurtenances in all Freedoms and Liberties perpetually as Lords and Soveraigns and as Neighbors to the King and Kingdom of France without any acknowledgment of Soveraign or making any Obedience Homage Resort or Subjection Service or Recognisance in time to come to the Kings or Crowns of France of the Places or Persons aforenamed or any of them The Renunciation on the King of England's part was as to the Name and Right to the Crown and Kingdom of France to the Homage Soveraignty and Demain of the Dutchies of Normandy and Thouraine of the Earldoms of Anjou and Maine to the Soveraignty and
in Bretagne past through that Country to Angoulesme where the Prince lay with 3000 men and entred the Country of Piergort and over-ran it He sent also a Letter to the Nobility of Gascoigne wherein he acquainted them with the reasons why he re-assumed the Name and Title to the Kingdom of France as he used it before the Treaty of Peace to which he condescended not without a manifest diminution of his right Iohn Duke of Lancaster and several others of the English Nobility were sent with another Army into France about Midsummer who landed at Calais of which the French King receiving advertisement called back his Forces designed for the Sea to invade England to meet with whom as also to secure Southampton the Isle of Wight and Garnsey King Edward had set forth a considerable Fleet and sent them under the Command of the Duke of Burgoigne to oppose the Duke of Lancaster but upon report of the Earl of Warwick's coming by Sea to the Duke of Lancaster's assistance the French withdrew The following year the French King raised two Armies and sent them into Aquitaine one under the Command of the Duke of Anjou to enter Guyen by Reol and Bergerac and the other under the Duke of Berry to enter that Country by Lymoges and Quercy and both Armies to meet at Angoulisme to besiege the Prince then in those parts King Edward considering the unsetledness of these Countries raised likewise two Armies That for Aquitaine was Commanded by the Duke of Lancaster of which we shall make further mention when we speak of the Prince and the other designed for Picardie by Sir Robert Knowles In relation to which latter expedition Proclamation was sent forth That all Souldiers designed for Normandy and other parts of France under Sir Robert's Command being constituted the Kings Lieutenant in those parts of France should be at Southampton in the Octaves of St. Iohn Baptist following ready fitted to take Shiping there with him Nor was the King slack in strengthning himself by Allies from abroad and therefore Sir Iohn atte Wode and Mr. Robert de Wykford Archdeacon of Winchester and Doctor of Laws were sent beyond Sea having power to treat with Wenceslaus Duke Brabant and Lorraine Marquess of the Empire about furnishing the King with Men and Arms to serve him in these Wars He also secured the back Door to wit Scotland by a Treaty of Peace for 9. years in which nevertheless the Scots were at liberty to serve either English or French without breaking the Peace and lastly confirmed the Treaty with the Earl of Flanders and the Towns of Gaunt Bruges and Ipres Sir Robert Knowles with 12000. Men being landed at Calais and resting there 7. days forthwith took the Field and marching through the Country of Guynes and Fauconbridge came to Turwin and thence into Artois drawing near Arras and so to Vermandois wasting the Country all the way he went He thence marched to the City of Noyen and into Champaigne and turned to Bry and so on the 24. of September to Paris before which he stayed a day and two Nights After this Sir Bertrand de Guesclin having defeated a stragling party of his he marched to Dorvel Castle in Bretagne This Army so long as it submitted to their General prospered but towards Winter some of them growing disobedient and slighting his Commands became a prey to the French whilst his policy and prudence preserved those safe who stuck to him in his march into Bretagne This year the Flemmings set upon part of the Kings Navy under the Command of Sir Guy de Bryen at la Bay in Bretagne but he got the Victory and took 25. of their Ships with their Captain Sir Iohn Peterson and many other Prisoners whom he brought with him into England which caused the King to set forth a Navy against the Flemmings but the Towns of Bruges Ipres and Gaunt hearing of his preparations made such applications to the King that they obtained Peace The Fortune of the War in Aquitaine at this time standing fair on the English side the following Winter the King designed two fresh Armies to enter France yet indeavoured before upon the Popes request both by Letters and Messages to lay hold of an honourable Peace to which end power was given to treat thereon to Simon Bishop of London Guy de Bryene Roger de Beauchamp Bannerets Sir Arnold Savage Knight Iohn Appleby Dean of London and Iohn de Branketre Treasurer of York and the next day he granted Letters of safe conduct for the Ambassadors of France to come and treat about that Affair One of the foresaid Armies were designed for the defence of Aquitaine and the other to land at Calais whence the Duke of Lancaster and Earl of Cambridge were appointed to enter France by the Plains of Picardy But Iohn Earl of Penbroke constituted the Kings Lieutenant in Aquitaine was ordered to go into Poictou and in pursuance of that design took Sea and arrived at Rochell the 22. of Iune 1372. where he found the Spanish Fleet who fought him two days and at last took him Prisoner the Rochellers having refused to assist him and in that ingagement the Ship which carried a great Treasure to pay the English Army was unfortunately sunk The King designing also the relief of Thoâ—ars raised an Army of 3000. Men of Arms and 1000. Archers and with the Prince took Shipping at Sandwich on Monday the 30. of August about nine a Clock in a Ship called the Grace de Dieu directions having been given for making publick Prayers in all Churches for good success in this Voyage and so sailing towards Rochell the Winds and Tempests kept him at Sea 9. Weeks and when he saw he could not arrive in France by Michaelmas being the time limitted for relief or otherwise surrender of the Town he returned to England and had the Wind at will The consequence of this improsperous Voyage with the miscarriage of the Earl of Penbroke was the loss of all the Country of Poictou Xantoigne and Rochell After these misfortunes a Treaty of Peace was again set on foot and Simon Bishop of London Edmond Earl of March Richard de Stafford Roger de Beauchamp Rauf de Ferrieres Bannerets Simon de Molton Doctor of Law and Ioâ—n de Branketre Treasurer of York were constituted the Kings Commissioners for the management of this Affair and Letters of safe conduct granted the same day to the Cardinal of Beauvez and other Agents from France who with the Cardinal of Canterbury were by the Pope commissionated to be the chief managers of this Treaty The Duke of Lancaster publick Prayers having been made also for his good success arrived at Calais in Iuly an 47. E. 3. with 3000 men of Arms and 10000 Archers which he divided into three Battels and marched by Land
through France to Bourdeux and there he arrived about Christmas in which Voyage though the French durst not fight him and all the way avoided the hazard of a Battel yet through the scarcity of Victuals many dyed not to mention the loss of 30000 Horse About the beginning of the following Summer at the Pope's instance a Truce was made by this Duke and the Duke of Anjou to continue till the last of August wherein it was agreed that in the beginning of September there should meet in Picardy on the English part the Duke of Lancaster and other Commissioners to treat of Peace with the Duke of Anjou and others on the French part where also the Popes Legate should appear as Mediatour and in pursuance thereof the Duke of Lancaster took Shipping the 8. of Iuly an 48 E. 3. after whose departure all Poictou and Aquitaine fell from their Allegiance except Bourdeux and Bajon In this year the Earl of Cambridge and the Duke of Bretagne were constituted the Kings Lieutenants in France after which Commands were sent forth to arrest Ships for their passage thither to be at Dertmouth and Plimouth with all speed But notwithstanding these preparations yet they went not till the following Spring having then in their retinue many of the English Nobility and for whose good success publick Prayers were appointed to be made In this Expedition the Duke recovered many of his Towns but being included in the Truce made by the Duke of Lancaster he was thereby obliged to lay down his Arms. For upon the mediation of the Bishops of Roan and Carpentras the Pope's Nuncios there had been a Treaty set on Foot at Bruges in Flanders this Year managed chiefly by Iohn Duke of Lancaster who with Simon Bishop of London William Earl of Salisbury Sir Iohn Cobham Sir Franke de Hale Sir Arnold Savage Mr. Iohn de Shepeye and Mr. Simon de Molton were commissionated to carry on that Affair on King Edwards part and by Philip Duke of Burgundy on the behalf of his Brother Charles the French King which though it brought not forth a compleat Peace yet in effect it put an end to the present War for it produced a Truce to hold for a year viz. to the last of Iune an 50 E. 3. to give notice of which to the English Subjects a Proclamation was set forth And a quarter of a year before its expiration at another meeting at the same place this Truce was inlarged to the first of April an 51 E. 3. and thereupon another Proclamation issued to make it known But it appears that the French were gotten to Sea sometime before the expiration of this latter Truce and had done much hurt upon the Sea-Coasts Of this design of theirs the King had timely intelligence and therefore he endeavoured to enlarge the Truce to which end he empowred Iohn Bishop of Hereford Sir Iohn de Cobham of Kent Iohn Monteacute Bannerets and Iohn Shepeye Doctor of the Laws to Treat with the Earl of Salebruch Monsieur Chatillon and Philebert le Spoit where the Pope's Legats were also present as Mediators But nothing was done thereupon only the Legate proposed a Marriage between Richard Prince of Wales and the Lady Mary Daughter to the French King which begot a private meeting shortly after at Montrevile by the Sea and there Sir Richard Dangle Sir Richard Stan and Sir Geoffry Chaucer Commissioners for King Edward with the Lord Coucy and other Commissioners for the French King spent the time chiefly to found one anothers intentions and so departed without any other effect saving that of Proroguing the Truce to May day following The 26 of April another Commission was made for the same purpose to Adam Bishop of St. Davids Iohn Bishop of Hereford William Earl of Salisbury Robert de Ashton the Kings Chamberlain Guichard Dangle Banneret Aubrey de Vere Hugh de Segrave Knights Walter Skirlow Dean of St. Martins le Grand and the foresaid Iohn Shepeye which gave them power to treat and compose all differences Wars and contentions They thereupon came to Calais and the Lord Coucy and Sir William Dormer Chancellor of France came to Montrevile but by reason of the suspicion the Commissioners had of each other they could not agree of an indifferent place to meet at and so the time limitted by the Truce spinning on absolutely expired And in this posture the Affairs relating to France stood to wit in open hostility till the Death of King Edward Thus we see that from the breach of the Treaty and Entry upon King Edwards Territories to the time of his Death he all along steered against the Tide of adverse Fortune and what with Invasions Revolts and disastrous accidents though no pitch'd Battel was fought nothing of his great Conquests remained to him but only Calais and the small Territory adjoining But of the strange unsuccessfulness of these subsequent years there might be three main causes First the loss of so many stout and well disciplin'd Souldiers as upon their disbanding after the Peace made near Chartres joyned themselves to the Companions and marcht into Spain Italy and Germany to which number may be added those who perished in the Princes expedition into Spain of whom scarce the fifth man returned a sort of people so inur'd to War and such as had gained so great experience therein that the very Common Souldiers among them were men of good conduct The French King knew well enough how much King Edwards power was weakned through the want of those men and that as to such as might be raised a-new few of them having been trained up in the former Wars he thought he might the better deal with them in regard that many of his own disbanded Souldiers were still within his Kingdom and lay ready at his service A second cause might be that the King declining in years and the Prince of Wales growing daily worse and worse of a lingering sickness without hope of Recovery the French King took the more heart and began now not to fear either them or their Fortunes which before had proved so terrible to France And therefore he supposed if he could make a shift but to keep his Forces on Foot against their declining power he might deal well enough with those who should succeed them none of King Edwards other Sons having given such proof of their success in martial affairs as to be feared by him and much less was any such thing to be expected when an Infant King was likely to succeed Lastly His supplies of Money from his Subjects who before had freely enough opened their Purses to carry on the War began to fail him For being tyred out with the prosecution of it they complained of Poverty and thence it came that the Forces raised to recover what was lost were inconsiderable in comparison of the former Royal Armies levied
for his own and the Princes expeditions During the Minority of this King there were several Matches proposed for him though none took but the last and first his Father designed to marry him to the Lady Margaret Daughter of William Earl of Hanow Holland Zeland and Lord of Frisia who being in the third degree of Consanguinity a Letter was dispatched to the Pope dated the 10. of December in the 12. year of his Fathers Reign for obtaining his Dispensation because of their nearness of blood Secondly with the Lady Sibilla Daughter to Robert Earl of Hanow and Zeland Lord of Frisia as appears from a like Letter to the Pope dated the 2. of November in the following year Thirdly with the Daughter of Iames King of Arragon for which affair were commissionated Alexander Archbishop of Dublin Edmund Earl of Kent King Edward the Second's Brother and William de Weston Canon of Lincoln Doctor of Laws the Commission bore Teste the 30. of March an 17. E. 2. It appears by the Kings Letters of the 16. of February following that her name was Iolant and King Iames her Father stiled Rex Aragoniae Valenciae Corsâ—ae Comes Barch Sanctae Rom. Ecclesiae Vexillarius Admirallus Capitaneus Generalis to whom the King then also sent Sir Edmund Bacon Sir Robert Thorpe Mr. Iohn Heldesley Canon of Chester to proceed further in this matter Fourthly with the Lady Alonar Sister to Alphonsus King of Spain to which purpose Iohn Stoner William de Berne Lord of Lescune William de Weston Canon of Lincolne and Peter de Galicano Canon of Roan were impowered by a Commission dated the 6. of April an 18. E. 2. as also to treat and conclude a marriage between the said King Alphonsus and Elianor King Edward's Sister Besides these the King of Portugal sent Ambassadors over hither to propose a marriage between this Prince and his Daughter to whom the King by Letter dated the 15. of April an 19. E. 2. directed thus Magnifico Principi Domino Alfonso Dei gratiâ Portugaliae Algarbiae Regi illustri amico suo charissimo acquainting him with the Treaty of marriage begun between his Son and the King of Spain's Sister and that because of neerness of blood he had dispatcht a Letter to the Pope for his Dispensation that he had received no account as then of the issue of that Affair that his Son was gone into France to do Homage for the Dukedom of Aquitaine during all which it was not fit for him to begin any new Treaty but if that succeeded not he would then confer with his Ambassador in this particular But last of all in the following year the Queen and Duke having left France went to the Earl of Henault's Court where a Contract past between him and one of the Earls Daughters and not long after his Coronation the marriage was consummate in reference to which R. Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield was constituted the King's Ambassador to contract either espousals or marriage in the King's Name with Philippa that Earls Daughter who forthwith took his Journey to Valenciens and the Popes Dispensation being gained she was there married to King Edward by Proxie By this Lady he was Father to 7 Sons all except two that dyed young men of great renown in that Age namely Edward Prince of Wales and Guyenne signally famous all over Europe and commonly called the Black Prince William of Hatfield Lyonell of Antwerp Duke of Clarence and Earl of Vlster Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine King of Castile and Leon Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge and Duke of York William of Windesor and Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Gloucester His Daughters were five Isabell Wife to Ingelram de Coucy Earl of Bedford Ioan married by Proxie to Peter eldest Son to Alphonsus King of Castile and Leon but died in her journey thither Blanch died young Mary Wife to Iohn Montford Duke of Britagne and Margaret Wife to Iohn de Hastings Earl of Penbroke Besides these he had a natural Son named Nicholas who was Abbot of Westminster and lies buried in Westminster before the Altar of St. Blase His Queen fell sick at Windesor Castle and there dyed before him viz. on the day of the Assumption of our blessed Lady an 43. E. 3. whose Exequies and Interment he caused to be solemnized with great magnificence He himself dyed the 21. of June at his Mannor of Shene in Surrey after he had reigned 50 years 4 Months and 28 days and lies interred on the South side of St. Edward's Chappel in Westminster Abbey under a stately Monument having thereon his Portraicture at full length SECT III. Some account of the first 25 Knights-Companions 1. Edward Prince of Wales THis Noble and Valiant Prince was born at Woodstock the 15. of Iune An. Dom. 1330. at ten a Clock in the Morning in the Scheme of whose Nativity found among the Collections of that famous Mathematician Mr. Thomas Allen of Gloucester-Hall in Oxford the 9. degree of Virgo ascends the 3. of Gemini culminates and the Planets are thus posited gr ♄ in 16 ♌ ♃ in 12 ♠♂ in 11 ♉ ☉ in 1 ♋ ♀ in 19 ♊ ☿ in 18 ♊ ♃ in 10 ♊ â— in 22 ♋ â— in 22 ♑ â™ in 19 ♌ So welcome to his Father was the News of his Birth that he granted to Tho. Priour who brought it 40 Marks per annum out of his Exchequer for life until he should setle on him Lands to that annual value Afterwards he gave to Ioane de Oxenford this Prince's Nurse 10 l. per annum out of his Exchequer during her life until he or his Heirs should setle that yearly value in Lands or Rents upon her And the next day a yearly Pension of 10 Marks out of his Exchequer also for life on Matilda Plumpton Bersatrix or Rocker to this young Prince till Lands of that value were in like manner provided for her Before he was three years old the King intended to make some considerable provision for him though he had before made him an annual allowance for the expences of his House and several Gifts did by his Charter dated 18. May in the 7. year of his Reign grant to him by the Title of Edward his most dear and eldest Son the County of Chester the Castles of Chester Beston Rothelan and Flynt and all his Lands there as also the Cantred and Land of Englefield with their appurtenances to him and his Heirs Kings of England together with all Knights Fees Advowsons Liberties Royalties and all other things belonging to the said Country Castles Lands and Cantreds aswell in England as in Wales and the Marches thereof as fully and under the same conditions as himself received them before he was King And thence forward he had the Title of Earl of Chester added to his
pardon and restore their Lands The 3. of April in the following year he and 6 other whereof he was to be one were commissionated to treat with David Brus and other Scotchmen his Adherents upon a final Peace or Truce as also upon all debates and differences whatsoever between the King and them and amicably to compose them And the same day he had power likewise given him to grant to Adam Bishop of Brechin to Patrick Earl of March Sir William de Douglas and Sir Thomas de Caruato Knights and William Bullock and other Scotch Men as he should see cause the the King 's special Letters of safe Conduct and Protection for so long time as this Earl thought fit to come into England with as many Horse as he should appoint to treat either of a Truce or Peace with this Earl and others deputed thereto by the King Having in this expedition undertaken upon certain conditions the Custody of the Marches of Scotland the King gave him in reward the 1000. Marks which Io. de Wesenham stood engaged to pay the King for Wooll He went over with the King in his Voyage into Bretagne having under his Command 5. Bannerets 50. Knights 144. Esquires and 200. Archers on Horseback The daily Wages allowed him for himself was 8 s. for each Banneret 4 s. each Knight 2 s. each Esquire 1 s. and each Archer 6 d. At the Siege of Vannes he was constituted one of the Kings Commissioners the other being the Earls of Northampton and Salisbury the Lord Stafford Burghershe Cantelowe Cobham Manneys and Berkley and Mr. Iohn Vfford Archdeacon of Ely where a Truce was concluded for three years The 24. of March an 18. E. 3. The King by his Letters Patent constituted this Noble Earl and Richard Earl of Arundel his Lieutenants in the Dukedom of Aquitaine and the Countries adjoining to govern and defend those Territories to demand and receive the possession of the Castles Places and Rights unjustly detained from him to recover and retain the same by force of Arms if need should be and to receive such as should return to their Obedience to the grace and favour of the King as also the Homage and Fidelity from whomsoever in those parts due and generally to do all things for defence and recovery of the Kings Rights and good Government of those Countries and his Subjects with Command to the Archbishops c. to yield Obedience to them And whereas the King upon false suggestions had been deceived in many of his Grants and Donations in that Dukedom He by other Letters Patents of the same date gave him power to seize into his hands all the Castles Lands Liberties and Profits formerly granted by him and those that should appear to have been obtained upon untrue suggestions to retain without Restitution but upon true to restore entirely A like Commission was given them which extended to the grants made by his Father King Edward the Second upon like pretences as well as by himself They also had a General Commission to treat and conclude with all persons of whatsoever state or condition Kingdom or Nation for the setling of Alliances and mutual Assistance between the King and them to retain men for the Kings Service and to agree about Fees Wages and Rewards to be paid unto them By other Commissions of the same date these two Earls had power to treat and conclude with Alphonsus King of Castile there stiled Alphonsus Rex Castiliae Legionis Toleti Galiciae Siviliae Cordubiae Murciae Gyennii Algarbiae Comes Molmae or his Deputies upon all differences arising between their Subjects especially Mariners and amicably to compose them as also of a perpetual League of Friendship between them c. their Subjects and to afford each other their mutual assistance with Power to make Substitutes in their stead The said Earls had like Commissions with the same Power to treat with the King of Portugal therein stiled Alphonsus Rex Portugaliae Algarbiae And with the King of Aragon stiled therein Petrus Rex Aragoniae Valenciae Majorcae Sardinii Corsicae Comes Barthon Sir Iohn Froissard tells us that some of the Gascoigne Lords came hither about this time to acquaint the King with the weak condition of that Country and City of Bordeaux and to desire relief and that in this Earls company went also the Earls of Penbroke and Oxford the Lord Stafford Sir Walter Manney the Lord Frank de la Hall and divers others of note being about 500 Knights and Esquires and 2000 Archers and having landed at Bayon the 6. of Iune 1344. went thence to Bordeaux His first attempt was upon the Town of Bergerac which surrendred to him and next Longo Castle and le Lake Mandurant he took by assault so also the Castle of Mountgyse Punache and the Castle de la Lewe Forsathe and Pondayre he won with little opposition and the great Town of Laylloyes after three days the chief Town appertaining to the Earl of Laylle who lived as King in those parts of Gascoigne was delivered to him after some dispute After this success he marched to Bonu this he assaulted and took he also took the Castle of Auberoche and the Town of Libourne yielded themselves to him Auberoche being presently after besieged by 12000 French this Earl on St. Laurence Eve assaulted the Enemy in their Tents with 300 Spears and 600 Archers and took the Earl of Laylle and 8 other Earls and Viscounts and 200 Knights and so many Esquires and other Soldiers that each Englishman had 2 or 3 Prisoners many of whom they let go upon their paroll to return to Bergerac or to Bordeaux on a certain day and others they carried with them to Bourdeaux and by this valiant Exploit having relieved the Castle he afterwards disposed of his Army into Winter Quarters and returned into England Upon these great successes the King made him his sole Lieutenant and Captain in the Dutchy of Aquitaine and the parts adjacent with power to do and execute all things that belonged to that Command and gave command to all Archbishops Earls Barons Viscounts Castellans and other persons throughout that Dukedom and adjacent Countries to yield obedience to him as the Kings Lieutenant Five days before the King gave him Commission with power to treat and conclude with all persons of whatsoever state or condition Kingdom or Nation for setling firm alliances and mutual assistance between the King and them as also to retain men for the King's Service and to agree about their Fees Wages and other Rewards The 11 of Iune following Command was sent to the Sheriff of London that forasmuch as the Earl had shipt most of his Horse at Southampton and was ready to depart to make proclamation that all the men at Arms Archers and others who were to go with him should march to Southampton with all possible
elsewhere in the Kingdom of France and therein power was given him to treat and agree with any of the Kings Adversaries or their Adherents or other persons whatsoever And after by a particular Commission he and William Bishop of Norwich the Earls of Suffolk and Huntington and others were impowred to Treat and agree with the Earl of Flanders and his Allies touching any difference between the King and them and it seems their Endeavours took so good effect that an Agreement was made with that Earl the 10. of December following whereupon he was sent to Denemere and there received the said Earls Fealty and Homage As to his transactions relating to France He with the Bishop of Norwich the Earl of Suffolk and Sir Walter Many agreed to the Prorogation of the Truce from the 18. of November to the first of September following Upon the Death of his Father which fell out an 19. E. 3. he succeeded him in the Titles of the Earldoms of Lancaster and Leicester and for that a great part of the Lands sometimes the Earl of Lincolns were come to his possession the King Created him also Earl of Lincoln He had by his Charter of Creation granted unto him the Creation annuity of 20 l. to be paid him by the Sheriff of Lincolnshire for the time being in lieu of the third penny of that County for ever as Thomas late Earl of Lincoln his Uncle had to enjoy whilst he lived About 8. days after the King renued his Commission for being his Captain and Lieutenant in Aquitain and the parts adjacent with all Powers requisite for the better Government of those Dominions whether he shortly after pass'd And by other Letters Patent he constituted him his Captain and Lieutenant in Poicters with full power to exercise all things which appertained to that Command But for further increase of Honor the King Created him Duke of Lancaster and granted that during life he should have within that Country his Chancellor and Iustice as well to the Pleas of the Crown as other Pleas whatsoever to be held according to Law and the Executions of them and likewise all other Liberties and Royal Jurisdiction to a County Palatine appertaining as freely and wholly as the Earl of Chester was known to enjoy in the County of Chester the tenths and fifteenths and all other payments granted by the Clergy or Canons and pardons for life and members to the King excepted The 8. of March ensuing he was constituted Admiral of the Fleet from the mouth of the River Thames Westward and two days after the King Assigned him several Lieutenants namely Reginald de Ferers on the River Thames and Medway Robert Ledred Serjeant at Arms within the Cinque-Ports Philip de Wetton and Walter de Harewell Serjeants at Arms in the Port of Seford and in every part and place thence by the Sea-Coast to Fowy Richard Lengles in the Port of Fowy and thence to Bristol and there and in the Port of Chepstow and River of Severn and Ralph de Lullebrock in all places and Ports from Chepstow to Chester and there and in all Parts and Maritine places in Wales Upon a Rumor that the French had provided an Army and Navy to invade England among the Maritine Counties on the South of England Hants Wilts Somerset and Dorset were committed to this Duke to secure and to resist the Enemy So also was the Maritine parts of Lancashire And because the King had occasion to raise men for Land Service he gave him Commission to array 300. Archers within that Dutchy before the Quindena of the Holy Trinity then next following to be ready to march in the Kings Service The Scots also designing to invade England the following year this Duke had Commission to array all able men in Lancashire between the Age of 1â— and 60 to march against them in case they should presume to enter the Kingdom The like Commission was given him the 26. of February an 29. â— 3. The 14. of September an 29. E. 3. this noble Duke was constituted Lieutenant for the King and Iohn Duke of Bretagne then under age And by other Letters Patent of the same date Command was given to Sir Thomas Holland the Kings late Lieutenant to deliver up to him all the Castles Forts Cities Towns and other Places Lands Tenements and Rents in the said Dukedom under his custody with all the Corn Victuals Money and Issues of the said Dukedom as also all Victuals Engines Arms and other Ammunition in the said Castles c. which belonged to the King in Bretagne The 8. of August an 30. E. 6. he was by the Kings Letters Patent constituted Lieutenant and Captain in the Dukedom of Bretagne and parts adjacent for the good Government thereof both for the King and the said Iohn de Montford Duke of Bretagne then under age and in the King's custody from Michaelmas following for one year Froissard saith this Duke was in Normandy and with him the Lord Philip of Navarre and the Lord Godfrey of Harecourt carrying on the War in that Country under the Title of the King of Navar at such time as the Prince was foraging of Berry and used all endeavour to have joined his Forces with the Prince at Poicters but the passages being so well kept on the River Loire he could not pass and having heard that the Prince had got the Victory there he returned into England In this Voyage being 4000 strong they marched to Lisieux to Orbeâ— to Ponteau and relieved that Castle besieged above two Months but the Enemy hearing of the approach of the English raised their Siege in such hast that they left behind them their Ensigns and Artillery This Duke then marched to Breteuil which he relieved next to Verneuil in Perche took both Castle and Town and burnt a great part of it Upon the information of which the French King raised a mighty Army with design to fight him but he withdrawing to Laigle and the King being come within two Leagues of it found the Forest so thick and hazardous that he thought it not safe to pass further and in his return took from the Navarrois the Castles of Tilliers and Breteuil and so marched forward towards the Prince then harrasing Berry About the middle of May an 31. E. 3. he took the Field in Bretagne with 1000 men at Arms and 500 Archers and laid Siege to Rennes which though well defended was at length surrendred and the 25. of Iuly his Commission of Lieutenancy both for the King and Duke of Bretagne was renued for another year to commence at Michaelmas following but the 8. of August before the expiration thereof Sir Robert Herle and Iohn de Buckenham Clerk were appointed to succeed him being jointly and severally constituted Captains and Lieutenants both to the King and Duke for the following year from Michaelmas then next ensuing
