Hen. 1. fol. 3. and so doth Vlpian the Civilian determine And this is one of the three Reasons alledged wherefore by the policy of our Law the King is a Body Politick thereby to avoid the attainder of him that had right to the Crown Coke's seventh part 12. a. lest in the interim there should be an interregnum which the Law will not suffer because of the manifold Incumbrances thereof For it hath been clearly resolved by all the Judges of the Land That presently by the descent of the Crown the next Heir is compleatly and absolutely King without any essential Ceremony or Act to be done ex postfacto And that Coronation is but a Royal Ornament and outward Solemnization of the Descent And this appeareth evidently by abundance of Presidents and Book-Cases Let us take one or two Examples in a Case so clear for all King Henry the Sixth was not crowned till the Eighth year of his Reign and yet divers men before his Coronation were attainted of Treason Felony and the like Crimes and he was as absolute and compleat a King for matters of Judicature Grants c. before his Coronation as he was after Queen Mary reigned three moneths before she was crowned in which space the Duke of Northumberland and others were condemned and executed for Treason which they had committed before she was Queen And upon this reason there is a Maxim in the Common Law Rex nunquam moritur in respect of his ever living and never dying politique capacity In France also the same Custome hath been observed and for more assurance it was expresly enacted under Charles the Fifth That after the death of any King his eldest Son should immediately succeed for which cause the Parliament Court of Paris doth accompany the Funeral Obsequies of those that have been their Kings not in mourning attire but in Scarlet the true Ensign of the never dying Majesty of the Crown Nevertheless certain Cities in France not long since alledged for themselves that because they had not reputed Henry the Fourth for their King and professed Allegiance unto him they were not to be adjudged Rebels Whereupon the chief Lawyers of our Age did resolve That forasmuch as they were original Subjects even Subjects by Birth they were Rebels in bearing Arms against their King although they had never professed Allegiance unto him To conclude this Chapter I shall give you a View of the Ceremonies of the Creation of Henry Prince of Wales which began on the Thirtieth of May 1610. as followeth The Prince accompanied with divers young Noblemen together with his own Servants rode from his Court at St. Iames's to Richmond where he reposed that night on the next day the Lord Mayor Aldermen with the several Companies in their Barges attended his Highness about Barn Elmes where he was entertained with a Banquet and in other places with Speeches by a Neptune upon a Dolphin and a Sea Goddess upon a Whale c. His Highness landing at Whitehall was received by the Officers of his Majesties Houshold according to order viz. by the Knight Marshal and the Serjeant Porter In the Hall by the Treasurer and Comptroller of the Houshold in the great Chamber by the Captain of the Guard and in the presence Chamber by the Lord Chamberlain from whence he went into the Privy Chamber where the King and Queen met him the Saturday after was taken up with the usual Ceremonies of making Knights of the Bath to attend his Highness at his Creation which were Five and twenty in number Upon Monday following these Knights of the Bath met in the Queens Closet where they put on long Purple Satten Robes lined with white Taffata and a Hood like a Batchelor of Law about their Necks and in a Barge prepared for them went before the Prince to Westminster Palace where his Highness landed and proceeded to his Creation thus First the Heralds Next the Knights of the Bath Then the Lords that were imployed in several Services Garter King at Arms bearing the Letters Patents The Earl of Sussex the Robes of Purple Velvet The Earl of Huntington the Train The Earl of Cumberland the Sword The Earl of Rutland the Ring The Earl of Derby the Rod. The Earl of Shrewsbury the Cap and Coronet The Earl of Nottingham and Privy Seal supported his Highness being in his Surcoat only and bareheaded to the Parliament Chamber The King was already set with all the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in their Robes of State all the Knights and Burgesses of the lower House present as also the Foreign Ambassadors the great Ladies of the Realm and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London seated upon Scaffolds The Procession entring in manner aforesaid made three several low Reverencies to his Majesty and when they came to the Throne Garter King at Arms kist the Letters Patents and gave them to the Lord Chamberlain who presented them to the King who delivered them to the Earl of Salisbury Principal Secretary of State who read them the Prince kneeling all the while before the King and at the words accustomed the King put on the Robe the Sword the Cap and Coronet the Rod and the Ring The Patent being read the King kist him on the Cheek and the Earl Marshal with the Lord Chamberlain placed him in his Parliament Seat viz. on the left hand of the King which Ceremony being ended they returned to the Palace Bridge in manner as followeth First the Masters of the Chancery the King's Council and others then the Officers of Arms the Knights of the Bath next twenty Trumpets before them then the Judges and after them all the Members of Parliament in order the Barons Viscounts Earls and Marquisses having Coronets on their Heads then Norroy and Clarenceaux King at Arms going next before the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Chancellor then Garter next before the Sword and then the Prince and King They took Barge at the Palace Stairs and landed at Whitehall Bridge where the Officers at Arms the Members of Parliament and the Lords being first landed attended the King and Prince and went before into the Hall and so into his Majestie 's Presence Chamber whence the Prince descended again into the Hall to Dinner himself seated at the upper end of a Table accompanied with the Lords that attended him at his Creation who sate on both sides of the Table with him At another Table on the left hand sate the Knights of the Bath in their Robes along one side attended by the King's Servants At the second Course Garter with the Heralds came to the Prince's Table and after due reverence proclaimed the King's Style with three Largesses viz. King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. And then proclaimed the Prince's Titles viz. Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Rothsay Earl of Rothsay Earl of Chester and Knight of the Garter with two Largesses Then with Feasting Masques and all sort of Courtly Gallantry that joyful
of Horeham in Sussex Esq. 827 29. 1677. Sir Robert Cotton of Cumbermere in Cestr. Kt. 828 April 7. Francis Willoughby of Wollaton in Nottinghamshire Esq. 829 Iuly 28. Richard Newdigate Serjeant at Law 830 Sept. 29. Richard Cust of Stamford in Lincolnshire Esq. 831 Octob. 8. Francis Anderton of Lostock in Lancashire Esq. 832 18 Iames Symeon of Chilworth in Oxfordshire Esq. 833 25. Iames Poole of Poole in Worrell in Cheshire Esq. 834 Dec. 31. George Wharton of Kirkby-Kendal in Westmoreland Esq. 835 Ian. 31. Hugh Ackland of Cullum-Iohn in Devonshire Esq. 836 Apr. 22. Francis Edwards of Shrewsbury in Shropshire Esq. 837 May 8. Sir Henry Oxinden of Deane in Kent Kt. 838 18. Iames Bowyer of Leighthorne in Sussex Esq. for life and after to Henry Goring of Higden in the said County Esq. 839 Iune 29. Ignatius Vitus alias White of Limberick in Ireland Esq. KNIGHTS OF THE BATH CHAP. XX. KNights of the Bath so called from part of the Ceremony at their Creation are commonly made at the Coronation of a King or Queen at the Creation of a Prince or of a Duke of the Blood Royal Thus at the Creation of Henry Prince of VVales and Charles Duke of York the second Son of King Iames Knights of the Bath were made and at the Coronation of our dread Sovereign King Charles the Second 68 were made whose Names you will find in the ensuing Catalogue This Order was first erected saith Froysard in Anno 1399. by King Henry the Fourth who to add to the lustre of his Coronation created 46 Knights of the Bath and Mr. Selden thinks them more ancient But that great Antiquary Elias Ashmole Esq is of the Opinion that the said King did not constitute but rather restore the ancient manner of making Knights for formerly Knights Batchelors were created by Ecclesiasticks with the like Ceremonies and being thus brought again into use and made peculiar to the Degree of Knights of the Bath they have ever â—ince continued and the better to maintain this his Opinion saith That they have neither Laws nor Statutes assigned them neither are they to wear their Robes but upon the time or solemnity for which they were created except the red Ribbon which they are allowed always to wear cross their left Shoulder and upon any vacancy their number which is uncertain is not supplyed They are created with much noble Ceremonies and have had Princes and the prime of the Nobility of their Fellowship The particular manner of their Creation is mentioned by many Authors but most exactly described and illustrated with Figures of all the Ceremonies by the learned Hand of VVilliam Dugdale Esq Norroy King at Arms in his Description of VVarwickshire to which laborious Peece I refer the curious Reader borrowing from him and some others this small abstract of their Ceremonies When one is to be made a Knight of this Order at his coming to Court he is honourably received by the Chief Officers and Nobles of the Court and hath two Esquires appointed to wait upon him who convey him to the Chamber without more seeing him that day where he is to be entertained with Musick then a Bath is to be prepared by the Barber who is to trim him and the King being informed that he is ready for the Bath he is by the most grave Knights there present instructed in the Orders and Fees of Chivalry the Musick playing to his Chamber door then they hearing the Musick shall undress him and put him naked into the Bath and the Musick ceasing some one of the Knights shall say Be this an honourable Bath unto you then shall he be conveyed to his Bed which shall be plain and without Curtains and so soon as he is dry they shall help to dress him putting over his inward Garment a Rusâ—et Robe with long sleeves and a Hood like unto that of an Hermit and the Barber shall take all that is within and without the Bath with his Collar about his Neck for his Fees then shall he be conducted to the Chappel with Musick where being entred the Knights and Esquires shall be entertained with Wine and Spices for their favours done unto him then they take their leaves of him and he and his two Esquires and a Priest performs a Vigil till almost day with Prayers and Offerings beseeching God and his blessed Mother to make him worthy of that Dignity and being confessed he shall with one of the Governours hold a Taper till the reading of the Gospel and then he shall give it to one of the Esquires to hold till the Gospel is ended and at the elevation of the Host one of the Governours shall take the Hood from the Essquire and after deliver it again till the Gospel in principio and at the beginning take the Hood again and give him the Taper again in his hand having a penny ready near the Candlestick at the words Verbum caro factum est the Esquire kneeling shall offer the Taper to the Honour of God and a penny to the Honour of the person that makes him a Knight This Ceremony being ended he shall be conducted to his Chamber for some repose until the King's pleasure is known and then he is dressed and attended into the Hall which is ready for his Reception being girded with a Girdle of white Leather without Buckles having a Coif on his Head Mantles of Silk over a Kirtle of red Tartarin tied with a lace of white silk with a pair of white Gloves hanging at the ends of the Lace and this Attire is the Chandlers Fees Then he is conducted by the Knights on Horsback to the King's Hall with his Sword and his Spurs hanging at the Pomel of the Sword being carried before him and the Marshal and Ushers meeting him do desire him to alight the Marshal shall take his Horse for his Fee and being brought to the high and second Table with his Sword being held upright before him the King coming into the Hall doth ask for the Sword and Spurs which the Chamberlain shall take and shew the King who takes the right Spur and delivers it to the most Noble Person there wishing him to put it on the Esquire which being done a Knight puts on the left Spur then the King taking the Sword which he girts about him and putting his Arms about his Neck saith Be thou a good Knight and after kisseth him then he is conducted to the Chappel and kneeling with his right hand lying on the high Altar he promiseth to maintain the Rites of Holy Church until his death and ungirting his Sword with great Devotion he offereth it there to God then at his going out the King's Master Cook who is there ready to take off his Spurs shall say I the King's Master Cook am come to receive thy Spurs for my fee and if you do any thing contrary to the order of Knighthood which God forbid I shall back your Spurs from your heels Then he is conducted
knowing of the Felony doth receive him he is Accessory Also when the King doth Summon his Parliament Writs shall be sent to the Sheriff to make choice of Knights of every Shire in this form Rex Vicecom N. Salutem quia de avisamento asseâ—su nostri Concilii pro quibusdam arduis urgentibus negotiis nos statum defensionem Regni nostri Angliae Ecclesiae Anglicanae concernentibus quoddam Parliamentum nostrum apud Civitatem nostram Westm. duodecimo die Novembris proxime futuro teneri ordinavimus ibidem cum Praelatis magnatibus proceribus dicti Regni nostri colloquium habere tractare tibi praecipimus firmiter injungentes quod facta Proclamatione in prox Comit. tuo post receptionem hujus brevis nostri tenendi die loco praed duos Milites gladiis cinctos Magisidouers Discretos Com. praed c. electionem partes sub sigillo tuo sub sigillis eorum qui electioni illi interfuerunt nobis in Cancellaria nostra ad dictum diem locum certifices indilate See the Statute 23 Hen. 6. cap. 15. where amongst other things it is enacted That the Knights of the Shires for Parliaments hereafter to be chosen shall be notable Knights of the same Counties for the which they shall be chosen or else such notable Esquires or Gentlemen being of the same Counties as shall be able to be Knights Peers of the Realm are by intendment of Law sufficient of Freehold and that is one of the Reasons wherefore no Capias or Exigit liethâ— against them for Debt or Trespass But the Law hath not that Opinion of the Knights sufficiency of Freehold for he may be a Knight without Land therefore and then he is not to be returned of any Jury or Inquest howsoever he may be worthy and sufficient to serve the Commonwealth in Marshal Affairs The Wives and Widows of Knights in Legal Proceedings and in Courts of Justice have not the Title of Lady as the Wives or Widows of Noblemen have yet by the Courtesie of England that Title is given them And if in any action they be not called Ladies for that cause the Writ shall not abate for that Surplusage because Domina is general to Women as Domini to Men. So where Women after Fourteen years of Age are called Dominae for Ladies or Dames and with us anciently marriageable Women were called Dominae and in our old English Leets Dames First Dominae is often used for Women generally as a special Honour for that Sex being not out of fashion at this day nor with the French as also amongst the Italians Domina for them is familiar But if she be named Comitessa or Baronessa whereas she is no Countess or Baroness in Law then without question the naming of her so shall abate the Writ By the Statute of Magna Charta chap. 21. Knights are freed from Cart-taking that no Demesne Cart of them shall be taken By the Statute 1 Iacobi cap. 27. it seemeth that Knights Sons may keep Greyhounds and Setting-Dogs and Nets to take Pheasants and Partridges in though they cannot expend Ten pounds per Annum nor be worth Two hundred pounds for by the express words of the Statute all the Sons of Knights are excepted Observations concerning Knights Batchelors A Baronet cannot claim the Priviledge that Knights have from Cart-taking by Magna Charta 23. A Baronet's Son cannot keep a Grey-hound c. because he is not within the Statute of 1 Iac. 27. unless he hath Ten pounds per Annum tamen quâ—re See the said Statute and Statute 22 23 Car. 2. Quaere whether the Baronets Addition doth abate any Action If one be Knighted in the life time of his Father it frees him from Wardship but contra of a Baronet Knights are excused from attendance at Leets which Baronets are not Note That by the Statute 12 Car. 2. chap. 24. the Court of Wards Tenures in Capite Liveries Ouster le maines and other dependance upon the Court is taken away and then was repealed the Statute 32 Hen. 8. chap. 6. 33 Car. 22. A Knight Batchelor is a Title as before noted borrowed from Horsmanship and therefore ought to be represented by the Efâ—igies of a Captain of a Troop of Horse I shall here set down the manner of making Knights about the year of Christ 500 near which time King Arthur Reigned in England as I find it in Sir William Segar's Book of Honour Military and Civil page 53. where he saith That a Prince being minded to make a Knight commanded a Stage or Scaffold to be erected in some Cathedral Church in his Kingdom or some spacious place near unto it to which place the Gentleman was brought to receive that Honour and being come was forthwith placed on a silver Chair adorned with green Silk Then it was demanded of him if he were of a healthy Body and able to undergo the Travel required in a Souldier also whether he were a man of honest conversation and what credible Witnesses he could produce to affirm the same Then the Bishop or chief Prelate of the Church took the Bible and holding it open before the Knight in presence of the King and all others spake these words Sir you that desire to receive the Order of Knighthood swear before God and by this Holy Book that you shall not fight against this mighty and excellent Prince that now bestoweth the Order of Knighthood upon you unless you shall be commanded so to do in the service of your own King for in that case having first yielded up the Collar Device and other Ensigns of Honour now received it shall be lawful for you to serve against him without reproach or offence to all other Companions in Arms. But otherwise doing you shall incur Infamy and being taken in War shall be subject to the pains of death You shall also swear with all your force and power to maintain and defend all Ladies Gentlewomen Widows Orphans and distressed Women and you shall shun no adventure of your person in any War wherein you shall happen to be My Author further saith That this Oath being taken two of the chief Lords led him to the King who presently drew forth his Sword and laid it upon his Head saying God and St. George or what other Saint the King pleaseth to name make thee a good Knight Then came to the Knight seven Noble Ladies attired in white and begirt a Sword unto his side which being done four Honourable Knights put on his Spurs These Ceremonies being past the Queen took him by the right Arm and a Dutchess by the left and led him to a rich Seat placed on an Ascent where they seated him the King sitting on his right hand and the Queen on his left then the Lords and Ladies also sate down upon other Seats three Descents under the King And being all thus seated they were entertained with a Delicate Banquet or Collation and so the
A. 1351. they came to an Agreement and shortly after with the consent of Pope Clement the Sixth the Queen and Lewis Prince of Tarentum were crowned King and Queen of that Kingdom And in commemoration of so happy a Union the Prince instituted this Order into which were enrolled Seventy of the noblest Lords in Naples together with some Strangers Their Habit appointed them was a white Garment and their Ensign was a Knot intermixed with Gold But this Order expired soon after the death of the Founder Knights of the Argonauts of St. Nicholas in Naples THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1382. by Charles the Third King of Naples for the advancement of Navigation which was much wanting amongst the Neopolitans but others say it was erected for the preserving of Amity amongst the Nobles who were the Persons that were inveâ—â—ed with the said Honour Their Ensign appointed them by the said King was a Ship toâ—â—ed in a Storm with this Motto Non credo tempori Their Habit was a white Garment and their great Feast was held in the Convent of that stately Church built by St. Nicholas Bishop of Smyrna But by reason of the King 's not settling a Revenue thereon upon his death it became disused Knights of the Ermyn in Naples FErdinand the First King of Naples having ended the War which he had against Iohn of Lorain Duke of Calabria his Brother in Law Marinus Marcianus Duke of Sessa and Prince of Rosiano had raised a Confederacy against him and intended to kill him when they were together by which means the Kingdom might be transferred to the Duke of Calabria But this Plot being discovered and the Duke apprehended instead of causing him to be executed the King elected him one of this Order and also admitted thereunto all the Nobles of his Kingdom The Collar with which they were invested was of Gold intermixed with mud or dirt to which hung an Ermyn with this Motto Malo mori quam foedari DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD IN SAVOY Knights of the Annunciation THIS Order was instituted in the Year 1362. by Amedeo the Sixth Earl of Savoy Surnamed Il Verde in memory of Amedeo the first Earl thereof who having valorously defended the Isle of Rhodes against the Turks won those Arms which are now born by the Dukes of Savoy viz. Gules a Cross Argent The Collar belonging to this Order is of Gold on which are these Letters Engraven F. E. R. T. which signifie Fortitudo ejus Rhodum tenuit and to this Collar hangeth a Tablet wherein is the figure of the Annunciation which is their daily Badge which they wear about their Shoulders This Order at first consisted of Fifteen of which the Founder was the Sovereign which number was afterwards enlarged The Church where the Ceremonies were observed and the Chapters held by the Sovereign and the Knights was first at Pierre Chastle which afterwards removed to Montmeillar and thence to the Hermitage of Camaldule seated upon the Mountain of of Turin Their Habit is now a purple Mantle seeded with Roses and Flames in embroidery of Gold and Silver bordered with the Symbols of the Order fringed with Gold and lined with Cloth of Silver and tissued blew under which instead of a Surcoat is worn a white Satin Suit embroidered with Silk and the Breeches like Trouses half way their Thighs In the said Church were entertained Fifteen Priests who were to say Fifteen Masses daily to the honour of the fifteen Joyes of the blessed Virgin to the Souls health of him his Predecessors and all who have been were or should hereafter be Knights of this Order Amongst the Orders by them observed every Knight at his death was to give to the maintenance of the Church One hundred Florins which was to be paid to the Prior for the time being That at the death of any of the Knights the rest should assemble themselves to bury the dead in an honourable order and every Knight to wear a white Gown and so make his Offering each bringing with him four Wax Torches weighing One hundred pound and afterwards for Nine days to apparel themselves in mourning And that every Knight at his burial should give unto the Church a Collar a Banner his Armour and Coat of Arms all which to be offered at the day of Entertainment at the Church in memory of the deceased Knights of St. Maurice AMadis the eighth Duke of Savoy with ten of his Court Knights retired themselves to the Desart of Ripaille near the Lake of Geneva where they led a Solitary and Hermetical Life And in the Year 1434. as well to honour St. Maurice the titular Saint and Patron of Savoy as of his Launce or Sword and Ring which as a Pledge of Dominion are delivered to them with great Solemnity at their Inauguration This Order was instituted and was made subject to the Rule of St. Augustine The Habit assigned them was an Ash-colour or grey Gown and Chaperon with Sleeves faced with red Chamlet also a Vest of the same girded about them with a golden Girdle and on the Breast of the Mantle a white Cross pommette of Cloth or Taffaty About Nine years after the Papal See being void by the Deposition of Pope Eugenius the Fourth this Duke for his devout Life was elected Pope â— which with much perswasions he accepted of But he had not been in it above Nine years but he resigned the Chair to Pope Nicholas the Fourth and retired again to a Solitary Life at Ripaille where he ended his days in Anno 1451. and was interred in the Cathedral of Lausanna Knights of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus THese two Orders were erected by Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy in Anno 1572. and at the request of the said Duke were confirmed and united into one Order by Pope Gregory the Thirteenth who constituted the said Duke and his Successors Dukes of Savoy Grand Masters thereof obliging them to set out two Gallies for the Service of the Papal See against the Turkish Pirats Their Ensign is a green Cross of St. Lazarus charged with a white Cross of St. Maurice which they wear either tied to a gold Chain or a Ribon Their Habit is a Gown of crimson Tabby with a long Train wide Sleeves and edged about with white Taffaty and a Cordon with a Tassel of white and green fixt to the Collar thereof A DEGREE OF KNIGHTHOOD IN SWITZERLAND CALLED Knights of the Bear THE Emperor Frederick the Second going in Pilgrimage to the Abbey of St. Gall in Anno 1213. gave great Priviledges in acknowledgment of their Assistance in pulling down the Emperor Otho and establishing himself and erected this Order of Knighthood which he conferred on several Noblemen which Annually met at the Abbey of St. Gall on the Sixteenth of October where all new Knights were to receive the Order from the Abbot the Patron thereof on which day such as were to be admitted into the Fraternity were girded with a Military Belt the Sword being
the City of London â—â—â—â—â—e his Coronation which was on Monday tâ—e 22 th of April 1661. First the Duke of York's Horse Guard Messengers of the Chambers in their Coats with the King's Arms before and behind Esquires to the Knights of the Bath in number 140. Knight Harbinger and Serjeant Porter Sewers of the Chamber Gentlemen Ushers Quarter Waiters in Cloaks Clerks of the Chancery 6. Clerks of the Signet 4. Clerks of the Privy Seal in Gowns Clerks of the Council 4. in Cloaks Clerks of the Parliament 2. Clerks of the Crown 2. in Gowns Chaplains having Dignities 10. in Gowns and square Caps The King's Advocate The King's Remembrancer Masters of the Chancery The King's Counsel at Law 2. in Gowns The King's puisne Serjeants 2. The King's Attorney The King's Solicitor The King's eldest Serjeants 2. in Gowns Two Secretaries of the French and Latin Tongue in Gowns Gentlemen Ushers Daily Waiters in Cloaks Sewers in Ordinary in Cloaks Carvers in Ordinary in Cloaks Cup-bearers in Ordinary in Cloaks Esquires of the Body 4. The Effigies of the Right honble Heneage Lord Finch Baron of Daventry Lord High Chancellor of England one of the Lords of the most honble Privy Councell to King Charles ye. second Anno DnÌ„i 1676. The Effigies of the Right honble Anthony Earle of Shaftsbury Baron Ashley of Wimbourne St Giles Ld. Cooper of Pawlet Ld. High Chancellor of England Ld. Leiutenant of the County of Dorset and â—one of the Lords of ye. most honble Privy Councellâ— to King Charles yâ— 2d. Anno Domini â—673 Masters of standing Offices Tents 1. in Cloaks Masters of standing Offices Revels 1. in Cloaks Masters of standing Offices Ceremonies 1. in Cloaks Masters of standing Offices Armory 1. in Cloaks Masters of standing Offices Wardrobe 1. in Cloaks Masters of standing Offices Ordnance 1. in Cloaks Masters of the Requests 4. Chamberlains of the Exchequer 2. in Gowns Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in Cloaks Knights of the Bath 68. in long Mantles with Hats and Feathers The Knight Marshal in a rich Coat Treasurer of the Chamber Master of the Jewel House in Cloaks Barons younger Sons Viscounts younger Sons Barons of the Exchequer 3. in Robes and Caps Justices of the King's Bench and Common Pleas 6. in Robes Caps and Collars Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Robes Caps and Collars Master of the Rolls in a Gown Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench in his Robe Cap and Collar Knights of the Privy Council in Cloaks Barons eldest Sons Earls younger Sons Viscounts eldest Sons Kettle Drums The King's Trumpeters in rich Coats The Serjeant Trumpeter with his Mace Two Pursuevants at Arms in their Coats of Arms. Barons 51. in Cloaks Marquisses younger sons Earls eldest Sons Two Pursuevants at Arms in their Coats of Arms. Viscounts 7. Dukes younger Sons Marquisses eldest Sons Two Heralds in their Coats with Collars of SS Earls 32. in Cloaks Lord Chamberlain of the King's Houshold with his white Staff Dukes eldest Sons Two Heralds in Coats with Collars of SS Two Marquisses in Cloaks Two Heralds in Coats with Collars of SS The Duke of Buckingham Clarencieux King at Arms in Coats with Collars of SS Norroy King at Arms in Coats with Collars of SS The Lord Treasurer with his white Staff The Lord Chancellor with the Purse The Lord High Steward with his white Staff Two Persons one representing the Duke of Aquitain and the other the Duke of Normandy in broad Caps and Robes of Ermyn The Gentleman Usher with the black Rod on the right hand bareheaded in a rich Cloak Garter King of Arms bareheaded in his Coat and Collar of SS The Lord Mayor of London carrying the City Scepter on the left hand bareheaded The Duke of York Serjeants at Arms with their Maces 8 on a side from the Sword forwards in rich Cloaks The Lord Great Chamberlain on the right hand The Sword born by the Earl of Suffolk Marshal pro tempore The Earl of Northumberland Lord Constable of England pro tempore on the left hand Gentlemen Pensioners with Pole-Axes The King Gentlemen Pensioners with their Pole-Axes Esquires Footmen The Master of the Horse leading a spare Horse The Vice Chamberlain Captain of the Pensioners Captain of the Guard The Lieutenant of the Pensioners the King's Horse Guard The Lord General 's Horse Guard As in Man's Body for the preservation of the whole divers Functions and Offices of Members are required even so in all well governed Common-wealths a distinction of persons is necessary and the policy of this Realm of England for the Government and Maintainance of the Common-wealth hath made a threefold Division of persons that is to say First the King our Soveraign Monarch under which Name also a Soveraign Queen is comprised as it is declared by the Statute made in the first of Queen Mary cap. 1. Parliam 2. Secondly the Nobles which comprehend the Prince Dukes Marquisses Earls Viscounts and Lords Spiritual and Temporal Thirdly the Commons by which general word is understood Baronets Knights Esquires Gentlemen Yeomen Artificers and Labourers It is observed that our Law calleth none Noble under the Degree of a Baron and not as men of Forreign Countries do use to speak with whom every man of Gentle Birth is counted Noble For we daily see that both Gentlemen and Knights do serve in Parliament as Members of the Commonalty Neither do these words the Nobles the high and great men in the Realm imply the Person and Majesty of the King but with the Civilians the King is reckoned among the Nobility The Nobility are known by the general Name of Peers of the Realm or Barons of England for Dukes Marquisses Earls and Viscounts did anciently sit together in the King 's great Council of Parliament as Barons and in right only of their Baronies And therefore by the general Name of Barons of the Realm and for the Baronage thereof we underâ—â—and the whole Body of the Nobility the Parliament Robes of the Dukes differing nothing from the Barons but that they wear the Guards upon their Shoulders three or four folds For though Dukes Marquisses Earls and Viscounts in their Creations are attired with Ornaments of Silk and Velvet yet in Parliament they use the same that Barons do made of Scarlet with divers differences of white Fur set as Fringes or Edgings on their Shoulders and although they sit in right of their Baronies yet they take their places according to their degrees of Dignity And hence it is that those bloody Civil Wars concerning the Liberties granted in the Great Charter both in the time of King Iohn and Henry the Third his Son prosecuted by all the Nobility some few excepted are called in our Histories the Barons Wars Neither have the Spiritual Lords any other Title to that preheminence but by their ancient Baronies For although originally all the possessions of Bishops Abbots and Priors were given and holden in Frank Almoign most of
Heraldry written by Iohn Guillim about fol. 18. That Sisters are allowed no differences of Badges in their Coat-Armour by reason that by them the name of the House cannot be preserved but are admitted to the Inheritance equally and are adjudged but one Heir to all intents and purposes whatsoever And the knowledge of this point in these days is worthy to be enquired into for this is to be observed out of Presidents and to be acknowledged of every dutiful Subject that the King can advance to Honour whom he pleaseth And therefore whereas Radulph Cromwell being a Baron by Writ died without Issue having two Sisters and Coheirs Elizabeth the eldest married unto Sir Thomas Nevill Knight and Ioan the younger married to Sir Humphrey Bowcher who was called to Parliament as Lord Cromwell and not the said Sir Thomas Nevill who married the eldest Sister And Hugh Lupus the first and greatest Earl of Chester Habendum sibi haeredibus adeo libere per gladium sicut iple Rex tenuit Angliam per tenorem Hugh died without Issue and the Inheritance of his Earldom was divided amongst his four Sisters and the eldest had not the Seigniory entire unto herself If a Woman be Noble by Birth or Descent with whomsoever she doth marry although her Husband be under her Degree yet she doth remain Noble for Birth-right est Character indelebilis Other Women are enobled by Marriage and the Text saith thus viz. Women ennobled with the Honour of their Husbands and with the Kindred of their Husbands we worship them in the Court we decree matters to pass in the Names of their Husbands and into the House and Surname of their Husbands do we translate them But if afterwards a Woman do marry with a Man of a baser Degree then she loseth her former Dignity and followeth the condition of her latter Husband And concerning the second disparaged Marriage as aforesaid many other Books of the Law do agree for these be Rules conceived in those Cases Si mulier nobilis nupserit ignobili desinit esse nobilis eodem modo quo quid constituitur dissolvitur It was the Case of Ralph Howard Esq who took to Wife Anne the widow of the Lord Powes they brought an Action against the Duke of Suffolk by the Name of Ralph Howard Esq and the Lady Anne Powes his Wife and exception was taken for mis-naming of her because she ought to have been named of her Husband's Name and not otherwise and the Exception was by the Court allowed For said they by the Law of God she is Sub potestate viri and by our Law her Name of Dignity shall be changed according to the Degrees of her Husband notwithstanding the Courtesie of the Ladies of Honour and Court Dyer 79. And the like is also in Queen Maries Reign when the Dutchess of Suffolk took to her Husband Adrian Brook Title Brief 54. 6. And many other Presidents have been of later times And herewith agreeth the Civil Law Digest lib. 1. title q. lege 1. In this Case of acquired Nobility by marriage if question in Law be whereupon an Issue is taken between the Parties that is to say Dutchesses are not Dutchesses Countesses are not Countesses and Baronesses are not Baronesses the Trial whereof shall not be by Record as in the former Case but by a Jury of Twelve men and the reason of the diversity is because in this Case the Dignity is accrued unto her by her Marriage which the Lawyers term Matter in Fact and not by any Record But a Noble Woman by marriage though she take to her second Husband a man of mean Degree yet she may keep two Chaplains according to the Proviso in the Statute of 11. Hen. 8. Case 13. for and in respect of the Honour which once she had viz. at the time of the Retainer And every such Chaplain may purchase Licence and Dispensation c. And Chaplains may not be Non-residents afterwards And forasmuch as the retaining of Chaplains by Ladies of great Estate is ordinary and nevertheless some questions in Law have been concerning the true understanding of the said Statute Law I think it not impertinent to set down subsequent Resolutions of the Judges touching such matters So long as the Wife of a Duke is called Dutchess or of an Earl a Countess and have the fruition of the Honour appertaining to their Estate with kneeling tasting serving so long shall a Baron's Widow be saluted Lady as is also a Knight's Wife by the courtesie of England quamdiâ— matrimonium aut viduitas uxoris durant except she happen to clope with an Adulterer for as the Laws of this Kingdom do adjudge that a Woman shall lose her Dowry in that as unto Lands Tenements and Justice so doth the Laws of Gentry and Nobleness give Sentence against such a Woman advanced to Titles of Dignity by the Husband to be unworthy to enjoy the same when she putting her Husband out of her mind subjects her self unto another If a Lady which is married come through the Forest she shall not take any thing but a Dutchess Marchioness or Countess shall have advantage of the Statute de Charta Forest. 12 Artic. during the time that she is unmarried This is a Rule in the Civil Law Si filia Regis nubat alicui Duci vel Comiti ducetur tamen semper regalis As amongst Noble Women there is a difference of Degrees so according to their distinct Excellencies the Law doth give special priviledges as followeth By the Statute 25 Edw. 3. cap. 1. it is High Treason to compass or imagine the death of the Queen or to violate the King's Companion The King's Response is a sole person except by the Common Law and she may purchase in Feesimple or make Leases or Grants with the King she may plead and be impleaded which no other married Woman can do without her Husband All Acts of Parliament for any cause which any way may concern the Queen are such Statutes whereof the Judges ought to take Recognizances as of general Statutes though the matter doth only concern the capacity of the Queen yet it doth also concern all the Subjects of the Realm for every Subject hath interest in the King and none of his Subjects within his Laws are divided from the King who is Head and Sovereign so that his business concerns all the Realm and as the Realm hath interest in the King so and for the same Reason is the Queen being his Wife A man seized of divers Lands in Fee holden by Knight's Service some by Priority that is by ancient Feoffment holden of others and some other part holden of the King in posteriority the King granteth his Seigniory to the Queen during her life and afterwards the Tenant dieth his Son within Age in this case he shall have the Wardship of the Body and have the Prerogative even as the King himself should have had The Queen Consort or Dowager shall not be amerced if she be Nonsuited
