obtaining a Ring one of the Symbols of the Equestrian Order with them Whence have been wisely found out those three Degrees of Gentility Beginning Encrease and full Ripeness for Gentility hath its beginning in the Grandfather its encrease in the Father and full ripeness in the Son and therefore in the constitution of Gentility the Father and Grandfather bringing renown and reputation to the Son by same and estimation of life and actions are at least required to make it perfect and compleat because it cannot naturally and congruously grow to ripeness in the Son unless it hath formerly encreased in the Father and long before begun from the Grandfather As to this particular there is a memorable instance in that of the Lord William Pagit devested of the Garter about five years after his â—lection upon pretence of his not being a Gentleman of Blood by either Father or Mother But it is also observable in the Blue Book that this severity towards him proceeded not altogether from defect in point of Extraction but most from the prevalence and practice of Iohn Dudley Duke of Northumberland by whose means he was most unjustly and undeservedly put out of the Order haply grudging the great honor he had formerly done the said Lord when being Earl Marshal of England his good advice and character of him procured from King Edward the Sixth a new Grant of those Arms under the Great Seal of England which he had sometime before received from Garter Principal King of Arms. But admit the defect of Blood and Arms for three descents were the true cause of his deprivation of the Garter yet what follows is mis-related by Sir Io. Howard as also by Iohn Stow to wit that the George and Garter were forthwith bestowed upon the Earl of Warwick eldest Son to the Duke of Northumberland who out of curtesie was so called as a commonly Dukes Sons in the life time of their Fathers are entituled of some Earldom whereof their Fathers have the honor but more truly had he said they were bestowed upon Sir Andrew Dudley Brother to the said Duke For although we find the said Earl of Warwick put in the Scruteny entred among the Annals of the Order of Edward the Sixth's Reign and taken at a Chapter held on St. George's day an 6. Ed. 6. the Lord Pagit being degraded in a Chapter held on the Eve of the said Feast yet was not the Earl Elected at that or any other time nor was any other person then chosen who had the honor to be inserted into that Scruteny except the Earl of Westmerland and the said Sir Andrew Dudley But to return the Ensigns of this most Noble Order were not with more disgrace taken from than with honor restored to the Lord Pagit assoon as Queen Mary came to the Crown and that by as great and absolute authority as did deprive him of them namely by Decree in Chapter holden at St. Iames's the 27. of September an 1. Mar. so that this Honor might be said to have been rather wrongfully suspended than justly lost For in confirmation of this Lords restauration he had the Garter forthwith buckled on his Leg again by two of the Knights-Companions present and the Collar of the Order put about his shoulders with the George depending thereat And a command then also given Garter to take care that his Atchievements should be again publickly set up over his Stall at Windesor being the same he before possest viz. the 9. on the Soveraign's side In this case of the Lord Pagit we observe that the very Records of the Order brand his degradation of injustice upon the foresaid pretence as if it were inferable thence that when Honor is conferr'd upon the score of Virtue and great Endownments the consideration of these supplies the defect and obscurity of Extraction Whence it came that the then Soveraign whose prerogative it was to declare and interpret the Statutes being at that time present in Chapter thought fit to qualifie the Law and gave him this honorable commendation That he had highly deserved of the Nation by his Prudence and Counsel And though the Exemplar entred in the Black Book hath the qualification of Virtue and good Report inserted only into it yet we observe the same in effect and practice considered in foregoing times with great circumspection by the Soveraigns and their Lieutenants before Election and that the Magnanimity Fortitude Prudence Generosity Fame Reputation and other Virtues and Merits whether innate or acquired of the Person proposed to Election have been by their prudent Inquisition looked into deliberately weighed and brought to the Rule for tryal as to their fitness and capacity of the honor of this most Noble Order These and such like Qualities we see King Henry the Fifth took into his consideration at an Election in the 9. year of his Reign and for which he preferr'd before others then Nominated and presented unto him Iohn Earl Marshal William Earl of Suffolk Iohn Lord Clifford Sir Lewis Robertsack and Sir Heer tanke Clux In like manner did Humfrey Duke of Gloucester Deputy to King Henry the Sixth in the second year of his Reign weigh and examine diligently with himself the Fortitude and Prudence with other the illustrious Actions and deserts of Iohn Lord Talbot before his Election and thereunto gave an approbation worthy his own judgment and not less than that noble Candidates virtue merited It is further remembred in the Annals of this Order that for these and such like noble and heroick Qualifications persons in after times were likewise preferr'd in Election before others And particularly we observe it taken notice of an 28. H. 8. upon the Election of Sir Nicholas Carew That he was a very fit person upon the eminency of his Extraction and Fame and the many worthy and noble Actions he had performed so as that all present did without any delay unanimously approve of his Election Of like nature those Commendations given to Henry Earl of Cumberland upon his Election wherein also particular services are taken notice of viz. the many famous and loyal Atchievements performed by him both at several other times and then more especially when the tumult of Rebellion began to break forth in those Borders where he had his habitation The second Point is That unless he be a Knight he is not qualified for Election or as one of the Exemplers express it unless girded with the unstained Girdle of Knighthood and the same in terms do the other Bodies of Statutes declare Whence we may again mind the Reader of the singular regard and jealousie the Law of the Order hath of this particular Qualification above the rest And lest chance or inadvertency might let slip a Person not Knighted into the Scruteny besides the two former cautions given touching Nomination yet is it also here in another Article a third
early after the Institution in the case of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster who as is before noted was removed from the seventh Stall on the Princes side wherein he was first placed to the Princes Stall it self this act is said to be done by the decree of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions and no doubt but as this was done by so good authority so upon no less inducements to the Soveraign and whole Society But there are few of these extraordinary cases which taking up little time we will remember here William of Henalt Earl of Ostervant was advanced by King Richard the Second from the eleventh Stall on the Soveraign's side to the Duke of Britains Stall it being the second on the Princes side Next Humfry Duke of Gloucester in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth having been first installed in the eleventh Stall on the Soveraign's side was when he came to be Lord Protector removed to the second Stall on the same side Afterward Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick by the consent of the Knights-Companions in Chapter an 39. H. 6. was translated to the Duke of Buckingham's Stall the Lord Bonvill to the Lord Scales his Seat Sir Thomas Kyriell to the place of the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Lord Wenlock to the Stall of Viscount Beaumont And lastly Ferdinand King of Naples and Sicily was removed to the third Stall on the Soveraign's side after he had been installed in the third on the Princes side yet this was an advance of so little honor as it is scarce worth taking notice of being but the very next above that wherein he was first Installed But King Henry the Eighth thinking it requisite for the Soveraigns of this most Noble Order to be impowered by a general Law to do that at pleasure which the former Soveraign's did not but by the power of particular Acts or Orders in Chapter after he had confirmed the ancient Law of succeeding in the Stall of the immediate Predecessor not to be changed without the Soveraign's License nevertheless excepting Strangers he in the next succeeding Article established this Priviledge upon Himself and Successors That if there were any Place or Stall void the Soveraign at his own pleasure might advance and translate any Knight of the Society into the void Stall so that it were higher than that wherein he sat before This in effect did vacat the ancient Law of succeeding in Stalls by him seemingly confirm'd to Knights-Subjects for afterward Translations preceding to Installations became so frequent that the right an Elect-Knight had to his Predecessors Stall was seldom enjoyed Howbeit hereby he setled a power to gratifie and oblige such of the Knights-Companions as should be thought worthy the honor of advancing without recourse had to a Chapter for a special and particular allowance and from hence the Custom began to issue out Warrants under the Soveraign's Sign manual for the Translation of Stalls some convenient time before the day of Installation approched and consequently the alteration and removal of such of the Knights-Companions Helms Crests Banners and Plates who should receive the honor of a higher Place their Atchievements being by virtue of such Warrants set up over the Stalls to which they were advanced there to remain during the time their owners continued therein And now that we may see in what manner King Henry the Eighth made use of the powers and priviledges setled by the foresaid Articles both as to the removal of Stalls and doing it by special Warrant which is Garters discharge we shall exhibit a few Examples first shewing in what order the Stalls were ranked shortly after passing this Law that by comparing some following years with these Schemes the alteration may with greater readiness be discerned Knights of the Order of the Garter as they stood ranked in their Stalls Anno 17. H. 8. The Soveraign's side The Princes side 1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor Charles the Fifth 2. Duke of Richmond 2. Archduke of Austria 3. Marquess Dorset 3. Duke of Norfolk 4. Marquess of Exceter 4. Earl of Northumberland 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 5. Duke of Suffolk 6. Earl of Essex 6. Earl of Arundel 7. Earl of Worcester 7. Viscount Lisle 8. Viscount Fitz Walter 8. Lord Bergaveny 9. Lord Dacre 9. Lord Ferrars 10. Lord Dudley 10. Lord Darcy 11. Earl of Westmerland 11. Lord La Ware 12. Earl of Rutland 12. Lord Sandys 13. Viscount Rocheford 13. Sir Richard Wingfield Knights of the Order of the Garter as they stood ranked in their Stalls Anno 18. H. 8. 1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor Charles the Fifth 2. Duke of Richmond 2. Archduke of Austria 3. Marquess Dorset 3. Duke of Norfolk 4. Marquess of Exceter 4. Earl of Northumberland 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 5. Duke of Suffolk 6. Earl of â—ssex 6. Earl of Arundel 7. Earl of Westmerland 7. Viscount Lisle 8. Viscount Fitz-Walter 8. Lord Bergaveny 9. Earl of Rutland 9. Lord Ferrars 10. Lord Dudley 10. Lord Darcy 11. Void 11. Viscount Rochford 12. Lord Mountjoy 12. Lord Sandys 13. Sir William Fitz Williams 13. Sir Henry Guldeford In the latter of these two Schemes drawn for the Translation of Stalls an 18. H. 8. it may be observ'd first that on the Soveraign's side the Earl of Westmerland was advanced from the eleventh Stall to the seventh being void by the death of the Earl of Worcester The Earl of Rutland from the twelfth to the ninth that being also void by the Lord Dacres death then Viscount Rochford from the thirteenth Stall to the eleventh on the Princess side where the Lord La Ware lately sat but then also deceased And lastly the three newly Elect Knights were thus disposed of at their Installation first the Lord Montjoy into the twelfth Stall then lately void by the removal of the Earl of Rutland next Sir William Fitz Williams into the thirteenth Stall from whence Viscount Rochford was removed and lastly Sir Henry Guldeford into that void by the death of Sir Richard Wingfield viz. the thirteenth on the Princes side but the Stall from whence the Earl of Westmerland was removed remained yet void An appointment for the Translation of Stalls upon admission of Francis the French King An. 19. H. 8. 1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor 2. The French King 2. The King of Bohemia 3. Duke of Richmond 3. Duke of Norfolk 4. Marquess of Exceter 4. Marquess Dorset 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 5. Duke of Suffolk 6. Earl of Essex 6. Earl of Arundel 7. Earl of Westmerland 7. Viscount Lisle 8. Viscount Fitz Walter 8. Lord Bergaveny 9. Earl of Rutland 9. Lord Ferrars 10. Lord Dudley 10. Lord Darcy 11. Earl of Oxenford 11. Viscount Rochford 12. Lord Mountjoy 12. Lord Sandys 13. Sir William Fitz Williams 13. Sir Henry Guildford The setlement of Stalls made the 26. of Ianuary in the following year affords us these observations First by reason of the French King Election which past the
Mountagu 11. The Lord Robert Dudley 12. The Earl of Northumberland 12. The Earl of Warwick 13. Void 13. The Lord Hunsdon The 14. of May following being appointed for the Installation of Francis Earl of Bedford and Sir Henry Sidney Elected at the same time with the French King the Stalls were removed by the Soveraign's appointment and setled in the following order Elizabeth R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor Ferdinand 2. The King of Spain 2. Void 3. The Duke of Savoy 3. The Constable of France 4. The Earl of Arundel 4. The Duke of Holstein 5. The Marquess of Winchester 5. The Earl of Derby 6. The Earl of Penbroke 6. The Duke of Norfolk 7. The Lord Clynton 7. The Marquess of Northampton 8. The Lord Effingham 8. The Earl of Sussex 9. The Earl of Shrewsbury 9. The Lord Hastings 10. The Viscount Mountagu 10. The Lord Robert Dudley 11. The Earl of Northumberland 11. The Earl of Warwick 12. The Lord Hunsdon 12. The Earl of Bedford 13. Void 13. Sir Henry Sidney Where beside the translation of the Stranger Princes whom we shall mention a little below we see the Marquess of Winchester the Earls of Derby and Penbroke the Duke of Norfolk and the Lord Clynton were each of them seated in the next lower Stall to that they enjoyed before And by the advancement of the Lord Effingham Earl of Shrewsbury Viscount Mountagu and Earl of Northumberland each a Stall higher on the Soveraign's side and the like advance of the Earl of Sussex Lord Hastings Lord Dudley and Earl of Warwick on the Princes side the eighth Stall on the Soveraign's side and that opposite thereunto on the Princes were now filled up The Lord Hunsdon was likewise advanced from the lowest Stall on the Princes side to the twelfth on the Soveraign's and lastly the two Elect-Knights were installed in the twelfth and thirteenth Stall on the Prince's side Beside the power established upon the Soveraign's of this most Noble Order of translating Stalls when a vacancy hapned King Henry the Eighth further added this larger Prerogative That the Soveraign once in his life might if it pleased him make a general Translation of all the Stalls at his pleasure except of Emperors Kings Princes and Dukes who being setled in Stalls agreeable to their Dignities should keep their Stalls and Places if such a general Translation happened unless advanced to a higher Room and Stall In which Translation the long continuance in the Order and the praises worthiness and merits of the Knights-Companions were to be considered and remembred But this branch of the Soveraign's Prerogative in the Order was never yet made use of as we can find though that Translation an 27. H. 8. came somthing neer it perhaps lest it might raise too great animosities among the Knights Subjects forasmuch as that of translating only when there hapned a vacancy Begot great emulations which at length introduced an alteration and to which we shall pass after we have taken notice of a Clause added in the 22. Article of King Henry the Eighth's Statutes relating to Stranger Princes Here therefore it is to be observed that the ancient Law of succeeding in Stalls was also in relation to them whollyaltered For King Henry the Eighth upon the establishment of his Body of Statutes not only appointed those Strangers then present of the Order to be seated next himself but that all Emperors Kings and Princes should hold their Stalls after their Estates and the very next unto the Soveraign though Knights-Subjects upon vacancy became removeable at pleasure Hereupon the Emperor Maximilian the Second and after him Rudolph the Second his Son had the Princes Stall assigned them after their Election into the Order The French Kings Francis the First Henry the Second Charles the Ninth Henry the Third and Henry the Fourth were Installed in the next below being the second on the Soveraign's side And when there were more then one King at a time in the Order the second Stall on the Prince's side was assigned to him of whom the former had precedency allowed him in relation to his State and Dignity not of antiquity in the Order as it was by the King of Bohemia an 19. H. 8. The King of Spain an 8. Eliz. So also upon the same Rule and for the same Reason was somtimes the third Stall on the Soveraign's side possest by Kings as in the cases of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland an 27. H. 8. and Frederick the Third King of Denmark an 25. Eliz. And lastly we find that Princes Strangers were placed next to Kings according to their state as were the Dukes of Savoy Montmorency and Holstein an 3. Eliz. Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhine an 25. Eliz. and Frederick Prince Palatine and Maurice Prince of Orange an 11. Iac. Regis But notwithstanding these Assignments of Stalls to Strangers they were nevertheless subject to removal somtime to Stalls higher than their own upon the death of a Stranger who died possest of a superior Stall and somtimes again to others lower for the advancing a Knight of greater dignity where the upper Stalls were already fill'd else could they not be placed or hold their Stalls according to their respective States as the Statute doth enjoin nor indeed would any Stranger King since the ancient manner of succeeding in Stalls received alteration have accepted of Election into the Order unless room had been made to seat him in a Stall sutable to his Dignity Instances of Advancement in translation of Stalls are of Ferdinand Emperor of Germany who after the death of the Emperor Charles the Fifth his Brother was advanced from the second Stall on the Prince's side into the Prince's Stall an 1. Eliz. Of Philip the Second King of Spain advanced from the second on the Prince's side to the second on the Soveraign's an 2. Eliz. after the death of the French King Henry the Second Of Henry the Fourth of France advanced from the second on the Soveraign's side to the Prince's Stall an 1. Iac. R. Of Christerne the Fourth King of Denmark an 9. Iac. R. from the second on the Soveraign's side to the said Princes Stall after the death of the French King Henry the Fourth And of Christierne the Fifth King of Denmark advanced from the fourth Stall on the Prince's side to the second on the Soveraign's an 22. Car. 2. Among the Princes Strangers we find Emanuel Duke of Savoy advanced from the third on the Prince's side to the second of the same side an 2. Eliz. Iohn Casimire Count Palatine from the fourth on the Soveraign's side to the third on the â—rince's an 32. Eliz. four years after the Duke of Holstein's death Frederick Prince Palatine an 1. Car. 1. was advanced from the second on the Prince's to the second on the Soveraign's side And Henry Frederick Prince
offered and an 4. Car. 1. those of the Duke of Brunswick and the Earls of Suffolk and Leicester before the King of Sweden Prince of Orange and Earl of Suffolk were installed and at all times afterwards during that pious Kings Reign the Offering of Atchievments was the first Ceremony performed on the Eve of the Feast next after the decease of a Knight though no Installation followed as were those of the Earl of Carlisle an 13. Car. 1. and of the Earl of Kelly in the 15. year of the same Soveraign But if at that time any of the Elect-Knights were introduced into the Choire before the Offering of Atchievments began they were appointed to stand there under the Stalls designed for them till that Ceremony was finished Thus the practice continued of Offering the defunct Knights Atchievments before the Ceremony of Installation began from the 9. year of King Iames until an 15. of the present Soveraign when it was performed at the time anciently accustomed for the Prince of Denmark by his Proctor Sir George Carteret and the Duke of Monmouth were both Installed before the first Vespers began and the Atchievments of Bernard de Foix Duke of Espernon and Edward Count Palatine of the Rhyne were not Offered till the Morrow after the Feast day immediately before Divine Service began so also was it observed at the Feast held an 23. Car. 2. As to the manner and order of this Ceremony among other Institutions of King Henry the Fifth it is thus appointed That as often as through the vacancy of any Stall the Swords Helms with the rest of the Atchievements ought to be Offered the Sword of the deceased Knight shall be first Offered being carried up to the high Altar by two of the Knights-Companions whom the Soveraign or his Deputy shall assign to that purpose and afterwards the Helm with the Crest and Mantlings for which we sometimes find one general word Insignia used by two other Knights-Companions named also by the Soveraign or his Deputy and this Offering is to be made for them in the order as they were Installed not as they dyed But of the Offering of a defunct Knights Banner we find no express mention till the 18. year of King Henry the Seventh at which time the Banner of the Lord Brook was Offered by Sir Edward Poynings and Sir Richard Pool his Sword by the Earl of Surrey and Lord Strange and in the last place his Helm with its Appendices by the before named Sir Edward Poynings and Sir Richard Pool But afterwards the direction for Offering this Ensign of the defunct Knights honor was taken into King Henry the Eighth's body of Statutes And note that since the Offering of the Banner was introduced it was in the order of Ceremony and according to the before mentioned Precedent to be offered first and so hath it been observed only once we find this course inverted viz. an 22. Iac. R. but upon what account there is no mention where at the Offering of the Duke of Lenox his Atchievements the Helm and Crest were offered in the first place the Sword in the second and the Banner in the third Immediately after the entrance of the before mentioned Constitution of King Henry the Fifth in the Black Book a Precedent for the order of this Ceremony doth also follow which extended it self to future times and was thus On the Morrow after the Feast of St. George an 9. H. 5. the Soveraign and Knights-Companions assembled according to custom to celebrate the Mass pro defunctis at which time the Sword of Thomas Duke of Clarence who was slain at Bougy-bridge in his return out of Anjou on Easter Eve preceding was born to the Altar and offered up by John Duke of Bedford and Humfrey Duke of Gloucester Brothers to the defunct Duke but his Helm with its Appendices were offered by the hands of the Soveraign and the said Duke of Bedford Besides this honor thus paid to the deceased Duke of Clarence there past the like at that time upon several other defunct Knights-Companions namely on Sir Iohn Grey whose Sword was offered up by Sir Thomas Erpingham and Sir Walter Hungerford and his Helm and Crest by Richard Earl of Warwick and the Lord Fitz Hugh and next on the Lord Burnell whose Sword was offered by Sir Lewis Robessart and Sir Simon Felbrig and his Helm c. by Sir Iohn Cornwall and Sir Iohn Robessart In the fourth place the Sword of the Lord Cameux was offered up by Sir Lewis Robessart and Sâ—â— Here Tank Clux and his Helm by Sir Iohn Cornwall and Sir Iohn Robessart This solemn Ceremony being finished in the order as is set down the Soveraign and Knights-Companions presently after decreed That the Rites to be observed at the Offring of Atchievements should for the future be in the foresaid manner performed The appointment of the Statute is before noted to be that the Soveraign shall nominate and assign the Knights-Companions who are severally to perform this Ceremony and so is the direction set down in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes But generally heretofore so few of the Knights-Companions have used to attend the Feasts of Installation at which time most commonly were the Atchievements of the defunct Knights offered that there hath not been much choice nay for the most part not enough for the enterchange of all the Atchievements but that those who have offered the Banner have been constrained to assist at the Offering if not of the Sword yet of the Helm and Crest Nay yet less for the Feast of St. George an 1. E. 4. was solemnized at Windesor by two Knights-Companions only viz. Viscount Bourchier the Soveraign's Deputy and the Lord Berners at which time there being the Atchievements of six deceased Knights to be offered namely the Dukes of York and Buckingham the Earls of Salisbury and Shrewsbury of Viscount Beaumont and the Lord Scales these two Knights-Companions performed the whole Ceremony according to the ancient Custom Moreover an 32. H. 6. there were but three Knights-Companions that then held the Feast namely the Duke of Buckingham Deputy to the Soveraign the Lord Sudely and Viscount Bourchier the two latter of which offered both the Sword and Helm of the Earl of Salisbury the Duke of Buckingham not enterchanging But notwithstanding these Examples at another time viz. an 8. H. 7. because the number of the Knights-Companions present at the Feast were fewer than the Statute required therefore the Offering of Atchievements was then prorogued Iohn Lord Denham then Lord Treasurer of England being President and only the Lord Scroop joined with him Again when the number of Knights-Companions present have been sufficient to perform all the Ceremony severally yet do we not observe the same anciently executed by Knights-Companions according to the series of their Stalls which is an argument that the Rule
course two and two perform the rest in manner before described but the Pursuivants at Arms do no part of this duty only the Provincial Kings and Heralds each in their turns and by couples When there are the Atchievements of several Knights to be offered and that the junior Heralds have done their duty the Provincial Kings begin again and so continue the course till all the Atchievements be offered the Organs playing while the Offering lasteth In the before mentioned order were the Atchievements of the Duke of Espernon and Prince Edward offered at the Grand Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor an 15. Car. 2. and the Provincial Kings and Heralds as their turns came to officiate took each of the Atchievements and presented them to the Knights-Companions The Duke of Espernon's Banner was offered by the Duke of York and Prince Rupert being conducted to the Altar by Clarenceux and Norroy His Sword by the Dukes of Buckingham and Albemarle attended by York and Lancaster And his Healm and Crest by the Earl of Oxford and Duke of Richmond brought up by Windesor and Richmond Prince Edwâ—rd's Banner Sword and Helm were likewise severally offered by the very same Knights who offered the Duke of Espernons Atchievements each pair being conducted to the Altar by the foresaid Officers of Arms. Heretofore we find that Garter hath not only begun this Solemnity and presented the Banner to the first pair of Knights-Companions but also conducted them up to the Offering for so was the Banner of the Lord Grey delivered by Garter to the Lord Loughborow and Viscount Mountague an 5. Eliz. and by him were they brought up to the Altar He also performed the like service to the Earl of Penbroke and Lord Clinton when they offered the Banner of the Earl of Westmerland the following year and to the Lord Admirâ—l and Earl of Ormond an 34. Eliz. at the Offering of the Banner of Iohn Count Palatine of the Rhyne And at the Solemnity celebrated for the Earl of Derby to the Lord Howard of Effingham and Lord Chandos an 16. Eliz. Garter himself and no other Officer of Arms conducted the Knights-Companions to the Altar the like did he an 30. Eliz. at the Offering of the Hatchments of the Duke of Holstien Earl of Bedford Sir Henry Sidney and the Earl of Rutland It was also the usage heretofore for the Prelate to deliver the offered Atchievements to some of the Heralds before appointed to receive them which they immediately deposited upon and sometimes near the Altar In this manner Clarenceux and Norroy an 5 Eliz. who stood on either side the Prebend received the Lord Greys Atchievements and placed them near the Altar Clarenceux and Somerset received likewise the Atchievements of the Earls of Westmerland Rutland and the Lord Pagit from the hands of the Prelate and laid them on a Form set beside the Altar for that purpose And an 34 Eliz. Norroy and Windesor assisted to receive all the Atchievements of Iohn Count Palatine of the Rhine the Earls of Shrewsbury and Warwick and Sir Christopher Hatton which they deposited upon the Altar But the present Soveraign an 15 Car. 2. gave command that the Atchievements should then and after be laid below before the Altar judging it indecent to place them where the sacred Mysteries of the Body and Blood of our Saviour are with great reverence Consecrated He also commanded at the Feast held an 23 Car. 2. that when the Ceremonies of Offring were ended the Atchievements should be disposed part on the South and other part on the North-side of the Altar till Service was finished Besides these things already noted there is nothing further observable but what relates to the Atchievements themselves as they are become by this Ceremony of Offering them in so solemn a manner parcel of the goods of the Chappel and included within the words of the Statutes of the Colledge whereby the Soveraign granted to the Dean and Canons all Oblations concerning which we have already spoken when we treated of the Offering of Gold and Silver Hereupon because they could not be alienated or sold they were commonly deposited by the Dean and Canons in the Chapter-house and there an 8 R. 2. upon the taking of an Inventory of all the Vestments Ornaments c. of the Chappel we find among them three Swords one of the Founder's King Edward the Third another of the Earl of Suffolke's and the third of Sir Thomas Banister's as also six Helms We also find more afterwards added viz. the Swords of King Richard the Second of King Henry the Fourth when he was Earl of Derby of Iohn a Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and the Earl of Salisbury But the Helms and Swords because they were at first forged for this very purpose of an extraordinary greatness and size therefore have they been commonly redeemed that they might serve again afterwards And because it belongs to Garter to provide the Atchievements for the new installed Knights he usually hath compounded with the Dean and Canons for the defunct Knights-Atchievements To which purpose among other compositions there was an Agreement drawn up in writing dated the 20 th of May 1606. between William Segar Garter and Giles Thompson then Dean of Windsor William Wilson Erasmus Webb and Henry Beaumont three of the then Canons to this effect That Garter should pay to them or their Successors when it should happen for the Helmets Crests Swords Mantles and Banners of the deceased Knights the sums following viz. for those of all Batchellor-Knights Barons Earls and Dukes the sum of twenty Shillings but of Kings and absolute Princes being imbroidered the sum of three pounds We shall conclude this Section with another kind of Offering ordained also to be made in honor of the deceased Knights-Companions and Registered in King Henry the Eighth's Body of Statutes which as it begun not many years before our Reformation in Religion so was it of no long continuance but then took ending the words of the Statute are these That if any Knight-Companion shall decease the year before the Celebration of St. George's Feast then every Knight being in the Castle of Windesor at the Mass of Requiem shall offer a Taper armed with a little Escutcheon of the Arms of the Knight deceased and if there be more than one deceased that there be made for every of them an Escutcheon of Arms and a Groat set night to the light of the Taper which Escutcheon and Taper shall be made at the cost and charges of the Knights of the said Order SECT IV. Of depositing the deceased Knights Mantles in the Chapter-house THere past a Decree an 9 Eliz. That the Knights-Companions should be bound by their Oath to take care by their last Will that after their decease all their Ornaments which they had received should be restored the Robes to the Colledge the Jewells to the King that gave them Hereupon
Bartholomew Burghersh le fitz So also an 23. E. 3. Two years after the Duke of Lancaster being made Admiral he went to Sea in the Fleet Afterwards he went with the Prince of Wales into Gascoigne and an 32. E. 3. into Bretagne These were the Expeditions this noble Knight made which sufficiently denote his being continually employed abroad in the Kings service He died 28. of Iune an 49. E. 3. leaving Edward Pavely his Son and Heir SECT IV. A Catalogue of their Successors with Scutcheons of their Arms. KNights elected in the following part of the Reign of King Edward the Third as the Stalls became void 27. Richard of Bordeaux afterwards King of England of that name the Second 28. Lyonel of Antwerp Earl of Vlster and Duke of Clarence 29. Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster after created Duke of Aquitaine 30. Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge after Duke of York 31. Iohn de Montford Duke of Bretagne and Earl of Richmond 32. Humfry Bohun Earl of Hereford and Constable of England 33. William Bohun Earl of Northampton 34. Iohn Hastings Earl of Penbroke 35. Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick 36. Richard Fitz Alan Earl of Arundel and Surrey 37. Robert Vfford Earl of Suffolk 38. Hugh Stafford Earl of Stafford 39. Ingleram de Coucy Earl of Bedford 40. Guiscard d' Angolesme Earl of Huntingdon 41. Edward Spencer Lord Spencer 42. William Latimer Lord Latimer 43. Reynold Cobham Lord Cobham of Sterborough 44. Iohn Nevil Lord Nevil of Raby 45. Ralph Basset Lord Basset of Drayton 46. Sir Walter Manny Bannert 47. Sir William Fitz Waren Knight 48. Sir Thomas Vfford Knight 49. Sir Thomas Felton Knight 50. Sir Franc Van Hall Knight 51. Sir Fulk Fitz Waren Knight 52. Sir Allan Boxhull Knight 53. Sir Richard Pemburge Knight 54. Sir Thomas Vtreight Knight 55. Sir Thomas Banester Knight 56. Sir Richard de la Vache Knight 57. Sir Guy de Bryan Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of King Richard the Second 58. Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham after Duke of Gloucester 59. Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby afterward King of England of that Name the Fourth 60. William Duke of Gelderland 61. William of Bavaris Earl of Ostrevant after Earl of Holland Henault and Zeland 62. Thomas Holland Earl of Kent after Duke of Surrey 63. Iohn Holland Earl of Huntingdon after Duke of Exceter 64. Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham after Duke of Norfolk 65. Edward Earl of Rutland after Duke of Albemarle 66. Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk 67. William Scrope Lord Scrope after Earl of Wiltshire and Lord Treasurer of England 68. William Beauchamp Lord Bergaveny 69. Iohn Beaumont Lord Beaumont 70. William Willoughby Lord Willoughby 71. Richard Grey Lord Grey 72. Sir Nicholas Sarnesfield Knight 73. Sir Philip de la Vache Knight 74. Sir Robert Knolls Knight 75. Sir Simon Burley Knight 76. Sir Iohn de Evereux Banneret 77. Sir â—ryan Stapleton Knight 78. Sir Richard Burley Knight 79. Sir Peter Courtney Knight 80. Sir Iohn Burley Knight 81. Sir Iohn Bourchier Knight 82. Sir Thomas Granston Knight 83. Sir Lewis Clifford Knight 84. Sir Robert Dunstavill Knight 85. Sir Robert de Namur Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of King Henry the Fourth 86. Henry Prince of Wales after King of England of that Name the Fifth 87. Thomas of Lancaster Earl of Albemarle and Duke of Clarence 88. Iohn Earl of Kendal and Duke of Bedford after Regent of France 89. Humfry Earl of Penbroke and Duke of Gloucester 90. Thomas Beauford Earl of Dorset and after Duke of Exceter 91. Robert Count Palatine Duke of Bavaria after Emperor of Germany 92. Iohn Beauford Earl of Somerset and Marquess of Dorset 93. Thomas Fitz Alan Earl of Arundel 94. Edmund Stafford Earl of Stafford 95. Edmund Holland Earl of Kent 96. Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmerland 97. Gilbert Roos Lord Roos 98. Gilbert Talbot Lord Talbot 99. Iohn Lovell Lord Lovell 100. Hugh Burnell Lord Burnell 101. Thomas Morley Lord Morley 102. Edward Charleton Lord Powis 103. Sir Iohn Cornwall Knight after Lord Fanhope 104. Sir William Arundel Knight 105. Sir Iohn Stanly Knight 106. Sir Robert de Vmfrevill Knight 107. Sir Thomas Rampston Knight 108. Sir Thomas Erpingham Knight 109. Sir Iohn Sulbie Knight 110. Sir Sandich de Trane Knight Hitherto we have ranked the Knights of this most Noble Order as they are placed in other Catalogues and according to their greatest Dignities because the certain years of their Elections cannot be found but these that follow are marshalled in an exact series of their Elections Knights Elected in the Reign of King Henry the Fifth 111. Sir Iohn Dabrichcourt Knight 112. Richard Vere Earl of Oxford 113. Thomas Camoys Lord Camoys 114. Sir Symon Felbryge Knight 115. Sir William Harington Knight 116. Iohn Holland Earl of Huntingdon 117. Sigismund Emperor of Germany 118. Duke of Briga 119. Sir Iohn Blount Knight 120. Sir Iohn Robessart Knight 121. Sir William Philip Knight after Lord Bardolf 122. Iohn King of Portugal 123. Ericus King of Denmark 124. Richard â—â—auchamp Earl of Warwick after Lieutenant General and Govenor in France and Normandy 125. Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury 126. Robert Willoughby Lord Willoughby 127. Henry Fitz-Hugh Lord Fitz-Hugh 128. Sir Iohn Grey Knight Earl of Tankervile 129. Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier 130. Iohn Mowbray Lord Mowbray Earl Marshal 131. William de la Poole Earl of Suffolk after Marquess and Duke of Suffolk 132. Iohn Clifford Lord Clifford 133. Sir Lewis Robessart Knight after Lord Bourchier 134. Sir Heer Tank Clux Knight 135. Sir Walter Hungerford Knight after Lord Hungerford and Lord Treasurer of England 136. Philip Duke of Burgundy Knights Elected in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth 137. Iohn Talbot Lord Talbot after Earl of Shrewsbury 138. Thomas Scales Lord Scales 139. Sir Iohn Fastolf Knight 140. Peter Duke of Conimbero third Son of Iohn the First King of Portugal 141. Humfrey Stafford Earl of Stafford after Created Duke of Buckingham 142. Sir Iohn Ratclyff Knight 143. Iohn Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundell 144. Richard Duke of York the Kings Lieutenant in France and Normandy 145. Edward King of Portugall 146. Edmund Beaufort Earl of Moriton after Earl of Dorset and Duke of Somerset 147. Sir Iohn Grey Knight 148. Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury after Lord Chancellor of England 149. William Nevil Lord Fauconbridge after Earl of Kent 150. Albert Emperor of Germany 151. Iohn Beaufort Earl of Somerset after Duke of Somerset and Earl of Kendall 152. Ralph Butler Lord Sudeley after Lord Treasurer of England 153. Henry Duke of Viseo fourth Son of Iohn the First King of Portugal 154. Iohn Beaumont Viscount Beaumont after High Constable of England 155. Gaston de Foix Earl of Longevile and Benanges Captan de Buch. 156. Iohn de Foix Earl of Kendall 157. Iohn Beauchamp Lord Beauchamp of Powik and after Lord Treasurer of England 158. Alphonsus the Fifth King of Portugal
159. Albro Vasques d' Almada Earl of Averence in Normandy 160. Thomas Hoo Lord Hoo. 161. Sir Francis Surien Knight 162. Alphonsus King of Aragon 163. Casimire the Fourth King of Poland 164. William Duke of Brunswick 165. Richard Widvile Lord Rivers after Created Earl Rivers 166. Iohn Mowbray Duke of Norfolk 167. Henry Bourchier Viscount Bourchier after Lord Treasurer of England and Earl of Essex 168. Sir Philip Wentworth Knight 169. Sir Edward Hall Knight 170. Frederick the Third Emperor of Germany 171. Iohn Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 172. Lionell Wells Lord Wells 173. Thomas Stanley Lord Stanley 174. Edward Prince of Wales 175. Iaspar Earl of Penbroke after Duke of Bedford 176. Iames Butler Earl of Wiltshire 177. Iohn Sutton Lord Dudley 178. Iohn Bourchier Lord Berners 179. Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick 180. William Bonvill Lord Bonvill 181. Iohn Wenlock Lord Wenlock 182. Sir Thomas Kyriell Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth 183. George Duke of Clarence 184. Sir William Chamberlayne Knight 185. Iohn Typtoft Earl of Worcester after High Constable of England 186. Iohn Nevel Lord Montague after Earl of Northumberland and Marquess Montague 187. William Herbert Lord Herbert after Earl of Penbroke 188. William Hastings Lord Hastings 189. Iohn Scrope Lord Scrope 190. Sir Iohn Astley Knight 191. Ferdinand King of Naples Son of Alphonsus King of Aragon 192. Francis Sfortia Duke of Milan 193. Iames Douglas Earl of Douglas 194. Galeard Lord Duras 195. Sir Robert Harcourt Knight 196. Anthony Widvile Lord Scales and Nucelles after Earl Rivers 197. Richard Duke of Gloucester after King of England of that name the Third 198. Lord Mountgryson of Apulia 199. Iohn Mowbray Duke of Norfolk 200. Iohn de la Poole Duke of Suffolk 201. William Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundell 202. Iohn Stafford Earl of Wiltshire 203. Iohn Howard Lord Howard after Duke of Norfolk 204. Walter Ferrars Lord Ferrars of Chartley. 205. Walter Blount Lord Mountjoy 206. Charles Duke of Burgundy 207. Henry Stafford Duke of Buckingham after Constable of England 208. Thomas Fitz-Alan Lord Matrevers after Earl of Arundel 209. Sir William Parr 210. Frederick Duke of Vrbin 211. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland 212. Edward Prince of Wales 213. Richard Duke of York second Son to King Edward the Fourth 214. Thomas Grey Earl of Huntingdon and Marquess Dorset 215. Sir Thomas Montgomery Knight 216. Ferdinand King of Castile 217. Hercules Duke of Ferara 218. Iohn King of Portugal Son to Alphonsus the Fifth Knights Elected in the Reign of King Richard the Third 219. Sir Iohn Coniers Knight 220. Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey after Lord Treasurer of England and Duke of Norfolk 221. Francis Viscount Lovell 222. Sir Richard Ratcliff Knight 223. Sir Thomas Burgh Knight after Lord Burgh 224. Thomas Stanley Lord Stanley after Earl of Derby 225. Sir Richard Tunstall Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of King Henry the Seventh 226. Iohn Vere Earl of Oxford 227. Sir Giles d' Aubeny Knight after Lord d' Aubeny 228. Thomas Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel 229. George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 230. Iohn Wells Viscount Wells 231. George Stanley Lord Strange 232. Sir Edward Wydevile Knight Banneret 233. Iohn Dynham Lord Dynham Lord Treasurer of England 234. Maximilian the First Emperor of Germany 235. Sir Iohn Savage Knight 236. Sir William Stanley Knight Lord Chamberlain 237. Sir Iohn Cheney Knight Baneret 238. Alphonsus Duke of Calabria 239. Arthur Prince of Wales 240. Thomas Grey Marquess Dorset 241. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland 242. Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex 243. Sir Charles Somerset Knight Baneret after Earl of Worcester 244. Robert Willoughby Lord Brook 245. Sir Edward Poynings Knight 246. Sir Gilbert Talbot Knight Baneret 247. Sir Richard Poole Knight 248. Edward Stafford Duke of Buckingham 249. Henry Duke of York second Son to King Henry the Seventh after King of England of that name the Eighth 250. Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire 251. Sir Richard Guildford Knight Baneret 252. Sir Edmund de la Poole Earl of Suffolke 253. Sir Thomas Lovel Knight Baneret 254. Sir Reginald Bray Knight Baneret 255. Iohn King of Denmark 256. Guido Vbaldo Duke of Vrbin 257. Gerald Fitz Gerald Earl of Kildare 258. Henry Stafford Lord Stafford after Earl of Wiltshire 259. Richard Grey Earl of Kent 260. Sir Rys ap Thomas Knight Baneret 261. Philip King of Castile 262. Sir Thomas Brandon Knight Baneret 263. Charles Arch-Duke of Austria Prince of Spaines after Emperor of Germany Knights Elected in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth 264. Thomas Darcy Lord Darcy 265. Edward Sutton Lord Dudley 266. Emanuel King of Portugal 267. Thomas Howard Lord Howard eldest Son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk 268. Thomas West Lord la Ware 269. Sir Henry Marney Knight after Lord Marney 270. George Nevil Lord Abergaveny 271. Sir Edward Howard Knight second Son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk 272. Sir Charles Brandon after Duke of Suffolk 273. Iulian de Medices Brother to Pope Leo the Tenth 274. Edward Stanley Lord Mounteagle 275. Thomas Dacres Lord Dacres of Gyllesland 276. Sir William Sandes Knight after Lord Sandes 277. Henry Courtney Earl of Devonshire and after Marquess of Exceter 278. Ferdinand Prince and Infant of Spain Arch-Duke of Austria after Emperor of Germany 279. Sir Richard Wingfield Knight 280. Sir Thomas Bullen Knight after Viscount Rochford and Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond 281. Walter d'Euereux Lord Ferrars of Chartley after Viscount Hereford 282. Arthur Plantaginet Viscount Lisle 283. Robert Radcliff Viscount Fitz Walter after Earl of Sussex 284. William Fitz-Alan Earl of Arundel 285. Thomas Mannors Lord Roos after Earl of Rutland 286. Henry Fitz Roy after Earl of Nottingham and Duke of Richmond and Somerset 287. Ralph Nevil Earl of Westmerland 288. William Blount Lord Montjoy 289. Sir William Fitz Williams Knight after Earl of Southampton 290. Sir Henry Guildford Knight 291. Francis the French King 292. Iohn Vere Earl of Oxford 293. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland 294. Anne Duke of Montmorency 295. Philip Chabot Earl of Newblanche 296. Iames the Fifth King of Scotland 297. Sir Nicholas Carew Knight 298. Henry Clifford Earl of Cumberland 299. Thomas Cromwell Lord Cromwell after Earl of Essex 300. Iohn Russell Lord Russell after Earl of Bedford 301. Sir Thomas Cheney Knight 302. Sir William Kingston Knight 303. Thomas Audley Lord Audley of Walden Lord Chancellor of England 304. Sir Anthony Browne Knight 305. Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford after Duke of Somerset 306. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey 307. Sir Iohn Gage Knight 308. Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight 309. Iohn Sutton Viscount Lisle after Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland 310. William Paulet Lord St. Iohn of Basing after Earl of Wiltshire and Marquess of Winchester 311. William Parr Lord Parr of Kendall after Earl of Essex and Marquess of Northampton 312. Sir Iohn Wallop Knight 313. Henry Fitz-Alen Earl of Arundell 314. Sir Anthony St. Leger Knight 315. Francis Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 316.