but that year he went over with Iohn Duke of Lancaster in his Voyage into France against whom the Duke of Burgoigne was sent with so great an Army that the English were but as a handful to them and having pitched his Tents near Calais within a Mile of the English Army after 19. days stay he dislodged and went to St. Omars not with much honor as some observe After whose departure the Duke of Lancaster returned to Calais and having refreshed his Army for three days and marched thence to St. Omars and the County of St. Paul then passed the River Some and entred the Countries of Ve xin and Ewe within the Archbishoprick of Roan thence to Deepe and Harflew with design to burn the French Fleet which lay there but the Earl of St. Paul was entred the Town before and so secured the Haven Whereupon he returned through Ponthieu where before Abeville Sir Hugh de Chastelon Master of the Crossbows in France was taken who with the Earl of St. Paul had before entred Ponthieu and took it from the King of England and having wasted the Country with Fire and Sword as they past along to Calais staid there a while and then took shipping for England where he arrived about the Feast of St. Martin the Bishop in Winter This Earl attended the King when he took his Voyage to relieve Thouars an 46. E. 3. who directing his course towards Rochel was not able to land by reason of contrary Winds and Tempests but forced to return after nine weeks being tossed upon the Sea The year following he with William Nevil and Sir Philip Courtney was sent to Sea upon a rumour that Ievan Prince of Wales Son of Prince Aymon was upon the English Coast with 6000 men designing to land The Earl had 40 Sail of Ships besides Barges and 2000 men of Arms besides Archers and departing from Cornwall sailed to Bretagne and coming to St. Malo burnt seven great Spanish Ships in that Haven Thence they sailed to Brest and there relieved the Garrison where Sir Robert Knolls was besieged by the Constable Sir Bertrand de Guesclin with men and provisions which having done they took shipping with design to keep the Frontiers of Bretagne and Normandy about which time the King had recruited them with 1000 men of Arms and 2000 Archers Hereupon he again went to Brest with a resolution to fight the French that lay before it but before he got thither the Constable had withdrawn most of his men to other Sieges upon a Composition made with the Garrison to surrender in case they were not relieved within 40 days for performance of which they had taken Hostages Upon the Earls arrival he sent to the Constable either to fight or to return the Hostages but he refused both so the Earl having Victualled the Castle departed to Sea and kept the Marches and Frontiers as before In the 50. year of King Edward's Reign he was constituted Admiral of his Fleet from the River Thames towards the Western parts And the following year a Commission issued to him and some others to Array all able men from 16 to 60 years of Age in the County of Dorset to be ready on occasion to withstand an Invasion and defend the Kingdom there being apprehensions that the French would land The first year of King Richard the Second the French being on the Sea this Earl was assigned to secure the Sea Coasts in the Counties of Southampton and Dorset to which purpose Command was sent to the Knights and Gentry of those Counties to be assistant to him It appears also that he was this year employed in Sea service and an 2. R. 2. constituted Governour of Calais An. 8. R. 2. he with divers others of the Nobility had Summons to appear at New-Castle upon Tyne the 14. of Iuly with Horse and Arms thence to march against the Scots The custody of the Isle of Wight and Castle of Carbroke with the whole Demesne thereunto belonging was granted to him during his life with all the profits liberties and advantages as the King enjoyed them without rendring any thing therefore only that he should maintain the Castle and undergo all Charges of the Isle and Castle as the Governors thereof usually had done He designe dto marry Ioane Daughter to Edmund Plantagenet Earl of Kent and gained a Contract from her but Sir Thomas Holland in his Petition to Pope Clement the Sixth alledging a precontract from her with him upon which carnal copulation followed and being after in Foreign parts this Earl contracted with her again and unjustly withheld her from him thereupon the Pope gave judgment against the Earl who complying therewith married another noble Lady namely Elizabeth eldest Daughter and after one of the three Co-heirs of Iohn Lord Mohun another of the Founders of this most Noble Order who outlived her Lord and had her Dower assigned an 21. R. 2. By this Lady he had William his only Son and Heir unfortunately slain at Windesor an 6. R. 2. by his own hand in a Tilting a place fatal also to his Father who at the Justs held there an 18. E. 3. was so sorely bruised that he dyed soon after so that Iohn Mountacute his Cousin and Heir Son and Heir of his Brother Iohn succeeded him in his Earldom This Earl dyed the 3. of Iune an 20. R. 2. having survived all the first Founders of this most Noble Order 8. Roger Mortimer Earl of March HE was the Son of Edmund Mortimer Son and Heir of Roger Mortimer first Earl of March and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter of Bartholomew de Badlesmere Baron of Leeds who after her Husbands death was married to William Bohun Earl of Northampton born towards the latter end of the first years Reign of King Edward the Third In the Voyage which this King made into France in the 20. year of his Reign he attended him being yet under age but before he went the King admitted Sir Peter de Grandison and William de Newenham Clerk to be his Guardians and to prosecute and defend his Suits in any of the King's Courts Upon his Petition in Parliament an 28. E. 3. he obtained a revocation of the Judgment against his Grandfather attainted of and executed for Treason an 4. E. 3. and thereupon was restored in Blood and to the Earldom of March and to all his said Grandfathers Lands Honors and Possessions The next year he was made Custos of the Castle of Dover and the Cinque-Ports for life and afterwards went beyond Sea in the Kings Service in the Voyage which Iohn of Gaunt made into France upon the French Kings drawing down an Army towards Calais And in the Kings Expedition into France an 33. E. 3. upon which a Peace ensued he attended him with 500 men at Arms and 1000 Archers He married Philippa Daughter of
He and divers other Knights of the Court were sent to Dover to wait upon Iohn King of France who coming over to Visit King Edward landed there the 4. of Ianuary and was conducted by them to Caenterbury where having offered a rich Jewel at the Shrine of Thomas Becket he after rode to Eltham to the King and thence to the Savoy where he was honorably entertained Half a year before this we find the King appointed the Treasurer of his Chamber to give him 200 l. upon the Debt due to him from the King for the Count de Vendedour his Prisoner He had two Wives the first was Cecily Daughter and Heir to Richard Weyland by whom he had divers Lands in the Counties of Norfolk Suffolk Cambridge Huntingdon Essex and Hertford by her he had Elizabeth his Daughter and Heir married to Edward le Despenser His second Wife was Margaret Sister to Sir Bartholomew Badlismere whom he lest a Widow but she afterwards married William de Burcester and dyed about the 18. year of King Richard the Second The 5. of April an 43. E. 3. he dyed leaving Elizabeth his Daughter and Heir then about 24 years of age 11. Sir Iohn Beauchamp HE was a younger Son to Guy Earl of Warwick by Alice his Wife and Brother to Thomas Earl of Warwick one of the Founders of this most Noble Order of the Garter He attended King Edward the Third into Flanders in the 12. year of his Reign and was in the Battel pitcht between Vyronfosse and Flamengery an 13. E. 3. So also the following year in the Naval fight at Sluce Aâ— 15. E. 3. I find him stiled Banneret towards the support of which Dignity he had a considerable Pension given him He attended the King in his Voyage into France an 20. E. 3. and at the Battel of Cressy carried the Kings Standard Royal. The following year he continued with the King at the Siege of Calais till it was taken And an 22. E. 3. he was constituted Captain of that Town The next year made Admiral of the Kings Fleet from the River of Thames Westward And having his Commission again renewed for the custody of Calais to commence the first of April an 25. E. 3. he marched out of the Town with a Party of 200 Archers and 300 Men at Arms and forraged the Country for 10 miles round where meeting with 2000 Men at Arms commanded by the Lord Bealren encountred them and slew the said Lord. But fresh Supplies coming in to the assistance of the French they overpowr'd the English and took this noble Knight Prisoner who was exchanged within a short time after This year the Constableship of the Tower of London being resigned to him by Iohn Darcy who had a former Grant of it for life the King confirmed the resignation to him and for the Custody thereof allowed him 100 l. per annum He was again constituted Captain of Calais an 29. E. 3. and of the Castle of Guynes the Forts of Merk Colne Eye and Sandgate as also Admiral from the River Thames Westward An. 31. E. 3. he had his Commission again renewed for Custody of Calais Guynes and those before mentioned Forts Two years after he attended the King in his Voyage Royal into France and upon the death of Roger Earl of March was constituted Constable of Dover-Castle and the Cinque-Ports the Kings Letters Patent bearing Teste primo Martii apud Goillioun in Burgundia This year he was made Constable of the Tower of London and also Admiral of the Seas for the South North and West Coast of England He was a man of eminent esteem with the King and by his services deserved so well that he confer'd on him both considerable Pensions and several gifts and from an 24. E. 3. so long as he lived received Summons to Parliament The first donation we have met with was an 10. E. 3. when the King bestowed on him the Marriage of Margaret the Relict of Iohn de Bohun Earl of Hereford An. 19. E. 3. the King granted him a Pension of 30 l. per annum out of his Exchequer towards his expences in his service over and above 20 l. per annum formerly given him till he should have Lands setled on him to that yearly value The following year the King gave him the Mannor of Oddingle which Thomas de Haukeston held for life after whose death it was to remain to this Sir Iohn and his Heirs for ever An. 22. E. 3. he had the custody of the Lands of Allan la Zouche granted him till his Heir came to â—ull age without rendring any thing theretofore The King had also given him out of the Exchequer a Pension of 180 l. per annum to support his Degree of Banneret beside 20 l. per annum out of the Customs until he should have 200 l. per annum in Lands or Rents provided of that yearly value for his life And upon his resignation of several Letters Paâ—ent of Pensions amounting to 280 l. per annum he had the same annual sum granted to him out of the Customs of London and St. Botolphsâ—or â—or his life also The next year the King granted to him the Bailyweek of Cors in Gloucestershire till the full age of the Heir of Edward le Dispenser Knight Cousin and Heir of Hugh le Dispenser then deceased And lastly there being an Arrear of 50 l. at Michaelmas before he dyed of the said 280 l. per annum formerly granted to him out of the Customâ— as aforesaid a Writ issued to the Collectors of the Customs of St. Botolphs to pay the same to Iohn the Son of Giles Beauchamp his Executor He lived a Batchellor and dyed the 2. of Dec. an 34. E. 3. and was buried on the South side of the Body of the Cathedral of St. Paul London a Sculp of whose Monument is yet preserved in the History of St. Pauls by William Dugdale Esq now Norroy King of Arms which vulgarly but falsely was called Duke Humfry's Tomb. 12 Sir Iohn Mohun HE was Son to Iohn Mohun and Sibyll the Daughter of Iohn de Segrave which Iohn his Father dyed before his Grandfather in Scotland an 4. E. 3. and lies buried at York Shortly after his Grandfather Iohn Lord Mohun died at which time he was about 10 years old the custody of all his said Grandfathers Lands he being by Inquisition found to be his Cousin and Heir as also of his Marriage was granted to Henry Burghersh Bishop of Lincolne till he came of full age the 28. of May an 18. E. 3. he did homage to the King whereupon he had Livery of the said Lands In the 16. year of King Edward the Third he went over in the Kings Service into Bretagne with Sir Bartholomew de Burghersh as
Thomas Wriothesley Lord Wriothesley after Earl of Southampton Knights Elected in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth 317. Henry Grey Marquess Dorset after Duke of Suffolk 318. Edward Stanley Earl of Derby 319. Thomas Seymour Lord Seymour of Sudely 320. Sir William Paget Knight after Lord Paget of Beaudesart 321. Francis Hastings Earl of Huntingdon 322. George Brook Lord Cobham 323. Thomas West Lord La Ware 324. Sir William Herbert Knight after Lord Herbert of Cardiff and Earl of Penbroke 325. Henry 2. the French King 326. Edward Fynes Lord Clynton after Earl of Lincolne 327. Thomas Darcy Lord Darcy of Chiche 328. Henry Nevil Earl of Westmerland 329. Sir Andrew Dudley Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of Queen Mary 330. Philip Prince of Spain after King of England 331. Henry Radclyff Earl of Sussex 332. Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy 333. William Howard Lord Howard of Effingham 334. Anthony Browne Viscount Mountague 335. Sir Edward Hastings Knight after Lord Hastings of Loughborow 336. Thomas Radcliff Earl of Sussex 337. William Grey Lord Grey of Wilton 338. Sir Robert Rochester Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 339. Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk 340. Henry Mannors Earl of Rutland 341. Sir Robert Dudley Knight after Earl of Leicester 342. Adolph Duke of Holstein 343. George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 344. Henry Carey Lord Hunsdon 345. Thomas Percy Earl of Northumberland 346. Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick 347. Charles 9. the French King 348. Francis Russell Earl of Bedford 349. Sir Henry Sidney Knight 350. Maximilian the second Emperor of Germany 351. Henry Hastings Earl of Huntingdon 352. William Somerset Earl of Worcester 353. Francis Duke of Montmorency 354. Walter d'Euereux Viscount Hereford after Earl of Essex 355. William Cecill Lord Burghley after Lord Treasurer of England 356. Arthur Grey Lord Grey of Wilton 357. Edmund Bruges Lord Chandos 358. Henry Stanley Earl of Derby 359. Henry Herbert Earl of Penbroke 360. Henry 3. the French King 361. Charles Howard Lord Howard of Effingham after Earl of Nottingham 362. Rodolph Emperor of Germany 363. Frederick the Second King of Denmark 364. Iohâ— Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria 365. Edward Mannors Earl of Rutland 366. William Brook Lord Cobham 367. Henry Scroop Lord Scroop of Bolton 368. Robert d'Euereux Earl of Essex 369. Thomas Butler Earl of Ormond 370. Sir Christopher Hatton Knight after Lord Chancellor of England 371. Henry Radcliff Earl of Sussex 372. Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst after Lord Treasurer of England and Earl of Dorset 373. Henry 4. the French King 374. Iames the Sixth King of Scotland after King of England France and Ireland 375. Gilbert Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 376. George Clifford Earl of Cumberland 377. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland 378. Edward Somerset Earl of Worcester 379. Thomas Burogh Lord Burogh of Gainesborough 380. Edward Sheffield Lord Sheffield after Earl of Mulgrave 381. Sir Francis Knolles Knight 382. Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg 383. Thomas Howard Lord Howard of Walden after Earl of Suffolk and Lord Treasurer of England 384. George Carey Lord Hunsdon 385. Charles Blount Lord Montjoy after Earl of Devonshire 386. Sir Henry Lea Knight 387. Robert Radcliff Earl of Sussex 388. Henry Brooke Lord Cobham 389. Thomas Scroop Lord Scroop of Bolton 390. William Stanley Earl of Derby 391. Thomas Cecill Lord Burghley Knights Elected in the Reign of King Iames. 