Ceremony ended Of Degrading of Knights DEgrading of Knights is not very customary Examples being seldom found it being used only for great and notable Facts and Offences against Loyalty and Honour as absenting themselves dishonourably from their King's Service for leaving their Colours and flying to the Enemy for betraying Castles Forts and the like hainous Crimes The manner of Degrading a Knight hath been as followeth When a Knight had been found thus disloyal or corrupt he was to be apprehended and armed Cap-a-pe as if he was going to the Wars was to be placed upon a high Scaffold made for that purpose in the Church and after the Priest had sung some Funeral Psalms as are used at Burials as though he had been dead first they take of his Helmet to shew his face and so by Degrees his whole Armour then the Heralds proclaiming him a disloyal Miscreant with many other Ceremonies to declare him Ignoble he was thrown down the Stage with a Rope and this was done about the time of King Arthur as is affirmed by Mills fol. 84. Also about the Degrading of Knights these things have also been used as the reversing their Coat of Arms by seizing of their Equipage except one Horse ne qui dignitate fâ—ctus est eques cogatur pedes incedere bâ— cutting of the Spurs from their Heels and by taking away their Sword and breaking it But of late the Martial Law is usually put in Execution both in our Civil Wars as in France and elsewhere that is to dispatch such trayterous persons by a File of Musquetiers KNIGHTS OF THE Round Table CHAP. XXII THE Founder of this ancient Order of Knighthood was Arthur King of the Britains who reigned about the year of Christ 516. whose Valour was so great and admirable that many now living do believe the same rather fabulous than real This Noble King having as Sir William Segar noteth driven out of England the Saxons conquered Norway Scotland and the greatest part of France where at Paris he was crowned and returning home lived in such great Renown that many Princes and worthy Knights came from all Parts to his Court to give Evidence of their Valour in the Exercise of Arms. Upon this he erected a Fraternity of Knights which consisted as some say of Four and twenty others a greater Number amongst whom he himself was Chief And for the avoiding of Controversies for taking place when they met together he caused a Round Table to be made from whence they took their Name which said Table if you will believe the Inhabitants of Winchester hangs up in their Castle where they used to meet and the time of their meeting was at Whitsontide Into this Society none were admitted whether Britains or Strangers but such as did make sufficient proof of their Prowess and Dexterity in Arms and such as were Renowned for their Vertue and Valour The Articles which they vowed to keep were To be always well armed both for Horse or Foot Service either by Land or Sea and to be always ready to assail Tyrants and Oppressors To protect and defend Widows Maidens and Children and to relieve all that are in necessity To maintain the Christian Faith contribute their Aid to Holy Church and to protect Pilgrims To advance Honour and suppress Vice To bury Souldiers that wanted Sepulchres To ransom Captives deliver Prisoners and administer to the cure of wounded Souldiers hurt in the Service of their Country To Record all Noble Enterprizes to the end that the Fame thereof may ever live to their Honour and the Renown of the Noble Order That upon any complaint made to the King of Injury or Oppression one of these Knights whom the King should appoint was to Revenge the same If any Foreign Knight came to Court with desire to shew his Prowess these Knights ought to be ready in Arms to answer him If any Lady Gentlewoman or other oppressed or injured person did present a Petition declaring the same whether the Injury was done here or beyond Sea he or she should be graciously heard and without delay one or more Knights should be sent to make Revenge And that every Knight for the advancement of Chivalry should be ready to inform young Lords and Gentlemen in the Orders and Exercises of Arms. For what I can find there was no Robe or Habit prescribed unto these Knights nor can I find with what Ceremony they were made neither what Officers did belong unto the said Order except a Register to record all their Noble Enterprizes Not to pass over this Noble Arthur give me leave to repeat what I find mentioned of him by Sir William Segar in the said Chapter This valiant Prince not confining himself to the narrow limits of his own Kingdom left the Government thereof to the management of his Cosin Mordred and began his Journey or rather Conquest for in all places he found Fortune to favour him And after his many Victories gained of the Saxons Scots Norwegians Romans Saracens and French in the end being laden with Honour he returned into England but found Mordred a Traitor as usurping the Government and obstructing his Landing But all that he could do was in vain for being landed he fled to London but the Citizens refusing to give him Entrance he went into Cornwall where King Arthur gave him Battel which proved unfortunate to them both for Mordred was slain by King Arthur who was also desperately wounded and after this wound as some say he was never found alive or dead which made the Poets to feign that he was taken up into the Firmament and there remaineth a Star amongst the Nine Worthies Which phansie is founded upon the Prophesie of old Merlin which was his Counsel and esteemed as a Prophet who for many years before affirmed That King Arthur after a certain time should resuscitate and come unto Carlion to restore the Round Table He wrote this Epitaph Hic jacet Arturus Rex quondam rexque futurus According to Andrew Favin there was an Order of Knighthood called Knights of St. Thomas which was instituted by King Richard the First after the surprisal of the City of Acon and consisted of all English men Their Patron was St. Thomas Becket their Garment was white and their Ensign was a red Cross charged in the midst with a white Escallop But A. Mendo believeth that these Knights were rather some of those which joyned themselves with the Knights Hospitallers for that they wore the same Habit followed the same Rule and observed the same Customes as did the Knights of St. Iohn of Acon KNIGHTS OF THE THISTLE OR OF St. Andrew in Scotland CHAP. XXIII HVNGVS King of the Picts the Night before the Battel that was fought betwixt him and Athelstan King of England saw in the Skie a bright Cross in fashion of that whereon St. Andrew suffered Martyrdom and the day proving successful unto Hungus in memorial of the said Apparition which did presage so happy an Omen the Picts and
Habit or Order assigned them Pope Honorius at the request of Stephen Patriarch of Ierusalem prescribed unto them an Order of Life whereby they were to wear a white Garment and Pope Eugenius added thereto a red Cross and in the presence of the said Patriarch they made their Vows of Obedience Poverty and Chastity and to live under the Rule of Regular Canons of St. Augustine Being thus entred into an Order they elected an Head or Great Master and in process of time through the daily encrease of their number and their famous enterprizes not only for securing the passages but also for waging War both by Sea and Land against the Infidels they became highly favoured of the Christian Princes who assigned to them great Revenues to be spent in God's Service and in process of time they became exceeding wealthy and powerful so that they grew proud and withdrew themselves from the Obedience of the Patriarch of Ierusalem and joyned with the Pope But in the end they found not the favour from the Pope as they expected for by him or through his consent upon some infamous crimes charged against them their Lands and Possessions were seized upon and otherways disposed of their Order suppressed and they themselves imprisoned condemned and cruelly executed but according to the Opinion of many Authors they were unjustly accused by subornation of Witnesses meerly to gain their Revenues which according to Dr. Heylin were exceeding great having no less than Sixteen thousand Lordships in Europe Knights of St. Lazarus THis Order at the first Institution was only a Brotherhood of Religious Monks and became an Order of Knighthood in or about the time of St. Basil being first instituted upon a most charitable account to wit to take care of persons infected with the Leprosie which was a Disease very frequent in the Eastern parts by reason of which they were separated from the Society of men and had assigned to them a famous Hospital in Ierusalem called St. Lazarus for the reception of Lepers And through the incursion of the Sarazens and Barbarians in these parts this Order was as it were extinguished but when the Latin Princes joyned together in a Holy League to expel them the Holy Land these Religious Men entred into a Martial Discipline and performed great Service insomuch that they gained great fame and esteem of Baldwin the second King of Ierusalem in whose time this Order much flourished under the Government of a Great Master And about the year 1150. they made their Vows of Obedience Poverty and Chastity before William Patriarch of Ierusalem and submitted themselves to the Order of St. Benedict They also constituted several Orders to be observed amongst them viz. to wear a green Cross and that all before they entred into this Knighthood should prove themselves born in Wedlock of Christian Parents and to be a Gentleman by the Fathers and Mothers side also to be of an unblameable life and conversation and to perform daily certain Religious Ceremonies Knights of St. Bass. THese Knights were founded under the Rule of St. Basil and were also called Knights of St. Mary Their Garment was skie colour with a gold Cross which they wore before their breast having in the midst thereof the picture of St. Basil their Patron and were Officers and Servants to the Kings of Armenia Knights of St. Katharine at Mount Sinai THE reason of the Institution of these Knights which was about the year of Christ 1063. was to guard and defend the Sepulchre of St. Katharine their Patron whose Body is said to be buried in Mount Sinai near to which place a Monastery was erected and dedicated to her Name to secure the passage for Travellers who came thither for Devotion sake and to entertain them during their abode They lived under the Rule of St. Basil the Great vowed Obedience to the Abbot of this Monastery and wore a white Garment But when the Turks became Masters of these parts this Order of Knighthood suffered very much notwithstanding some Remains of the Order doth yet continue Knights of the Martyrs in Palestine THese Knights followed the Rule of St Basil and wore on their Garments a red Cross in the midst whereof within a Circle was the Figures of Cosmas and Damianus their Saints and Patrons who were martyred Their Hospital or place of abode bore the name of their Saints where they exercised all Acts of Charity to sick Strangers and people in necessity to redeem Captives taken by the Sarazens and to bury the Dead ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD IN SPAIN Knights of the Oak in Navarr THE Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Navarr being almost over-run by the Moors notwithstanding their great Army raised to oppose them for that they wanted an experienced General to command them at length one Don Garcia Ximenes who had betook himself to a religious and solitary Life was perswaded to take upon him that Command which was about the year of Christ 722. And as he was marching out of the City to fight the Moors there appeared to him from the top of an Oaken Tree the sign of the Cross which was adored by an innumerable quantity of Angels In this Battel he gained so signal a Victory that the people elected him their King and shortly after he instituted this Order of Knighthood investing therewith the Nobles and persons of Renown in his Kingdom whom he obliged to defend the Christian Faith and to own Obedience to him and his Successors Kings of Navarr The Habit that he assigned them was a white Garment having thereon a plain red Cross set on the top of an Oaken Tree in its Verdure Knights of the Lilly in Navarr GRacius King of Navarr the sixth of that Name lying in a languishing and sick Condition sent to St. Saviour de Lyra and other places of Devotion to the end that prayers might be made for his Recovery In which time in the City of Naiera where he kept usually his Court there was found the Image of our Virgin Mary issuing out of a Lilly holding her Son betwixt her Arms and suddenly after if you will believe the Story the King not only recovered his health but divers other Miracles were done on diseased people in that place and in honour whereof the King in Anno 1048. erected this Order which consisted of Eight and thirty of which himself was Sovereign as were his Successors to be after him The Badge which these Knights daily wore on their Breasts was a Lilly embroidered in Silver and on Festival days they wore a double Chain of Gold interlaced with Letters M. after the manner of a Gothish Letter with an enamelled Lilly in an Oval Medal hanging at it and their Habit was white Knights of the Band. THIS Order was first erected by Alphonso King of Spain in Anno 1368. and for this reason The King considering that he had many Enemies to deal with for his better security thought it convenient to institute an Order of Knights making himself
Master thereof which he did a little before his Coronation in the City of Burgos in great Solemnity the whole Night being spent in the Monastery of St. Mary Royal in watching and prayer and the day following after Mass they were invested with a red Ribon of about three Inches broad which went cross their left Shoulders like our Knights of the Bath being the Badge from whence these Knights took their Name Their Articles are at large set down by Sir William Segar which being too many to repeat are here omitted Knights of the Dove in Castile THIS Order according to Favin was first instituted by Iohn the first King of Castile about the year 1379. in the City of Segovia The Collar of this Order was composed of peeces which represented the figure of the Sun in his Glory to which hung a golden Dove enamelled white and encircled with rayes But the King dying the same year and before it was well received it became of no great esteem Ordo de la Scama in Castile JOHN the second King of Castile for the stirring up his Nobles to assist him in his Wars against the Moors in Anno 1420. did erect this order which took so good effect that in a short time the Moors were subdued Their Ensign according to Ios. Micheli was a Cross composed of Scales of Fâ—shes from which it seemeth to have took its Name for Scama in the Spanish signifies the Scale of a Fish These Knights were obliged to fight against the Moors to accompany the King in the Wars and to die in the defence of the Christian Religion Their Rules and Statutes for their Government were ordained by the said King upon whose death this Order lost much of its splendor Knights of the Lilly in Aragon THIS Order was erected by Ferdinand King of Aragon in Anno 1403. and dedicated to the honour of the blessed Virgin in token of a signal Victory which this King obtained against the Moors The Collar was composed of Bough-pots fill'd with white Lillies interlaced with Griffons Knights of Mount-joy THIS Order was first instituted in the Holy Land for the securing these parts against the Moors and Sarazens and lay in Garison in a Castle built on the point of a Mountain near Ierusalem And after the loss of the Holy Land these Knights retired into Spain and performed good Service against the Moors but in process of time this Order fell to decay and were incorporated into the Order of Calatrava Their Habit was a red short Mantle and on their Breasts they wore a white Star with five Rayes They observed the Rule of St. Benedict which afterwards was changed to that of St. Augustine and vowed Poverty Chastity and Obedience Knights of Acon or Acres IN the City of Acon these Knights resided where they used all Duties of Charity to Pilgrims that went to the Holy Land They assumed the exercise of Arms in imitation of the Knights Hospitallers They followed the Rule of St. Augustine and wore a black Garment whereon was a white Cross Pattee but Ios. Micheli Marquez saith it was a red Cross and in the midst thereof stood the figures of St. Iohn and St. Thomas After the City of Acon was taken they removed into Spain where they flourished receiving great favour from Alphonsus the Astrologer K. of Castile but after his death by little and little they decayed and in the end were united to the Knights Hospitallers Knights of St. James in Galicia THIS Order of Knighthood called by the Spaniards Cavalieri di san Iago is of great esteem amongst them and was first erected upon this occasion When the Arabians had almost subdued the Country the remainder of the Spanish people refusing to live under the Obedience of so barbarous a Nation retired unto the Mountains of Asturia where they settled a Government and after their abode there some few years certain Nobles or Gentlemen of great quality to the number of Thirteen upon a serious consultation to regain their Country resolved to enter into a Fraternity and to begin a War against the Moors and Barbarians The Ensign which they wore was a red Cross in form of a Sword with an Escallop Shell on it in imitation of the Badge of the Pilgrims that go to Ierusalem to the Sepulchre of St. Iames the Apostle They elected one chief Governour who was called Great Master who with the Thirteen other Knights had power to choose or remove any Knight at their discretion and to make Statutes and Orders for the well Government of the said Society at their Day of Meeting which is Annually on the Feast day of All-Saints in great State having large Revenues to support their Grandure this Order being esteemed the chiefest in Spain Knights of St. Saviour in Aragon DON Alphonso for his better enabling to force the Moors out of Aragon about the year of our Lord 1118. did erect this Order electing a certain number which he chose out of those Spanish and French Nobles that assisted him in his Wars against the Moors which Honour engaged them to pursue the War against them the more vigorously The Moors being subdued King Alphonso established these Knights in the place of the Knights Templars in Montreal and had a rule of living somewhat conformable unto them save only to marry and were obliged to support and defend the Holy Church and Christian Faith against the Moors Their Habit was a white Mantle and on their Breast they wore a red Cross. But when the Moors were expelled being the chief end for which they were instituted these Knights were laid aside or at leastwise not regarded and their Revenues joyned to the Crown Knights of St. Julian de Pereyro or of Alcantara THese Knights take their name from the place of their Institution viz. the City of Alcantara in Castiglia seated on the Tago where they had a stately Church and were richly endowed They had many Priviledges and Orders observed amongst them their Habit was a black Garment having on the Breast a green Cross and their first great Master was Ferdinando the Second King of Leon and Galicia about the year of our Lord 1176. Knights of Calatrava in Castile THIS ancient Order was first instituted by Don Sanchio the third King of Toledo about the year of Christ 1158. and took its Name from the Castle Calatrava which is a Frontire both of Toledo and Castile which place the Moors took upon their Victory they obtained against Don Rodrigro King of Spain in Anno 714. but after above Four hundred years continuance they were forced thence and the place given to the Knights Templars by Don Alphonso Emperor of Spain to be maintained as a Garison against the Incursion of the Moors but they not being able to maintain and defend it withdrew their Garison upon which lest the Moors should become Masters of it again the King by his Charter gave the said Castle and Village to one Don Raymund formerly a Knight of great Fame and
then Abbot of St. Mary de Fitero who fortified it and began the said Order of Knighthood which flourished very much and became exceeding powerful so that the Moors durst not make any further Attempt The Habit that they wore was a black Garment with a red Cross on their Breast and had many great Priviledges and as great Possessions in divers places of Spain Knights of Truxillo or Trugillo THIS Order took its appellation from the City of Trugillo seated in Estremadura in Spain but as for the time of its Institution Writers are silent in but certain it is they were in being in the year of our Lord 1227. for one Don Arias Perez Dallego then Master of the Order took this City from the Moors and there settled a Brotherhood of Knights and Priests who lived after the manner of a Convent but what was their Badge or Habit and what Orders were observed amongst them is also not certainly known Knights of our Lady and of St George of Montesa in Valencia THese Knights took their rise from the dissolution of the Knights Templars in Valencia and were instituted by Iames the Second King of Aragon and Valencia in Anno 1317. for the better defence of his Kingdoms against the Inroads of the Moors but were subject to those of Calatrava before spoken of The place assigned them for their abode was at Montesa where they had a Colledge built and dedicated to St. George by the Pope at the instance of the King The Statutes of the Order are the same as those of Calatrava they vowed Conjugal Chastity their Habit was white with a plain red Cross and their first Master was Guilielmus de Eril a valiant Souldier Knights of St. Mary de Merced in Aragon JAMES the First King of Aragon although for his Conquests against the Moors was Surnamed the Invincible yet had he the ill fate to be a Prisoner to Simon Earl of Montfort in France where he suffered many troubles and indured great hardship which made him throughly sensible of the Miserie 's the Christians indured under the tyranny of the Moors Whereupon he made a Vow to the blessed Virgin Mary that when he was freed from his Captivity he would endeavour the Redemption of the Captive Christians And being set at liberty he heaped up great Sums to be imployed accordingly and by the advice of Raymond de Penafort his Confessor a Dominican Frier and Pedro Nolasco a Noble Cavalier he founded an Order of Knights in Barcelona called la Neuva Merced so named by the blessed Virgin who in a Vision appeared at one and the same time in one Night to the King to Raymond and Nolasco giving this Order its Name and directing them in the whole Institution because of the great good which the Christian Captives should receive by this means This Order was founded in Anno 1218. and their Feast day for the celebrating the same was Annually on St. Laurence the Martyr in August Their Habit was a Coat and Scapular of Ordinary white Cloth and garnished with Ribons and Cordons wherewith they fastned it about their Necks and from the upper part thereof was a Cap that covered half their Head but the Monks wore their Coats and Scapulars much longer than the Knights These Knights professed Conjugal Chastity and Obedience to their Superiors The first General or Master was Pedro Nolasco who was sent into the Kingdom of Valencia to redeem Captives which Journey proved so successful that in the space of six years he ransomed no less than Four hundred nor cease they to send abroad their Agents to Algier Fess and other places for Redemption of Christian Captives And being an Order thus Charitable great sums of Money are Annually collected and put into their Hands for that use and few die of any account in Spain but bequeath a Legacy to this Order insomuch that they have great Revenues Knights of the Rosary in Toledo â— THE Country of Toledo being grievously oppressed by the Moors Roderick Archbishop thereof assembled together the Nobles and Chiefs of the City and told them of the great necessity to give their assistance for the defence of the Country and the extirpation of the Moors which they readily imbraced and many of the Nobles entred into this Order which was instituted for the defence of the Catholick Religion to fight against the Moors and to say continually a Rosary of the blessed Lady They were of the Dominican Order and their Ensign was the figure of our Lady of the Rosary upon a Cross flory quarterly Argent and Sable ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD IN FLANDERS Knights of the Golden Fleece called Toizon d'Or THIS Order of Knighthood was instituted by Philip Duke of Burgundy and Earl of Flanders in Anno 1429. being moved thereto with devout Zeal to undertake the Conquest of the Holy Land The Patron of this Order was St. Andrew The Sovereign he to whom the Dukedom of Burgundy doth lawfully descend The number of these Knights at the first Election were Four and twenty besides the Sovereign all of Noble Blood which were afterwards much increased by the Emperor Charles the Fifth Their Habit a Cassock of crimson Velvet and over it a Mantle of the same lined with white which openeth on the right side and is turned upon the left over the Shoulder embroidered round about with a Bordure of Flames Fusils and Fleeces and a Hood of crimson Velvet on their Heads The Collar is of Gold wrought of Flames and Fusils with the Toizon or Figure of a Golden Fleece which Iason won at Colchos or as some suppose Gideon's Fleece which signifies Fidelity or Justice uncorrupted And this Collar or Toizon they are obliged upon a Penalty always to wear not to make any alterations and to sell or exchange it is deemed most unlawful The Sovereign hath in himself authority absolutely to give and bestow this Honour when and to whom he pleaseth And whosoever entreth into the said Dignity must first renounce all other Orders of Knighthood nevertheless all Emperors Kings and Dukes are excepted unto whom it is dispenced that they may wear the Ensigns of this Order if they be the chief of their own Order These with other Statutes and Ordinances the Knights are sworn to observe and keep The day of their Assembly was first on St. Andrews day which since was changed to the Second of May and that but once in three years unless the Sovereign otherwise pleaseth To this Order doth belong four principal Officers viz. a Chancellor a Treasurer a Register and a King at Arms called Toizon d'Or ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD IN PORTUGAL Knights d' Avis IN the Year of our Lord Don Alphonso Henriquez first King of Portugal gained from the Moors the City of Evora and for the fortifying and securing of this Garison he sent thither several brave Commanders who took upon them the Title of Knights of St. Mary of Evora who not long after were called Knights d' Avis from a Castle of that Name
seated on the Frontiers of Portugal which the King gave to Ferdinando de Yannes Master of Evora to which Castle he and his Brethren removed from Evora The Badge of this Order is a green Cross flory like those of Calatrava They took upon them the Rule of St. Benedict and none were to be admitted into this Order but such as were Gentlemen by the Fathers and Mothers side two Descents Knights of the Wing of St. Michael DON Alphonso Henriquez King of Portugal being sorely oppressed by Albara the Moor King of Savil for the freeing his Country raised an Army and before he gave them Battel commanded all his Souldiers to pray to their particular Saints for happy Deliverance and the King offered up his Prayers to St. Michael the Arch-angel being the Saint he was much devoted unto When the Armies were engaged St. Michael as the Story goes appeared on the King's right side and fought against the Moors who were routed and lost the day And in Commemoration of this great Victory at his return home which was in the Year of our Lord 1171. or thereabouts he instituted this Order of Knighthood who for their Badge had a red Sword cross'd with Flowers de lis and this Motto Quis ut Deus These Knights before their growing out of use were of the Cistertian Order followed the Rule of St. Benedict and by their Obligation were to secure the Borders of the Countries against the Incursions of the Moors to defend the Christian Religion and to succour the Widows and Fatherless Knights of St. James THE Portugals being still oppressed by the Moors the King Don Denys the Sixth out of his great affection to relieve his people did in the year of our Lord 1310. institute this Order and by the Assistance of these Knights which were victorious in divers Battels at length he quitted his Kingdom of them for which signal Service they had many priviledges conferred upon them by the King which caused them much to flourish They profess Conjugal Chastity Hospitality and Obedience Their Ensign is a red Sword like that of St. Iames in Galicia Their Habit is white and none are to be admitted until they have proved their Gentility by Blood Knights of Christ. THE Knights Templars being dissolved and their Estates confiscated Don Denys King of Portugal sent to Pope Iohn the Two and twentieth to desire that an Order of Knights might be instituted in Castro Marin which was a Frontier Town of the Enemy and very commodious for the building a Fort for the resisting the Neighbouring Moors which did much annoy his Kingdom which request seemed so reasonable that the Pope in Anno 1319. instituted this Order commanding that they should observe the Cistertian Order and enjoy the same Priviledges and Indulgences formerly granted to their Great Master and Knights that they should take the Oath of Fidelity that all the possessions in the Kingdom of Portugal formerly belonging to the Knights Templars should belong to these Knights who were obliged to make War against the Neighbouring Moors Their Habit was black with a Cross Pattee Gules charged with another of Argent which they wore on their Breasts ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD IN FRANCE Knights of Iesus Christ. THIS Order of Knighthood was instituted in Anno 1206. by St. Dominick chiesly to fight against the Albigenses or Hereticks and prescribed to them a white Habit with a Cross flory quarterly Sable and Argent to be worn upon their Breasts and that they should elect a Master and this Order was approved of by Pope Innocent the Third in Anno 1215. They professed Obedience and Conjugal Chastity When their business was ended for which they were instituted they laid away their Arms and wholly devoted themselves to a Religious Life and admitted into their Society Widows and Virgins Knights of the Passion of Iesus Christ. THIS Order was instituted by Charles King of France and Richard the Second King of England for the Re-conquest of the Holy Land the overthrow of the Enemies of Christ and the advancement of the Catholick Faith amongst the Eastern people In the chief Convent of the Holy Chivalry which was to be beautified with stately Structures as Palaces a Castle a Church and to be richly endowed and in common amongst them that they might the better follow the Exercise of their Arms and other Duties all things of publick Concernment were to be heard and debated in the presence of the King by five sufficient Counsels The two principal Officers of the Chivalry were first the Grand Justiciary who had the disposal of all chief Offices and Places and to whom belonged the Judgment of all criminal Affairs and next the Grand Bailiff who was to administer both Civil and Criminal Justice besides several other Officers of a lower degree as the Potestate the Senator of the General Chapter the Ten Executors of Justice and the Charitable Commissaries c. And for their better living according to the Rules of Order they were to vow Obedience Poverty and Conjugal Chastity The Habits which these Knights were appointed to wear was a civil coloured Cloth Coat which should reach down half way their legs which was to be girt about them with a Girdle of Silk or Leather about two fingers broad a red Cap and over the said Coat a Mantle of white Cloth or Stuff with a red Cross of Cloth or Serge about two fingers broad which was on the Breast from the top to the bottom and so round the Waist The number of these Knights were to be about One thousand and each Knight was to have his Esquire armed at all points with three Varlets one to carry his Helmet and Launce another to carry his Mail and the third to lead his Sumpter and in time of Peace two or three Horses and Servants according as the Ability of the Chivalry would allow But although this Order was erected upon so good a Design yet no great progress was made therein for it died almost in its birth Knights of the blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel KIng Henry the Fourth being desirous to have a new Order of Knighthood made his application to Pope Paul the Fifth who in Anno 1608. confirmed this Order and prescribed divers things according to the desire of the King necessary to the Institution and further ordained Pensions to the Great Master and Knights out of certain Ecclesiastical Benefices in several places in France Upon this the Commandaries and Hospitals of St. Lazarus in France were disposed of for the maintenance of these new erected Knights and those Knights of St. Lazarus that remained in the said Kingdom were joyned unto these These Knights by their Institution are to be choice Gentlemen of France whose Duty is to attend the King's person upon any Expedition of War they also are to fight against the Enemies of the Roman Church and they vow Obedience and Chastity This Order consists of One hundred Their Feast is celebrated Annually on the Sixteenth of Iuly
The Badge of their Order is a Cross of eight points of a tawny or violet colour with a white Bordure sewed on the left side of their Cloaks and the figure of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel placed in the midst within a Rundle encircled with Rayes of Gold all wrought in curious imbroidery They also wear about their Necks in a tawny Ribon the like Cross of Gold enamelled Knights of St. Michael THIS Order was erected by Lewis the Eleventh in Anno 1469. whereinto himself with others the most principal Peers of his Kingdom of France did enter And the Reason that did occasion the King to erect this Order was in memory of an Apparition of St. Michael upon the Bridge of Orleance when that City was besieged by the English at which time as Histories relate lived a certain Maiden called Ioan of so rare a Wit and Valour in Arms that she was reputed more than a mortal Creature leading an Army her self in the Field against the English for which good Service when the English had vanquished her Army and took her Prisoner they in Revenge caused her to be burnt for a Witch in the Market place of Orleance in which place is since erected a Conduit to her Memory This Order is ornified with a great Collar whereto hangeth the figure of St. Michael The Sovereign of this Order is the French King and his Successors The number of these Knights at first were Six and thirty which of late years is much encreased which doth much eclipse its lustre The place of their general Assembly was at the Church on Mount St. Michael every Michaelmas day To this Order belongeth a Treasurer Chancellor Register and a Herald named Monsanmichaele Their Habit as now used is as followeth first Doublet Hose Shoes Scabard with the band of his Cap and Feather all white his Surcoat Cloth of Silver with the Sleeves on over that a Mantle also of Cloth of Silver tied over the right Shoulder and turned up over the left and bordered about with a rich embroidery of Cockles and Knots and over all the Collar of St. Michael Knights of St. Esprit or of the Holy Ghost THIS Order was instituted by Henry the Third of France in Anno 1578. in honour of Whitsunday on which day at an Assembly of Estates General of Poland together with those for the Dutchy of Lithuania he was elected King of Poland and afterwards upon the same Day and Feast he was called and accepted of for their King The number of persons contained in this Order is said to be One hundred besides the Sovereign which is always to be the King In which said number are comprehended four Cardinals five Prelats the Chancellor Provost Master of the Ceremonies great Treasurer and Scribe who are called Commanders Their Grand Feast is Annually celebrated the first of Ianuary in the Church of the Augustine Friers in Paris but if the King cannot be there present then it is to be celebrated where he shall personally be and in the greatest Church there being divers Ceremonies to be observed by them in the celebration thereof which are set down by Sir William Segar pag. 88. Their Robe is like that of St. Michael only of black Velvet embroidered all about with Gold and Silver of Flower de lis and knots of Gold between sundry Ciphers of Silver and flames of Gold seamed also garnished with a Mantle of green Cloth of Silver wrought over with the same manner of Embroidery and both lined with Orange-coloured Satan Their Hose and Doublet is white their Bonets black with white Plumes Their great Mantle they wear turned up over the left Shoulder and open on the right And over all the Collar wrought of the same embroidery-Work on which hangeth a Cross with the figure of a Dove in the center thereof Note that these five Orders viz. that of the Garter in England that of the Toizon in Flanders that of St. Michael in France that of the Annunciation in Savoy yet to treat of and this of St. Esprit are reputed most honourable and in token of their excelling all other Degrees of Knighthood are adorned with great Collars Knights of the Order of the Genet THIS Order by Favin is esteemed the first in France which was instituted about the year of our Lord 726. by Charles Martel high Steward of France in memory of that famous Battel fought near Tours where about Three hundred eighty five thousand Sarazens and Moors together with their General Abdiramo were slain and the said Charles to reward those that valiantly behaved themselves in the said Battel erected this Order of Knighthood which consisted of Sixteen to whom he gave Collars of Gold made of a Triple Chain enterwoven with enameled red Roses at the end whereof hung a Genet of Gold enameled black and red upon a bank of Flowers fairly enameled Aubertus Meraeus saith these Knights have other Ensigns belonging unto them as a Ring after the manner of the Romans and certain Habits for the Body The reason why this Order was so called was from a great many neat shaped Horses called Genets of which a great part of the Founders Chivalry was said to consist But others say it took its name from the great store of Genet Furs taken amongst the Spoils of the Victory But this Order is now Extinct Knights of the Crown Royal amongst the Frizons THIS Order was erected by Charles the Great Son of King Pepin in Anno 802. for the rewarding and honouring those amongst the Frizons that had valiantly behaved themselves in his Army against the ancient Saxons or Lombards and to encourage others to acts of Heroick Vertue This Order took its name from its Ensign viz. an Imperial Crown which these Knights used to wear upon their Breasts They were invested with a Military Belt and a Box on the Ear. Knights of our Lady of the Star THIS Order was instituted by King Robert in Anno 1022. in honour to the Virgin Mary but was of no long continuance being discontinued by King Charles the Seventh for that it was grown so common by the admitting into the Order persons of no merit Their Habit was Mantles of white Damask lined with light carnation Damask with Surcoats of the same and on the left side of the Breast of the said Garments was embroidered a Star of Gold and on their Collar which was much like that of the Order of the Genet did hand the figure of a Star The Ceremony of this Order was on the Nativity of the blessed Virgin who was their Patroness and the place where it was kept was at the House of St. Owen near St. Denis in the said Kingdom of France Knights of the Thistle of Bourbon THIS Order was instituted on New-years-day 1370. by Lewis the Second Duke of Bourbon for the corroborating his 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