Thomas Wriothesley Lord Wriothesley after Earl of Southampton Knights Elected in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth 317. Henry Grey Marquess Dorset after Duke of Suffolk 318. Edward Stanley Earl of Derby 319. Thomas Seymour Lord Seymour of Sudely 320. Sir William Paget Knight after Lord Paget of Beaudesart 321. Francis Hastings Earl of Huntingdon 322. George Brook Lord Cobham 323. Thomas West Lord La Ware 324. Sir William Herbert Knight after Lord Herbert of Cardiff and Earl of Penbroke 325. Henry 2. the French King 326. Edward Fynes Lord Clynton after Earl of Lincolne 327. Thomas Darcy Lord Darcy of Chiche 328. Henry Nevil Earl of Westmerland 329. Sir Andrew Dudley Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of Queen Mary 330. Philip Prince of Spain after King of England 331. Henry Radclyff Earl of Sussex 332. Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy 333. William Howard Lord Howard of Effingham 334. Anthony Browne Viscount Mountague 335. Sir Edward Hastings Knight after Lord Hastings of Loughborow 336. Thomas Radcliff Earl of Sussex 337. William Grey Lord Grey of Wilton 338. Sir Robert Rochester Knight Knights Elected in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 339. Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk 340. Henry Mannors Earl of Rutland 341. Sir Robert Dudley Knight after Earl of Leicester 342. Adolph Duke of Holstein 343. George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 344. Henry Carey Lord Hunsdon 345. Thomas Percy Earl of Northumberland 346. Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick 347. Charles 9. the French King 348. Francis Russell Earl of Bedford 349. Sir Henry Sidney Knight 350. Maximilian the second Emperor of Germany 351. Henry Hastings Earl of Huntingdon 352. William Somerset Earl of Worcester 353. Francis Duke of Montmorency 354. Walter d'Euereux Viscount Hereford after Earl of Essex 355. William Cecill Lord Burghley after Lord Treasurer of England 356. Arthur Grey Lord Grey of Wilton 357. Edmund Bruges Lord Chandos 358. Henry Stanley Earl of Derby 359. Henry Herbert Earl of Penbroke 360. Henry 3. the French King 361. Charles Howard Lord Howard of Effingham after Earl of Nottingham 362. Rodolph Emperor of Germany 363. Frederick the Second King of Denmark 364. Iohâ— Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria 365. Edward Mannors Earl of Rutland 366. William Brook Lord Cobham 367. Henry Scroop Lord Scroop of Bolton 368. Robert d'Euereux Earl of Essex 369. Thomas Butler Earl of Ormond 370. Sir Christopher Hatton Knight after Lord Chancellor of England 371. Henry Radcliff Earl of Sussex 372. Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst after Lord Treasurer of England and Earl of Dorset 373. Henry 4. the French King 374. Iames the Sixth King of Scotland after King of England France and Ireland 375. Gilbert Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury 376. George Clifford Earl of Cumberland 377. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland 378. Edward Somerset Earl of Worcester 379. Thomas Burogh Lord Burogh of Gainesborough 380. Edward Sheffield Lord Sheffield after Earl of Mulgrave 381. Sir Francis Knolles Knight 382. Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg 383. Thomas Howard Lord Howard of Walden after Earl of Suffolk and Lord Treasurer of England 384. George Carey Lord Hunsdon 385. Charles Blount Lord Montjoy after Earl of Devonshire 386. Sir Henry Lea Knight 387. Robert Radcliff Earl of Sussex 388. Henry Brooke Lord Cobham 389. Thomas Scroop Lord Scroop of Bolton 390. William Stanley Earl of Derby 391. Thomas Cecill Lord Burghley Knights Elected in the Reign of King Iames. 392. Henry Prince of Wales 393. Christiern the Fourth King of Denmark 394. Lodowick Stewart Duke of Lenox and after Duke of Richmond 395. Henry Wriothesley Earl of Southampton 396. Iohn Erskin Earl of Marr. 397. William Herbert Earl of Penbroke 398. Vlrick Duke of Holstein 399. Henry Howard Earl of Northampton 400. Robert Cecill Earl of Salisbury 401. Thomas Howard Viscount Bindon 402. George Hume Earl of Dunbarr 403. Philip Herbert Earl of Montgomery 404. Charles Stewart Duke of York after Prince of Wales and King of England by the Title of Charles the First 405. Thomas Howard Earl of Arundell and Surrey after Earl of Norfolk 406. Robert Carre Viscount Rochester after Earl of Somerset 407. Frederick Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne Prince Elector of the Empire and after King of Bohemia 408. Maurice van Nassau Prince of Orange 409. Thomas Ereskin Viscount Fenton 410. William Knolles Lord Knolles of Grayes after Viscount Walingford and Earl of â—anbury 411. Francis Mannors Earl of Rutland 412. Sir George Villers Knight after Baron of Whaddon then Earl and Marquess of Buckingham and lastly Earl of Coventry and Duke of Buckingham 413. Robert Sidney Viscount Lisle after Earl of Leicester 414. Iames Hamilton Marquess Hamilton and Earl of Cambridge 415. Esme Stewart Duke of Lenox 416. Christian Duke of Brunswick 417. William Cecill Earl of Salisbury 418. Iames Hay â—arl of Carlisle 419. Edward Sackvile Earl of Dorset 420. Henry Rich Earl of Holland 421. Thomas Howard Viscount Andover after Earl of Berkshire Knights Elected in the Reign of King Charles the First 422. Claude de Lorraine Duke of Cheuereuse 423. Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden 424. Henry Frederick van Nassau Prince of Orange 425. Theophilus Howard Earl of Suffolk 426. William Compton Earl of Northampton 427. Richard Weston Lord Weston of Neyland Lord Treasurer of England and after Earl of Portland 428. Robert Barty Earl of Lindsey 429. William Cecill Earl of Exceter 430. Iames Hamilton Marquess Hamilton Earl of Cambridge and Arran 431. Charles Lodowick Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne Prince Elector of the Empire and Duke of Bavaria 432. Iames Stewart Duke of Lenox after Earl of March 433. Henry Dâ—nvers Earl of Danby 434. William Douglas Earl of Morton 435. Algernon Percy Earl of Northumberland 436. Charles Prince of Wales now King of England Scotland France and Ireland of that name the Second and present Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter 437. Thomas Wentworth Earl of Strafford 438. Iames Stewart Duke of York and Albanie second Son to King Charles the First 439. Rupert Casâ—mire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Duke of Bavaria after Earl of Holderness and Duke of Cumberland 440. William van Nassau Prince of Orange 441. Bernard de Foix Duke d'Espernon Knights Elected in the Reign of King Charles the Second 442. Maurice Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Duke of Bavaria 443. Iames Boteler Marquess of Ormond since Earl of Brecknock and Duke of Ormond 444. Edward Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Duke of Bavaria 445. George Villers Duke of Buckingham 446. William Hamilton Duke of Hamilton 447. Thomas Wriothesley Earl of Southampton after Lord Treasurer of England 448. William Cavendish Marquess of New-Castle since Duke of New-Castle 449. Iames Graham Marquess of Montross 450. Iames Stanley Earl of Derby 451. George Digby Earl of Bristoll 452. Henry Stewart Duke of Gloucester third Son to King Charles the First 453. Henry Charles de la Tremoille Prince de Tarente 454. William Henry van Nassau Prince of Orange
decease of such Knight-Companion And yet besides these three Bodies most eminently known by the title of Statutes there was another drawn up and published anno 7. E. 6. the Reformation of Religion here in England giving the occasion but it being within few Months repealed by Queen Mary his Sister and Successor before it received the life of Execution and not since revived we suppose it not proper to rank it in the Appendix or make any use thereof in the following Discourse In the Month of December 1666. the Right Reverend Father in God Matthew Wren late Lord Bishop of Ely shewed me a Manuscript compiled by himself about the year 1631. being at that time Register of this most Noble Order wherein by way of Comment upon King Henry the Eighth's Statutes he briefly shews out of the Statutes and Annals of the Order what alteration there hath been in the Law of the Garter both before and since It is a work composed with a great deal of judgment and exceeding useful and had it been my good hap to have met therewith before I had so neer finished this Work the ready directions therein would have eased me of much toil whilst I was about the composing it SECT III. Several endeavours for Reforming the Statutes since the Reign of King Henry the Eighth AS the Kings of this Realm immediately at their attaining the Crown do become Soveraigns of this most Noble Order of the Garter and consequently the Supream Law and Interpreters thereof so is the regulation of the whole their undoubted Prerogative and this hath been evidenced in nothing more fully than from their constant course in exercising the power not only of making and establishing but changing and altering the Laws and Statutes thereof which upon interest of Religion pleasure of the Soveraign change of times or any other fit or necessary Occasion hath from time to time been done by them Upon this ground was it that King Edward the Sixth went about to alter and reform such things in preceding Statutes as seemed not consistent with the Religion he had established in England To which purpose at a Chapter holden at Greenwich the 23. of April in the 3. year of his Reign it was agreed That the Lord St. John the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Paget should peruse over the Statutes of the Garter and that the same should be reformed and made agreeable to the Kings Majesty's other proceedings by the advice of the Duke of Somerset Lord Protector and other Companions of this Noble Order This was seconded by another Order made also in Chapter at Greenwich on St. Georges day in the following year where it was agreed That the Book of Statutes should be reformed and thereupon the Soveraign delivered to the whole Company a Book wherein was contained certain Statutes by the same to be corrected and reformed as they thought best until the next Chapter But it seems nothing was as yet done in pursuance of either of these Orders for at the next Feast on the 24. of April anno 5. E. 6. another Order past impowering the Duke of Somerset the Marquess of Northampton the Earls of Warwick Arundel Bedford and Wiltshire to peruse over the Statutes and other Books of the Order and the same to be reformed as aforesaid This third Order it seems took more effect than the former for thereupon a new Body of Laws was collected together wherein some things were reformed others newly added but in effect the Laws of the Order very much altered and published March 17. anno 7. E. 6. But this King dying within four Months after the very first thing Queen Mary his Sister took care for in reference to the Affairs of this Order was to see these new statutes abrogated and made void To which purpose in a Chapter held at St. Iames's House the 27. of September next following her coming to the Crown it was among other things Decreed and Ordained That the said Laws and Ordinances which were in no sort convenient to be used and so impertinent and tending to novelty should be abrogated and disanulled and no account to be made of them for the future And for the speedy execution of this Decree command was then also given to Sir William Petre who that day was admitted Chancellor of the Order to see that they should be speedily expunged out of the Book of Statutes and forthwith defaced left any memory of them should remain to posterity and only those Decrees and Ordinances which her Father and his royal Predecessors had established should be retained and observed It may be also noted that in this particular of Reformation King Philip her Husband appeared no less zealous for on the 5. of August an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. which was the third day after he had been invested with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order himself being presâ—nt at a Chapter in Windesor Castle it was then Ordained That all Acts and Decrees being recorded in divers places of the Great Book to wit the Black Book of the Order which were repugnant and disagreeable either with the ancient and received Statutes of the Order or else with the Laws of the Realm should clearly be abolished and taken away by the Marquess of Winchester the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke and the Lord Paget And we no sooner see Queen Elizabeth ascending the Throne but shortly after on St. George's day in the 2. year of her Reign a view of the Statutes is committed by Commission to four of the Knights-Companions namely the Marquess of Northampton the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke and the Lord Howard of Effingham Who were thereby impowered to read over and consider those Statutes and being so read over and viewed to consider with a watchful care and diligence if any of them were disagreeable to the Religion Laws and Statutes of this Realm and if any such were found the same to be faithfully represented to the Soveraign to the end that She with the Knights-Companions might establish such Decree concerning them as she should think fit Whether any thing was done pursuant hereunto or not doth not appear in the Annals of the Order or any where else that we have seen nor do we conceive there was or that this Soveraign saw much cause to alter the frame of those Statutes which King Henry the Eighth had established and Queen Mary confirmed since the Books of Statutes delivered to the Knights-Companions at their Installations throughout her Reign were no other than Transcripts of her Father's Body of Statutes and besides the practice of her time was generally pursuant to the direction therein except in some few things now and then added or altered at future Chapters when there arose new cause for so doing of which we shall give an account as the matter occurs After her Reign King Iames her Successor observing the obscurity and disagreement of some passages among the Statutes
is encompassed with large Oriental Pearl so also are the Letters of the Motto and the Cross within the Garter an exact Figure whereof is to be seen in the Plate set at the beginning of this Chapter the Diameter of this Garter is seven Inches but the depth from the upper part to the end of the Pendant ten Inches In the Reign of King Henry the Sixth it seems to have been the fashion to garnish the Mantle with three or four Welts drawn down the sides and round the bottom for so have I found it exprest on the Monument of Iohn Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury set in the South Wall of the Chancel in the Church of Whitâ—hurch in Shropshire About this time also the Lining of this Robe was White Damask and afterwards White Satin but of later times it was lined with White Tassaty which continues yet in fashion For further Ornament the Mantle had fixed to its Collar a pair of long strings anciently woven of Blue Silk only called Cordans Robe-strings or Laces but of later times twisted round and made of Venice Gold and Silk of the Colour of the Robe at each end of which hung a great Knob or Button wrought over and raised with a rich Caul of Gold and Tassels thereunto of like Silk and Gold Lastly at the Collar was usually fixed an Hook and eye of Gold for the surer fastning it about the shoulders SECT III. Of the Surcoat WE observed before that the Mantle or upper Robe is only taken notice of in the Founder's Statutes but not the Surcoat or Kirtle nevertheless this part of the Habit is as ancient as the other being made use of at the Institution of the Order For such a Garment the Founder then made together with his Mantle as also a Hood to wear at the first Feast of this most Noble Order And as the Mantle was derived from the Greeks and Romans so was the Surcoat also it being not much unlike the Tuniâ—k or upper Coat now in fashion with us and worn over the Vest. This Garment among the Romans was called Tunica and worn next under the Toga but both narrower and shorter than it it was girded close to the Body with a Girdle and so girded that the Hem of it reached a little below the Knee or to the middle of the Ham. It was the proper Mode of the Roman Citizens and by its trimming were the three degrees among them known For the Senators Tunicks were embroider'd or purfel'd over with broad purple Studs the Knights with narrow ones and the Plebeians plain and without any such embroidery In seting forth the Surcoat which was heretofore annually bestowed by the Soveraign on the Knights-Companions and therefore called his Livery we shall follow the method used in describing the Mantle and say something of the Name Materials Colour Quantity and Garnishing As to the Name we observe this Garment hath had sundry denominations that bestowed on it in the old Rolls of the great Wardrobe is Roba a Robe but more properly as the Founder's first Surcoat is called Tunica which Name is also given it in the Red Book of the Order In English it is rendred Gown Kirtle Surcoat Vndercoat and Robe The first of these English Names Gown is attributed to the Surcoats of the Soveraign and Forreign Princes in the times of Henry the Sixth Edward the Fourth and Henry the Seventh but since his Reign and till very lately it hath been bestowed also on the Surcoats of Knights-Companions and that of Kirtle sometimes given to those sent to Forreign Princes as doth almost every where appear among the Books of Warrants in the great Wardrobe but the rest are terms made use of in our Age. As the first Mantles so the first Surcoats were made of Woollen-Cloth and though the Cloth of the Mantles was in time changed to Velvet yet were the Surcoats for some time after made of Cloth at least till after the Office of Chancellor of the Garter was erected by King Edward the Fourth as appears by the Precedent of this Livery in the Soveraign's great Wardrobe where after the distribution of materials for this Garment proportionable to each Degree of Nobility the like follows for the Liveries given to the Officers of the Order among whom the Chancellor is there mentioned But at length they also came to be made of Velvet which sort of Silk is still retained The Colour of this Vesture was anciently changed every year commonly into one of these four Colours either Blue Scarlet Sanguine in grain or White but the Colour of the Mantles remained one and the same as at the Institution until Queen Elizabeth's Reign namely Blue and note that the Surcoats of the Knights-Companions were always changed to the same Colour with the Soveraign's The Founder's first Surcoat was of the same Cloth and Colour with his Mantle viz. Blue but that Surcoat provided for him in the 34. year of his Reign was Black Cloth And of the same Colour were those he bestowed against the Solemnity of the Feast held that year upon these following Knights-Companions namely the Black Prince the Earls of Vlster Richmond and Salisbury Edmund of Langley his Son Sir Richard la Vache Sir Hugh Wrotesley Sir Reignald Cobham Sir Bartholomew Burgherst the Lord Mohun Sir Walter Manney Sir Nele Loring Sir Walter Paveley Sir William Fitz Waryn Sir Miles Stapleton the Earls of Stafford Warwick and Suffolk and Sir Thomas Vghtred But we conceive this mourning Colour was then assumed because the Pestilence began again to encrease the dreadful remembrance of that great Pestilence which so furiously raged eleven years before called Pestilentia magna inviting to all kind of humiliation The Surcoats which the Soveraign gave the Dukes of Lancaster and Clarence and 14 other Knights-Companions an 37. E. 3. were of Cloth Sanguine in grain Those 24. provided for the Feast of St. George an 7. R. 2. were Violet in grain whereof one was for the Soveraign the other 23. for these Knights-Companions following Iohn King of Castile and Leon Duke of Lancaster the Eâ—â—â—â— of Cambridge Buckingham Derby Kent Warwick Stafford Salisbury Northumberland and Nottingham the Lords Nevil Basset and Iohn Holland Sir Guy Bryan Sir William Beauchamp Sir Thomas Percy Sir Nele Loring Sir Iohn Sulby Sir Lodowick Clifford Sir Simon Burley Sir Richard Burley Sir Bryan Stapleton and Sir Soldan de la Trane Anno 11. R. 2. there were made against St. George's Feast three and twenty Surcoats of White Cloth for the Soveraign and 22 Knights-Companions And in the 12. and 19. year of the same King the Soveraign bestowed on the same number of Knights Surcoats of long Blue Cloth as were the first The 23 Surcoats provided for the Feast of St. George an 1. H. 5. were of White
at Windesor an 11. H. 8. for it carries the date of 29. of May in that same year on which day that memorable Chapter was held for Reforming and Explaining the Statutes of the Order Hoods were anciently worn for defence of the Head against the inconveniences of weather c. but in later times Caps and Hats have supplied their place How they were then worn and sat upon the Head may be observed in that Plate which exhibits the Portraictures of the first Founders of the Order standing compleatly robed As also with some variety of fashion in succeeding times in the Pictures of William Beauchamp Lord Bergaveny Richard Earl of Warwick Humfry Earl of Stafford and Iohn Duke of Norfolk Yet is not the Hood quite laid aside since still kept hanging down the back almost like a Pilgrims Hat as if put in hopes being so ready at hand that it may again be restored to its former use This Hood was Ordained and is yet retained as part of the Habit of this most Noble Order And though neither it nor the Surcoat is remembred in the Statutes of Institution or in either of its Exemplars nor doth King Henry the Fifth's take notice of it yet is it of equal antiquity with the rest of the Habit as appears from several places before cited out of the Rolls of the great Wardrobe and Henry the Eighth's Statutes have made special observation of it as part of the Habit for there the Mantle Surcoat Hood and Collar are called the whole Habit of the Order Nay before this time mention is made of it in the Black Book anno 22. H. 7. where at the Investiture of Philip King of Casâ—ile the Mantle Kirtle Hood and Collar are exprest to be the whole Habit wherewith he was invested The form of this part of the Habit is perfectly described in the Plate at the beginning of this Chapter It was heretofore and now is generally made of the same materials with the Surcoat and consequently of the same Colour Moreover it was anciently trim'd and garnished with a proportion of little embroidered Garters lined with Cloth of a different colour and such as would best set off to view but now with Taffaty as is the Lining of the Surcoat of all which mention is made in those authorities cited before and relating to the Surcoat As to the Cap which in use and place succeeded the Hood we shall briefly say thus much That it hath been and yet is made of Black Velvet lin'd with Taffaty but the fashion hath several times varied for in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth the Cap was flat as appears in a Proceeding of that Soveraign and the Knights-Companions fairly limned in the Black Book of the Order In Queen Elizabeth's time it was a little raised in the head as may be seen in another Proceeding in her Reign which hereafter follows But in King Iames his Reign they were much more high crown'd and the present fashion is shewn in our before mentioned Plate This Cap hath been usually adorned with Plumes of white Feathers and Sprigs and bound about with a Band set thick with Diamonds so was that Cap provided for the Installation of the present Soveraign And sometimes the Brims have been tackt up with a large and costly Jewel It seems the custom of wearing Caps and Feathers at the grand Solemnities of the Order had for some time about the beginning of King Iames his Reign been neglected and thereupon in a Chapter held the 13. of April an 10. Iac. Regis this laudable usage was re-established To all these may be fitly added the Cross of the Order encompassed with a Garter which by King Charles the First was Ordained to be worn upon the left side of the Soveraign's and Knights-Companions Cloaks Coats and Cassocks when they did not wear their Robes The Order for which we shall here insert Charles R. WHereas the Robes concerning the Order first having the same ordinary use which Cloaks have at this time and now are worn only at the Feast of St. George Installing of Knights and holding of Chapters so that the Arms of the Garter not being daily worn thereon may be thought an omission whereby the Order doth receive some diminution of honor contrary to the intention of the Founder King Charles out of his princely desire by all due means to advance the honor of the said Noble Order at a Chapter holden at his Palace of Westminster on the 27. day of April in the 2. year of his Reign of Great Britain the same day being by Prorogation appointed for the day and Feast of St. George for that year His Majesty with eleven Knights of the Order viz. Edward Earl of Worcester Lord Privy Seal Robert Earl of Sussex William Earl of Pembroke Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties House Philip Earl of Montgomery Francis Earl of Rutland George Duke of Buckingham Lord high Admiral of England William Earl of Salisbury James Earl of Carlisle Edward Earl of Dorset Henry Earl of Holland Captain of his Majesties Guard and Thomas Earl of Berkshire hath Ordered and and Ordained That the Knights and Companions of the Order and the Prelate and Chancellor of the same shall after three months next ofter the date before mentioned of the said Order wear upon the left part of their Cloaks Coats and Riding Cassocks at all times when they shall not wear their Robes and in all Places and Assemblies an Escotcheon of the Arms of St. George that is to say a Cross within a Garter not enriched with Pearls or Stones that the wearing thereof may be a testimony apert to the World of the honor they hold from the said most Noble Order Instituted and Ordained for persons of the highest honor and greatest worth And it seems it was not long after e're the Glory or Star as it is usually called having certain beams of Silver that spread in form of a Cross was introduced and added thereunto in imitation as is thought of the French who after that manner wore the chief Ensign of the Order of the Holy Ghost being the resemblance of a Dove irradiated with such like beams And whereas some allow this Symbol of the Holy Ghost to be properly enough surrounded with a Glory like as are the representations of the Heads of our Saviour and his Apostles by a general consent among Painters yet censure it altogether improper for a Garter to be so adorned let them consider that King Edward the Fourth encompassed his White Rose with the like Glory whereof both the Stone-work and Wood-work of St. George's Chappel in Windesor Castle afford divers instances and then there will be found something of Precedent for it long before Institution of the Order of the Holy Ghost as also of its application to other no less than sacred things But this King assumed this Devise upon the Sun's appearance like three Suns which suddenly united together into one immediately
Institution we observe from its insertion into the following bodies of Statutes to have been sufficiently confirmed nor hath it since received alteration howbeit some enlargement and explanation was given thereunto in the 21. year of King Iames at a Chapter held the last day of the Feast viz. the 24. of April at Windesor where in the first place among other things then also established it was thus Decreed That the Soveraign being advertised of the death of a Knight-Companion of the Order the Knights-Companions remaining at the Court should move him to declare his pleasure whether he would that Letters should be sent to all the Knights-Companions within the Realm to attend his person for the choice of a new Knight at a day by the said Soveraign appointed according to the ancient Statutes of the Order or be pleased to defer the Election until the day and Feast of St. George at what time Elections have been most usually made wherein the Soveraign ' s pleasure and direction was to be followed and observed and according as he resolved in what place it should be so it ought by Letters directed to the Knights-Companions within the Realm to be made known unto them This deferring or proroguing the Election was to say truth no new thing nor more than what had been anciently practised though not indulged by the Statutes of Institution or declared Law before this 21. year of King Iames as appears from the fore-cited Letters of Summons both which take notice of the limitation of time given by the Statutes after Certificate of death viz. six weeks within the compass whereof a new Election was to be made And where a Chapter for Election could not conveniently be held within that limited time it was enough if the Soveraign declared as he did in that Summons sent after Sir Robert D'umfrevils death and entred in the Black Book That being then involved in other business he could not well attend this Affair and therefore deferred the time for Election unto the Eve of St. George next following So that it is plain the Decree an 21. of King Iames was but declaratory of an old and practised Custom But of later times this formal way of Summons by Letter to Knights-Companions attending at the Court hath been left off yet continued to such as are remote and notice given them by a verbal message only For the Chancellor of the Order having known the Soveraign's pleasure as to the day and place usually acquaints Garter therewith who thereupon goeth immediately to the Knights-Companions then at Court and desires their attendance at the Chapter according to the Soveraign's appointment And here it is to be understood that no Knights-Elect ought to be summoned to a Chapter of Election or are capable of giving their Votes therein until they be compleatly installed either in Person or by Proxy Nor indeed did any necessity fall out from the Foundation of the Order that did require they should until the late rebellious times when the Castle of Windesor being Garrisoned by the Parliaments Forces it was not possible for his Royal Highness the Duke of York and his Highness Prince Rupert to take possession of their Stalls in such manner as the Law of the Order enjoined Therefore the then Soveraign to whom the power of dispensing with any of the Statutes is reserved did on the 17. of Ian. an 1644. so inevitable necessity requiring dispence with their Installation in the Chappel of St. George at Windesor for the present and invested them with all the Priviledges of the Order among which the power of giving their Votes in Chapter was one Provided these Princes should first take the Oath given at Installations and afterwards perform the accustomed Ceremonies at Windesor so soon as it should be thought fit after the Castle was delivered out of the power of the Rebels and returned into the possession of the Soveraign of this most Noble Order In compliance with this Proviso they both then took the Oath And on the Eve of the first Feast of St. George celebrated after the present Soveraign's happy Restauration the Duke was Installed by the Earls of Northumberland and Berkshire and on the Eve of the second Feast being the 22. of April an 15. Car. 2. the Prince likewise received his Installation by the hands of the Duke of Albemarle and Earl of Lindsey SECT II. The Place of Assembly BUT at what time soever this Ceremoney of Election is appointed the same ought to be celebrated in Chapter for so is the assembly of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions called wheresoever or whensoever held on this occasion whether at the Solemnity of St. George's Feast which hath been the ordinary and most usual time or on other certain days set apart for this affair by more special appointment of the Soveraign And therefore when the Soveraign thinks fitting in the interval of Feasts to Elect any Forreign Prince or other person either Stranger or Subject He many times doth it in peculiar Chapters called to that end and purpose and then he appoints his own both day and place having the prerogative to declare them at pleasure This we find hath been practiced both heretofore and of late times and by those few of many Chapters holden at sundry places most convenient to the Soveraign's present occasions drawn out and here exhibited will be sufficiently manifest whereunto we shall add the Names of those Persons of eminence who at such times and places have been Elected Place Day and Year Knights Elected 1. Sign of the Lion in Brainford 11. Iuly 24. H. 6. Albro de Vasques Dalmadea Earl of Averentia 1. Sign of the Lion in Brainford 11. Iuly 24. H. 6. Lord Beauchamp 1. Sign of the Lion in Brainford 11. Iuly 24. H. 6. Lord Hoo. 2. Soveraign's Bedchamber at Westminster 27. Nov. 25 H. 6. Sir Francis Surreyne 3. London within the Bishop's Palace 8. Febr. 39. H. 6. Richard Earl of Warwick 3. London within the Bishop's Palace 8. Febr. 39. H. 6. Lord Bonvile 3. London within the Bishop's Palace 8. Febr. 39. H. 6. Sir Thomas Kyriell 3. London within the Bishop's Palace 8. Febr. 39. H. 6. Sir Iohn Wenlock 4. Tower of London 8. Aug. 14. E. 4. Guido Vbaldus Duke of Vrbin 4. Tower of London 8. Aug. 14. E. 4. Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland 5. Starchamber 15. May 15. E. 4. Edward Prince of Wales  15. May 15. E. 4. Richard Duke of York  15. May 15. E. 4. Thomas Grey Marquess Dorset 6. Soveraign's Bedchamber in the Wardrobe London 10. Febr. 19. E. 4. Ferdinand King of Spain 6. Soveraign's Bedchamber in the Wardrobe London 10. Febr. 19. E. 4. Hercules Duke of Ferrara 7. Greenwich 14. July 15. H. 8. Lord Ferrers 8. Caelais 27. Oct. 24. H. 8. Anne Montmorency Earl of Beaumont 8. Caelais 27. Oct. 24. H. 8. Philip Chabot Earl of Newblanke 9. Hampton-Court 9. Jan. 32. H. 8. Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford 10.