392. Henry Prince of Wales 393. Christiern the Fourth King of Denmark 394. Lodowick Stewart Duke of Lenox and after Duke of Richmond 395. Henry Wriothesley Earl of Southampton 396. Iohn Erskin Earl of Marr. 397. William Herbert Earl of Penbroke 398. Vlrick Duke of Holstein 399. Henry Howard Earl of Northampton 400. Robert Cecill Earl of Salisbury 401. Thomas Howard Viscount Bindon 402. George Hume Earl of Dunbarr 403. Philip Herbert Earl of Montgomery 404. Charles Stewart Duke of York after Prince of Wales and King of England by the Title of Charles the First 405. Thomas Howard Earl of Arundell and Surrey after Earl of Norfolk 406. Robert Carre Viscount Rochester after Earl of Somerset 407. Frederick Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne Prince Elector of the Empire and after King of Bohemia 408. Maurice van Nassau Prince of Orange 409. Thomas Ereskin Viscount Fenton 410. William Knolles Lord Knolles of Grayes after Viscount Walingford and Earl of â—anbury 411. Francis Mannors Earl of Rutland 412. Sir George Villers Knight after Baron of Whaddon then Earl and Marquess of Buckingham and lastly Earl of Coventry and Duke of Buckingham 413. Robert Sidney Viscount Lisle after Earl of Leicester 414. Iames Hamilton Marquess Hamilton and Earl of Cambridge 415. Esme Stewart Duke of Lenox 416. Christian Duke of Brunswick 417. William Cecill Earl of Salisbury 418. Iames Hay â—arl of Carlisle 419. Edward Sackvile Earl of Dorset 420. Henry Rich Earl of Holland 421. Thomas Howard Viscount Andover after Earl of Berkshire Knights Elected in the Reign of King Charles the First 422. Claude de Lorraine Duke of Cheuereuse 423. Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden 424. Henry Frederick van Nassau Prince of Orange 425. Theophilus Howard Earl of Suffolk 426. William Compton Earl of Northampton 427. Richard Weston Lord Weston of Neyland Lord Treasurer of England and after Earl of Portland 428. Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey 429. William Cecill Earl of Exceter 430. Iames Hamilton Marquess Hamilton Earl of Cambridge and Arran 431. Charles Lodowick Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne Prince Elector of the Empire and Duke of Bavaria 432. Iames Stewart Duke of Lenox after Earl of March 433. Henry Dâ—nvers Earl of Danby 434. William Douglas Earl of Morton 435. Algernon Percy Earl of Northumberland 436. Charles Prince of Wales now King of England Scotland France and Ireland of that name the Second and present Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter 437. Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford 438. Iames Stewart Duke of York and Albanie second Son to King Charles the First 439. Rupert Casâ—mire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Duke of Bavaria after Earl of Holderness and Duke of Cumberland 440. William van Nassau Prince of Orange 441. Bernard de Foix Duke d'Espernon Knights Elected in the Reign of King Charles the Second 442. Maurice Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Duke of Bavaria 443. Iames Boteler Marquess of Ormond since Earl of Brecknock and Duke of Ormond 444. Edward Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Duke of Bavaria 445. George Villers Duke of Buckingham 446. William Hamilton Duke of Hamilton 447. Thomas Wriothesley Earl of Southampton after Lord Treasurer of England 448. William Cavendish Marquess of New-Castle since Duke of New-Castle 449. Iames Graham Marquess of Montross 450. Iames Stanley Earl of Derby 451. George Digby Earl of Bristoll 452. Henry Stewart Duke of Gloucester third Son to King Charles the First 453. Henry Charles de la Tremoille Prince de Tarente 454. William Henry van Nassau Prince of Orange
455. Frederick William Prince Elector of the Empire Marquess of Brandenburg 456. Iohn Gaspar Ferdinand de Marchin Count de Gravil 457. Sir George Monck Knight after Duke of Albemarle 458. Sir Edward Mountague Knight after Earl of Sandwich 459. William Seymour Marquess of Hertford after Duke of Somerset 460. Aubrie de Vere Earl of Oxford 461. Charles Stewart Duke of Richmond and Lenox 362. Mountague Barty Earl of Lindsey 363. Edward Mountague Earl of Manchester 464. William Wentworth Earl of Strafford 465. Christierne Prince of Denmark since King of Denmark 466. Iames Scot Duke of Monmouth and Bucclugh 467. Iames Stewart Duke of Cambridge 468. Charles the Eleventh King of Sweden Goths and Vandales 469. Iohn George the Second Duke of Saxony Iuliers Cleves and Monts and Prince Elector of the Empire 470. Christopher Monck Duke of Albemarle 471. Iohn Maitland Duke of Lauderdale To close up all here follows a Catalogue of the Officers of this most Noble Order Prelates of the Order William de Edyngton Bishop of Winchester Lord Treasurer and after Lord Chancellor of England William de Wykham Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor of England Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester Priest Cardinal of St. Eusebius and Lord Chancellor of England William de Waynfleet Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England Peter Courtney Bishop of Winchester Thomas Langton Bishop of Winchester Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester and Lord Privy Seal Thomas Wolsey Bishop of Winchester Priest Cardinal of St. Cecily and Lord Chancellor of England Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester Iohn Poynet Bishop of Winchester Stephen Gardiner restored and made Lord Chancellor of Englanâ— Iohn White Bishop of Winchester Robert Honne Bishop of Winchester Iohn Watson Bishop of Winchester Thomas Cooper Bishop of Winchester William Wyâ—ham Bishop of Winchester William Day Bishop of Winchester Thomas Bilson Bishop of Winchester Iames Mountague Bishop of Winchester Lancelot Andrews Bishop of Winchester Richard Neyle Bishop of Winchester Walter Curle Bishop of Winchester Brian Duppa Bishop of Winchester â—eorge Morley Bishop of Winchester Chancellors of the Order Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury and Dean of Windesor Lionel Woodeville Bishop of Salisbury Thomas Langton Bishop of Salisbury Iohn Blyth Bishop of Salisbury Henry Dean Bishop of Salisbury Edmund Audeley Bishop of Salisbury Sir William Cecil Principal Secretary of State Sir William Peters Principal Secretary of State Sir Thomas Smith Principal Secretary of State Sir Francis Walsingham Principal Secretary of State Sir Amyas Paulet Privy Counsellor Sir Iohn Woollee Secretary for the Latine Tongue Sir Edward Dyer Sir Iohn Herbert Principal Secretary of State Sir George More Sir Francis Crane Sir Thomas Rowe Sir Iames Palmer Sir Henry de Vic Baronet Seth Ward Bishop of Salisbury Registers of the Order â—â— Iohn Coringham Canon of Windesor Iohn Deepden Canon of Windesor Iames Goldwell Canon of Windesor and Secretary of State Oliver King Canon of Windesor Secretary to Prince Henry Son of King Henry the Sixth to King Edward the Fourth to King Edward the Fifth and King Henry the Seventh Richard Nix Canon of Windesor Christopher Vrswick Dean of Windesor Thomas Wolsey the Kings Almoner William Atwater Canon of Windesor after Bishop of Lincolne Nicholas West Dean of Windesor Iohn Vesâ—y Dean of Windesor Richard Sydnor Canon of Windesor Robert Aldridge Canon of Windesor Owen Oglethorp Dean of Windesor Iohn Boxall Dean of Windesor and Principal Secretary of State George Carew Dean of Windesor William Dâ—y Dean of Windesor Robert Benet Dean of Windesor Giles Tomson Dean of Windesor and Bishop of Gloucester Anthony Maxey Dean of Windesor Marc Antonio de Dominis Archbishop of Spalato Dean of Windesor Henry Beaumont Dean of Windesor Matthew Wren Dean of Windesor Christopher Wren Dean of Windesor Brune Ryves Dean of Windesor Garters Kings of Arms. Sir William Brugges Knight Iohn Smert Sir Iohn Writh Knight Sir Thomas Wriothesley Knight Sir Thomas Wall Knight Sir Christopher Barker Knight Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight Sir William Dethick Knight Sir William Segar Knight Sir Iohn Borough Knight Sir Henry St. George Knight Sir Edward Walker Knight Ushers of the Black-Rod William Whitehorse Iohn Cray Thomas Sye William Evington and Edward Hardgyll Robert Marleton Ralph Ashton and Hugh Dennys Sir William Compton Knight Henry Norresse Esquire Anthony Knyvet Esquire Sir Philip Hobby Knight Iohn Norres and William Norres Esquires Anthony Wingfeild Esquire Richard Coningsbye and George Pollard Esquires Iames Maxwell Esquire Peter Newton Esquire Sir Iohn Ayton Knight Sir Edward Carteret Knight APPENDIX The Statutes of Institution of the most Noble Order of the Garter AD honorem omnipotentis Dei Sanctae Mariae Virginis gloriosae Sancti Georgii Martyris Dominus noster Supremus Edwardus tertius Rex Angliae anno regni sui post conquestum xxiii Ordinavit stabilivit fundavit quandum Societatem five Ordinem militarem infra Castrum suum de Wyndesore in hunc modum Primo scipsum statuit dictae Societatis sive Ordinis Superiorem filium suum seniorem Principem Walliae Ducem Lancastriae Comitem Warwici Capitaneum de Buche Comitem Staffordiae Comitem Sarum Dominum de Mortimer Dominum Johannem Lisle Dominum Bartholomeum Burghersh filium Dominum Johannem de Beauchamp Dominum de Bohun Dominum Hugonem de Courtenay Dominum Thomam de Hollande Dominum Johannem de Grey Dominum Richardum de fitz Symond Dominum Milonem de Stapulton Dominum Thomam Wale Dominum Hugonem de Wirteslay Dominum Nelelatum Loryng Dominum Johannem Chandos Dominum Jacobum Daudele Dominum Otonem de Hollande Dominum Henricum de Em Dominum Sauchetum Dabrichecourt Dominum Walterum Pavelay I. Concordatum est quod Rex Angliae qui pro tempore fuerit inperpetuum erit Superior hujus Ordinis Sancti Georgii sive Societatis Garterii II. Item concordatum est quod nullus eligatâ—r in socium dicti Ordinis nisi generosae propaginis existat miles careus opprobrio quoniam ignobiles aut reprobos Ordinis institutio non admittit III. Et xxvi Commilitones Consocii hujus Ordinis praenominati deferent mantella garteria apud dictum castrum ordinata quociens ibidem praesentes fuerint videlicet quâlibâ—t vice quâ capellam intrant Sancti Georgii aut domum Capitularem pro capitulo celebrando aut aliquid statuendo quod ad Ordinem pertinebit Et simili modo incedent in vigiliâ Sancti Georgii per modum processionis proficiscentes cum Superiori Ordinis aut suo Deputato de magnâ camerâ regiâ usque ad Capellam vel domum capitularem eâdem serie revertentur Sedebunt itaque cum Montellis Garteriis in dictâ vigiliâ tempore coenae tam illi qui coenare volunt quam etiam alii non coenantes quousque de magnâ camerâ praedictâ consuctum tempus fuerit separandi Sic eciam induti inâ—â—dere debent in crastino versus dictam Capellam abinde revertentes ac etiam tempore prandii postea quosque
honoris in signaculum Ordinis accepti quâ munitus non vereberis pro fide Christi libertate Ecclesiae pro jure oppressorum atque indigentium necessariâ tuitione sanguinem etiaâ— fundere nedum fortiter ac strenuè dimicare Accipe Clamidem hanc coelici coloris in signum Clarissimi hujus Ordinis in augmentum etiam honoris tui rubeo clypeo Dominicoe Crucis uti cernis insignitam ut cujus virtute semper ac vigore protectus per hostes tutus abeas eos ubique superare valeas pro clarissimis denique meritis post egregiam hanc hujus temporis miliciam ad aeterna veréque triumphalia gandia pertingas Torquem hunc in Collo deferes ad augmentum honoris in signum quoque Clarissimi Ordinis a te suscepti cum imagine sanctissimi Martyris Christi Militis Georgii Cujus praesidio suffultus Mundi hujus tà m prospera quà m adversa sic pertranseas ut animae pariter ac corporis hostibus hoc strenuè devictis noâ— temporariae modò militiae gloriam sed perennis victoriae palmam denique recipere valeas Amen NUM XXXVIII The Oath taken by a Knight at his Installation in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth Lib. N. pag. 312. EGo N. nominatus atque Electus unus egregiorum Equitum illustrissimi Ordinis hujus Militaris promitto per Sacro-sancta Evangelia Dei quae tango hîc manifestè juro quòd omnia Ordinis istius Statuta Articulos in hiis contentos quatenus ad me speciabunt inviolabiliter observabo Nec non Collegii Sanctissimae Virginis Divi Martyris Georgii in quo praenobilis Ordo fundatus est pro virili libertates jura propugnabo The same Oath we find put into English and entred at the end of the Regist. Chartaceum under the 2. year of Hen. 8. IN chosen and named to be one of the honourable Company of the Order of the Garter promise and swear by the holy Evangelists by me bodily touched truly and faithfully to observe and keep all the points of the Statutes of the said Order and every Article in them contained as far as to me belongeth and appertaineth And all the liberties and Franchises belonging of right to this Colledge of our Lady and S. George I shall defend to my power as God help me and these holy Evangelists NUM XXXIX The same Oath as it was pronounced by the the Register YOV being chosen to be one of the Companions of the most honourable Order of the Garter shall promise and by these holy Evangelists by you manifestly touched swear truly and faithfully to observe and keep all the Statutes of the said Order and every Article in the same contained for so much as to you belongeth and appertaineth And further that you shall help to defend and maintain so much as in you lieth the rights and liberties of the Colledge of our blessed Lady and St. George the Martyr wherein the honourable Order of the Garter is founded NUM XL. The Oath formerly taken by the Prince of Wales Ex Lib. Nig. pag. 312. EGO N. Princeps Gualliae Dux Cornubiae Comes Cestriae primogenitus Excelentissimi atque invictissimi Dei gratiâ Regis Angliae Franciae Domini Hiberniae hujus Ordinis meritò Supremi jam nominatus atque elecius ad eundem Ordinem venerandum Promitto do fidem quòd verè fidelitèr pro viribus observabo cuncta Ordinis illius Statuta Statutorum Articulos quatenus ullo modo me contingent juxta vim formam effectum corundem nec non Collegii in quo is Ordo fundatur jura tuebor NUM XLI The Oath taken in King Henry the Eighth's Reign Ex veteri Codici MS. penes G.O.Y. f. 70. b. YEE shall swear that to your power yee shall help keep defend and suâ—tain during your lyfe and during the tyme that you shall be Companion of the Order of the Garter the honor quarels rights and Dominions of the King our Soveraign Lord Soveraign of the said Order you shall enforce you and do all your diligence to entertain and augment the said Noble Order and in case you shall have knowledge of any thing to be imagined or procured to the contrary with all your true power you shall resist thereunto Also you shall well and truly accomplish and keep and entertain all the Statutes points articles and Ordinances of the said Order as if they were read unto you from point to point so help you God and Hollydome and by these Evangelists by you corporally touched NUM XLII The Oath used in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth Ex Libro Nig. pag. 303. YOV being chosen to be one of the honourable Company of the Order of the Garter shall promise and swear by the holy Evangelists by you bodily touched to be faithful and true to the Kings Majesty and to observe and keep all the points of the Statutes of the said Order and every Article in them contained the same being agreeable and not repugnant to the Kings Highness other goodly proceedings as far as unto you belongeth and appertaineth as God help you and the holy Evangelists NUM XLIII The Form of the Oath setled in Queen Elizabeth's Reign QVum jam electus es in honoratissimam societatem nobilissimi ordinis Garteri tâ— promittes jurabis per sacrosancta dâ—i Evangelia per te nunc tacta quod sâ—ienter voluntariè non violabis aliquod praedicti ordinis statutum aut aliquos articulos in cis contentos praesertim si non scientes sint non repugnent Dei omnipotentis hujus regni legibus quatenus personam tuam concernunt seu ad te pertinent sicut te deus adjuvet per Jesum Christum hoc sacrosancto Dei Evangelio annuntiatum The same in English YOV being chosen to be one of the honourable Company of this most Noble Order of the Garter shall promise and swear by the holy Evangelists by you here touched that wittingly or willingly you shall not break any Statute of the said Order or any Articles in them contained the same being agreeable and not repugnant to the Laws of Almighty God and the Laws of this Realm as far forth as to you belongeth and appertaineth So God help you and his holy Word NUM XLIV Letter to obtain License for Installing a Knight-Subject by his Proxy Ex Lib. Nigro p. 60. JOannes Dux Bedfordiae cum caeteris in celebritate Georgianâ jam proximè conjunctis Regiae Majestati vestrae salutem obedientiam Quoniam invictissime princeps metuendissime Domine vestrae Celsitudinis ea magnanimitas est in suscipiendis Bellis in gerendis faelicitas ut ipsorum jam fama per orbem undique volitet nos id vestrae Majestati gratulamur Deo gratias nunc immensas agentes qui quicquid est boni ac faelicis eventûs solus concedit Vbi verò Regia Majestas vestra quia bella