Bishop of Liege who died in the year of our Lord 727. As to their Habit and Ensign I have met with no account thereof Knights of the Order of St. James in Holland THIS Order received its institution in the Year 1290. from Florentius Earl of Holland and Zealand who in his Palace at the Hague in honour of St. Iames created Twelve of his principal Nobles Knights of this Order whom he invested with Collars of Gold or Military Belts of Silver and Gilt adorned with six Escallops to which hung the figure of St. Iames the Apostle DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD IN SWEDEN Knights of the Brician Order THIS Order was erected in the Year of our Lord 1366. by the famous Queen Bridget who for her holy Life was styled and enrolled a Saint and out of her zeal for the honour of Jesus Christ the defence of the Christian Religion the securing the Confines of her Kingdom the succouring Widows and Fatherless and the maintenance of Hospitality endowed this Order with a considerable Revenue This Order was approved of by Pope Vrban the Fifth who gave them the Rule of St. Augustine And their Ensign was a blew Cross of eight points and under it a Tongue of Fire Knights of the Seraphins THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1334. by Magnus the Fourth King of Sweden in memorial of the Siege laid to the chief City of Vpsala The Collar assigned to this Order was composed of Patriarchal Crosses of Gold and of Seraphins of Gold enameled red and at the end thereof hung the figure of our Saviour or of the Virgin Mary Knights of Amaranta THIS Order was instituted about the Year 1645. by Christiana Queen of Sweden in honour of a Lady named Amaranta celebrated for her Charity Modesty Beauty and Courage And by their Oath they were to defend and protect the person of the Queen as also the persons of their Fellow Brothers from harm To his power to advance Piety Virtue and Justice and to discountenance Injury and Vice Their Ensign is a Jewel of Gold composed of two great A A one being reversed enriched on both sides with Diamonds and set within a wreath of Laurel Leaves banded about with white whereon is this Motto Dolce nella memoria And this Badge they wear either hanging at a gold Chain or a crimson or blew Ribon which they please Here is another Order of Knighthood in this Kingdom of Sweden called of the Sword and Military Belt whose Collar consisted of Swords and Belts conjoyned but by whom and when Instituted I am ignorant of KNIGHTS OF THE Order of the Elephant IN DENMARK KING Christian the First of Denmark upon a Religious account travelled to Rome and amongst other Honours Pope Sixtus the Fourth in memory of the Passion of our Saviour invested him with this Order and ordained him and his Successors Kings of Denmark Chief and Supream of the said Order which was conferred on the Danish Princes as a memorial to incite them to defend the Christian Religion against the Moors and Aâ—ricans These Knights were obliged to perform Acts of Piety and Charity with certain Ceremonies to be observed especially upon those days on which they wore the Ensign of their Order which was the figure of an Elephant on whose side within a rundle was represented a Crown of Thorns with three bloody Nails Instead of their golden Collar formerly won by them they now wear about them a blew Ribon to which hangs an Elephant enameled white and beautified with five large Diamonds set in the midst On the day of the Coronation of the King 's of Denmark this Order hath been commonly conferred upon the Nobles and most deserving Senators of his Kingdom DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD IN POLAND Knights of Christ or of the Sword-bearers in Livonia THIS Order was instituted by Albert Bishop of Livonia about the Year of our Lord 1200. for the propagation of the Christian Religion in those Parts in imitation of the Knights Teutonicks in Prusia to which Order they were united about the Year 1237. and submitted themselves to their Rule and Habit by whose assistance they subdued the Idolatrous Livonians and brought them to embrace the Christian Faith But in the Year 1561. Gothard de Ketler then Great Master in the Castle of Riga surrendred to the use of Sigismond the Second King of Poland Surnamed Augustus all the Lands belonging to this Order together with the Seal of the Order his Cross the Keys of the City and Castle of Riga the Charters and Grants of the several Popes and Emperors which concerned the same the priviledge of Coynage and all other matters concerning the same upon which the said Great Master received back from the said King's Commissioners the Dukedom of Curland to be enjoyed by him and his Heirs for ever upon which this Order became extinguished Knights of the white Eagle THIS Order was erected by Ladislaus the Fifth King of Poland for the further honouring the Marriage of his Son Casimire the Great with Anne Daughter of Gerdimir Duke of Lithuania in Anno 1325. and for their Ensign had a white Eagle crowned KNIGHTS OF THE Order of the Dragon OVERTHROWN IN HUNGARY THIS Order was instituted in the Year 1418. by Sigismund the Emperor Surnamed the Glorious for the Defence of the Christian Religion and the suppressing the Schismaticks and Hereticks which he had been victorious over in many Battels Their Ensign which they daily wore was a green Cross flory on Festival days they wore a scarlet Cloak and on their Mantle of green Silk a double gold Chain or a green Ribon to which hung the figure of a Dragon dead with broken Wings and enameled with variety of colours But although this Order was of high esteem for a time yet it almost expired with the death of the Founders Knights of the Order of the Sword in Cyprus GVY of Lusignan soon after his possession as King of the Isle of Cyprus which he had bought of Richard the First King of England for One hundred thousand Crowns of Gold in Anno 1195. erected this Order in Commemoration of so good and fortunate a Plantation for Fifteen thousand Persons which he had brought thither with him The Collar of this Order was composed of round Cordons of white Silk woven in Love-knots and interlaced with the Letters S. and R. To this Collar hung an Oval of Gold wherein was enameled a Sword the Blade Silver and the Hilt Gold and about the Oval was this Motto Securitas Regni This Honour of Knighthood the said King who was Great Master conferred on his Brother Amaury Constable of Ierusalem and Cyprus and on Three hundred Barons which he had created in this his new Kingdom But when the Turks became Masters of the Isle this Order ceased KNIGHTS OF Saint Anthony IN AETHIOPIA ABout the Year of our Lord 370. Iohn Emperor of AEthiopia vulgarly called Prester Iohn erected into a Religious Order of Knighthood certain Monks who lived an austere and solitary Life in
certain Lands in Escuage like as the Knight himself did of the King by Knights Service The beginning of giving Arms in Europe amongst Christians is supposed from the Holy Wars for the Turks paint them not And so with us about Henry the Third's time they became here more firmly established And when the Prince enobled any he usually gave them the particular of his bearing in Blazon Iohn Selden in his Preface fol. 5. where you may also see an Example in King Richard the Second But now there are five distinct sorts of Esquires observed and those that have been already spoken of are now in no request Of these sorts the principal at this day are the eldest Sons of Viscounts and Lord next are all Noblemens younger Sons then are accounted those that are select Esquires for the King's Body the next are Knights eldest Sons successively in a fourth rank are reckoned those unto whom the King himself together with the Title giveth Arms or createth Esquires by putting about their Necks a Silver Collar of SS and in former times upon their Heels a pair of white silvered Spurs whereupon at this day in the Western part of the Kingdom they be called White-spurs for distinction from Knights who were wont to wear gilt Spurs and to the first begotten Sons only of these doth this Title belong In the fifth and last place be those that have any superiour publick Office in the Kingdom as high Sheriffs Justices of the Peace c. or serve the King in any worshipful Calling At the Coronation of Kings and Queens Knights of the Bath are made men of worth and honourable blood to the end that their Majesties may be accompanied in their own Honours every of which Knights having two Gentlemen to attend them in that Ceremony who are ever after by that Service enabled to be Esquires during their lives But the name of Esquire in ancient time was a name of Charge and Office and first crept in amongst other Titles of Dignity and Worship so far as ever I could observe in the Reign of King Richard the Second vide Sir Thomas Smith de Republica Anglorum fol. 26. where he saith That the Esquire is no distinct Order of the Commonwealth A Serjeant of the King's Kitchin may bear the Name and Addition of Cook or Esquire according to the Opinion of Newton But Ienne saith Such Officers of his Majestie 's Houshold would be much grieved if they should be named by their Trade or Office Peradventure in that case the Writ may be good because of the Statute viz. 1 Hen. 5. ch 5. For the Statute is That he should be named of the Town Degree State Condition or Mystery and when he was named Cook he observed the Statute for he hath named him by his own name of Mystery and yet he may be in that case an Esquire and a Cook If a man be an Esquire or Gentleman only by Office and loseth the same he loseth also that title of Gentility Note That an Esquire or Gentleman is but an Addition to satisfie the said Statute but names of Dignity are parcel of the name And thereupon if a Praecipe quod reddat be against Iohn a Stiles Yeoman and recovery is had whereas the Tenant was a Gentleman yet the Recovery is good The same Law where a Release is made to Iohn a Stiles Yeoman who is a Gentleman and where addition is given by the party where it needeth not by the Law being no Dignity it is void So if a deed be made to a Gentleman by the name of a Yeoman for there is a great difference between Deeds and Writs If an Esquire be to be Arraigned of High Treason he may and ought to be tried per probos Legales homines that may expend Forty shillings of Freehold or be worth One hundred pounds in the value of Goods And so the Statute that doth speak of men of his condition hath always been put in ure Dyer 99. b. Note a Knight hath no other priviledge by Statute or Common Law The King may make an Esquire by Patent viz. Creamus te Armigerum c. Note the Preface to the printed Book of Titles of Honour 5. b. 318. By the statute 21. Hen. 8. chap. 13. amongst other things it is enacted that the Brethren and Sons born in Wedlock of every Knight being Spiritual men may every of them purchase License or Dispensation and receive take and keep two Parsonages or Benefices with cure of souls The Son or Sons of any Knight and heir apparent of an Esquire is priviledge to keep Greyhounds setting Doggs or Nets to take Pheasants or Partridges though he cannot dispend ten pounds in his own right or in his Wives right of Estate of Inheritance or of the value of thirty pounds of Estate for life By the precedent discourse of Knights Batchelors we understand that all persons by the common Law are compellable to take the degree of Knighthood or to fine if they are possest of such an Estate as the King and his Council shall judge fit to maintain that Port in their Country And his annual Revenue deemed fit for that Dignity and the fines imposed upon such as refused we find in our Histories and Statutes to vary with the times and certainly the best Esquires or at least none under the Reputation of Gentlemen were compelled although 't was at the King's pleasure And therefore 1 Edw. 2. Stat. de Militibus the Parliament saith Sanderson more for ease of the Subject than profit of the King limited it to such as had Twenty pounds per Annum and better and afterwards 't was raised to Thirty pounds and a plentiful Revenue in those times when a Dowry of Three thousand pounds per Annum to a Queen was deemed a great impoverishment to the Crown and Kingdom but the East and Western part of the World being laid open to the Merchants money began to be more common and by consequence Land to its value so that in the reign of King Charles the First Forty pounds per Annum being the rate set for such as ought to be made Knights or to fine many Farmers Leaseholders Merchants Inholders and others were called in whereby above 100 thousand pounds was brought into the Exchequer Notwithstanding which divers persons made Friends and took the Degree of Knighthood which occasioned the extinguishment of the ancient Tax For many Esquires by birth wealth and education who bore the chiefest Offices of Honour and Trust in the Commonwealth disdained to stoop or give place to those new dubbed Knights countenanced the Complaints of the common people against the Law it self as a grievance and prevailed so far in the following Parliament to get it repeal'd as you may see 17 Car. chap. 20. Since which time the difference between the Degree of Knighthood and Dignity of an Esquire consists only in Title a double rate in the Pole Tax and priority of place which as I before noted is often
Civil Law must needs be very ancient for field nor fight cannot be continued without the Law therefore 't is to be presumed it began when Battels were first fought in the World and the bearing of Arms was come to some perfection at the Siege of Troy for Hector of Troy bore Sable two Lyons combattant Or. It is written by an ancient Author called Gesta Trojanor â— that a Knight was made before any Coat-Armour and how Asterial who came from the Line of Iapheth had a Son named Olibion who was a strong and mighty man and when the people multiplyed being without a Governour and were warred upon by the people of Cham they all cryed upon Olibion to be their Governour which accepting of and men being mustered under him his Father made to his Son a Garland of Nine divers precious Stones in token of Chivalry Then Olibion kneeled down and his Father took Iapheth's Faulchion that Tubal made before the Flood and smote him nine times on the right shoulder in token of the nine Vertues of Chivalry Also Asterial gave to his Son Olibion a Target made of an Olive Tree with three Corners two above his Face and one beneath to the ground-ward Principles of Honour and Vertue that every Gentleman ought to be endowed with TO love honour and fear God to walk after his Commandments and to his power defend and maintain the Christian Religion To be loyal and serviceable to his Prince and Country To use Military Exercises To frequent the War and to prefer Honour before worldly wealth to be charitable to the distresâ—ed and to support Widows and Orphans To reverence Magistrates and those placed in Authority To cherish and encourage Truth Vertue and Honesty and to eschew Riot Intemperance Sloth and all dishonest Recreations and Company To be of a courteous gentle and affable deportment to all men and to detest pride and haughtiness To be of an open and liberal heart delighting in Hospitalityâ— according to the Talent that God hath blest him with To be true and just in his word and dealing and in all respects give no cause of Offence Of Precedency THe Degrees of Honour which are in this Kingdom observed and according to which they have precedency may be comprehended under two Heads viz. Nobiles Majores and Nobiles Minores Those comprehended under Majores are Dukes of the Royal Blood Archbishops Marquiâ—â—es Earls Viscounts Bishops and Barons And those under Minores are Knights of the Garter â—f no otherwise dignified Knights Bannerets Baronets Knights of the Bath Knights Batchelors Esquires and Gentlemen And all or most of these Degrees of Honour are speculatively distinguished the one from the other in their Ensigns or Shields of Honour as shall be shewed in the Chapter of each particular Degree Touching place of Precedency amonst the Peers or those under the Name of Nobiles Majores it is to be observed That all Nobles of each Degree take place according to their Seniority of Creation and not of years unless they are descended of the Blood Royal and then they take place of all others of the same Degree That after the King the Princes of the Blood viz. the Sons Grandsons Brothers and Nephews of the King take place Then these great Officers of the Church and Crown are to precede all other of the Nobility viz. the Archbishop of Canterbury the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal the Archbishop of York the Lord Treasurer of England the Lord President of the Privy Council and the Lord Privy Seal Next Dukes Marquisses Dukes eldest Sons Earls Marquisses eldest Sons Dukes younger Sons Viscounts Earls eldest Sons Marquisses younger Sons Bishops Barons Viscounts eldest Sons Earls youngest Sons Barons eldest Sons Privy Councellors Judges and Masters of the Chancery Viscounts younger sons Barons younger sons Knights of the Garter if no otherwise dignified which is seldom sound Knights Bannerets Baronets Knights of the Bath Knights Batchelors Colonels Serjeants at Law Doctors and Esquires which may be comprehended under â—ive Heads 1. Esquires unto the King's Body 2. The Descendants by the Male Line from a Peer of the Realm 3. The eldest sons of Baronets and Knights 4. The two Esquires attending upon Knights of the Bath at their making And 5. Officiary Esquires as Justices of the Peace Barresters at Law Lieutenant Colonels Majors and Captains and lastly Gentlemen Note That these great Officers of Court of what Degree soever they are of take place above all others of the said Degree viz. the Master of the Horse Lord Chamberlain of England Lord High Consâ—able of England Lord Marshal of England Lord Admiral of England Lord Steward and Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties Houshold So the Secretaries of State if Peers take place of all of that Degree except these great Officers aforesaid Note That the Ladies take place or precedency according to the Degree or Quality of their Husbands ☞ Note That in a Volume lately published by me entituled Britannia being a Description of his Majesties Dominions in page 33. the precedency of the Nobility and Gentry is treated of wherein the Masters of the Chancery are placed next after Serjeants at Law which Error happened through wrong Information their right place being next after Iudges as is here set down Note That it was decreed by King Iames That the younger sons of Viscounts and Barons should yield place to all Knights of the Garter to all Bannerets made under the Standard Royal his Majesty being present to all Privy Councellors Master of the Wards Chancellor and under Treasurer of the Exchequer Chancellor of the Dutchy Chief Justice of the King's Bench Master of the Rolls Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Chief Baron of the Exchequer and to all other Judges and Barons of the degree of the Coif by reason of their Honourable imploy in his Majesties Courts of Justice Note That as there are some great Officers as aâ—oresaid that take place above the Nobility of a higher Degree so are there some persons who for their Dignities Ecclesiastick Degrees in the Universities and Ofâ—icers in an Army although neither Knights nor Gentlemen born take place amongsâ— them Thus all Deans Chancellors Prebends Doctors of Divinity Law and Physick are usually placed before most sorts of Esquires All Colonels are Honourable and by the Law of Arms ought to precede simple Knights so are all Field Officers Master of the Artillery Quarter-Master General c. All Batchelors of Divinity Law and Physick all Masters of Arts Barrestors in the Inns of Court Captains and other Commissionate Officers in the Army or those by Patent-places in his Majesties Houshold may equal and some of them precede any Gentleman that hath none of these qualifications But how unjustly these Priviledges are possessed by some of these pretenders and how contrary this usage is to the Laws of Honour see the Chapter of Gentlemen I think it here convenient to give you an Account of the Cavalcade of his Mâ—â—â—â—ties passing through
their Tenures were altered viz. Baronia as appeareth in Matthew Paris A. 1070. fol. 66. and of that Tenure have continued ever since as you may read by the Constitutions of Clarendon in the Reign of Henry the Second and in Glanvile and Bracton But the Tenures of all Abbots and Priors were extinguished by the uniting and coming of them to the Crown by the Statute of Dissolution of Monasteries For though the Nobility of England differ in Titles and certain Ceremonies yet a Baron enjoyeth the same priviledges And by experience it is found That Dukes and all other degrees of Nobility in Cases Criminal are tryed by Barons together with Marquisses Earls and Viscounts as their Peers and Peers of the Realm Nobilitas generally is of the word Nosco signifying in common phrases of speech Men of Generosity of Blood and Degree and therefore it is said Vir nobilis idem est quod notus per omnia or a vulgatus But especially it is applyed and used to express the reward of Vertue in honourable measure Ageneris claritate which being in part of distributive Justice remaineth with the highest Soveraign annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Realm For as Vertue is the gift of none but of God so the reward thereof with Honour cannot be the gift of any but the Supreme Governour being God's Vicegerent on Earth But when Honour and Arms be bestowed upon any if there shall arise contention between Competitors for the same the ancient policy of this Realm hath ordained a Special Court the Judges whereof in all times having been Right Honourable Personages viz. the Lord High Constable and the Earl Marshal and in latter times the Judge thereof only the Earl Marshal The Jurisdiction of the Court consisâ—eth in the Execution of that part of distributive Justice which concerneth the advancement and support of Vertue Nevertheless some men there are not duly considering of what principle and parts the Laws of this Realm do consist have laboured to prove that the Questions and Controversies of Nobility and Arms should not be determined by the Laws of the Realm but by the Civil Law framing to themselves many Arguments to prove the same but being of small value I pass them over The Common Laws as also the Laws of Charity used in the Marshals Court do prohibit any Subject of this Realm to receive Titles of Honour and Dignity by gift or donation from a Forreign Prince King or Emperor for it is a thing greatly touching the Majesty of the King and State of his Kingdom Est vis Majestatis inter insignia summae potestatis And if a man shall bring an Action and in the Writ is styled by such a Forreign Title the Defendant may plead in Abatement of his Writ That he is no Duke Marquis Earl or Baron whereupon if the Plaintiff as demanded take Issue the Issue shall not be tryed by the Jury but by the Records of Parliament wherein he faileth And if any English man be created Earl of the Empire or of any other Forreign Nation and the King also do create him into any Title of Honour in England he shall be named in all Judicial proceedings only by such Name and Title as he hath received from the King of this Realm whose Subject he is And if by the King of England he be not advanced to Title of Honour then he shall bear the name only of his Baptism and Surname unless he be a Knight For experience teacheth that Kings joyned in League together by certain mutual and as it were natural power of Monarchies according to the Laws of Nations have dismissed one anothers Subjects and Ambassadors graced with the Dignity of Knighthood A Duke of Spain or of another Forreign Nation cometh into England by the King 's safe Conduct in which also the King doth style him Duke according to his Creation nevertheless in all proceedings in the King's Courts he shall not be so stiled by his Title of Dignity And although the said Noble person be also by the King's Letters Patents and by his Forreign Name and Title of Dignity made Denizon for that is the right Name so called because his Legitimation is given to him Or if he be naturalized by Authority of Parliament wherein he seemeth to be in all things made as a Subject born yet shall he not be styled by his Foreign Titles of Dignity And so it is if a Nobleman of France or elsewhere come into England as Ambassador and by lawful Marriage hath a Son and the Father dieth the Son is by Birth a Natural Englishman yet he shall not bear the Title of Honour of his Father and the reason thereof is because that Title of Nobility had its Original by a French King and not by any natural Operation which thing is well proved both by Authority of Law and Experience in these days If a Postnaâ—us of Scotland or Ireland who in these days is a Natural Subject to the King of England or if any of his Posterity be the Heirs of a Nobleman of Scotland or Ireland yet he is none of the Nobility of England But if that Alien or Stranger born a Scot be summoned by the King 's Writ to Parliament and therein is styled by his Foreign or other Title whereunto he is invested within England by the King 's Grant then and from thenceforth he is a Peer of this Realm and in all Judicial and Legal Proceedings he ought to be so styled and by no other Name And it was the Case of Gilbert Humfrevile Earl of Angus in Scotland of it appertaineth to the Royal Prerogative of the King to call and admit an Alien born to have place and voice in his Parliament at his pleasure although it is put in practice very rarely and that for great and weighty Considerations of State And if after such Parliamentary Summons of such a Stranger born question do arise and the Issue be whether he is of that Title or no it may well be tryed by the Record which is the only lawful tryal in that Case But there is a Diversity worthy of Observation for the highest and lowest Degrees are universal and therefore a Knight Engglish or Stranger born is a Knight in all Nations in what place soever he received his Title and Dignity and so ought of right and by Law to be named in the King's Courts as aforesaid Also if the Emperor the King of Denmark or other Foreign King come into this Realm by safe conduct as he ought for a Monarch or absolute Prince though he be in League cannot come without the King's Licence and safe Conduct but any Subject to such a Foreign King in League may come without Licence In this Case he shall sue and be sued by the Name of Emperor or King or else the Writ shall abate There is a notable President cited out of Fleta where treating of the Jurisdiction of the King's Court of Marshalsea it is said And these things he might
lawfully do by Office that is to say The Steward of the King's Houshold notwithstanding the Liberty of any other although in another Kingdom when the Offender may be found in the King's Houshold according to that which happened at Paris in the Fourteenth year of Edward the First when Engelram of Nogeut was taken in the Houshold of the King of England the King himself being then at Paris with silver Dishes lately stoln at which deed the King of France did claim Cognizance of the Plea concerning that Theft by Jurisdiction of that Court of Paris The matter being diversly debated in the Council of the King of France at length it was Ordered That the King of England should use and enjoy that Kingly Prerogative of his Houshold who being Convicted by Robert Fitz-Iohn Knight Steward of the King's Houshold of the Theft by consideration of the said Court was hanged on the Gallows in St. Germans Field And here by the way may be noted from those recited Books alledged That the person of the King in another King's Dominions is not absolutely priviledged but that he may be impleaded for Debt or Trespass or condemned for Treason committed with in the said Dominions For it is the general Law of Nations that in what place an Offence is committed according to the Law of the said place they may be judged without regard to any priviledge Neither can a King in any other Kingdom challenge any such Prerogative of Immunity from Laws For a King out of his proper Kingdom hath not merum Imperium but only doth retain Honoris titulos dignitatis so that where he hath offended in his own Person against the King in whose Nation he is per omnia distringitur etiam quoad personam And the same Law is of Ambassadors ne occasio daretur delinquendi That Ambassadors are called Legats because they are chosen as fit men out of many and their Persons be sacred both at home and abroad so that no man may injuriously lay violent hands upon them without breach of the Law of Nations and much less upon the person of a King in a strange Land Bracton a Judge of this Realm in the Reign of King Henry the Third in his first Book and eighth Case saith There is no respect of Persons with God but with men there is a difference of Persons viz. the King and under him Dukes Counts Barons Lords Vavasors and Knights Counts so called because they take the Name from the County or from the word Sociati who also may be termed Consules of Counselling for Kings do associate such men unto them to govern the People of God ordaining into great Honours Power and Name where they do gird them with Swords that is to say Ringis gladorium Upon this cause were the Stations and Encampings of Arms called by the Romans Castra of the word Castrare since they ought to be Castrata vel Casta. In this place ought a good General to foresee that Venus Delights be as it were gelded and cut off from the Army So Sir Iohn Fern's Book entituled The Glory of Generosity Ring so called quasi renes girans circundans for that they compass the Reins of such that they may keep them from Incest of Luxury because the Luxurious and Incestuous persons are abominable unto God The Sword also doth signifie the Defence of King and Country And thus much in general of the Nobility of England Now followeth a more particular Discourse of each particular Degree and first of his Majesty the Fountain from whence all these Rivulets and swelling Streams of Honour's Spring The most high and mighty Monarch CHARLES the second by the Grace of God King of Great Britaineâ— France and Irelandâ— Defender of the faith ca. The Effiges of the most high and mighty Monarch CHARLES the second by the Grace of God King of Great Britaine France and Ireland Deâ—ender of the faith câ—â— OF THE KING OR MONARCH OF Great Britain CHAP. II. MONARCHY is as ancient as Man Adam being created Soveraign Lord of the Universe whose Office was to govern the whole World and all Creatures therein His Posterity after his Death dividing into Tribes and Generations acknowledged no other Dominion than Paternity and Eldership The Fathers of Nations were instead of Kings and the Eldest Sons in every Family were reverenced as Princes from whence came the word Seignior amongst the Italians and French and Seignories for Lordship and Dominion of which Seneca makes two kinds viz. Potestas aut Imperium power to command Proprietas aut Dominium Property or Dominion These Empires in the Golden Age were founded upon natural Reverency and Piety their Power was executed with the soft Weapons of paternal perswasions and the greatest penalties that they inflicted upon the most Capital Criminals was the malediction of their Primogenitors with an Excommunication out of the Tribes But as Men and Vice began to increase Pride and evil Examples overshadowed Filial Obedience and Violence entred upon the Stage of the World the mighty Men truâ—ling in their own strength oppressed the Feeble and were at length forced to truckle under the tyranny of others more Gygantick than themselves which necessitated them to submit to Government for self-preservation many housholds conjoyning made a Village many Villages a City and these Cities and Citizens confederating established Laws by consent which in tract of time were called Commonwealths some being governed by Kings some by Magistrates and some so unfortunate as to fall under the yoak of a popular Rule Nam Plebs est pessimus Tyrannus The first Chiefs or Kings were men of Vertue elected for their Wisdom and Courage being both Reges Duces to govern according to their Laws in Peace and to lead them forth to Battel against their Enemies in time of Hostility And this Rule proving more safe for the people honourable amongst men and â—â—rm in it self than the other most Nations followed it approving the Sentence of Tacitus Prâ—stat sub Principo â—alo esse quam nulle Lamentable Experience the Mistress of Fools in some and of Wisdom in others in the Ages sequent necessitated them again to quit the â—orm of Election and to entail the Soveraign Power in the Hereditary Loyns of their Kings to prevent the fatal consequence of Ambition amongst equal pretenders in popular Elections Thus the beginning of an Empire is ascribed to reason and necessity â—ut 't was God himself that illuminated the minds of men and let them see they could not subsist without a Supream in their human affairs Necessitas â—st firmum judicium immutabilis providentiae potestas This Island of Great Britain when Barbarism was so happy as to submit to a Regal Power as Caesar in his Commentaries witnesseth then divided into many Kingdoms under which Government of Kings with some small alterations according to the necessity of times and pleasure of Conquerors it hath flourished descending from the British Saxon Danish Norman and
Realm to do Justice shew Mercy keep Peace and Unity c. The King is enabled to perform this great and weighty Office by certain extraordinary powers and priviledges which he holds by the Law of Nations by the Common Law of England or by Statutes The Regalia were anciently called Sacra Sacrorum as his Lands are called in Law Patrimoniâ—â— Sâ—câ—â—â— now commonly Royal Prerogaâ—ives The King being Principium Capâ—â— â—inis Parliâ—menti may of his meer will and pleasure Convoke Adjourn Remove and Dissolve Parliaments He may to any Bill that is passed by both Houses of Parliament refuse to give his Royal Assent without rendring a Reason and without his Assent a Bill is as a â—ody without a Soul He may at his pleasure encrease the number of the Members of both Houses by creating more Peers of the Realm and besâ—owing priviledges upon any other Towns to send Burgelles by Writ to Parliament and he may refuse to send his Writ to some others that have sate in former Parliaments He hath alone the choice and nomination of all Commanders and Officers for Land and Sea-service the choice and election of all Magistrates Counsellors and Officers of State of all Bishops and other Ecclesiastick Dignities also the bestowing and conferring of Honours and the power of determining Rewards and Punishments By Letters Patent his Majesty may erect new Counties Universities Bishopricks Cities Boroughs Colledges Hospitals Schools Fairs Markets Courts of Judicature Forests Chases Free Warrens c. The King by his Prerogative hath power to enfranchise an Alien and make him a Denison whereby he is enabled to purchase Lands and Houses and to bear Offices He hath the power to grant Letters of Mart or Reprisal to grant safe Conducts c. He hath at all times had the right of Purveyance or Preemption of all sorts of Victuals within the Verge viz. Twelve miles round of the Court and to take Horses Carts Ships or Boats for the Carriage of his Goods at reasonable rates Also by Proclamation to set reasonable rates and prices upon Flesh Fish Fowl Oats Hay c. sold within the limits of the Verge of the Court in the time of his Progress Debts due to the King are in the first place to be satisfied in case of Executorship and Administratorship and until the King's Debts be satisfied he may protect the Debtor from the Arrest of other Creditors He may disâ—rein for the whole Rent upon one Tenant that holdeth not the whole Land He may require the Ancestors Debt of the Heir though not especially bound He is not obliged to demand his Rent according to the Custome of Landlords He may distrein where he pleaseth and sue in any of his Courts No Proclamation can be made but by the King No protection for a Defendant to obstruct the course of the Law against him if he be not one of his Majesties Menial Servants In case of loss by Fire or otherwise his Majesty granteth Patents to receive the Charitable Benevolences of the people No Forest Chase or Park to be made nor Castle Fort or Tower to be built without his Majesties especial Licence Where the King hath granted a Fair with Toll to be paid yet his Goods shall be there exempted from the said Duties of Toll His Servants in Ordinary are priviledged from serving in any Offices that require their Attendance as Sheriff Constable Church-warden or the like All Receivers of Money for the King or Accomptants to him for any of his Revenues their Persons Lands Goods Heirs Executors and Administrators are at all times chargeable for the same for Nullum tempus occurrit Regi His Debtor hath a kind of Prerogative Remedy by a Quo minus in the Exchequer against all other Debtors or against whom they have any cause of personal Action supposing that he is thereby disabled to pay the King and in this Suit the King's Debtor being Plaintiff hath some priviledges above others In doubtful Cases semper praesumitur pro Rege no Statute restraineth the King except he be especially named therein The quality of his Person alters the descent of Gavelkind the Rules of joynt Tenancy No Estoppel can bind him nor Judgment final in a Writ of Right Judgments entred against the King's Title are entred with Salvo Iure Domini Regis That if at any time the King's Counsel at Law can make out his Title better that Jugment shall not prejudice him which is not permitted the Subject The King by his Prerogative may demand reasonable Ayd-money of his Subjects for the Knighting his Eldest Son at the Age of Fifteen years and to marry his eldest Daughter at the Age of Seven years which Ayd is 20 s. for every Knights Fee and as much for every 20 l. per annum in Soccage Moreover if the King be taken prisoner Ayd-money is to be paid by the Subjects for his Redemption The King upon reasonable Causes him thereunto moving may protect any of his Subjects from Suits of Law c. In all Cases where the King is party his Officers with an Arrest by force of a Process at Law may enter and if any entrance be denied may break open the House of any man by force A Benefice or Spiritual Living is not full against the King by Institution only without Induction although it be so against a Subject None but the King can hold Plea of false Judgments in the Courts of his Tenants The King by his Prerogative is Summus Regui Custos and hath the Custody of the Persons and Estates of such as for want of understanding cannot govern themselves or serve the King that of Ideots to his own use and that of Lunaticks to the use of the next Heir So the Custody or Wardships of all such Infants whose Ancestors held their Lands by Tenure in Capite or Knights Service were ever since the Conquest in the King to the great honour and benefit of the King and Kingdom But abuses which too often happened made the people complain thereof which was the cause of its laying aside His Majesty is Vlâ—imus Haeres Regni and is as the great Ocean is of small Rivers the Receptacle of all Estates for want of Heirs or by Forfeiture Revert or Escheat to the King All Spiritual Benefices for want of presentation in due time by the Bishop are elapsed to the King All Treasure Trove that is Money or Gold and Silver plate or Bullion found and the owners unknown belongs to the King So doth all Waifs Strays Wrecks not granted away by him or any former Kings All waste Ground or Land recovered from the Sea All Lands of Aliens dying before Naturalization or Denization and all other things whereof the property is not known All Gold and Silver Mines in whose Ground soever they are found Royal Fish as Whales Sturgeons Dolphins c. Royal Fowl as Swans not mark't and swimming at Liberty on the River belong to the King In the Church the King's prerogative and power is