Windesor 6. Aug. 1. 2. Ph. M. Emanuel Duke of Savoy 11. Whitehall 8. Febr. 20. Eliz. Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne 12. York 12. Sept. 16. Car. 1. Thomas Earl of Strafford But for the most part since the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign Whitehall the Soveraign's usual Court of Residence hath been the place whereunto the Knights-Companions have been specially summoned and peculiar Chapters held for Election of Knights in the interval between the vacancy and St. George's Feast Howbeit of late while the present Soveraign was abroad beyond the Seas and wanted the full number of Knights-Companions to constitute a compleat Chapter He hath been necessitated to make use of his supream power not only in dispencing with the Ceremony of Election in Chapter but also in supplying thâ— defect of a Scrutiny by making his own choice nevertheless since his most happy return to the Throne of his Ancestors Whitehall hath also recovered her accustomed Honors and beheld again a most worthy advancement of Knights into this most Noble Order at a Chapter specially called and held in the Bed-chamber there the first day of April an 13. Car. 2. in the Election of the Duke of Richmond the Earls of Lindsey Manchester and Strafford SECT III. The Number of Knights that constitute a Chapter IN the next place we are to consider what number of Knights-Companions ought to assemble for constituting a compleat Chapter of Election By the Statutes it is appointed there should be â—ix at the least besides the Soveraign or his Deputy the due observation of which hath been so strictly stood upon heretofore that Elections were ordinarily deferr'd where the Chapters consisted not of so many For proof of which we find that the Duke of Gloucester anno 9. H. 6. then Deputy to the Soveraign at that time in France for celebrating the Feast of St. George at Windesor forbore to proceed to Election because the Number of Knights-Companions there assembled was less than the Statutes required to constitute a Chapter We likewise take notice that anno 10. H. 5. no Election was made the Feast being also celebrated at Windesor though one Stall was void by the death of the Lord Clifford and probably the reason though not exprest might be for want of that full number of Knights-Companions the Statutes required For the Duke of Bedford then the Soveraign's Deputy had but three Knights present with him But in this case we need not fly to conjectures there are direct and cleer instances enough wherein if we abound we hope the satisfaction they will give the concern'd Reader beside the antiquity of the Precedent may obtain our pardon In the 22. year of King Henry the Sixth or rather 23. for so the Registrum Chartaceum hath it in the hand of that very Age Humfry Duke of Buckingham being deputed to celebrate the Feast of St. George at Windesor although there were at that time four Stalls vacant yet did no Nomination pass one reason being because there was not present a sufficient Number to make Election So when the same King celebrated the Grand Feast personally at Windesor in the 31. year of his Reign having but three Knights-Companions attending him thereat and two Stalls void the Election was prorogued for the very same reason In like manner the want of a sufficient Number of Knights-Companions hapning at the Feasts held the 32.33 and 34. of Henry the Sixth hindred the Election at those times for at the first of them there were but two Knights-Companions beside the Soveraign's Deputy and at the two last but four besides the Soveraign though the Registrum Chartaceum anno 33. names five by adding the Duke of Somerset At the Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor anno 1471. which answers to the 11. year of King Edward the Fourth although from what is spoken concurrent with the following circumstances both out of the Black Book of the Order and the Registrum Chartaceum we suppose it should more rightly be transferr'd to the twelfth of this King's Reign and therefore this passage throughout may fitly be corrected by those Authorities the Soveraign intending to make an Election and having but five Knights-Companions present with him Calys Pursivant at Arms was sent to London for Sir Iohn Astley to come and furnish the Chapter in which saith this Fragment there were chosen seven Knights namely the Prince the King of Portugal the Duke of Norfolk the Earl of Wiltshire the Lord Ferrers the Lord Montjoy and the Lord Howard But here are some other mistakes for the Prince was not elected until anno 15. E. 4. and the King of Portugal not until the 22. year of the same King As for the rest we not finding the true time of their Election elsewhere shall let them stand having been loth to make use of so imperfect an authority but that the circumstance of sending for Sir Iohn Astley to make up a Chapter rather than violate the Laws of the Order may be faithfully enough related and well worth observing through the other false lights cast in from the inadvertency of the Relator Lastly the 31. of Ianuary anno 21. Car. 2. being designed for the Election of Christopher Duke of Albemarle and there appearing but five Knights at the Chapter the Election was put off till the 3. of February following at which time a statutable number of Knights being present his Election past SECT IV. Dispensation for want of a full Number AND whereas some may suppose that the Soveraigns of this Order in later times have appeared less careful in the due observation of its Statutes and Laws than were their Predecessors by making use of Dispensations where the number of six Knights-Companions have been wanting they are to consider the License herein is no other than an advantage to be laid hold on in cases of necessity only for necessity can bring a sufficient plea where the infringement of a Decree is objected in the Law of this Order and withal to shew that the power and prerogative of Dispensation is reserved to the Soveraigns of this most Noble Order in all cases of exigency albeit not to be made use of where there is a possibility to perform the Rules and Injunctions of the Statutes The Soveraigns therefore in succeeding times for sundry reasons and upon important and urgent occasions have been induced to dispence with this branch of the Statute as to a full Number of Knights-Companions in case so many were not in readiness as the Law appointed to make a compleat Chapter And the first liberty we observe to have been taken herein was by King Henry the Eighth in the 26. year of his Reign who after he had received intelligence of the death of the Lord Montjoy immediately called a Chapter at Whitehall where no more than five Knights-Companions being present the absence of the rest were excused
learned Selden and is to be so taken here and not as a distinct Title of a lower Degree because also we observe the Banerets ranked in all Scrutenies before King Henry the Eighth established his Statutes except one with the Knights-Batchelors not with Barons Besides this something further may be said concerning the Title of the third and lowest rank in this Classis for in the Statutes of Institution they are called Milites Bachalauri in those of King Henry the Fifth Batchelers and elsewhere Bachalauri and Bachalauri Equites which in common acceptation are all the same with Milites though thus rendred to express and manifest their difference from Knights Banerets who are of a higher Degree of Honor. And here we have an occasion given to note That there is no place in a Scruteny for any under the degree of Knights Batchellors And though three of the Nine named are appointed to be Barons and three other Earls or of a higher Degree yet must these six be such as have received the Order of Knighthood else ought not their names be either given or taken in Nomination for the Text is plain That each of the Knights assembled at the Election shall name nine Knights Thus his late Majesty of blessed memory in the sixth year of his Reign intending to chuse Iames Marquess Hamilton into the Society of this Order conferr'd the honor of Knighthood upon him immediately before his Nomination and the Annals in that place give this Remarque upon the Action and the reason for it Because by the Statutes it is provided That none should be Elected into the Order that have not been dignified with the title of Knight Yet it seems the Ceremony of Knighting the person designed for Election was not so strictly and duly observed as it ought but that sometimes this branch of the Statute was either not taken notice of or else confounded with the second Article throughout the several Bodies of the Statutes which prohibits the Choice or â—lection of any person into the Society of which we shall speak by and by as this doth the Proposal or Nomination and thereupon perhaps it was conceived that although the Nomination Election and sometimes delivery of the Ensigns of the Order were first dispatcht and past yet it was well enough if the honor of Knighthood were conferr'd afterward As it was in the case of William Earl of Derby and Thomas Cecil Lord Burleigh anno 43. Eliz. where the Register notes that as soon as their Election was past and they brought into the Chapter the Earl of Derby who it seems had not been Knighted before was dubbed Knight with a drawn Sword according to Custom after which they had the Garter and George put on by the Soveraign her self In like manner Vlrick Duke of Holstein and Henry Earl of Northampton immediately after their Election being the last day of St. George's Feast an 3. Iac. and before they received the Ensigns of the Order had the dignity of Knighthood conferr'd on them by the Soveraign So also in the case of the Earl of Suffolk an 3. Car. 1. which the Red Book of the Order taking notice of saith that as soon as it was understood that the Earl had not received the Order of Knighthood before the Soveraign immediately drawing his Sword Knighted him which was not done till after his Election and Investiture with both the George and Garter Thus also did the Ceremony of Knighthood succeed the â—lection of his sacred Majesty the present Soveraign the 21. of May an 14. Car. 1. For after he had been Elected and the Ensigns of the Order placed upon him and that the two senior Knights the Earls of Penbroke and Montgomery and of Arundel and Surrey were intreated by the rest of the Knights-Companions to present his Highness to the Soveraign in the name of all the rest to be initiated into the Title and Dignity of a Knight-Batchelor he was conducted by the said Earls his Supporters into the Presence Chamber in Windesor Castle where before the Chair of State he most solemnly received the Order of Knighthood from the Soveraign his late Majesty of blessed memory To honor which Knighthood and the memory thereof four of the chief Nobility then present were also Knighted namely the Earls of â—ssex Saint Albans and Elgin and Viscount Grandison the first of them being conducted from the great Chamber to the Soveraign's State between two Batchellor Knights Sir Frederick Hamilton and Sir Robert Huniwood the second by Sir Roger Palmer Knight of the Bath and Sir Henry Mildmay the third by Sir Iohn Meldram and Sir William Withrington and the fourth by Sir Iohn Harpur and Sir Iohn Lucas Afterwards the Law in this point began again to be more rightly understood and by that time his Royal Highness the Duke of York came to be Elected which was on the 20. of April an 18. Car. 1. being the last day of the Feast of Saint George then celebrated at the City of York the Soveraign appointed and accordingly conferr'd the honor of Knighthood upon him the day before which he received upon his knees being first conducted into the Presâ—â—e Chamber between two of the Nobility who were also Knights namely the Marquess of Hertford and Viscount Grandison In honor and memorial whereof there were also four Noblemen Knighted at that time the Earl of Carnarvan supported by Sir William Killegrew and young Sir Arthur Ingram the Lord George d' Aubigne sapported by Sir William Howard and Sir Peter Wyche the Lord Iohn Stewart by Sir Peter Killegrew and Sir Capell Bedell and the Lord Bernard Stewart by Sir Edward Savage and Sir Heâ—ry â—lount And thus Prince Edward Count Palatine of the Rhine and George Duke of â—uckingham being designed by the present Soveraign to be admitted into this most Noble Order were both first Knighted at Saint Germans in France an Dom. 1649. and afterwards had the Ensigns of the Order sent unto them by the hands of Sir Edward Walker Garter who in right of his Office invested them therewith Nevertheless in the case of his Highness Prince Kupert who had the honor to be Elected with his Royal Highness the Duke of York an 18. Car. 1. His want of Knighthood became no impediment thereunto being then a Prince in another Country viz. Count Palatine of the Rhine and Duke of Bavaria and might therefore justly claim the priviledge to come within the rule of Foreign Princes mentioned a little lower But herein also the Soveraign to come as neer to the intention and observance of the Statute as he could where there was a possibility to do it and the honor also would be well accepted by the Prince thought it requisite by Commission under the great Seal of England to impower Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey and George Lord Goring late Earl of Norwich both being then in Holland
or either of them to Knight the said Prince before the putting on his Garter seeing it could not possibly be done before his Election which was intended to be sent and presented unto him by the hands of Sir Iohn Burrough Garter but his death after hapning the Soveraign's intention herein was frustrated Albeit the Prince upon his coming afterwards into England received both the Garter and George from the Soveraign himself at Nottingham nevertheless without being Knighted which to excuse it may well be alledged that the Soveraign might not take into his thoughts this part of the Ceremony it being a time of so greas business and trouble occasioned by the then setting up of his Standard However upon the 17 day of Ianuary an 1644. when a Decree past in Chapter then held at Oxford that both the Duke of York and the Prince should enjoy all Rights and Priviledges of the Order though they were not hitherto Installed until Windesor was free from the Enemy but then to perform the Ceremonies of Installation there the Prince before he took his Oath was conducted by the Earl of Berkshire and Duke of Richmond and Lenox two of the Knights-Companions unto the Soveraign and kneeling down received the honor of Knighthood from him There being at the same time two of the Nobility likewise Knighted in memorial of that Solemnity namely the Lord Henry Seymour second Son to the Marquess of Hertford brought up to the Soveraign between Sir Iohn Stawell Knight and Baronet and Sir Francis Lloyd Knights and the Lord Capell conducted between Sir Richard Willis and Sir Thomas Corbet Knights SECT VIII Of the Scruteny and by whom it ought to be taken ALL this being premised we are led directly to the Scruteny it self in reference to which we shall first consider by Whom it ought or hath been usually taken next the time when and then the manner and form thereof By the Statutes of Institution the collecting Knights-Companions Votes and entring them in the Scruteny properly belongs to the Prelate of the Order and upon him is this employment conferr'd not only by the other Bodies of Statutes that succeeded but also by the Constitutions of his Office and the obligation of his Oath whose right thereunto we find afterwards duly asserted upon this Officers taking a Scruteny anno 27. Eliz. on the Feast day of St. George Nevertheless the Statutes provided that if the Prelate were at any time absent then the Dean of Windesor or the Register or the Senior Residentiary of the Colledge or the Secretary or Scribe of the Order should undertake the employment and the Constitutions of the Officers say the Chancellor Dean or Register shall in like case do it which when they did it is frequently mentioned to be performed by them in absence of the Prelate as implying a reservation of his right to the employment or as in another place more expresly In the absence of the Prelate whose particular duty otherwise it had been Now there are various Examples of all these given us in the Annals of the Order but among the many take these that follow and first of the Prelate The Prelate of the Order gathered and received the Suffrages from the Knights-Companions anno 9. H. 5. when Iohn Earl Marshal and four other Knights were Elected The like did Henry Beaufort Lord Cardinal Prelate of the Order upon the Election of the King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. And when the Duke of Norfolk was Elected an 28. H. 6. the Prelate then also collected the Suffrages which he likewise did upon the Feast days of St. George celebrated in the 12. 13. 14. 27. 28. 30. 31. 34. and 35. years of Queen Elizabeth's Reign Sometimes the Scrutenies have been collected both by the Dean of Windesor and the Register of the Order jointly as at the Elections of Iohn Lord Talbot an 2. H. 6. of Sir Iohn Fastolf an 6. H. 6. and the Duke of Quinbery an 5. H. 6. all taken at the Feasts of St. George celebrated at Windesor And peradventure the Dean at those times received the Votes from the Knights-Companions on the Soveraign's side while the Register collected those other on the Prince's for we observe that in King Henry the Fifth's Reign in employments of other natures but of like manner as to the performance one whereof was to signifie the pleasure of the Soveraign to the Knights-Companions about their giving due Reverence first to God and afterwards to Himself and the other in a Ceremonial which directs and appoints the manner and order of Censing the Knights-Companions in both which the Dean was sent to perform the service on the right hand the Choire the Soveraign's side and the Register on the left Sometimes the Register of the Order took them himself alone as at the Election of Iohn Earl of Arundel an 10. H. 6. as also at another Election of the Earl of Monteyne and Sir Iohn Grey an 14. H. 6. And we likewise find that when the Office of Register was void and Thomas Ruthall Bishop of Duresme executed it during its vacancy the Bishop himself an 2. H. 8. collected the Suffrages In like manner when William Day Dean of Windesor officiated in the absence of George Carew Dean of the Chappel and Register of the Order at the Feasts of Saint George held at Whitehall the 18. and 19. years of Queen Elizabeth he performed this service This duty was likewise performed by the Register from the 15. year of King Henry the Eighth to the end of his and his Sons Reign as appears by the Black Book of the Order in those places where the taking of Scrutenies is treated of as also on the day of St. George celebrated the first of Queen Elizabeth by Iohn Boxhall and again at the Feast of St. George held an 1. Iac. by Gâ—leâ— Thompson who in the several times were Registers of this most Noble Order Nevertheless here it must be understood that what was in these Instances done by the Register or such as officiated for him was on the behalf of the Prelate and not otherwise But in the beginning of Queen Maries Reign we find the Chancellor of the Order began to perform this service being by King Henry the Eight's Statutes adjoined to those other Officers before appointed to collect the Scrutenies In absence of the Prelate and thereby made capable of the employment which afterwards we observe somewhat tacitely noted to be performed as if in his own right when the Register hath done it in the Chancellor's absence Though in truth it was no other then as when the Bishop of Duresme and Doctor Day immediately before remembred took the Scruteny in the vacancy of the Office and absence of the Register nevertheless on the
of Shrewsbury but this Error peradventure arose for want of due information either of the Law in the Statutes or his Degree the later of which is more probably true for being a Stranger his Title of Earl might not be so generally known nor is it taken notice of in the Scruteny it self though in the Annals immediately after And which is more apparent the Earl of Oxford Devonshire and Arundel whose degrees were sufficiently known at a Scruteny taken an 24. H. 6. are once ranked in the second division among the Barons and an 1. H. 8. the Earl of Derby is three times so placed and again an 13. H. 6. the Earl of Devonshire twice But this hapned not through any oversight or neglect in observation of the Statutes in this particular but because at these Nominations wherein they are so placed the first division to which they belonged hapned to be fill'd up with those other higher degrees appertaining to the same Classis that is to say Kings or Dukes as when the before mentioned Earls of Oxford Devonshire and Arundel were named in the place of Barons the King of Portugal the Dukes of Warwick and Norfolk were set down in the place of Princes and so it fell out in like manner in the other instances On the contrary an 15. and 16. E. 4. the Lord Richard Grey one of the Queens Sons by her former Husband Sir Iohn Grey of Groby Knight in respect of his alliance to the Royal Family is ranked in the first Division among the Princes under this Title Dominus Richardus filius Reginae and afterwards an 19. of the same King set only among the Barons as well with the former Title as this Ricardus Dominus Grey But in the 22. of the same King he is thrice registred among the Princes and as often with the Barons whence we see that sometimes the place among Princes may be afforded of courtesie to Persons of most eminent Relation but then again as it is not their due so such of the Knights-Companions as rank them lower pass no diminution on their honor Within the second Division are placed Barons and Viscounts for Viscounts were in all Scrutenies after the first Erection of that Dignity ranked with Barons until the 3. of King Iames saving only Iohn Dudley Viscount Lisle an 35. H. 8. who by every Knight the Duke of Norfolk excepted is ranked in the first Division with the Princes and in a Scruteny then taken Robert Cecil Viscount Cranborne is the second Viscount that we observe to have been ranked with Princes from whence it became usual so to do in succeeding Scrutenies until an 14. Car. 1. and then upon a question put in Chapter held at Westminster the 23. Maii anno praedicto whether Earls Sons and Viscounts were elegible with Barons it was resolved they were and that by all practice except in the two cases now mentioned it was usually done and it seems so again observed neer that time for in two Scrutenies taken the 19. and 21. of that instant May the Viscounts are therein reduced to the second Division and ranked with Barons Finally in the third Division the Knights-Batchellors receive their place so also did Banerets until King Henry the Eighth in his Body of Statutes gave them equal rank in Scrutenies with Barons Only in that one Scruteny taken an 14. H. 7. Sir Reignald Bray Sir Richard Gouldford and Sir Rice ap Thomas all three created Banerets at the Battel of Black-heath are registred among the Barons and yet two of them are oftner ranked with the Knights-Batchellors in the very same Scruteny But though the word in King Henry the Eighth's Latin Statutes is Baronettus instead of Banerettus yet is this a mistake met with anciently in some both Records and Books as well as in those places of the Annals all written long before the Title of Baronet was conceived or the Dignity in use with us for the first Creation of that hapned but in this last Age. And hereof more satisfaction may be received elsewhere In the last place he who demands these Suffrages given according to the judgment of each Knight-Companion present is by the Statutes of Institution appointed to take them in writing In pursuance of which we find it so observed at a Scruteny taken an 2. H. 6. for the Election of Iohn Lord Talbot and Furnivall afterwards created Earl of Shrewsbury where the Dean of Windesor and the Register of the Order wrote down the Votes and Nominations of every one of the Knights present at the day of Election Again at a Scruteny made an 4. H. 6. so also at sundry other times to supply the Stall of Ralph Earl of Westmerland then lately deceased for whom mistakingly the Black Book of the Order sets down Sir Henry Fitz. Hugh in whose room a little before in the same Book an 3. H. 6. it appears the Lord Scales was Elected and elsewhere that Sir Iohn Fastolse was chosen a Companion of this most Noble Order upon the death not of Sir Henry Fitz. Hugh but of the said Earl of Westmerland we find it noted that the Dean and Register wrote down in order according to their seniority the Votes of the Knights-Companions And after the Scrutenies began to be entred on the Pages of the Annals it is evident the general practice hath gone along with the Injunction of the Statutes only there are two Instances of an Election made without taking a Scruteny in writing one in the case of Prince Henry and Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark where the Knights-Companions in a Chapter held at Whitehall the 14. of Iuly an Iacobi Regis primo gave their Votes Viva Voce and forthwith the Soveraign Elected them both into the Fellowship of the Order The other was the case of Iames Marquess Hamilton Elected the 2. of February in the 20. year of the same King with the vocal consent of all the Knights-Companions present But it is to be considered that this course and the omission of taking the Scruteny in writing is not only contrary to the Law of the Order so enjoined for a more certain memorial of the action and more faithful transmission of it to Posterity but exceeding prejudicial to persons of Honor and Merit whose Names would otherwise live with great reputation among the Candidates of this Illustrious Order and of which honor many deserving persons will be hereafter deprived if the Injunction of the Statutes be not observed in this particular SECT XI The Presentation of it to the Soveraign THE Suffrages being recieved from the Knights-Companions the Officer by whom they are collected is to present the whole form of the Nominations to the Soveraign with all due Reverence for so is it recorded an 9. H. 5. when the Prelate of the Order had taken the Scruteny If these Votes were taken
in Chapter the Paper wherein entry was made hath been usually forthwith presented to the Soveraign's hands who upon perusal of it made Election and Choice before the Chapter broke up of which practice we could give sundry Instances did not the generality thereof render it needless But if collected in the Chappel sometimes it was immediately delivered to the Soveraign before he went thence though no Election were made until the Soveraign and Knights-Companions met in Chapter the next morning And thus in the 2. and 5. years of Queen Elizabeth as soon as the Nominations were all received the Chancellor of the Order who then took them presented the Scruteny to the Soveraign before Service ended the like did the Register of the Order an 8. Eliz. At other times it hath not been presented until Vespers were finished as in the 4. 14. and 28. years of Queen Elizabeth and the 6. 9. 13. and 14. of King Iames. Lastly and which hath been frequent in use of later times the Scruteny hath not been presented to the Soveraign until the next morning after opening the Chapter customarily held before Morning Prayer as in the 13. 15. 22. and 30. years of Queen Elizabeth and again in the 3. 9. 10. 13. 14. 15. and 17. years of the Reign of his late Majesty of ever sacred memory against which last time of presentation it was transcribed into a little Book and with all due reverence offered upon the Knee before any thing else was treated of in the Chapter If the Soveraign be absent from the Chappel when the Votes are collected that Officer by whom they are taken is to present them into the hands of the Soveraign's Deputy or Lieutenant who thereupon is obliged to deliver them to the Soveraign either that Evening or the next Morning Besides the general practice hath gone along therewith as we see an 2. H. 6. where the Dean of Windesor and the Register of the Order having collected the Vote of every Knight they were immediately presented to the Soveraign's Deputy So also when Iohn Duke of Bedford was Lieutenant an 4. H. 6. the Votes taken for Election were delivered unto him Again anno 20. Fliz. Sir Francis Walsingham then Chancellor having taken the Suffrages forthwith before Evening Prayer was ended gave them to the Earl of Sussex then Lieutenant to the Soveraign and the like did the Prelate to the Lord Howard of Effingham Lieutenant an 30. Eliz. as also in the 33.35.36 and 37. years of the said Queens Reign And that the Lieutenant in discharge of his duty did present them afterwards to the Soveraign appears likewise from several places in the Blue Book of the Order for after the Nominations were received and delivered to him by the Prelate in the said 30. year of Queen Elizabeth He presented them unto her and to the like purpose is it remembred in the 34. 38. and 40. years of this Queen But it seems in the 12. year of King Iames some exceptions were taken for that the Chancellor did not present the Scruteny to the Prince at that time the Soveraign's Lieutenant but afterwards to the Soveraign himself wherein he committed an Error which some of his Predessors had fallen into before viz. an 2. 3. and 25. Eliz. SECT XII His Considerations thereupon referring to the Qualification of each Person to be Elected THE Scruteny being thus taken and presented to the Soveraign we now proceed to those particulars which are to be weighed by him upon view and consideration had thereof For as the Knights-Companions are obliged by the Statutes to Nominate no other than such as can abide the Test of those Qualifications before remembred so is there a standard of Honor provided and ordained for the Soveraign whereby to measure the Extraction Quality and Merit of the Person proposed to Election lest peradventure in less circumspect times the favour of the Soveraign might become over indulgent to inferiour or unworthy persons who ought here utterly to be rejected because this Order consisting of goodness and honorable virtue doth not admit or uphold unworthiness and villany Here then falls in to be considered the substance of the second Article throughout all the Bodies and Exemplars of the Statutes wherein the Qualifications for Election are exhibited as in the 18. Article are those for Nomination In the first of which viz. those of Institution the words That none shall be Elected into the Order c. can refer to the Act of Election only if we consult the rest of the Statutes and compare them with this place for thus they severally deliver themselves That none shall be Elected Companion of the Order That none shall be Elected and Chosen a Companion of this Order All pointing to the time of Election more properly and directly than to any other Ceremony succeeding either of Investiture with the Garter and George Installation or to what ever else it may nore dubiously be wrested from the Expressions of Admitting and Receiving Knights into this Order used in the Exemplars of the Statutes of Institution And that this doth so is further cleared from another passage in the said second Article of King Henry the Eighth's Statutes which speaking of the last point of Reproach saith the guilt thereof so incapacitates any mans Election that he ever after ought to be esteemed unworthy of Election into the Order The Qualifications and Endowments are chiefly noted to be two first that the Person in Nomination be a Gentleman of Blood and secondly a Knight and without Reproach As to the first of these finding the phrases somewhat varied throughout the Statutes we shall therefore single them out By the Statutes of Institution no man ought to be Elected unless he be a Gentleman born and so saith King Henry the Fifth's Statutes The Exemplar entred in the Black Book saith unless he be worthy upon the account of Birth and Arms whereunto is added in this Exemplar only that he be one eminent for his demeanour and good Report hereby linking together Blood and Virtue which indeed make the noblest Conjunction Finally King Henry the Eighth's Statutes speak a little larger and appoint him to be a Gentleman by Name Arms and Blood and lest this Character might seem in any part obscure a Gentleman of Blood is determined to be one descended of three descents of Nobles viz. of Name and Arms both of his Father and Mothers side For most certain it is that Gentility is not made perfect or accomplished in the Person in whom it takes beginning but rather compleated by Succession And we find among the Romans though the Father was free born and of the Equestrian Cense yet was it further requisite that the Grandfather should be so likewise for
Investiture where the Soveraign and several of the Knights-Companions being assembled Garter was sent out for the Prince then at the Earl of Bath's Lodgings in the matted Gallery and thence usher'd him into the Lobby between the said Gallery and the Withdrawing Room where he was received by the Earls of Lindsey and Manchester and conducted between them into the Chapter Garter preceding them and after three obeysances they brought him up to the Soveraign Among Knights-Subjects we find the Lord Burghley and Lord Grey were conducted an 14. Eliz. to the Soveraign by the Lord Clynton and Earl of Bedford and Robert Earl of Essex Thomas Earl of Ormond and Sir Christopher Hatton present at Greenwich an 30. Eliz. when their Election passed were severally led into the Chapter the first of them between the Earls of Worcester and Penbroke the second between the Lord Hunsdon and Lord Grey of Wilton and the third between the Earl of Leicester and Lord Burghley and as soon as they were brought up before the Soveraign with all Reverence and Humility they fell upon their knees In like manner an 4. Iac. R. Robert Earl of Salisbury proceeded up to the Soveraign's Throne between the Earls of Nottingham and Dorset and Viscount Bindon between the Earls of Suffolk and Northampton And an 22. Iac. R. the Earl of Arundel and Surrey and Earl of Kelly took William Earl of Salisbury between them and presented him to the Soveraign So also in the Reign of his late Majesty of blessed memory it is remembred that the Earl of Northampton was conducted to his receipt of the Garter in the Chapter-house at Windesor between the Earls of Penbroke and Montgomery an 4. Car. 1. and the Earls of Danby and Moreton being Elected also at the same place an 9. Car. 1. the former of them was conducted to the Soveraign by the Earls of Penbroke and Arundel and Surrey and the latter by the Earls of Salisbury and Carlisle And when the present Soveraign appeared upon his Letter of Summons at the Chapter held in the Withdrawing Chamber in Windesor Castle to receive his Investiture two of the senior Knights viz. Philip Earl of Penbroke and Montgomery and Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrâ—y were sent forth to conduct him in who ushered by the Black Rod brought him between them up to the Soveraign The Duke of Monmouth being Elected at a Chapter held in the Withdrawing Room at Whitehal the 28. of March an 15. Car. 2. Garter was immediately sent to him in the Soveraign's Bedchamber who being met at the door the Earls of Lindsey and Manchester Garter the Black Rod joining himself to him in the Room pass'd to the lower end of the Room before the Duke and the two Knights-Companions whence they proceeded up to the Soveraign with three Reverences Lastly at the Election of Iames Duke of Cambridge in the same Room at Whitehall 3. Dec. an 18. Car. 2 Garter was also sent fort into the Bedchamber to acquaint him that the Earl of Manchester and Duke of Monmouth wâ—re apointed by the Soveraign and Chapter to bring him in thither That done the said Knights-Companions arose and went to the Duke whom meeting at the Bed-chamber door they took their compass about the rest of the Knights-Companions then standing and brought him between them Garter and Black Rod preceding from the lower end of the Room close before the Soveraign SECT III. The Ceremonies of Investiture with the Garter and George THE Knight-Elect being thus introduced and brought to the Soveraign having first with all reverence bowed himself before him it was usual heretofore to make a short gratulatory speech in acknowledgment of so great an evidence of the Soveraign's royal bounty and the Knights-Companions respects The substance of such an address we find coucht in that speech made by Sir Nicholas Carew after he had been conducted into the Chapter-house at Windesor to receive his Investiture an 28. H. 8. who first giving infinite thanks both to the Soveraign and the whole Society for that they had vouchsafed to receive him into the honor of this most illustrious Order being a person in his own esteem most unworthy thereof in the next place profest That whereas he was preferred in this choice before many others much more deserving than himself it was not to be attributed to his merits or any thing by him performed but meerly to the Soveraign's bounty and the favour of the Knights-Companions present towards him The bestowing of so singular an honor being thus thankfully acknowledged the Ceremony of Investiture with the two principal Ensigns of the Order begins first with the Garter as the most ancient and chiefest Ensign and next with the George but the further Investiture with the Habit and other the Ornaments of this Order are to be compleated at the time of the Elect-Knights Installation at Windesor Now the manner and order in the aforesaid Investiture was anciently as followeth first the Elect-Knight set his left foot upon a Stool and then one of the Knights-Companions by the Soveraign's appointment as his Substitute buckled the Enobled Garter about his left leg and this is to be seen in Picture in the margent of an old Draught of the Combats of Sir Iohn Astley set forth in the Antiquities of Warwickshire where the said Sir Iohn's Investiture with the Garter is represented after the aforesaid manner But of late times the Elect-Knight kneeled on his right Knee whilst this Ceremony was performed during which the words of Admonition or Signification at this part of the Investiture are to be read The Forms of Admonition anciently used at the Investiture of Knights-Subjects are inserted in the Appendix but that particularly relative to the putting on the Garter is entred in King Henry the Eighth's Book of English Statutes and is as followeth Sir the loving Company of the Order of the Garter hath received you their Brother and Fellow and in token of this they give and present you this present Garter which God grant that you receive and wear from henceforth to his praise and glory and to the exaltation and honor of the said Noble Order and your self Afterward it was decreed in a Chapter held at Windesor the 5. of August an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. to this effect That not only the same Advertisements and Admonitions which were wont to be given to Strangers at their Investitures should be likewise given to Knights-Subjects that in time to come should be Elected and Installed but also that among the Knights-Companions there should not be any Investiture differing either in Ceremony or Habit. Hereupon the foresaid words of Admonition at putting on the Garter were left off and those used at the Investiture of Strangers given and continued to Knights-Subjects the English Version of which may be seen at the end of the said English Statutes which thence we have transcribed
Thomas Wriothesley Garter was sent to the Earls of Arundel and Westmerland with the Garter and George an 17. H. 8. So also was Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter sent upon the like employment to the Earl of Westmerland an 6. Ed. 6. to the Earl of Sussex an 1 2. Ph. M. to the Lord Grey of Wilton an 3. 4. Ph. M. to the Earl of Shrewsbury an 3. Eliz. to the Earl of Bedford an 6. Eliz. to the Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. being then at Newhaven in France to William Earl of Worcester an 12. Eliz. to William Lord Cobham an 26. Eliz. and to the Lord Scroop the same year who then was at Carlisle in Cumberland This Investiture of the Lord Scroop was the last action in this kind which Sir Gilbert Dethick performed who had served four Soveraigns of this Order an Officer of Arms the space of 65. years whereof he had been Garter 38. years and having most worthily and faithfully accomplished his service upon his return to London from Carlisle aforesaid he languished by the space of ten weeks or thereabouts and dyed the 3. day of October an Dom. 1584. in the 81. year of his age The Letters heretofore sent from the Soveraign along with these Ensigns of the Order to the Elect-Knights have for the most part been drawn after the form of those certifying Election only instead of the last Clause which therein requires the Elect Knights repair to the Soveraign for receiving the Garter and George from him in these was an allowance to use them as to their Election appertain And these were the two general forms of Letters sent upon the foresaid occasions all further difference lay not in the body but direction of the Letters which were evermore worded according to the quality of the person to whom sent as to a Knight Batchellor the direction was To our trusty and wellbeloved c. to a Baron Right trusty and wellbeloved c. to an Earl Right trusty and right wellbeloved Cousin c. and to a Duke Right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin c. But we observe the forms of those Letters sent upon like occasion to Knights-Subjects when the present Soveraign was beyond the Seas were pen'd after another manner and the necessity of those times requiring contained some other particulars namely besides a large preamble relative to the Election of Knights eminent for noble birth and heroick virtue additional clauses of 1. Power to wear the Star of Silver about St. George's Cross 2. The great Collar of the Order And 3. to stile themselves Knights and Companions of the Order of the Garter in as ample manner as if they had been Installed at Windesor with an assurance of receiving the whole Habit there when the Soveraign was restored to the possession thereof And it appears from some of these Letters that by reason Sir Edward Walker Garter was otherwise employed in the Soveraign's service when they were sent therefore the Soveraign made choice of other persons to carry both the said Letters and Ensigns of the Order nevertheless reserving unto him as Garter the rights of hâ—s Office Howbeit the said Sir Edward looking on the disposing this employment to others as an invasion upon the rights of his Office and having a just regard to the preservation of the interest of his Successors no less than his own humbly petitioned the present Soveraign for redress and obtained his gracious Reference thereupon to several Knights-Companions of the Order to examine the matter and make report both what they found and what they thought fit to be done therein upon whose Report the Soveraign did him full right by his gracious Declaration All which Proceedings we think necessary to insert here for cleering and setling the interest of so ancient an Office To his sacred Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter The most humble Petition of Sir Edward Walker Knight Garter principal King of Arms and Officer of the said Order In all humility representing THat by the especial favour of his late Majestly your Royal Father of ever glorious and blessed memory he was created Garter Principal King of Arms and was thereby to enjoy all immunities and advantages thereunto belonging as amply as any of his Predecessors That since your Majesties accession to the Crown he hath by right continued in the said Office it being granted during life by Letters-Patent Notwithstanding which there have lately some disputes arisen about the execution of that part of his Office wherein he conceives himself most concerned and for which his Office was at first erected He therefore in all humility appeals to your Majesty as Soveraign of the said Order and Protector of the Officers thereof for the vindication of his just rights which were never questioned until this time of general Invasion hoping clearly to make it appear First when any Foreign Prince is chosen that the Ensigns of the Order are sent and delivered him by an Ambassador and Garter joined with him in the presenting thereof Secondly that until this time of Rebellion wherein your Majesty cannot formally either Elect or Install any subject the Garter hath rarely been sent to any of them but according to the Statutes was always delivered them in the Chapterhouse Garter and the rest of the Officers of the Order assisting To prove the first he refers himself to the Statutes and to the constant practice As for example the Garter was delivered by the Earl of Arundel and Garter King of Arms to Philip the second King of Spain in the time of Queen Mary By the Lord Spencer and Sir William Dethick Garter in joint commission with him to the Duke of Westemberg in the first year of King James By the Lord Carleton and Sir William Seagar to Maurice Prince of Orange By Mr. Peter Young Gentleman Vsher and Mr. Henry St. George Richmond Herald Deputy to Sir William Seagar Garter to the King of Sweden by whom they were both Knighted and as he remembers by Sir William Boswell and Mr. Philpot Deputy to Sir John Burrough Garter to the now Prince of Orange from all which Garter and his Deputies received large and honorary rewards To the second by the Statutes no Knight chosen or elect shall be installed by Attorney except he be a Stranger or busâ—ed without the Realm for the affairs of the Soveraign nor receive the Garter but in Chapter so that the sending of the Garter to any subject rarely happens The only example he remembers is of that sent by Garter to the Lord Scroop President of the North in Queen Elizabeth's time As for the other alledged of that sent to the Earl of Holland into France it is subsequent in time and was only the delivery of the Garter and no compleating of the Order and may if it were so for ought appears to the contrary have been done by Garter's