and Tassels of the like coloured Silk and Gold Fine Holland Sheets to fold the Habit in Two Trunks to carry them One Mantle for Garter or the Officer of Arms that goes in his place to officiate upon that occasion The said Mantle to be made up of 18 yards of Scarlet Sattin and 10 yards of White Deux Caps Taffaty to line the same and to have an embroidered Scutcheon on the left shoulder and Laces and Tassels of Silk and Gold alike in every respect unto that Mantle which Garter wears upon St. George's day and at the Chapters of the Order One Scutcheon with the King's Arms in a quarter of the Order and a handsome gilded Border or Frame Two other Scutcheons without arms having only the Garter about them to put in them the Elector of Saxony's arms in a handsome gilded Frame And these shall be your sufficient Warrant dated at Whitehall this 17. of July 1668. E. Manchester To the Right Honorable Edward Earl of Sandwich Master of his Majesties Great Wardrobe and to the Officers of the same NUM LXXXVIII A Warrant for the Habit of the Order and other Necessaries to be used at the Investiture of Charles King of Sweden Ibidem fol. 29. b. Charles R. OVR will â—nd pleasure is That you prepare or cause to be prepared for the King of Sweden now Knight Elect of our Order of the Garter the whole Habit of our said Order together with a Mantle for the Officer of Arms whom we shall appoint to go therewith and all other Necessaries as you had them specified in a Warrant lately directed unto you for the Habit to be sent to the Elector of Saxony and besides one yard and half of skie colour Velvet wherewith to cover two Statute Books of the Order And for so doing this shall be your Warrant Given under our Sign manual this 30. of August 1668. By the Soveraign's special Command De Vic Chancellor of the Garter To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosen and Councellor Edward Earl of Sandwich Master of our Great Wardrobe or in his absence to his Deputy NUM LXXXIX A Warrant for allowance of Dyet and Reward to Garter in a Legation with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order Ex Collect. W. le N. Cl. By the King TRusty and well-beloved we greet you well willing and commanding you that of such our Treasure as remaineth in your custodie to our use ye deliver to our trusty and well-beloved Servant Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight alià s Garter Principal King at Arms attending by our commandment upon our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Councellor the Lord Marquess of Northampton in his Embassage to our good Brother the French King ten shillings by the day for his Dyet and also by way of our Reward ten shillings by the day amounting in the whole to twenty shillings by the day and to allow him for the Posting and Transportation both outward and homeward as well of himself and his train as also of certain Robes of our Order and other things necessary for that Voyage such sums of Money as by his Bill subscribed with his own hand he shall signifie unto you to have employed in that behalf as also further to allow him for the Dyet of Chester Herald after the old rate that is to say five shillings by the day and five shillings in reward by the day and for the Dyet of Rougedragon Pursuivant two shillings and six pence by the day and two shillings six pence in reward also by the day and also for their posting Moneys according to the tenor aforesaid beginning the 28. of April last past until the return of our said right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Councellor And these our Letters shall be your Warrant sufficient in that behalf Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Greenwich the eleventh of May in the fifth year of our Reign E. Somerset W. North. J. Bedford J. Warwick E. Clinton Jo. Gate To our trusty and well-beloved Councellor Sir William Cavendishe Knight Treasurer of our Chamber NUM XC Another Ex Collect. W. le N. Cl. Elizabeth R. ELizabeth by the Grace of God Queen of England c. To the Treasurer and Chamberlains of our Exchequer greeting We will and command you of such Treasure as iâ— or shall come into the Receipt of our said Exchequer to deliver or cause to be delivered to our trusty and well-beloved Servant Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight alias Garter Principal King of Arms attending by our commandment upon our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Sussex in his Embassy now to our good Brother the Emperor the sum of 10 s. by the day for his Dyet and also by way of our Reward other 10 s. by the day amounting in the whole to 20 s. by the day the said allowance of 20 s. by the day to begin 7 days before his arrival at the Sea side when he shall pass over the Seas in his Iourney and so to continue until his return unto our presence upon the end of his Voyage Willing you further for his better furniture in this Iourney to advance unto him beforehand his said Dyets and Rewards after the rate of 20 s. by the day for two Months And also to allow unto him upon his return for the posting and transportation both outward and homeward of himself and his men and for certain Robes of our Order and other things necessary for his Voyage such sums of Money as by his Bill subscribed with his own hand he shall signifie unto you to have been by him disbursed in that behalf And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in that behalf Yeven under our Privy Seal at our Mannor of Richmond the 14. day of June in the ninth year of our Reign To the Treasurer and Chamberlains of our Exchequer NUM XCI Another for like Allowances to Garter and Somerset Ex Collect. A. V. W. ORder is taken this present of Anno 1582. that of such the Queens Majesties Treasure as remaineth in your custody you shall make payment unto Gilbert Dethick Knight alias Garter Principal King of Arms and to Somerset Herald of Arms the sum of Clix l. in full payment of a Bill of CCiv l. signed by them for their Dyets Rewards Transportations and Posting Charges going with the Lord Willughby of Eresby to Frederick the Second King of Denmark and in their return again according to a Privy Seal granted unto them for the said Allowances Dated at Grenewich the 28. day of June Anno 24. of the the Queens Majesties Reign And these shall be your sufficient Warrant for the payment thereof Written the said day and year To our loving Friends Mr. Stoneley and the four Tellers of the Queens Majesties Receipt NUM XCII A Privy Seal for like Allowances to Clarenceux and Somerset Ex Collect. A. V. W. Elizabeth R. ELizabeth c. To the Treasurer and Chamberlains of our Exchequer greeting
porter a ung aultre jour solempnel dedens Pan. Donné en la ville de Newremberg soubz nostre Nom Seel le dit viii jour de Decembre l'an de grace Mil Cing Ceus ving troys NUM CXVI Another from the French King Francis the First Ex Orig. penes Camer Scacchar FRancoys par la grace de Dieu Roy de France Seigneur de Genues Souverain du tresdigne Ordre de Monseigneur Sainct Michel A tous ceulx qui ces presentes lettres verront salut Comme Messire Arthur Plantaginet Viconte de Lisle Chevalier du tresdigne Ordre Monseigneur Sainct George Maistre Jean Taillour Doctent ez loix Archediacre de Boukingham Vice-chancellier d' Angleterre Messire Nicolas Carew grant Eseuyer d' Angleterre Messire Anthonie Browne Chevalier Messire Thomas Wriothesley Iartier Chevalier Primier Roy d' Arms du dit Ordre Ambassadeurs commis deleguez de la part de tres-bault tres-puissant Prince Henry par la mesme grace Roy d' Angleterre Seigneur d' Hibernie Defenseur de la Foy nostre trescher tresame frere Cousin perpetuel allyé confederé bon compere Nous ayent exhibé presenté certaines Lettres Patentes dattées du xxii jour d' Octobre Mil Cinque Cens vingt Sept Signées Sampson seellées en cyre Rouge du Seau du College d' icelluy tresdigne Ordre de Saint George dit de la Jartiere par la teneur desquelles que avons fait lire pardeuant nous les Chevaliers de nostre Ordre Sainct Michel estans les nous apparissoit les dessusdits Ambassadeurs avoir plain povoir faculté puissance de nous signifier presenter de la part de nostre dit trescher frere Cousin Souverain d'icelluy tresdigne Ordre Sainct George Et aussi de Pamiable association d' icelluy l' ellection uniquement faicte de nous par iceulx Souverain Chevaliers d'icelluy tresdigne Ordre Et de nous prier requerir icelle ellection accepter prendre le Manteau Collier autres insignes de Chevalerie du dit tresdigne Ordre faire le serement selon les Articles contenuz au livre des statuz du dit Ordre que ont acoustumé de jurer promettre les Chevaliers d'icelluy Et si la forme des dits sermens ne nous estoit agreable leur estoit donné povoir de nous dispenser de faire les dits sermens on partie d' iceulx telz qu'il appartiendroit soy contentant de nostre simple foy parolle Savoir faisons que nous ayans esgarde consideration a la tres-cordialle tres-entiere amour alliance indissoluble confederation perpetuelle qui est entre nostre dit trescher tresame Frere Cousin Allyé perpetuel bon compere nous Et que de sa part il a accepté l' election par nous noz freres faicte de sa persomâ—e au tresdigne Ordre Sainct Michel du quel nous sommes Souverain Avons pour ces causes autres a ce nous mouvans accepté acceptons Icelluy tresdigne Ordre de Sainct George dit la Jartiere ce fait nous sommes revestuz affublez des Manteau autress Insignes du dit Ordre a nouz presentez livrez par les dessusdits Ambassadeurs Et apres les remercyemens en telz cas requiz avons fait le serement en la forme maniere qui sensuyt Nous Francoys par la grace de Dieu Roy de France Seigneur de Gennes Souverain de l' Ordre Sainct Michel promettons en parolle de Roy de garder observer a nostre povoir entretenir les Statuz Ordonnances du tresdigne Ordre Sainct George nommé de la Jartiere En ce qu'ilz sont compatibles non contraires ne desrogans a ceulx de nostre dit tresdigne Ordre de Sainct Michel pareillement des Ordres que par cy devant pourroins avoir prins des autres Princes En tesmoing de ce nous avons fait mettre le Seau du dit Ordre aux presentes signées de nostre main Donné a Paris x. jour de Novembre l'an de grace Mil Cinque Cens vingt sept de nostre Regne le treziesme NUM CXVII Another from Emanuel Duke of Savoy Ex Collect. Ed. Byshe Clarenceux JE Francois Roffier Savoysey Secretaire de tresbault puissant excellent Seigneur Prince Monseigneur Emanuel Philibert par la grace de Dieu Due de Savoy Re. general Lieutenant de l' Empereur atteste fait foy certifie Comme Monsieur de Clinton Say Chevalier de l' Ordre d' Angleterre qu' on dist de la Jarretiere de Compaignie le Sieur Jarretiere Roy d' Arms du dit Ordre Ambassadeurs Commissioneurs Procureurs speciaulx du Roy de la Royne d' Angleterre ont ce jourdbuy presenté baillé donné de par leurs Majestés la Jarretiere le Manteau autres Enseignes correspondants a mon dit Seigneur le Duc de Savoy avec toutes les Ceremoinies Solempnités deües accoustumés Et de plus ont receu du dit Seigneur Duc le serment jouxte la forme maniere des Statuts du dit Ordre des Lettres de pouvoir qu'ils ont apporté soubs-escriptes des mains propres d'iceulx Roy Royne d' Angleterre seellées du Seel du dit Ordre de la Jarretiere Données en leur Palais de Westminstre le dix septiesme d' Octobre 1554. lesquelles Lettres leues Pay par Commandement deâ—mon dit Seigneur Maistre a haulte voix a louange public quant faicte s'est la susdite presentation le dit serment presents a ce assistants appelles haults puissants Seigneurs le Prince d' Oranges les Contes de Lalaing d' Aremberg le Seigneur de Bossu eulx trois des Chevaliers de l' Ordre de la Toyson les Seigneurs Antoine Doria Marquis de Sainct Estienne de Lavanto du Conseit de l' Empereur generall Capitaine des ses Galleres Antoine de Drungua pleusieurs aultres tesmoinge fait au Camp au d' auxy dans la Chambre de mon dit Seigneur le duc le sixiesme jour de Novembre l' an de grace prins a la nativité Mil Cinque Cens Cinquante quatre Roffier NUM CXVIII Another from the French King Henry the Third MS. penes Arthur Com. Anglesey p. 4. HEnry by the grace of God King of France and Poland to all those to whom these Presents shall come Greeting We give you to understand that forasmuch as it hath seemed good to the Queen of England our right dear and right well-beloved good Sister and Cousin Câ—ief and Soveraign of the Order of the Garter and to the Fellow-Brethren Knights and Companions of the same Order for the confirmation of the mutual
reception de la dicte Jartiere du Collier Habit que leur est envoié par la Souverain du dit Order qu'ils auront certifié avoir le dit Jartiere Collier Habit un sufficient Depuâ—é Procureur selon l'estat de son Seigneur Maistre moyennâ—ns qu'il soit Chevalier sans reproche pour estre miâ— en sa place y estant faire son serment y estre admis par au nom de son dit Seigneur Maistre Scavoir vous faisons que nous desirans pour le respect â—ue nous portons a la Royne nostre dicte Soeur Cousine l'estime que nous faisons du dict Ordre satisfaire qu'a nous est au contenu des dits Statutes en ce que touche la dite prise de possesion prestation de serment recognoissance que pouâ— cest effect nous ne pourrons saire melleur ou plus convenable election que de vostre personne pour les bonnes louables qualitiés qui sont en vons les tesmoignages que vous avez rendus en divers occasions de vostre affection au bien avantage de nos affaires service vous avons Commis Deputé Commettons Deputons par ces presentes signées de nostre main pour vous trausporter en Angleterre vous trouver a la prochain ceremonie qui se fera du dicti Ordre pour prendre possession de nostre place en iceluy selon la forme ordinaire si besoigne est faire le serment en nostre Nom ainsi que l'ou à accoustumé de fairé gardant au surplus les solemnites en tel cas requises generalment faire tout ce que vous adviserés necessaire pour l'effect dessus ores qu'il y eust chose qui requist mandement plus special qu'il n'est contenu en ces dits presents par lesquelles de ce faire vous avons donné donnoâ—s plain pouvoir puissance authorité commission mandement special Cartel est nostre plaisir Donné a Paris le vingtiesme jour de Avrill l'an de grace mil six cent de nostre Reigne le onziesme Henry Duneuville NUM CXXIV A Precedent of a Commission for Installation of an Elect-Knight Ex lib. Nig. p. 315. HENRICUS Dei gratiâ invictissimus Rex Angliae Franciae Fidei Defensor Dominus Hiberniae Ordinis Divi Georgii supremus fidelibus ac praedilectis Cognatis nostris N. S. D. P. Quoniam intelligimus quod illustrissimus ac potentissimus Princeps N. vel Dominus aut vir inclytus N quem nuper in Socium nostri Ordinis elegimus non possit ipse commodè advenire ut in â—ollegio nostro de more in sedem suam introducatur alias ibi Ceremonias ritè perimpleat juxta quod ex Statutis ipsis obligatur ob id virum bene nobilem ac honorandum N. misit ut sedem nomine suo possideat juramentum praestet caeteraque perficiat quae Statuta requirunt Nos ideò noâ—iscum ista reputantes Volumus virtute praesentium eam vobis authoritatem addimus ut hunc procuratorem ejus ac deputatum non solùm admittere sed caetera quaeque facere valeates quae ad Statuta consuetudinesque laudabiles attinere videbuntur Et hae literae nostrae vos tuebuntur Sub Sigillo nostri Ordinis N. die Mensis N. Anno regni nostri N. NUM CXXV A Commission for the Installation of Guido Vbaldus Duke of Vrbin Ex Collect. W. D. N. HEnry by the grace of God King of England and of France and Lord of Ireland Soveraign of the Noble Ordre of the Garter To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousins the Marquess of Dorset The Earl of Surrey our Treasurer of England and the Earl of Shrewsbury Steward of our Household Companions of the said Order greeting Forasmuch as we understand that the right noble Prince Gwe de Ubaldis Duke of Urbin who was heretofore elected to be one of the Companions of the said Noble Order cannot conveniently repair into this our Realm personally to be installed in the Collegial Church of that Order and to perform other Ceremonies whereunto by the Statutz of the said Order he is bound But for that intent and purpose hath sent a right honorable personage Balthasar de Castilione Knight sufficiently authorised as his Proctor to be installed in his name and to perform all other things for him to the Statutes and Ordinances of the said Order requisite and appertaining We therefore in consideration of the premisses will and by these presents give unto you license full power and authority not only to accept and admit the said Balthasar as Proctor for the same Duke and to receive his Oath and install him in the lieu and place and for the said Duke but also farther to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Order it appertaineth and this our writing shall be to you and every of you sufficient discharge in that behalf Given under the Seal of the said Noble Order of the Garter at our Mannor of Grenewiche the vii day of Novembre the xxii year of our Reign NUM CXXVI Another for the Installation of Emanuel Duke of Savoy Ex Collect. A. V. W. PHilip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England France Naples Hierusalem and Ireland Defenders of the Faith Princes of Spain and Cicily Archdukes of Austria Dukes of Millayne Burgundy and Braband Counts of Haspurge Flaunders and Tyroll and Soveraigns of the Noble Order of the Garter To our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Clynton and the Lord Paget Knights and Companions of the said Noble Order Greeting Forasmuch as we understand that the right high and mighty Prince and our entirely beloved Cousin Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy and Prince of Piemont c. and our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor the Lord William Howard of Effingham high Admiral of England were heretofore elected to be Knights and Companions of the said Noble Order of the Garter which Emanuel Duke of Savoy Prince of Piemont c. cannot conveniently repair unto our Castle of Windesore personally to be installed in the Collegiate Chappel of that Order and to perform other Ceremonies whereunto by the Statutes of the said Order he is bounden and for that cause hath sent a right noble personage Johan Thomas L'angusto des Contes de Stropiane sufficiently authorised as his Deputy and Proctor 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 appertain We therefore in consideration of the premises will and by these presents give unto you full power license and authority not only to accept and admit the said Johan Thomas L'angusto des Contes de Stropiane to be Deputy and Proctor for our 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