to the Crown of England shall bear his Coronet of Crosses and Flower de lis with one Arch and in the midst a Ball and Cross as hath the Royal Diadem That his Royal Highness the Duke of York and all the immediate Sons and Brothers of the Kings of England shall use and bear their Coronets composed of Crosses and Flower de lis only But all their Sons respectively having the Title of Dukes shall bear and use their Coronets composed of Leaves only as the Coronets of Dukes not being of the Royal Blood Note That by Order not Creation our present King was admitted Prince of Wales had the Principality with the Earldom of Chester c. confirmed to him by Patent and was allowed to hold his Court apart from the Kings The Prince by the Common Law is reputed as the same Person with the King and so declared by Statute temp Hen. 8. The Civilians say the King 's eldest Son during his Fathers life may be styled King by the Law of Nations because of his so near Relation to the Crown that if the Father die he is ipso momento Rex though he be not crowned A usual custome in Spain and once allowed here to Henry Son of King Henry the Second yet he holdeth his Seigniories and Principalities of the King as Subject to him and giveth the same respect to him as other Subjects do He hath certain priviledges above other persons To him it was permitted by the Statute 24 Hen. 8. cap. 13. to wear Silk of the colour of Purple and cloth of Gold of Tissue in his Apparel or upon his Horse And by the Statute 24 Ed. 3. ca. 2. Takings shall not be from henceforth made by others than the Purveyors of the King of the Queen and of the Prince their eldest Son And that if any mans Purveyor make such takings it shall be done of them as of those that do without Warrant and the Deed adjudged as a thing done against the Peace and the Law of the Land and such as do not in manner aforesaid shall be duly punished To eschew Maintenance and nourish Peace and Amity in all parts of the Realm many Statutes have been made in the Reign of King Henry the Fourth prohibiting the giving of Signs or Liveries to any but Menials nevertheless by the Statute 2 Hen. 4. cap. 21. it is provided that the Prince may give his honourable Liveries or Sign to the Lords or to his Menial Gentlemen and that the same Lords may wear the same as if they were the King's Liveries and that the Menials of the Prince may also wear the same as the King's Menials But afterwards by occasion of divers other Statutes made by sundry Kings for the suppressing oâ— that enormity of Maintenance and of the general word in them that priviledge of the Prince was abridged or rather taken away therefore the Statute 12 Ed. 4. cap. 4. was made By the Statute 21 H. 8. cap. 13. the Prince may retain as many Chaplains as he pleaseth although all other of the Nobility except those of the Blood Royal are constrained to a certain number and they or any of them may purchase Licence and Dispensation and take and retain two Parsonages or Benefices with Cure of Souls By the Order of the Common Law the King may Levy a reasonable Ayd of all his Tenants as well of those that did hold their Lands of him by Knights Service as in Soccage pur faire fitz Chevalier pur File marrier and the sum of Money was not in certainty Note that the Ayd is not to be recovered before the Son be of the Age of Fifteen years and the Daughter accomplish the Age of Seven years Fitz. Natur. B. 28.6 But in the King's pleasure till by the Statute in the 25 Ed. 3. cap. 11. it was Enacted That for the Knighting his eldest Son and marrying his eldest Daughter as aforesaid the Ayd following shall be demanded and levied viz. of every Knight so holden of the King without mean 20 s. and no more and of every 20. l. of Land holden of the King without mean in Soccage 20 s. and no more And so after this rate for the Lands in Soccage and for Land in Tenure of Chivalry according to the quantity of the Fee By another Statute made in the said 25 th of Edward the Third cap. 2. amongst other things it is declared That to compass or imagine the death of the King 's eldest Son and Heir is Crimen laesae Majestatis or if a man do violate the Wife of the King 's eldest Son and Heir it is High Treason And so the Statute 26 Hen. 8. cap. 13. doth declate And so was the ancient Common Law of this Realm and not a new Law made by the Statute Coke 8. part 28. b. but this Statute is a Manifestation and Application of the ancient Common Law in this Case Because the people were in ambiguity Whether Children born in parts beyond the Sea and out of the King's Dominions should be able to demand any Inheritance within his said Dominions or not It was declared at a Parliament holden at Westminster in the Seventeenth of King Iames for the removing of those doubts That les Enfants du Roy the Children of the Kings of England in whatsoever parts they are born in are able and ought to bear the Inheritance after the death of their Ancestors Read the Statute in Coke's Seventh Part 8. a. where you shall see that though generally the Birth-place is observed yet many times Legiance and Obedience without any place in the King's Dominions may make a Subject born For we see by Experience almost in every Parliament that Ambassadors Merchants and the King's Souldiers do sue therein in such Cases to have their Children Naturalized or made Denisons And in the Articles confirmed by Parliament touching the Marriage between Philip King of Spain and Queen Mary Anno primo Parliamenti 2. cap. 2. a special Proviso was to bar him from being Tenant by the Courtesie of the Crown in case he should have Issue by her and survive which was superfluous because the Common Law would have denied it For this last point see the Lord Chancellor's Speech in the Case Postnati f. 36. But note If an Alien Enemy come into this Realm and his Wife English or Stanger be here delivered of a Child this Child notwithstanding his Birth-place is an Alien born for want of Allegiance in the Parents ibid. King Henry the Third did create Edward his eldest Son the first Prine of Wales and did give unto him the Dominion and Dignity thereof to be holden of him and his Heirs Kings of England And after that time the eldest Sons of the Kings of England have been Princes of Wales and as incident to the State and Dignity of a Prince did and might make Laws and Statutes and use Jurisdiction and Authority as amply as any King of that Nation could do for Wales was a Kingdom in ancient
time but by a Statute made the Twelfth of Edward the First Wales was incorporated and united to England and became part thereof Also by another Statute made 27 Hen. 8. c. 24. a general resumption of many Liberties and Franchises heretofore granted or taken from the Crown as the Authority to pardon Treasons Murder Manslaughter and Felony also power to make Justices in Oyer Justices of Assize Justices of the Peace Goal deliveries and such like so that from thenceforth the King 's eldest Son hath only the Name and Style of Prince of Wales but no other Jurisdiction than at the King's pleasure is permitted and granted him by his Letters Patents as by the tenor thereof here following made by King Henry the Eighth to Edward his Son and Heir apparent may appear HENRY by the Grace of God King of England and of France Lord of Ireland c. To all Archbishops Bishops Abbots Priors Dukes Earls Barons Iustices Viscounts Governors Ministers and to all our Bayliffs and faithful Subjects Greeting Out of the Excellency of Royal Preheminence like leaves from the Sun so do inferior humours proceed neither doth the integrity of Royal Lustre and Brightness by the natural disposition of the Light affording Light feel any loss or detriment by such borrowed Lights yea the Royal Scepter is also much the more extolled and the Royal Throne exalted by how much the more Nobleness Preheminencies and Honours are under the power and command thereof And this worthy Consideration allureth and induceth us with desire to increase the Name and Honour of our Firstbegotten and best Beloved Son Edward in whom we behold and see our self to be honoured and our Royal House also and our people subject to us hoping by the grace of God by conjecture taken of his gracious future proceedings to be the more honourably strengthened that we may with honour prevent and with abundant grace prosecute him who in reputation of us is deemed the same with us Wherefore by the counsel and consent of the Prelates Dukes Earls Viscounts and Barons of our Kingdom being in our present Parliament We have made and created and by these Presents do make and create him the said Edward Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester And unto the same Edward do give and grant and by this Charter have confirmed the Name Style Title State Dignity and Honour of the said Principality and Connty that he may therein in Governing Rule and in Ruling direct and defend we say by a Garland upon his Head by a Ring of Gold upon his Finger and a Verge of Gold have according to the manner invested him to have and to hold to him and his Heirs the Kings of England for ever Wherefore we will and command for us and our Heirs that Edward our Son aforesaid shall have the Name Style Title State Dignity and Honour of the Principality of Wales and of the County of Chester aforesaid unto him and his Heirs the Kings of England for ever These being Witnesses the Reverend Father John Cardinal and Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England our Chancellor and William Archbishop of York Primate of England Thomas Bishop of London John Bishop of Lincoln William Bishop of Norwich our most well beloved Cosins Richard Earl of Warwick Richard Earl of Salisbury John Earl of Wiltshire and our well beloved and faithful Ralph Cromwel Chamberlain of our House William Falconbridge and John Stourton Knights Dated at our Palace at Westminster the 15th day of March and in the year of our Reign 32. And here by the way may be observed That in ancient time and in the time of the English-Saxon Kings the use was as well in pennings of the Acts of Parliament as of the King's Letters Patents when any Lands Franchises or Hereditaments did pass from the King of any Estate of Inheritance as also in the Creations of any man unto Honour and Dignity the Conclusion was with the sign of the Cross in form aforesaid his testibus c. But long since that form hath been discontinued so that at this day and many years past the King's Patents for Lands Franchises and Hereditaments do conclude with Teste me ipso Nevertheless in all Creations of Honour and Dignity of Letters Patents the ancient form of concluding His testibus is used at this day And it hath been resolved by the Judges of all Acts of Parliament and Statutes which do concern the Prince who is the Firstbegotten Son of the King and Heir apparent to the Crown for the time being perpetuis futuris temporibus be such Acts whereof the Judges and all the Realm must take Cognizance as of General Statutes For every Subject hath interest in the King and none of his Subjects who are within his Laws be divided from him being he is Head and Sovereign so that the business and things of the King do concern all the Realm and namely when it doth concern the Prince the Firstbegotten Son of the King and Heir apparent to the Crown Although the Prince by express words hath no priviledge by the Great Charter of the Forestâ— 9 Hen. 3. cap. 11. for hunting in the King's Forests or Parks passing by them and sent for by the King's Command yet the Prince is to take the benefit and advantage thereby as well as the Earls Bishops or Barons who are expressed Crompton's Courts des Iustices de Forest 167. In the Parliament 31 Hen. 8. cap. 10. an Act concerning the placing of King's Children and Lords in the Parliament and other Assemblies was amongst other things made as followeth That no person or persons of what degree estate or condition soever his or they be of except only the King's Children shall at any time hereafter attempt to sit or have place on any side of the Cloth of Estate in the Parliament Chamber whether his Majesty be there personally present or absent The Prince shall not find Pledges for the prosecution of any Action and therefore shall not be amerced no more than the King or Queen should be The Prince is a distinct person from the King he is a Subject and holdeth his Principalities and Seigniories of the King and subject to the Law of the Land as a Subject And in token of the Prince's subjection he doth not upon his Posie in his Arms disdain the old Saxon words Ich Dieu I serve And there is a Case that Glascoine Chief Justice of England in the time of Henry the Fourth did commit the Prince who would have taken a Prisoner from their Bar in the King's Bench And the Prince did humbly submit himself and go at his Command And this did much rejoyce the King to see that he had a Judge so bold to administer Justice upon his Son and that he had a Son so gracious as to obey his Laws The Exercises befitting Princes whilst they are young are Chivalry and Feats of Arms and to adjoyn therewith the knowledge of the Law and God For it is the Duty and
Creation of the Prince ended Although at present we have no Prince of Wales yet I shall give you the Badge or Armorial Ensign of Honour appropriate unto them which is as it is here depincted OF DUKES CHAP. IV. THE Title and Degree of a Duke hath been of ancienter standing in the Empire and other Countries than amongst us for the first English Duke was Edward the black Prince created Duke of Cornwal by his Father King Edward the Third by which Creation according to the Tenure of his Patent the Firstborn Sons of the Kings of England are Dukes of Cornwall Nor is there any Creation required for the said Honour although there is for Prince of Wales A Duke is said to be so called à Ducendo from leading being at the first always a Leader of an Army Imperial or Regal and was so chosen in the Field either by casting of Lots or by common Voice and the Saxons called this Leader an Hertzog but now and for some time past it is a Dignity given by Kings and Princes to men of great Blood and excellent Merit In some Countries at this day the Soveraign Princes are called Dukes as the Duke of Savoy Duke of Muscovy Duke of Saxony Duke of Florence and the like All Noblemen at their Creation have two Ensigns to signifie two Duties viz. their Heads are adorned ad consulendum Regem Patriam in tempore pacis and they are girt with Swords ad defendendum Dominum Regem Patriam in tempore belli The Chapeau or Head-attire saith Chassanaeus Dukes were accustomed to wear in token of Excellency it is of a Scarlet Colour lined or doubled Ermin And now Marquisses Earls and Viscounts plead Custome for the use thereof as also for Coronets which his Majesty King Charles the Second hath also granted Barons to wear but with due difference as is also in their Robes which may appear by the Portraiture of the said Degrees here lively set forth His Sword is girt about him and his short Cloak or Mantle over his Shoulders is guarded with four Guards his Coronet is Gold the Cap Crimson doubled Ermin but not indented as those of the Blood Royal are and the Verge which he holds in his hand is also of Gold Dukes of the Royal Line or Blood are reputed as Arch-Dukes and are to have their Coronets composed of Crosses and Flower delis as other Dukes A Duke tantùm shall take place before any Lord that is both Marquis and Earl but a Duke that is both a Marquis and Earl shall precede him The Dukes Marquisses and Earls at their Creations have a Sword put over their Shoulders or girt about them which the Viscounts and Barons have not A Duke may have in all places ouâ— of the King 's or Princes presence a Cloth of Estate hanging down within half a yard of the Ground so may his Dutchess who may have her Train born up by a Baroness And no Earl without permission from him ought to wash with a Duke The Effigies of the Most Noble George Duke Marquess Earle of Buckingham Earle of Coventry Viscount Villers Baron of Whaddon Knight of the most Noble order of the Garter a. R. While sculp His Royall Highness Iames Duke of Yorke and Albany Knight of the most noble order of the Garter sole Brother to his sacred Majesty King Charles the second coet. The most Illustrious Prince Rupert Count Palatine of the Rhine Duke of Bavaria and Duke of Cumberland Earle of Holderness Governor of Windsor-Castle Lord Leivtenant of Berâ—shire Knight of the Garter Nephew to the late King of blessed memory and one of his Ma â—â—es most Honourable privy Councell c â— The Right Noble Henry Duke of Norfolk Earle of Arundell Surrey Norwich Earle Marshall of England Baron Howard Fitz-Allen Matravers Mawbrey Seagrave Bruceâ— Cluâ—n Oswalds tree Castle Riseing The Right Noble Francis Seumour Duke of Somerset Marquess Earle of Hertford Viscount Beauchamp Baron Seymour ct. The Right Noble George Duke Marquess Earle of Buckingham Earle of Coventrey Viscount Villiers â—â—ron of Whaddon Knight of the most noble order of the Garter ct. The Rt. Noble Christopher Duke of Albemarle Earle of Toringtoâ— Baron Monck of Potheridge Beauchamp Teys Kt. of ye. most noble order of ye. Garter Lord Leivtenant of Devon-shire Essex one of the Gentlemen of his matys Bedchamber one of ye. Lords of his most honble privy Counâ—â— The Right Noble Iames Duke of Noâ—â—â—uth Buccleuth Earle of Doncaster Dalkeith Baron of Askedale Teâ—dâ—lâ— Whitchâ—â—â—â—â—en 〈…〉 Chamberlaine of Scotland Masâ—â—r of his Ma â— horse Captain of his life Guard Gouernor of Hull Lord Leivtenant of ye. East Rideing of Yoâ—k-shire Chancellor of ye. Vniversity of Cambridge Knight of ye. Garter one of ye. Lords of his matys most honble privy Councell ct. The Right Noble William Cavendish Duke Marquess Earle of Newcasâ— Earle of Ogle Viscount Mansfield Baron Ogle Bertram Bolesmere Kt of thâ— Garten Ld. Leiutenant of Nottinghamshire Gent of his matys Bedchamber Iustice in Ire of all his matys Parks fforests and Chases Northwards of Trent one of ye. Lords of his matys most honble privy Councell â— The Right Noble Charles Fitz-Roy Duke of Southampton Earle of Chichester Baron of Newbury Knight of the Garter and heyre in Succession to the Dutchy of Cleaveland câ— The Right Noble Charles Lennox Duke of Richmond and Lennox Earle of March and Darneley Baron of Settrington and Tarbolton ct. The Right Noble Henry Fitz-Roy Duke of Grafton Earle of Euston Viscount Ipswich and Baron Sudbury â—â— A Duke hath the Title of Grace and being written unto is styled Most High Potent and Noble Prince And Dukes of the Royal Blood are styled Most High most Mighty and Illustrious Princes The younger Sons of Kings are by courtesie styled Princes by birth but have their Titles of Duke Marquiss c. from Creation The Daughters are styled Princesses and the Title of Royal Highness is given to all the King's Children both Sons and Daughters The form of a Patent of the Duke of York tempore Iacobi JACOBUS c. To all Archbishops Bishops Dukes Marquisses Earls Viscounts Barons Iustices Knights Governors Ministers and to all Bailiffs and faithful Subjects Greeting Whereas oftentimes we call to mind how many and innumerable Gifts and what excellent Benefits that Great Maker of all Goodness of his own benignity and clemency hath abundantly bestowed upon us who not only by his power hath consociated divers and mighty Lyons in firm Peace without any strife but also hath amplified and exalted the Bounds and Limits of our Government by his unspeakable Providence above our Progenitors with an indissolvable Conjunction of the ancient and famous Kingdoms in the right of Blood under our Imperial Diadem In regard whereof we cannot boast but most willingly acknowledge our fruitfulness and Issue plentifully adorned with the gifts
Forty years in which time he created eight Barons and had Iura Regalia within the County Of Earls not Palatine which is as ancient as the Conquest there have been principally two kinds but either of them subdivided into several Branches for they either take name of a place or hold their Title without any place Those that take their Name of a place are of two kinds for either the place is the County as the Earl of Devonshire Kent Middlesex or the like or else some Town Castle or Honour as the Earldom of Richmond in Yorkshire Clarence in Suffolk Arundel in Suffex Bathe and Bridgwater in Somersetshire and so forth And those Earldoms which have their Titles without any place are likewise of two kinds either in respect of Office or by Birth By Office as the Earl-Marshal of England called in Latin Comes Marascallus Angliae and is an Office not only of great power being in the Vacancy of the Lord High Constable of England the King's Lieutenant General in all Marshal Affairs but of as great Honour taking place of all Earls except the Lord Great Chamberlain of England and is likewise endowed with many honourable priviledges This Title of Earl-Marshal was by K. Richard the Second first given to Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham whereas before they were simply styled Marshals and after the Banishment of Mowbray he granted it to Thomas Holland Duke of Surrey and that he should carry a Rod or Verge of Gold enammeled black at both ends whereas before they used one of Wood This Office is now by his present Majesty restored to the ancient Family of the Howards Hereditary for ever and is enjoyed by the Right Honourable Henry Howard Earl of Norwich Baron Howard of Castle-Rising in Norfolk and Heir apparent to his Grace the Duke of Norfolk The other sort of Earls are by Birth and so are all the Sons of the Kings of England if they have no other Dignity bestowed upon them And therefore it was said that Iohn afterwards King of England in the life time of his Father Henry the Second was Comites sans terre Earls as other Degrees of Nobility are Offices of great Trust being created by Patent for two principal purposes one ad consulendum Regi in tempore pacis the other ad defendendum Regem Patriam in tempore belli And therefore Antiquity hath given them two Ensigns to resemble both the said Duties For first the Head is adorned with a Cap of Honour and a Coronet of Gold which for distinction is pyramidal pointed and pearled between each pyramid a Flower much shorter thâ—n the pyramid And the Body is adorned with Robes viz. a Hood Surcoat and Mantle of State with three guards of Fur upon the Shoulders which Robe is an emblem of Counsel and they are begirt with a Sword in resemblance of that they must be faithful and true to defend their Prince and Country An Earl had formerly the Title of Prince but now it is Most Potent and Noble Lord as also The Right Honourable and truly Noble Out of his Superiors presence he may have a Cloth of Estate fringed without pendants and his Countess may have her Train born up by an Esquire's Wife But to the King 's high Council of Parliament no man ought to presume to come before he hath received the King 's Writ of Summons This Constitution was first made by King Henry the Third after the Barons War was appeas'd and by King Edward the Third and his Successors it hath been carefully observed The form of a Writ of Summons to an Earl is as followeth REX c. Vnto his welbeloved Cosin John Earl of Greeting Because by the advice and assent of our Council for certain weighty and urgent businesses concerning us the state and defence of our Kingdom and Church we have ordained to be holden a certain Parliament at our City of Westminster the day of next coming and there together with you and with the Prelates and Great and Noble Men of our said Kingdom to have confidence and treaty commanding and firmly injoyning you upon your Faith and Allegiance whereby you are holden unto us that the dangers and perils imminent of that business considered and all Excuses set apart you be present at the said day in the same place with us and with the Prelates and Noblemen aforesaid to treat and give counsel upon the aforesaid business and hereof fail not as you tender our honour and the safegard and defence of our Kingdom and Church aforesaid Witness our self at Westminster the day of in the year of our Reign In this Writ an Earl is saluted by the Kâ—ng by the Name of Cosin although no Kin and the Writ of Summons to him or any other Peer is particularly directed to himself and not unto the Sheriff of the Country as the general Summons are to Knights and Burgesses of Parliament After a man is created an Earl Viscount or any other Title of Honour above his Title it is become parcel of his Name and not an addition only but in all legal Proceedings he ought to be styled by that his Dignity In the first of King Edward the Third fol. 151. a Writ of Formedon was brought against Richard Son of Alleyn late Earl of Arundel and did demand the Mannor of C. with the Appurtenances c. The Tenant by his Learned Counsel did plead that he was Earl of Arundel and was at the day of the Writ purchased and demanded Judgment of the Writ because he was not named in the Writ according to his Dignity and Title of Honour To which the Demandant saith That at that time when he did purchase the Writ the Tenant was not known nor taken to be an Earl and it is severe Justice if the Writ shall abate without any default in the Plaintiff nevertheless because the truth of the matter was so that the Earldom did descend unto him before the Plaintiff had commenced his Action and purchased his Writ against him therefore by Judgment his Writ was abated although the Tenant was not at that time known to be an Earl But if a Baron be Plaintiff or Defendant it is not of necessity to name him Baron 8 Hen. 6. 10. yet see a distinction of Barons concerning this matter here following And so Reginald Gray was reputed Esquire after the Earldom descended unto him till at last it was published and declared by the Queen and the Heralds that he was Earl of Kent in Right and by Descent although he was not reputed or named Earl before that time But an addition may be used or omitted at pleasure except in special Cases where Processes of style of Supremum Caput Ecclesiae Anglicanae which by Act of Parliament in the 26 th of Hen. 8. cap. 1. and in the 35 th of Hen. 8. cap. 3. was annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Realm It is no part of the King's style so that it may be omitted in the Summons of Parliament
Adversaries in this manner viz. The Writ of Summons to the Parliament whereby the Baron by Writ hath his Original is to call that Honourable and Worthy Person so summoned to the number of that Right High and Honourable Assembly and to be a Judge to sit hear and determine Life and Member Plea and right of Land if there shall come occasion likewise to give Counsel and Advise in the most mighty Affairs of the Realm But these things are convenient for the quality and condition of men unfitting and altogether unbeseeming the Sex of women Ergo having respect unto the scope and final purpose of such Writs such Inheritances should only descend unto the Heir Female The Second Argument contra Secondly If it shall be answered That although the Heir Female to whom such Inheritance is descended be unfit in her own person for the accomplishing of these things yet she may marry with one sufficiently able for her and in her behalf to execute the same This Answer will neither satisfie nor salve the inconveniences For admit that such an Heir Female were at full Age at the death of her Ancestor unmarried for it doth lye in her own choice then whom shall be her Husband The Third Argument contra Thirdly If such Husband shall be called by the right of his Wife the Writ shall make some mention thereof for otherwise it may well be taken that the Husband was chosen in his own person and in behalf of himself and not in regard of his wife or such pretended Dignity descended unto him But there was never such a Writ of Summons seen wherein the wife was mentioned And if the husband of such a wife have been called to the Parliament which is always by General Writ not mentioning his wife he is thereby made a Baron of himself by virtue of the said Writ Having thus heard both sides to dispute place it doth now require to interpose Opinion to compound the Controversie This point in queâ—tion is somewhat perplexed by means of difficult Presidents For first it is observed That some Presidents do prove that Baronies by Writ have descended unto Heirs Female whose husbands have been called to Parliament whether in regard of themselves or in respect of their wives right it maketh no matter but since it is that the marriage of such Ladies gave that occasion to be summoned and such husbands and their Poâ—â—erity have and do lawfully bear the same Title of Dignity which the Ancestors of such a wife did before rightfully bear For by this Controversie theâ—e is no purpose to call the right of such Noble Houses into question Howbeit Secondly this is to be observed out of the Presidents and to be acknowledged of every dutiful Subject That the King's Majesty is nevertheless at liberty to call to his High Council of Parliament whom he shall in his Princely Wisdom think fit which by his Majestie 's Noble Progenitors have in former Ages likewise observed And therefore whereas Ralph Lord Cromwell being a Baron by Writ died without Issue having two Sisters and Coheirs Elizabeth the eldest who married Sir Thomas Nevile Knight and Ioan the younger who married Sir Humphrey Butcher Knight who was called to Parliament as Lord Cromwell and not the said Sir Thomas Thirdly It is to be observed That if a Baron by Writ die without Heir Male having his Daughter Sister or other Collateral Heir Male that can challenge the Land of the said Baron deceased by any ancient entail or otherwise the Title of such an Heir Female hath heretofore been allowed as by the honourable Opinions and Relations of the Right Honourable the late Commissioners in the Office of Earl-Marshal signified unto the late Queen upon Petition of the Sister and Heir of Gregory Lord Dacres deceased may appear Moreover in the same Pedigree of the Lord Dacres it was expressed That Thomas sometimes Lord Dacres had issue Thomas his eldest Son Ralph his Second and Humphrey his third Thomas the eldest died in the life of his Father having issue Ioan Daughter and Heir who was married to Sir Richard Fines Knight and after Thomas Lord Dacres his Grandfather and Father to the said Ralph and Humphrey died after whose death Henry the Sixth by his Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster the Seventh of November in the Seventh year of his Reign reciting the said Pedigree and Marriage doth by his said Letters Patents accept declare and repute the said Richard Fines to be Lord Dacres and one of the Barons of the Realm But afterwards in the time of Edward the Fourth the said Humphrey Dacres after the attainder of the said Ralph and himself by an Act of Parliament which was the first of Edward the Fourth And after the death of the said Ralph and the Reversal of the said Act by another Act in the Twelfth of Edward the Fourth the said Humphrey made challenge unto the said Barony and unto divers Lands of the said Thomas his Father whereupon both parties after their Title had been considered of in Parliament submitted themselves to the Arbitrement of King Edward the Fourth and entred into Bond each to other for the performance thereof whereupon the said King in his Award under his Privy Seal bearing date at Westminster the Eighth of April Anno Regni sui decimo tertio did Award that the said Richard Fines in the right of Ioan his wife and the Heirs of his body by the said Ioan begotten should keep have and use the same Seat and Place in every Parliament as the said Thomas Dacres Knight Lord Dacres had used and kept and that the Heirs of the body of the said Thomas Dacres Knight then late Lord Dacres begotten should have and hold to them and to their Heirs the Mannor of Holbeach And further That the said King Edward did Award on the other part that the said Humphrey Dacres Knight and the Heirs Males of the said Thomas late Lord Dacres should be reputed had named and called the Lord Dacres of Gillesland and that he and the Heirs Males of the body of the said Thomas then late Lord Dacres should have use and keep the place in Parliament next adjoyning beneath the said place which the said Richard Fines Knight Lord Dacres then had and occupied And that the Heirs of the body of the said Ioan his wife shall have and enjoy and that the Heirs Males of the said Thomas Dacres late Lord Dacres should have to them and the Heirs Males of their bodies begotten the Mannor of Iothington c. And so note that the name of the ancient Barony namely Gillesland remained unto the Heir Male to whom the Land was entailed Moreover this is specially observed If any Baron by Writ do die having no other Issue than Female and that by some special entail or other assurance there be an Heir Male which doth enjoy all or great part of the Lands Possessions and Inheritances of such Baron deceased the Kings have used to call to the
Nobleman and his Progenitors have for a long time been called to Parliament and be a Baron either by Tenure or Writ and have had in regard thereof a place certain in Parliament if afterwards the said Nobleman should be created a Baron of that Barony and by the same name by Letters Patents whether shall he and his Heirs retain his old place in Parliament which he had according to his former Dignity or whether shall he lose his old place and take a new one according to the time of his Creation Answer The Case of the Lord Delaware lately erected a Resolution somewhat answerable to this Question Thomas Delaware in the third of Edward the Sixth being in some displeasure with William West his Heir and Nephew who was Father to Thomas late Lord Delaware and Grandfather to Henry Lord Delaware that Nevis procured by Act of Parliament by which the said William West was during his natural life only clearly disabled to claim demand or have any manner of Right Title or Interest by Descent Remainder or otherwise in or to the Mannors Lands Tenements or Hereditaments Title and Dignity of Thomas Lord Delaware his Uncle c. After the said Thomas Delaware died and the said William West was in the time of Queen Mary attainted of Treason by Verdict but pardoned by the said Queen and afterwards by Parliament in the time of Queen Elixabeth was restored and in the fourth year of her Reign was created Lord Delaware by Patent and took place in Parliament accordingly for that by the said Act of Parliament of Edward the Sixth he was excluded to challenge the former ancient Barony and after he died Now whether Thomas Delaware should take his place according to the ancient Barony by Writ or according to his Father's Creation by Patent was the Question The Opinions of the late Queens Council being his Majestie 's Attorney General and Solicitor were That the acceptance of the new Creation by the said William West could not extinguish the ancient Dignity for that he had not the ancient Dignity in him at that time of his Creation but the Dignity was by the Act of Parliament 3 Edw. 6. in the ballance of suspence or consideration of Law and he thereby utterly disabled to have the same during his life only so as other acceptance could not extinguish that Dignity which he then had not nor could not conclude his Heir who was not disabled by the Parliament 3 Edw. 6. to claim the ancient Barony which Opinion of theirs was seen and allowed by the then Chief Justice of England and Lord Chief Baron and so signified to the Lord Keeper But this to be noted by the Reasons made for the said Resolution though if the said Sir William West had been Baron and entituled and in possession of the ancient Dignity when he accepted the ancient Creation the Law perchance might have been otherwise but that remains as yet unresolved Nevertheless the Rule is Eodem modo quo quid constituitur dissolvitur But by a Grant which is but a matter of Fact a man cannot transfer his Title of Honour And thus much concerning the Degrees of Barons within this Realm upon this occasion for the better understanding and direction of that which followeth to be handled And in this place I think it not impertinent to mention one Case which I met with in our Books of Common Law concerning the Descent of a Title of Honour whereof the Ancestor had Estate in Feesimple there is a Maxim in the Law Possessio fratris in feodo facit sororemesse haeredem But if a man by any of the three means aforesaid be created into a Title of Dignity to him and his Heirs for ever and so have Issue by one wife a Son and a Daughter and hath also a Son by a second wife afterwards the Father dieth and his eldest Son entreth into all his Father's Inheritances and also enjoyeth the Titles and Dignities which his Father had but dieth without Issue In this Case the Dignity shall descend upon the younger Son though he be but of the half blood to him that last enjoyed that Name and Title of descent and shall not descend to his Sister of the whole blood And yet in this case he shall only be her Brother's Heir of all his Feesimple Lands and the reason thereof is because possessio fratris is the name and sole cause which may give Title to her his Sister which faileth in this case of Dignity for it cannot be said that her elder brother was in possession of his Title of Honour no more than of his blood so as neither by his own act nor any act to be done by any other did gain more actual possession if so it may be termed then by the Law did descend to him and therefore the younger brother may well by the Law make himself Heir unto his Father of the Honour that he cannot be heir unto his brother So that this word Possession which is no other than pedis positio extendeth only unto such things of which a man may by hâ—s entry or other act be possessed and doth require actual possession Coke's third part 92. Having thus much treated concerning the Creations and other things incident to the degrees of Nobility I cannot omit some things concerning the sufficiency and ability of Estate which the Law doth require to be in every of them according to their several Dignities The Common Law which always will decorum and conveniency be observed considering the Charges and Dignities appertaining to these Degrees and Dignities being Offices of principal Service to the King and Realm both in War and Peace hath ordered that each of them ought to have a convenient Portion and Inheritance in Land to support the said Dignity which Supplies are as Sinews conjoyned in the same For in Vertue and Riches as Aristotle confesseth all the old Nobility consisted and which two Properties maketh a good Complement for utilior est sapientia cum divitiis conjuncta Therefore a Knight's Fee which he ought to have is Twenty pounds Land by the year a Baron's thirteen Knights Fees and a quarter and an Earl's twenty Knights Fees For always the fourth part of each Revenues which is by the Law held requisite for the Dignity shall be paid to the King for the Relief As for Example the Relief of a Knight is five pounds which is the one fourth of his Revenue according to the Statute of the first of Edward the Second The Relief of a Baron is One hundred Marks which is also the fourth part of his Revenue And the Relief of an Earl is One hundred pounds alâ—o the fourth part of his Revenue And it appears by the Records of the Exchequer that the Relief of a Duke amounteth unto Three hundred pounds And this is the reason in our Books that every of the Nobility is presumed in the Law to have sufficient Freehold ad sustinendum nomen onus And to what value