Knight Subject either with Letters to signifie his Election or the Garter and George wherewith to invest him and this is commonly proportioned according to the length or shortness of the Journey The allowance for that Journey which Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter made into the Counties of Lincolne and Cumberland by the Soveraign's command given in Chapter first to the Earl of Rutland and next to the Lord Scroop an 26. Eliz. appears to have been 20 l. Besides the Soveraign's allowance to Garter he hath been accustomed to receive honorable gratuities and rewards from the Elect-Knight himself after the Investiture performed and these have usually been proportioned according to the esteem of the honor he receives and his particular inclinations to Garter and the service done by him Among whom we find the Earl of Arundel an 17. H. 8. gave to Thomas Wriothesley Garter 10 l. in Angelotts being then at his Mannor of Dawnley and Ralph Earl of Westmerland elected at the same time with the said Earl of Arundel then at Myle-end 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. But the Earl of Northumberland an 23. H. 8. gave Garter for the verbal certifying him of his Election 4. l. though he went no farther than the Chapter-house door Lastly an 26. Eliz. the Earl of Rutland honorably rewarded Garter at Newark and the Lord Scroop gave unto him 30 l. in Gold a Velvet Cloak and a Gallaway Nag and to William Dethick York Herald who then went along with Garter to Carlisle 10 l. But since these times the Knights-Elect have greatly enlarged their Gratuities to Garter for his service upon this occasion CHAP. XI OF Preparations FOR THE Personal Installation OF A KNIGHT SECT I. That Installation gives the Title of Founder THE Installation or Inauguration of a Knight of this most Noble Order consists in a conjunction of many Ceremonies and contains the most solemn part of those whereby so great an honor is conferr'd indeed that which compleateth all the rest And till this great Ceremony be duly and solemnly performed the person Elected hath not the honor of being reckoned among the number of Founders but barely passes for an Elect Knight and no other For the express Text is That in case a Knight Elect dye before his Installation he shall not be named one of the Founders And the reason is there given forasmuch as he hath not had the full possession of his state and in this point do the other Bodies of the Statutes agree Howbeit assoon as the Ceremonies of Installation are compleatly finished the Knight is unquestionably vested in full possession of all the Honors and Priviledges belonging to a Founder of this most Noble Order But to quicken each Elect Knight who is either a Subject to the Soveraign or resides within his Realm and consequently in a more ready capacity of receiving Installation then one remaining in Foreign parts to the full attainment of his honor or otherwise to wave what hath been conferr'd on him by the Act of Election the compass of one year after such his Election is allowed him by the Statutes for Installation albeit for sooner speeding thereof the Statutes do as well appoint him to use all convenient diligence otherwise his Election is ordained to be absolutely nul and void Nor can any thing hinder but that the Soveraign may then freely proceed to a new Election unless the Elect-Knight send or produce an excuse for such delay sufficient and fit to be accepted by the Soveraign or his Deputy and the whole Society or that the Soveraign himself think fit to defer the Ceremony of Installation for some longer time For which cause when certain Articles concerning the honor of the Order had been prepared by the Soveraign's Lieutenant and ten Knights-Companions approved by the Soveraign and in a Chapter held 24. April an 21. Iac. R. ordered to be observed one of them was for hastning the Installation after a Knight had been Elected nevertheless with this Exception unless for some special cause the Soveraign should think fit to defer the same until the Eve or day of Saint George next following the time of Election SECT II. Of the Time and Place appointed for Installation THE Feast of Installation hath not been hitherto fixed to any certain time but always rested in the pleasure of the Soveraign to assign a convenient day which hath been obtained either upon the sute of the Knight-Elect or some other of the Knights-Companions whose favour and esteem with the Soveraign was best able to prevail Such a one do we find the Lord Burghley an 35. Eliz. partly in regard he had been Lieutenant at St. Georges Feast immediately preceding and partly by reason of his being Lord Treasurer of England who on the behalf of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland obtained the 19. of Iune in the foresaid year to be appointed for the day of their Installation It sometimes fell out that though the day for Installation was set down nevertheless upon some extraordinary occasion intervening it hath been protogued to a further and more convenient time for the Soveraign's Affairs and the most remarkable instance is that an 3. 4. Ph. Mar. when the Earl of Sussex the Lord Grey and Sir Robert Rochester Knights Elect had their Installation together with St. George's Feast prorogued to the 10. of May in the year aforesaid But many and urgent affairs relating both to the King and Queen hapning about that time not only the Grand Feast but the Solemnity of their Installations were in a Chapter held the 3. of the same Month prorogued to the 5. of December following and on the last day of October preceding were they again prorogued to the first Sunday after Twelf-day in case the King should not return into England before the said 5. of December After all this on the 5. of Ianuary following the Grand Feast was prorogued a fourth time to the 20. of February next coming Nevertheless it was then Ordered that the Earl of Sussex one of the three Elect Knights should be forthwith Installed which was performed on the 8. of the same Ianuary And the 6. of February following the Lord Grey also obtained an appointment for his Installation and that was celebrated the 20. of April ensuing but we do not find that Sir Robert Rochester ever received that honor But though the time of Installation be arbitrary and uncertain yet hath the place been from the Institution of the Order fixt as an essential Priviledge only to the Soveraign's free Chappel of St. George in the Castle of Windesor within whose Choire stand erected the Soveraign's and Knights-Companions Stalls and under its sacred Roof their Banners and Atchievements are set up as Monuments of their high deservings and so great honor For albeit the celebration of the Grand Feast of St. George hapned to be withdrawn from Windesor by a Decree past an
of Orange from the third on the Soveraign's to the second on the Prince's an 10. Car. 1. upon the death of the King of Sweden In those instances of Removals lower after Installation we shall first remember That an 6. Eliz. when the French King Charles the Ninth was Elected the superior Stalls were already fill'd with Strangers and there was no way left to make room for him to the Stall designed him by the Soveraign but by removal of some of those Knights Strangers lower and thereupon for the present Emanuel Duke of Savoy was removed one Stall lower viz. to the third on the Soveraign's side Anne Duke of Montmorency to the third on the Prince's side and the Duke of Holstein to the fourth on the same side But the said French King was not Installed until the 16. of Ianuary an 8. Eliz. and before that it was concluded to remove the King of Spain to the Duke of Savoy's Stall voided as before and to Instal the French King in the King of Spain's void Stall which was accordingly done so that on this occasion there were four Strangers and five Knights Subjects before remembred removed lower to make way for the French King The 20. of April an 2. Iac. Reg. the Duke of Wirtemberg was installed in the third Stall on the Prince's side and on St. George's Eve in the following year advanced a Stall higher viz. to the third on the Soveraign's side The 16. of May ensuing Vlrick Duke of Holst had assigned him that Stall from whence the Duke of Wirtemberg was advanced and installed therein But against the Installation of Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark which hapned to be the 9. of September in the same year the Duke of Wirtemberg was removed back to the Seat wherein he was Installed and the Duke of Holst advanced into his void Stall All which will appear more clear from the appointment of Stalls on these occasions which follow A Remove of Banners and Plates at the Installation of Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg Anno. Iac. Reg. 2. Iames R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. The French King 2. The Prince 2. Void 3. Earl of Nottingham 3. Duke of Wirtemberg 4. Earl of Ormond 4. Earl of Dorset 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 5. Earl of Cumberland 6. Earl of Northumberland 6. Earl of Worcester 7. Lord Sheffield 7. Earl of Suffolk 8. Earl of Devonshire 8. Sir Henry Lea 9. Earl of Sussex 9. Lord Scrope 10. Earl of Darby 10. Lord Burghley 11. Duke of Lenox 11. Earl of Southampton 12. Earl of Marr. 12. Earl of Penbroke 13. Void 13. Void The order of Stalls at St. George's Feast an Iac. Regis 3. Iames R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. The French King 2. The Prince 2. Void 3. Duke of Wirtemberg 3. Earl of Nottingham 4. Earl of Ormond 4. Earl of Dorset 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 5. Earl of Cumberland 6. Earl of Northumberland 6. Earl of Worcester 7. Lord Sheffield 7. Earl of Suffolk 8. Earl of Devonshire 8. Sir Henry Lea. 9. Earl of Sussex 9. Lord Scrope 10. Earl of Darby 10. Lord Burleigh 11. Duke of Lenox 11. Earl of Southampton 12. Earl of Marr. 12. Earl of Penbroke 13. Void 13. Void A Remove of Banners and Plates at the Installation of Vlrick Duke of Holst the 16. of May an Iac. R. 3. Iames R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. The French King 2. The Prince 2. Void 3. Duke of Wirtemberg 3. Duke of Holst 4. Earl of Nottingham 4. Earl of Ormond 5. Earl of Dorset 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 6. Earl of Cumberland 6. Earl of Northumberland 7. Earl of Worcester 7. Lord Sheffeild 8. Earl of Suffolk 8. Earl of Devonshire 9. Sir Henry Lea. 9. Earl of Sussex 10. Lord Scroope 10. Earl of Derby 11. Earl of Exceter 11. Duke of Lenox 12. Earl of Southampton 12. Earl of Marr. 13. Earl of Penbroke 13. Earl of Northampton A Remove of Banners and Plates at the Installation of Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark the 8. of Sept. an Iac. Reg. 3. Iames R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. The French King 2. The King of Denmark 2. The Prinoe 3. Duke of Holst 3. Duke of Wirtemberg 4. Earl of Nottingham 4. Earl of Ormond 5. Earl of Dorset 5. Earl of Shrewsbury 6. Earl of Cumberland 6. Earl of Northumberland 7. Earl of Worcester 7. Lord Sheffeild 8. Earl of Suffolk 8. Earl of Devonshire 9. Sir Henry Lea. 9. Earl of Sussex 10. Lord Scrope 10. Earl of Derby 11. Earl of Exceter 11. Duke of Lenox 12. Earl of Southampton 12. Earl of Marr. 13. Earl of Penbroke 13. Earl of Northampton Here in this last Scheme we see Prince Henry was removed from the second on the Soveraign's to the second on the Prince's side to make room for the King of Denmark And though the Duke of Chevereux An. 3. Car. 1. upon the death of the Duke of Brunswick was advanced from the third Stall on the Soveraign's side into the Duke of Brunswick's void Stall namely the second on the Prince's side nevertheless the year following upon the admittance of Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden he was removed two Stalls lower and at that time the Prince Elector Palatine one But let us return from the Removal and Translation of a Knight-Subject after he had been installed to the Assignment of his Stall at the time of Installation it self and in the last place note That on the 24. of April an 6. Eliz. instead of the ancient Law which appointed each Elect-Knight to succeed in the Stall of his Predecessor and the latter which permitted a Translation at pleasure a new one was introduced being framed as was conceived upon a more equal ground than the former and to avoid as much as might be the danger of emulation which was this That all Knights who for the future were admitted into the Society of the Order should take and be installed in the lowest Stall according to the course and seniority of their Election except only stranger Kings and Princes Whereupon it came to pass that when a Knight-Subject Elect was to be Installed he taking the lowest Stall all the Knights-Companions between him and the vacant Stall were removed higher to the end such vacancy might be supplied or if two or more were to be Installed at one time they took the lowest Stalls according to the seniority of their Election the senior Knight-Elect being placed higher than the junior And albeit this manner and order in Removals is now become a thing of course and the method easie yet may it not be done or the Atchievements Banners or Plates removed unless the Soveraign Sign a Warrant as formerly wherein they are orderly ranked to justifie Garter for so doing which will be the more easily understood by the insertion of a Scheme or two The order of Stalls as they stood at the Feast of St. George an 29. Eliz. Elizabeth R. Â 1. The
Soveraign 1. Void 2. The French King 2. The King of Spain 3. The King of Denmark 3. Void 4. Duke Iohn Casimire 4. Void 5. The Viscount Mountague 5. The Earl of Leicester 6. The Earl of Shrewsbery 6. The Earl of Warwick 7. The Lord Hunsdon 7. Void 8. Void 8. The Earl of Worcester 9. The Earl of Huntingdon 9. The Lord Burghley 10. The Lord Grey 10. The Earl of Derby 11. The Earl of Penbroke 11. The Lord Howard of Effingham 12. Void 12. The Lord Cobham 13. The Lord Scrope 13. Void A Translation of Stalls made against the Feast of Installation an 30. Eliz. Elizabeth R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. Void 2. The French King 2. The King of Spain 3. The King of Denmark 3. Void 4. Duke Iohn Casimire 4. Void 5. The Viscount Mountague 5. The Earl of Leicester 6. The Earl of Shrewsbury 6. The Earl of Warwick 7. The Lord Hunsdon 7. The Earl of Worcester 8. The Earl of Huntingdon 8. The Lord Burleigh 9. The Lord Grey 9. The Earl of Derby 10. The Earl of Penbroke 10. The Lord Howard of Effingham 11. The Lord Cobham 11. The Lord Scroope 12. The Earl of Essex 12. The Earl of Ormond 13. Sir Christopher Hatton 13. Void The first of these Schemes shew how the Stalls were ranked on St. George's Eve an 29. Eliz. and the second how altered against the Installation of the Earls of Essex and Ormond and of Sir Christopher Hatton the 23. of May an 30. Eliz. by which those three Elect Knights appear to be Installed in the lowermost Stalls as the last mentioned Decree enjoins and by reason that the Earl of Essex and Sir Christopher Hatton were setled on the Soveraign's side the vacancy before in the eighth and twelfth Stalls of the same side became filled up the Earl of Huntingdon seated before in the ninth Stall being advanced into the eighth the Lord Grey into the ninth and the Earl of Penbroke into the tenth Stall So also by the like advance of the Earl of Worcester into the seventh on the Prince's side the vacancy is therein supplied and the other Knights-Companions seated below him by a joint and orderly removal left the twelfth Stall for the Earl of Ormond and the thirteenth void for the next Elect Knight The like order was observed by King Iames as appears by another Scheme of the Stalls setled in Chapter held the 3. of Iuly an 1. Iac. R. at the Election of the Duke of Lenox the Earls of Southampton Marr and Penbroke Stalls altered at a Chapter held at Windesor the 3. of Iuly an 1. Iac. R. Iames R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. The French King 2. The Prince 2. Void 3. The Earl of Nottingham 3. Void 4. The Earl of Ormond 4. The Lord Buckhurst 5. The Earl of Salop. 5. The Earl of Cumberland 6. The Earl of Northumberland 6. The Earl of Worcester 7. The Lord Sheffeild 7. The Lord Howard of Waldon 8. The Lord Hunsdon 8. The Lord Montjoy 9. Sir Henry Lea. 9. The Earl of Sussex 10. The Lord Cobham 10. The Lord Scrope 11. The Earl of Derby 11. The Lord Burghley 12. The Duke of Lenox 12. The Earl of Southampton 13. The Earl of Marr. 13. The Earl of Penbroke From hence it appears that these Elect-Knights were Installed in the lowest Stalls and so were all other Elect-Knights Subjects throughout his Reign and since except the Prince of Wales and Charles Duke of York Sons to the said Soveraign for the Prince was Installed in the second Stall on the Soveraign's side and upon the election of the said Duke of York an 9. Iac. R. the second Stall on the Prince's side was first designed for him and in place answerable thereunto did he proceed to the Chappel the morrow after St. George's day upon which he was elected But upon Whitsunday following at a solemn debate in Chapter it was determined That notwithstanding he was the Soveraign's Son yet should he have no more preheminence than other Knights-Companions but come in as a Puisne and that his Atchievements which it seems had been set up over the second Stall on the Prince's side should therefore be removed to that Stall next above the Viscount Rochesters being the eleventh on the same side and so to be consorted with the Earl of Montgomery before whom he proceeded on Whitson Monday to the Chapter-house towards his Installation and it was moreover then Decreed that all Princes not absolute should be installed thenceforth in the puisne place But after this endeavours were used to advance the said Duke into the Stall to which he was first appointed and the Kings of Arms were consulted with in the case who certified that Richard Duke of York second Son to King Edward the Fourth was Installed in the fourth Stall on the Prince's side and had precedence of the Duke of Suffolk the Earls of Dowglas and Essex who were elected long before him That Henry Duke of York second Son to King Henry the seventh was Installed in the third Stall on the Soveraign's side and had place of the Duke of Buckingham and the Earls of Oxford and Derby his ancients and lastly that Henry Fitz Roy Duke of Richmond base Son of King Henry the Eighth had place and precedence before the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and others Whereupon it was thought fit that the Soveraign's Children should be as well priviledged in this case as Stranger Princes and therefore in another Chapter held at Whitehall on the 13. of April being Easter Monday an 10. Iac. R. the Order which past the year before for making the Duke a Puisne was abrogated and he translated to the second Stall on the Prince's side and paired with Prince Henry as may be also seen by the order of the Stalls then setled and entred in the Blue Book of the Order We need not bring hither more instances in proof of the observation of the Chapter Act made an 6. Eliz. as it hath relation to Knight Subjects since the same hath been to this time punctually pursued but in regard Strangers are therein excepted it will be necessary to note here concerning them that the rule and practice continued as established by King Henry the Eighth viz. That they were Installed in Seats next to the Soveraign according to their state and dignity We shall only add an instance of the manner of placing both Strangers and Knights Subjects at one and the same time for at the coming of King Charles the First to the Crown there were of both conditions to be Installed in one day namely the Duke of Brunswick a Stranger Prince the Earls of Salisbury and Carlisle Knights Subjects elected by King Iames the 31. of December in the 22. year of his Reign as also the Earls of Dorset and Holland with Viscount Andover elected by the said King Charles the 15. of May following and the Duke of Chevereux elected the
the Hood should be carried upon the Cushen by Garter into the Choire together with the Mantle and Collar and not be put on till after the Investiture with the Mantle and so was it observed at the Feast of St. George an 13.15 23. Car. 2. And though anciently it was laid over the left shoulder of the Elect-Knight and so worn upon all occasions yet an 2. 3. Phil. Mar. the wearing thereof being taken notice of to obscure the Scutcheon of St. George embroidered on the same shoulder of the Mantle it was therefore in a Chapter held at St. Iames's on the 22. of April in the foresaid year Decreed That thenceforth the Knights-Companions should wear their Hoods on the right shoulders to the end the Scutcheon might be the better seen and appear Nevertheless there was a question moved an 12. Iac. R. whether the Knights-Companions should not restore the usage of wearing their Hoods to the left shoulder which it seems was over-ruled and the custom of wearing them on the right thought fit to be continued as the foresaid Decree appoints And on the Eve of the Feast of St. George an 23. Car. 2. some of the Knights-Companions supposing the Hoods ought to be worn rather on the left shoulder did so wear them to Vespers but the next morning being better perswaded of the Law and later Custom they altered them to the right To great Princes-Strangers there is a liberty given by King Henry the Eighth's Statutes to receive if they please their Habit wholly within the Chapter-house and before they enter their Stalls and it thereby appears that this was the Custom in times past and whereof we have an Instance in Philip King of Castile an 22. H. 7. who was fully invested in the Chapter-house with the Garter Surcoat Mantle Hood and Collar the Soveraign himself putting his hand to his Investiture with the Mantle Hereupon King Philip Grandchild to the foresaid King of Castile was invested with the whole Habit of the Order before he assumed his Stall for arriving at Windesor the 3. of Aug. 1. 2. Ph. Mar. he proceeded to the Chappel and received his Investiture within the West door where was prepared a Form adorned with Carpet and Cushens and there the Register of the Order delivered the Mantle to the Earls of Derby and Penbroke who kissing it presented it to the Queen and she her self assisted by the said Earls invested the King therewith next Garter gave the Collar to the Earls of Arundel and Penbroke who presented it also to the Queen with the like ceremony whâ—rewith the Mantle was delivered and She thereupon put it about King Philips neck and forthwith the Knight-Companions having also robed themselves within the Chappel door proceeded before the King and Queen who with joined hands passed into the Choire where being arived the Queen led him to the Soveraign's Stall which having ascended they both sat therein But as the foresaid Statute leaves this to the pleasure of the Stranger-Prince and was permitted only for gaining of time so have not any who received a Personal Installation at Windesor since been fully invested before they entred the Choire For Francis Duke of Montmorency an 14. Eliz. and â—rederick Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 10. Iac. R. were both invested with their Surcoats only in the Chapter-house but received the Mantles Hoods and Collars in their Stalls after they had taken their Oaths SECT VI. The Proceeding into the Choire THE Elect-Knight habited as before forthwith passeth from the Chapter-house along the North Isle and so in at the West door of the Choire in solemn order but his place in this Proceeding is changed for here he is led between two of the Knights-Companions This is noted in the Black Book to be the order wherein Albro Vasques d' Almadea Earl of Averence and two other Elect-Knights proceeded to their Installation an 24. H. 6. And albeit the Statutes of Institution and those made by King Henry the Fifth are silent in the order of this Proceeding yet for an Elect-Knight to be led to his Stall between two other of the Knights-Companions is no modern Ceremony since we also find that Viscount Bouchier an 30. H. 6. past to his Installation between the Lord Hastings and Lord Beauchamp But the order of Proceeding is precisely set down in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes to wit That the Elect-Knight attended by his Gentlemen and Servants shall be led between two other of the Knights-Companions the Officers of the Order going before them To this Rule the constant practice hath been answerable at all Installations since the Knight-Elect proceeding either between two of the Knights-Commissioners when there hath been no Lieutenant or between two of the Knights Assistants where a Lieutenant was constituted or lastly between the two senior Knights-Companions the Soveraign being present Of which cases we shall here assign each a President A Proceeding from the Chapter-house into the Choire at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland an 26. Eliz. Viscount Mountagu and Lord Hunsdon being Commissioners for that Solemnity Verger with his Rod. Alms-Knights two and two Pursuivants Heralds and Norroy Black Rod. Register Clarenceux who then executed the Office of Garter Lord Hunsdon Earl of Rutland Viscount Mountagu Another Proceeding from the Chapterhouse at the Installation of the Lord Russel an 31. H. 8. the Earls of Essex and Rutland being then the Lieutenants's Assistants Heralds Register Garter Earl of Rutland Lord Russell Earl of Essex A third Proceeding at the Installation of the present Soveraign an 14. Car 1. the two senior Knights-Companions being appointed to conduct the Prince from the Chapter-house to his Stall in the Choire Alms-Knights two and two Officers of Arms two and two Black Rod. Register Garter Earl of Arundell The Prince Earl of Penbroke But when there hath been three Commissioners nominated then the two senior Commissioners take the Knight-Elect between them and the junior Knight Commissioner proceeds before them and thus was it ordered at the Installation of the Earls of Essex and Ormond and Sir Christopher Hatton an 30. Eliz. where the Earl of Essex proceeded from the Chapter-house into the Choire between the Lord Hunsdon and Earl of Worcester and the Lord Grey the junior Commiâ—sioner past singly before them In all cases where the Soveraign is present at an Installation since the Custom of Investing with the Collar in the Chapter-house was left off this is generally to be observed that so soon as the Investiture with the Surcoat is finished the Soveraign passeth from the Chapter-house into the Choire with the whole Proceeding before him leaving the Elect-Knight behind And so soon as he and the Knights-Companions have taken their Stalls in the usual manner the two senior Knights-Companions upon the Soveraign's verbal directions descend from their Stalls and stand under their Banners while the
next place the Commissioners or Assistants or Knights-Companions lay the Hood upon the Knights right shoulder over the Mantle and bringing the Tippet athwart his Brest tuck it under his Girdle at which his Sword hangs And lastly they tye the Collar about his shoulders over his Mantle and Hood and at this part of the Investiture these words of Admonition are also pronounced To the encrease of your honor and in token of the Honorable Order you have received Take this Collar about your Neck with the Image of the holy Martyr and Christs Knight St. George by whose aid you being defended may pass through the prosperities and adversities of this world that having here the Victory as well of your Ghostly as Bodily Enemies you may not only receive the glory and renown of temporal Chivalry but also at the last the endless and everlasting reward of Victory This form of words received likewise alteration when the present Soveraign was to be Installed being varied after this manner Wear this Collar about thy Neck adorned with the Image of the blessed Martyr and Soldier of Christ St. George by whose imitation provoked thou maist so overpass both prosperous and adverse encounters that having stoutly vanquished thy Enemies both of body and soul thou mayest not only receive the praise of this transient Combat but be crowned with the Palm of eternal victory And here before we pass further it will be needful to observe that anciently at the Solemnities of Installation when the Soveraign or his Lieutenant was present the Elect-Knight after he had been invested with the Mantle in his Stall was immediately conducted out of the Choire back to the Chapter-house where the said Soveraign or his Lieutenant was accustomed to remain till he returned there to receive Investiture with the Collar of the Order from the Soveraign or his Lieutenant's hands which being done he is said to have received the full possession of his Habit. And this is evident first from King Henry the Eighth's Statutes which direct after the Elect-Knight's Investiture with the Mantle That he shall return into the Chapter-house where he shall receive from the Soveraign or his Deputy the Collar of the Order and secondly from the Practice about that time as is manifest in the cases of the Lord Montjoy Sir William Fitz Williams and Sir Henry â—ouldford installed an 18. H. 8. and the Lord Cromwell an 30. H. 8. as also of the Lord Russell Sir Thomas Cheney and Sir William Kingston installed an 31. H. 8. of the Marquess Dorset Earl of Derby Lord Seymour of Sudeley and Sir William Pagit an 1. E. 6. of the Earl of Huntingdon Lords La Ware and Cobham and Sir William Herbert an 3. E. 6. so likewise of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon an 3. Eliz. of the Earl of Northumberland an 5. Eliz. and of the Duke of Montmorency an 14. Eliz. The Proceeding back into the Chapter-house upon this occasion was ordered almost after the same manner as that before mentioned into the Choire only with this difference that the new installed Knight took here his place according to the dignity of his Stall and so did the aforesaid Duke of Montmorency when he returned to the Chapter-house to receive his Collar for because the Stall wherein he had been installed was of a higher rank than either of those belonging to the two Assistants that conducted him to his Installation they therefore proceeded before not on either side him thither But this is observable that when the Soveraign's Lieutenant remained in the Chapter-house while the Elect-Knight proceeded to his Installation the Vsher of the Black-Rod proceeded not with the said Knight but stayed behind to attend upon the Lieutenant as appears from the notices of the before mentioned Installations of the Lord Russell Earl of Huntington and Earl of Northumberland and as soon as the Investiture with the Collar was finished the Lieutenant proceeded to the Choire in the Rear and the new invested and installed Knight in place according to his Stall A President or two of such Proceeding follows The Lieutenant's Proceeding into the Choire at the Installation of the Lord Russell and others an 31. H. 8. after they had received their Collars in the Chapter-house Officers of Arms. Knights newly installed the junior formost Knights-Assistants Black-Rod Register Garter The Lieutenant In the same manner was the Lieutenan's Proceeding ordered at the Installation of the Marquess Dorset and others an 1. E. 6. After the Proceeding had entred the Choire and the Lieutenant and Knights-Companions taken their Seats with the usual Ceremonies the Service of the Church began But when the Installation was performed by Commissioners then was the Collar of the Order laid on the Cushen with the Mantle and born before the Elect-Knight to his Stall were after his Investiture with the Mantle and Hood he received Investiture with the Collar also and among sundry examples we shall instance in these The Lord William Howard an 1. 2. Plâ—l Mar. was â—irst invested with his Mantle and then had his Collar put about his neck by the Lord Clynton and Lord Pagit the two Commissioners appointed for his Installation The Earl of Lincolne and Viscount Mountague Commissioners for the Installation of the Earls of Derby and Penbroke put on their Collars in their Stalls and thus was it done by the Commissioners at the Installations of the Earl of Rutland and Lord Cobham an 26. Eliz. and of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland an 34. of the same Queen And in like manner at all Installations solemnized since Elizabeth's Reign where the Soveraign hath vouchsafed his presence the ancient Custom of returning to the Chapter-house for the Collar being laid aside the Knights-Companions who led the Elect-Knights to their Stall did there invest them with the Collars also as we find in the case of the Earl of Rutland Sir George Villars and Viscount Lisle an 14. Iac. R. who being come to their several Stalls were first invested with their Mantles next their Hoods and after that their Collars In like manner did the Earls of Dorset and Holland invest the Earl of Suâ—â—olk with the Collar in his Stall an 4. Car. 1. and thus hath it been observed at all Installations since where the Soveraign hath been present at the Solemnity As soon as the Ceremony of Investiture with the Mantle Hood and Collar is finished the Commissioners or Knights-Assistants or Knights-Companions take the Book of the Statutes of the Order and deliver it into the hands of the new invested Knight Thus this part of the Ceremony was observed to the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland after their Investiture an 34. Eliz. and to the Earl of Rutland Sir George Villars and Viscount Lysle an 14. Iac. R. and so generally to all Elect-Knights since This Book the Knight is to keep
safe in his own custody both for instruction and direction in such things as relate to the Laws and Ceremonies of this most Noble Order therein contained After this they also give unto him the Black Velvet Cap adorned with Plumes of White Feathers and this in particular is noted to be the last among the Ceremonies performed at the Installation of the present Soveraign All things relating to the full Investiture being ended there only remains to compleat this great Ceremony the Installation it self which is performed in the following manner The new invested Knight standing before his Stall and turning himself towards the High Altar first makes an humble Reverence thitherward and after a like obeysance towards the Soveraign or in his absence towards his Stall Thus is it noted of William Lord Howard 1. 2. Phil. Mar. which having done the Commissioners or Assistants or Knights-Companions forthwith jointly imbrace him with much joy as their Fellow and Companion according to the Custom of Installations and set him down in his assigned Stall thereto adding their wishes for his happiness and honor With the like courteous and civil expressions and congratulations we find this Ceremony was closed to the Lord Russel an 31. H. 8. which he answered with equal respect giving moreover to the Knights who installed him great thanks for the honor of their assistance and to the Marquess Dorset and others installed an 1. E. 6. the Commissioners for that Ceremony added this Vote That God would give them much honor and after such like Complemental respects have past the Commissioners or Knights-Assistants or Knights-Companions take their Stalls But we have a notable instance in relation to this Ceremony at the Installation of Philip King of Castile an 22. H. 7. where the Soveraign himself solemnly introduced him into his Stall being the next unto his own and therein placed him At which action it seems there was a form of words pronounced relating to the Elect-Knight's Session and act of Installation no less than at his Investiture though we are not so happy as to know them the Relator of the manner and order of this great Ceremony having in the place of the words added an c. and left a blank for them but with this short note at the instant of Installation The Soveraign saying these words Don â—ils c. SECT VIII The Order observed when two or more Knights are Installed in one day WHen there are two or more Elect-Knights appointed to receive the honor of Installation at one Solemnity and that the Ceremony is performed by two Commissioners or two Knights-Assistants then as soon as they have finished all the Ceremonies of Investiture and Installation due to the senior of them they leave him so possest of his Stall and forthwith return to the Chapter-house the Proceeding of Alms-Knights Officers of Arms and the inferior Officers of the Order after their usual Reverences made in the middle of the Choire passing forth before them to the Chapter-house and thence they conduct the next senior Elect-Knight into the Choire where they perform all the circumstances of Investiture and Installation to him as they did to the first Installed Knight Which having finished they leave him also in his Stall and proceed back as before for the third Elect-Knight and after the like manner do they introduce and instal him and so the rest if there be more that wait their Installation till all be installed This seems to have been the ancient practice for it is noted in the Annals that Viscount Beaumont and the Lord Sudeley Commissioners appointed by King Henry the Sixth for the Installation of Albro Vasques d' Almadea Earl of Averence the Lord Beauchamp and Sir Thomas Hoo led them into the Choire singly and apart by themselves and there installed them in their proper Stalls And thus is it noted of the two Assistants at the Installation of the Earl of Huntingdon and others an 1. E. 6. who after they had invested and installed the said Earl proceeded back to the Chapter-house for the Lord La Ware and he being installed they returned again for the Lord Cobham and lastly for Sir William Herbert In like manner when the Commissioners had given the Proctor to Emmanuel Duke of Savoy possession of his Principals Seat an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. they proceeded back for William Lord Howard and conducted him to his Installation Thus did the Commissioners by the Earl of Penbroke an 16. Eliz. when they had first installed the Earl of Derby and by the Earl of Cumberland after the Earl of Shrewsbury had been installed When the Soveraign hath nominated three Commissioners to his service in such case they have returned altogether to fetch in the other Knights after the Ceremonies of Installation were performed to the senior Elect-Knight singly that were to be installed and alternately changed their places in the Proceeding to the several Installations one of them always going single and formost an instance whereof we have at the Installation of the Earls of Essex and Ormond and Sir Christopher Hatton an 30. Eliz. where the Earl of Essex having been first conducted to his Installation between the Lord Hunsdon and Earl of Worcester the Lord Grey the third Commissioner went single next before them then all three Commissioners returned to fetch in the Earl of Ormond who proceeding into the Choire between the Lord Hunsdon and Lord Grey the Earl of Worcester went alone immediately before them and his Installation being likewise dispatcht Sir Christopher Hatton was conducted to his Stall between the Earl of Worcester and the Lord Grey the Lord Hunsdon in this proceeding going next before them If the Lieutenant had four Assistants appointed him which was necessary when there were many Knights to be installed the order of their Installation hath been as followeth first two of the senior Knights-Assistants conducted the senior Elect-Knight to his Installation next the two other Assistants proceeded with the second Elect-Knight and installed him then again the two senior Knights-Assistants introduced the third Elect-Knight to his Stall and in this manner they alternately changed till all were installed Thus was it ordered at the Installation of Francis Duke of Montmorency and others an 14. Eliz. for at this Solemnity the Earl of Bedford Sir Henry Sidney the Earl of Worcester and the Earl of Huntington were appointed Assistants to the Earl of Leicester then the Soveraign's Lieutenant the two first conducted the Duke to his Stall and the two last the Earl of Essex then the two first proceeded again with the Lord Burghley and the two last with the Lord Grey and lastly the two first proceeded a third time with the Lord Shandos between them And the like method and alternate change is observed if four Commissioners be constituted as at the Installation of Frederick King of
them the substance of those of the Garter and being of later Institution cannot but be acknowledged Copies from this Original so we here think it requisite to exhibit the manner of Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order of St. Michael of our King Edward the Sixth Thomas Duke of Norfolk and Robert Earl of Leicester to the end the Reader may also observe that the order of our Ceremonies used at the Investiture of a Knight-Companion of the Garter is also the Precedent to theirs of St. Michael The manner of receiving the Order of Saint Mychaell by King Edward the Sixth FIrst the King's Majesty to be in his Privy Chamber accompanied with his Noble-men and all them of the Order of the Garter to have their Collars about their necks and the French King's Ambassador to enter with the Order and so after his obeysance the proposition to be given and after the proposition done the King's Majesty must put off his uppermost garment the Ambassador shall invest him with the Robes of that and afterwards when the King is full invested then all the Noblemen to proceed afore the King and the Ambassadors which be in Commission to go afore the King with the Noble-men in order to the Chappel and after them the two French Lords then the King of Arms then the Sword then the King's Majesty himself then the Lord Chamberlain and the Vice-Chamberlain to bear the train of the Robes and in this order to proceed to the Chappel and the King to go into his Stall and the other into their Stalls and at the Offering time the King's Majesty to Offer and the greatest man about the King to give the King his Offring and then the two other to offer according to their Estates when the King is in his Stall and when all the Service is done they to proceed in like order as they came to the Chappel to the place appointed for Dinner and none to sit at the King's Board but only the two Knights which be of the same Order of France and after Dinner the King's Majesty to put off his Robes and to near such Apparel as shall please his Majesty Note the King's Majesty when he passeth by the French King's Stall is to make but only a beck with his head Add hereunto That King Edward the Sixth observed the Anniversary of St. Michael after the same manner and order as Strangers were long before obliged to do that of St. George and caused his Arms surrounded with the Order of St. Michael to be set up in his Chappel at Hampton Court each Michaelmas-day after his acceptation of that Order during his life The order and manner of furnishing the Chappel at the Queen's Palace of Westminster against Thursday the 24. of January 1565. Anno. 8. Eliz. Reginae that the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Leicester received the Order of Saint Michael there ITem the said Chappel both before and behind the Stalls to the ground was hanged with rich Arras and the upper part from the Table of Administration to the Stalls hanged with like Stuff which said Table was richly garnished with Plate and Iewels as followeth First to the wall was set in a row five gilt Bâ—sins and afore them another row and in the middle a gilt Cross between two greâ—t gilt Cups covered garnished with Stone a Ship or Ark likewise garnished a Fountain of Mother of Pearl and a pair of gilt Candlesticks afore that another row in the middle whereof was set a rich Bason and Ewer gilt railed over with Gold between two great Mawdlyn Cups with Covers two great Leywres two Cruâ—ts and a Pax all gilt and over the said Table on the wall upon the Arras was fastned a fronte of Cloth of silver embroidered with Angels of Gold and before the said Table to the ground a front of the same suit The Dean's Stall was garnished with Cushens and a rich Cloth of Estate whereon was set within a black Table the Arms of the French King within his own Order under a Crown Imperial the ground palee of 6. Blue White and Orange Tawney without any style Then on the same side over the 6. Stall on the Arras hanged a like Table with the Arms within the Order Crest and Supporters of the Deputy Mounsâ—eur Remboilliet with a Cushen before him the Table palee of six Ar. and Sa. the Arms Sab. a Saulter Ar. the Crest a Lyon couchant Ar. collored Or his supporters two Woodmen with Clubs in their hands the great end downward and under his Style written viz. Messier Iaques D'angennes Seigneur de Remboilliet Chivaler de L'ordre du Roy Capitaine des Cinquantes hommes des Armes de ses Ordonnances On the other side on the Arras over the eight Stall hanged a little Table palee of six Ar. and Gu. with the Arms within that Order of the Duke of Norfolk under a Dukes Crown with no Crest nor Supporters but his Style De treshault puissant tresnoble Prince Thomas Dac de Norfolk Conte Marishall D'angleterre Seigneur de Mowbrey Segrave de Brews Chivaler de tresnoble Ordre de la Jarritier aussi du tresnoble Ordre de St. Michell On the third Stall beneath on the same side hanged a like Table Palee of six Or Az. with the Arms in that Order of the Earle of Leicester under an Earls Crown without Crest or Supporters but his Style Du tresnoble puissant Seigneur Robert Conte de Leicester Baron de Denbeigh Chivaler du tres-noble c. Grand Escuyer de la Royne nostre Souveraigne On the ground before the Duke and Earls Stall stood two Chairs with Cushens for them to sit on if they pleased till they took their Stalls And about the Stalls on the South side was set a Chair Carpet and Cushen where the Embassador Leger sate all the Ceremony time And below afore the Deputy's Stall was set a Form covered with a Carpet for Monsieur Doze alias St. Michell to sit on And above that on either side were Tables and Forms for the Gentlemen and Children of the Chappel The receiving of the said Order of St. Michaell Thursday the 24. of January Anno 8. Reg. Elizab. ITem about 10. of the Clock the said day the Embassador Leger with Mounsieur Remboilliet the French King's Deputy together with the other Lords and Gentlemen accompanied with certain English Gentlemen came to the Court at the Queen's Palace of Westminster where at the Gate they were met by the Earl of Warwick and others and conveyed up to the Queen 's great Closset whither after a while came the Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Leicester And for that the said Duke and Deputy had not till then seen either other they then embraced each other and then communed a while And then the said Deputy left the same Lords there and he with Mounsieur Doze alias St. Michaell Mr. Garter and others went down through the Chappel into