le N. Cl. f. 11. t MS. in Bibl Coton sub Effig Iuliiâ— E. 11. u Ibid. w MS. in Offic. Armor L. 1. p. 19. MS. pen. W. D. N. fol. 12. * Ex Collect. W. le N. Cl. x MS. penes E W. G. fol. 148. b. y MS. penes E. W. G. fol. 148. b. z MS. penes E. W. G. fol. 148. b. * MS. penes E. W. G. fol. 148. b. a Ibid. f. 1â—1 b. b MS. in Offic. Armor ut supra c Collect. A. V. W. The Knights Offering d Lib. R. p. 44. e MS. penes E. W. G. sub an 1 Iac. R. vide Lib. R. pag. 52. 8◠‖ Collect. D. Ch. Wren nuper Ord. Regist. * Stat. Colleg. Art 37. f Ex Collect. Rob. C. Cl f. 2. g MS. penes G. O. Y. pag. 113. h MS. penes G. O. Y. pag. 113. i MS fol. indorsed Patents pen. eund Geo. Owen Y. k MS fol. indorsed Patents pen. eund Geo. Owen Y. l MS. penes E. W. G. m MS. penes E. W. G. n Lib. N p. 174. o Ex Collect. R C. Cl. fol. 27. p MS. penes E. W. G. f. 155. b. q MS. pag. 12. The Offerings belong to the Dean and Prebends s A. t. 33. t Art 37. w Lib. R. p. 10. x Autogr. in Aeâ—aâ— Coll. Winds y Autogr. in Aeâ—aâ— Coll. Winds a Pag. 43. b Pag. 43. c Pag. 43. d Pag. 52. e Pag. 51. f Ibid. pag. 52. h Lib. R. p. 64. 65. i Ibid. l Pag. 73. m Pag. 74. n Pag. 75. o Pag. 91. p Pag. 91. q Pag. 91. * Ex ipso Autogr in Aerar praedict Coll. f MS. pen. G. O Y. pag. 113. a Collect. W. le N. Cl. MS. pen. eund W. le N. fol. 20. 27. MS. penes G. O. Y. p. 113. b Lib. N. p. 166. c Lib. C. p. 108. d Ibid. p. 194. e Ibid. p. 184. f Lib. R. p. 108. g Collect. W. le N. Cl. h Collect. W. le N. Cl. i Collect. W. le N. Cl. k Collect. W. le N. Cl. l Ex Lib. M. 17 f. 25. b. in Offic. Arm. m Ex Lib. M. 17 f. 25. b. in Offic. Arm. n Collect. W. le N. Cl. o Collect. W. le N. Cl. p Collect. W. le N. Cl. q MS. penes Arth. Com. Anglesey fol. 167. r Collect. W. le N. Cl. s MS. penes W. D. N. fol. 20. b. t Ibid. fol. â— u Et fol. 20. w Collect. W. le N. Cl. x MS. pen. W. D. N. fol. 20. b. y Ibid. f. 27. b. a Lib. N. p. 57. b Lib. N. p. 57. c Lib. N. p. 57. * Pag. 57. d MS. in Offic. Armor F. 9. Interments fol. 12. b. * MS. in Bibl. Cott. sub effig Vitell. A. 16. sub an 4. H. 5. e Collect. Tho. Rowe nuper Canc. f Collect. Tho. Rowe nuper Canc. g MS. in Offic. Arm. M. 15. fol. 12. b. h Lib. N. p. 166. i MS. in Offic. Arm. M. 17. fol. 35. b. k Ex eod MS. fol. 27. b. * MS. ‖ MS. p. 13. l Ibid. fol. 32. b. m Collect. W. le N. Cl. n MS fol. penes W. D. N. fol. 3. o Ibid. f. 20. b. p Et fol. 27. b. q Palmer's large Iourn pag. 14. r Collect. W. le N. Cl. s Collect. W. le N. Cl. t MS. pen. W. D. N fol. 20 MS pen. G.O.Y. pag. 123. u Hen. 8. Stat. Art 11. w Lib. N. pag. 166. Hen. 8. Stat. Art 11. MS. p. 13. x Collect. W. le N. Cl. y Collect. W. le N. Cl. 3. Officers of the Order had a Table in the great Hall a Lib. N. p. 166. b Lib. N. p. 166. c Lib. N. p. 167. d Lib. N. p. 167. e Lib. N. p. 167. f Lib. N. p. 167. * MS. penes Aâ—th Com. Anglesey f. 167. â— g MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. h MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. i MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. k MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. l MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. m MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. n MS. in Offic Arâ—â—â— M. 17. fol. 28. o Lib. R. p. 78. * Ibid. p. 8◠‖ Ibid. pag. 98. p Lib. R. p. 88. q Ibid. pag. 94. r MS. pen. praefat G.O.Y. pag. 113. s Collect. W. le N. Cl. t Collect. W. le N. Cl. u MS pag. 13. w Collect. W. le N. Cl. The manner of proclaiming the Soveraigns Style x Collect. W. le N. Cl. a Ibid. b Ibid. c Ibid. d Collect. W. le N. Cl. MS. fol. pen. G.O.Y. pag. 114. e Lib. C. p 193. f Lib. R. p. 85. g Ibid. pag. 74. h First Introduced at the Feast an 19. Car. 2. the word Principâ—â— being used before i Book intituled St. George's Feast in the Lord Chamberlain's Office k Collect. W. le N. Cl. z MS. intitul King Hen. â— Proceedings pen. â—und W. lâ— Neve Prov. 16. * MS. penes Arth. Com. Anglesey fol. 169. a MS penes Ed. Fauconb gen b MS penes Ed. Fauconb gen The Queen 's coming into the Hall to observe the Order of the Feast c MS. in Offic Armor M. 17. f. 28. d MS. in Offic Armor M. 17. f. 28. e Sir Iohn Fenets Observ touching foreign Ambassadors p. 34. f Sir Iohn Fenets Observ touching foreign Ambassadors p. 34. g Ex eod lib. Observ. p. 79. h Ex eod lib. Observ. p. 79. i Ex eod lib. Observ. p. 79. k Ibid. pag. 106. l Ibid. pag. 106. m Pag. 102. n Pag. 1â—8 o Pag. 107. p Pag. 107. q Ibid. r Ibid. s Collect. W. le N. Cl. t MS. in Offic. Arm. M. 17. fol. 35. u Collect. W. le N. Cl. The Soveraign's return to the Presence w MS. pen. G.O.Y. pag. 114. x Collect. W. le N. Cl. y MS. pen. G.O.Y. p. 114. MS. pen. W. D N. fol. 8. b. z Col. Rob. C. Cl. fol. 7. * MS. penes Rob. Com. Aylesbury a MS. penes E. W. G. fol. 154. b. b MS. penes E. W. G. fol. 154. b. c MS. penes Arth. Com. Anglesey fol. 167. MS. in Offic. Armor M. 17. b. MS pen. W. D. N. fol. 16. b. d Lib. N. pag. 69. f MS. penes W. D. N. vide etiam MS. penes G.O.Y. pag. 113. Collect. praefat R C. Cl. fol. 9. g MS. penes W. D. N. vide etiam MS. penes G.O.Y. pag. 113. Collect. praefat R C. Cl. fol. 9. h Ex eod MS. penes eund W. D. N. fol. 8. b. i Ex eod MS. penes eund W. D. N. fol. 8. b. k Ex eod MS. penes eund W. D. N. fol. 8. b. l Ex eod MS. penes eund W. D. N. fol. 8. b. m Ex eod MS. penes eund W. D. N. fol. 8. b. n Palm Iourn pag. 25. o Palmers Iourn pro an 1639. p. 33. p MS. pen. W. D. N. fol. 10. 26. b. q Ex fol. 8. b. vide etiam MS.
the Third who brought into use the great Mantle of Crimson Velvet his own being fur'd with Ermins but the rest of the Knights with Miniver fringed and bordered with Knots to wit of the fashion of those that adorn the Collar in fine Gold Under this Mantle is worn a Surcoat of white Damask Duke Emanuel Philibert his Son changed afterwards the colour of the Mantle to Azure and lined it with White Taffaty of which Silk he also made the Surcoats But Charles Emanuel altered the Mantle unto an Amaranthus or Purple Colour seeded with Roses and Flames in embroidery of Gold and Silver bordered throughout with the Symbols of the Order fringed with Gold and lined with Cloth of Silver tissued Blue which continues hitherto in use Under which instead of the White Taffaty Surcoat is now worn a White Satin suit embroidered with Silk the Hose gathered upwards in the fashion of Trouses Concerning the Statutes of this Order the most ancient are those of Ame the Eighth for there are none of the Founders extant made at Chastilion the 30. of May in the year of our Lord 1410. the original whereof is lodg'd in the Archives at Turin which he augmented in the year 1434. and both are printed by Sansovin Duke Charles the Third made new Statutes at Chambery the 11. of Sept. anno 1518. these were enlarged by Duke Emanuel Philibert anno 1568. and published in the year 1577. The Order of the Thistle of Bourbon in France 24. At the solemnity of the marriage of Lewis the Second Duke of Bourbon with Anne Daughter to the Count Daulphine of Auvergne celebrated in the Town of Arde on New-years day 1370. this Duke instituted the Order of Knights of our Lady otherwise called the Thistle and the first solemnities thereof were performed at Nostre Dame de Maulins in Bourbonnois where he founded a Colledge of twelve Canons in honor of the blessed Virgin The ground of the Institution was to strengthen this Dukes power and interest for the aid of Charles Duke of Orleans and of his two Brothers Philip and Iohn against the Faction of the House of Burgundy And by joining of Flowers de Lis and Thistles the Symbols of hope and courage emblematically to express the nobleness of his Spirit against all power of Fortune He ordained a set number of Knights of this Society to wit 26 therein comprehending himself and Successors Dukes of Bourbon as Chiefs and obliged these to wear daily a Belt or Girdle made of watchet colour Velvet lined with Crimson Sattin embroidered with Gold in the midst of which embroidery was curiously wrought the word ESPERANCE This Girdle was fastned with a Buckle and a Tongue of Gold bearded and checquered with green enamel in form like to the head of a Thistle On the Anniversary of the Festival namely the day of the Conception of our Lady in December the Knights wore Cassocks or Surcâ—ats of Carnation Damask with wide sleeves girded with the Girdle before described The Mantle of this Order was of Skie-coloured Damask having broad weltâ— of Gold embroidered on the Collar and lined with red Sattin but the Mantlet of green Velvet The Bonnet was also of green Velvet at the point of the band hung a saiâ— Tassel of Crimson Silk and threds of Gold the lining of Crimson Tassaty and turned up after the antique manner whereon they had embroidered the Golden Shield with the word Allen. Whoso considers in this Constitution the number of Knights the principal colours of the Mantle Surcoat and Girdle with the injunction for wearing thereof shall plainly see that this Founder took an exact pattern from the Order of the Garter which he had observed in England and acquainted himself with its Constitutions while he was Prisoner in Windsor Castle for here is little change or alteration and only a Belt or Girdle made the chief Ensign of this as the Garter was of that Order The great Collar was of Gold of the weight of ten Marks enamelled with Green opened like Network which was fill'd with Flowers de Lis of Gold and each of them together with the Letters of the Impress placed in a Lozenge of red enamel At the bottom of the Collar in an Oval of Gold the Circle whereof was enamelled with Green and Red appeared the Figure of the Patroness the blessed Virgin Mary surrounded with rays of the Sun crowned with twelve Silver Stars a Crescent of the same under her feet enamelled with Purple and Skie colour lastly at the end of the Oval depended the head of a Thistle enamelled Green but bearded White Some little difference is put by others in the fashion and composition of this Collar namely that it was made either of Gold or Silver and framed of Flowers de Lis and four leaves or Flowers of a Thistle set in the form of a Cross. The Order of the Dove in Castile 25. Was instituted by Iohn the First of that name King of Castile in the City of Segovia Anno Dom. 1390. so saith Mennenius and Miraeus but Favin placeth it 1379. and proposed to his Nobles as a reward to encourage them to prosecute the noble acts of his Grandfather King Henry the Second The Collar of this Order was linked or enchained with the resplendent beams of the Sun both waved and pointed at which hung a golden Dove enamelled White and encompassed with rays the Eyes and Beak Red. Herewith the Founder saith Favin adorned himself on Whitsonday yet Mennenius and Miraeus will have it the Feast-day of St. Iames and at the Altar of the great Church in Segovia distributed other the like Collars to his intimate Favourites together with a Book containing the Statutes of the Order But he dying the very same year before the Order had taken sufficient root it became of small continuance The Order of the Argonautes of St. Nicholas in Naples 26. Charles the Third King of Naples instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1382. and with the Ensign thereof invested several of the Nobility of that Kingdom with which as by a Bond he designed to tye them one to another in a brotherly obligation The end of its Institution was to preserve amity among the Nobles to compose enmities and suppress seditions Insomuch as if any of the Knights of this Order were at variance one with another and refused to be reconciled the Ensigns were then to be taken from him but some say the ground and cause was to advance Navigation which the Neopolitans stood in need of To which the principal Ensign of this Order seems rather to allude it being a Ship floating upon the waters in the midst of a storm having this Motto Non credo tempori In the Convent of that sumptuous Church which St. Nicholas Bishop of Smyrna caused to be built was the grand Feast held on the Anniversary of
that Saint This King appointed a White Habit for the Knights and prescribed laudable Constitutions to the Order but because he setled no Revenue thereupon the splendor thereof ceased at his death nevertheless he obtained the end for which it was instituted Knights of St. Anthony in Hainolt 27. Albert of Bavaria Earl of Hainolt Holland and Zeland designing an Expedition against the Turks and Moors instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1382. The Ensign thereof was a golden Collar wrought after the fashion of an Hermits Girdle at which hung a walking Staff and a little golden Bell. The Order of the Porcupine in France 28. Monsieur Lewis of France Duke of Orleans instituted this Order in the year 1393. to honor the Baptism of his eldest Son Charles by Valentina his Wife Daughter to Iohn Galeas Duke of Millan and made choice of the Porcupine for his Devise with this Epigraph Cominus Eminus not only out of the high hopes he conceived of this Child but also to intimate something of revenge against Iohn Duke of Burgundy his mortal Enemy no less than self-defence against all his designs and assaults of which this Animal is a proper Emblem Paradine Mennenius and Micheli make Charles the Son of this Monsieur Lewis the Founder anno Dom. 1430. in imitation or emulation of Philip Duke of Burgundy Founder of the Order of the Golden Fleece but Favin strengthens his foresaid relation from the authority of one Hennotin de Cleriaux an Herald who attended the forementioned Christning in his Heralds Coat and set down an account of the Institution by Monsieur Lewis together with the names of the Princes Lords and Gentlemen on whom he then bestowed his new erected Order their number being 25 including the Founder The Habit assigned to the Knights were Surcoats of Violet Velvet and over them Mantles of Watchet Velvet lined with Carnation Satin The Collar was formed of Gold Chains at the end whereof hung a Porcupine of Gold upon a little enamelled hillock of Grass and Flowers which Creature was also embroidered on the Knights Belts The Order of the Lilly in Aragon 29. According to Hieronymus Zurita this Order was instituted by Ferdinand King of Aragon called the Infant of Antiquera in the year of our Lord 1403. and dedicated to the honor of the blessed Virgin The Collar was composed of Bough-Pots fill'd with White Lillies interlaced with Gryphons and as Hieronymus Romanus reports was vulgarly called La Orden de la Terraca o de las Azucenas ò Iarra de S. Maria which is as much as to say The Order of Lillies or the Vessel of St. Mary Favin gives it under the Title of the Looking-glass of the blessed Virgin Mary in Castile instituted as he saith in honor and memory of a Victory which this King Ferdinand had obtained in that Kingdom against the Moors anno 1410. to wit seven years after the time assigned by Zurita for the foundation The Founder transplanted this Order with him into Aragon 1413. when he received the Crown of that Kingdom and where it continued under the Sons of this King but no longer The Order