to prejudice him touching his Mothers Inheritance who also did not offend or contrariwise especially in case where the Mother was seized of an Estate in Feesimple either in Lands or Tenements or Title of Honour And this was the case if I be not mistaken of Philip late Earl of Arundel notwithstanding the Attainder of Thomas Duke of Norfolk his Father for he had that Earldom in right of his Mother But they do agree That if the Lands or Tenements or a Title of Honour be given to a man and to his wife in tayl who hath Issue The Father is attainted of Treason and executed though this forfeiture of the Husband shall be no barr to the Wife concerning her interest by Survivorship yet their Issue is barred by the Statute 26 Hen. 8. cap. 13. and his Blood corrupted For in that case the Heir must necessarily make himself Heir as well of the Body of the one as of the other And yet the words of the Statute 32 Hen. 8. cap. 28. are That no Fine Feofâ—ment or other Act or Acts hereafter to be made or suffered by the Husband only of any Mannors Lands Tenements or Hereditaments being the Inheritance or Freehold of his Wife during the Coverture between them shall in any wise be or make any discontinuance or be prejudicial to the said Wife or to her Heirs or to such as shall have right title or interest to the same by the death of such Wife or Wives but the same Wife or her Heirs and such other to whom such right shall appertain after her decease shall or may then lawfully enter into all such Mannors Lands Tenements and Hereditaments according to their Rights and Titles therein For there is Adversity taken and agreed for Law between a discontinuance which doth imply a wrong and a lawful Baron which doth imply a right And therefore if Land be given to the Husband and the Wife and to the Heirs of their Bodies begotten and the Husband levies a Fine with Proclamation or do commit High Treason and dieth and the Wife before or after Entry dieth the Issue is barred and the Comisee for the King hath right unto the Lands because the Issue cannot claim as Heir unto both And with this doth agree Dyer 351. b. adjudged vide 5 Hen. 7. 32. Cott's Assize Coke's eighth part 27. where it is resolved That the Statute 32 Hen. 8. doth extend only unto Discontinuances although the Act hath general words or be prejudicial to the Wife or her Heirs c. but the conclusion if she shall lawfully enter c. according to their right and title therein which they cannot do when they be barred and have no right title and interest And this Statute doth give advantage unto the Wife c. so long as she hath right but it doth not extend to take away a future barr Although the Statute doth give Entry without limitation of any time nevertheless the Entry must attend upon the right and therefore if the Wife be seized in Feesimple and her Husband levy a Fine with Proclamation unto another and dieth now the Wife may enter by force of the Statute for as yet that Fine is not any barr unto her but her right doth remain which she may continue by Entry but if she do surcease her time and the five years do pass without Entry c. now by force of the Fine with Proclamation and five years past after the death of her Husband she is barred of her right and by consequence she cannot enter And the Statute doth speak of Fine only and not of Fine with Proclamation If there be Father and Son and the Father be seized of Lands holden in Capite or otherwise by Knight's Service the King doth create the Son Duke Earl or other Degree of Nobility and afterwards the Father dieth his Son being within the Age of One and twenty years he shall be no Ward but if the King had made him Knight in the life of his Father he should not have been in Ward after the death of his Father neither for the Lands descended nor for his Marriage though he be within Age. NOBILITY AND LORDS IN REPUTATION ONLY CHAP. XIV THERE are also other Lords in Reputation and Appellation who nevertheless are not de jure neither can they enjoy the priviledges of those of the Nobility that are Lords of the Parliament The Son and Heir of a Duke during his Father's life is only in courtesie of Speech and Honour called an Earl and the eldest Son of a Marquiss or an Earl a Lord but not so in legal proceedings or in the King's Courts of Judicature But the King may at his pleasure create them in the life of their Ancestors into any Degree of Lords of the Parliament And according to the German Custom all the younger Sons of Dukes and Marquisses are called Lords but by courtesie only which Title descends not to their Heirs A Duke or other of the Nobility of a Foreign Nation doth come into this Land by the King 's safe Conduct in which said Letters of safe Conduct he is named a Duke according to his Creation yet that Appellation maketh him not a Duke c. to sue or be sued by that name within this Realm but is only so by Reputation But if the King of Denmark or other Sovereign King come into England under safe Conduct he during his abode here ought to be styled by the name of King and to retain his Honour although not his Regal Command and Power And in this case may be observed by the way That no Sovereign King may enter into this Realm without licence though he be in League All the younger Sons of the Kings of England are of the Nobility of England and Earls by their Birth without any other Creation And if an Englishman be created Earl of the Empire or some other Title of Honour by the Emperor or other Monarch he shall not bear that Dignity in England but is only an Earl in Reputation A Lord or Peer of Scotland or Ireland is not of the Nobility or Peerage of England in all Courts of Justice although he is commonly reputed a Lord and hath priviledge as a Peer OF THE QUEEN CONSORT AND OF NOBLE WOMEN CHAP. XV. A QUEEN so called from the Sâ—xon word Cuningine as the King from Cuning by variation of Gender only as was their manner signifieth Power and Knowledge and thereby denotes the Sovereignty due unto them which they enjoyed in those days and do now in most Nations being capable of the Royal Diadem by the common right of Inheritance for want of Heirs Male But in France by the Salique Law the Sex is excluded from their Inheritance by which they debarred the English Title to their Crown There are three kinds of persons capable of the Title and Dignity of Queen amongst us and each of them different in Power and Priviledge The first is a Queen Sovereign to whom the Crown descends by Birth-right
then Countess of Killimeak in Ireland The Lady Dudley Dutchess of 〈…〉 The celebrated Beauties Barbara Villiers Dutchess of Cleaveland and Countess of Southampton and Louyse Rene Angelique de Carwell Dutchess of Portsmouth Countess of Petersfield c. Of Titles by Descent and Marriage there are Examples enough so that I need not trouble the Reader with any repetition I shall only set down some few general Observations not sufficiently discoursed of If a King's Daughter marry a Duke or an Earl illa â—emper dicitur Regalis by Law and Courtesie Noble women by descent Birthright or Creation remain Noble although they marry Husbands under that degree Also any Daughter of an Earl or Viscount that continues a Virgin or marrieth an Esquire yet she retaineth the Honour that sprung from her Parents and shall take place accordingly and be saluted by the Title of Lady If a Gentleman Knight or Peer marry a wife of ignoble Parents she shall enjoy the Title Name and Dignity of her Husband not only during his life but when she is a widow or afterwards married to an Ignoble person but this is by the Courtesie and not by the Law of the Realm Whereas on the contrary let a woman of Blood and Coat-Armour marry a Yeoman or Churle that is Ignoble and hath no Coat-Armour his Condition in point of Honour is in no respect advanced and she shall retain the Honour State and Dignity she was born unto Yet if she have iâ—â—ue by that Yeoman or Ignoble person she being an Heiress that Issue shall have liberty to bear her Coat but Sir Iohn Fern saith only for life and that on a Lozenge Shield with a difference of a Cinquefoil If a French Spanish or other woman Alien be married to a Peer of the Realm or to a Gentleman and be not denizened she is debarred all Priviledges and Titles due to her Husband nor can she claim any Dower or Joynture from him by the Laws of England Yet in some things our Laws are wonderful kind to the Female Sex especially procreandi causa As thus if a man and his wife separate for some fraud or private loathing of the Marriage Bed or the like and so continue for some years after which time the woman bringeth forth a Child which though got by another man and her Husband in all that time not having enjoyed her yet if he live in the Kingdom he must Father the Child and if before that time he had no Child that shall inherit his Lands if entailed or left without Will Also if a Wife be with Child when her Husband dieth and she marry another man before her delivery the latter Husband must own the Child which must be his Heir at Law if he were childless The Wives Dignities and Lands descend to her Heirs not to her Husband yet to encourage him to play the man the Courtesie of England is such that as the Wife hath the third part of his Estate in Lands for her Joynture during her life if a Widow so the Husband if he get his Wife with Child and that Child be heard to cry he shall enjoy all her Lands during his life The Wife can make no contract whatsoever that shall stand good in Law to the detriment of her Husband without his consent nor can she make a Will or dispose of what she hath whilst she is a Feme Covert â—he cannot be produced as a witness for or against her Husband nor shall she be accessory to his felonious acts although she receive the Goods or conceive the Fact if she be not personally an Actor therein Female Children are also by Law capable to give their consent to marriage at Seven years old and the Lord 's eldest Daughter is to have aid of his Tenants to marry her at that age though she may dissent from this Contract when she comes to Twelve but if at that Age she doth not dissent she is bound for life she may then make a Will and dispose of Goods and Chattels by it At Nine years of Age she is Dowable at Fourteen she might receive her Lands into her Hands and was then out of Wardship if she were Fourteen at the death of her Ancestor otherwise she was in Wardship till she accomplished Sixteen years and then she was free At One and twenty she is enabled to contract or alienate her Lands by Will or otherwise If there be no Son the Lands as well as Goods are equally divided amongst the Daughters who are Coheirs In ancient times Women amongst the Romans were thought worthy of enjoying peculiar favours and respect And out of their great love and honour to the Mother of Marcus Coriolanus for diverting his fury which he threatned the Citizens to their ruin for their ingratitude towards him the Citizens granted the Roman Dames the priviledge of wearing the Segmenta Aurea or Bordures of Gold and purple on their Garments They were also permitted to wear gold Ear-rings to have place on the way and in memorial of the said preservation there was erected a Temple dedicated to the Female Fortune Anne of Britain wife to Charles the Eighth of France as an ornamental Honour to several deserving Ladies instead of the Military Belt and Collar bestowed on them a Cordon or Lace and admonishing them to live chastly and devoutly and to put the greater esteem thereon the surrounded her Escocheon of Arms with the like Cordon from which Example it is now become the Custome for unmarried women to bear their Arms in form of a Lozenge which are commonly adorned with such a Cordon Ioseph Micheli Marquez for the further Honour of the Female Sex gives an Example of the Noble women of Tortosa in Aragon whom he calls Cavalleros or Knights For saith he Don Raymond last Earl of Barcellona who by right of his wife Petronilla sole Daughter and Heir to King Ramiro the Monk joyned his Principality to the Kingdom of Aragon having in the year 1149. taken from the Moors the City of Tortosa who in a few months after laid siege to the said City and reduced the Inhabitants to so great a strait that their intentions were of surrendring it up to the Moors but the women hearing thereof for the diverting their ruin put on mens Apparel and by a resolute Sally forced the Moors to raise the Seige And the Earl in acknowledgment of his thanks for this their Noble Act as a reward of Honour instituted an Order not much unlike a Military Order into which were admitted only those brave women and their Descendants The Badge which he assigned them was something like a Fryer's Capouch but of a crimson colour which they wore upon their Head-clothes Amongst the priviledges which this Earl granted them they were to be freed from all Taxes to have precedency of men in publick Meetings and that all the Iewels and Apparel of their deceased Husbands should be their own although of never so great value And these women having thus purchased this
Fermenaughâ—â— yâ— sd. Kingdome Esq r Katherine Gam 's daughter and Coheire of Hoo Gam 's of Newton in Brecknock shire Esq r Grand daughter to Sr. Iohn Gam 's discended by the elder house from the mighty Sr. David Gam'â— of Newton afores â— who did wonders at the battle of Agencourt who was discended from Tudor the greaâ— King of South Wales The occation of wearing the Leek was from that family vide seeâ— chapt. 4. Katherine Sedley sole daughter and heyre of Sr. Charles Sedley of South fleet in Kent Baronet OF KNIGHTHOOD IN GENERALâ— CHAP. XVI ALthough I am not of the Opinion of some that vainly derive the Order of Knighthood from St. Michael the Archangel whom they term the primier Chevalier yet I may say that it is near as ancient as Valour and Heroick Vertue and may derive its Original from Troy which bred many Noble and Renowned Knights amongst which were Hector Troilus AEneas and Antenor So among the Greeks were Agamemnon Menelaus Peleus Hercules Diomedes Telamon Vlysses and several others whose Military and Heroick Acts purchased unto them a never dying Fame And the Romans took so great care for the cherishing and advancement of Heroick and Military Vertue and Honour that they erected and dedicated Temples to Vertue and Honour and from the infancy of their Military Glory they instituted a Society of Knights which consisted of a select number And some there are that plead to have Knighthood take its rise from Romulus For say they that Romulus having settled his Government in Rome partly for Security and partly for magnificence erected or inrolled three Bands or Centuries of Knighthood or Horsmen the first he called Romene from his own Name the second Titience from Titus Tacitus and the third Luceria whereof mention is made by Livy And this Inrollment consisted of Three hundred stout and personable men chosen out of the chiefest Families and were to attend him as his Life-guard both in Peace and War and were called Celeres or Equites from their personal Valour and dexterity in Martial Affairs And to add to the Honour of Knighthood the Romans oft-times made the Knights Judges for the management of their Civil Affairs yet continued they of the Equestrian Order The Romans called their Knights Milites or Miles and Equites or Equites Aurati the Italians and Spaniards Cavalieri the French Chevaliers and the English Knights The Addition of Sir is attributed to the Names of all Knights as Sir Iohn Sir Thomas and the like And to Baronets the said Addition of Sir is granted unto them by a peculiar Clause in their Patents of Creation although they are not dubbed Knights No man is born a Knight of any Title or Degree whatsoever but made so either before a Battel to encourage him to adventure his Life or after the â—ight as an advancement to Honour for their valiant Acts. And although Knighthood according to its first Institution was only a Military Honour yet of later days it hath beenâ— frequently seen that meritorious persons in Civil Affairs have this degree of Honour conferred upon them Nor arâ— Kings Princes or Potentates at any time limitted or confined their bestowing this Dignity being at all times free to bestow it on whomsoever they shall in their Princely favour think worthy to be advanced to the said Honour either for their Merit Birth of Estate The Ensigns or Ornaments belonging to Knighthood are many each Country or Kingdom having those peculiar to it self I shall name some of the chief To the Knights of the Equestrian Order amongst the ancient Romans was given a Horse or a Gold Ring The Germans gave the Badge of the Shield and Launce The French anciently gave also the Shield and Launce as Favin notes but since they used the Equestrian Target Another Knightly Ornament is the Military Belt first made of Leather which afterwards came to be richly adorned with Gold and precious Stones and to this Belt was added a Sword Other Ornaments were gilt or golden Spurs and golden Collars of SS But these have been for a long time laid aside and instead thereof is only used Dubbing with a naked Sword to Knights Batchelors which I shall speak of when I treat of Knights Batchelors Many have been and yet are the Degrees and Order of Knighthood in Christendom each Kingdom having some appropriated to themselves which though many of them are now extinct yet I shall touch upon them as I find them Recorded by Sir William Segar in his Volume of Honour Military and Civil and by Elias Ashmole Esq in his incomparable Volume of the Order of the Garter to which I refer the Curious Reader for his further satisfaction And of these Degrees or Orders I shall first treat of those used amongst us beginning with that of the most Noble Order of the Garter next with the Knights Bannerets then with Baronets this being their proper place according to precedency although something improper as not being of any degree of Knighthood next with Knights of the Bath then with Knights Batchelors and so conclude with those Degrees of Knighthood in Foreign Kingdoms and Countries His Royall Highness Iames Duke of Yorke and Albany Kt. of the most noble order of the Garter and sole brother to his sacred maty King Charles the 2d. c a. The Effigies of the most honble Henry Somerset Marques and Earle of Worcester Ld. Herbert Baron of Chipston Raglon and Gowen Lord President and Ld. Leivtenant of Wales and the Marches Lord Leivtenant of the Countyes of Glocester Hereford and Monmouth and of the Cilty and County of Bristol Knight of the most noble order of the Garter and one of the Lords of his matys most honble Privy Councell The Effigies of the Right honble Henry Bennet Earle and Baron of Arlington Viscount Thetsord Knight of the most noble order of the Garter Lord Chamberlaine of his Ma â—â—s Household and one of the Lords of his most Honourable privy Councell c a. KNIGHTS Of the most Noble Order of the Garter OR St GEORGE CHAP. XVII IT was the custome and policy of puissant Princes in all Ages to invite and secure to themselves persons of Renown and such Heroick Spirits were encouraged with Remarks of Honour viz. eminent priviledges of Place different Habits and additional Titles to distinguish them from the Vulgar besides other opulent Rewards And amongst those persons the more eminent or excellent of merit were placed in a Superior Orb that their Glory might be the more splendid to the World Such were King David's mighty men the Satrapae of Persia the Orders Military amongst the Romans and the many Institutions of Knighthood in Christendome But of all Orders purely Military now extant I must prefer this of St. George which we call the Garter not only because it is our own Nation or that none are commonly admitted but Peers but for the excellency of it self First for its Antiquity Secondly for its glorious Institution by that Renowned
King Edward And thirdly for the many Emperors Kings and Princes that have been admitted into the said Fraternity First I find it agreable to all Histories that 't was instituted by King Edward the Third Anno 1350. which was fifty years before the Instituting the French Order of St. Michael by Lewis the Eleventh Two hundred twenty nine years before Henry the Third devised the new Order of the Holy Ghost full Eighty years before the Order of the Golden Fleece was instituted by Philip the Good of Burgundy One hundred and ninety years before King Iames the Fifth refined the Order of St. Andrew in Scotland and about Two hundred and nine years before the Kings of Denmark begun the Order of the Elephant which gives it clearly the pre-eminency before other Orders in point of Antiquity For the occasion of the pristine Institution you must know King Edward the Third having engaged himself in a War with France for the obtaining of that Crown which descended on him in right of his Mother thought fit to allure to his party all such Gallant Spirits as were Friends to Bellona and to that end erected a Round Table in the Castle of Windsor in imitation of King Arthur's at Winchester where they were exercised at Tilts and Tournaments and Royally entertained with magnificent Feasts and other Princely Favours to engage them unto him But Philip of Vallois who was in actual possession of the Crown of France countermined him by erecting a like Table in his own Court whereby he drew away many from King Edward so that being disappointed in that Project and yet proving victorious in his Arms against France and Scotland at his Return he rewarded the most eminent of those Heroick Knights that had born the brunt of the Day and persevered in their Loyalty with this Noble Order which consisted of Six and twenty of which himself was one being all persons of choice Endowments of great renown in Chivalry and such as should be bound by Oath and Honour to adhere unto him And upon the death of any one of them the place was to be supplied by another elected by the King and his Successors who are Sovereigns of the said Order with the consent of the Fraternity but now the Election is at the entire pleasure of the King Therâ— are many Articles confirmed unto them to which all that are enstalled Subscribe besides the forementioned Oath viz. that whilst they shall be Fellows of the Order they will defend the Honour Quarrels Rights and Lordships of the Sovereign that they will endeavour to preserve the Honour of the said Order and all the Statutes made for the same without fraud or covin Quinam perjurati It is also esteemed most Honourable there having been more Emperors Kings and Foreign Princes of this one Order than of all others in a manner in the World which Honour is obtained by keeping precisely to the primitive Number never exceeding Six and twenty whereas all others of this kind have been so frankly communicated unto all pretenders that at last they lost their lustre and esteem in the World Of this Order there hath been no less than eight Emperors seven Kings of Portugal two Kings of Scots before the Union five Kings of Denmark three of Naples one of Poland and two of Sueden besides many Foreign Sovereign Princes of Italy Germany c. The Order and Institution being Honourable and by many Learned Pens sufficiently cleared from the envy of Froysart and other French men as also from the folly of Polydore Virgil who favours the Romantick Story of the fair Countess of Salisbury who being a dancing with the said King Edward let fall her Garter which the King took up and tied about his Leg at which the Queen being jealous he gave this Motto Honi sort qui mal y pense that is Evil be to him that evil thinks The Patron of this Order is St. George a Man of great Renown for Chivalry he suffered Martyrdom at Lydda under Dioclesian saith Mr. Selden supposed by Dr. Helyn to have been martyrred at Nicomedia the principal Seat then of the Eastern Empire and by others at Diosprilia or Lyddea in Palestine where he is said to be interred whose Fame was so great in the World that many Temples and Monasteries were dedicated to him in the Eastern Countries from whence his esteem came into England who celebrated to his memory the Three and twentieth of April with the rest of the Universal Church But how long he has been honoured as Patron and Protector of England is disputable Mr. Selden concludes before the Conquest And 't is no marvel saith he that so warlike a people should make choice of such a Souldier-Saint known by the particular name of Tropheophorus of greater eminency in both the Eastern and Western Churches than any other Souldier-Saint To this Tutelary Saint or Patron of Martial men King Edward commends himself and his Companions called The Knights of St. George And having both beautified and enlarged his Castle at Windsor to be the Royal Seat of this Order he caused a solemn Proclamation to be made in France Spain c. to invite all Military Spirits to attend those Tilts and Tournaments which were intended to be kept not only on St. George's day then next ensuing which was designed for the day of Institution but for fifteen days before and as many after and that the memory of St. George might be still continued he gave them for a part of their daily Habit the Image of St. George encountring with the Dragon or Devil inchased with Pearls and precious Stones appendant to a blue Ribon continually to be worn about their necks As for the Habit of this Order besides the George and Ribon before mentioned and a Garter enamelled with Gold Pearl and precious Stones with the Motto Honi soit qui mal y pense embroydered upon it which is fastned about the left Leg with a buckle of Gold from whence they were called Knights of the Garter and without these two Ornaments none of these Knights are to appear in publique There also properly belongs to this Order a Cassock of crimson Velvet and a Mantle and Hood of purple Velvet lined with white Sarsnet on the left shoulder whereof is an Escocheon of St. George embroidered with a Garter within the Motto The Escocheon is Argent a Cross Gules But these to be worn only upon St. George's day and when it shall please the Sovereign to celebrate the Ceremonies of the Installations To each Knight belongs a Collar of the Order made of pure Gold weighing thirty Ounces of Troy weight composed of Garters and Roses enamelled with Roses red and white and since the coming of King Iames there hath been an intermixture of Thistles the Image of St. George enriched with precious Stones appendant to it to be worn over all the Robes at St. George's Feast and over their ordinary Cloaks upon all such days on which the Sovereign is bound
by Statute to make Offerings Also besides these Robes and Ornaments appointed by the Founder it was ordered by K. Charles the first That all Knights should ordinarily wear upon their Cloaks or Coats on the left side a Star of Silver imbroidery with the Escocheon of St. George within the Garter c. in the Center of it But the Habit doth more lively appear by the Pourtraiture representing the Habit of the said Order In some of these Habiliments these Knights are attired in publick as the diversity of the occasion requireth but always in their stateliest Robes and richest Collars when the Solemnities of the Order are to be performed that is the celebrating of St. George's Feast and in the Act of their Installations in the Free Chappel of St. George built within the verge and limits of the Castle at the Foundation whereof was appointed a Dean Prebends and poor Gentlemen established to be maintained with Stipends by the Name of Knights or poor Knights of Windsor who have provided for them Robes of Cloth according to them of their Order who are to pray for the Order Concerning the Ceremony of the Installation you are to know that every Knight is bound to fasten an Escocheon of their Arms on a plate of Metal on their several Stalls with an Inscription of their Names Titles and Honour which they remove as they are advanced in order higher And in this order they also advance their Banners Swords and Helmets which are continually over their Stalls during their being of that Order that plate of their Arms being left unto the Stall in which they last sate the Hatchment taken down to make room for such as succeed unto the deceased or higher removed Knights touching which they are placed according to the Seniority of their Creations and not according to their Dignities and Titles of Honour so that sometimes a Knight Batchelor hath place before an Earl or Duke as not long since Sir Henry Lea Knight Keeper of the Armory had precedency of the Duke of Lenox besides Earls and Barons only in honour to Strangers who are Sovereign Princes or Sons or Brothers to such it is permitted by the Rule of Order that they take place according to the quality of these persons but this by a late Indulgence Anciently if a King crowned came in place of a Knight Batchelor he sate there without any difference but this alteration was made as 't is supposed by King Henry the Seventh in reference to Foreign Princes the rest continue in their Stalls where first seated so that the Sovereign reserved to themselves the power once in their Lives so saith the Statute to make a general translation of all the Stalls except of Emperors and Foreign Princes which order continues to this day Much may be said in honour of this Noble Order but it being so well and accurately treated of by that great Antiquary Elias Ashmole Esq in a large Volume in Folio lately published by him entituled The Institution Laws and Ceremonies of the most Noble Order of the Garter that nothing more can be said thereof which he hath illustrated with great variety of useful ornamental Sculptures I shall therefore conclude by setting down the Heads of the several Chapters and Sections by him so learnedly treated of recommending to the Reader the said Volume as a Work fit to adorn and enrich the Libraries of the most Curious The first Chapter treats of Knighthoood in general which is divided into ten Sections Chap. II. Of the Religious Orders of Knighthood in Christendome divided into five Sections Chap. III. Of Military Orders of Knighthood in three Sections Chap. IV. Treats of the Castle Chappel and Colledge of Windsor in eight Sections 1. Of the Castle 2. Of the Chappel 3. The Foundation of the Colledge 4. Of the Dean Canons Clerks and Choristers 5. Of the Poor Knights 6. Of other Officers of the Colledge 7. Of the Endowment of the Colledge And 8. of the Priviledges of the Chappel and Colledge Chap. 5. Treats of the Institution of the Order in five Sections 1. The Opinions concerning the occasion of its Institution 2. The true Cause inserted 3. The Time of its Institution 4. Of the Patrons of the Order And 5. the Honour and Reputation thereof Chap. VI. Treats of the Statutes and Annals of the Order in four Sections 1. Of the Statutes and Institutions 2. Of those other bodies of Statutes since established 3. The endeavours for the reforming the Statutes since King Henry the Eighth And 4. of the Annals of the Order Chap. VII Treats of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order in ten Sections 1. Of the Garter 2. Of the Mantle 3. Of the Surcoat 4. Of the Cap and Hood 5. The Robes anciently assigned to the Queen and great Ladies 6. The Collar in general 7. The Collar of the Order 8. The Collar of SS 9. The lesser George And 10. when the Habits in whole or in part ought to be worn Chap. VIII Treats of the Officers appointed for the Service of the Order in seven Sections 1. The Prelat's Institution his Oath Robe and Priviledges 2. The Institution of the Chancellor's Office with his Oath Badge and Pension 3. The Register's Institution with his Oath Mantle Badge c. 4. Garter's Institution with his Oath Mantle c. 5. The Institution of the Black Rod's Office with his Oath Habit c. 6. The payment of the Officers Pensions upon the new Establishment And 7. the Execution of these Offices by Deputies Chap. IX Treats of the Election of a Knight into this Order in eighteen Sections 1. Of Summons to the Election 2. The place of the Assembly 3. The number of the Knights 4. The Dispensation for want of a full number 5. Of opening the Chapter 6. That Knights only present in Chapter ought to nominate 7. Of the number qualifications and degrees of those persons to be nominated 8. Of the Scrutiny and by whom it ought to be taken 9. The time when 10. The Order and Manner of it 11. The presentation of it to the Sovereign 12. His considerations referring to the qualifications of the person to be elected 13. Of other inducements for Election 14. The Sovereign only Electeth 15. The Scrutiny ought not to be entred amongst the Annals 16. The Scrutiny ought not to be viewed until it be entred 17. Of Scrutinies taken yet no Election made And 18. the penalties inflicted on Knights Companions who appear not at the Election Chap. X. Treats of the Investure of a Knight-Subject with the Garter and George in six Sections 1. The notice given to a Knight-Subject of his Election 2. His reception into the Chapter-house 3. The Ceremonies of Investiture with the Garter and George 4. Of sending the Garter and George to an elect Knight-Subject 5. The manner of a Knight's Investiture And 6. the Allowances and Rewards given to Garter King at Arms for his Service in this Employment Chap. XI Of the preparations for the
and Country in process of time obtained the name of Barons and were admitted into the Peerage and had their Titles affixed to them and their Heirs And this was the usuage and custome of the Saxon Kings to consult their Affairs without the election of the Commons as both Ethelred and Edwin did But whether this be a truth or only opinion I leave to others to dispute Certain it is they always retained some Ensigns of Honour equal to the Nobility being allowed to bear their Arms with Supporters which is denied to all others under the Degree of a Baron Also they take place before all Viscounts and Barons younger Sons as also before all Baronets and were of such esteem that divers Knights Batchelors and Esquires have served under them This Order in France was Hereditary but with us only for life to the meritorious person yet esteemed a Glory and Honour to their Family The Ceremony of their Creation is most Noble The King or his General which is very rare at the head of his Army drawn up into Battalia after a Victory under the Royal Standard displayed attended with all the Field Officers and Nobles af the Court receives the Knight led between two renowned Knights or valiant Men at Arms having his Pennon or Guydon of Arms in his Hand and before them the Heralds who proclaim his valiant Atchievements for which he deserves to be made a Knight Banneret and to display his Banner in the Field then the King or General says unto him Advances toy Banneret and causeth the point of his Pennon to be rent of and the new Knight having the Trumpets before him sounding the Nobles and Officers accompanying him is remitted to his Tent where they are nobly entertained To this degree of Knighthood doth belong peculiar Robes and other Ornaments at their Creation A Banneret thus made may bear his Banner displayed in an Army Royal and set his Arms thereon with Supporters as may the Nobles Of this Order there is at present none extant and the last I read of was Sir Iohn Smith made so after Edghill fight for rescuing the King's Standard from the Rebels in that Battel who was afterwards flain in his said Majesties Service at Alresford in Hantshire To this degree of Honour Sir William de la More Ancestor to the present Edward More of More-hall and Bank-hall in Lancashire Esq was advanced by Edward the black Prince for his eminent Service done at the Battel of Poictiers in France The Portrature and Coate Armour of Sr. William de la More Ancestor of ye. present Sr. Edw. More of Moreâ—hall and Bankeâ—hall in Lancashire Baronet wch sd. Sr. Will was made Kt. Banneret by Edw ye. Black Prince at ye. Battle of Poictiers in France The Rt. Honouraâ—le Sr. George Caâ—teret of Nawnes in Bedford shire Kt. Baronet Vice Chamberlaine of his Majestys Household and one of his Majestys most Honourable privy Councell c a. the 45â— Bart. by Creation The honble Sr Hâ—rbotle Grimston of Gore ham bury in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Baronet Speaker of the honble house of Comon 〈◊〉 â—irst Parliament vnder his Majesty King Châ—â—â—eâ—â—he 2d and at present Master of the Rollâ— the 87 Bart. by Creation Sr. Edmund Bacon of Redgrave in Suffolk Primier Bart. of England the first Bart. by Creation Sr Francis Radcliffe of Dilston in Northumberland Bar t of which Familyâ— there haue been six Earleâ— of Sâ—â—râ—x fiue of them were Ktâ— of the Garter besides S â— Iohn Radclyffe Kt. of ye. Garter tâ—mÌ„ps K. Hon 6th â—◠〈◊〉 Rodclyffe alâ—oe Kt. of ye. Garter temÌ„ps K. Rich. 3d. q. 18 Bart. by Creation Sr. Richard Atkins of Much Haddam in the County of Hertford Knight and Baronet The 4 Sâ— Bart. by creation Sr. Francis Gerard of Harrow Hill in Middlesex and of Aston Clinton in the County of Buckingham Knight and Baronet The 126. Bar â— by creation Sr. Tho. Mauleverer of Allerton-Mauleverer in the West rideing of York shire Barnt now maried to Katherine sole daughter heyre of Sr. Miles Stapleton of Wihill in ye. Sd. rideing of Yorkshire Kt. deceased The Barnt by creation Sr. Iohn Wittewronge of Rothamsted in the parish of Harpenden in the County of Hertford K â— and Bart. descended from the Wittewronges in Flanders whose Grandfather Iaques Wittewronge of Gaunt in the sd. province did thence transplant himselfe and family into this Kingdome Anno. 1564. The Bart. by creation Sr. Tho Pâ—yton of Knowlton in the County of Kent Bart. descenâ—d from the Peyton's of Peyton Hallâ— Suffolk who had by his first wife Margaret daughter and heyre of Sr. John Bernard of Jâ—esham in Cambridg shire much land and many children from whom are descended the Peyton's of Suffolk Cambride shire Kent and the Isle of Eley his second wife was Margaret daughter and Coheyre of Sr. Hugh Francie s by whome he had also much land and many Children and from whome are descended the Peyton's of Sr. Edmondsbury Warwick shire Worcester shire and Glocester sh. the 61. Bar. by creation Sr. Anthony Craven of Sparsholt in Berkshire Knight and Baronet of the name and family of the Right Honourable William Earle of Craven ct The 648. Bart. by creation Sr. Henry Puckering alias Newton of the priory near the Borough of Warwick in Warwickshire Bart. now maried to Elizabeth daughter of Tho. Murrey Esq. â— secretary to King Charles the first whâ—â—â—rince of Walâ—â— The â—24 Bart. by creatâ—â—n Sr. Phillip Matheiâ—s of Edmonton in Middx. Bart. Now Maried to Ann eldest doughter of Sr. Tho Wolstonholme of Minsingden in ye. Sd. Parish of Edmonton Bart. the 6â—4 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Tempest of Stelle in the Bishoprick of Durham Bart. the â—99 Bar t by Creation Sr. John Molinevx of Teversaâ—â— in ye. County of Nottingham Bart. the 3â— Bart. by Creation â—r. William Walter of Sarsden in Oxfordshire Bart. â—â—â—ended from ye. antienâ—family of ye. Walters of Warwiâ—â—â—â—â—re whose late wife was ye. Lady Mary Tuston dau◠〈◊〉 ye. Rtâ— honble Nicholas Earle of Thanet deceaâ—eâ— ye. 352 Bart. by Creation Sâ— Iohn Osborn of Chickâ—ands in ye. County of Bedford Baronet the 468 Bart. by Creation Sr. Robert Vyner of ye. Citty of London K â— Baro â— And Lord Major thereof Anno. Domini 1675 ye. 658 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Wolstenholme of Minsingden in ye. Parisâ— of Edmunton in the County of Middlesex Baronet the 747 Bart. by Creation Sr. Peter Gleane of Hardwick in ye. County of Norfolk Baronet ye. 770. Bart. by Creation Sr. Robert Iason of Broadsomerford in Wiltshire Baronet now maried to Ann daughter of George Dacres of Cheston in the County of Hertford Esq. yâ— 672 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Wilbraham of Woodhey in ye. County of Chester Baronett now maried to Elizâ— sole Daugâ—ter heyr of Edward Mitton of Weston vndâ—â— LozzardinÌ„ ye. County of Stafford â— Esq ye. â—4â—8 Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Myddelton of Chirk â— Castle in Denbighshir Bart. first Maried to Elizabeth daughter of Sr.