attending upon the Soveraign in Normandy whence it may be collected that Sir William Philipp was installed if not in the 5. yet in the 6. year of King Henry the Fifth at the farthest And that this Procuration made by Sir William Philipp became a President in that Age appears from the Deputation given by Sir Iohn Fastolf to Sir Henry Inghouse and Sir William Breton under his Hand and Seal of Arms which is little different from Sir Philipp's Procuration in French unless in the alteration of the Persons Names SECT III. Qualifications of a Proxie AS touching the Qualifications of a Proctor nominated by a Knight-Subject they are the same with those wherewith the Proxie of a Stranger is to be endowed and of which we shall discourse anon that permissive clause in the Statutes affording the same favour to a Knight-Subject as to Strangers and is the ground whence he derives like Priviledges We shall only add here that not any Deputy or Proxy for a Knight-Subject hath at any time been admitted to be Installed for an Elect-Knight under the degree of a Knight it being thought fit as in other essentials and circumstantials so especially and chiefly in this that a Knight-Subject should exactly observe the Rule which the Statutes have imposed on a Stranger And in this respect the case is very observable where Sir William Lysle though one of the Alms-Knights of Windesor yet in Degree a Knight was not refused but allowed Proctor to Sir Iohn Grey an 7. H. 5. It appears by the Characters given to the Proctors nominated by Sir William Philipp and Sir Iohn Fastolf that the Qualifications required in a Proctor viz. to be 1. a sufficient Proctor of 2. unblamable Reputation and at least 3. a Knight were to be found in them for when the Soveraign was induced by reason that the Employments of Sir Philipp's in his service detained him beyond Sea to give him leave to nominate his Proctor it may be observed that this License was not granted but under this Proviso That his Procuration should be executed by a Knight at least in degree ennobled with Arms and of an honest and untainted reputation And when the said Sir William did make choice of and depute his Proctors they were Knights and such and so nobly qualified That there was nothing wanting in them which belonged to true valiant Knights and the like Character is bestowed upon those two Knights nominated by Sir Iohn Fastolf to take the possession of his Stall to wit That in them there could be found no defect of ought that should belong to magnanimous and couragious Knights SECT IV. Preparations for Installation THE day for Installation of a Knight-Subject by Proxie being by the Soveraign appointed there are to be provided for him and got ready against the Solemnity these things following First a Commission for Installation is to be drawn up and by the Chancellor of the Order presented to the Soveraign for his Sign manual to which is after affixt the great Seal of the Order The substance of the ancient Commissions may be found in that directed to Sir Iohn Robessart an 5. H. 6. to accept of Sir Henry Inghouse one of the two Knights which Sir Iohn Fastolf had constituted for his Proxie himself being at that season employed in the Wars of France the powers granted by the Soveraign to the said Sir Iohn Robessart were these 1. To conduct Sir Henry Inghouse to Windesor Castle 2. To put him in possession as from the Soveraign of the Stall assigned to his Principal 3. To invest him with all the Benefits Honors Prerogatives Franchises and Liberties thereunto appertaining 4. To receive his Mantle Helm and Sword and set them up where the Earl of Westmerland's stood in whose room he was Elected 5. To ad thereunto all usual Solemnities 6. Lastly this Commission contained an Injuction to all the Knights-Companions to suffer and permit the said Sir Iohn Fastolf fully and peaceably to possess the said Stall Places Honors Franchises Prerogatives and Liberties in the same manner as the Statutes import without any contradiction or scruple There is another Precedent almost as ancient in a Commission granted to the Earl of Essex the Lords Berners and Wenlock for Installation of the Earl of Worcester and other Elect-Knights by their Proxies an 2. E. 4. in regard they for the present were and for some time would be so far employed about the Soveraign's Person and in his Service that they could not receive a Personal Installation but the Commissioners Authority in this is comprised in fewer particulars than the former namely to admit receive and establish with all convenient speed the Elect-Knights by their Proctors into their Stalls at Windesor in the same manner as if one and all of them had been present in their own persons any Ordinance or Statute to the contrary notwithstanding Of later times the Commissions granted upon such occasions differ from those made for the Personal Installations of the Knights themselves only be premising the cause of their Principals absence and the Employment or Negotiation he is then ingaged in and then authorising the Commissioners to admit the Proxie into his Stall a Precedent of which kind is added in the Appendix to the former In the next place where the Installation by Proxie is performed by two or more Commissioners the Soveraign directs Letters to each of them giving notice of the intended Solemnity and requiring them to make their repair to his Castle of Windesor by a certain day therein prefixt to the end the Proxie may proceed to take possession of his Principal 's Stall Of such a Letter see also a form in the Appendix And as there is upon admission of an Elect-Knight installed by Proxie the same ground for removal of Stalls in the Choire as for one who receives a Personal Installation and in like cases So is it usual to issue out the like Warrants from the Soveraign to Garter some time before the Solemnity to remove the Atchievements and Plates and place them in the order as his Warrant directs Anciently the Stall for the Elect-Knight was assigned in the body of the Commission which issueth out for his Installation as it appears in the before mentioned Commission for admitting Sir Henry Inghouse Proctor to Sir Iohn Fastols to whom the Stall which the Earl of Westmerland held while living was thereby appointed for him The rest of the particulars to be prepared against the day of Installation are provided at the Knight's own charge and they are first his Mantle of the Order which according to the injunction of the Statutes the Proctor is obliged to bring along with him to Windesor at the day appointed for Installation Garter is also to be consulted with as to the preparing the Elect-Knight's Atchievements namely his Helm Crest Mantlings Sword and Banner of Arms and to
Elected the 24. of April an 8. Eliz. but it was above a year after â—re the Commission issued out to the Earl of Sussex viz. 20. May an 9. Eliz. for carrying the Ensigns of the Order over to â—im It was seven years after the Election of the French King Henry the Third before the Warrant issued out to provide his Robes and almost two years longer ere the Earl of Derby went over with them in all about nine years and something above eight months And in another instance of a French King namely Henry the Fourth we find it six years and a half from the time of his Election to his reception of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order which Solemnity fell on the 10. of October an 38. Eliz. Lastly we observe that it was five years and a half after the Election of Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg before the Embassy with the Ornaments of the Order were sent unto him for we find he was Elected at St. George's Feast an 39. Eliz. and the Commission of Legation to the Lord Spencer and Sir William Dethick bears Teste at Woodstock the 18. of Sept. an 1. Iac. R. SECT II. Preparations made for the Legation IN reference to this solemn Embassie there are several things to be provided before the Ambassadors or Commissioners take their journey as first 1. Credential Letters 2. Commission of Legation 3. Warrants for the Habit and Ensigns of the Order and 4. other Necessaries The Credential Letters are as to particulars drawn sutable to the present occasion by the Chancellor of the Order and directed to the Stranger-Elect but the substance in general is That the Soveraign having elected him into the Society of the Order hath sent his Ambassadors with full power to present the Habit and perform the Ceremonies in such case due and accustomed as if himself were present And further to desire him to give credit to all that his Ambassadors shall say or perform in his behalf in reference to their Commission as he would do to himself These Letters pass under the Sign manual of the Soveraign and Signet of the Order but it is observable that those sent to Emmanuel Duke of Savoy were subscribed both by King Philip and Queen Mary The Commission of Legation is likewise to be prepared by the Chancellor oâ— the Order fairly ingrossed in Velom and sealed with the Great Seal of the Order the substance of which for the most part hath been as followeth First the merits and worthiness of the Elect-Stranger to deserve the honor of Election and the reasons inducing the Soveraign to confer the same upon him are elegantly set forth in the Preamble Secondly the persons nominated for this honorable employment are ordained authorized and deputed and therein styled Ambassadors Procurators and special Messengers and so are they acknowledged to be by the Strangers-Elect in their Certificates of the Receipt of the Habit. Thirdly their power authority and special command is to address themselves to the Stranger-Elect and to present and deliver him from the Soveraign the Garter Mantle and other the Ensigns of the Order with due and accustomed Ceremonies and Solemnities where note that if there were four or five joined in a Commission as it hapned sometimes heretofore then any five four three or two were of the Quorum whereof the Principal in the Embassy was always one Fourthly they were impowered to require from the Stranger-Elect his Oath according to the form and manner prescribed in the Statutes but this clause we only find inserted in the Commissions of Legation to Charles Duke of Burgunâ—y an 9. E. 4. and Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria an 15. H. 8. and omitted in all Commissions since that time And lastly to perform accomplish and dispatch those things which they should judge necessary on this occasion in like manner as if the Soveraign should or were obliged to doe if he were present in his own person And this latitude was thought convenient to allow the Ambassadors in case any matter in Ceremony or other Circumstances should be thought necessary or expedient to use not repugnant to the Statutes of the Order which their Instructions had not sufficiently provided for As touching the first of these particulars we have spoken to it already but the second particular relating to the persons nominated in the Commission to perform this service we conceive most proper to handle here The first Embassy upon this occasion recorded in the Black-Book of the Order is that to Edward King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. to whom for the dignity of the Affair Garter was thought sit by the Chapter to be sent alone with the Habâ—t of the Order And hence is the original of Garter's claim to this Employment Nevertheless in succeeding times as the Order grew up into esteem both at home and abroad some one of the Knights-Companions was made choice of by the Soveraign to be the Principal in these Legations as were Galliard Sieur de Duras sent to Charles Duke of Burgundy an 9. E. 4. Arthur Plâ—rtaâ—enet Viscount Lysle to the French King Francis the First an 19. H. 8. William Marquess of Northampton to the French King Henry the Second an 5. E. 6. Edward Lord Clynton and Say to Emanuel Duke of Savoy an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. Henry Lord Hunsdon to Charles the Ninth French King an 6. Eliz. Thomas Earl of Sussex to Maximilian the Emperor an 9. Eliz. Henry Earl of Derby to the French King Henry the Third an 27. Eliz. And Gilbert Earl of Shrewsbury to Henry the Fourth the French King an 38. Eliz. Sometimes other Noblemen and persons of great quality though not Knights-Companions of the Order yet correspondent to the Degree of the Stranger-Elect or to the esteem the present Interest begat with the Soveraign were employed chief in these Embassies among whom Sir Charles Somerset created after Earl of Worcester was sent to the Emperor Maximilian an 6. H. 7. Henry Lord Morley to Don Ferdinand Prince of Spain Arch-Duke of Austria an 15. H. 8. The Lord William Howard Brother to Thomas Duke of Norfolk to Iames the Fifth King of Scotland an 26. H. 8. The Lord Willoughby of Frâ—â—â— to Frederick the Third King of Denmark Roger Earl of Rutland to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 1. Iac. R. The Lord Spencer of Wormleighton to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg the same year Sir Ralph Winwood to Maurice Prince of Orange an 10 Iac. R. Sir Iacobs Spene of Wormston to Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden an 3. Car. 1. Dudley Viscount Doncaster to Henry Prince of Orange the same year And Sir William Boswell to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 9. Car. 1. In Embassies of this nature it was heretofore usual to join some persons of rank and quality or Office neer the Soveraign in the Commission and such were Sir Iohn Scott Controller of
the Soveraign's House and Sir Thomas Vaughan Treasurer of his Chamber both joined in Commission with Galliard Sieur de Duras Sir William Hussey with the Lord Morley and Sir Nicholas Carew and Sir Anthony Brown with Viscount Lysle To these persons the Soveraign thought fit sometimes to add a Doctor of the Civil Law or an Ecclesiastical person having dignity and such as had the Language of the Country whither they were sent not only the better to make answer to such questions as the Stranger-Elect might start upon his perusal of the Statutes but also to inform him touching the Institution of the Order or other Historical passages relating to the Founder the preceding or present Knights-Companions or honor of the Garter all which if judiciously and accurately rendred might add reputation to the Order and beget in the Stranger-Elect the better esteem of it Besides an Ecclesiastical person was in those times thought fittest to administer the Oath and to pronounce the words of Signification at the time of Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order And for these Reasons was Iohn Russell Doctor of the Civil Law and Archdeacon of Berkshire joined in Commission with the aforesaid Galliard Sieur de Duras and Edward Lee Doctor in Divinity Arch-deacon of Colchester and the Soveraign's Almoner sent over with the Lord Morley In like manner was Iohn Tailour Arch-deacon of Buckingham and Vice-chancellor joined with Arthur Plantagenet Viscount Lysle and Doctor Goodrick Bishop of Ely with the Marquess of Northampton But of later times the Soveraign's Ambassador resident with the Stranger-Elect hath supplied this place as did Sir Thomas Smith in the Legation sent over to the French King Charles the Ninth and Sir Edward Stafford in that to the French King Henry the Third and Sir Anthony Mildmay when the Earl of Shrewsbury was sent upon the like Legation to the French King Henry the Fourth Besides the before mentioned persons Garter Principal King of Arms was always joined in these Commissions of Legation not only to keep on foot his right to the employment but to manage the ceremonious part of this Solemnity and if we shall be thought over numerous in Instances to justifie this particular let our Reader excuse it since it is to make good the Priviledge of an Office and maintain the interest of an ancient right This reason we presume will also excuse our repetition here of the ancient President when Garter carried over the Habit of the Order to Edward King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. to which we shall subjoin the Embassies to Charles Duke of Burgundy where Sir Iohn Writh Garter was joined in the Commission with Galliard Sieur de Duras and that to Guido Vbaldus Duke of Vrbyn an 22. H. 7. Sir Thomas Wriothesley was also joined with Sir Charles Somerset in the Legation to the Emperor Maximilian with the Lord Morley sent to Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria and with Arthur Viscount Lysle to the French King Francis the First Sir Christopher Barker Garter was also sent with the Habit of the Order into Scotland immediately after the Lord William Howard who jointly presented the same to King Iames the Fifth Sir Gilbert Dethick likewise was joined in the Commission with the Marquess of Northampton in the Embassy to the French King Henry the Second also with the Lord Clynton in that Emanuel Duke of Savoy with the Lord Hunsdon in that Legation to Charles the Ninth with the Earl of Sussex in that to the Emperor Maximilian and with Peregrine Lord Willoughby in that to Frederick the Second King of Denmark Afterwards Sir William Dethick his Son and Successor in the Office of Gaâ—ter was in like manner joined in Commission with the Earl of Shrewsbury sent to Henry the Fourth French King and with Robert Lord Spencer to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg Lastly Sir William Segar when the Habit of the Order was sent to Henry Prince of Orange was joined in Commission with Viscount Carleton for the presentation thereof And it is here further to be noted that at such times as any other of the Officers of Arms were employed in this Affair as hath sometimes hapned when Garter could not undertake the Voyage in person such Officer recommended by him to but approved of by the Soveraign was sent to execute his Office nevertheless under a particular reservation of his Rights And therefore the Embassy to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark falling out neer to the Coronation of King Iames in reference to the preparations for which grand Solemnity Garter could not be spared William Segar Esq then Norroy King of Arms was joined in Commission with the Earl of Rutland When Henry St. George Esq Richmond Herald was joined with Sir Iames Spens Knight and Peter Young Esq in the Commission of Legation to a Gustâ—vus Adoâ—pâ—us King of Sweden he went Deputy to Sir William Sâ—gâ—r Garter and was accountable to him for the Rewards he did receive Nor was Iâ—hâ— Plâ—â—â— Esq Somerset Herald any otherwise sent than Deputy to Gaâ—tâ—r though joined in Commission with William Boswell Esq for delivery of the Garter and George to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 9. Car. 1. In like manner when the Embassy was less solemn and only part of the Ensigns of the Order sent Garter hath been jointly employed with the other Commissioners for so was William Segar Esq Garter with Sir Ralph Winwood for presenting the Garter and George to Maurice Prince of Orange an 10. Iâ—c R. But beside the ancient right the usage and prescription on Garter's side as is before laid down we find it declared by a Decree in Chapter pass'd the 18. of April an 13. Car. 1. That the carrying of the Ensigns of the Order to Stranger-Princes doth properly belong to Garter Besides those persons joined in the Commission of Legation there hath been oft times appointed either Norroy King of Arms or some one of the Heralds to go in the quality of an Attendant on this Service not only for the honor of the Sâ—veraign but of the Stranger that is to receive the Habit in regard the Ceremonies of Investiture with the whole Habit require the presence and assistance of two Officers of Arms concerning which we have met with these Presidents Lancaster Herald attended the Embassy to Charles the Ninth French King Chester Herald and Rouge Dragon Pursuivant at Arms waited on the Embassy to the French King Henry the Third A Herald also attended the Embassy to Emanuel Duke of Savoy York Herald attended that to Maximilian the Emperor And Somerset Herald to the French King Henry the Fourth And whereas there went only Norroy to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark it was because no more of the Officers of Arms could be then spared from their necessary attendance on the Soveraign's Coronation then at hand So in
Henry the Seventh's Gown at his assumption of the Soveraign's Stall was made of Black Velvet and lined with Cloth of Gold full of red Roses Prince Arthur wore a Gown of Crimson Velvet lined with Black Velvet when he proceeded to his Installation And the Gown made for the foresaid Henry Duke of York was of Crimson Velvet lined with Black Sattin In the Reign of King Henry the Eighth the materials of some of the Knights Gowns were as followeth The Lord Dudley's of Tinsel Sattin Violet lined with Black Sarcenet The Lord Howard's of Tawney Velvet furr'd with Leopards The Lord Ware 's of Tawney Velvet lined with Black Bogye The Earl of Devonshire's of Cloth of Silver lined with Cloth of Gold The Viscount Lysle's of Black Velvet furr'd with Black Bogye The Lord Walter 's of Black Damask and double Black Velvet Henry Fitz Roy Duke of Richmond of Black Sattin with Buttons and Aglets of Gold on his Sleeves and furr'd with Sables The Earl of Arundel's of Tawney Velvet lined with Black double Sarcenet The Earl of Westmerland's of Black Velvet lined with Sattin with Aglets of Gold The Earl of Oxford's of Black Sattin lined with Jennets The Lord Russell's of Black Velvet lined with Black Sattin The Coat of King Philip installed an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. was embroidered on Velvet with Gold-Wire of Goldsmiths work and lined with White Taffaty His Gown was made of Purple Velvet garnished with the same and twisted Silver Lace laid on the Gard his other Coat of Velvet embroidered with Silver lined with White This kind of upper Garment or Gown continued also in fashion a great part of Queen Elizabeth's Reign for we likewise find that the Earl of Leicester's Gown was made of Velvet garded with four gards of the same and thereon 38 pair of Aglets The Lord Burghley's of Taffaty with three gards of Velvet and three dozen of great Buttons of Gold The Lord Buckhurst's of Velvet with a broad embroidery gard and Buttons of Gold The Lord Shandos of Sattin with a broidered gard of Velvet and two dozen of Gold Buttons The Earl of Worcester's of Velvet lined with double Sarcenet with a paceman Lace about it The Duke of Norfolk's of Black Sattin furr'd with Squirrels faced with Sables with pair of Aglets The Earl of Bedford's such another Gown but had a Silver Lace about it The Lord Hunsdon's of Sattin furr'd with Luzarts and garded with The Earl of Warwick's of Russet Sattin embroidered all over with Russet Lace and furr'd with Cony The Duke of Northumberland's was a loose Velvet Gown furr'd with Pavilion and had a falling Cape But at length the fashion of this upper Garment began to alter and by that time Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne was received into the Order it was converted to a Cloak for such was his upper Garment and of Velvet faced and furr'd with Sables and two Gold Laces garded thereon cut with Buttons and Gold Lace where the Sleeves were wont to be And ever since till of late hath the Cloak been most in fashion for an upper Garment but very much varied both as to materials lining and ornament Sometimes Garter had not this Garment in kind but received a Fine in lieu thereof and this by vertue of a Decree made in Chapter an 25. H. 6. wherein it was ordained to be at the pleasure of every Knight-Companion at the time of his Installation whether Garter should have the Garment which each Knight did then wear or a composition in money according to his Estate Since when the Compositions grew higher as this upper Garment was made richer for Algernon Earl of Northumberland bestowed on Garter upon this occasion for Fees and Droits 200 l. in Gold and Henry Earl of Danby the Habit he wore on the day he rode from London towards his Installation with 100 l. in the Pockets and by the late Soveraign's order at the Installation of his Son Prince Charles our now Soveraign Garter received for his Fee 40 l. and for the composition of his upper Garment 60 l. in the whole 100 l. The like sum was given the present Garter by the Dukes of Ormond and Albemarle and the Earls of Sandwich Lindsey and Manchester shortly after their Installations by particular agreement but herein his Fee for signification of their several Elections was included Finally by the Establishment of Installation Fees an 22. Car. 2. the composition set upon each Knight-Companion for his upper Garment was thus rated proportionably less than what was paid for the said Prince an 14. Car. 1. viz. l. s. d. A Prince of Wales 60 00 00 A Duke 55 00 00 A Marquess 50 00 00 An Earl 45 00 00 A Viscount 40 00 00 A Baron 35 00 00 A Knight-Batchellor 30 00 00 Besides this Droit or Composition there hath in all times been paid to Garter by every Knight-Companion a Fee for his Installation proportioned also to his state and dignity which was likewise brought to the following certainty by the said late Establishment  l. s. d. A Stranger-King 30 00 00 A Stranger-Prince 20 00 00 A Prince of Wales 40 00 00 A Duke 35 00 00 A Marquess 30 00 00 An Earl 25 00 00 A Viscount 20 00 00 A Baron 15 00 00 A Knight-Batchellor 10 00 00 The Fee anciently due to the Black-Rod at the Installation of a Knight like all other Fees hath in succeeding times received augmentation for the Fee paid him at the Installation of Prince Charles an 14. Car. 1. was 40 l. and by the foresaid Establishment an 22. Car. 2. he hath allowed him  l. s. d. From a Stranger-King 20 00 00 From a Stranger-Prince 20 00 00 From a Prince of Wales 40 00 00 From a Duke 20 00 00 From a Marquess 18 00 00 Earl 16 00 00 Viscount 14 00 00 Baron 12 00 00 Knight-Batchellor 10 00 00 As Fees were in all times paid to the Register Garter and Black-Rod for their particular services at the Feasts of Installation so likewise have the Officers of Arms accustomably received Fees in reward of their attendance and service at those Solemnities which having been encreased by the bounty of the Givers were by the said late Establishment pursuant to the Fees paid them for the Installation of the now Soveraign when Prince brought to the same thereby allowed the Black-Rod only in the Fee of a Stranger-King they have an addition of 10 l. more his Fee to them being 30 l. Besides these Installation Fees when the Elect-Knights rode publickly from London to Windesor to their Installations they were accustomed to bestow upon the Officers of Arms that attended them thither Scarfs Hats and Feathers as did the Earls of Danby and Moreton an 10. Car. 1. viz. to each of them 9 Ells of rich Taffaty and a black
Church phrase the Nativity of his Patron so as to the place wherein to perform its Solemnities he made choice of that of his own Nativity the Castle of Windesor and appointed the observation of this Grand Festival in a solemn manner and with due Ceremonies to be celebrated there which for a long time after was inviolably observed either upon the very day by the Church made sacred to St. George or else upon some other appointed by Prorogation not long after for which way of Prorogation allowance was given by the Statutes of the Order and of which the Registers are full of instances SECT V. St. George's day kept apart from the Grand Feast and how then observed HOW this Noble Order spread its roots and flourished from its first plantation to the time of King Henry the Fifth we can give no account since the Annals thereof are wanting unto his Reign certain it is that then it was of a considerable growth but afterwards the Civil Wars towards the end of King Henry the Sixth's Reign caused it to stand at a stay Under the benevolent aspect of King Edward the Fourth it seemed to recover and whilst King Henry the Eighth reigned to have attained a greater height than at any time before But though the several Branches of the Order received some augmentation from the favourable influence of this last mentioned Soveraign yet the principal to wit the Grand Festival began to flag by a removal of the observation of St. George's day from Windesor the place particularly appointed for it and a prorogatory celebration of the Grand Feast to other times By which means the honor of that princely Seat and the advantages accrewing by the performance of the Solemnities there were diverted to those other places whereto the observation of St. George's day was translated The Article of the Statutes causing this great alteration and which clashed so much with the design of the first Institutor may be seen in the Appendix where it is manifest that when the Soveraign saw occasion to prorogue the celebration of the Grand Feast he might legally do it but when he did so 't is there also evident that the day of St. George was nevertheless ordained to be duly observed singly by it self in what place soever the Soveraign if within this Realm should then reside Windesor hereby being not excluded It further implies the sacred Rites and Offices to be performed with sundry other concerns of the Order for besides the particulars therein innumerated we may observe thence this general clause that what other urgent Affair soever relating to the Order should offer it self to be performed the same might be treated of and receive dispatches in the Chapter held where the Soveraign then should be as fully as if he were at Windesor Castle So that hence forward all things began to be ordered both on the Eve the Day of St. George and the Morrow after with full as great state all Affairs as legally dispatched and all Ceremonies as magnificently performed except that of Offring up of Atchievements which is peculiar and local to the Chappel of St. George in Windesor Castle as could be observed at the Grand Festival it self And how by virtue of this Article and with that Ceremonies St. George's day was held when the Grand Feast was prorogued to some further time is evident from a full and ample Precedent an 22. H. 8. now remaining in the Office of Arms. For albeit the Soveraign with thirteen Knights-Companions were at Windesor upon the 22.23 and 24. of April that year yet did they at that time observe only the Feast day of St. George with the Eve and Morrow after but deferred by Order in Chapter the celebration of the Grand Feast unto the 8. day of May ensuing the Memorial whereof follows The King went not to the Chapter before the first Evensong but immediately to his Stall viz. in the Chappel of the Soveraign's Lodgings in the Upper Ward of the Castle of Windesor not in the Chappel Royal of St. George The Bishop of London Lord Cutberde Tunstall elect of Duresme did the Divine Service and at Magnificat he and the Dean first censed the Altar and after the King both the high Altar and the Altar which was made before the King were richly garnished with Images and over garnishments of Gold and Silver and Gilt c. The Evensong the King returned to his and his Grace and the Knights of the Order were served of the void c. And on the Morn at 9. of the Clock to be at Matyns which was done above the Ordinary the King ordained in the honor of St. George a right noble Procession whereat was 35 Copes of rich Cloth of Gold after the Procession the King went immediately to his Stall and High Mass and offered as accustomed That done Dinner and 4 of the greatest Estates sat at the kings boards end And the residue sat all along at the two Tables all on the one side as accustomed and before Evensong the King went to his Closet to the Chapter and appointed the Duke of Suffolk to be his Lieutenant at the Feast which was appointed to be kept the eight day of May then ensuing accompanied with the Earl of Rutland the Lord Sandys Lord Chamberlain Sir William Fitz Williams Memoramdum That the low Evensongs that were said before the King were of St. George Also the first low Mass in the morning song by the Lord George Grey of Dorset two oder Masses of the day of the which Lord John Longland Bishop of Lincolne sang the third Mass the fourth low Mass was of Recordare and was appointed that the high Mass done the Mass of Requiem should begin Thus here we have 1. The attendance of the Knights-Companions upon the Soveraign 2. the Chapter which accustomably was held on the Eve of the Feast implied by observing that the Soveraign went not unto it 3. The Ceremonies at the first Vespers 4. The Morning Service on St. George's day 5. The Grand Procession 6. The Solemn Offring 7. The Grand Dinner 8. The Chapter held before the second Vespers 9. The day for celebrating the Grand Festival appointed And 10. The Mass of Requiem on the morrow after St. George's day celebrated SECT VI. The Grand Feast neglected by King Edward the Sixth BUT King Edward the Sixth assuming the Soveraignty of this Noble Order the days became more gloomy in as much as during his Reign there was no Anniversary of St. George kept at Windesor by a Grand Festival Under what churliâ—h Fate this noble place then suffered we cannot guess other than the common calamity of that Age wherein most Ceremonies solemn or splendid either chiefly such as related to Divine Services came under the suspicion of being superstitious if not idolatrous Insomuch as at a Chapter held at Greenewich upon the 22. day of April in the second year of his Reign an abolition being intended of all
Founder for the commencement of the Anniversary of this Grand Feast so to make the time yet more certain the Statutes express the exact Hour of meeting for beginning the Solemnities to be at the Hour of Tierce which in many other places is called Hora tertiarum But this seemed not sufficient to express clear enough the meaning of a Law wherein the punishment for late coming was enjoined and by the strength of which the penalty might be levied and therefore in a Chapter held at Windesor upon the 10. day of May an 17. E. 4. A scruple being raised among the Knights-Companions then assembled concerning the Exposition of these words Hora tertiarum the day before the Feast whether it were intended at three a Clock in the Afternoon or at the Hour of the Church accustomably used after Prime before Noon Because it seemed most agreeable to the Statute and to the reason of the Statute and to the penalty there enjoined that it should be taken for the Hour after Prime before Noon it was determined that thereforth it should inviolably be so observed The Registrum Chartaceum recordeth the same interpretation of the words and to let us see that this was immediately put in practice in it there is entred down the Names of those Knights-Companions present in the Chapterhouse with the Soveraign both in the Morning and Evening of the said 10. day of May being the Eve of the Feast of St. George that is to say before Noon Thomas Marquess Dorset William Earl of Arundel Henry Earl of Essex Anthony Earl Rivers Iohn Lord Scrope Thomas Lord Mantravers Iohn Lord Dudley and Sir Iohn Astley and in the Afternoon the Prince George Duke of Clarence Richard Duke of York Iames Earl Douglas Iohn Lord Howard Sir William Parre Walter Lord Ferrars and Sir Thomas Montgomery Another instance of which Practice we again meet with an 3. H. 7. on the Eve of the Grand Feast held by Prorogation at Windesor where the Soveraign in regard of the arrival of several Ambassadors there and treating about the Affairs concerning which they came put off the usual Chapter until Noon Whence it evidently appears that the custom at this time also was to begin the Solemnity in the Morning and then to hold a Chapter as the first thing which although for the reasons before mentioned the Soveraign though fit to defer until Noon nevertheless he commanded in the mean time that the Earl of Shrewsbury should be installed which was accordingly performed at the Mass of the Virgin Mary As to the express acception therefore of the Hora tertia so far as it relates to the entrance upon our Grand Festival and how neer the same expounded and practised as above agrees with that hour of Tierce celebrated by the Church and reckoned as one of the Canonical Hours set apart for Divine Worship may best be deduced from what is discoursed at large by Durant de Ritibus Ecclesiae Catholicae and by Durand in his aforesaid Rationale speaking both of them concerning the Canonical hours of the Church which though agreed on by both to be the same in effect are by Durant most positively delivered to be seven in Number viz. Matutinae laudes or Mattins the Prima Hora or Prime the Hora tertia the Hora sexta the Hora nona Vespers and the Completorium besides the Nocturnum Officium the Office for Nights which is also divided into four Vigils the Conticinium Gallicinium Intempestum and Antelucinium which several hours after what manner they divided the day it is pertinent to our purpose to enquire since from thence may be collected what time of the day was their hour of Tierce seeming to be the same determined by King Edward the Fourth as aforesaid in some respect And though these Authors do not very punctually determine the course of these Hours yet it may well enough be implied that since their Mattins was performed about break of day and their Prime by consequence at 6 a Clock in the morning the hour of Tierce was most probably 9 a Clock in the Morning and so the rest at 3 hours distance one after the other and this determination is clearly confirmed by my late worthy friend Mr. Somner in his Saxon Dictionary from an old Saxon Author whose words he having cited in that Language thus renders Sacram horam diei veterum tertiam nostram autem Nonam ante meridiem Archiepiscopi cum Clero sestiva celebrant bilaritate The Archbishop with the Clergie celebrate with feasting and mirth the sacred hour of the day which among the Ancients was the Third but with us the Ninth hour before Noon This Hora tertia or hour of Tierce was by our Ancestors the English-Saxons called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as we find in venerable Bedes History of the Church of England 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i.e. à Tertia Horae quando Missae fieri solebant and so is it rendred by the said Mr. Somner 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tempus ante meridianum hora diei veterum tertia nostra nona the Forenoon the third hour of the day that is nine of the Clock with us So in like manner is it used in an old Manuscript of the holy Festivals of the Church composed in meeter about the Reign of King Edward the First in the life of St. Brandon This Fowles long es her Matyns wel right tho it was time And of the Sauter sede vers and seithe also Prime And Undarne seithe and Midday and afterward seith non And ech tyde of the day longe as cristenemen scholde don Of the Third Sixth and Ninth Hours Tertullian takes notice as the most remarkable in humane Affairs for the division of the day the distinction of business and more peculiarly to be solemnized by Prayers and Divine Service but especially of all the rest the Hora Tertia is by preheminence called the Golden hour and in the Canon Law Hora sacra doubtless as being most peculiarly dedicated to some celebration of Divine Service But notwithstanding the foresaid declared and decreed Exposition made by King Edward the Fourth we find it an II. H. 8. declared to be meant and intended for the hour of three in the Afternoon and when King Henry the Eighth came to model the Statutes of the Order he in two several Articles declares and expounds this Hora teria which the English Version of those Statutes renders the Hour of Tierce to be Hora tertia post meridiem three a Clock in the Afternoon and in another Article of the same Statutes Hora tertiarum id est Hora teria post meridiem and elsewhere Hora tertia Vespertina vel Pomeridiana which Hour as it was then setled to be the punctual time for the Knights-Companions meeting to enter upon the Solemnity of the Feast so hath it ever since continued unaltered and usually observed Thirdly the Place
the Chapter-house either through negligence or want of timely notice or other accident the Penance set on them by the Statutes of Institution is That they shall so far incur punishment from the Soveraign and Chapter for their offence as not to be permitted for that time to enter into the Chapter but shall tarry without at the door and not have voice in any thing that shall happen to be done there unless they can alledge a just excuse or render such a sufficient cause as the Soveraign or his Deputy shall approve of But we have observed few Defaulters in this kind beside the Lord Bourchier an 35. H. 6. who being noted to come thither before Vespers it seems to imply that his appearance was short of the Hour enjoyned as aforesaid Concerning the third sort of Delinquents being those Knights-Companions who are not only absent at the Hour of Tierce but likely to be so during the whole Feast the Proceedings in the Chapter relating to them are either upon what is presented and offered in excuse of their absence or determined upon their neglect or default of making Apology for it Where Excuses for absence are offered they are either by Letters or word of mouth if by Letters then are they sent either from the absent Knights themselves and directed to the Chancellor of the Order or else from the Soveraign to his Lieutenant on their behalf and both produced by the Chancellor But it Excuses be made by word of mouth then they are delivered either by the Soveraign himself or upon motion made by some of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter In order to the first of these ways of presenting the absent Knights-Companions excuses we find the Custom of sending Letters to that purpose to have been very ancient For at the Grand Feast held at Windesor by Humfry Duke of Gloucester the Soveraign's Deputy an 8. H. 5. it appears that the Lord Powis his Letter under his Hand and Seal wherein he certified his present infirmity and indisposition of Body was produced in Chapter And the following year the Dukes of York Norfolk and Buckingham with the Earls of Salisbury Shrewsbury and Penbroke Viscount Bourchier the Lord Rivers and Sir Iohn Fastolf being all absent from St. George's Feast they declared the reason of their absence by their Messenger So an 5. E. 4. we find that the Lord Beauchamp sent his Excusatory Letters which were received Again an 19. of the same King it is noted That all that were absent from this Solemnity excused their absence by Letters to that purpose signed and sealed with their Arms. And this hath been the use in following times whereunto several Memorials entred in the late Soveraign's Reign concur and among others that an 13. Car. 1. when on the Eve of the Grand Feast held by Prorogation upon the 17.18 and 19. days of April the Earls of Moulgrave Lindesey Suffolk and Exceter having signified by Letters under their Seals of Arms their several excuses of sickness and disability to attend the Chancellor producing them in Chapter they were dispensed with by the Soveraign The like Excuses made by Letters were accepted from the Earls of Suffolk Danby and Lindesey an 15. of the same King There are entred in the Registers several Memorials of Letters sent from the Soveraign to his Deputy when himself hath not been present in Chapter wherein his excusing and pardoning the defaults of absent Knights-Companions hath been signified As an 22. H. 6. the Duke of Buckingham being Lieutenant the Dukes of Gloucester and Exceter with the Lord Hungerford were excused by the Soveraign's Letters So an 36. of the same King Viscount Mountague being reckoned up amongst the absent Knights-Companions the Register saith he was excused by the Soveraign 's Letters The like is noted of the Dukes of York and Gloucester and six other Knights-Companions absent from the Feast held an 18. E. 4. the Lord Soveraign's Lieutenant And so an 21. E. 4. concerning other absent Knights-Companions Moreover an 18. H. 7. the Soveraign it being his pleasure to be absent sent his Letters thereupon to the Earl of Darby his Deputy to excuse also some others that were absent So also in the 21. 22. and 23. of the same King But an 20. H. 8. we find no less than 17 Knights-Companions at one time excused and pardoned for their absence by the Soveraign's Letters sent unto the Marquess of Exceter his Lieutenant for the Grand Feast kept at Windesor the 27. of May in the foresaid year viz. three Dukes six Earls two Viscounts five Barons and one Knight Baneret And hitherto may be referr'd what is spoken of the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester and six other Knights-Companions an 14. E. 4. that their absence was excused by the Soveraign's authority the like expression is used in the case of the Earl of Northumberland and others an 19. of his Reign And from many Precedents which we have seen of Letters sent from the Soveraign and directed to his Lieutenant to accept of Knights-Companions excuses whose absence he had beforehand dispensed with we observe those Dispensations excused not the sending of their own particular Excuses for it is evident they were also expected and that such allowance of absence was not absolute but in a manner conditional the clause running thus That you the Soveraign's Deputy allow these excuses so far as they are consonant to reason And in all other Letters of the same nature a Clause to this effect hath been inserted That as the Soveraign thought good to advertise his Deputy that for certain causes he had dispenced with their attendance for that time so he willed him to accept their reasonable excuses in that behalf accordingly Secondly The absent Knights-Companions have had their Excuses frequently made by word of mouth either of the Soveraign or some other of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter This favour of the Soveraign is either done by himself when present in Chapter or by giving order to his Lieutenant before the Feast begin In relation to what he hath personnaly done in this case we have many Examples as an 6. H. 6. the Soveraign declared the reason of the Duke of Norfolks absence So on the Eve of the Feast kept at Windesor an 26. H. 6. the Duke of York the Earl of Salisbury Viscount Beaumont the Lords Hungerford Willoughly and Sir Iohn Fastolf were absent but excused by the Soveraign Again in a Chapter held on the Eve of the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor an 36. H. 6. the Duke of York Earl of Salisbury and Viscount Bourchier being absent were excused by the Soveraign's own moâ—th the like is said on the behalf of the absent Knights an 3. H. 7. So an 17. E. 4. on the Eve of the Feast held by Prorogation the Dukes of Gloucester Buckingham and Suffolk with