of the Dragon overthrown in Hungary 30. The Emperor Sigismond surnamed the Glorious for the many Battels he gained over the barbarous Nations in defence of the Christian Religion having greatly laboured the peace of the Churches of Hungary and Bohemia and by his Travels into England France and Spain to invite those Princes to join with him in that his Enterprise brought the same to pass by the Council of Constance out of extream joy at the accomplishment thereof instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1418. for defence of the Christian Religion and to crush all Hereticks and Schismaticks that should arise which Order in short time became of high esteem not only throughout Hungary but Germany also The Knights wore daily for their Ensign of Honor a Green Cross story on solemn days a Scarlet Cloak and on the Mantlet of Green Silk a double Chain of Gold Micheli saith a Green Ribbon at the end of which hung a Dragon dead with broken Wings in the posture of being overcome the Symbol of Heresie vanquished and the whole enamelled with variety of Colours proper But this Order continued not long for it almost expired with the Founder Peter Beloy President of Tholouse affirms he had seen a Diploma dated anno 1413. purporting that Basilius Colalba Marquess of Ancona was admitted into this Order in these very words Te quem manu propria militiae cingulo societatis nostrae Draconicae ac Stolae seu amprisiae charissimi fratris nostri Regis Aragoniae insignivimus c. Equites Tufini in Bohemia 13. We find but a bare mention thereof made by Mennenius and that it was erected in the Kingdom of Bohemia or else both in Bohemia and Austria but he doth not in the least inform us either of the cause of its Institution the Badge of the Order or to what the Title refers The two first of these particulars Ios. Micheli supplies but as to the third we cannot give so perfect an account as we would yet we remember to have read somewhere that this Order had its name from Toca a Cap or Coif The Arch-Dukes of Austria saith he were Founders of this Order which they instituted to ingage their Subjects in the defence of the Christian Religion and expulsion of the Turks and those they called Hereticks out of their Dominions for having about 200 years maintained a War with vast and excessive charge by erecting this Order and bestowing upon the Knights thereof all that they gained in War towards their supportation they very much eaâ—â—d themselves in their Military Expences and indeed this proved so great an encouragement to them that in a few years performing service wheresoever their Chiefs commanded them to ingage they cleared their Provinces almost of both Turks and Schismaticks The Ensign of this Order was a plain Green Cross and the Habit of the Knights Red. This and the following Order saith the same Author were under the Rule of St. Basil and profest conjugal Chastity and Obedience but we see not from what ground he alledges this for if so then ought we to have placed it among the Religious rather than Military Orders these being absolute notes and marks thereof But inasmuch as we elsewhere find that Albert the Emperor adorned Moyses Didacus de Valera in Spain a Knight of known and approved courage with the Ensigns of his three Orders viz. of the Dragon as he was King of Hungary of the Tusin as King of Bohemia and with the Collar de la Disciplinas as Duke of Austria it is hence manifest they were all compleat Military Orders of which this Emperor was Soveraign or Chief for no man can be admitted into
is called Turris de London both which are so termed in a Charter of Peace between King Stephen and Duke Henry afterwards King of England by the Title of Henry the Second and this word Mota is here used for what the French call Mote or Motte being the same with Collis or Colliculus and Meta in Latin viz. a little Hill Within this Castle was King Edward the Third born whence commonly called Edward of Windesor and received his Baptism in the old Chappel The native affection he bore to this place was exceeding great insomuch as he constituted it the Head and Seat of that most noble Order of the Garter whereof himself became the most renowned Founder in honor to which he there also founded the Colledge of the Chappel of St. George and much enlarged and beautified the Castle To this work he appointed several Surveyors whom he assigned to press Hewers of Stone Carpenters and such other Artificers as were thought useful and necessary so also to provide Stone Timber and other materials and Carriages for them among these Surveyors we find remembred Iohn Peyntour Richard de Rochell William de Hurle William de Herland Robert de Bernham and some others And to the end this great undertaking might be honestly and substantially performed the King assigned Iohn Brocas Oliver de Burdeux and Thomas de Foxle jointly and severally with all care and diligence at least together once a Month to survey the Workmen and their works and to encourage such as did their duty competently well but to compel others that were idle and slothful He afterwards commissionated Iohn de Alkeshull and Walter Palmer to provide Stone Timber Lead Iron and all other necessaries for the work and to imprest Carriages for their conveyance to Windesor William de Wyckham who attained to the Dignity of Bishop of Winchester and was the second Prelate of the Garter had a Supervisor's or Surveyor's place granted to him by Letters Patents bearing Teste at Westminster the thirtieth of October anno 30. E. 3. He had like powers given him with those Surveyors first above-named and a grant of the same Fee as had been formerly allowed to Robert de Bernham viz. One shilling a day while he stayed at Windesor in his employment two shillings a day when he went elsewhere about that affair and three shillings a week for his Clerk which like allowances had been first of all made to Richard de Rochell Afterwards he had bestowed upon him the chief custody and surveyorship of this Castle of the Mannors of Old and New Windesor and of several other Castles Mannors and Houses enumerated in his Letters Patents with power to appoint and dispose of all Workmen buy necessaries for Reparation provide Carpenters Masons and other Artificers Stone Timber c. and in those Mannors to hold Leets and other Courts Pleas of Trespass and Misdemeanors to enquire of the Kings liberties rights and all things appertaining thereunto It may be presumed that about the thirty fourth year of this Kings Reign the most considerable enlargement of the Castle was made seeing there were then great store of the best Diggers and Hewers of Stone imprest in London and out of divers Counties in England by virtue of Writs directed to several Sheriffs dated the 14. of April in that year with command to send them to Windesor by the Sunday next after the Feast of St. George at the furthest there to be employed at the Kings Wages so long as was necessary viz. London 40 Essex and Hertford 40 Wilts 40 Leycest and Worcest 40 Cambridge and Huntingd. 40 Kent 40 Gloucester 40 Somerset and Devon 40 Northampton 40 Herewith the Sheriffs were commanded to take sufficient security of these Workmen not to depart from Windesor without the License of William de Wyckham who was appointed to return the same Securities into the Court of Chancery and all this under the penalty of one hundred pounds to each respective Sheriff And because divers of these Workmen for gain and advantage had afterwards clandestinely lest Windesor and were entertained by other persons upon greater Wages to the Kings great damage and manifest retarding of his Work Writs were therefore directed to the Sheriffs of London with command to make Proclamation to inhibit any person whether Clerk or Layman under forfeiture of all they had forfeitable for employing or retaining any of them as also to arrest such as had so run away and commit them to Newgate and from time to time to return their names into the Chancery But a great number of them dying of the great Pestilence other Writs issued 30. of March anno 36. E. 3. to the Sheriffs of several Counties not of the former number That under the penalty of two hundred pounds apiece they should send to Windesor able and skilful Masons and Diggers of Stone to be there on Sunday the Utas of Easter at furthest to be employed in the Works namely to the Sheriffs of York 60 Derby 24 Salop. 60 Hereford 50 Nottingham 24 Lancaster 24 Devon 60 It was the thirty seventh year of this King or e're the Buildings were ready for Glasing and then Henry de Stamerne and Iohn Brampton were employed to buy Glass in all places of the Kingdom where it was to be sold to press four and twenty Glasiers and convey them to London to work there at the Kings Wages and twelve Glasiers for Windesor to be employed in like manner within the Castle In this year also the work went effectually on as may be guess'd from the great store of Workmen prest for this service as also Carriages for Stone and Timber much of the Stone being digg'd out of the Quarries of Wellesford Helwell and Careby and the next year not only in these but in the Quarries of Heseleberg and Demelby and the following year out of the Quarry of Melton From hence to the forty third year of this Kings Reign we find Artificers were yearly prest and the buildings of the Castle seriously pursued but after we meet with nothing in that kind mentioned to be done until the eight and fortieth year and thence not any thing during his Reign So that it s to be presumed this famous piece for magnificence and strength was for the greatest part finished in his said forty third year that is to say the Kings Palace the great Hall of St. George the Lodgings on the East and South side of the upper Baily or Ward the Keep or Tower in the middle Ward the Chappel of St. George the Houses for the Custos and Canons in the lower Ward together with the whole circumference of the Walls and their several Towers and Gates as now they stand In succeeding times some other additions were made to the buildings within the Castle in particular King Henry the Seventh added that stately Fabrick adjoining to the Kings Lodgings in the
and principal Officer belonging to the Order and in the Founder's Statutes is called Prelatus Ordinis thus we see his Office is as ancient as the Institution of the Order and that the then Bishop of Winchester William de Edyngton was the first Prelate is as apparent thence He is an Officer of honor only and hath not either Pension or Fees allowed him By the said Constitutions this Office is vested in the Bishops of Winchester for the time being and from sundry passages in the Annals of the Order it is further manifest that the Successors to William de Edyngton have continued Prelates to this day except the interruption only of a few months anno 7. E. 6. immediately after publishing this Kings Statutes wherein the other four Officers were constituted anew to attend the service of the Order but the Prelate wholly set aside Of what estimation this See hath been may be collected from the precedency granted to the Bishops thereof by an Act of Parliament Entituled An Act concerning the placing of the Lords in Parliament Chamber and other Assemblies and Conference of Councel wherein it is Enacted that this Bishop shall sit next to the Bishop of Durham who hath place by that Act assign'd him next the Archbishop of York though before in respect of the honor and preheminence of this most Noble Order he had precedence and place granted above all Bishops and next unto the Archbishops At this Officer's admittance he is obliged to take an Oath in the presence of the Soveraign or his Lieutenant which consists of these particulars 1. To be present in all Chapters whereunto he is summoned 2. To report all things truly without favour or fear 3. To take the Scruteny faithfully and present it to the Soveraign 4. To keep secret and not disclose the Counsels of the Order 5. To promote and maintain the honor thereof 6. To withstand and reveal what is design'd to the contrary This Oath is read or pronounced in Chapter by the Register of the Ordeâ— the Gentleman Usher of the Black-Rod holding the Book whilst the Prelate kneels between the Soveraign's knees As the Knights-Companions had their Surcoats bestowed on them at the Soveraign's charge and therefore called the Kings Livery so had the Officers of the Order their Liveries or Robes out of the Soveraign's Wardrobe likewise and in particular the Prelate of the Order For in the Rolls of the Great Wardrobe we find that William de Edyngton had allowed him for his Robe of the Soveraign's Livery against the Feast of St. George anno 37. E. 3. one Cloth of Sanguine in Grain and a large quantity of Furs for trimming it up We have had occasion in the last Chapter to observe that the word Roba in the Rolls of the Wardrobe is used to signifie a Surcoat being there applied to the Knights-Companions Surcoats not Mantle which in reference to the Prelate is to be understood by it And we find this Robe so assigned to the Prelate noted to be of the Sute or Colour of the Knights-Companions Surcoats the foresaid year viz. Sanguine in grain But whereas each Knight-Companion had 5 Ells of this Cloth for a Surcoat the Prelate's allowance is said to be one Cloth of the same Colour Yet what difference there was in Measure between one Ell and so many as made one Cloth we have not hitherto learnt but in Fur the Prelate much exceeded them every Knight-Companion then having but one Fur of 200 Bellies of Miniver pure Anno 7. Ric. 2. we meet with the same allowance of Cloth and other materials to William de Wyckham then also Prelate but the difference lay in the Bellies of Minivers whose number now was much encreased and that the same allowance was made him in the 11. and 19. years of the said King But in these three Instances the Colour of the Cloth was different and changed to that assigned for the Knights-Companions Surcoats those very years to wit Violâ—t in grain White and Blue And anno 12. H. 6. the Robe of Henry Beaufort Cardinal and Prelate was White as then were the Surcoats of all the Knights-Companions whence it is evident the Livery anciently allowed the Prelate annually varied in Colour as did the Knights-Companions Surcoats In that ancient Precedent of the Liveries of the Garter recorded in an old Velam Manuscript remaining in the Soveraign's Great Wardrobe wherein the Surcoats bestowed on the Knights-Companions are reduced to a certainty as to the measure of Cloth number of Furs and Garters nevertheless proportioned according to their several Degrees there the Prelate hath the following allowance for his Livery 24 Yards of Woollen Cloth 18 Timbr pur Miniver 18 Timbr gross Miniver 3 Timbr de Biss. By all which it is manifest what Materials and Colour the Prelate's Robe was of as at the Institution of the Order so for a long time after nor can we find any alteration therein until the Reign of King Henry the Eighth and then his Habit was ordained to be of Crimson Velvet lined with White Taffaty faced with Blue and thereon richly embroidered sundry royal Cognizances such as appear on the front of the Prelate's Robe in the Draughts of the Officers ancient Habits placed at the beginning of this Chapter The first of which is the Rose of England crown'd The second one of King Edward the Fourth's Badges and may be seen in several places of the Stone-work in and about St. Georges Chappel at Windesor The third is the Flower de Lis of France crown'd And the fourth King Edward the Third's peculiar Badge viz. the Sun Beams issuing out of a Cloud Forty of these Clouds embroidered with Gold Silver and Silk having in the middle the Saxon Letter E of Gold were provided to trim several Garments made for this King in the 21. year of his Reign and garnished with Stars As the left shoulder of a Knights-Companions Mantle so the right shoulder of the Prelate's Robe is ordained to be embroidered with a Scutcheon of St. George's Arms encompassed with the Garter and adorn'd with Cordons of Blue Silk mingled with Gold After a while though we find not the certain time the Colour of this Robe became changed to Murrey the allowance of Velvet 16 yards of White Sarcenet for lining 12 yards and a Garter for the shoulder embroidered with Purls of Damask Gold But by a Warrant dated the 22. of March anno 23. Eliz. directed to the Master of the great Wardrobe for the Livery of the Order for Bishop Watson then newly admitted Prelate The quantity of Velvet was encreased to 18 yards but the lining and Garter as before so also the Cordon having Buttons and Tassels of Blue Silk and Venice Gold The like Robe in all particulars was made for his Successor Bishop Cooper upon the Soveraign's Warrant 11. April an 26. Eliz.