Tho WilbraÌ„ham of Woodhâ—â— in Cheshire Bart. now to Charlott Daughter of ye. R t honble Orlando Bridgman Kt and Bart. deceased Late Ld. Keeper of the great Seale of Enâ—land the 514 Bart. by Creation 〈◊〉 â—â—hn Bridgâ—man of Castle Bromwicâ— in Warwickshire Bar t Eldest son of ye. Rt. honble Sr. Orlando Bridgâ—â—an of great Leaâ—er in Lancashir Kt. Bart. deceâ—â—â—â— Laâ—e â—â— Keeper of ye. great seale of England wth 〈◊〉 S â— â—ohn is now maried to Mary Daughter Coheyrâ— of â—â—â—â—gâ—â—radock of Carswall Castle in Stafordshire Esq deceased Thâ— 496 Bart. by Creation â—r. Samuell Barnadiston of Brightwell Hall in Suffolâ— Bart. Third son to Sr. Nath Barnadiston of Kettoâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 the Sd. County who was ye. 23d. Kt. Lineally descended of ye. family wth still Enjoyes ye. Paternall Estate they had before ye. Conquest ye. Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Darâ—ey of St. Clerehall in St. oseth in ye. County of Essex Bart. The 486 Bart. by Creation Sr. Humfrey Forster of Aldermaston in Barkshire Bart. descended of a family of great antiquity Whose Ancestors haue been there seated for Aboue 300 yeares the 129 Bart. by Creation Sr. Iohn Robinson of ye. Citty of London Alderman Kt. Bart. Leiutenant of his matys Tower of London The 494 Bart. by Creation Sr. Ralph Verney of Middle Claydon in ye. County of Bucks Kt. Bart. son to Sr. Edmund Verney Kt. Marshall to K. Charles ye. first and Standard bearer at ye. Battle of Edghill The 619 Bart. by Creation S â— Iohn Hobart of Blicklinâ— in Norfolk Barot. heire male to Sr. Henry Hobart K â— Barot. Cheife Iustice of ye. Common please who descended from the 2d son of Sr. Iames Hobart of Halâ—s in â—â—d. County Attorney Generall to King Hâ—nry ye. 〈…〉 Iohn is now maried to Mary daughter of Iohn Hampden of Hampden in Buckingham shire Esq. 〈◊〉 yeâ— â—tâ— Bart. by Creation Sr. Iohn Corbett of Stoke upon Tean and Adderley in Shropshire Bart. first maried to Theophila daughter and Coheire of Iames Cambell in Essex Esq and now to â—rances daughter of Randolph Egerton of Betley in Staffordshire Esq â— yâ— 217 Bart. by Creation Sr. Vincent Corbett of Moarton Corbett in Shropshire Bart. now maried to Elizabeth daughter of Francis Thornes of Shelvock in ye. sd. County ye. 37â— Bart. by Creation Sr. Thomas Williams of Elham Court in Coâ—â— Kent Kt. and Baronet first and principall Chymical Phâ—sitian to his maty King Châ— the 2d. the Bart. by Creation Sr. Phillip Perciâ—â—le of Burton in the County of Corke in Ireland Baronet descendâ—d from the Perciuals of North Weston near Bristoll in Somersetshire the family caâ—â— in with William the Conquerer and were â—hefore of Vile near CaeneÌ„ in Normandy Sr. Iohn Lowther of Lowther hall in the County of Westmoreland Bart. Srâ— Charlâ—s Wheâ—er of Burbury in the County of Warwick Baronetâ— anciently of Martin Husâ—ingtre in the County of Worcester the 544 by Creacion â—râ— Meâ—calfe Robinson of Newby in the North rideing of Yorkshire Bart. maried Margaret daughter of Sr. William Darcâ—â— of Witton Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham Kt. the 536 Bart. by Creation Sr. Kingmill Lucy of Nâ—tley in Huntshire Barâ—â— Second Branch of the Ancient Family of the Lucyâ— of Charleâ—oâ— in Warwickshire now Maried to Theophila 2d. daughter to the R â— honble Gâ—â—â—ge Ld. Barkley of 〈…〉 Castle the 99th Bart. by Creatiâ—◠〈◊〉 Thomas Hanmer of Hanmer Bettes fiâ—lâ— in the County of Flint Bart. descended by many Knights from Sr. Iohn de Hanmer who lived in the tyme of King Edw the first the 139 Bart. by Creation 〈◊〉 Henry Hunlock of Wingerworth in Derbyshire Bar â— in the Escocheon of pretence is the Armes of Katherine his Lady who was sole daughter heâ—râ— of â—rancis Turwhit of Kettleby of Lincolnshire Esq â— last â—f yâ— Eldest branch of that great antient family the 424 Bart. by Creation Srâ— William Glynne of Bissâ—â—â—er alias Byrcester in Oxfordshire of Hawarden in flintshire Baronet â—â—iter maried wth Penelopeâ— daughter of Stephen Anderson of Evworth in Bedfordshire Esq the 64â— Bart. by Creation â—râ— Richard Graham of Nether by in Cumberland Bart. 〈…〉 in the second son of the Earle of Monteith in the Kingdome of â—cotland who about the tyme of Kâ— Henâ— yâ— 4th of England maried yâ— Lady Anne Vere Daughter to the Earle of Oxford wch Sd. Sr. Ricâ—â—â—â— now maried to the Lady Anne 2d. daughtâ—r to Charles â—arle of 〈◊〉 the 284 Bart. by Creation Sr. IOHN â—ANKS of the Fryers in Aylesford â—â— the County of Kent Bart. now maried Elizabethâ— eldest daughter of Sr. Iohn Dethick of the Citty of London Kt. and Alderman deceasâ—d ye. 671 Bart. by Creation 〈◊〉 Iohn Shaw of Eltham in the County of Kent◠〈◊〉 Bart. now maried to Bridget Viscount 〈◊〉 Kilmurrey daughter to Sr. William Druâ—y of Bestroorp in Norfolk Bart. the 755 Bart. by Creationâ— Sr. RICHARD HEAD of the Citty of Rochester in the County of Kent Baronet the by Creation 〈◊〉 Edwâ— More of Morehall Bank hall in Lancashiâ—â—â—aâ—t. Whos 's late wife was Dorothy one of the Daughâ—â—â— Coeheirâ—s to Sr. â—ittâ— Fenwick of Meldon in Northumberland Kt. and Bartâ— by â—eabell Daughâ—â—â—â— sole heire of Sr. Arthur Grey Kt. Uncâ—â— to â—â—esent Will Ld. Grey of Warkeâ— the 689 Bart. by Creation Sâ—â— Iohn Holland of Quidenham in ye. County of Norâ—â—â—â—â—ar t dâ—scendâ—d from the Hollands of ye. Antient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Lancashir Maried to Alathea daughter and Câ—heyce of Iohn Panton of Bruâ—â—shop in Denbighshiâ—â—â—â—que Reâ—ict of ye. Rt. Honerblâ— Wittâ— Ld. 〈◊〉 of the Vine in Hantshire the 188 Bart. by Creation â—râ— Anthony Aucher of Byshopsbourn in 〈◊〉 â—t. Bart. maried to one of ye. daughter oâ— Robert Hatton Kt. deceased one of the Chamberlyns of his matys Exchequâ—râ— the Bart. by Creationâ— Sr. Iohn Reresby of Thriberge in the West Rideing of Yorkshire Bart. Gouernor of Burlington in the said County the 387 Bart. by creation OF BARONETS CHAP. XIX THE lowest degree of Honour that is Hereditary is this of Baronets which was instituted by King Iames in the ninth year of his Reign Anno 1611. They are created by Patent under the Great Seal a form of which I shall here set down which are generally all of one form viz. to a Man and the Heirs Males of his Body lawfully begotten yet sometimes the Honour is otherwise entailed for want of Issue Male. And the Proeme or Argument of the said Patent being for the propagating a Plantation in the Province of Vlster in Ireland to which the aid of these Knights was ordained or for the maintenance of Thirty Souldiers each of them in Ireland for three years after the rate of eight pence sterling per diem which at first was payed into the Exchequer at a lump upon the passing their Patents which with the Fees of Honour due to Officers amounted to above One thousand pounds a Man Their Titles are to descend as aforesaid and they
have precedency before all Knights except those of the Garter Bannerets and Privy Councellors they are styled Baronets in all Writs Commissions c. and the addition of Sir is attributed unto them as the title of Lady is to their Wives They are to take place according to the priority of the date of their Patents and no Honour is to be created between Baronets and Barons At the first instituting of this Order King Iames engaged that they 〈…〉 two hundred in number and after the said number should be compleated if any for want of an Heâ—r Male should be extinct there should never any more be created in their room but that the title should diminish to the honour of them remaining But afterwards a Commission was ordained to fill up the vacant places who had instructions also enacted by which the Commissioners were impowered to treat with others that desired to be admitted into the said Dignity which is now allowed without limitation yet with this Proviso that they be of good Reputation and descended of a Grandfather at the least by the Father's side that bare Arms and have also a certain yearly Revenue of One thousand pounds per Annum de claro It is also ordained that they and their Descendants viz. their eldest Sons attaining the full Age of One and twenty years may receive Knighthood and that they shall in a Canton or in an Escocheon which they please bear the Arms of Vlster viz. in a Field Argent a sinister hand couped at the wrist Gules In the King's Army Royal they have place in the gross near the King's Standard and are allowed some peculiar Solemnities for their Funerals Since the first Creation of Baronets in England there hath been several made after the like manner in Ireland as also the Knights of Nova Scotia in the West Indies by King Iames upon the like design that is for planting that Country by the Scotch Colonies and the Degâ—â—es likewise made Hereditary By the King THE INSTRUCTIONS Within mentioned to be observed by Our COMMISSIONERS WITHIN NAMED FOrasmuch as We have been pleased to authorize you to treat and conclude with a certain number of Knights and Esquires as they shall present themselves unto you with such offers of assistance for the service of Ireland and under such Conditions as are contained in these Presents wherein We do repose great trust and confidence in your discretions and integrities knowing well that in such cases there are so many circumstances incident as require a choice care and consideration We do hereby require you to take such course as may make known abroad both Our purpose and the authority given unto you That by the more publick notice thereof those persons who are disposed to advance so good a Work may in time understand where and to whom to address themselves for the same For which purpose We require you to appoint some certain place and times for their Access which We think fittest to be at the Council Chamber at Whitehall upon Wednesdays and Fridays in the Afternoon where you shall make known to them as they come that those who desire to be admitted into the Dignity of Baronets must maintain the number of thirty foot Souldiers in Ireland for three years after the rate of eight pence sterling money of England by the day And the wages of one whole year to be paid into Our Receipt upon the passing of the Patent Provided always that you proceed with none except it shall appear unto you upon good proof that they are men for quality state of living and good reputation worthy of the same And that they are at the least descended of a Grandfather by the Father's side that bare Arms and have also of certain yearly revenue in Lands of inheritance in possession One thousand pounds per Annum de claro or Lands of the old Rent as good in accompt as One thousand pounds per Annum of improved Rents or at the least two parts in three parts to be divided of Lands to the said values in possession and the other third part in reversion expectant upon one life only holding by Dower or in Ioynture And for the Order to be observed in ranking those that shall receive the Dignity of a Baronet although it is to be wished that those Knights which have now place before other Knights in respect of the time of their Creation may be ranked before others Caeteris paribus yet because this is a Dignity which shall be Hereditary wherein divers circumstances are more considerable than such a Mark as is but Temporary that is to say of being now a Knight in time before another Our pleasure is you shall not be so precise in placing those that shall receive this Dignity but that an Esquire of great Antiquity and extraordinary Living may be ranked in this choice before some Knights And so of Knights a man of greater living more remarkable for his house years or calling in the Common-wealth may be now preferred in this Degree before one that was made a Knight before him Next because there is nothing of Honour or of Value which is known to be sought or desired be the Motives never so good but may receive scandal from some who wanting the same good affection to the Publick or being in other considerations incapable can be contented out of envy to those that are so preferred to cast aspersions and imputations upon them As if they came by this Dignity for any other consideration but that which concerneth this so publick and memorable a work you shall take order That the party who shall receive this Dignity may take his Oath that neither he nor any for him hath directly or indirectly given any more for attaining the Degree or any Precedency in it than that which is necessary for the maintenance of the number of Souldiers in such sort as aforesaid saving the charges of passing his Patent And because We are not Ignorant that in the distribution of all Honours most men will be desirous to attain to so high a place as they may in the Iudgment whereof being matter of dignity there cannot be too great caution used to avoid the interruption that private partialities may breed in so worthy a Competition Forasmnch as it is well known that it can concern no other person so much to prevent all such Inconveniencies as it must do our self from whom all Honour and Dignity either Temporary or Hereditary hath his only root and beginning You shall publish and declare to all whom it may concern That for the better warrant of your own Actions in this matter of Precedency wherein We find you so desirous to avoid all just Exceptions We are determined upon view of all those Patents which shall be subscribed by you before the same pass Our Great Seal to take the especial care upon Vs to order and rank every man in his due place And therein always to use the particular counsel and advice that
again into the Hall where he shall sit at Table with the Knights and being risen and retired into his Chamber his Attire is taken off and again clothed with a blew Robe having on his left Shoulder a Lace of white Silk hanging to be worn upon all his Garments from that day forwards till he have gained some Honour and Renown for some Feats of Arms or some Prince or Lady of Quality cut that Lace from his Shoulder After Dinner the Knights must come to the Knight and conduct him into the King's presence to return him thanks for these Honours and so takes his leave of the King and the Governours craving his pardon for any miscarriage and claiming their Fees according to the Custom of the Court also take their leaves of the Knight I shall conclude this Chapter with giving an Account of the Knights made at the Coronation of his Majesty Knights of the Bath made at the Coronation of his Majesty King CHARLES the Second EDward Lord Clinton now Earl of Lincoln Iohn Egerton Viscount Brackley eldest Son to the Earl of Bridgwater Sir Philip Herbert then second Son to the Earl of Pembroke Sir William Egerton second Son to the Earl of Bridgwater Sir Vere Fane second Son to the Earl of Westmoreland Sir Charles Berkley eldest Son to George Lord Berkley Sir Henry Bellasis eldest Son to the Lord Bellasis Sir Henry Hyde now Earl of Clarendon Sir Rowland Bellasis Brother to Viscount Faulconberg Sir Henry Capell Sir Iohn Vaughan now eldest Son to the Earl of Carbery Sir Charles Stanley Grandchild to the late Earl of Derby Sir Francis Fane Sir Henry Fane Grandchildren to the Earl of Westmoreland Sir William Portman Baronet Sir Richard Temple Baronet Sir William Ducy Baronet Sir Thomas Trevor Baronet Sir Iohn Scudamore Baronet Sir William Gardiner Baronet Sir Charles Cornwallis afterwards Lord Cornwallis Sir Iohn Nicholas Sir Iohn Monson Sir Bourcher VVray Sir Iohn Coventry Sir Edward Hungerford Sir Iohn Knevett Sir Philip Boteler Sir Adrian Scroop Sir Richard Knightley Sir Henry Heron. Sir Iohn Lewkenor Sir George Brown Sir William Tyrringhum Sir Francis Godolphin Sir Edward Baynton Sir Greville Verney Sir Edward Harley Sir Edward VValpool Sir Francis Popham Sir Edward VVise. Sir Christopher Calthrop Sir Richard Edgcombe Sir William Bromley Sir Thomas Bridges Sir Thomas Fanshaw Sir Iohn Denham Sir Nicholas Bacon Sir Iames Altham Sir Thomas VVendy Sir Iohn Bramston Sir George Freeman Sir Nicholas Slaning Sir Richard Ingoldsby Sir Iohn Rolle Sir Edward Heath Sir William Morley Sir Iohn Bennet Sir Hugh Smith Sir Simon Leech Sir Henry Chester Sir Robert Atkyns now one of the Justices of the Common Pleas. Sir Robert Gayre Sir Richard Powle Sir Hugh Ducy Sir Stephen Hales Sir Ralph Bash. Sir Thomas VVhitmore OF Knights Batchelors With what is incident to that Degree of KNIGHTHOOD According to the Laws of England CHAP. XXI THE particular kinds of Services by which Lands of Inheritance are distinguished are two viz. Knights of Service and Knights of Soccage And in ancient time Tenure by Knights Service was called Regale servitiâ—m because it was done to and for the King and Realm and forinsecum servitium as appeareth in the 19 Edw. 2. Avowry 224. 26. Ass. p. 66. 7. Hen. 4. 19. Coke's seventh Part 8. a. Calvin's case because they who hold by Escuage ought to do and perform their Services out of the Realm Litt. 35. ideo forinsecum dici potest sit quia capitur foris hujusmodi servitia persolvuntur ratione Tenementorum non Personarum And as Knights-Service-Land requireth the service of the Tenant in Warfare and Battel abroad so Soccage-Tenure commandeth the attendance at the Plough the one by Manhood defending the King or his Lord's life and person the other by industry maintaining with Rents Corn and Victuals his Estate and Family For Kings did thus order their own Lands and Tenements one part they kept and detained in their own hands and in them stately Houses and Castles were erected and made for their habitations and defence of their Persons and of the Realm also Forests and Parks were there made for their Majesties Recreation One other part thereof was given to the Nobles and others of their Chivalry reserving Tenure by Knights Service The third part was bestowed upon men of meaner condition and quality with reservation of Soccage-Tenure And in this manner the Dukes and Nobles amongst their Menials and Followers dissipated a great part of their Lands viz. to their Gentlemen of quality to hold by Knights Service and to other of meaner condition by Soccage-Tenure The Right Honourable S. Ioseph Williams on of Milbeck hall in Cumberland Knight one of his Majestys principall Secretarys of State c a. The Honourable Sr. Robert Atkins of Totteridge in Hertford shire and of Sapperton in Glocester shire Knight of the Bath and one of his matys Iustices of the ComÌ„on pleas c a. Sr. Iohn Bennet of Dawly in Midd sx Kt. of the honble order of the Bath Leivtenant to his maties Band of Gentlemen Pentioners and eldest brother to the Rt. honble Henry Earle of Arlington who was first maried to Elizabeth Countess of Mulgrave daughter to the Earle of Midd sx and now to Bridget Howe of the Family of Sr. Grubham Howe Sr. Robert Southwell Knight one of the Clerkes attending his Majesty King Charles the Second in his most Honourable privy Councell câ—t Sr. Hugh Wyndham of Silton in Dorsetshire Kt. one of the Iustices of his matys Court of Comon pleas at Westminster eighth sonn of S. Iohn Wyndham of Orchard-Wyndham in Somersetshire Kt who was lineally descended from the antient Family of the Wyndhams of Felbrigg in Norfolk â—ownâ—r therâ—of Sr. Thomas Daniell of Beswick in the East Rideing of Yorkshire Kt. Major to his matys Regiment of Foot Guards and Captaine of his matys Archchiffe Fort in Dover Sr. Thomas Mompessonâ— antiently Montpintsonâ— of Bathampton in Wiltshire Knight a person of eminent Loyalty and suffering in the late trouble whose Family have been of greate antiquity in the said County Sr. Thomas Lynch of Great Sonkey in Lancashire Kt. one of the Gentlemen of his matyâ— privy Chamber in ordinary and late Governour of his Ma â—â—â— Island of Jamaica decended of the Lincâ—â—s of Groves in Kent and is now maried to Vere Herbert 2â— daughter of Sr. Edw Herbert sometyme Lord Keeper of the groâ—t seaâ—e Sr. William Pelham of Brocklesby in Lincolnshire Kt. whose Grandfatâ—er Sr. William Pelham of the said place Kt. who was descended of the antient family of the Pelhams of Langhtoniâ—â— sussex was employed under Queen Eliz in the offices of L d cheife Justice of Ireland Marshall of the English forces sentinto the Low Countrys Mastâ—â— of her ordnanceâ— and one of her privy Councell Sr Thomas Daviâ—s of the Citty of London Knight Ld. Maior thereof Anno 1677. Sr. William Prichard of the Citty of London Kt. and Alderman now maried to Sarah daughter of Francis
Cooke of Kingsthorp in Northampton shire Gent â— Sr. Thomas Player of Hackney in Middlesex Knight Chamberlaine of the Citty of London Sr. Iohn Berkenhead Knight Master of Requests to his Majesty and Master of the Faculties and one of the members of the Honourable house of Comons Sr William Drake of Amersham in the County of Bucks Knight now maried to Elizabeth daughter of the honble â— â— Mountâ—gu Lord cheife Baron of his matys Court of Exchequer Sr William Pargiter of Greetworth in Northampton shire Knight a samily of good Antiquity whose Ancestors have been their Seated for many Generations Sr. William Waller of Winchester in Hantshire K descended from Richard Waller of Groombridg in Kent Esqr. who at the battle of Agencourt took Ioâ— Duke of Orleanse Prisoner and brought him to Groombridg whâ—re he remained a Prisoner 24 yeares and in memory of the Action it hath bin ever since allowed to the family to beare hanging on their Antient Crest the Armes of the said Duke Sr William Hustler of Acklam in Cleaveland in The County of York Kt Sr. Joseph Sheldon of the Citty oâ— London Kt. Alderman Lord Mâ—j therof Anno 〈◊〉 Sr. Robt. Hanson of the Citty of Londoâ— Knight and Alderman Lord Major thereof Anno 1673 Sr. Iohn Maynard of Gunnersbury in the Parish of Ealing in the County of Midlesex Knight sergeant at Law to his Majesty King Charles the second S â— Iohn Shortâ—r of the Citty of London Kt. and Alderman now maried to Ezabeâ— daughter of Iohn Birkhead of Ristwhait 〈◊〉 yâ— parish of Crostwhait in Cumberland Gen â— Robert Peyton of East Barnet in ye. County of 〈◊〉 Kt. descended of ye. Antient Family of ye. Peytonâ— Cambridgshire noâ— Maried to Iane Daughter and 〈◊〉 heyrs of Lionell Robison of Couton in York shire Esq. Sr. Edward Lowe of new Sarum in Wiltshire Kt. one of the Masters of the High Honourable Court of Chancery Sr. Iohn Iames of Wiâ—â—borow in Kâ—nt Kt. dâ—scended of ye. â—ntiâ—â—â— And Sâ—râ—ading Family of ye. Iamâ—â—is Who Transplâ—nted Themseluâ—s out of Cleâ—â— in Germaâ—y into England About ye◠〈◊〉 of yâ—â—â—igne of K. 〈…〉 Family Sâ—◠〈◊〉 in Tâ—â— Body of yâ— Book Sâ—ction Chap 1 Thâ— Sâ—S Ioâ—n is â—â—w Maried to Mâ—â—y dâ—ughtâ—r of Sr. Robert Kiâ—â—eâ—râ—w of Haâ—worth in Middleâ—â—â— Kt. desâ—â—ed 〈◊〉 Câ—â—mâ—erâ—â—n to yâ— Late Queen Mother 〈◊〉 Hon Sr. Robert Bâ—oth of Salford in Lâ—â—câ—shire K â— â— chife Iustice of 〈◊〉 Matâ—s Court of Comâ—n pleas in Ireland one of his Ma â—â—â— most Hon priâ—â—â—â—â—ncell for yâ— S d Kingdome Grandchild heyre of Humfry â—ooth of Salford 〈◊〉 Gâ—n whose Châ—ritable works 〈…〉 his name of w â— see more in â—â—â—dy of yâ— Bocke sâ—e 3 chapt. 1â— The Sd. Sâ—r. Robert was first maried to mary â—â—â—ghter heyre of Spencer Poâ—ts of Chalgraye in Bedfordshire Esq 〈…〉 to Susanna Daughter of Sr. 〈…〉 of Dean in East Kent Kt. Aâ—â—soâ— Dâ—ceased Sr. Charles Pitfeild of Hâ—xton in the Parish of St. Leonard â—horditch in Middlesex Kt. Descended of the Antient family of the Pitfeilds of â—umâ—nâ—sâ—ry in Dâ—rsâ—tshireâ— is now maried to Winefrid one of the Daughters and coeheyrs of Iohn Adderley of Cotton in Stafordshire Esâ— Sr. Thomas Middleton of Stansted Mount Fichit in ye. County of Essex Kt. now maried to Mary ye. Relict of Thomas Style Esq Eldest Son of Sr. Thomas Style of Waâ—ering bury in yeâ— County of Kent Bar â— and only Daughter of Sr. Stephen Langham of the Citty of London Kt. Sr. Francis Theobald of Barking hall in Suffolk Kt. a great Lover of Lerning fautor of Lerned men in Soemuch that Dr. Castle in his Polygâ—oâ— Lexicon makes This mention of him yt. he is harum Linguarum Callentissimus Sr. Robt. Hardinge late of Kings-Newton in the Parish of Melborne in Darby-shire Nâ—w of Grais Inn in Middle â— Kt. his matys Attorney of all his Forests c. from Trent Northward's a great sufferer for there matys King Charles the first second Hee Maried Anna eldest daughr. of Sr. Richard Sprignell of Hâ—gate in Middlesex Bar â— Deceased Sr. Io. Kirke of East Ham in Esex Kt. one of the Band of Gentleman Pentioners to his matyâ— King Charles the 2d. which sd. Sr. Io. and his family hath been very actiue for the Servi c â— of there King and Country in particular at Canade in America Sr. Thomas Marshe of Darkes in the Parish of South Mimms in Com Middlesex Knight Sr. William Beversham of Holbrookhall in Suffolk Knight one of the Masters oâ— the High and Honourable Court of Chancery And it was anciently ordained That all Knights Fees should come unto the eldest Son by succession of Heritage whereby he succeeding his Ancestor in the whole Inheritance might be the better able to maintain War against the King's Enemies or his Lords and that the Soccage of Freehold be partable between the Male Children to enable them to encrease into many Families for the better encrease of Husbandry But as nothing is more unconstant than the Estates we have in Lands and Livings even so long since these Tenures have been so indifferently mixt and confounded in the hands of each sort that there is not now any note of difference to be gathered by them Lambert Peramb of Kent 10. Et quia tale servitium forinsecum non semper manet sub eadem quantitate sed quandoque praestatur ad plus quandoque ad minus ideo eo quantitate Regalis servitii qualitate fiat mentio in charta ut tenens certum tenere possit quid quantum persolvere teneatur And therefore the certainty of the Law in this case is That he that holdeth by a whole and entire Knight's Fee must serve the King or his other Lord forty days in the Wars well and sufficiently arrayed and furnished at all points and by twenty days if he hold by a moiety of a Knights Fee and so proportionable And in the Seventh of Edw. 3. 246. it was demurred in Judgment Whether Forty days shall be accounted from the first day that the King did first enter into Scotland but it seemeth that the days shall be accompted from the first day that the King doth enter into Scotland because the Service is to be done out of the Realm And they that hold per Regale servitium are not to perform that Service unless the King do also go himself into the Wars in proper Person by the Opinion of Sir VVilliam Earle Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Irium Sept. Edw. 3. 246. but vide 3 Hen. 6. tit Protection 2. in which Case it was observed That seeing the Protector who was Prorex went the same was adjudged a Voyage Royal. Also before the Statute de quia emptores terrarum which was made decimo octavo Edw. 1. the King or other Lord had given Lands to a Knight to hold of him by Service and Chivalry scil to go with the King or with his Lord when the King doth make a Voyage Royal to subdue
his Enemies by Forty days well and conveniently arrayed for the War In this Case the Law hath such regard to the Dignity of Knighthood that he may find an able person to go for him and the Knight is not compelled by his Tenure to go in person as ordinary Souldiers who are hired or retained by Prest-money or Wages There hath been many and varying Opinions of the contraries of a Knight's Fee as you may read in Coke's ninth Part 122. and there it is proved that Antiquity hath thought that Twenty pounds in Land was sufficient to maintain the Degree of Knighthood as it doth appear in the ancient Treatise De modo tenendi Parliamentum tempore Regis Edwardi filii Regis Ethelred which also doth concur with the Act of Parliament Anno primo Edw. 2. de militibus by which Act of Parliament Census militis the Estate of a Knight was measured by the value of Twenty pound Lands per Annum and not by any certain content of Acres And with this doth agree the Statute of VVestminster cap. 35. Fitz. Nat. Brev. 82. where Twenty pounds Land per Annum in Soccage is put in equipage with a Knight's Fee And this is the most reasonable estimation for one Acre may be more worth in value than many others And it is to be observed That the relief of a Knight and of all Superiors that be Noble is the fourth part of their Revenue by the year as of a Knight five pounds and so of the rest And because this Tenure doth concern Service in War the Tenants are therefore called Milites Militia for though the word doth properly signifie a Souldier yet antiquity hath appropriated that name to the chiefest of Military Profession In our Law they are styled Milites and never Equites yet so that Miles is taken for the self same that Chivalry is Bracton fol. 79. maketh mention of Rode Knights that is to say serving Horsmen who held their Lands with condition that they should serve their Lords on Horsback And so by cutting off a peece of a Name as our delight is to speak short this name Knight remaineth with us for Armiger scil the Esquire which is a Degree under the Knight was in the Military Service to serve on foot Note He that holdeth by a whole Knight's Fee must be with the King Forty days well and compleatly arrayed for the War which is to be understood to serve on Horseback And in all Nations the name of this Dignity is taken of Horses for the Italians call them Cavelieri the Frenchmen Chivaleris the Germans Regters our Britains Murgeghe all riding and in Latin we call them Equites aurati for at their Creations besides the Sword and Girdle gilt Spurs were added for more Ornament And when a Knight doth commit any offence for which he is by the Law to suffer death the use hath been in the begining of his punishment to degrade and deprive him publickly of his Honour of Knighthood for it is but with life leas'd or taken away Mills 81. by ungirding his Military Girdle by taking away his Sword and broken his Spurs cut off with an Hatchet his Gauntlets pluck't from him and the Escocheons of his Arms reversed And in the Statute made 24 Hen. 8. chap. 13. entituled an Act for Reformation of Apparel It was permitted for Knights to wear a Collar of Gold named the Collar of SS And although this Dignity of Knighthood had its original and was given to men of War and Prowess yet in all Successions of Ages and in all Nations the same also is bestowed upon men of Peace by the Sovereign Power to deserving persons whereby the Service of the Commonwealth at home is made equal with that abroad For as Tully saith truly Parvi sunt arma foris nisi est consilium domi But Experience the faithfullest Counsellor and best Mistress hath made it manifest both in this modern Age as well as in that of Tullie's that the Camp hath bred more eminent Statesmen and happily as good Politicians as the long Robe Perhaps for this Reason one aims chiefly at Glory and Honour which easily attracts admirers and favourers the other at Riches and indirect Negotiations which begets Envy and private Enemies He that receiveth the Dignity of a Knight kneeleth down and then the King slightly smiteth him upon his Shoulder and saith unto him these words in French Sois Chivaler au nome de Dieu and afterwards saith moreover Avance Chivaler See the Book of Titles of Honour due to the Earl-Marshal for the making of Knights 176. For a Knight is not made by Letters Patents or by the King 's Writ as those of higher Dignity but by the Sword for this Honour is supposed to be given on the sudden and therefore is commonly done by the Sword although the King may by his Letters Patents create a Knight Earls in ancient times had a power of Knighting but now neither may the Prince or any other of the Nobility make a Knight but only the King or Lieutenant General by his Commission No man is born a Knight as he may be to Titles of Honour by Patent but a Knight may be made assoon as a Child is baptized except Knight Bannerets Note the printed Book of Titles of Honour fol. 218 313. the first Knight With us in England there are divers sorts of Knights whereof Cambden 171. and Mills do write at large But amongst the Romans there was but one Order of them and they were next in Degree unto the Senators And they who simply without any Addition be called Knights howsoever they are in order ranked last yet by institution they are first and of greatest Antiquity and the other Orders are but late Attributes according to the several inventions of particular Princes And I do not remember that in our Books of Law I have read any thing concerning the Order of Knights with Addition viz. Knights of the Honourable Order of the Garter Knights Bannerets and Knights of the Bath But in the Statute 12 Hen. 8. cap. 13. it is enacted That every Knight of the Garter may have three Chaplains whereof every one may purchase licence or dispensation and receive have and keep two Benefices with cure of Souls but they of this Order which I now treat of are called Knights of the Spur or Knights Batchelors Between Doctors of the Civil Law and Knights hath ever been question for precedency since either of them hath been in credit in the Common-wealth as may appear both by the Comparison that Tully maketh between Lucius Murena a Knight of Rome and Publius Sulpitius a Lawyer either of them standing for Consulship in his Eloquent Oration made for Murena and many Disputes of Bardal and Bardus arguing the Case Pro and Con which though it be disputable in Foreign Parts yet here in England it is without Controversie and the precedency thereof is undoubtedly the Knights But if they be both of equal degree of Knighthood then
it goeth by Seniority The Opinion of some men lately hath been That Knights Lieutenants that is to say such Knights as either have been Ambassadors in Foreign Parts or Judges within the Realm may and ought to have during their lives precedency above men of their own rank after their Offices expire and sub Iudice his est not determined by Judgment But admitting it so to be by way of Argument in that case yet the Heralds do deny that priviledge to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London or Justices of the Peace who have their limited Jurisdiction of Magistracy confined them but the former are generally Magistrates throughout the Realm and their employment concerneth the whole Commonwealth and having the publick Justice and Honour of the whole Estate committed unto them do more meritoriously draw from thence a great respect of Honour according to the generality of their Administration and Employments which an inferiour and more conâ—â—ned Magistrate cannot have The name of a Knight is a name of Dignity and a Degree as is the name of Duke Earl c. and in all Actions he shall be slyled Knight otherwise the Writ shall abate A Knight also must be named by both his Chriâ—tian and Surnames as Sir A. B. Knight But those Degrees honourable that are made by Patent may be named only by their Christian Names and by their Title of Honour as Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury and that for two causes First because of their solemn Creations nomen dicitur à noscendo Secondly there is but one part of that Title of Honour within England and therefore it is certain what person he is but otherwise of Knights as it is certainly known in the 8 Edw. 4.24 a. And Prisot Chief Justice saith in the 32 Hen. 6. 26. b. That if an Esquire be made a Knight he loseth his Name of Esquire but though a Knight be made a Nobleman or of any higher Degree he doth still retain the name of Knight and so ought to be styled in all Writs Also if a man do recover in an Action by the Name of Iohn Stiles Esq and afterwards be made a Knight he must sue his Scire Facias by the Name of Knight And this name shall not die with him for if they were bound in an Obligation by the Name of Gentlemen or Esquires and afterwards one is made a Knight and dieth the Plaintiff in the Action to be brought against his Executors must name him Knight otherwise the Writ shall abate If a Grant be made to H. D Knight when he is not a Knight it is a void Grant but if it be a Feoffment with Livery the Livery maketh it good If the Plaintiff or Demandant do in his Writ name the Defendant or Tenant Esquire when he is a Knight the Writ shall not only abate but also the Plaintiff may not have another Writ by Iourneys accompt But by the Statute made 1 Edw. 6. chap. 7. it is amongst other things enacted That albeit any person or persons being Justices of Assize Justices of Goal-delivery or Justices of the Peace within any of the King's Dominions or by any other of the King's Commissions whatsoever shall have the fortune to be made or created Duke Archbishop Marquess Earl Viscount Bishop Baron Knight Justice of the one Bench or of the other Serjeant at Law or Sheriff yet that notwithstanding he and they shall remain Justices and Commissioners and have full power and authority to execute the same in like manner and form as he or they might or ought to have done before the same By the Satute of 1 Hen. 5. chap. 5. it is enacted as followeth That every Writ Original of Actions personal Appeals and Indictments and in which an Exigit shall be awarded to the names of the Defendants in such Writs Oginal Appeals and Indictments shall be made the Additions of their Estate Degrees c. And a little after it is provided That if the said Writs of Actions Personal be not accordding to the Record and Deed by the Surplusage of the Additions aforesaid that for this cause they are not Iohn Sâ—iles Gent. is bound by Obligation to one W. B. the Obligor is afterwards made Knight the Bond is forfeited W. B. by his Attorney draweth a Note or Title for an Original according to the Defendants Degree although it varies from the Original Specialty as it ought to be made by the Statute But the Cursitor mistaking did make the Original only according to such Addition as was specified in the Obligation omitting his Degree or Dignity and the Entry of the Capias alias pluris was according to the said Original But in the Exigit and Proclamation and Entry of it the Defendant was named according to his Degree of Dignity upon a Writ of Error after a Judgment doubt was If this might be amended in another Court than where the Original was mâde and at the last it was resolved by all the Court That the Record should be amended by the Cursitor and made according to the Note and Title delivered unto him by the Attorney It appeareth in our Books of Law that the highest and lowest Dignities are universal for as if a King of a Foreign Nation come into England by his Majestie 's leave as it ought to be in this case he shall sue and be sued by the Name of a King So shall a Knight sue or he sued by the name of a Knight wheresoever he received that Degree of Honour But otherwise it is as if a Duke Marquess Earl or other Title of Honour given by any Foreign King or Emperor yea although the King by his Letters Patents of safe Conduct do name him Duke or by what other Foreign Title of Dignity he hath For Experience teacheth that Kings joyned in League together by a certain mutual and as it were a natural power of Monarchs according to the Law of Nations have admitted one anothers Servants Subjects and Ambassadors graced with the Title of Knighthood Therefore though a Knight receive his Dignity of a Foreign Prince he is so to be stiled in all Legal Proceedings within England And Kings were wont to send their Sons unto their Neighbour Princes to receive Knighthood at their hands thinking that it was more honourable to take Arms of some other leâ—t affection might seem to prevent Judgment when the Father gave them that Honour Thus our King Henry the Second sent unto David King of Scots and Malcombe King of Scots unto our Henry the Second and our Edward the First unto the King of Castile to take of them Military Arms For these terms and phrases they used in that Age for the Creation of a Knight And Knights in all Foreign Countries have ever place and precedency according to their Seniority of being Knighted which priviledge is denied to Noblemen for be they never so ancient in Foreign Countries they shall go below as Puisnes The Degree of Knighthood is not only a Dignity and Honour