the Earl of Northumberland at that time absent were excused by the Soveraign At other times the Soveraign not being present in Chapter hath before hand verbally instead of Letters given his Deputy or Lieutenant direction to excuse the absence of several of the Knights-Companions Thus it was in the case of the Prince the Earls of Surrey and Shrewsbury and Lord Daubeny who an 19. H. 7. were excused by the Soveraign by word of mouth to the Marquess of Dorset his Lieutenant because they were then employed in his service And as touching the Earls of Arundel and Devonshire at the same time the Register saith the Soveraign with his own mouth excused them to his Dputy Whereto we may add what is recorded an 26. H. 8. All others absent were by the Soveraign at that time excused to the Duke of Richmond his Lieutenant by word of mouth and afterwards by his Letters Of the latter sort to wit such as have been excused upon the motion made by some of the other Knights-Companions present in Chapter we find that on the Vigil of St. George an 1. H. 6. Humfrey Duke of Gloucester being then the Soveraign's Deputy Sir Harington's absence was excused by the Chancellor at that time Sir Iohn Robessart one of the Knights-Companions So an 2. H. 6. The Deputy took upon him the Earl of Warwick's excuse But ere we proceed any further it will not be amiss here to observe what effect the Excuses presented on the behalf of absent Knights have usually produced in reference whereunto we find the just and reasonable favourably admitted some suspended and divers disallowed Excuses easily allowed were first Sickness for those of the Knights-Companions who have either been sick far spent with age or intent upon publick Affairs have readily obtained excuse which we meet with in the Examples of the Lord Powis an 8. H. 5. the Duke of Exceter an 2. H. 6. Sir Thomas Erpingham an 6. H. 6. as also the Lord Dudley an 15. E. 4. And of later times the Earl of Bedford an 26. Eliz. Viscount Mountague and the Earl of Warwick in the 30. of the same Queen with many others Secondly The not recovery of Wounds received in the Soveraigns Service for such was the condition of Sir William Harington an 7. H. 5. whom we see excused for his illness occasioned from the Wounds then lately received at the Siege of Roan and elsewhere Thirdly Impotency and old age for which cause the Lord Burnell an 7. â— 5. at the last mentioned Chapter the Earls of Shrewsbury and Warwiâ—k and Lord Burghley an 31. Eliz. and the Earl of Moulgrave an 13. Car. 1. So also the Earl of Westmerland an 2. 3. H. 6. and the Earl of Suffolk an 13. Car. 1. for the weakness of his Limbs were all of them excused for absence at those several Feasts Fourthly imployment in the Soveraigns service either abroad or at home Of the first sort was the case of Sir Robert Vmfrevile excused an 7. H. 5. because he had been sent towards Scotland to defend the Borders So the Lord Scroop engaged in the like Service an 30. Eliz. his absence was immediately excused As was that of the Duke of Bedford and the Lord Talâ—ot an 6. H. 6. both being employed in the Wars of France whilst the Grand Feast was celebrated at Windesor Again the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Faucombridge had such another Apology an 28. H. 6. And lastly the Earl of Essex an 41. Eliz. who according to his Commission was endeavouring to subdue by Arms the Irish Rebels and therefore deservedly excused Of the second sort of employment to wit at home was that of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Hungtington an 22. 26. Eliz. the first of whom was taken up in the managery of certain Affairs enjoined him by the Soveraign but the other being President of the Council in the North his absence was for that and several years following favourably admitted And a like case was that of the Earl of Danby an 13. Car. 1. who for his necessary attendance at the Seat of Iustice in Eyre was excused of his waiting on the Soveraign at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation on the 2.3 and 4. days of October in the foresaid year Fifthly When the Grand Feast hath received Prorogation and any of the Knights-Companions have not had notice of the day whereunto it was prorogued and for non-attendance for want of such notice Sir Simon Fehbridge an 8. H. 6. the Feast for that year having been prorogued unto the 22. of May was excused by Humfry Duke of Gloucester then the Soveraign's Deputy Sixthly When any of the Knights-Companions have been employed upon Embassie or other Civil Affairs as Sir Here Tanke Clux who an 3. H. 6. was by the Soveraign sent in Legation to the Emperor of Germany and also for that an 5. 6. H. 6. he yet remained in the Emperor's Court by the Soveraign's command In like manner the Indulgence of the Soveraign excused the Earl of Derby and Lord Cobham an 30. Eliz. they being sent Ambassadors into the Low-Countries to treat with Philip King of Spain about a Peace To like purpose is that Entry made in excuse of the Earl of Marr's absence in Scotland and Earl of Carlisse's Embassy abroad an 4. Car. 1. Seventhly When any of them have been in Captivity as was Thomas Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Huntington both Prisioners in France an 2. H. 6. So also the Earl of Suffolk the Lord Talbot and Lord Scales an 7. H. 6. the Lord Fauconbridge an 30. 36. H. 6. and Earl of Kendal an 32. H. 6. and lastly in the 4.5 and 6. years of Edward the Fourth Sir Iohn Astley who was Prisoner there also Eighthly When any of them have obtained the Soveraign's Letters of Dispensation of which sufficient is spoken before Lastly some other just and lawful occasion as well as accident having fallen out not relating to those under the former heads the Soveraign upon information given in Chapter hath been pleased to allow of as sufficient to excuse the non-appearance and non-attendance of the Knights-Companions at the Grand Feasts in which rank the foresaid Lord Fauconbridge's care of his domestick Affairs an 32. H. 6. was readily admitted because having been lately in Prison he had obtained leave to go to see his House and Lands in the Country And the Earl of Arundel's absence an 15. Car. 1. was pardoned by reason of the Dutchess of Richmond's Death who died on the Eve of the Grand Feast that so he being the chief of her Family might be at hand to advise and assist in all things conducing to the honor of the deceased Dutchess And as the Knights-Companions have been often excused for not appearing at the Grand-Feast
the Registers and from the Commissions themselves For instance The before recited Deputations made to Iohn Duke of Bedford an 4. H. 6. is said to be done by a sufficient Commission delivered unto him under the Common Seal of the Order So an 8. H. 6. Humfry Duke of Gloucester c. was deputed by a certain Commission signed by the Soveraign under the Common Seal And for holding the Feast an 1. E. 4. Viscount Bourghier was also Deputed by the Soveraign By a fit and suâ—â—icient Commission So also the Earl of Essex an 14. E. 4. by the authority of the Soveraigns Commission In like manner an 18. E. 4. The Lord Dudley was assigned by vertue of the Soveraigns Commission to observe the yearly Feast of St. George and to perform all things according to custom It may be further observed that the Commissions of Lieutenancy as ancient as the Reign of King Henry the Eighth are said in the close to issue forth under the Seal of this most Noble Order So was that to the Duke of Norfolk an 17. H. 8. And also that other to the Marquess of Exceter an 20. H. 8. which runneth thus Yeoven under the Seal of Our Garter c. and according to the Modern expression Given under the Seal c. These Commissions of Lieutenancy an 14. Eliz. and the six following years run under the title of Letters Patent and are so called in the Blue Book but how justly is to be questioned For in one of these Commissions made to the Earl of Lincoln an 15. of the said Queen the conclusion is the same with those other Commissions of like nature of former years viz. Yeoven under the Seal of Our Order at c. and wanteth that Clause or conclusive period from which such instruments as we are informed derive the name of Letters Patent to wit In cujus rei testimonium has liter as nostras fieri fecimus Patentes Again an 12. Eliz. and for seven years after we observe from the said Blue Book that this Officer was made with the consent of all the Knights-Companions a Phrase much like that used elswhere touching the Election of Knights as hath been before taken notice of But if duely examined we shall find this expression of no more strength to entitle the Knights-Companions to a joynt power with the Soveraign for the constituting of a Lieutenant than the other is to make them Coelectors where though something requisite to the obtaining of their consent may seem to be implied in the aforesaid words yet we conceive those expressions were used by the Register as of his own choice rather than such as the Law of the Order will allow of The Dignity of this Officer as he represents the Soveraign's person and supplies his place is very great Which that we may the better set forth we shall distinguish the Honors annexed to this eminent Place as they are essential and necessarily consequent thereto or personal that is such as may additionally be conferred upon him at the pleasure of the Soveraign That this Officer as an essential Honor to his Place hath from ancient time had some of the Knights-Companions assigned him for his Assistants during the whole Feast is evident enough throughout the Registers yet the first mention of Assistants as to the Title particularly given unto such persons we find in the Registrum Chartaceum in the Decree made at a Chapter called at Eltham on St. George's day an 8. H. 8. wherein after the Anniversary of the Grand Feast had been appointed to be observed at Windsor upon the 25. of May then next ensuing and the Marquess of Dorset nominated the Soveraign's Lieutenant the Earl of Essex the Lord de la Ware the Lord Monteagle and Sir Thomas Lovell were appointed Assistants to the said Marquess Another instance in the same Register concerning the celebration of the Grand Feast at Windesor the following year upon the 10. day of May the Earl of Arundel being appointed Lieutenant affirms that the Lords de la Ware and Monteagle and Sir Thomas Lovell and Sir Henry Marney were also appointed Assistants to the said Earl The number of Assistants were in those times uncertain here above we see they were four Anno 21. H. 8. we find but three and afterwards an 32. H. 8. they were reduced unto two which number following times exceeded not except once and that was the last year of the aforesaid King when there were three appointed These Assistants were always appointed in Chapter when the Lieutenant himself was Nominated and afterwards had Letters of notice sent to each of them from the Soveraign requiring their repair to Windesor a Transcript whereof see in the Appendix of which form have we seen several other Letters sent upon the same occasion to each of the Assistants after they had been appointed to the said Service And as before we have noted in the case of Lieutenants themselves it hath sometimes chanced that others were afterwards upon occasion put in the places of those first named so here amongst the Assistants it hath in like manner hapned for the Lord Poynings an 8. H. 8. by the Soveraign's Commission was appointed Assistant to the Lieutenant in the room of the Earl of Essex who had been before nominated And the Earl of Rutland being named one of the Assistants an 22. H. 8. was afterwards excused by the Kings Letters whose place the Lord Montjoy executed So an 29. H. 8. the aforesaid Earl of Rutland falling sick after the time of his nomination and before the approach of the Feast day the Earl of Sussex was substituted Assistant in his place And sometimes a Quorum of Assistants have been nominated as an 3. 4. Ph. Mar. in case some of them should be absent for the Lord Pagit the Lord Clynton the Lord Howard of Effingham and Sir Edward Hastings having been appointed Assistants to attend the Lieutenant at the following Feast it is added that at least any two of them who at that time were neerest to the Kings Court should be there present to assist the Soveraign's Deputy according to his Majesties pleasure as the Custom and their duty obliged Another Honor essential to the Dignity of the Lieutenant is that the Soveraign layes an Injunction upon the rest of the Knights-Companions then present to yield Assistance and Obedience to him in all things as if himself were personally present For so is it enjoyned by the Commission to the aforesaid Iohn Duke of Bedford And generally all Forms of Commissions since close with such like Injunctions of Obedience in the execution of the Soveraign's Authority To these Honors before spoken of we might add some other of the like nature viz. that this great Officer possesseth the Soveraigns Place in all Proceedings and at the Table that he hath his Train carried up that a Reverence is given
command of King Edward the Fourth signified by Letters sent to his Deputy and the Knights-Companions were by Garter taken down and carried out of the Choire into the Vestry and in their place were set up the new Atchievements of King Edward the Fourth and this was done at the Feast of St. George held at Windesor an 1. E. 4. and long before the Death of King Henry the Sixth which when it hapned he was first buried at Chertsey Abbey in Surrey and by King Richard the Thirds Command Reinterred on the Southside of the High Altar in St. Georges Chappel at Windesor and therefore this cannot sute with King Henry the Eighths Case whose Atchievements were not taken down at all But when the Soveraigns of this most Noble Order are not interred at Windesor then are their Atchievements offered up at the next ensuing Feast according to the usual manner as were those of Queen Elizabeth which the Blew Book notes to be done at Morning Prayer the 11. of Iuly an 1. Iac. R. The Banner being offered by the Earl of Nottingham Lord Admiral then the Soveraign's Lieutenant and the Lord Buckhurst Lord Treasurer the Sword by the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland and the Helm and Crest by the Earls of Northumberland and Worcester and also of King Iames her Successor an 1 Car. 1. both these Soveraigns being buried at Westminster As to the time for performing this Ceremony it was ordained to be on the Morrow after the Feast when the Mass was sung for the soul of the Knights-Companions and of all the Faithful deceased and before the Offering of Money Thus was it ordered even in the first precedent we have of this solemn Ceremony and so was it duly and constantly performed in succeeding times till that of the Reformation at which the Mass of Requiem being abolished this Solemnity was nevertheless performed in the Morning Service on the Morrow immediately after the Offertory But after Queen Elizabeth had removed the Feasts of St. George from Windesor and left those of Installation only to be held there that Solemnity was commonly dispatcht in one day and the Atchievements of the defunct Knights offered before they went out of the Choire as in the 16. year of her Reign at the Installation of the Earls of Derby and Penbroke when assoon as the Morning Service was ended in which the Ceremony of Installation was performed the Commissioners appointed for that Solemnity came down from their Stalls and offered the Atchievments of the Earl of Derby Lord William Howard of Effingham and Lord Chandos And this was the first time we observe this Ceremony to have been translated from the Morrow after the Feast of St. George to any other time and the ancient rule as to the time being thus broken was never after restored but generally thence forward the Offring of the defunct Knights Atchievments was performed the very same Morning wherein the Elect-Knights were Installed For the Installation being fully compleated towards the end of the second Service viz. at the time of the Offertory the Atchievments were offered after which succeeded the Offring of Money And yet once when the Solemnity of Installation was celebrated at Evening Prayer being that of Frederick the Second King of Denmark and Iohn Casimire Prince Palatine of the Rhyne the 13. of Ianuary an 25. Eliz. immediately after their Proctors had taken possession of their Stalls and an Anthem been sung the Atchievments of Maximilian the Emperor Emanuel Duke of Savoy Francis Duke of Montmorency Henry Earl of Arundel and Walter Earl of Essex were with wonted honor as the Statutes of the Order required severally Offered but not without the sad and sorrowful view of all the standers by Sometime before the day was thus changed an intermixture of both the Offerings together viz. of Money and Atchievments began to be introduced when after the Offertory was read the Soveraign's Lieutenant descended from his Stall and proceeded to the Altar and there Offered both Gold and Silver for the Soveraign and so returned to his Seat after which the Offering of the defunct Knights Atchievements began and that Ceremony being ended the Soveraign's Lieutenant proceeded again to the Altar and there offered Money for himself and lastly all the rest of the Knights-Companions present offered Money in order Thus we find these Ceremonies managed an 5. Eliz. at the Offering of the Atchievements of the Lord Grey and an 6. Eliz. when the Atchievements of the Earls of Westmerland and Rutland and the Lord Paget were offered the Earl of Arundel being the Soveraign's Lieutenant at both these Feasts But not long after this course was altered in part and the Lieutenant Offered not for the Soveraign till after such time as the Atchievements of the defunct had been compleatly offered And albeit the day was thus changed for performance of this Ceremony yet was not the Ceremony it self begun till after the Installation was finished that Solemnity having at all times the precedency until an 9. Iac. R. when he observing a kind of incongruity in the order of the Ceremony namely to Install a new Knight and who being thus installed frequently became one of those Knights that offered part of the defunct Knights Atchievments as may be seen in divers and sundry Examples before his Predecessor had been fully discharged of his Stall gave order for Offering the Atchievments of Sir Henry Lea the Lord Scroop Viscount Bindon and the Earl of Dunbar first and before the Instalment of the Elect Knights Charles Duke of York Tho. Earl of Arundel and Robert Viscount Rochester which was accordingly performed as also at the Installation of Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne and Henry Prince of Orange an 10. Iac. R. And two years after at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland Sir George Villars afterwards created Duke of â—uckingham and Viscount Lisle the Lord Admiral going out of the Choire to fetch in the said Earl of Rutland to his Installation according to the old manner before the Offering of the Atchievments and as had been done the year before the Soveraign remanded him and again ordered That the Atchievments of the Earl of Shrewsbury should be first Offered before any of the Elect Knights should be Installed Not long after it was thought convenient to perform this Ceremony on the Eve of the Feast presently after the first Vespers begun and next to proceed on with the Installation of the Elect Knight whereby as much as possible the Stalls of the Knights-Companions might be supplyed and consequently the places among them filled up in all the rest of the Solemnities of the Feast Thus was it ordered at the Installation of Marquess Hamilton an 21. Iac. R. when the Atchievments of the Earl of Exceter were Offered In like manner the following year were the Atchievments of the Duke of Lenox first
into England P. Priest Cardinal of St. Praxid and B. Deacon Cardinal of St. Mary in Aquiro to use their best endeavours to compose the differences now growing high between the two Kings Upon whose mediation with King Edward though Peace could not be obtained yet that things relating to Peace might the better be effected a Truce was agreed on to the Morrow after Candlemas day an 12. E. 3. and thence prorogued to the first of March and lastly a further enlargement of it to Midsummer following in case the King of France should consent to it and give Security that it should be observed but he it seems refusing the King was advised to revoke this later cessation which he did the 6. of May and to take a Journey into Flanders personally to confer with his Allies in pursuance of his design against France and thereupon he took shipping at the Port of Orewell the 16. of Iuly and went to Antwerp But before he went upon the Cardinals further importunity a Commission issued to I. Archbishop of Canterbury R. Bishop of Durham R. de Vfford Earl of Suffolk Sir Geoffry le Scrop Knight and Mr. Iohn Vfford Archdeacon of Ely with power to treat and agree touching all things in difference between them in reference to a full and final Peace And by another Commission bearing the same date the Duke of Brabant Earl of Hanow and Gueldres the Marquess of Iuliers and Sir William Dunort Lord of Oustrehout Knight are added to them These Commissions were double and of two several Stiles in the one the King calls Philip de Valoys Consanguineus noster Franciae only and in the other Excellentissimus Princeps Dominus Philippus Rex Franciae illustris Consanguineus noster charissimus At Antwerp the confederate Princes gave the King a meeting and here he expresly revoked all the powers he had given the forementioned Commissioners to treat with Philip de Valois as King of France At length it was resolved that the Duke of Iuliers should be sent Ambassador from the King to the Emperor which Embassy obtained a promise to the King of the Vicar-generalship of the Empire whereupon about the beginning of September he took a Journey to Colen where the Emperor publickly defied the King of France and constituted King Edward his Vicar-General who at his return into Flanders entred upon the execution of that Office In the 13. year of this Kings Reign at the instance of the foresaid Cardinals Iohn Archbishop of Canterbury Richard Bishop of Durham Henry Bishop of Lincolne the Earls of Derby Salisbury and Suffolk and some others were impowered to treat with Philip de Valois or his Deputies upon the Dignities Honors Lands and Rights belonging to King Edward and all other controversies whatsoever The Deputies on the other part were the Archbishop of Rouen the Bishops of Langres and Beauvais and the place for treaty Arras but nothing of Peace being thereby effected the King prepared effectually for War having some time before made an alliance with Albert and Otho Dukes of Austria Stiria and Karinthia and received Homage as King of France from Reiginald Duke of Gueldres and Earl of Zutphen for which he afterwards granted him 1000 l. sterling per Annum for his life He likewise made alliances with other Princes who were to furnish him with men to be imployed in his intended expedition into France as also with Lewis the Emperour after which he sent a Letter from Antwerp to the Pope asserting his claim to the Crown of France which is to be seen in Walsingham's History of England All things for War being now in readiness the King with the assistance of his Allies first besieged Cambray an Imperial City and then in the hands of the French but it being too well fortified and provided to be suddenly taken he raised his Siege and passed into France first sending his defiance to Philip de Valois then at Paris by the Bishop of Lincoln Sir Walter Many was the first who after the defiance made entred France with 40. Horse burnt Mortaigne took the Castle of Thyne garrisoned it and returned to the King at Mechlin The King having passed the River Skell entred France upon St. Matthews Day and burnt the Country before him And not long after at the request of the Duke of Brabant to admit of a Treaty of Peace the King at Markoyne grants the said Duke power in his name to give safe conduct to such persons as he should think fit to meet at any place within two or three Leagues from his Camp to treat of Peace the same to continue till Friday following and all that day but nothing was effected The Saturday before St. Lukes Day the King with his Army passed the River Oyze and marching forward till he came between Vyronfoss and Flamengery the two Armies drew near each other where the Day of Battel was agreed on to be the Friday after But in the interim a Letter of advice was brought to the French King from Robert King of Sicily a famous Astrologer to disswade him from fighting since he had by his Science found that if he fought with the King of England he should be vanquished and loose the day This Letter so prevailed with the King of France that though he had the greater power and that both Armies stood ranged for Battel yet was there not a blow struck on the appointed Day The Munday following intelligence was brought to the King that the French were dispersed and returning homewards whereupon he withdrew his Army and marched back into Brabant At his return to Antwerp he issued out another Commission to Iohn Archbishop of Canterbury R. Bishop of Durham H. Bishop of Lincoln W. Earl of Salisbury Sir Bartholomew Burghersh and Sir Geoffry le Scrop Knights and Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely to treat of Peace with Philip de Valois or with Commissioners from him and a month after this Commission was renued upon adding Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk to the before-named Commissioners Here also the King was advised to ingage the Flemmings to his further Assistance who were willing enough for by the means of Iaques D'artuell he had gained a great influence upon them but considering they stood ingaged in the Pope's Chamber in two Millions of Florens not to make War against the King of France they proposed that the King would quarter the Arms of France with those of England and call himself King of France as he ought of right to do and then they would take him to be the rightful King of France and receive from him a discharge of that Obligation and afford him their assistance To this proposal the King agreed and solemnly assumed both the Arms of the Kingdom and Title of King of France He also caused his Great Seal to be changed and brought it with him at his return to
Homage of the Dutchy of Britagne and Earldom and Country of Flanders and all other demands that King Edward made or might make to the King of France for what cause soever except such things as by the said Treaty ought to be delivered to him and his Heirs It was also agreed that the King of France should be brought to Calais within three weeks after Midsummer following and should pay for his Ransom three Millions of Escuts of Gold two of which should be worth one Noble English And that there should be paid to King Edward 600000 Escuts of Gold within four Months accounting from the time of the King of France's arrival at Calais and within one year ensuing 400000 Escuts more and from that year every year following 400000 Escuts till the said three Millions were paid And it after appears in the same Roll that King Edward had received 400000 Escuts part of the first 600000 the 24. of October 1360. and for payment of the other 200000 he gave time till Christmas and Lady-day following Furthermore that certain of the Nobility of France aswel of those who were made Prisoners at Poictiers as others should remain Hostages in England for the King of France namely Lewis Earl of Anjou Iohn Earl of Poictiers both Sons to King Iohn the Duke of Orliens his Brother the Duke of Burbon the Earl of Bloys or his Brother the Earl of Alanson or the Lord Peter of Alanson his Brother the Earls of St. Pol Harecourt Pontieu Valentynois Brene Vandemont and Forest the Viscount Beaumont the Lords of Cousy Fienles Preaux St. Venaunt and Garenciers the Dauphin of Auvergne the Lords of Hangest and Montmorency Sir William of Craon Sir Lewis of Harecourt and Sir Iohn Ligny And the Names of the Prisoners were these Lord Philip of France the Earls of Eu Longuevil Pontieu Tankarvile Ieigny Sanceurre Dampmartin Ventadour Salebruche D'auceurre and Vendosme the Lords of Craon and Deruale the Marshal Dodenham and the Lord Daubyny Besides these the King of France was obliged to deliver at Calais within three Months after he departed thence in further pledge for the accomplishment of this Treaty four Persons of Paris two of each of the Towns here named to wit St. Omer Aras Amyens Beauves Lisle Douay Tournay Reyms Chaalons Troies Chartres Thoulouse Lyons Orliens Compeigne Rouen Caen Tours and Bourges and these to be of the most sufficient and best Burgesses of these Towns It was moreover agreed That the King of France and his Heirs Kings of France should quit the Alliances they had with the Scots and never give to that King Kingdom or Subjects present or to come any aid or assistance against the King of England his Heirs or Successors his Realm or Subjects nor make any alliance with the Scots in time to come against the King and Realm of England And the like Article was agreed to by the King of England in reference to his Alliance with the Flemmings There were divers other particulars agreed to on the behalf of both Kings and set down in this Treaty of Peace which we designing brevity do omit but these are the main and principal to our present purpose All things thus finished King Edward immediately left France and landed at Rye the 18. of May following in the Evening and thence the next day came to Westminster And shortly a Writ issued to Sir Iohn Beauchamp then Constable of Dover forthwith to arrest and fit up a sufficient number of Ships to carry over King Iohn and his Family to Calais within the time agreed on and whither he was conducted the 8. of Iuly after The 9. of October King Edward followed where the foresaid Treaty with some few alterations was there ratified and confirmed by Oath of both Kings and several Instruments relating to the full accomplishment of the several Articles thereof were drawn up and sealed with the Great Seals of both Kings all bearing date at Calais the 24. day of October an Dom. 1360. Here also were the Renunciations on either side both absolute and conditional to all the Towns Castles Countries c. to the Resort and Soveraignty c. comprehended in the Articles of Peace drawn up sworn to and sealed at the same time but not exchanged because the King of France was as yet in Calais and Prisoner to King Edward and the Towns c. not as yet delivered But it was then nevertheless agreed and promised that they should be surrendred to the special Deputies on both sides by Midsummer following if it might be and the Renunciations sent at the Assumption of our Lady next ensuing to the Church of the Augustine Fryars at Bruges to be delivered to those Deputed to receive them Or if they were not surrendred till Alhollantide after then the Renunciations were to be delivered in the said Church on St. Andrews day following at which time and place both Kings engaged to send thither and cause to be delivered to the Deputies on both sides theirs and their eldest Sons Renunciations likewise but if they were not accordingly mutually delivered then not any thing agreed on was to take effect But it seems things were not made ready against Midsummer the first of the appointed times for compleating these matters for the 15. of November following King Edward constituted Sir Thomas Vnedale Knight and Thomas de Dunclent Licenciate in the Laws his Agents whom he sent to Bruges with power to make request to the King of France for the effectual accomplishment of all things concluded on as aforesaid and to require that He and his Son should make the Renunciations and Transports according to all the foresaid Agreements made at Calais and upon reception of which he was thereby enabled to give Acquittance in King Edwards name But there was another Instrument dated at Calais the said 24. of Oct. 1360. whereby King Edward was obliged to deliver up to the French King on this side Candlemas an 35. E. 3. the Castles and Fortresses which he held in other parts of France than in those surrendred to him by the French King viz. as they are written in the Record In Champaigne and in Brie Bursant and Ioinville upon the Marn Bourt in Champaigne Ochie Sye upon the Seine the Mote de Triesreine Brugelemens and all other Fortresses taken in these Countries In Nivernois Cornallour Gueillons Anlesy Villers and Mont Epny In Anceurrois and Burgoigne Regennes Legny Malecorne and the Mote de Chauloye In Aurelenoys and Gastinoys The New Castle upon Loire and Mereau au Boys and all other Fortresses in Orlenois in Gastinois in Messien in Beause and in Wenguesin le Francois Within a month following the County of Ponthieu was to be surrendred to King Edward or else Hostages King Edward was also to deliver up the New Castle in Tynerois Beaumont le Choistif Nogent le Rotron and the Ferte de Ville Nevill and all other Fortresses in France and in the Country of Perche and
Santonge repaired doing him Fealty and Homage then he departed for Bordeaux thither the Nobility and Knights of Gascoigne came to wait on him after which he setled English Officers in all places of his Principality and there kept his Court with great state and magnificence Immediately after the Election of Pope Vrban the Fifth Peter of Lusignan King of Cyprus and Ierusalem came to Avignon and there engaged Iohn King of France in a Crusade he thence went to the Emperor at Prague and afterwards into Flanders and England whence after he had been nobly entertained he returned to King Iohn then at Amiens and thinking he had not yet seen any thing till he had seen the Prince of Wales took a Journey to Poicters and so to Augoulesme where the Prince held a Royal Justs of 40 Knights and as many Esquires in honor of the birth of his Son Edward and here the King of Cyprus was received with great honor and nobly feasted while he stayed Not long after this Noble Prince was induced to re-establish Don Peter King of Castile who had made a personal application to him in so great distress being driven out of his Kingdom by his Bastard Brother Henry with the assistance of some part of the late disbanded Army called the late Comers or Companions under the command of Sir Bertrand de Guesclin and some English and Bretagn Forces that went along with them commanded by Sir Eustace Dabrichecourt and other Knights Hereupon the Prince first sent his Letters to remand them back and after which strengthened his undertaking he received aid from the King his Father commanded by Iohn of Gaunt his Brother Iames Son of Ferdinand King of Mojorca whom the King of Aragon had imprisoned at Barcelona and there put to death made also address to the Prince for assistance in the recovery of his Realm which the Prince promised after his return out of Spain whither he was then engaged and towards which he began his Voyage the Sunday after Epiphany an Dom. 1366. Upon his entry into Castile with 30000 Horse and Foot Don Henry prepared to give him Battel with 86000 the Armies joined between Navarr and Naveret on Saturday the 3. of April an 40. E. 3. and here the Prince got a Victory which re-established Don Pedro in his Kingdom thereupon Don Pedro went to Sevill and promised to return the Prince money to pay his Army but after four Months stay and expectation the Prince was constrained to return into Aquitane without any so forgetful was Don Pedro of the courtesies he had received from him This Victory got the Prince great renown throughout the Empire and the repute of being the valiantest Prince in that Age even worthy to govern all the World but in this Voyage he contracted a sickness he never recovered which his Physicians and Surgeons judged to be an incurable Dropsie others that he was poysoned In an Instrument dated about this time to wit 8. October 1366. whereby he granted to his Brother Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster the Village and Castellaine of Roche sur Ion to him and his Heirs males I find him thus stiled Edward ainsne filz du Roy de France d' Engleterre Prince d' Aquitaine de Gales Duke de Cornwall Conte de Cestre Seigneur de Biscaie de Castre de Dordiales but after he had resigned the Principality of Aquitaine his Titles were these only Edwardus Regis Angliae Franciae primogenitus Princeps Walliae Dux Cornubiae Comes Cestriae 6. Feb. 49. E. 3. so an 47. E. 3. vide Lib. Miscell R. Glover Somerset p. 111. Some time after his return into Aquitaine the discontented Gascoigners and French taking occasion to rebel upon raising a Subsidy called Fouage for 5 years consented to by most of his Subjects viz. the Poictouins and they of Xanctonge Limosin Rouergue and Rochell but other parts of Guine refused entred in a hostile manner the Princes Territories whereupon Sir Hugh Caurel coming out of Aragon to the Prince was made Captain of the Companions whom he had sent for out of Normandy and ordered to march with them into the Country of the Earl of Armaignac and the Lord d' Albret two of the great Ring-Leaders of the Rebellion new begun to wast those parts He also had sent before a body Commanded by Sir Iohn Chandos to Montauban and a third under the Command of the Earl of Cambridge and Penbroke into Perigort and which took Bourdeilles after 11. Weeks Siege After this the Prince receiving Intelligence that two Armies under the conduct of the Dukes of Anjou and Berry were design'd to enter Aquitaine and besiege him in Angoulesme resolved his Enemies should not find him there and therefore summond in the Nobility and appointed a Rendevouz at Cognac leaving his Princess at Angoulesme but taking his young Son Richard with him The King of England having upon this great rupture of the Peace concluded at Bretigny resumed his Name and Title to the Crown of France sent forthwith to the Prince to give him notice that the Parliament at Westminster had Ordained that all his Subjects of what Nation or condition soever should maintain his Interest against his Enemies in the Realm of France to recover and conquer the same And likewise directed his Letters to the Nobility of Gascoigne desiring their assistance herein The year following he sent over Iohn Duke of Lancaster his third Son to the assistance of this Prince and gave him Commission to receive into favour and wholly pardon such of his Cities Castles Towns and Inhabitants aswell in Aquitaine as other parts of France as should return to his Obedience and to do and exercise all powers given in his said Commission with the consent of the Prince if present and in his absence what the King could do in his assistance if personally there And that care might be taken in Civil Affairs the King having reserved to himself the Soveraignty and resort in those Territories sent a blank Commission for the Prince to insert the names of such as he should think fit to appoint for Judges or Delegate to hear all Causes as well Criminal as Civil upon Appeals from the Princes Courts The Duke of Lancaster shortly after arrived at Bordeaux and came to the Prince at Cognac but the Duke of Anjou thought better to withdraw his Forces into Garrisons than to fall into action The Duke of Berry took Limoges which the Prince retaking put the Inhabitants to the Sword and burnt the Town But the Prince's disease growing daily upon him he was advised by his Physicians and Chirurgeons to return into England for the recovery of his health which caused him to assemble the Nobility of Aquitaine Gascoigne Poictou and Santonge at Bordeux to whom he communicated his intentions and withal that he would leave the Duke of
Lancaster in Chief Command behind him to whom they did fealty and Homage in the Princes presence and kist his mouth The Affairs of these Countries being thus Ordered the Prince and Princess their young Son Richard the Earls of Cambridge and Penbroke took Shipping for England and arrived at Plimouth about the beginning of Ianuary whence they rode to the King at Windesor where after some stay he took his leave and retired to his own House and about two years after surrendred the Dignity of Prince of Guynne and his whole right therein to his Father King Edward While he was yet in Minority there were several matches designed for him as first being but a year old a Commission was given to Iohn Darcy and William Trussell Knights to treat and agree with Philip King of France or his Deputies upon espousals and Matrimony between this young Prince and King Philips Daughter but the quarrel breaking out afterwards with that King there was no further progress made in his Affair The next proposal was for Margaret one of the Daughters of Iohn Duke of Brabant and Lorraine to which purpose a Commission was made out to Henry Bishop of Lincoln and William de Bohun Earl of Northampton to treaâ— with the said Duke or his Deputies upon this matter and for which in regard they were both within the third Degree of Consanguinity the Popes Dispensations was several times endeavoured to be obtained by Letters sent from the King but he could not be induced to do any thing therein Another match was proposed with a Daughter of the King of Portugal and thereupon the King Commissionated Mr. Andrew Offord Richard de Soham and Philip de Barton to treat of a Marriage not only between the Prince but any other of his Sons and any one of the Daughters of the said King That also taking no effect there was another Commission issued to Robert de Stratton Canon of Chichester and Richard de Soham to treat with the said King concerning a marriage between the Prince and his Daughter Leonora But none of these which were of others providing took effect but at length an 35. E. 3. he married with a Lady of his own choice namely Ioan Countels of Kent Sister and Heir to Iohn Plantagenet Earl of Kent and the Relict of Sir Thomas Holland one of the first Founders of this most Noble Order commonly called for her Excellent Beauty the fair Maid of Kent And because the Prince had married her notwithstanding nearness of Kindred between them and of his Christning her eldest Son it was thought requisite to have a Papal Absolution from Excommunication and Dispensation for Marriage both which were obtained from Pope Innocent the Sixth in the 9. year of his Popedom By her he had two Sons namely Edward the Eldest born at Angoulesme in Feb. 1365. Leland saith 1364. who dyed in Gascoigne at 7. years of Age and Richard the second Son born at Bordeaux on Twelfth-Day being Wednesday at three a Clock in the Afternoon 1366. and had three Kings to his Godfathers viz. of Spain Navarre and Portugal Besides these he had two Natural Sons Iohn Sounder and Sir Roger de Clarendon to the latter of these he gave by his Will a Silk Bed with all thereunto belonging This Roger was after made one of the Knights of the Chamber to King Richard the Second to whom the said King the first of October 13. R. 2. gave for life 100 l. per annum out of the Issues of his Subsidies in the Counties of Bristol Gloucester Somerset Dorset and Cornwall His Disease contracted in Spain grown now uncurable and he drawing near to his end made his Will in the Kings great Chamber at Westminster the 7. of Iune an 50. E. 3. and disposed of his Body to be buried in the Cathedral Church of the Trinity in Canterbury And such was his care of those who had done him service that he charged his Son Richard by his Will to continue the payment of those Pensions which he had given them The Executors nominated therein were his Brother of Spain the Duke of Lancaster William Bishop of Winchester Iohn Bishop of Bath William Bishop of St. Asaph Robert de Walsham his Confessor Hugh de Segrave Steward of his Lands Aleyn de Stokes and Iohn de Fordham The next day after his Will was made being Trinity Sunday this Noble Prince the Flower of Chevalry and delight of the English Nation departed the World his body being imbalmed was wrapt in Lead and kept till Michaelmas the Parliament being then to meet to be interred with greater Solemnity which was performed at Canterbury near the Shrine of Thomas Becket over whose Grave a stately Monument was erected for him which yet remains undefaced 3 Henry Earl of Lancaster THE second Stall on the Soveraign's side was assigned to Henry then Earl of Lancaster and Derby Son to Henry Earl of Lancaster Brother and Heir of Thomas Earl of Lancaster Beheaded at Pontefract on Monday before our Lady-Day an 15. E. 2. and Maude Daughter and Heir to Sir Patrick Cadurces or Chaworth Knight Lord of Kidwelly and Ogmore in Wales The first considerable Military Honor conferred on him was that of Commander in Chief of all the King's Forces sent into Scotland an 10. E. 3. for the Truce with the Scots having been upon the request both of the Pope and King of France and earnest sollicitation of their Ambassadors several times prorogued between the 23. of Nov. an 9. E. 3. and the Sunday next after Ascension day following it then expired before which the King had intelligence of their confederacies abroad and great preparations for War and being engaged to assist and defend Edward Baliol King of Scots who had done him Homage for that Kingdom he thereupon raised an Army for that purpose and gave this noble Knight command thereof by the name of Henry de Lancaster only though I find him in another place relative to this employment called Henry de Lancastre Banneret And by another Commission he gave him power to receive to Faith and Peace the Scots or their adherents and to grant them pardon Shortly after he aâ—â— Tho. Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Henry de Bellomont Earl of Bogham and William de Bohun had Commission given them to treat with Sir Andrew Murrese a Scotch Knight about a Truce between the King and his Subjects in Scotland and the said Sir Andrew and other the Scots to hold till Midsummer following Towards the latter end of this year David Bruys then in France had obtained that Kings assistance and gotten together a great Navy with which he did much mischief to the Merchants about the Isle of Wight besides he had entred the Isles of Gerusey and Iarsey and killed divers of the Inhabitants The King therefore gave Commission to the Archbishop of Canterbury and others