Soveraign in a Chapter held at Windesor the 6. of November an 9. Car. 1. to give command that two little pieces of Arras Hangings then hanging over the Altar in one of which was wrought the Picture of St. George on Horseback and on the other of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin should be preserved in such places where the Dean and his Lieutenant should think beâ—â— for the use of the said Altar at the Grand Feast and other Festivals of the Order Hereupon they were fetched from Windesor to set over the Altar in the Chappel at Whitehall an 11. Car. 1. the Feast of St. George being then celebrated there There are now two other pieces of Arras which are appointed to that use the one hath the Pictures of Christs and his Disciples at Supper given by the late Right Reverend Father in God Bryan Lord Bishop of Winchester Prelate of the Order the other of Christ and the two Disciples at Emmans wrought after Titian's Original given by the right Honorable the Lady Mordant Wife to the Lord Mordant late Constable of Windesor As to the Soveraign's Royal Stall it hath in all times had over it a rich Canopy the back and forepairs adorned with materials of the same sute with a long Velvet Cushen before to lay his Books on another shorter for his Seat and a third to kneel on The Canopy prepared against the Grand Feast an 13. Car. 2. and which now adorns it is made of two panes of Purple Velvet and one of Cloth of Gold having a broad Gold Fringe at the bottom a narrow one at the top and an inner Valance of the same with a Purple Silk Fringe the back and fore piece is of three panes also one of Gold the other two of Purple Velvet with a narrow Gold Fringe about it The three Cushens are of Purple Velvet garnished with Gold Fringe and Tassels of Silk and Gold Each of the Knights-Companions Stalls are also furnished with the like number of Cushens Lastly The Pulpit is hung with Crimson Damask inwrought with small Flowers of Gold Portcullices Flowers de Lis and Roses all crowned this Pulpeâ—-Cloth was preserved from the ravenous hands of Collonel Ven and now restored to its former use It may be judged how other of the Soveraign's Chappels wherein the solemn Services at the Grand Feast were celebrated besides this of St. George at Windesor have been set forth and adorned by one or two Examples in that kind for an 22. H. 8. though the Soveraign held the Feast of St. George at Windesor yet on the Evening he went not to St. George's Chappel but heard Divine Service in the Chappel above in the upper Quadrangle at the West end of St. George's Hall which Chappel was hanged on both sides a rich Cloth of State set up and a haut pas of a foot high for the Soveraign as also a little foot pace 13 inches broad and 7 inches high for him to kneel at The High Altar and that set before the Soveraign were richly garnished with Images and other Ornaments of Gold and Silver gilt c. We also find that at the Feast of St. George held at Whitehall an 5. Eliz. the Chappel was hung with Cloth of Gold and the Stalls both before and behind with Cloth of Tissue set with Scutcheons at their back The Soveraign's Royal Stall was adorned with a Cloth of State and furnished with Cushens as were the Emperor's the French King's and the Soveraign's Lieutenant's But an 7. Eliz. all the Stalls of the same Choire were hung with Carpets both before and behind At the Feast held there an 19. Car. 2. the Chappel was hung with the rich Hangings of Silk and Gold wherein the twelve Months were with excellent skill described The Altar was furnished with chased gilt Plate viz. one large Bâ—son in the middle and two less on either side two fair Candlesticks with unlighted Tapeâ—s and two large Water-Pots on the lower rank was set another Bason four Flaggons and two Service-Books covered with like gilt Plate and lastly the Soveraign's Stall had the rich Furniture of Cloth of Gold and Purple Velvet fetcht from Windesor to adorn it SECT VII The furnishing of St. George's Hall THE care of making ready and furnishing St. George's Hall or other Room either there or elsewhere set apart for the Grand Dinner is committed partly to the Gentleman-Vsher of the Black-Rod and partly to the Soveraign's Surveyor General of his Works The Surveyor-General upon directions given him by Warrant from the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold causeth a Floor to be raised at the upper end of the Hall whereunto is an ascent of three steps and thereon he raiseth a Table 12 Foot long and 3 foot and a half broad for the Soveraign to dine at On the left hand of this Table is set a Cupboard for Plate and a side Table for Glasses c. to serve the Soveraign's Table as occasion shall require Upon the uppermost step of the raised Floor is set a strong Rail with Banisters cross the Hall to keep off the Croud from the Soveraign's Table that so the Officers appointed to attend thereat may with more liberty perform their several Duties and Services On the right hand of the Soveraign's State and below the Rails are Tables placed for the Knights-Companions to dine at which sometimes hath been but one Table continued to the lower end of the Hall with a long Form on the back side but of late the same space hath been taken up and furnished with several small Tables those set up an 23. Car. 2. were 6 foot long and 4 and a half broad and set at two Foot distance each from the other At the Grand Feast held at Whitehall an 8. Car. 1. the Tables for the Knightsâ—Companions were like the Soveraign's fenced in with Rails within which the Waiters only being admitted the Dishes of Meat and the Banquet were thereby handsomly freed from the troublesome yet usual croud and rapine of the people the like hath been done at all times since with Bars to open and shut against every Table Opposite to these between the Hall Windows are set so many side Tables each 5 foot long and 2 and a half broad all raised in with Bars as are the Tables provided for the Knights-Companions so that each of theirs hath a side Table furnished with Plate Glasses Wine Beer c. to serve it The Hall being thus far prepared the Black-Rod receives the Lord Chamberlain's Warrant for taking into his Custody such rich and costly Furniture both for the Soveraign's State and hanging the Hall as is thought worthy to contribute to the honor of this Festival The Stâ—te placed at the upper end of the Hall before the Soveraign's Table is usually the richest the Hanging of the bâ—st sort and such were the four pieces of Arras wherein were wrought the History of St. George bought by King Henry the Sixth
The Story of Abraham and Lot most curious for design and workmanship most costly for Silk and Gol◠with the rich State Chair Cushens and Stools belonging to the Queen's Privy-Chamber did adorn the Presence-Chamber at the Feast held at Whitehall an 11. Car. 1. And the same Hanging were made use of in the Banqueting House there an 19. Car. 2. And in case the appearance at Windesor of the Nobility and great Personages with their Trains be extraordinary then doth the Soveraign upon such an occasion direct his Letters to the Dean and Prebends desiring them to give way that the Black-Rod may survey their Houses and therein appoint Lodgings for so many as may be entertained there and thus was it done upon the coming hither of the Emperor Sigismond an 7. H. 5 for the Soveraign being desirous that their Servants and Attendants as well as others of his own Retinue might be in all respects handsomly accommodated and because the Priviledge was granted to the Dean and Canons in the Charter of 27. E. 3. That no person of what state or condition soever might upon any colour lodge or tarry in their Houses without their consent he thereupon wrote his Letter to them thereby desiring liberty and allowance for the Black-Rod to take up Lodgings in their Houses in such an extraordinary case yet withal signified it was not his intention that under colour of this they should be so charged for the future In May an 23. Car. 2. a little before the Grand Feast was held at Windesor there fell out some dispute between the Gentlemen-Vshers daily Waiters and the Knight-Harbenger who should appoint Lodgings in the Dean and Prebends Houses for any of the Knights-Companions or other persons of quality of the Court The Knight Harbenger alledged that by his Patent he ought to assign Lodgings for all persons that are not lodged in the King's Palace and that the Gentlemen-Vshers have nothing to do either without the King's House or with those who are not the King's Houshold-Servants as some of the Knights-Companions are not But after much discourse on both sides before the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold which occasioned a further enquiry into the matter the only person for this Affair appeared to be the Gentleman-Vsher of the Black-Rod who is an Officer of the Order within the Colledge and whose Predecessor carried the before mentioned Letter from King Henry the Fifth to the Dean and Canons besides he is one whom they have since willingly admitted of in such occasions and consequently not been invaded by a strange Officer and thereupon were the pretensions of the Knight-Harbinger set aside SECT VIII Officers and Servants appointed to attend at the Grand Feast THE Names of those Noblemen which the Soveraign appoints to the principal Offices of this Grand Feast are put into a List signed by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold and delivered to the Black-Rod who is to give them notice some convenient time before the Feast begin that thereupon they may fit themselves to perform the duty of their several places A List of those Lords that gave attendance at the Grand-Feast an 14. Car. 2. when the present Soveraign was Installed A List of those Lords that attended the Soveraign at St. George's Feast held at Windesor the 8. of October an 15. Car. 1. For the Sword For the Sword Earl of Northampton Earl of Denbigh The Great Bason The Great Bason Earl of Bedford Earl of Denbigh Earl of Hertford Earl of Monmouth Earl of Clare Lord Edward Howard Earl of St. Albons Lord Herbert of Cardiff Lord Herbert of Ragland The Cupbearer The Cupbearer Lord Herbert of Cardiff Earl of Essex The Carver The Carver Lord Wharton Earl of Carlisle The Sewer The Sewer Lord Grandison Earl of Dover The Surnap The Surnap Lord Edward Howard Earl of Elgin The Ewer The Ewer Lord Slego Earl of Devonshire The Train The Train Duke of Buckingham Lord Russel Earl of Oxford Lord Herbert Lord Buckhurst Lord Cranborne  The Gentlemen of the Soveraign's Privy-Chamber who bear the Canopy are those that are at the time of the Feast in waiting and these that follow performed that service at the Feast held in October an 15. Car. 1. Mr. Gilbert North. Mr. John Carey Mr. John Frecheville Captain John Tyringham Mr. Edward Tyringham Sir Peter Kellegrew Mr. Henry Wentworth Sir William Berkeley Sir Henry Bruce Sir Richard Young Sir Robert Winde Sir John Weldram Besides these several other of the Soveraign's Officers and Servants have notice from the Lord Chamberlain to give their particular attendance at the Grand Feast and of what quality they usually are will appear by the List of those appointed to attend at Windesor the 29. of May an 23. Car. 2. Lord Chamberlain and Servants Mr. Vice-Chamberlain Groom of the Stool Gentlemen of the Bedchamber Bedchamber-men Privy-Purse Secretaries of State Secretaries of Scotland Gentlemen-Vshers of the Privy-Chamber 12 Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber in waiting 4 Gentlemen-Vshers daily Waiters 2 Carvers 2 Cupbearers 2 Sewers 8 Quarter-Waiters Gentlemen-Vshers 2 Pages of the Presence 2 Chaplains 2 Esquires of the Body 2 Physicians 2 Apothecaries 2 Chyrurgeons 4 Serjeants at Arms. Mrs. Sempstress and Landress to his Majesty 8 Sewers of the Chamber 4 Grooms of the Chamber Pages of the Back-Stairs 14 Lords to attend his Majesty Captain of the Guards Officers of the Guard Officers of the Robes Yeomen of the Guard 2 Grooms of the Privy-Chamber 3 Masters of the Tents Groom-Porter Master of the Ceremonies Marshal of the Ceremonies Aid of the Ceremonies Removing Wardrobe Iewel-house Gentlemen of the Chappel Musicians 5 Messengers Yeomen of the Bows and Guns 16 Trumpeters Captain Cook and the Children of the Chappel Serjeant-Trumpeter Drum-Major 4 Drummers and a Fife St. Alban CHAP. XX. THE ORDER OF THE Ceremonies ON THE Eve OF THE Grand Feast SECT I. Of the beginning of the Grand Feast HAving in the precedent Chapter spoken somewhat of the Institution of the Grand Festival which the Statutes of this most Noble Order have fixed to the day of St. George we come now to treat of its Celebration with the Ceremonies performed throughout this great Solemnity devised to set forth and illustrate the glory thereof In the observation of which both the first Institutor and all succeeding Soveraigns have shewn the utmost of their provision and care well knowing that what is once slightly observed will soon fall into disesteem if not contempt And here what first occurs to our consideration are the Day the Hour and the Place when and where the Soveraign and Knights-Companions are to meet in order to the beginning of the Feast As to the first although St. George's day or such other day as the Soveraign shall please to nominate and appoint by Prorogation in lieu thereof be indeed the principal and Grand day of the Feast yet does the Feast take commencement upon the Eve and determines not until the third
Arms of St. George on the left shoulder following all other the Knights of the Garter the Sword was born by the Earl of Westmerland next before the King and Garter King of Arms and Sir William Compton Vsher of the Black-Rod went betwixt the Prelate and the Sword and all Gentlemen and Knights Barons and Earls before the Knights of the Garter and thence rode to the middle door of the Chappel and there alighted and so proceeded without the Choire unto the Chapter-house Lastly The Grand Feast being held at Windesor an 6. Eliz. and the Earl of Arundel chosen the Soveraign's Lieutenant he and the Knights-Companions proceeded on the Eve on Horseback from the Soveraign's Lodgings in the Castle to the South door of the Chappel and after Evening Service returned in the same order SECT IV. Of the opening of the Chapter THE Proceeding being arrived at the entrance into the Chappel first the Attendants upon the Knights-Companions divide themselves as they enter beginning at the outward door and flank on each side the North Isle of the Chappel and so forward towards the West door of the Choire making a stand along the Isle for the Alms-Knights Verger Prebends and Officers of Arms to pass through them who go on towards the said West door and when the junior Knights-Companions are entred into the Chappel the Proceeding makes a stand while all the Knights-Companions following turn aside on the right hand into the Chapter-house next the Officers of the Order and lastly the Soveraign but the Nobleman that carries the Sword the Train-bearers Pensioners c. stay without the Chapter-house door in the North Isle none being admitted in but the Soveraign the Knights-Companions and the Officers of the Order who being all entred the door is shut by the Gentleman-Vsher of the Black-Rod and every person severally takes his due place and station whereupon the Chapter immediately opens As the Chapter-house is a place of publick Convention wherein all the Affairs of the Order are transacted having been made the more famous for those many Laws Acts and Decrees of Honor and Nobless which have received life and confirmation therein So doth it seem to challenge as great a regard in the order and method of setting out the Places of those Persons who not only assemble to consult but such as are admitted to give attendance as doth the Proceeding thither In what manner and order the Soveraign Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order are ranked at the holding of a Chapter and during its continuance we shall find most fully and particularly described in the order observed upon the 28. day of May an 11. H. 8. when the Soveraign and Knights-Companions most solemnly assembled in the Chapter-house at Windesor to consult upon Reformation and Explanation of the Statutes of the Order First the Soveraign upon his entrance immediately proceeded to the midst of the North end of the Table here called the Vestments board whereat his Chair Cushens and Cloth of State had been prepared next the Knights-Companions whose Stalls in the Choire were on the Soveraign's side took the right hand of the Table and those of the Prince's side the left then the Prelate of the Order came and stood at the corner of the Table upon the Soveraign's right hand the Register and Garter went down to the lower end and stood there whilst the Black-Rod kept the Chapter-house door on the inside And albeit the Chancellor of the Order be not here mentioned as being not present at that time yet his place in Chapter is on the Soveraign's left hand of the Table at the upper end in regard the nature of his Employment requires that he be neer the Soveraign It hath seldom hapned but that upon opening of the Chapter the Soveraign and Knights-Companions fell immediately upon debates relating to the business of the time Nevertheless upon some peculiar and greater emergencies all such Affairs have been adjourned until the following Chapter as it was an 7. Car. 1. the Feast for that year having been prorogued unto the Month of October and it falling out to be very late before the Soveraign and Knights-Companions arrived at the Chapter-house after the Chapter was opened they proceeded no further than to adjourn the discussion of Affairs relating to the Order until the next morning which otherwise would have put off the celebration of Vespers beyond the canonical hour The like was done upon the Eve of the Grand Feast an 14. Car. 1. for after the Soveraign had entred the Chapter-house and was set down under the State the Chancellor offring to the Soveraign and Knights-Companions the business of the time the Soveraign moved in regard it was then late besides the Ceremonies of the Princes Installation were to be performed at the ensuing Vespers that the matters depending should be adjourned until the next Chapter which being agreed upon the Soveraign and Knights-Companions advanced to the Chappel in their accustomed order SECT V. Transactions in the Chapter held before the first Vespers BUT now to proceed to the Affairs treated of and transacted in the Chapter held before Vespers on the Eve of the Grand Feast which being opened as before is shewed and no adjournment given thereunto All things are then to be debated consulted of and provided for which concern the Honor and Dignity of this most Noble Order and necessary conservation of the interest thereof and among these some particulars are ordinary and of course others extraordinary and occasional The matters of course and indeed the proper business of the time are first swearing and admitting Officers secondly debating about the Knights-Companions then absent and either dispensing with or inflicting penalties upon them and thirdly constituting or appointing an Officer to carry on the state and solemnity of the Feast in the Soveraign's absence But the other particulars viz. those of extraordinary nature and occasional cannot so well be brought within Rule seeing they are things wholly accidental whose contingency only begets a necessity of proposal or discussion and besides are usually adjourned to the next days Chapter therefore we have already touched upon them in their proper places as we had occasion offered As to the first we shall chiefly consider such Officers of the Order as happen to be nominated since the Chapter immediately preceding the Grand Feast And touching these it hath been thought most proper to introduce them soon after the Chapter is opened that so their respective Oaths having been administred unto them they might be ready to perform the duty of their several places during the session of the Chapter and thence forward Thus on the Eve of the Grand Feast solemnized at Wind for an 21. Iac. R. the Soveraign appointed a Chapter to be held in the Privy-Chamber before the Lieutenant's proceeding to the Chappel whereat Sir George Moor was sworn Chancellor of the Order In the same Chamber an 4. Car. 1.