to the party for so it is termed in Brook's Title Additions 44. but an Honour to the Kingdom And therefore it hath been an ancient Prerogative of the Kings of this Realm at their pleasure to compel men of worth to take upon them that Degree upon payment of a Fine But we see by Experience in these days that none are compelled thereunto and that is the reason wherefore if the Plaintiff be Knighted having the Writ it shall abate because he hath changed his name and that by his own Act. And for that cause also by the Common Law not only the King but every Lord of a Mannor ought to have of every of his Tenants a reasonable Aid to make his eldest Son a Knight And all Lands are subject to these Aids except only ancient Demesne and grand and petty Serjeanty-Tenures as the Law hath â—een anciently delivered And in Io. Shelden 131. where also it is said one that wrote a little after the Statute of Westminster the first allows as a good barr to the Avowry for the Tenant to plead that the Father himself is no Knight so that one not Knighted cannot claim this Ayd of his Tenants Briâ—an cap. de prices de avers And it was at the liberty of the Lord to make more or less of his Tenants by the Common Law in this Case but by the Statute of Westminster the first Chap. 35. it is put in contrary viz. forasmuch as before this time reasonable Aid to make ones Son Knight or to marry his Daughter was never put in certain nor how much should be taken nor at what time whereby some levied unreasonable Aid and more often than seemed necessary whereby the people were sore grieved It is provided that from henceforth of a whole Knight's Fee there be taken but Twenty shillings and of Twenty pounds in Land holden in Soccage Twenty shillings and of more more and of less less after that rate And that none shall levy such Aid to make his Son a Knight until his Son be of fifteen years old nor to marry his Daughter until she be of the Age of seven years And of that there shall be mention made in the King's Writs formed on the same when any will demand it And if it happen that the Father after he hath levied such Aid of his Tenants die before he hath married his Daughter the Executors of the Father shall be bound to the Daughter for so much as the Father received for the Aid And if the Father's Goods be not sufficient his Heir shall be charged therewith unto the Daugher And this Aid is so incident that although the Lord do confirm unto the Tenant to hold by Fealty and certain Rent and release unto him all other Services and Demands yet shall he have the Aid to make his eldest Son a Knight But the King was not bound by the Statute aforementioned because the King was not named in the Statute Therefore by the Statute 25 Edw. 3. chap. 11. the King's Aid were brought to a like value The intention of the Law is That an Heir until the Age of One and twenty years is not able to do Knights Service But such a presumption of Law doth give place to a Judgment of proof to the contrary as Bracton saith Sâ—abitur presumptioni donec probetur in contrarium And therefore when the King who is the Sovereign Judge of all Chivalry hath dubbed him a Knight he by this hath adjudged him able to do him Knight's Service and all men are concluded to say the contrary to it And therefore such an Heir being made a Knight either in the life time of his Father or afterwards during his minority shall be out of Ward and Custody both for his Land and Body and marriage by the Award of the ancient Common Law By reason also that the Honour of Knighthood is so great that it is not to be holden under by any yet if the King do create such an Heir within Age a Duke Marquess Earl Viscount or â—aron by this he shall not be out of Ward and Custody both for his Land and Body And therefore it is propounded by the Statute of Magna Charta chap. 3. Ita tamen quod si ipse dum infra aetatem fuerit fiat miles nihilominus terra remaneat in Custodia Dominorum suorum So that although such an Heir within Age be made Knight and thereby to this purpose is esteemed as of full Age yet the Land shall remain in Custody of the Lord till his Age of One and twenty years by the purview of the said Act. Question If the Son and Heir of the Tenant of the King by Knights Service c. be made Knight in Paris by the French King whether he shall be out of Wardship after the death of his Father or no for thereby he is a Knight in England Coke's seventh part b. 2 Edw. 4. fol. tamen vide in Coke's sixth part 74. b. mention is only made of Knights made by the King himself or by his Lieutenant in Ireland But when the King doth make an Heir apparent within Age of a Tenant by Knights Service a Knight in the life of his Ancestor and after the death of his Ancestor the said Heir being within Age shall in this Case be out of Ward and shall pay no value for his marriage neither shall the Lord have the Custody of the Land for in that Case by the making of him Knight in the life of his Ancestor he is made of full Age so that when his Ancestor dieth no interest either in the Body or in the Land shall invest in the Lord but the Knight may tender his Livery as if he were of full Age And in that case the King shall have primier Seisin as if he had been One and twenty years of Age at the time of the death of his Ancestor and not otherwise For the Statute of Magna Charta doth not extend unto it for the purview of it doth extend only when the Heir in Ward infra aetatem is made Knight then remanet terra in Custodia c. But when the Heir is made Knight in the life of his Ancestor then the Custody cannot remain which never had any inception or essence Also when the Heir after the death of his Ancestor within Age is made Knight if after tender made to him he within Age do marry elsewhere yet he shall not pay the forfeiture of his marriage for by the making him Knight he is out of Ward and Custody of his Lord for then he ought to be sui Iuris and may imploy himself in feats of Arms for defence of the Realm c. and therefore may not be within the Custody of another and none shall pay any forfeiture but when after any refusal he doth marry himself during the time when he is under the custody and keeping of his Lord And this doth appear by the Statute of Merton chap. 6. Si se mariturierit sine licentia
Scots have ever since bore in their Ensigns and Banners the Figure of the said Cross which is in fashion of a Saltier And from hence 't is believed that this Order took its rise which was about the year of our Lord 810. For King Hungus and Achains Confederates against Athalstan went bare-footed in a devote way to the Kirk of St. Andrew to return thanks to God and his Apostles for their Victory vowing for themselves and their posterity ever to use the said Cross in their Ensigns in any warlike Expedition The principal Ensign of this Order is a golden Collar composed of Thistles intermixed with Annulets of Gold to which hangs the figure of St. Andrew with his Cross and this Epigraph Nemo me impune lacessit But for their common Ensign they wore a green Ribon to which hung a golden Thistle crowned with an Imperial Crown within a Circle of Gold with the said Epigraph Their grand meeting was annually on St. Andrews day in the Church of the Town so called and during the Solemnity of the Feast these Knights which were in number Thirteen in allusion to our Saviour and the Twelve Apostles were richly apparelled and in their Parliament Robes having embroidered on their left Shoulders St. Andrews Cross within a blew Rundle and in the Center of the said Cross was a Crown composed of Golden Flower de lis Having thus treated of the several Degrees of Knighthood which are or have been used amongst us In the next place I shall give the Reader an account of divers Degrees of Knighthood in other Kingdoms although many of them are now Extinct ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD Which are or were Instituted in PALESTINE AND OTHER Parts of ASIA CHAP. XXIV Knights of the Holy Sepulchre in Ierusalem THIS Order of Knighthood is held to be the most ancient of all those Orders that took their beginning in the Holy Land and is said to be instituted about the time that the Temple of Ierusalem was regained from the Sarazens which was in Anno 1099. Some Authors say That Philip King of France was the first Instituter of this Order but Favin saith that it was Baldwin the first King of Ierusalem who made the Regular Canons which then resided in a Convent near adjoyning to the said Sepulchre Knights of the said Order whose chief Duty was to guard the Holy Sepulchre to relieve and protect Pilgrims to fight against the Sarazens and Infidels and to hear Mass every day The Armorial Ensign belonging unto them was two red Crosses united into one When the Christians were expelled the Holy Land these Knights settled themselves at Perugia in Italy But by the Bulls of Pope Innocent the Eighth Anno 1484. they and all their Goods were annexed and joyned to the Knights Hospitallers then residing at Rhodes Knights Hospitallers of St. John Baptist in Jerusalem called Knights of the Rhodes now of Malta SOmewhat before the Christians took the City of Ierusalem from the Sarazens certain Christian Merchants of Naples who traded to these parts obtained leave from the Caliph of Egypt who had then the Government thereof to dwell near the Sepulchre of Christ and to erect a small House for the entertainment of themselves and Pilgrims and called it The Hospital of Christians together with a small Oratory dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary After that the number of Christians increasing they built another House for Women and dedicated it to St. Mary Magdalen and at length they built a more large House which they dedicated to St. Iohn Baptist the others being too small for the entertainment of Strangers that thither came for Devotion and here they entertained and cured the diseased amongst them And for their Religion Charity and Hospitality they began to become eminent and having took St. Iohn Baptist for their Patron they obtained the title or name of Brethren Hospitallers of St. John Baptist of Jerusalem Then received they the regular Habit of black with a white Cross on the Garment near their left Shoulder and vowed Obedience Poverty and Chastity This Order is said to be first instituted in Anno 1099. by one Gerard of the Province of Tholouse a man of a holy life and had large priviledges conferred upon them by King Baldwin the first who created them Knights and permitted them to use Arms and to fight against the Sarazens and Infidels for the Defence of the Christian Faith and to be Guardians of the Holy Sepulchre At this time they acknowledged their Obedience to the Patriarch of Ierusalem but growing in wealth they obtained the favour of the Pope to be absolved from their Obedience and was by Pope Adrian the fourth received under the protection of the Papal See Gerard being dead they elected one Raimond for their Rector or great Master to whom authority was given that he should govern and command all Knights of this Order wheresoever dispersed This Gerard after he had digested and enlarged their Laws and Institutions divided that whole Body into three Classes to wit Knights Ecclesiasticks and Servants And since which time the succeeding Great Masters have much added to their Priviledges and Dignities and his Title is now The Illustrious Prince of Malta and Goza Saladine having made himself Master of Ierusalem these Knights retired to the City of Acres which being also taken they seized upon the Isle of Rhodes where they continued as Masters until forced thence by Solyman the Great in Anno 1522. After which they betook themselves to the Isle of Malta which with Tripoli and Goza were granted to them by the Emperour Charles the â—ifth Anno 1530. and the same year was confirmed to them by Pope Clement the Seventh and in this Isle they yet continue and are as a Bulwark to that part of Christendom Knights Templars ABout the year 1118. Hugo de Paganes Godfrey de St. Omer with seven other Gentlemen out of Devotion went into the Holy Land where they determined to erect and enter into a Brotherhood and being come to Ierusalem they consulted what they should do though to the hazard of their Lives that should be a service acceptable to God and praiseworthy of men And being informed that in the Town of Zaffo there resided many Thieves that used to rob the Pilgrims that resorted to the Holy Sepulchre they resolved to make the passage more free by destroying or dispersing these Robbers And for the encouragement of these Gentlemen in so good an undertaking the King assigned them lodgings in his Palace adjoyning to Solomon's Temple from which place they were called Knights Templars And the King and Patriarch finding their Actions very successful furnished them with many necessary Provisions And although their charitable Service made them acceptable unto all yet for the first Nine years they were in so great a strait that they were forced to take the Charity of well disposed people however there resorted unto them many Christians so that their number was much encreased And there being all this while no
Burgundy The set number of these Knights were Six and twenty of which himself and his Successors Dukes of Bourbon were chief Their Habit was a Mantle of Skie-coloured Damask lined with red Satin with broad Welts of Gold embroidered on the Collar The Bonnet was of green Velvet with a Tassel of Gold and crimson Silk hanging on the Band Their great Collar was of Gold wrought and enameled with green at the bottom whereof in an Oval hung the figure of their Patroness the blessed Virgin as also the head of a Thistle enameled green and white And these Knights were obliged daily to wear a Girdle or Belt of watchet Velvet embroidered with Gold in the midst of which was wrought the word Esperance Knights of the Porcupine THIS Order was instituted by Monsieur Lewis of France Duke of Orleans in Anno 1393. for the further honouring the Baptism of his eldest Son Charles which he had by Valentina Daughter to Iohn Galeas Duke of Millan and he made choice of this Device of the Porcupine with the words Cominus Eminus for his Epigraph which intimated as well something of Revenge which he bore to his inveterate Enemy Iohn Duke of Burgundy as the great hopes he had of this Child Of this Order were Four and twenty besides the Founder Their Habits were Surcoats of violet Velvet over which were Mantles of watchet Velvet lined with carnation Satin and their Collar was formed of Gold chains whereto hung the figure of a Porcupine of Gold upon a hillock of Grass and Flowers enamelled Knights of the Croissant of Anjou RENE Duke of Anjou King of Ierusalem and Sicily instituted this Order in the City of Anjou in Anno 1464. in honour of God the support of the Church and exaltation of Knighthood Their Patron was St. Maurice himself and his Successors were Chiefs Their Ensign which they wore on the right side of their Mantle which was crimson Velvet was a Golden Crescent whereon was the word L'oz enameled and to this Crescent was fastned as many small pieces of Gold fashioned like Columes and enameled red as the Knights had been present in Battels and and Sieges The Order of the Ermine in Bretagne THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1450. by Francis the First Duke of Bretagne in memory of his Grandfather Iohn Surnamed the Conqueror and consisted of Five and twenty of which himself was the Chief The Habit by him appointed them was a Mantle of white Damask lined with carnation with a Mantlet of the same The great Collar was of Gold composed of Ears of Corn in Saltier and at the end thereof hung the Ermine or Mus Ponticus passing over a Turf of Grass at the edge of which was this Epigraph A mavie But this Order expired when the Dukedom of Bretagne became annexed to the Crown of France DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD IN ITALY Knights of St. Mary the Glorious IN the life of Pope Vrban when there was great War amongst the Italian Princes which was about the year of our Lord 1233. there were certain rich Gentlemen of Modena and Bologna who being fearful of the Troubles and to be exempt from the Publick Charges moved the Pope to permit them to live in contemplation and to erect a new Religious Order of Knighthood which for a sum of Money they obtained Their Habit was a white Cassock and a Mantle of a russet Colour and for their Badge they wore a purple Cross Pattee on their Breasts They are commonly called Cavaleri de Madona and because they had no Monasteries but dwelt at their own Houses with their Wives and Children at ease and plenty they were termed Fratres Gaudentes They were obliged to fight against Infidels and to protect Widows and Orphans Knights of the Holy Ghost in Saxia at Rome THE chief Seat of these Knights is the stately Hospital of the Holy Ghost founded by Pope Innocent the Third about the year of our Lord 1198. Before their admittance they are obliged to bring Certificate of their Gentility They profess Obedience Chastity and Poverty They live under the rule of St. Augustine and have a Master Their Ensign is a white Patriarchal Cross with twelve points sewed on their Breast and on the left side of their black Mantle The Revenue belonging to this Hospital is 24000 Ducats daily with which they do works of great Charity as nursing and educating of exposed Children the curing of Diseases relieving the poor and entertainment of Strangers for three days The Constantinian Angelick Knights of St. George which was formerly in Greece THIS ancient Order of Knighthood is said to take its beginning from Constantine the Great â—or that he saw by an Angel from Heaven a Cross with this Inscription In hoc signo vinces and the patern of the said Cross presented to his view in the Skie he caused to be made of Gold and precious Stones and to be carried before his Army instead of their golden Standard formerly used And this Cross was also to be engraven upon the Armour of his Legionary Souldiers And for the further adoration of the Cross after his Triumphal Entrance into Rome upon his Victory over Maxentius he erected many Crosses with Inscriptions and in the principal part of the City he caused his Statue to be set up holding a Banner of the Cross with an Inscription Their Ensign was a Collar of Gold to which was fastned a Cross of the same form and thereunto the figure of St. George Of this Order Constantine elected Fifty of the Noblest Persons in his Empire to whom he gave the Standard of the Labarum and likewise a Collar of Gold and constituted several Laws to be observed by the said Fraternity which were confirmed by Pope Leo the First who assigned to them the Rule of St. Basil Anno Dom. 456. which said Order hath been since confirmed by divers succeeding Popes and Emperors The Great Masters of this Order have now their Convent at Brianno near the City of Venice and live in great Grandure being persons of Eminency are subject to no Prince have the power of coyning Money restoring of Honours giving Degrees with the Title of Doctors creating of Poet Laureats legitimating of Bastards and are priviledged to sit at the Table with the Pope The Patron of this Order is St. George and the blessed Virgin Mary their Protectress Their Habit is a white Garment on the left side of which is affixed a red Cross flory made of Velvet in the midst of which is the Labarum embroidered after the form of the Letter X with the Letters Ω upon the one Arm of the Cross and A upon the other Knights of St. Peter at Rome THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1520. by Pope Leo the Tenth to defend the Sea-Coasts and to fight against the Turks Their number was Four hundred who were assigned to wear in an Oval of Gold the Figure of St. Paul Knights of St. George at Rome THIS Order was instituted by Pope Alexander the Sixth
first consecrated at the Altar and adorned with the Collar of the Order But this Order took the Title of the Bear in memory of St. Vrsus of the Theban Legion who was martyred before the Temple of the Sun at Soleurre in Switzerland Unto this Order the Founder gave a Collar and a Chain of Gold to which hung the figure of a golden Bear mounted on an Hillock enameled with black But when this Country became a Common-wealth this Order was laid aside DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD IN GERMANY Knights of the Tutonick Order of Prusia THE first Institutor of this Order was a wealthy Gentleman of Germany who dwelt at Ierusalem after it was taken by the Christians together with divers other men of his Country and being exceeding rich kept an hospitable House relieving all Passengers and Pilgrims that travelled to Ierusalem insomuch that his House became as it were an Hospital At length he built near unto his House a fair Church which he dedicated to our Lady and many Christians resorting thither as well out of Devotion as to visit the Sick they resolved to erect a Frâ—ternity and having chosen a Great Master for their Governor which was about the Year of our Lord 1190. they imitated the Knights Templars in their Military Employments and the Knights Hospitallers in their Acts of Piety and Charity and instituted several Orders to be observed amongst them being much the same with those of the Knights Hospitallers and Templars which were afterwards confirmed by Pope Celestine the Third But their Habit was a white Mantle and on the Breast thereof for their Ensign they wore a black Cross voided with a Cross Potence The Holy Land being retaken from the Christians by the Sarazens these Knights returned into Germany where they had not continued long ere they went to the Emperor Frederick the Second and acquainted him that the people of Prusia who were barbarous Idolaters used Incursions upon the Confines of Saxony and besought the Emperor's leave to make War upon them at their own Charges but with this Condition that whatsoever they took should be theirs for the maintenance of the said Order which request being so reasonable was immediately granted them and conâ—irmed under his Scal And being thus encouraged forthwith took up Arms in which they were so fortunate that in a short time they not only subdued all that Province but also passed the River Vistula and conquered other people who became their Tributaries and received the Christian Faith These Knights thus increasing in Riches and Territories they built divers Churches and Cathedral Temples where resided Bishops who were enjoyned to wear the Habit of the Order And near unto the River Vistula was a great Oak where in Anno 1340. they built the first Casâ—â—â— and Town which afterwards took the Name of Mareenburgh or Burgo 〈◊〉 St. Maria where is now the chief Châ—rch belonging to this Order to which belongeth so great Riches that these Knights for Men and Money might compare with divers Princes But about the Year 1525. Albertus Brandenburgh being Great Master he renounced this Order and became feudatory to Sigismond the First King of Poland who raised Prusia into a Dukedom and this Albert was made first Duke thereof But some of the Knights did afterwards elect a new Great Master and settled in Germany but the Order is now of small lustre Knights of St. Gereom THIS Order received its first Institution by Frederick Barborossa the Emperor which consisted only of German Gentlemen Their Habit was a white Gown whereon they wore a black Patriarchal Cross set on a green Hillock and they followed the Rule of St. Augustine Knights of St. George in Austria and Carinthia THIS Order was erected in Anno 1470. by Frederick the Third Emperor of Germany principally for the guarding the Frontiers of Germany Austria Carinthia Stiria and Hungary against the Incursions of the Turks who before much harassed these parts But since the Institution of these Knights they have received great checks Their Ensign is St. George's Cross which they wear on their Garment which is white They profess Conjugal Chastity and Obedience to their Great Master whose Seat and Residence was the Castle of Mildstad in the Dukedom of Carinthia where there was founded a Cathedral Church of Canons under the Rule of St. Augustine and for their Protector they have or had the Emperors Knights of St. Michael the Arch-Angel THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1618. by Charles Gonzaga Duke of Mantua and Nevers together with the contrivance of his Brother Adolph Count of Altham and Iohn Baptist Petrignan Sfortia chiefly to establish peace and concord between Christian Princes and their Subjects and to relate and redeem Captives The year following this Order was received at Vienna by sundry Princes of divers Countries and in Anno 1624. it was confirmed by Pope Vrban the Eighth Their Habit was a white Mantle over which they wore a shorter of blew Silk with Buskins also of blew and a black silk Cap About their Necks on a blew Ribon hung a gold Cross of eight points enameled blew on the one side thereof was the figure of the Virgin Mary with our Saviour in her Arms and on the other the figure of St. Michael treading the Dragon under his Feet And on the left side of their white Mantles was a Cross embroidered with blew Silk and Gold in the midst whereof was the figure of the blessed Virgin with Christ in her left Arm and a Scepter in her right hand crowned with twelve Stars surrounded with Rayes of the Sun and a Crescent under her feet all which was encircled with the Cord of St. Francis and the four Angles of the Cross cast forth each of them a golden Flame But some differences arising amongst the Founders of this Order was the cause of its so sudden dissolution Knights of St. Anthony in Hainolt THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1382. by Albert of Bavaria Earl of Hainolt Zealand and Holland upon his Expedition against the Turks and Moors Their Ensign was a golden Collar after the fashion of a Hermit's Girdle to which hung a walking Staff and a little golden Bell. Knights of the Tusin Order in Bohemia or Austria THIS Order as 't is said was instituted by the Arch-Dukes of Austria for the engaging their Subjects to expel the Turks and Hereticks out of their Territories which for about Two hundred years had there seated themselves which cost the Dukes an excessive Charge to maintain a War against them and to no great purpose But these Knights having by Grant for their support what they gained from them gave them so great Encouragement that in a few years the whole Province was almost cleared of them by them Their Habit was a red and their Ensign was a plain green Cross. Knights of St. Hubert in Gulick or Juliers THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1473. by Gerard Duke of Gulick and Berg or Iuliers and Mount in honour of St. Hubert
the Desert after the Example of St. Anthony the Hermit and Patron of this Empire and bestowed upon these Knights great Revenues and many Priviledges And thus being instituted they received the Rule of St. Basil submitted to his Constitutions wore a black Garment and for their Ensign a blew Cross in form of the Letter T. Their chief Seat was in the Isle of Meroe where the Abbots both Spiritual and Temporal resided but in many other parts of AEthiopia they have or had great store of Monasteries and Convents with about two Millions of yearly Revenue These Knights vow to defend the Christian Religion to yield Obedience to their Superiors to observe Conjugal Chastity not to Marry or receive any other holy Orders without licence first obtained from the Abbot to guard the Confines of the Empire and to go to War when and where they are commanded Into this Order the eldest Sons of Noblemen or Gentlemen cannot be admitted but the second Sons may And if a man of any degree whatsoever except a Physician have three Sons he is bound to enter one of them into this Order Knights of the Burgundian Cross in Tunis MVlleasses King of Tunis who was driven out of his Kingdom by Barbarossa that noted Pirate was again in Anno 1535. restored thereunto by the assistance of Charles the Fifth Emperor of Germany and King of Spain And being desirous to gain the love of all those that had served in that War did as a reward confer this honour of Knighood upon all those Commanders that valiantly behaved themselves in his Service The Ensign that he assigned them was the Burgundian Cross to which was added a Steel striking Sparks of Fire out of Flint with this Inscription BARBARIA which third Badge hung to a Collar of Gold KNIGHTS OF THE West-Indies PErsons that performed valiant Acts in War were by the Mexicans advanced to Honour and had sundry Priviledges granted them insomuch that their chief Nobility sprang from the Camp And Montezuma was so high a Favourer of Knighthood that he ordained divers Orders which he distinguished by several Ensigns The principal Degree of these Knights were those that had the crown of their Hair tied with a small red Ribon with a rich Plume of Feathers from which hung so many Branches and Rolls of Feathers upon their Shoulders as they had performed worthy Exploits in War And these were termed Eagle Knights of which Order the King was the Supream The Order of the Knights of the Lions and Tigers were the most valiant in War and always bore with them their Badges and Armorial Ensigns and went to the War as did the Eagle Knights armed Cap-a-pe The Order of the Grey Knights had their Hair cut round about their Ears were not so much honoured as the former and when they went to Wars were armed but to the middle All these Degrees of Knights had their Apartments in the King's Palace which were distinguished by their several Ensigns And amongst the honourable Priviledges that they enjoyed they might carry Gold and Silver wear rich Cotton and Shoes after their fashion and use painted and guilt Vessels all which were prohibited the common people The Order of Knighthood of the Blood Royal in Peru were of great esteem for their approved Valour for before they could be admitted into the said Degree their Manhood was sufficiently tried as in managing the Dart Lance and other Military Exercises also in Leaping Wrestling Running Shooting c. in all which if they were not very expert they were thought unworthy to receive so great an Honour But being found worthy to be admitted divers Ceremonies were used at their Creation as putting on them fine Shoes and Breeches boreing of holes in their Ears giving them an Ax and adorning their Heads with Flowers c. all which was forbidden the common people And the Peruvian Lords at their solemn Feasts at Cusco used to dedicate their Children to Honour adorning them with Ensigns making holes in their Ears and anoynting their Faces with Blood in token that they should be true Knights to the Ingua The Knights of Cinaloa which is a Province near New Mexico were created by giving them a Bow and ordering them to encounter a Lion or some other savage Beast which if they slew they were received into favour and Honour The Rt. Honourble Henry Coventry Esq his matys principall Secretary of State c a. son tâ— the Rt. Honourble Thomas Lord Coventry Lord Keeper of ye. Great Seale of England The Honourble Iohn Hervey of Ickworth in Suffolke Esq. â— Treasurer to ye. Queens maty The honble William Ashburnham of Ashburnham in ye. County of Sussex Esq. Cofferer to his maty King Charles the 2d. William Wharton Esq. Fourth son to yâ—e Rt. honble Phillip Lord Wharton of Wharton in Westmoreland by Ann Daughter to 〈◊〉 â—am Carr of Fernihast in Scotland Esq. 〈◊〉 of ye. Groomes of ye. Bedchamber to King Iames. SAMVEL GRANT of Crundall in Hantshire Esq. one of the society of the Inner Temple London Esq. â—ender Molesworth of Spring Garden in the parish of St. Katherines in the Island of Jamaica Esq. one of his matys Councell 〈◊〉 the Sd. Isle second son of Hender Molesworth of Pencarrow in Cornwall Esâ—abque who was lineally descended from Sr. Walter de Molesworth of Northamptonshire who flourished in Marshall proess in the dayes of King Edw. the first went wth him to the holy warrs GEORGE LEGGE Esq. Governor of â—ortsmouth master of the Horse to his Royall Highness Iames Duke of Yorke Leiutenant of his matys Forest of Alce holt Woolmer in Hantshire one of the Deputy Leiutenant of the Sd. County Comander of his matys Shipp yeâ—â—yall Katherine one of the principall Officers of his matys Ordnance THOMAS FEJLD of Stanstead Bury in the County of Hertford Esq now maried to Mary eldest daughter of Sr. Thomas Byde of Ware park in the Said County Kt. Humfrey Wiâ—â—ley of the Jâ—â—ter Tâ—mplâ— Esq one of the Prothonotarâ—â—s of his maties Court of Common â—leaâ— at Westminster fift son of Humfrey Wâ—â—rley Esq of Hâ—msted hall in the County of Stafford by Knightley his Wife â—OGER TWâ—SDEN Esq eldest son of S â— Thomas Twisden of Bradborne in thâ— parish of East Malling in Kent Kt. Baâ—â—â— one of the Justices of his matys Court of Kings Bench EDWARD THVRLAND Esq only son of Sr. Edward Thurland of Râ—ygate in the County of Surrey Kt. one of the Barons of his matys Court of Exchequer EDWARD ROBERTS of the Citty of Dublin in the Kingdome of Ireland Esq now Maried to Alce daughter of Edw Chute of SurrendeÌ„ in the Weld of Kent Esq 〈◊〉 much Honoured Daniel Fleming of 〈…〉 in Cumberland of Rydal hall in 〈…〉 and Esq of which family Surname there 〈…〉 Lords of ye. maner of Bâ—ckermet of 〈…〉 bâ—en Kts all ye. rest that then weddâ—d 〈…〉 ye. Daughters of Baronetsâ— or Knighâ—â—â— â—â—â—â—ill Skelton eldest sonn of Sr. Iohn Skelton 〈◊〉 Leiutenant