pardon and restore their Lands The 3. of April in the following year he and 6 other whereof he was to be one were commissionated to treat with David Brus and other Scotchmen his Adherents upon a final Peace or Truce as also upon all debates and differences whatsoever between the King and them and amicably to compose them And the same day he had power likewise given him to grant to Adam Bishop of Brechin to Patrick Earl of March Sir William de Douglas and Sir Thomas de Caruato Knights and William Bullock and other Scotch Men as he should see cause the the King 's special Letters of safe Conduct and Protection for so long time as this Earl thought fit to come into England with as many Horse as he should appoint to treat either of a Truce or Peace with this Earl and others deputed thereto by the King Having in this expedition undertaken upon certain conditions the Custody of the Marches of Scotland the King gave him in reward the 1000. Marks which Io. de Wesenham stood engaged to pay the King for Wooll He went over with the King in his Voyage into Bretagne having under his Command 5. Bannerets 50. Knights 144. Esquires and 200. Archers on Horseback The daily Wages allowed him for himself was 8 s. for each Banneret 4 s. each Knight 2 s. each Esquire 1 s. and each Archer 6 d. At the Siege of Vannes he was constituted one of the Kings Commissioners the other being the Earls of Northampton and Salisbury the Lord Stafford Burghershe Cantelowe Cobham Manneys and Berkley and Mr. Iohn Vfford Archdeacon of Ely where a Truce was concluded for three years The 24. of March an 18. E. 3. The King by his Letters Patent constituted this Noble Earl and Richard Earl of Arundel his Lieutenants in the Dukedom of Aquitaine and the Countries adjoining to govern and defend those Territories to demand and receive the possession of the Castles Places and Rights unjustly detained from him to recover and retain the same by force of Arms if need should be and to receive such as should return to their Obedience to the grace and favour of the King as also the Homage and Fidelity from whomsoever in those parts due and generally to do all things for defence and recovery of the Kings Rights and good Government of those Countries and his Subjects with Command to the Archbishops c. to yield Obedience to them And whereas the King upon false suggestions had been deceived in many of his Grants and Donations in that Dukedom He by other Letters Patents of the same date gave him power to seize into his hands all the Castles Lands Liberties and Profits formerly granted by him and those that should appear to have been obtained upon untrue suggestions to retain without Restitution but upon true to restore entirely A like Commission was given them which extended to the grants made by his Father King Edward the Second upon like pretences as well as by himself They also had a General Commission to treat and conclude with all persons of whatsoever state or condition Kingdom or Nation for the setling of Alliances and mutual Assistance between the King and them to retain men for the Kings Service and to agree about Fees Wages and Rewards to be paid unto them By other Commissions of the same date these two Earls had power to treat and conclude with Alphonsus King of Castile there stiled Alphonsus Rex Castiliae Legionis Toleti Galiciae Siviliae Cordubiae Murciae Gyennii Algarbiae Comes Molmae or his Deputies upon all differences arising between their Subjects especially Mariners and amicably to compose them as also of a perpetual League of Friendship between them c. their Subjects and to afford each other their mutual assistance with Power to make Substitutes in their stead The said Earls had like Commissions with the same Power to treat with the King of Portugal therein stiled Alphonsus Rex Portugaliae Algarbiae And with the King of Aragon stiled therein Petrus Rex Aragoniae Valenciae Majorcae Sardinii Corsicae Comes Barthon Sir Iohn Froissard tells us that some of the Gascoigne Lords came hither about this time to acquaint the King with the weak condition of that Country and City of Bordeaux and to desire relief and that in this Earls company went also the Earls of Penbroke and Oxford the Lord Stafford Sir Walter Manney the Lord Frank de la Hall and divers others of note being about 500 Knights and Esquires and 2000 Archers and having landed at Bayon the 6. of Iune 1344. went thence to Bordeaux His first attempt was upon the Town of Bergerac which surrendred to him and next Longo Castle and le Lake Mandurant he took by assault so also the Castle of Mountgyse Punache and the Castle de la Lewe Forsathe and Pondayre he won with little opposition and the great Town of Laylloyes after three days the chief Town appertaining to the Earl of Laylle who lived as King in those parts of Gascoigne was delivered to him after some dispute After this success he marched to Bonu this he assaulted and took he also took the Castle of Auberoche and the Town of Libourne yielded themselves to him Auberoche being presently after besieged by 12000 French this Earl on St. Laurence Eve assaulted the Enemy in their Tents with 300 Spears and 600 Archers and took the Earl of Laylle and 8 other Earls and Viscounts and 200 Knights and so many Esquires and other Soldiers that each Englishman had 2 or 3 Prisoners many of whom they let go upon their paroll to return to Bergerac or to Bordeaux on a certain day and others they carried with them to Bourdeaux and by this valiant Exploit having relieved the Castle he afterwards disposed of his Army into Winter Quarters and returned into England Upon these great successes the King made him his sole Lieutenant and Captain in the Dutchy of Aquitaine and the parts adjacent with power to do and execute all things that belonged to that Command and gave command to all Archbishops Earls Barons Viscounts Castellans and other persons throughout that Dukedom and adjacent Countries to yield obedience to him as the Kings Lieutenant Five days before the King gave him Commission with power to treat and conclude with all persons of whatsoever state or condition Kingdom or Nation for setling firm alliances and mutual assistance between the King and them as also to retain men for the King's Service and to agree about their Fees Wages and other Rewards The 11 of Iune following Command was sent to the Sheriff of London that forasmuch as the Earl had shipt most of his Horse at Southampton and was ready to depart to make proclamation that all the men at Arms Archers and others who were to go with him should march to Southampton with all possible
At that time Tho. Douvedale was the Dukes Lieutenant in that Dukedom to whom command was given dated the 5. of August preceding to deliver up all things in his custody there and belonging to the King to such as the King had appointed to receive them in like manner as they were formerly delivered up to the Earl by Sir Thomas Holland late Captain there In the Expedition made by the King into France in the 33. year of his Reign this Duke was sent before to Calais with 400 Spears and 2000 Archers where being arrived he took with him those Lords of the Empire and other Commanders who there waited the Kings coming to Calais and marched to St. Omars Cambray and other places wasting all the Country as he passed until he heard of the arrival of the King and then returned to Calais This Voyage with the King into France was the last Martial Employment this Great Duke undertook and as he had manifested to the World the wisdom and valour of a great Commander and succeeded happily in Martial Affairs so was he no Enemy to Peace but as ready to lay hold of it on fair and honorable terms as he was forward to draw his Sword in defence of the Kings honor and right And this was most evident at the Treaty of Bretagne neer Chartres where though the King was very unwilling to accept of a Peace upon terms offered by the French yet moved by the perswasive Arguments of this worthy Duke he condescended thereunto It was also upon his motion both to the King and King Iohn of France that the Truce made at Rennes between Charles de Bloys and the Earl of Montfort which was to expire the first of May was enlarged to Midsummer following in hopes of a final Peace to be by that time made between them He married Isabel Daughter of Henry Lord Beaumont Cousin-german to Queen Isabel Wife to King Edward the Second and by her had two Daughters and Heirs Mand his eldest Daughter was Wife first to Ralph Son of Ralph Earl of Stafford and next to William Duke of Bavaria Earl of Henault Holand and Zeland Lord of Frisland stiled also Earl of Leicester and Blanch the youngest to Iohn of Gaunt created Duke of Lancaster an 36. E. 3. His Will was made in his Castle at Leicester the 15. of March 1360. in which he is stiled Duke of Lancaster Earl of Derby Lincolne and Leicester Steward of England Lord of Bergerac and Beaufort and by which he appoints his Body to be interred in the Collegiate Church of our Lady at Leicester where his Father was buried He dyed within few days after viz. on Tuesday next before Easter an 35. E. 3. and was buried at Leicester according to the appointment of his Will 4. Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick THis noble Earl was eldest Son to Guy Earl of Warwick and Alice Sister and Heir of Robert Toney He was born in Warwick Castle and had to his Godfathers Thomas Earl of Lancaster Henry his Brother and Thomas de Warington Prior of Kenilworth On New-years day in the second year of King Edward the Third he was made Knight though then within age and the 20. of February following having made his Homage had Livery of his Fathers Lands In the fifth year of the same King the Government of the Isles of Gernsey Sark and Aureney was conferred on him About two years after he attended King Edward the Third in that famous and successful Expedition against the Scots and in Christmas Holy-days an 8. E. 3. he and the Earl of Oxford were sent with Edward King of Scots to secure Carlisle and defend the West Marches of England who with some Forces raised in Lancashire Westmerland and Cumberland entred Scotland about Twelvetide wasted Gallaway and returned to Carlisle He attended the King again into Scotland an 9. E. 3. when King Edward by Carlisle and Edward King of Scots from Berwick entred again that Kingdom after which he was one of those Noblemen to whose trust the King committed the Guardianship of the Marches The following year he and other of the Nobility of England entred Scotland about Whitsontide and passed as far as St. Iohns Town which they fortified and in this Kingdom he remained all the year About the beginning of Sept. an 11. E. 3. he again entred Scotland with an Army by Berwick whilst the Lords Wake and Clifford entred by Carlisle and within two days both their Forces united whereupon they wasted Tividale Moseteidale and Nidesdale whilst Anthony Lord Lucy wasted Gallaway but not being able to prosecute their Voyage by reason of the great Rains they returned within twelve days to Carlisle and so much to the satisfaction of the King did he behave himself in this Expedition that the 19. of March following he made Letters obligatory to him for 500 Marks as a gift to be paid him at Michaelmas following When the King undertook his first Expedition into France an 13. E. 3. by the way of Flanders he likewise attended him thither and had Command of a Wing in the field pitch'd between Vyronsos and Flamengery in which among others were the Earl of Penbroke the Lords Berkley and Moulton He went over with the King into Flanders when by the way that memorable Naval fight hapned before Sluce where the King obtained a signal Victory against the French and was one of the Commissioners nominated at the Treaty agreed on at the Siege of Tournay to be sent to Arras in order to a further Treaty where after 15 days debate nothing was agreed on but the Surrender of the County of Poictou seized on by the French King the preceding year and a prolongation of the Truce for two years An. 16. E. 3. he was one of the Commissioners nominated to treat with the Kings Allies in Brabant and Flanders about his designed Expedition into France in which he after attended the King with 80 men at Arms 1 Banneret 18 Knights 60 Esquires and 100 Archers on Horse-back for whose passage a Writ issued to Iohn de Montgomery Admiral of the Fleet Westward to provide Ships At Nantes in Bretagne to which the King had laid Siege he behaved himself so gallantly upon a Sally made by the Town that they were forced to retreat with great loss Not long after his return into England he marcht into Scotland with Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby to raise the Siege laid against Louhmaban Castle whereof the Earl of Northampton was Governor and when he came back was imployed with the said Earl of Derby and some others to the Pope to treat about King Edwards right to the Crown of France which produced nothing but an enlargement of the Truce The following year he was constituted Marshall of England during pleasure In that great Expedition
Viscount Benanges mentioned in the following Pedigree be the same person is some question For first in all those Records where he is remembred the Title of Capitow de la Bouch is not given him Secondly we cannot trace him beyond the 22. year of the Reign of King Edward the Third and the Order of the Garter was not Instituted till the following year Thirdly Iohn his Son is called Capitan de Bouâ—h an 5. E. 3. and so till he died And if he should prove the persoâ— as some do take him to be it is a strange mistake committed in the Engravement of the Plate which seems to be as ancient as any of the rest set up in the Chappel at Windesor Of this Iohn Capitan de Buch there are many things noted by Sir Iohn Froissard relating to both his taking King Edward's side against the French and his valiant actions in those Wars But in regard we doubt of his being one of the first Knights-Companions of the Garter we have thought fit for the present to wave the Historical account of him and intreat the Reader in lieu of it to content himself with that of some part of the descent whereby he may guess at the greatness yet unsuccessfulness of our pains in endeavouring to ascertain the person Iohannes de Greilly dominus Benanges Senescallus totius Aquitaniae Rot. Vasc. 6. 7. E. 1. m. 9. Claramonda filia haeres Galliardi de Mota domini de Laudirons Rot. Vasc. 6. 7. E. 1. m. 9. Petrus de Greilly miles Rot. Vasc. 14. E. 3. m. 2. Katherina de Greilly Domina Locorum St Blasii de Laudiron Rot. Vasc. 14. E. 3. m. 2. Petrus de Greilly Vicecom Benangiarum Castellionis Rot. Vasc. 14. E. 3. m. 2. 16. E. 3. m. 13. 22. E. 3. m. 25. Assalita soror haeres Petri de Burdegal Rot. Vasc. 5. E. 3. m. 24. Petrus de Burdegal dominus de Puypaulini Iohannes de Greilly ac Capitaneus de Buch. Rot. Vasc. 5. E. 3. m. 24.14 E. 3. m. 2.16 E. 3. m. 13. 29. E. 3. m. 6. Blanch de Loup Archambaud de Greilly Capitalis de Bogio ac Vicecomes Benangiarum Castillionis ac dominus de Podiopaulini Castri novi in Medulco Rot. Vasc. 7. R. 2. m. 10. 6. Ralph Earl of Stafford THis Noble Earl was Son unto Edmund Lord Stafford first summoned to Parliament an 27. E. 1. and Margaret Daughter to Ralph Lord Basset of Draiton His Father dyed an 2. E. 2. and and an 17. E. 2. being of full age he did his Homage and had Livery of his Fathers Lands The first military imployment that he undertook was an 1. E. 3. being summoned to be at Newcastle upon Tine on Monday next before Ascension day to go against the Scots The 12. of February an 10. E. 3. the King sent his Writ directed to him Philip Chetwynde and Philip Somervill to raise in Staffordshire Lichfield excepted 60 Hobelars and 200 Archers and to bring them to Berwick upon Tweed before the following Octaves of Easter In his absence it seems there was some attempts made to seize upon his Lady and carry her away but making his complaint to the King he received her under his protection and directed his Writ to the Sheriff to protect her so long as her Lord remained in his service I find this noble Lord was an 15. E. 3. Steward of the Kings House and one of those who went over into Bretagne an 16. E. 3. with Robert d' Artous to the assistance of the Countess of Montfort He behaved himself bravely in the Sea-fight near the Isle of Gernsey with the French and Genoeses who endeavoured to interrupt their passage thither but after they had been a while engaged a violent storm parted the two Navies and the English landed safely the first Town taken by them being Vannes and that by assault Soon after this Town was re-taken by Sir Henry de Leon and the Lord Clisson but the latter end of the Summer King Edward landed with an Army and laid a new Siege to it and perceiving the Country was much wasted he left the Earl of Arundel with this Lord before it and went to Rennes It hapned that one day upon an assault this Lord ventured so far that he was got between the City Gate and the Bars and there taken Prisoner but at another side of the Town Sir Henry de Leon and the Lord Clisson were both taken Prisoners by the English and so he was afterwards exchanged for the Lord Clisson In this Expedition he had Wages allowed him for 50 men at Arms viz. himself two Bannerets 16 Knights 31 Esquires and 50 Archers on Horseback An. 17. E. 3. was a year of much action for first this Earl with the Earl of Lancaster and other Noblemen went into Scotland to raise the Siege laid by the Scots to the Castle of Louhmaban and being returned was joined in Commission with Hugh le Despenser Lord of Glamorgan William de Norwich Dean of Lincolne Sir William Trussell and Andrew de Offord to treat in the Pope's presence with the Agents of Philip de Valois concerning the Kings right to the Crown of France but we suppose he went not on that Embassy for the 19. of August there was another Commission for that Affair made out to Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby and others wherein he and Sir William Trussell were omitted and they the first of Iuly preceding with Philip de Weston Canon of York and Iohn Wawayn were sent to treat with the Noblemen Burgomasters c. in Flanders about the setlement of the Staple of Wool there and touching the Coyning of Gold and Silver such as might be current both in England and Flanders and whatsoever by any 3 or 2 of them should be agreed on this Ralph Earl of Stafford being one the King promised to ratifie They had another Commission wherein power was granted them to treat with the Princes Nobles and People of Almaine upon Alliances between the King and them and to gain their assistance for him The following year he went in the Expedition intâ— Gascoigne with the Earl of Derby and commanded the Party that assaulted Bergerac by Water who behaved themselves so valiantly that through their Valour the Town was forced to surrender to the Earl He was very active in this Gascoigne War and almost in continual Service and in sealing the Walls of Mountpesat Castle Richard Pennenort an English Gentleman that bare his Banner was slain For his Great Services in this War after his return into England he was made Seneschal of Gascoigne and had the Kings Letter sent to the Prelates and Nobility of that Country to obey and submit to his Authority while he continued in that Office Within a few days after the King directed his Writ
to Richard Earl of Arundel Admiral of the West-parts to arrest 13. stout Ships each of 80. Tun Burthen at least to bring them to Bristol before the Octaves of Easter for the passage of this Lord his men at Arms and Archers into that Country After a years enjoyment of this great Office he became desirous to resign it and to that purpose made an address to the King who sent directions to the Earl of Derby to confer with him about his continuance in it to which if he could not be perswaded to consent then he gave the Earl power to take his resignation and substitute some other fit person in his room to hold it during the Kings pleasure This Spring Iohn de Valois Duke of Normandy laid Siege to Aiguillon of which Town this Lord was Governor and then within it and though the Earl of Derby relieved him yet had the Duke so strongly intrenched himself that he could not raise the Siege so that it was continued by the Duke to the Decollation of St. Iohn Baptist in August at which time being called away to assist King Philip his Father against King Edward who had entred France with a puissant Army he raised his Siege Upon which the Lord Stafford sallying out of the Town fell upon his Rear cut off a great part of it and having joined his to the Kings Forces he had given him a Command in the Van of the Army under the Prince at the Battel of Cressy And after the Victory was sent with Sir Reignold Cobham and 3. Heralds to view the slain who made report of 11. great Princes 80. Bannerets 1200. Knights and above 30000. Common Souldiers When Calais was surrender'd he was one of those appointed to take possession of it for the King and had many fair Houses given him in that Town to place Inhabitants in Shortly after the rendition the Cardinals of Naples and Cleremont mediated a Peace between both Kings whereupon this Lord with Reignold de Cobham Io. Darcy and Robert de Bourghcher were nominated by the King to treat of a Peace or Truce between them their Subjects Allies and Adherents And for his good Services done to the King in France He gave him a Pension of 600. Marks for life out of the Customs of London and St. Butolphs The King also bestowed on him as a gift 573 l. towards his expences in his service beyond Sea He was with the King in the Encounter with Sir Geoffry Charney at Calais And went into Goscoigne with the Earl of Lancaster and other Lords to stop the Progress of the Duke of Normandy made there with his Army And growing more and more in the Kings favour by his meritorious Services he advanced him to the Dignity of an Earl and for the better support of that Honor and towards the defraying of his charge in attending the King with certain men at Arms both in Peace and War he granted him a Pension of 1000. Marks per Annum during life out of his Customs in London till he could settle on him the said annual sum in Lands or Rents The next day he was constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain in the Dukedom of Aquitaine and parts adjacent and the 3 d. of April following the King gave him power to appoint a Seneschal of Gascoigne and a Constable of Bordeaux and these to be such persons as he should think fit to enjoy those Offices during the Kings pleasure The next year the King empower'd him by a Commission to treat and agree with all persons of what Kingdom Nation or Degree soever upon a firm friendship and mutual assistance between the King and them and to retain them against all men to agree with them upon Fees Wages and rewards to receive security from them and give the like to them and what he did herein the King obliged himself and his Heirs to observe and perform Being ready to take another Journey into Gascoigne a Writ issued to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Admiral towards the West to arrest all Ships of 50. Tuns and upwards for this Earls passage thither and to bring them to Sandwich by Quindena Trinitatis following and upon his Entry into that Country he defeated the French that sallied out of the Fortress of Gagent and among them was taken seven Knights of the Star An. 29. E. 3. he went over with the King to Calais at the latter end of Summer and marched along with him in pursuit of King Iohn as far as Heyden And an 33. E. 3. he attended him in his Voyage into France which terminated with the Peace agreed on at Bretigny near Chartres Two years after he was designed for Ireland in the Company of several other persons of Quality upon the Kings Service But after this Voyage being much broken with Age and wasted with Sickness he became uncapable of publick Employments This Noble Lord Married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Hugh de Audeley Earl of Gloucester and Margaret his Wife who died the 7. of September an 21. E. 3. and by whom he had Issue Ralph his eldest Son who married Maud Daughter of Henry de Lancaster Earl of Derby but died about 21. E. 3. Hugh who succeeded him in his Earldom and Sir Richard Stafford Knight Beatrix the Wife of Maurice fitz Maurice Earl of Desmond Ioan of Iohn Charleton Lord Powes and Margaret of Iohn Stafford Patron of the Church of Bromhall in Staffordshire He died the last of August an 46. E. 3. and lies buried at Turnbridge in Kent 7. William Montacute Earl of Salisbury THis Earl was Son unto William Montacute first Earl of Salisbury of that Family and Katherine one of the Coheirs of William Lord Grantson He was born the Morrow after Midsummer day an 2. E. 3. for at the Death of his Father found to be the 30. of Ianuary an 18. E. 3. he was 15. years old the Midsummer before The 24. of May an 20. E. 3. the Wardship of his body was committed to Iohn de Somerton and Thomas Waryn until Christmass following and then renued till Whitsontide and thence till Michaelmas ensuing and being within Age he attended the King in that memorable expedition into France an 20. E. 3. So also did his younger Brother Iohn He was in the Sea Fight against the Spaniards near Winchelsey an 24. E. 3. and going into Gascoigne in the retinue of the Prince of Wales an 29. E. 3. he obtained Letters directed to the Seneschal there with Command that he should not be sued or molested for any of his own or Ancestors debts during the space of two years An. 33. E. 3. he attended the King in his Royal expedition into France and from that time to the 43. of Edward the Third we find little mention of his Martial employments
he did also with the said Sir Bartholomew an 19. E. 3. The following year he attended the Prince of Wales when King Edward entred France by Normandy and continued in service at the Siege of Calais and the following year was again sent into France The last Martial service we find him employed in was an 29. E. 3. when he attended the Prince of Wales into Gascoigne An. 16. E. 3. which was soon after he came of age he was summoned to Parliament from whence the summons were continued till an 47. E. 3. He married Ioane Daughter to Sir Bartholomew Burghersh the elder Sister to Sir Bartholomew Burghersh one of the Founders of this most Noble Order who died on Saturday next after the Feast of St. Michael an 6. H. 4. and had by her three Daughters and Co-heirs namely Elizabeth Wife to William Mountague Earl of Salisbury another of the Founders of the Order Philippa Wife to Edmond Duke of York and Albemarle and Maude Wife of Iohn Lord Strange of Knoching whose Son Richard came to inherit a large Estate after the death of his Aunts Elizabeth and Philippa they dying without Issue 13 Sir Hugh Courtney THis Hugh Courtney was elâ—est Son of Hugh Courtney second Son of Hugh Courtney first Earl of Devonshire of that name his eldest Son Iohn having taken on him a religious life was made Abbot of Tavestock and Margaret Daughter of Henry Bohun Earl of Hereford his Wife He was born 11. Cal. Apr. an 1. E. 3. and commonly called Hugh Courtney junior in regard his Father was living â—e attended the Kingin his Expedition into France an 20. E. 3. and in the following year being amoâ—g other brave Martialists in the Tornament at Eltham he had given him by thâ— King a Hood of White Cloth embroidered with men in the postures of dancing button'd with large Pearls He had a Son named Hugh who married Maud Daughter to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent one of the Founders of the Garter but had no Issue by her and she after his death became Wife to Waleran Earl of St. Paul He died an 40. E. 3. and his Son also died Hugh Courtney second Earl of Devonshire Father to the former and Grandfather to the later surviving both after whose death Edward Son to his Brother Edward Nephew and Heir to his Father succeeded him in the Earldom 14 Sir Thomas Holland HIS Father was Robert Lord Holland of Holland in Lancashire first summoned to Parliament an 8. E. 2. and he his second Son by Maud Daughter and Heir of Alan la Zouche An. 16. E. 3. he with Sir Iohn Dartuell were sent to Bayon with 200 men at Arms and 400 Archers to keep the Frontiers the following year he went again into France The King having granted to him 40 l. per annum for his good service till Lands of that yearly value were provided for him appointed it to be paid him out of the Farm Priory of Haylyng during the War with his Adversary of France The next year he gave his Mother Maud license to infeoffe him of the Mannors of Hals Brackeley and Kyng sutton to hold to him and his Heirs for ever And shortly after he attended the King into Normandy where he had a command under the Earl of Warwick At the taking of Caen in this Expedition the Earl of Eu and Guynes Constable of France and the Earl of Tankervile who defended it for the French seeing this Knight whom Froissard notes to have but one Eye as having formerly known him in Prusia Granada and other places called to him and yielded themselves and 25 Knights his Prisoners After he had secured them he again took Horse and rode into the Streets where he preserved the lives of many Ladies Maidens and Religious Women Afterwards the King bought of him the said Earl of Eu for 80000 Florens de Scuto six of which went to a Pound English money Not long after when the Army left Poysy he with Sir Reginald Cobham having command of the Rear upon the Townsmens revolt and killing some few of the English Souldiers that stayed behind returned and burnt the Town razed the two Castles and flew most of the Inhabitants At the Battel of Cressy he had command in the Van under the Prince of Wales and was at the Siege of Calais The 24. of August an 26. E. 3. the King granted to him and Ioane his Wife na annual Pension of 100 Marks out of his Exchequer towards her support during her life but in case her Brother Iohn Earl of Kent died without Issue and she enjoyed his Estate then the payment of the said Pension to cease An. 27. E. 3. he was summoned to Parliament and the next year constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain in the Dukedom of Bretagne and in the parts of Poictou adjoining to that Dukedom and of all other places belonging to Iohn Duke of Bretagne then a minor and under the Guardianship of the King and towards his expences and the maintenance of his Army while he stayed there he had allowed him all the profits and issues of the said Dukedom without rendring any account or profit to the King The 11. of November following this Commission was renewed and thereupon he continued in Bretagne all that Winter and the 8. of February following it was again renewed to him to hold from the 13. of April then next coming for one whole year but before half that time was expired Henry Duke of Lancaster was constituted the Kings Lieutenant there and the said Thomas command to surrender to him or to his Deputy all that was within his command It appears that his servants making provision at Totnes in Devonshire for his and his Ladies passage for Bretagne were robbed of as many of his Goods as were valued at 200 l. which accident retarding his passage the King upon his complaint sent forth his Writ to Iohn de Stonsord Iohn de Ferers Knights and Roger Pyperell to enquire into the matter Afterwards he had granted to him the custody of the Fort and Place of Cruyck in Normandy part of the Kings late Conquests with all the Revenues and Profits thereto belonging to hold during pleasure and a command was given to Donald Aselrig Lewis Clifford and Waelter Mewe to deliver them up to him or his Lieutenant An. 32. E. 3. he and his Lady went into Normandy and the ensuing year the custody of the Castle and Fort of St. Saviours le Viscount and of all the Castles c. that were Sir Geoffry de Harecourts was committed to him as also that of e Barflu in Normandy And shortly after Philip of Navarre Earl of Longueville Lord of Casell and this Noble Lord were constituted the Kings Lieutenants and Captains in Normandy conjunctim divisim
the King of France and entred Bretagne this Sir Iohn with some few Forces left Aquitaine and came to the assistance of Iohn Earl of Montford who received him with great joy having so great an opinion of his Valour and Conduct that he conceived no misfortune could fall upon him while he stayed with him By his advice and valour as all acknowledged the French were defeated Sir Bertrand de Guesclin taken Prisoner by an English Esquire under Sir Iohn's Standard Charles de Bloys there slain and the Enemy pursued 8 Leagues even to the Gates of Rennes This Battel was fought on Michaelmas day an 38. E. 3. where were taken two Earls 27 Lords and 1500 men at Arms. The news of the Victory being brought to the King then at Dover by a Pursuivant of Arms who had been in the Battel the King for his good service created him a Herald by the name of Windesor there was also an Herald who had the addition of Chandos given him in honor of this noble Knight whom he employed in Aquitaine upon several occasions This good success begat a Treaty which setled the Earl of Montfort in the Dukedom of Bretagne by the King of France to whom he did Homage as the Dukes before had done In the Prince's Voyage to Spain he had command in the Van led by the Duke of Lancaster and immediately before the joining of the Battel this noble Knight was created Banneret which honor was not only well bestowed but by his valiant carriage in the Fight as well deserved for he and his men hapning to encounter Sir Bertrand de Guesclin who had been ransomed from his former imprisonmeâ—â— at 100000 Franks and the Marshal Sir Arnold Dandrehen they took them both Prisoners and defeated their Battel After his return out of Spain he obtained leave to reside at St. Saviour le Viscount but when the French invaded Gascoigne the Prince sent for him back and employed him in the conduct of that War wherein he behaved himself most valiantly and in a word recovered and kept Aquitaine the particulars of whose famous actions from hence to his death may be seen in Sir Iohn Froissard out of whom we are loth to cloy our Reader with too much of transcription and shall therefore only note that in this time he was made Constable of Poictou and Marshal of Aquitaine He had the Barony of St. Saviours le Viscount of Domvers and Dongeville and the Lands and Tenements of St. Mary de Monte de Farsellis and de Romelly and all the Lands which were formerly Sir Godfry de Harecourts in Normandy given him and his heirs for ever by King Edward to whom the said Sir Godfry had sold them to be possessed after his death which being not comprised in the Treaty of Peace near Chartres the Homage for them became due to the King of France but there having passed so great Testimonies of affection and respect between King Edward and King Iohn the latter at the request of King Edward before he went from Calais sealed to Sir Iohn Chandos a confirmation of King Edward's grant to possess them as his inheritance for ever Whereupon command was sent to Sir Thomas Holland then Captain and Custos thereof forthwith to deliver the Castles Baronies and all the Lands and Tenements to the said Iohn And hereupon he was sometimes stiled Baro Sancti Salvatoris le Viscount and at other Vicecomes Sancti Salvatoris in Normania The last martial action of this most famous Knight and which proved fatal to him was near to St. Salvin an Abbey in Poictou which having been betrayed to the French by a Monk who hated the Abbot he endeavoured to recover it the last of December in the night an 44. E. 3. but missing of his design and intending to return to Poictou he encountred a party of the French at Lusach-bridge where the way being slippery he fell down and as he was rising one Iaques de St. Martyn an Esquire struck him under his Eye into the brain with a Glave for having lost the sight of that Eye five years before as he was hunting a Hart neer Bordeaux he saw not the blow come The French knew him by his Surcoat of Arms and endeavoured to get his body but his Uncle Edward Clyfford bestrid him and defended it and other relief coming in the French men were taken Prisoners He was thence carried to Mortymer Fortress where he lay a day and night speechless and then died and lies there buried His death was exceedingly lamented by all and when the French King heard of it he was very much troubled saying there was now no Knight left alive that was able to make Peace between the Kings and Kingdoms of France and England so much was he feared so highly esteemed and so generally beloved He was never married but we find he had three Sisters Elizabeth who died 9. R. 2. Alionora the Wife of Roger Colinge and Margaret 22. Sir Iames Audeley THis noble Knight was Son and Heir of Nicholas Lord Audeley and of Iane Sister and Heir of William the Son of William Martyn and was born an 7. E. 2. He was no sooner come of age but he entred upon Martial Employments wherein for several years he became engaged in the Wars against the Scots and there did the King so great service that in recompence thereof and the great charge he had been at in supporting himself in those Wars he forgave him the sum of 10000 Marks which he was engaged to pay Roger Mortimer Earl of March by whose attainder it became forfeited to the King An. 16. E. 3. he was made Custos of the Town of Berwick upon Twede during pleasure and by other Letters Patent of the same date constituted the Kings Iustice of the said Town and of all other the Kings Lands in the parts of Scotland to execute all things appertaining to that Office according to the Law and Custom of Scotland Not long after he was engaged to go beyond Sea in the Kings Service with Nicholas Audeley Earl of Gloucester and thereupon the Kings Letters of Protection were obtained for him to hold till Easter following The 20. of December after the Kings special Letter was directed to him to provide 20. Men at Arms and 20. Archers to be sent to Portsmouth by the first of March ensuing and thence to pass in the Kings Service with the Earls of Arundel and Huntingdon An. 18. E. 3. he went into Gascoigne with the Earl of Derby in his Expedition thither The following year he received Command personally to attend the King and to serve him with his Retinue for defence of this Kingdom against the French at the Kings charge And when the King made his Royal Voyage into France an 20. E. 3. he attended him thither He was sent over from the
le viii jour de May. NUM XXII A Commission to take Sir Iohn Falstolfs Oath at his Investiture with the Garter Ibidem De par le Roy Souveraine de l'Ordre de la Iartier TResâ—biers feaulx Cosins Nous vous saluons sovent pour ce que a la feste de Seinte George darraine tenuz en nostre Chastell de Wyndesore nostre Compaignie de l'Ordre de la Jartier faisant alorsque Chapitre la veille de la dit Feste a eslieu nostre chier feall John Falstolt Chivalier un de nouz Compaignons du dit Ordre en lieu de nostre treschier Cosin le Counte de Westmerland dont dieux ait l'ame nous vous envoions lez estatuz de cellui Ordre enseallez du selle du dit Ordre pour lez presenter bailler au dit Monsieur John Falstolf Si voulons vous mandons que vous ou l'un de vous a qui primerement cez presentez serront monstrez ou exibecs presentez bailles audit John Falstolf lez ditz estatuz pour lez voier visiter savoir que sont tâ—nuz de faire ceux qui sont de dit Ordre Et en cas q'il accepta le dit Ordre Ressaivez son serement en tel cas accustumé à faire en luy baillant l'Ordre du Jartier en le manere accustumé Treschiers fealx Cosins dieuÌ„x soit garde de vous Donne a Leicestre soubz le Seel du dit Ordre le viii jour de May. A nos treschiers feaulx Cousins lez Countez de Warwyk de Sarisbury de Sulfolk nouz Compaignons de la Jartier a un cheseun d'eulx NUM XXIII A Warrant for allowance of Garter's Charges when sent to signifie an Election MS. 4. penes W. le N. Cl. fol. 59. THese shall be to require you of such her Majesties Treasure as remaineth in your hands to pay or cause to be paid to Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight King of Arms being sent by her Majesties Commandment to our very good Lords the Earl of Rutland in the County of Lincolne and to the Lord Scroop in the County of Cumberland to signifie unto them the Electiâ—n made of them into the Order of Knights of the Garter for his pains and charges in that voyage expended the sum of Twenty pounds and this shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalf At the Court at Richmond the 10. of June 1584. T. Bromley Ch. Howard Chr. Hatton W. Burghley James Crofts Fran. Walâ—ingham Ed. Clynton To our very loving Friend Sir Thomas Heneage Knight Treasurer of of her Majesties Chamber NUM XXIV A Commission to the Soveraigns Lieutenant to Install an Elect-Knight Registr Chartac fol. 64. Henry R. HEnry the Eighth by the Grace of God King of England and of France Defensor of the Faith and Lord of Irland Souverain of the most Noble Order of the Gartier To our right trusty and right entirely well-beloved Cousin the Duke of Northfolk our Lieutenant at our Fest of the glorious Martir Saint George Patron of the said Noble Ordre our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosins the Marquess Dorset the Marquess of Exeter Th' Erle of Northumberland and our trusty and well-beloved the Vicounte Lisle the Vicount Fitz-water and the Vicount Rochford the Lord Ferrers Lord Bergaveny and the Lord Dakers Companions of the said Noble Order Greeting For as moche as we with you and other Companions have elected our right trusty and right entirely beloved Son Henry Duke of Richmont and of Somerset and Erle of Nottingham our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousins th' Erle of Arundel th' Erle of Westmerland and th' Erle of Rutland Companions of the said Noble Ordre We therefore will and auctorise you by these presents that ye the said Duke of Norfolk with the assistance of such other as our said Noble Ordre be aforenamed shall not only accept and admit the said Duke and Erles into the said Ordre and receve their Othes and install them but also further do therein as to the laudable Statutes and Ordinances of the said Ordre apperteigneth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf at all times hereafter Yeven under the Seal of our said Gartier at our Palais of Brydewell the xviii day of June in the xvii year of our Reign NUM XXV Another Ex Collect. Iohannis Vincent Gen. Elizabeth R. ELIZABETH by the Grace of God Queen of England Fraunce and Ireland Defendor of the Faith and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor th' Erle of Penbroke one of the Companions and Knights of the said Order by us assigned and deputed to be our Lieutenant at the Feast of the glorious Martyr St. George Patron of the saâ—d Order to be kept within our said Castell of Windesor the 4. of June next ensuing and others the Companions of the said Order that then shall be present Greeting Whereas we with others the Companions of the said Noble Order assembled at a Chapitre holden at our Palace of Westminster the xxiv day of Aprill last have elected and chosen among others our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousen the Duke of Norfolk our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousen and Councellor the Marquess of Northampton our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousen th' Erle of Rutland and our trusty and right well-beloved the Lord Robert Dudley Master of our Horse to be Knights and Companions of the said Order We will and by these presents authorise you not only to accepte and admit them into the said Order and receive their Oaths and install them accordingly but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable Custom and usage of the said Noble Order appertaineth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge in this behalf Yeven under the Seal of our said Garter the first of June in the first year of our Reign NUM XXVI A Commission to other Knights-Companions for the Installation of an Elect-Knight Regist. Chartac fol. 61. b. Henry R. HENRY the Eighth by the Grace of God King of England and of France Defensor of the Faith and Lord of Irland Soverain of our Noble Ordre of the Gartier To our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin the Marquess Dorset And also to our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosins Th' Erle of Devon and th' Erle of Kent Companions of our said Noble Ordre Greeting Forasmâ—che as we with you and other Knights and Companions of our said Noble Ordre assembled at the Chapitre holden at our Manoir of Grenewich the xiii day of July last passed have elected and chosen Walter Devereux Lord Ferrers to be Knight and Companion of the said Ordre We therefore will and by vertue of these presents auctorise you not only t' accepte and admit the said