Gouernor of Plimouth who wa◠〈◊〉 of Honor to his maty in his exile now 〈◊〉 yeâ—â—oomes of 〈◊〉 Bedchamberâ— Captaine in his Foot Guards 〈◊〉 Mariet of Whitchurch in Warwickshire of 〈◊〉 Prâ—ston in Glocestershire Esq maried one of th◠〈◊〉 and hâ—yrâ—s of Sr. Richard Brawnâ— of 〈◊〉 in the said County of Glocester Knight Walter Chetwynd of Ingestre in ye. County of Stafford Esq Samuel Pepys of Brampton in Huntinâ—â—tonshire Esq Secretary of the Admiralty his maty King Charles the Second Descendeâ— of the antient family of Pepys of Cottenham in Cambridgâ—â— â—â—hn Georges of Bawton in Glocestershire Esq a member of the Honourable house of Comons for this present Parliament 1677 descended the antient and Worthy family of the Georges of Cicester in the said County Iohn Butler D. D. Chaplain in ordinary to his 〈◊〉 King Charles the 2d. and Canon of Windsor marâ—â— Susanna one of the daughters of Sr. Edward Thomas of Lamihangle in Glamorganshire Bart. â—â—ptaine Iohn Loggan of Idbury in Oxfordshirâ— and of Bassetsbury in Comâ— Bucks Maried Mary Sole Daughter and heire of Hugh Dâ—rrell of Millend in the said County of Buckinghaâ— Gent. Henry Pilkington of Stanton in the County of Derby Esqr. George Bowen Esqr. lineally descended from and present heire unto the antient family of the Bowens of Courthouse in the seigniory of Gower in Glomorganshire Henry Gilbert son and heyre of Henry Gilbert of Lockoe in Derbyshire Esqr. by Elizabeth daughter and Coeheyre of Sr. Iohn Barnard of Abington in Northamptonshire Knight Iohn Colwall of the Inner Temple London Esqr. Samuel Sanders son heyre apparent of Thomas Sanders of Ireton in Derbyshire Esqr. which maried Margaret daughter and Coeheyre of Evers Armyne of Osgodby in the County of Lincolne Esqr. Richard Goodlad of the Citty of London Esqr. Lewis Inkledon of Buckland in the Parish of Branton in the County of Devon Esqr. Thomas Rawlins of Langarran in the County of Hereford Esqr. Colonell Titus of Bushy in the County of Herâ—ford one of the Groomes of his matys Bedchamber c. Thoâ— Dereham Esq of the antient family of Dereham at Dereham in Norfolk Servant to his Majesty King Charles the 2d. Eâ—an Seqâ— of Boverton in the County of Glaâ—morgan sergeant at Law of which Coat and family see more in the body of the Booke Section 6. Chapter â— â—ndrew Lant of Thorp vnderwood alias Thorp Billâ—â— in Northamptonshire Esq son of Robert Lant of London Merchant by Elizabeth Daughter heyre of Rich Andrews of Thorp vnderwooâ—â—â—â—resaid Gent. which said Andrew Lant is now maried to Iudith◠〈◊〉 daughter of Will Vannam of London Esq Iohn Darnall of the Middle Temple London Esqr. now maried to Mary daughter of William Bacon of St. Clements Danes in Middlesex Esqr. Gabriel Armiger of North Creakâ— in the County of Norfolk and of the Inner Temple London Esq â— William Dutton Colt Esq r son of George Colt of Colt Hall in Suffolk Esq r by Elizabeth daughter and Coheyre of Iohn Dutton of Sherbourn in Glocestershire Esqr. which said William is now maried to Lucy sole daughter of Thomas Webb of in Kent Esqr. Randolph Egerton of Betley in Staffordshire Esqr. first Leivtenant and Major of his Matâ—s owne Troop of Guards under the comand of his grace Iames Duke of Monmouth first maried to Penelope daughter of the Rt. honble Rob viscount Kilmurrey of the Kingdome of Ireland and now to Eiliz â—aughter and heyre of Henry Murrey Esq r one of the Gent of his Matis Bed-chamber to K. Charles the first by Ann now viscountess Banning Iohn Wildman of Beaucot alias Becket in the County of Berks Esqr. Nathan Knight of Ruscombe in Berkshire Esq r intermariat â—th Margaret Eldest daughter and Coheire of William Stroode of Ruscombe Aforesaid Esqr. William Petyt of the Inner Tâ—mple London Esq r and Silvester Petyt Genâ— Brother to the Sd. Wm. descâ—ndeâ—â— by Gilbert a Younger sonn of Sr. Iohn Petytâ— From â—â— Antient family of that name who were Lords of Ardever in Cornwall tempore H. â— Iohn Lamphigh of Lamplugh in Cumberland Esqr. Collonell of a foot Regiment at Marston Moore in Yorkshire under the Command of his Highâ—ness Prince Rupert of wch Family see more in the body of the Bookeâ— section 2d. Chapt â— Thomas Burton of the City of London Esq Thomas Madden of the Inner Temple London Esâ— desâ—ended of ye. Maddens Formerly of Muddenton in Milâ—shire who are now seated at Rousky Castle in 〈◊〉 County of Fermanaugh in the Kingdome of 〈◊〉 Godwin Swift of Gooderidge in the County of Hereford Esq one of the society of Graâ—s Inn descend of the Family of ye. Swists of York-shire Henry Raâ—â—sford B. D and Rector of Stanmoâ—e Magna in the County of Midd Maried Mary one of ye. Daughters of Iohn Montfort of Jewing in ye. County of Hartford D. D. Residentiary of St Pauls London Nathaniel Stoughton of St. Iohns near Warwick in Warwick shire Esq lineally descended from the antient family of the Stâ—ughtons of Stoughton in Surrey now maried to Ann daughter and heyre of Will Brough late Deane of Glocester deceased of this family see more in the body of the booke Section 6. Chap 1. Capt. Iohn Clifford of Frampton upon Severne in Glocestershire whose family have there continued ever since the Reigne of Will the Conqueror takeing its rise from Puntins a noble man of Normandy who came into England with the said Will whose second sonn Osbert held the said Frampton and from whom for want of issue it descended to Walter de Clifford the predecessor of the said Iohn of wch Coate and family see more in the body of the booke section 5. Chapter 4. Richard Booth of the Citty of London Esqr. descended from the Booth's of Witton in Warwickshire now maried to Elizabeth daughter of Iohn Hopcroft Cittizen of London Thomas Stephens Esq r only son and heyre of S. Tho. Stephens of little Sodbury in Glocestershire Kt now liveing whose Grandfather Tho Stephens was Attourney Generall to Prince Henâ— and after his decease to K. Charles the first when Prince of Wales in wch service he dyed of this family see more in the body of the booke section 3. chap. 20. William Iollife of Carswall Castle in Stafford shire Esqr. who first maried Martha eldest daughter of Thomas Foley of Witley Court in Worcestershire Esq r and now the Lady Mary Hastings daughter of the Rt. honble Ferdinando late Earle of Huntington Henry Arthington of Arthington in the west Rideing of York shire Esq â— Thomas Modyford of Easttuar in the County of Kent Esqrâ— Collonell of a Regiment of Foot at Port Royall in the Island of Iamaica sonn and heyre of Sr. Tho. Modyford Bart. late Governor of the Sd. Island Erasmus Smith alias Herâ—â— of St. Iones in the parish of Clarkenwell in Midd Esqr. sonn of Sr. Roger Smith of Edmonthorp in Leicestershire Kt. decâ—ased descended from the antient family of the Smiths of Withcock in the s â— County â—câ— S
â— Erasmus is now maried to Mary daughter of Hugh Hare Baron of Coleâ—â—â— in Ireland 〈◊〉 the Lady Lucy Mountague daughter of Hen Earle oâ—â—â—â—chester L d 〈◊〉 Coll Robert Werden of Chester Comptroler to his Royall Highness Iames Duke of York and first Leiutenant and Major of his Guards first maried to Iane daughter of Edw Barnham of Cock hall in Kent Esq r and now to Margaret daughter and heyre of Will Towse of Bassingburn hall in Essex Esq. Humphrey Weld of Lulworth Castle in Dorsetshire Esq r Governor of his Ma â—ys Isle and Castles of Portland and Sandes foot lineally desended from Edricke Sylvaticus alias Wildâ— a Saxon of great renowne in the reignes of K. Herold and Will the Conquerorâ—whose father Alfrick was brother to Edricke of Stratton Duke of Merciaâ— wch sd. Humprey is now Maried to Clara daughter of the Rt. honble Thâ—â— Ld. Arundel of Warden Court of the Empire Colâ— Thomas Sackevile of Selscombe in Sussex a Person of great Loyalty being one that served his late maty in all his expeditions and was one of the Captaines of his life guards in the begining of the late warrs He is now maried to Margaret daughter of 〈◊〉 Henry Compton of Brambletye in Sussex K â— of the Bath and Uncle to the late Earle of Northampton Phillip Doughty of Eashere in the County of Surrey Esq descended from an English Saxon family of ye. Dohags who were here Sealed before the Conguest Skynner Byde Esqr. eldest sonn of Sr. Thomas Byde of Ware Park in the County of Hertford Knight now maried to Anne daughter of Tho Austen of Hoxton in Middlesex Esqr. Captaine Iohn Huitson of Clâ—asbey in the County of York one of the Captaines of the Couldstrem Regiment of foot guards to his maty King Charles the second now maried to Martha daughter of Sr. William-Cooper of Ratling Court in Kent Baronet Thomas Tomlins of St. Leonards Bromley in Midd. sx Esq r first maried to Ann daughter of Captaine Will Goodladd of Lee in Essex 2dly to Eliz daughter of Ric Swinglehurst of London Merchant 3dly to Eliz daughter of Reynolds of East Grenwich in Kent Esq r now to Susanna daughter of Geo Cranmer of Canterbury in Kent afore sd Merchant Nicholas Barbon of London M.D. one of the Colledge of Phisitians of the S â— Citty now maried to Margaret daughter of Iohn Hayes of Hadley in Midd sx Esqr. Beaumont Dixie of Bosworth in the County of Leicester Esqsr. sonn and heyre of Sr. Wolstan Dixie of Bosworth aforesaid Bart. now maried to Mary sister and heyre to Sr. William Willoughby of Willoughby in Nottinghamshire Bart. deceased Richard Winwood of Ditton Park and Quainton in the County of Bucks Esqsrâ— sonn and heyre of the Rt. honble Sr. Ralph Winwood Knightâ— Embassador Ledger to â—he States of the united Provinces and principall secretary of state to King Iames. Edward Peck of Samford Hall in the County of Essex sergeant 〈◊〉 Law to his maty King Charles the 2â— sonn and heyre of Will Peck of Metâ—â—â—â—old in the County of Norfolk Esqsr. and intermâ—ried w â— Graâ—e one of the daugâ—â—â—ers â—â—d CoheyrÌ„s of Will Green of East Barnet in Hartfordshire Esqs â— William Peck of Samford hall in the County of Essex Esqs â— sonn and â—eyre of Edw. Peck sergeant at Law and is now maried to Gartrude sole daughter and heyre of Sr. Willâ— Grâ—en of Mitcham in the County of Surry Bart. Iustinian Pagit of Grais Inn in Com Middz Esqss. Cristos Brâ—ium et Recordorum Banco Regis Ioseph Micklethwaite of Swyne in Holderness in the County of York ' Esqs s William Mountagu Esqss. son heyre to the honble William Mountagu Lord cheife Baron of his matys Court of Exchequer maried to Ann Sole daughâ—â—â—â— heyre of Ric Evelyn of Woodcot in the County of Surreyâ— Esqss. Thomas Robinson of the Inner Temple Londoâ— Esqss. cheife Prothonotary of his matys Court of Comon Pleas. Francis Diue of Bromham in the County of Bedford Esq son heirè of Sr Lewis Diue of the said place Kt. now maried to Theophila Daughter of the Right Reverend Father in God Iohn Hackett late Lord Bishop of Litchfeild and Couentry Owen Feltham of Greys Inn in ye. County of Middlesex Esq r now maried to Mary one of ye. Daughters Coheires of Alexander Portree of Barnstaâ—le in Devonshire Esqâ— Francis Wythens of Eltham in the County of Kent Esq one of ye. society of the Middle Temple London Iames Hoare of Edmonton in the County of Middlesex Esq and one of the society of ye. Middle Temple London Thomas Foley of Kidderminster in Worcestersh Esq eldest son of Thomas Foley of Witley Court in Worcestersh Esq now maried to Elizabeth Daughter of Edward Ash of Halsted in the County of Kent Esq. Paul Foley of Stoakâ— Court in the County of Hereford Esq. second sonn of Tho Foley of Witley Court in Worcester shire now maried to Mary daughter of Iohn Lane of ye. Citty of London Esq. Phillip Foley of Prestwood in the County of Stafford Esq third son of Tho Foley of Witley Court in Worcestershire Esq now maried to Penelope daughter of the Rt. honble Wm. Ld. Pagett Baron of Beaâ—desert Tollemach Duke of Lincolns Inn in Middlesex Esq Exigenter for London ct. in the Court of Common pleas sonn heyre of Dr. Edward Duke of HoningtoÌ„ in Suffolk by Eliz his wife onely daughter of Robert 2d son of Sr. Lionel Tollemach of Bently Helmingham in the Sd. County â—ar â— linealy descended in a direct male line from ye. antient family of the Dukes of Brampton Shadingfeild in the Sd. Counâ—y of late Barts Thomaâ— Walker of yâ— Inner Temple London Esqs s som time Comptroller of yâ— S â— society son of Thomas Walker of Warwicâ—shire Esqss. who is descended from an antient family of that name in Leicestershire wch Sd. Tho the bearer hereof is now maried to Elizabeth daughter Coheyâ—e of Hoo Games of Newton in Brecknockshir Esqs â— of wch Sd. familys see more in the body of thâ— Book Sâ—ction chapter Iohn Bennet of â—bington in the County of Cambridge Esqss. Iohn Lewkenor of West Deane in Sussex Esqs s son and heyre of Sr. Iohn Lewkenor Kt. of yâ— Bath deceased by Ann daughter and Coheyre of George Myn of Myn in Shropshir Esqs s decended from the antient family of the Lewkeâ—ors Thomas Coxe M.D. Physitian in ordinary to his maty King Charles the 2d. William Thompson of the Middle Temple London Esq noâ— maried to Mary Sole daughter of Iohn Stephens of Broadway in Worcestershire Gent. William Atwood of Bromfeild in Essex and Grais Inn in Middlesex Esq son and heyre of Iohn Atwood Esq desceased by Elizabeth daughter and Coheyre of Patrick Young Esq son of Sr. Peter Young K â— Abnoner and privy Councellor of Scotland to King Iames. Thomaâ— Plott Esq secretary to his Highness the Great Duke of Tuscany descended of the family of the Plotts of Sparsholt in Berkshire Iohn Warner of
c. and the Commodities by them â—mported are Deals Masts Timber Oars Balks Clapboards Bom-spars Cant-spars Pipe-staves Wainscot and Quarters Flax Hemp Linen-cloth Fustians Cordage Cable-yarn Pitch Tarr Tallow Hides Pot-ashes Wheat Rye Iron Lattin Copper Steel Wire Quicksilver rich Furrs Buck-skins Train-oyl Sturgeon Stock-fish Mather with several other good Commodities For the management of the Affairs of this worshipful Company they are governed by a Governour Deputy-Governour and Court of Assistants consisting of four and twenty who are yearly elected out of the Members of the said Society in the month of October and keep their Courts for the management of the concerns of the said Company as others do having also large Immunities granted unto them The present Governour for this Year 1678. is Sir Richard Chiverton Kt. Governour Francis Asty Esq Deputy-Governour Randolph Knipe Treasurer Sir Benjamin Ayloffe Edward Bilton Senior Esq Iohn Dogget Esq Nathaniel Tench Esq Peter Rich Esq Mr. Thomas Canham Mr. Henry Moody Mr. Edw. Bilton Junior Mr. Samuel Feake Mr. William Rivett Mr. Hugh Vpton Mr. William Nutt Mr. William Cooper Mr. Iohn Mathews Mr. Oliver Westland Mr. Edward Harwell Mr. Abraham Wessel Mr. Ioseph Martin Mr. Thomas Philpe Mr. Thomas Warren Mr. William Taylor and Mr. Iohn Sayer Assistants The Royal Affrican Company of England was by his Majesties great prudence and care for the general good of this Nation and of his Foreign Dominions and Plantations erected into a Company and is likely to prove the most beneficial Trade that belongs to his Crown as well by the Commodities Exported and Imported as by the Negro Trade The Goods of English growth Exported are Sayes Perpetuances Broad-clothes Welsh-plains and other Woollen Manufactures in great abundance besides quantities of other English Goods and Stuffs the large consumption whereof doth not only enable the Tenant the better to pay his Rent and maintain his Family but also sets many thousands of poor people at work in making dying and dressing of these Stuffs and Clothes And together with these Goods of English growth are also sent vast quantities of Foreign Goods chiefly imported by our East-India Company by which his Majesties Customes the wealth of his People and the Navigation of this Kingdom are much encreased The Foreign Commodities Imported are Gold Elephants-teeth Wax Hides and other Commodities almost all as good as gold And as to the benefit of the Negro Trade it is such that by it all the American Plantations are yearly furnished with great quantities of Slaves not elsewhere to be had by whose labour and the Planters industry the King and his People are very much enriched The bounds of this Companies Trade are large viz. from Sally in South-Barbary to Cape Bona Esperanza inclusive The Voyage out and home is short usually within the compass of a year Many ships and seamen are constantly employed in the Companies Service who for the securing their Trade have at a very great expence erected several Forts and Factories all along the Coast of Guiny without which the Trade cannot possibly be preserved to this Nation and for that very reason this Trade cannot be managed but by a Company and a joynt Stock for no private person will undergo the Charge of Forts and Factories abroad besides such as Venture one Voyage and perhaps no more do usually consult the cheapest way in their Exports and will not have that care to send so good and merchantable Commodities as a Company who are constantly to trade thither will who are obliged so to do as well for supporting the credit of their trade as for bringing our English Manufactures into a better reputation than those of our Neighbours which this Company hath really effected in several Commodities formerly bought in Holland as Sayes Muskets Knives c. being now all Exported of our own make And of this difference in and between the Commodities send by the Company and those sent by private Traders the Natives of Guiny who are a sagacious people are very sensible by the ill-dealings they have met with in that kind from some private Traders which hath been a thing very disadvantageous to our English Manufactures and Trade but these miâ—chiefs have been removed ever since his Majesties settling the Trade in a Company with prohibition to all such interloping Traders This Company consisteth of a Governour who is his Royal Highness Iames Duke of York the very life of the said Company under his Sacred Majesty a Sub-Governour Deputy-Governour and a generality mixt of divers Noblemen honourable Persons and eminent Merchants to the number of about two hundred out of which are Annually chosen by Vote at a general Court four and twenty Assistants of whom any six with the Governour Sub-Governour or Deputy-Governour make a Court which by their Charter dated Sept. 27. 1672. is called a Court of Assistants and impowered for the well ordering and governing of the Affairs of the said Company subject nevertheless to a general Court when occasion requireth The management of the Affairs of this Honourable Company for this Year 1678. is committed to the prudent care and government of his Royal Highness Governour Sir Gabriel Roberts Sub-Governour Benjamin Newland Esq Deputy-Governour Twenty four Assistants viz. Sir Iohn Banks Knight and Baronet Sir Thomas Bludworth Knight and Alderman Mr. Benjamin Bathurst William Earl of Craven Sir Peter Colleton Knight and Baronet Mr. Roger Chappel Mr. Samuel Dashwood Thomas Lord Viscount Fauconberg Edward Hopegood Esq Mr. Peter Ioy Sir Andrew King Mr. Iohn Mead Sir Iohn Mathews Mr. Nicholas Mead Mr. Thomas Nichols Lawrence du Puy Esq Mr. Peter Proby William Roberts Esq Mr. Edward Rudge Col. Iohn Searle Mr. Benjamin Skutt Sir William Turner Knight and Alderman Mr. Thomas Vernon Mr. William Warren The Coat of Arms and Motto belonging to this Company is also depicted in the Plate of Arms of the Companies of Merchants This worshipful Company as indeed all others are is governed by a Master Wardens and Court of Assistants Thus having briefly treated of the City of London the Metropolis of the Kingdom with some of the chief Incorporated Companies our next business shall be to treat of the Cities in England with the principal places or Shire-Towns in every County CHAP. II. Treats of the Cities of England with the Shire or chief Town Corporate in each County and first with Berkshire ELY a City of more antiquity than beauty being but meanly built nor well inhabited or frequented and would be farr less were it not the See of a Bishop It is a place that enjoyeth ample Immunities for in the Isle of Ely the Bishop hath all the Rights of a County Palatine and beareth chief sway therein and appointeth his Bailiff and other Officers WELLS another City in Somersetshire of no large extent but well inhabited and of good account being the See of a Bishop under whose Jurisdiction is that of Bath Its buildings are fair and good its Cathedral a stately Pile of building adjoyning to which
and twenty Burgesses for Common-Councel a Recorder c. sâ—nds Burgesses to Parliament The Arms born by this Town is a Castle triple-towred having on the dexter side the Sun in its glory and on the sinister a Crescent on the top of the two fronting Towers stand two Watchmen with this Inscription upon the Ring of the Seal Sigillum Ballivi Burgensium Warwici And notwithstanding this fatal overthrow â—o much of the Town was continued till the Reign of Richard the Second who began in 1377 that it paid to the King in Fee-farm Rent twenty Marks per Annum at 2 d. a Burgage which amounts to two thousand two hundred Burgages besides other Houses But in 1388. as appears by Records die Martis in festo Sancti Stephani Martyris which was about the eleventh of Richard the Second it was so burn'd down and wasted by the Scots that of that Rent upon several Inquisitions found and returned there remained to the King only two Marks per Annum so that nine parts in ten were utterly destroy'd But notwithstanding this great devastation that was never repaired it doth still retain its ancient Priviledges which are in every respect the same with York as appears from the confirmation of Henry the Third in whose time here was an Exchequer called by the Name of Scaccarium de Appleby and King Iohn â—s Charter which I have seen wherein is expressed and firmly commanded That his Burgers of Appleby shall have and enjoy all the Liberties and free Customes which his Burgers of York have well and peaceably freely and quietly fully wholly and honourably with a Prohibition That none shall attempt to disturb them thereof And also That they shall be free from Toll Stallage Pontage and Lestage all England over praeterquam in Civitate London nisi forte Cives Eobor ' quietantias inde habent libertates suas in Civitate London which exception doth very much confirm and strengthen their Priviledges to them The Corporation consists at present of a Mayor with two Bailiffs a Court of Aldermen twelve in number a Recorder Common-Councel and Serjeants at Mace with their Attendants And if the Town were able to bear it might take the same Priviledges with York in every thing according to their Charter which has been confirmed by all the succeeding Kings of England and if any would know what those Priviledges are more particularly I referr him to York where he may possibly meet with satisfaction In the mean time take these which are now in practice at Appleby viz. They have power to Arrest for any Sum without limitation To elect and send two Burgesses to Parliament To acknowledge Statute-Merchant before the Mayor To take Toll both in Fairs and Markets To seize Felons goods Felones de se Waifes Strayes Forfeitures and Escheats all which do belong to the Mayor for the time being who takes place of the Judges of Assize as the Lord Mayor of York is wont to do Their Aldermen are some of them Gentlemen of the Country for the greater honour and credit of the Town who in time of their Majoralty have their Propraetors or Deputies there The present Mayor and Aldermen for the present year are Iohn Thwaites Esquire Mayor Lancelot Machell of Gackanthorp Esq who was first Mayor after the King's return and tore in pieces Oliver's Charter in open Court before he would accept of that Office which he had declined all Oliver's time Richard Brathwate of Warcop Esq and Justice of Peace who contested with the Judges and took place of them Virtute Chartae Robert Hilton of Morton Esquire Justice Jf Peace Edward Musgrave of Askeby Esq oustice of Peace Thomas Warcop of Colby Gentleman Iohn Routlidge of 〈…〉 Gent. Alderman Leonard Smyth Alderman William Smyth Alderman Robert Harrison Alderman Iohn Lawson Alderman Thomas Robinson Alderman Iohn Atkinson which six last are all of Appleby Appleby was very eminent for its Loyalty in the late Civil Warrs and most of the Aldermen except those whom Oliver Cromwell obtruded upon them suffered many imprisonments during his Tyranny and so likewise did most of the Gentry round about for it is the glory of the County of Westmerland that there was not one Person of quality in it who took up Arms against his King and but two or three in Cumberland A TABLE OF THE Contents or Heads Of the several CHAPTERS IN THE TREATISE OF Honour and Nobility FIRST PART HONOVR MILITARY OF Warr and the causes thereof fol. 3 Of Souldiers 4 Of Embassadors or Legats 5 Of Warr and the inclination of the English to it ibid. Of Captains Generals Marshals and other chief Commanders 7 SECOND PART HONOVR CIVIL CHap. I. Of Honour general and particular 11 Of Gentry and bearing of Arms 12 Principles of Honour and Vertue that every Gentleman ought to be endowed with 13 Of precedency ibid. Chap. II. Of the King or Monarch of Great Britain 19 Chap. III. Of the Prince 24 Chap. IV. Of Dukes 32 The form of a Patent of the Duke of York temp Jacobi 33 Ceremonies to be observed in the Creation of a Duke 36 Chap. V. Of Marquisses 37 Chap. VI. Of Earls 39 Chap. VII Of Viscounts 44 Chap. VIII Of Lords Spiritual 45 Chap. IX Of Barons 48 The definition of a Baron ibid. The Etymology of the name of a Baron ibid. The antiquity and dignity of Barons and the sundry uses of the Name 49 The tenor and proper signification of the word Baron ibid. Chap. X. Barons of Tenure 50 Chap. XI Barons by Writ 52 Chap. XII Barons by Patent 56 Chap. XIII Priviledges incident to the Nobility according to the Laws of England 59 Certain Cases wherein a Lord of the Parliament hath no priviledge 65 Chap. XIV Nobility and Lords in reputation only 68 Chap. XV. Of the Queen Consort and of Noble Women 69 70 Ladies in reputation 75 Chap. XVI Of Knighthood in general 77 Chap. XVII Knights of the Garter 79 Chap. XVIII Of Knights Bannerets 84 Chap. XIX Of Baronets 85 The president of the Patent of Creation of Baronets 88 The Catalogue of the Baronets of England according to their Creations 91 Chap. XX. Knights of the Bath 105 A Catalogue of the Knights of the Bath made at the Coronation of King Charles II. 107 Chap. XXI Of Knights Batchelors 108 Observations concerning Knights Batchelors 116 Of degrading of Knights 117 Chap. XXII Knights of the round Table 118 Chap. XXIII Knights of the Thistle or of St. Andrew 120 Chap. XXIV Orders of Knighthood in Palestine and other parts of Asia 121 Knights of the holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem ib. Knights Hospitalers of St. John Baptist in Jerusalem now called Knights of Malta 122 Knights Templars ibid. Knights of St. Lazarus 123 Knights of St. Bass ibid. Knights of St. Katherine at Mount Sinai ibid. Knights of the Martyrs in Palestine ibid. Orders of Knighthood in Spain Knights of the Oak in Navar 124 Knights of the Lily in Navar ibid. Knights of the Band 125 Knights of
Anno 1498. But as Micheli saith by Pope Paul the Third for the Security of the Confines of the Adriatick Sea against Pirats who for their Ensign wore a Cross of Gold entow'red with a Circle of the same in form of a Crown Knights of St. Paul at Rome THIS Order was instituted by Pope Paul the Third in Anno 1540. Their Ensign was the Figure of St. Paul which they wore hanging on a Chain of Gold Knights called Pios at Rome THIS Order was instituted by Pope Pius the Fourth in Anno 1560. which number at first was Three hundred seventy five but afterwards encreased to Five hundred thirty and odd Their Ensign is the Effigies of St. Ambrose which they wear about their Necks hanging on a Chain of Gold Knights of Loretto THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1587. by Sixtus Quintus whose Ensign was the Figure of our Lady of Loretto hanging on a golden Chain Knights of the glorious Virgin Mary of Rome THIS Order took its rise from three Brethren of Spella in Italy surnamed Petrignanoes in Anno 1618. and the cause of its institution was for the advancement of the Romish Church and the suppressing the Turkish Rovers in the Mediterranean Sea Pope Paul the Fifth approved of this Order and gave them for their Convent the Palace of St. Iohn de Laterane also the City and Port of Civita Vechia for their Arsenal of Gallies together with the government of his Gallies These Knights lived under the Rule of St. Francis d' Assise and the Pope and his Successors are Great Masters The Badge which these Knights wear on the left side of their Mantles which is white is a Cross of blew Satin embroidered with Silver and bordered with Gold having in the midst a round circle wherein is this Motto In hoc signo vincam and within the said circle is the Letters S. M. From the round circle issue forth twelve Rayes The ends of the Cross are in fashion of Flower de lis on each of which is a Star which may signifie the four Evangelists as the twelve Rayes do the twelve Apostles Knights of Iesus at Rome THIS Order was instituted in Anno 1320. by Pope Iohn the Two and Twentieth at Avignon in France and much enlarged by Pope Paul the Fifth Their Badge is a plain red Cross within a Cross Pattee Gold which hangs on a gold Chain And this Order was chiefly erected for the honouring of some of the Nobles and Persons of Quality in his Territories Knights de la Calza in Venice THIS Order was instituted about the Year 1400. in honour of the Inauguration of Duke Michele Stelo and consisted of a Society of Noblemen and Gentlemen who entred into a Society and elected a person of Eminence for their Chief and afterwards the said Order was confirmed and priviledges granted unto them On solemn days their Habit was a crimson Senator's Vest and their Ensign was a Sun on a Shield which they used as well for their Seal as painted on their Banners Knights of St. Mark in Venice THE Ceremony in creating these Knights is much the same as the Knights Batchelors being dubbed with the Sword and their Title a bare mark of Honour only They are not governed by Laws or Statutes they have no Revenue nor are they under any particular Obligation by Vow as those of other Orders are This Honour is conferred as well by the Duke of Venice as by the Senate upon Persons of eminent Quality and on such as have merited well of this Commonwealth which puts the greater esteem thereon Their Badge of Honour wherewith they are adorned is a gold Chain which hangs over their Shoulders to which depends a Medal on the one side of which is the Emblem of St. Mark viz. a Lion with Wings holding in his right Paw a drawn Sword and in his left an open Book with this Motto Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus And upon removing the Body of St. Mark from Alexandria in Egypt where he was buried to this City which was in the Year 828. This Saint hath been taken for their titular Angel and Guardian and his Picture was anciently painted upon their Ensigns and Banners Knights of St. George at Genoa THIS Order was instituted by Frederick the Third Emperor of Germany and dedicated to the honour of St. Gâ—orge their titular Saint and Patron Their Ensign is a plain Cross Gules which is fastned to a gold Chain and wore about their Necks Knights of the Order of the precious Blood of our Saviour Iesus Christ at Mantua IN Mantua 't is reported that there is kept some of the Blood of our Saviour with a piece of the Spunge in which he received the Vinegar and Gall by which Reliques as they say great Miracles are wrought And in honour of which Blood as also for the defence and propagation of the Christian Religion and for the more noble Cosummation of the Nuptial of Francisco eldest Son to Vicentio de Gonzaga fourth Duke of Mantua this Order was instituted about the Year 1608. and consisted of twenty Knights of which the Great Master was one who was the said Duke and Founder thereof Their Collar is composed of Ovals of Gold some the length one way and some another in one of which were these words Domine probâsti and in the other flames of Fire slashing about a crucible or melting Pot full of sticks of Gold and at the same hanged another large Oval of Gold wherein were two Angels standing upright holding between them a Chalice crowned on the Table of it were enameled three drops of Blood and about the Oval this Inscription Nihil isto triste recepto Knights of St. Stephen at Florence COSMO Duke of Florence and Sienna having settled his Government and living in a peaceable Eâ—â—ate in Anno 1561. erected this Order calling those that entred into the said Society Cavalieri de san Steffano Their Statutes by him constituted are much the same with those of the Order of Malta only these have the liberty to marry Their Ensign is a red Cross bordered about with Gold Their chief place of Residence is at Pisa where they have a Church and a place of Residence built them by the Duke as being near to the Haven which receiveth the Gallies wherein these Knights should serve for the checking the Inroads of the Turkish Pirates The Duke himself and his Successors is Great Master of this Order under whom are divers other Officers of Reputation Their Habit is a long Mantle of white Chamlet and on the left part of the Breast a Cross of red crimson Satin bordered with Gold and on Festival days they wear a Ribon about their Necks Knights of the Knot in Naples IEwis K. of Hungary being resolved to revenge the death of his Brother Andrew whom Ioan Q. of Naples wife of the said Andrew had caused to be strangled undertook an Expedition to Italy and much harassed her Kingdom but after a 3 years War in
Brakent waite in the Parish of Kirkbyâ— overblow in the iâ—est rideing of Yorkshire Esq lineally descended from the Warners of Warner hall in the County of Essex Humphrey Borlase of Treluddro in the County of Cornwall Esqr. Anthony Keck of The Inner Temple London Esqr. Iacob Lucie of the Citty of London Esqr. now maried to Mary daughter of Iohn Sr. Iohn of Coldoverton in the County of Leicester Esqr. Richard Peirce of the Citty of London Esqr. Roger Iames of Riegate in Surrey Esqr. of yâ— antient family of Haestract in Holland from whom are Descended the severall familys of the Iames of Surreyâ— Kent Middlesex Essex wk. Sd. Roger is nâ—w maried to Elizabeth Daughter of Sr. Anthony Ancher of Bishops boâ—â—â—h in Kent Kt. deceased Charles Beauvoir of the Citty of London Esqr. Desâ—â—nded from the Family of the Beauvoir of the Island of Garnsey Iohn Evance of the Citty 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 London Esqr. Valentine Crome of Maydenâ— Early in Berkâ—shire Esqr. descended from the antient family of Lewis in Yorkshire Thomas Windham of Tale in Devonshire Esq one of the Grooms of his matysâ— Bedchamber third son of Sr. Edmond Windham of Cathanger in Somerset shireâ— Kt Marshall of his matysâ— most honble household and lineally descended of the antient family of the Windhams of Crown-Thorp in the County of Norfolk Thomas Stringer of Bexwells in the County of Essex Esqâ— Daniel Collingwood of Branton in Northumberland Es r Major to the Queens Troop of his Matis Guard Governor of his Matisâ— Castle in Holy Island and Deputy Leivtenant of the sâ—id County of Northumberland Iohn Iollife of the Citty of London Esq r descened from the family of Iollifs of Botham in Staffordshire Iohn Strachey of Sutton Court in the County of Somerset Esqr. Nicholas Martyn of Lincolns Inn in Middlesex Esq. son and heyre of Nicholas Martyn of Lincolns â—n aforesaid Esr. deceased who was descended from the family of ye. Martins of Admiston alias Athelhaâ—â—ston in Dorsetsh now maried to Dorcas daughter oâ— Richard Graves Esqr. deceased late Reader of Lincolns Innâ— William Palmer of Winthorp in Lincolnsh Esq â— Captaine of a Troop in the Regiment of Horse of his Grace the Duke of â—onmouth Captaine Generall of all his â—atys land forces Edward Clarke of the Inner Temple London Esqr. son and heyre of Edward Clarke of Chipley in the County of Somerset Esqr. Maried Mary sole daughter heyreâ— of Samuel Ieppe of Suttons courtâ— in the sd. county Esq. Anthony Rowe of St. Martins in the Fields in the County of Middâ— Esq â— third son of Sr. Thomas Rowe of Muswell hill in the said County K â— Henry Marwood of 〈◊〉 Busâ—y in Yorkshire Esqr. Son and heyre of Sr. George Hâ—rwood Bart. First maried to Margaret fourth daughter of thâ— R â— honourable Conâ—ers Ld. Darcâ—â—to his second Dorothy second daughter of Allen Bellingham of Lâ—vâ—ns in Westmâ—rland Esq r and to his present wife 〈◊〉 second Daughter of Sr. Thoâ— Wâ—â—â—worth of Emprall in Yorkshire K â— Edward Brabaâ—on of Bally arthur in the County of Wicâ—loe in Ireland Esqr. second son to the Right Honourable Edward Earle of â—eath deceased William Lâ—ggan of Butlers marston in Warwickshire Esqrâ— now maried to 〈◊〉 daughter to 〈◊〉 Newsham of Chadhurst in the s d County Esq r Henry Brouncker of Roumbold-week in sussex and of Brokedish in Norfolk Esqr. Iames Vernon of St. Martins in the Fields Esq r Secretary to the R t Noble Iames Duke of Monmouth Descended from the antient Family of the Vernons of Cheshire who were Barons of Shipbrooke Thomas Cudmore of Keâ—edon in Essex Esqr. son heire of Thomas Cudmore Esqr. deceasedâ— by Dorothy eldest daughter and Coheire of Sr. Thomas Cecill Kt. son of Tho Earle of Exeterâ— by Dorothy daughter Coheire of Iohn Nevill Ld. Latimer son and heyre of Io Ld. Latimer by Dorothy daughter and Coheyre of Sr. George Vere Kt. wch sd. Sr. Tho dyed Anno 1002. and â—â—eth buried in Stamford Baron in Northaâ—tonsâ—â—mong his Ancestors Samuel Collins Dr. in Physick late fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge onely sonof Iohn Collins late Parson of Rotherfield in Sussâ—x decended from the antient Family of the Collins of the Countys of Somersetâ— and Devonshire he waâ—â— First maried to Ann eldest daughter of Iohn Bodenham Esqr. descended from the family of the Bodenhams of Wiltshiâ— and Herefordshire And now to Dame Katherine Countessâ— Dowâ—gâ—â— of Carnwath in scotland daughter of Io Abington of Dowdes well in Glocestershire Esqr. descended from the antient Family of the Abingtons OF ESQUIRES CHAP. XXV ALTHOUGH by the Civil Law there be no Gentlemen of Title under Knights but all the rest went under the name of People yet with us there are in this rank which have names of Preheminence whereby they are in Degree above the rest as Esquires and Gentlemen all which give Ensigns of Coats of Arms and thereby are distinguished from the meaner People in which respect Bartoll's Tract de Ensignes calleth them Noble but yet of weak Nobility for it hath no further Prerogative in it than it makes them differ from the baser sort of People Of these two sorts of Gentlemen with us the Esquire hath the Priority But it seemeth if an Esquire be named Gentleman or a Gentleman called an Esquire it is no Offence or Fault in Legal Proceedings Esquire seemeth by the common Name we give him in Latin to have his Original either for that he carried the Armour of the King Duke or other great Personage as we read not only in Scripture as Saul and Ionathan had their Armour-bearers but in Poets and other profane Stories we find that Troclus was Achilles's Armour-bearer and Clytus Alexander's the Great whereupon some write that he whom we call Armiger in Latin is a Footman that with a Spear Shield or Head-piece followeth an armed Knight in Battel or rather as some other suppose it is the Footman armed in the Field But howsoever the words be taken this is sure That those men were of good accompt in the old time as those that won themselves Credit out of War and so their Estimation remaineth in their Posterity And as those were in times before so are these which are in our days as descending for the most part from their worthy Ancestors And our Books of Common Law doth distinguish them thus viz. Knighthood is a Dignity but Esquires and Gentlemen are but Names of Worship And Brooks in the Abridgment of that Case Title Nosman de Dignitie 33. saith To be a Knight est gradus but to be an Esquire or Gentleman est status for Gradus continet status in se non è contrario Concerning the word Worshipful read in the printed Book of Titles of Honour the first Part fol. 124. sequentia In times past every Knight had two of these waiting upon him who carried his Murrion and Shield and as inseparable Companions they stuck close to him because of the said Knight their Lord they held