and commence from the time of the last payment thereof unto the said Sir William Seager alias Garter our principal King of Arms And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Given under our Privy Seal at our Palace of Westminster the seventh day of February in the second year of our Reign NUM CLXXI. Commissional Letters for collecting the Contributions towards furnishing the Altar in the Chappel at Windesor Ex lib. vocat Frith's Regist. p. 139. CHARLES by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To all and singular whom these may concern greeting Whereas We with the Knights and Companions of our said Order in contemplation of the great want of such sacred Furniture for our Royal Chappel of St. George within our Castle of Windesor as may be suitable to the honour and devotion of the said Order have at sundry Chapters there holden advised and decreed that a joynt contribution should be made for provision of the same And particularly at a Chapter together with the Solemnity of the Feast of St. George holden upon the 6. of this present October We did again declare and constitute that We our selves would begin and that every Lord which is now of our Realm a Companion of the said Order or was at the making of our first Decree viz. Nov. 24. 1625. should give and confer towards the same as to him should be thought meet Provided that it be not under xxl. Now know ye that We have and do by these presents give Authority and Command to our Dean and Canons of our said free Chappel that they forthwith by any one of themselves or by their lawful Deputy under their Common Seal do ask and receive as well of our own Officers for our Self as of every Lord and Companions of the Order that now is of our Realm and of the Heirs Executors and Administrator of any that are deceased since the time last above mentioned the said gift and contribution And that thereof they be accountable unto Vs at our next Chapter to be holden for the said Order or at the next Session of the Lords Commissioners for the said Order which of the two shall first happen Given under the Seal of our said Order the seventh day of October in the sixth Year of our Reign of England Scotland France and Ireland c. 1630. NUM CLXXII The Soveraign's Letter to the Dean and Canons of Windesor for making use of their Lodgings at Saint George's Feast an 7. H. 5. Ex Lib. vocat Denton fol. 69. TReschers bien aymés Nous vous solvons souuent Et pour ce que grant multitude de gens tant estrongers que aultres qui seront à nostre Chasteau de Windesore à ceste prochaine solempnité la feste de Sainct George à cause de la Venue de l' Empereur du Due de Holand Nous desirons voulons que leurs gens aultres estans de nostre Compengnie ayent la plus grand favour aise que faire se pourra en aucune maniere touchant leur Logemens dedens mesme nostre dit Chasteau Pour laquelle cause vous envoyons presentement nostre bien aymé Escuier Huisser de Chambre le porteur de cestes vers nostre dit Chasteau pour yenor donner contre nostre venue Si vous prions que vous veâ—illiés bonnement souffrir nostre dit Huissier survoyer lez Logemens de vous maisons dedens nostre College de y logier autant de personnes come faire se pourra bonestement à ceste foys tout seullement pour la cause dessus dit Et ce faisons vous nous faites â—ng singulier plesir Et n'est pas nostre intention ne vouloir que par coulour de ce Vous en soyés ainsi chargiés plus avant Et nostre Signeur soit garde de vous Donné soubz nostre Signet à Lambeth le 18. jour de May l'an de nostre Reigne septieme NUM CLXXIII A Letter from the Soveraign to excuse the absence of some of the Knights-Companions from the Grand Feast Lib. Nâ—ag 174. SVpremus honorando ac pervenerando Patri suo Thomae Comiti Derb. salvere ac benè valere Quoniam ob multa variaque negotia quae nostri oneris sunt perdelectus Cognatus noster Comes Salopiae fideles ac benè meriti nobis à Consiliis Dominus Reginaldus Bray Dom. Tho. Lovell Dom. Carolus Somerset Dom. Richardus Goulford Dominus Gilbertus Talbot Socii clarissimi nostri Ordinis non possunt ipsi in Festo Divi Georgii septimo Maii celebrando interesse sed venia nostra donandi siâ—t arduis illisce rebus impediti Nos igitur biis nostris scriptis certiorem tuam nobilitatem facimus Vt has excusationes rationi consonaâ— acceptes de nulla Statutorum vi dubitaturus si contra denotare videatur cum penes nos sit ut ipsaemet leges jure regantur Richmondiae 29. Aprilis NUM CLXXIV Another Ex Collect. A. V. W. Elizabeth RIght trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin and Counsellor We greet you well Forasmuch as our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors the Earls of Arundel and Derby c. Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter cannot for certain employments by our Commandment attend at the Feast of the glorious Martyr St. George to be holden and kept within our Castle of Windsor the 22. day of May next coming and they being by Vs dispensed with and pardoned for their absence at that time like as we have thought good to advertize you thereof so We will you to accept their reasonable excuses in this behalf accordingly any Statute of the said Order made to the contrary notwithstanding Given under the Signet of our said Order at our Palace at Westminster the 20. of May in the fifth year of our Reign NUM CLXXV Another Ms. penes Arthur Com. Anglesey fol. 122. b. Elizabeth RIght trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor We greet you well And forasmuch as our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and counsellor the Marquess of Winchester and the Earl of Derby and our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin and Counsellor the Duke of Norfolk our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor the Lord Clynton our high Admiral of England our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor the Marquess of Northampton our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor the Lord Howard of Effingham Lord Chamberlain of our Houshold our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Shrewsbury our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Hastinges of Loughborough our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor the Earl of Leicester our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Warwick our trusty and well-beloved the Lord Hunsdone
our trusty and well-beloved Sir Henry Sidney Companions of our Noble Order of the Garter cannot for certain causes to be executed and done by our Commandment be at the Feast of the Glorious Martyr St. George to be holden and kept within our Castle of Windsore the xvii day of June next coming but be by Vs pardoned of their absence from the said Feast like as we have thought good to advertize you thereof so We will you to accept their reasonable excuse in this behalf accordingly any Statutes of the said Order made to the contrary notwithstanding Given under our Seal of our said Order at our Honor at Hampton-Court the day of June in the xii Year of our Reign NUM CLXXVI A Commission for holding the Grand Feast Regist. Chartac fol. 13. b. HEnry par la grace de Dieu Roy d' Angleterre de France Souvrain de la Compagnie de l' Ordre du Gartier A tous nos Compagnons du dit Ordre Salut Comme pour certeines causes que nous movent ne pourrons estre personnelement à la Feste de Saint George prouchein venant à nostre Chastell de Wyndesore par les Estatutz du dit Ordre nous est loisible pour commetter deputer autre personne pour nous pour tenir lez Chapitres corriger redresser faire les Eleccions de lez approuver de faire toutes autres choses comme il appertendra solone la forme teneure dez ditz Estatutz Pour ce est il que nous avons commis deputé commettons deputons par cez presentes nostre trescher tresame Oncle Jean Regent nostre Royaume de France Duc de Bedford pour faire les ditz choses avec leures circumstances dependences quelconques Mandons commandons à nous dis Compaignons que en ce faisant lui obeissent entendent diligentment comme à l'ordre appartent pour cest fois Donné à Leycestre la premier jour d' Avril l'an de nostre Regne quart NUM CLXXVII Another Ibid. fol. 62. b. Henry R. HEnry the viii by the grace of God King of England and of France Defensour of the Faith and Lord of Irland To our right trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin the Marquess Dorcet Greeting Forasmuch as we for divers gret and vrgent causes may not be present at the Fest of the glorious Martyr St. George Patrone of our noble Ordre of the Gartier to be holdyn solempnised and kept in our Castell of Windesore the viii day of May next commyng We therefore by these presents name constitute appoint and ordayne you to be our Lieutenant at the said Feast Giving unto you full power and auctorite to do and accomplische every thing at the same which to our Lieutenant there in such case belongith and hath been accustumed Willing and Commanding by the tenour hereof all and every the Companions and Officers of our said Ordre to be to you in the executing of this our auctorite obeying and attending as schall apperteyne Yeven under the Seal of our sayd Garter at our Manoir of Beaulieu the xxv day of Aprill the xvi yere of our Reigne NUM CLXXVIII Another Lib. N. pag. 249. Henry R. HEnricus Dei gratiâ Rex Angliae Franciae Princeps Gualliae Dominus Hiberniae Fedei Defensor atque Illustrissimi bujus Ordinis ipse Supremus unice nobis dilecto fide probatissimo Officio erga nos suo jam undique notissimo Cognato nostro Duci Norf. salutem ac foelicitatem Nunc quoniam per multa charissime nos istinc negotia detinent ut quod optamus gloriossimi Martyris Patroni nostri festivitatem praesentia nostra non possumus honorare tuam propterea nobilitatem ad illud ipsum nomine nostro praestandum nominamus atque instituimus eam tibi dantes authoritatem quae supplenti vices nostras unquam alias assuevit jubentes itidem ut Sociorum quisquis atque Officialium tibi dum mandatum hoc nostrum facessis obediant quantum res ipsa postulabit ex nutu tuo jussuque pendeat Windesori sub Ordinis Sigillo undecimo Junii nostri Regui decimo septimo NUM CLXXIX A Letter of Notice to the Assistants of the Soveraign's Lieutenant to be at the Feast Collect. A. V. W. By the Queen RIght trusty and right well-beloved We greet you well Where we by our Commission under the Seal of our most Noble Order of the Garter have assigned and appointed our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor the Earl of Arundel Lord Steward of our Houshold and one of the Companions of the said Noble Order to be our Lieutenant at the Feast of the glorious Martyr St. George to be kept within our Castle of Windesor the 18. day of May next coming for the doing of all things there as to Our Lieutenant appertaineth And have appointed you with our right trusty right well-beloved the Lord Paget of Beaudesert to be Assistants at the said Feast We have thought good not only to give you knowledge thereof by these Our Letters but also require you to make your repair to Our said Castle of Windesor so as you may be there at the said Feast accordingly Given under the Signet of Our said Order at Our Mannor of Greenwich the second day of May in the third year of Our Reign To Our right trusty and right well-beloved the Viscount Mountague one of the Companions of Our Order The like Letter and of the same Date was sent to the Lord Paget the other Assistant NUM CLXXX An Order for the fashion and materials of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions Vnder Habit. Collect. E. W. G. Charles R. IT being most certain that nothing can be more conducing to the keeping up of that Lustre and Dignity of our most Noble Order of the Garter wherein it is at this present then those very means by which it hath attained unto it constancy and immtability For these reasons having at a Chapter held at our Castle of Windesor the 16. of April last past resolved upon a review and examination of its Statutes to see if possibly length of time and change of Customs might have introduced any thing in them which might make them swerve from the ancient Rules so far as they were not unconsistent with the present Vsance We have thought it not unworthy our care to descend unto the particulars of its Clothing And thereupon having found that in what concerns the Vnder-Habits used by the Companions at the solemnizing of Instalments or the Celebration of St. George's Feast they followed too much the modern fashion never constant and less comporting with the decency gravity and stateliness of the upper Robes of the Order It was resolved in that Chapter and accordingly we ordain and enjoyn That from this time forwards the Companions shall be obliged to a certain and immutable form and fashion as well for their Under-Habits as their
Vrsus of the Theban Legion who was martyr'd before the Temple of the Sun at Soleurre in Switzerland as also of St. Gall from the name of the Patron of the place where it received Institution This Order continued among the Switzers till they became a Common-wealth and then the Castles and strong holds of the Noblemen and Gentry of the Country being dismantled the use thereof was wholly laid aside The Order of the Broom Flower in France 11. Saint Lewis King of France saith Favin instituted this Order to honor the Coronation of Margaret his Queen eldest Daughter of Berengâ—rius Count of Provence anno Dom. 1234. The Habit appointed for the Knights were Cassocks of White Damask and Violet Chaperons the Collar was composed of Broom Flowers of the native colours interlaced with Flowers de Lis hanging thereat a Cross Florence Gold to which was added this Inscription Exaltat humiles the Founder accounting it the Symbol of humility As to the number of the Knights it was not made certain by the Founder but wholly depended on the will of the Sovereign This Order continued to the death of King Charles the Fifth Notwithstanding all that Favin thus relates the Saincte Marthe's are of opinion for the reason before noted that neither this St. Lewis nor the before mentioned King Robert nor King Charlemain did ever institute any Military Order of Chevalry And Mennenius reports that Charles the Sixth is said to have been the Founder of the Knights of the Broom Flower if this be true the Order will want many years of that antiquity which Favin bestows upon it Peter Bellay rather thinks this later Institution not to have been any Order of Knighthood but a Company of young Esquires the Sons of Noblemen who attended King Charle's person as a Life-Guard or as Esquires of the Body and were oftentimes imployed to interpret the messages of Embassadors from foreign parts The Order of the Ship and double Crescent in France 12. Mennenius acknowledgeth that of old there was such an Order in France erected in honor of the great atchievements that Nation did by Sea but by whom it was founded or at what time doth not appear from him Yet Favin is full in both for he affirms that the before mentioned St. Lewis after the Institution of the Broom Flower erected this likewise for animating the Nobility of France by this new prize of honor to accompany him in his Voyage into Africa 1269. The Collar was interlaced with double Escallops of Gold and double Crescents of Silver interwoven and fastned together with double Gold Chains at which the Figure of a Ship was pendent in an Oval of Gold This Order continued in France after the death of St. Lewis no longer than those Knights lived who were admitted thereinto by him but it was retained by Charles Brother of the said St. Lewis and by him setled in Sicily where it remained in request with his Successors until the Kings of Aragon gained that Kingdom Knights of St. James in Holland 13. Albertus Miraeus from an old Dutch Register called Register der Ridderscap or the Register of the Order of Knighthood informs us That Florentius Earl of Holland and Zeland and Lord of Friseland in the year 1290. bestowed the Ensigns of his Order of St. Iames in the Hall of his Palace at the Hague upon twelve of his principal Nobility whose names he sets down among whom the second in rank is Lancelot Lord Hamilton then Embassador from the King of Scots The Knights of this Order were invested with a Collar of Gold or military Belt of Silver and gilt adorned with six Escallops whereat was appended the Picture of St. Iames the Apostle All the Knights Shields whereon were painted their proper Arms were delivered to Iohn Paypaert Herald of Holland and by him hung up in the great Hall of the Palace at the Hague in perpetual memory and testimony of this Institution Order of the Swan in Cleveland 14. If ever there was an Order there under that Title it hath been very ancient and long since laid aside yet Favin says the Princes of Cleve have born the Swan for their Order Devise Crest and Supporters to preserve the memory of the Knight of the Swan the Romance of whose Adventures he also sets down and further reports that Charles Gonzaga of Cleve Duke of Nivers and Retelois had it in design to re-establish this Order peculiar to the House of Cleve The Knights of Jesus at Rome 15. The Popes of Rome as they are Lords Paramount of St. Peters Patrimony are Temporal Princes upon which account to honor the Nobles principally of that Territory and others they have erected and established certain Orders of Knighthood as well Religious as Military but all of them Stipendaries to the Papal See Of the former sort we have spoken before in the last Chapter but this being esteemed a Military Order we therefore place it here It was instituted by Pope Iohn the 22. at Avignon in France anno 1320. and much augmented by Paul the Fifth The Knights wear for the Badge of this Order a plain Cross gules inclosed within a Cross Patee Or hanging at a Gold Chain In the Month of Ianuary 1668 9. Pope Clement the Ninth created three of the Ambassadors from the Catholick Cantons in Switzerland with the accustomed Ceremony himself putting on their Gold Chains with the Ensigns appendant and the Captain of his Guards girding their Swords about them Order of the White Eagle in Poland 16. The information we have of this Order is from Favin also who saith that Ladislaùs the Fifth King of Poland instituted the same to honor the marriage of his Son Casimire the Great with Anne Daughter of Gedimir Duke of Lithuania in the Month of February in the year of our Lord 1325. The Ensign hereof was a White Eagle crowned The Order of Knights de la Banda in Castile 17. This Order of Knights called de la Banda was erected by Alphonsus the Eleventh King of Leon and Castile in the City of Victoria anno 1332. but Favin from Antonio de Guevara saith it was in the City of Palencia anno 1330. and Sansovin in Burgos anno 1368. For this King considering that he had to do with many Enemies could find no better way to secure himself than by erecting this Order and constituting himself Master thereof which he did a little before his Coronation Shortly after saith Mennenius to wit anno 1332. the Solemnity of this Order was celebrated in the City of Burgos where on the Eve thereof in the Monastery of St. Mary Royal each of the Candidates was conducted by the King to the Altar and having there laid down his Arms spent the whole night in watching and Prayer The next day after Mass he was invested with a Red military Belt or a Ribband of four fingers broad
the Senate sees fitting and for asmuch as the Senate is a representation of the whole Common-wealth and that the Creations of these Knights are confirmed by publick Decrees it is taken that the Knights of their creating are of greater Dignity than those made by the Duke When the Creation is in a full Colledge whether it be by the Senate or the Duke only the Collar and Medal is bestowed at the publick Charge but when by the Duke privately then upon his particular expence These Knights wear the Honor among other Titles of Dignity as I have seen it inscribed about the Effigies of Sir Daniel Heinsius thus DANIEL HEINSIVS D. MARCI EQVES ILLVSTR. HOLLANDIAE ORDINVM HISTORICVS POLITICVS ET HISTORIARVM PROFESSOR BIBLIOTHECARIVS ACADEMIAE ET SECRETARIVS And among those other Titles given to that famous Mathematician and Astrologer Sir Andrew Argoll that of his Knighthood by this Title is also thus inserted ANDREAS ARGOLVS D. MARCI EQVES ET IN CELEBERRIMO LYCEO PATAVINO PROFESSOR MATHEMATICVS The Order of Seraphins in Sweden 20. In the year of our Lord 1334. Magnus the Fourth King of Sweden in imitation of other Christian Princes who had established Military Orders instituted this of the Seraphins or Seraphick Knights otherwise surnamed of Iesus in memory of the Siege laid to the Metropolitan City of Vpsala The Collar of this Order was composed of Seraphins and Patriarchal Crosses the former of Gold enamelled Red the later also of Gold but without any enamel At the end thereof hung the Image of Christ in an Oval Favin saith it was this Cipher IHS composed of three Letters and signifying the name of Iesus and in point four Nails But elsewhere 't is said to be the Figure of the blessed Virgin Mary and to make the thing yet more uncertain another tells us it was a Patriarchal Cross that hung thereat The Order of the Sword and Military Belt in Sweden 21. We find mention made of another Order of Knights in Sweden called of the Sword and Military Belt whose Collar consisted of Swords and Belts conjoyn'd the Symbols of Justice and Love the Swords somewhat bending towards the point and so joined point to point round into a Circle But by whom or when this Order was instituted we are not yet informed The Order of the Knot in Naples 22. When Lewis King of Hungary design'd a War against Ioane Queen of Naples he undertook an Expedition into Italy not so much to deprive her of her Kingdom as to revenge the death of his Brother Andrew whom as 't is reported Queen Ioane his Wife had commanded to be strangled After many troubles and three years of War they came to an accord the first of April anno 1351. and the 26. of May following with the consent of Pope Clement the Sixth the Queen and Lewis Prince of Tarentum were crowned King and Queen of that Realm and that same day in memory of such a happy Peace and to take away all suspitions and enmities the Prince instituted this Order of Knights into which entred threescore and ten of the illustrious Lords in blood of Naples and some other Strangers The Habit he appointed was White and for the Orders chief Ensign he gave a Knot the Embleme of Love and Friendship intermixt with Gold and as the like Institutions in that Kingdom commonly ended with the death of their Founders so this Order expired in a short time The Order of Knights of the Annunciade in Savoy 23. Ame the Sixth of that name Earl of Savoy surnamed Conte le Verde instituted this Order under the Title of the Collar in the year of our Lord 1362. in honor of the 15 Divine Mysteries of the Rosary Andrew Favin on a mistaken ground calls it the Order of the Snares of Love in regard as he alledgeth the Founder had received of his Lady the favour of a Bracelet made of the Tresses of her hair knit or plaited in Love-knots and that the four Letters afterward interlaced by the Founder within such like Love-knots should signifie Frappés Entrés Rompés Tout But Francis Capre Councellor and Secretary of State to the present Duke of Savoy who hath given an account of the Institution together with the several restaurations of this Order from the Records thereof preserved in the Charter-house in Pierre Chastle appointed at the time of the Foundation for the Seat of the Order confutes this error of Favin and with him several others who have unwarily swallowed down the same mistake Mennenius and Miraeus take not the least notice of its denomination from the Collar but call it the Order of the Annunciation in Savoy But it is cleer enough from the Founders last Will and Testament bearing date the 27. of February anno 1383. and from what Capre and Guichenon alledge as also from the Statutes of Ame the Eighth that at the time of the Foundation it was called the Order of the Collar under which name it continued till the time of Charles the Third surnamed le Bon Duke of Savoy when and not before it had bestowed on it the Title of the Annunciation from the Picture of the History of the blessed Virgin Mary by him first made appendant to the Collar in the year 1518. The Founder appointed the number of his Knights reckoning himself the Chief and Sovereign for one to be fifteen among whom we find Sir Richard Musard an English Gentleman recorded agreeable to the number of the before mentioned Divine Mysteries but in the additional Statutes made by Ame the Eighth first Duke of Savoy anno 1434. and by Duke Emanuel Philibert 1568. there is a permission given to augment their number by adding five to the former fifteen but the Soveraigns have not always been confin'd to this number Besides the Institution of this Order the Founder erected and founded the Chartreuse of Pierre Chastle in Bugey wherein were entertained 15 Priests and they obliged to celebrate every day 15 Masses to the honor of the 15 Joys of the blessed Virgin to the Souls health of him his Predecessors and all who had been were or should hereafter be Knights of this Order So that the resemblance of this Institution with the foundation of this religious house is some argument that the Order as well as the House were founded upon a religious and pious not amorous or wanton account At Pierre Chastle were the Ceremonies observed and the Chapters held by the Sovereign and Knights until the time that Charles Emanuel First of that name Duke of Savoy exchanged it and some other places for the Marquisate of Saluces upon the Treaty of Peace concluded at Lyons 17. Ian. 1607. and then the Anniversary of the Feast and celebrations of the Order being fixt to the Feast-day of the Annunciation of our Lady were translated from hence first to the Church of St. Dominick at
that Saint This King appointed a White Habit for the Knights and prescribed laudable Constitutions to the Order but because he setled no Revenue thereupon the splendor thereof ceased at his death nevertheless he obtained the end for which it was instituted Knights of St. Anthony in Hainolt 27. Albert of Bavaria Earl of Hainolt Holland and Zeland designing an Expedition against the Turks and Moors instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1382. The Ensign thereof was a golden Collar wrought after the fashion of an Hermits Girdle at which hung a walking Staff and a little golden Bell. The Order of the Porcupine in France 28. Monsieur Lewis of France Duke of Orleans instituted this Order in the year 1393. to honor the Baptism of his eldest Son Charles by Valentina his Wife Daughter to Iohn Galeas Duke of Millan and made choice of the Porcupine for his Devise with this Epigraph Cominus Eminus not only out of the high hopes he conceived of this Child but also to intimate something of revenge against Iohn Duke of Burgundy his mortal Enemy no less than self-defence against all his designs and assaults of which this Animal is a proper Emblem Paradine Mennenius and Micheli make Charles the Son of this Monsieur Lewis the Founder anno Dom. 1430. in imitation or emulation of Philip Duke of Burgundy Founder of the Order of the Golden Fleece but Favin strengthens his foresaid relation from the authority of one Hennotin de Cleriaux an Herald who attended the forementioned Christning in his Heralds Coat and set down an account of the Institution by Monsieur Lewis together with the names of the Princes Lords and Gentlemen on whom he then bestowed his new erected Order their number being 25 including the Founder The Habit assigned to the Knights were Surcoats of Violet Velvet and over them Mantles of Watchet Velvet lined with Carnation Satin The Collar was formed of Gold Chains at the end whereof hung a Porcupine of Gold upon a little enamelled hillock of Grass and Flowers which Creature was also embroidered on the Knights Belts The Order of the Lilly in Aragon 29. According to Hieronymus Zurita this Order was instituted by Ferdinand King of Aragon called the Infant of Antiquera in the year of our Lord 1403. and dedicated to the honor of the blessed Virgin The Collar was composed of Bough-Pots fill'd with White Lillies interlaced with Gryphons and as Hieronymus Romanus reports was vulgarly called La Orden de la Terraca o de las Azucenas ò Iarra de S. Maria which is as much as to say The Order of Lillies or the Vessel of St. Mary Favin gives it under the Title of the Looking-glass of the blessed Virgin Mary in Castile instituted as he saith in honor and memory of a Victory which this King Ferdinand had obtained in that Kingdom against the Moors anno 1410. to wit seven years after the time assigned by Zurita for the foundation The Founder transplanted this Order with him into Aragon 1413. when he received the Crown of that Kingdom and where it continued under the Sons of this King but no longer The Order of the Dragon overthrown in Hungary 30. The Emperor Sigismond surnamed the Glorious for the many Battels he gained over the barbarous Nations in defence of the Christian Religion having greatly laboured the peace of the Churches of Hungary and Bohemia and by his Travels into England France and Spain to invite those Princes to join with him in that his Enterprise brought the same to pass by the Council of Constance out of extream joy at the accomplishment thereof instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1418. for defence of the Christian Religion and to crush all Hereticks and Schismaticks that should arise which Order in short time became of high esteem not only throughout Hungary but Germany also The Knights wore daily for their Ensign of Honor a Green Cross story on solemn days a Scarlet Cloak and on the Mantlet of Green Silk a double Chain of Gold Micheli saith a Green Ribbon at the end of which hung a Dragon dead with broken Wings in the posture of being overcome the Symbol of Heresie vanquished and the whole enamelled with variety of Colours proper But this Order continued not long for it almost expired with the Founder Peter Beloy President of Tholouse affirms he had seen a Diploma dated anno 1413. purporting that Basilius Colalba Marquess of Ancona was admitted into this Order in these very words Te quem manu propria militiae cingulo societatis nostrae Draconicae ac Stolae seu amprisiae charissimi fratris nostri Regis Aragoniae insignivimus c. Equites Tufini in Bohemia 13. We find but a bare mention thereof made by Mennenius and that it was erected in the Kingdom of Bohemia or else both in Bohemia and Austria but he doth not in the least inform us either of the cause of its Institution the Badge of the Order or to what the Title refers The two first of these particulars Ios. Micheli supplies but as to the third we cannot give so perfect an account as we would yet we remember to have read somewhere that this Order had its name from Toca a Cap or Coif The Arch-Dukes of Austria saith he were Founders of this Order which they instituted to ingage their Subjects in the defence of the Christian Religion and expulsion of the Turks and those they called Hereticks out of their Dominions for having about 200 years maintained a War with vast and excessive charge by erecting this Order and bestowing upon the Knights thereof all that they gained in War towards their supportation they very much eaâ—â—d themselves in their Military Expences and indeed this proved so great an encouragement to them that in a few years performing service wheresoever their Chiefs commanded them to ingage they cleared their Provinces almost of both Turks and Schismaticks The Ensign of this Order was a plain Green Cross and the Habit of the Knights Red. This and the following Order saith the same Author were under the Rule of St. Basil and profest conjugal Chastity and Obedience but we see not from what ground he alledges this for if so then ought we to have placed it among the Religious rather than Military Orders these being absolute notes and marks thereof But inasmuch as we elsewhere find that Albert the Emperor adorned Moyses Didacus de Valera in Spain a Knight of known and approved courage with the Ensigns of his three Orders viz. of the Dragon as he was King of Hungary of the Tusin as King of Bohemia and with the Collar de la Disciplinas as Duke of Austria it is hence manifest they were all compleat Military Orders of which this Emperor was Soveraign or Chief for no man can be admitted into
of Richard Duke of Gloucester confirm'd and deliver'd to the Dean and Chapter the Mannors of Bentfieldbury in the County of Essex Knapton in the County of Norfolk and Chellesworth in the County of Suffolk who thereupon granted among other things that they and their Successors should cause yearly for ever a Mass to be daily celebrated in this Chappel for the good estate of the said Duke and of Anne his Dutchess while they lived and their souls when dead as also for the souls of their Parents and Benefactors Sir Thomas St. Leger Knight sometime Husband to Anne Dutchess of Exeter Sister to King Edward the Fourth founded a Chantry of two Priests who in the middle Chappel situate on the North side of the Church were ordain'd to pray for the healthful estate of King Edward the Fourth and his Queen and Cicely Dutchess of York the Kings Mother while they lived and for their souls when dead as also for the Soul of Richard Duke of York the good estate of the said Sir Thomas and Richard Bishop of Salisbury then living and after their decease for their souls and the soul of Anne Dutchess of Exeter The Foundation of this Chantry and the Covenants between Sir Thomas St. Leger and the Dean and Colledge are dated the 20. of April anno 22. E. 4. By the last Will of King Edward the Fourth a Chantry was ordained to be founded of two Priests to serve at his Tomb to whom was appointed an exhibition of twenty Marks yearly apiece They were called King Edward's Chantry Priests The Chantry of Thomas Passche one of the Canons of this Chappel was founded for a Priest to pray daily for his Soul and the Soul of William Hermer another of the Canons there as also for the good estate of Master Iohn Arundel and Master Iohn Seymer Canons and of Master Thomas Brotherton and their Souls after they should depart this life There was another Chantry Priest assigned to pray for the Souls of the said Passche and Hermer and of Iohn Plumer Verger of the Chappel and Agatha his Wife which devotion was appointed to be perform'd at the Altar on the North side of the new Church and the setlement thereof bears date the 18. of March anno 9. Hen. 7. The first of March anno 12. H. 7. Margaret Countess of Richmond obtained license from the King that she or her Executors might found a Chantry of four Chaplains to pray for her Soul the Souls of her Parents and Ancestors and all faithful Souls departed This Celebration was to be performed in a place neer the East part of the new work of the Chappel And the 18. of Iuly anno 13. H. 7. the Dean and Canons granted that the Countess or her Executors should erect such a Chantry in the Chappel as is before mentioned The Chantry of William Lord Hastings founded of one Priest to pray for his Soul the Souls of the Lady Katherine his Widow and of Edward Lord Hastings his Son and Mary his Wife after their death The Chappel wherein this Service was celebrated is that on the North side of the Choire about the middle thereof where the Body of this Lord lies interred The Ordination is dated the 21. of February anno 18. H. 7. On the North side of St. Georges Chappel stands a little house built for the habitation of this Chantry Priest having over the Door cut in stone the Lord Hastings's Arms surrounded with a Garter Charles Somerset Lord Herbert created afterwards Earl of Worcester was buried in the South Chappel dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the West end of the Church where he ordain'd a secular Priest to say Mass every day and to pray for the Souls of him and his first Wife Elizabeth the Daughter and Heir of William Herbert Earl of Huntingdon Lord Herbert of Gower who also lies there interred Adjoining to the House built for the Lord Hastings's Chantry Priest is another like Building erected for this Chantry Priest and over the Door thereof now to be seen is the Founders Arms within a Garter cut also upon stone The Foundation of this Chantry is dated the 30. of Iuly anno 21. H. 7. To these we shall add the pious Foundation of the House called the New Commons erected over against the North Door of the Body of St. George's Chappel by Iames Denton one of the Canons of the Colledge sometimes Dean of Lichfield anno 11. H. 8. for the lodging and dieting such of the Chantry Priests Choristers and stipendary Priests who had no certain place within the Colledge where to hold Commons in but were constrained daily to eat their Meals in sundry houses of the Town this House he furnished with proper Utensils for such a use the whole charge amounting to 489 l. 7 s. 1 d. and for all which the Choristers were desired by him in the Statutes he ordained for their Rule and Government to say certain Prayers when they entred into the Chappel and after his death to pray for his and the Souls of all the faithful departed In this Chappel of St. George there were heretofore several Anniversaries or Obits held and celebrated some of them as they are entred down in an Account of Owen Oglethorp Treasurer of the Colledge for the year commencing the first of October anno 38. H. 8. and ending the last of September anno 1. E. 6. inclusive we will here remember October November 2. Sir Thomas Sentleger Knight 3. William Bewster Canon 6. Iohn Wygrym Canon 5. Iohn Plomer Verger 8. William Edyngton Bishop of Winchest 10. Iohn Brydbroke Canon 9. King Edward the Fourth 13. Thomas Pashe Canon 16. Rich. Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury 20. Robert Vere Earl of Oxford 22. William Cock Canon 27. Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick  29. Iohn Chapman Vicar Prospect of the Cancellor Screen from the West PROSPECT OF THE CANCELL from the East PROSPECT OF THE CHOIRE from the West PROSPECT OF THE CHOIRE from the East December January 3. Ralph Wyndesor 3. Katherine Queen of England 14. Iohn Howden Canon 8. King Edward the Fourth 30. Richard Duke of York 10. Anne Devereux 31. Tho. Beauford Duke of Exeter 11. Iohn Chambre Canon  12. Anne Dutchess of Exeter  14. Geoffry Aston February March 4. Richard Raunds Canon 1. Richard Smith 21. William Mugge Custos 4. Knights of the Garter 28. Roger Lupton Canon 5. Walter Devereux  10. Richard Welles Canon  19. King Henry the Fourth  24. Henry Duke of Lancaster April May. 3. William Butler Canon 11. King Henry the Seventh 5. Geoffry Wren Canon 21. King Henry the Sixth 6. King Edward the Fourth  19. Robert Ravendale Canon  20. Anne Dutchess of Exeter  21. Iohn Bean and his Wife  June July 2. Iohn Stokes Canon 9. King Edward the Fourth 7. Anne Queen of England 12. Anne Dutchess of Exeter 8. Edward the Black Prince 13. William Harmer Canon 11. William
dwelling of five 〈◊〉 Knights did thereupon design the said 1500 l. towards that use and added 〈◊〉 money of his own to make up the rest charging his Executor Sir Richard Crane his Brother afterwards created Baronet by his Will dated the 27. of August anno 1635. to see the buildings which himself had begun finished He also bequeathed for ever two hundred pounds per annum to be setled in Lands by his Executor according to the advice and direction of Thomas then Earl of Arundel and Surrey and Henry Lord Maâ—revers his eldest Son to serve for the perpetual maintenance of five Alms-Knights after the rate of forty pounds per annum to every one of them But his Executor growing slack in the performance of this the work being rather exposed to ruine than any way forwarded by him by whom the same was only expected to be finished and complaints thereof several times made to the Soveraign and Knights-Companions in Chapter Orders were issued thereupon to quicken him and a peremptory Letter sent him dated the 7. of March 1639. to go on with the work forthwith which commands he evading and bad times growing on the building was wholly neglected Sir Richard Crane afterwards dying by his Will dated the 20. of Sept. 1645. appointed that his Mannor of Carbrooke in Norfolk should for ever stand bound for the payment of the said 200 l. per annum whereupon by an Inquisition taken at Windesor 4. Mar. 1652. by virtue of a Commission upon the Statute anno 43. Eliz. for charitable uses the Mannors of Woodrising and Wesfield with other Lands in the County of Norfolk were found liable to satisfie for building and finishing the said five Houses and payment of the 200 l. yearly and further that the Arrears thereof from Sir Crane's death came at that time to 3200 l. Some contest then ensued in the Court of Chancery between Ralph Mabb with other Prosecutors on the Alms-Knights behalf and William Crane Esquire to whom the Estate of Sir Richard Crane fell nevertheless the 200 l. per annum was 19. Iuly 1655. Decreed to be paid out of all the Lands which were Sir Richard Cranes and the building of the Houses out of his personal Estate And upon this about two years after that fair pile of Building erected between the Chancellor's and Garter's Towers against the West wall in the lower Ward of the Castle was taken again in hand and finished in the following year the charge whereof amounted to 1700 l. But for a final end of the Sute it was Decreed the 27. of Ianuary 1659. That the before mentioned Mannor of Carbrook should for ever stand charged with 200 l. per annum to be paid half yearly at Michaelmas and our Lady-day or within thirty days after for the perpetual maintenance of five Alms-Knights together with 30 l. yearly for repairs payable at the foresaid times and an assurance thereof to be made accordingly towards the recovery and setling of which the care and assistance of Sir Bulstrode Whiteloke then Constable of the Castle of Windesor was not wanting The setlement being perfected the present Soveraign in a Chapter held at Whitehall the 14. of Ianuary anno 12. Car. 2. Decreed That the Chancellor of the Order for the time being should receive the said annual sum of 230 l. and dispose thereof thus 200 l. per annum among the five new-instituted Alms-Knights quarterly by even and equal portions at the four usual Feasts of the year and to employ the residue being 30 l. per annum upon repair of the new buildings erected for their Lodgings which powers were inserted into the Patenâ—â—or his Office bearing date the 20. of the same Month. And it was further decreed at the same Chapter That these five Alms-Knights should be subject to the same Rules and Government under which the other thirteen were established by Queen Elizabeth's Foundation and made equal partakers of the same Priviledges and have the like Habit assigned to them The number of Alms-Knights being by the donation of Sir Francis Crane increased to eighteen King Charles the First of ever blessed memory taking notice thereof though they were not yet setled intended to make them up six and twenty as they were at the Institution of the Order to which end in a Chapter held at Whitehall the 18. of April 1637. it was Ordered That the Knights-Companions Commissioners for other affairs of the Order should consider of the best way how the same might be effected and report their opinions to the then Soveraign But nothing being done thereupon this Affair yet waits a more propitious season for the compleating thereof SECT VI. Of other Ministers of the Colledge IN the last place the Ministri or Officers of the Colledge and Chappel of St. George bring up the rear in the Patent of Foundation under which Title are comprehended first the Superior Officers namely the Chantor Steward and Treasurer The Chantor is ordained to be chosen from among the Canons the chief part of whose Office is to govern those that sing in the Choire and such as are employed about Divine Service Before the Reformation in Religion he appointed who of them should begin the Antiphones celebrate the Masses and read the Lessons Epistles and Gospels with these to his care was committed the custody of the Books Crosses Chalices Vestments and all the sacred Ornaments of the Chappel He receives the Offerings there made and accompts for them for all which service an annual Pension of 5 l. is allowed him The Steward and Treasurer are annually chosen on the morrow after Michael-mas-day from out of the Canon-Residents To the Stewards Office belongs the Government of all the Revenue of the Colledge the Rents and Profits arising thence he is to pay to the Treasurer To his keeping is delivered all the Ornaments Jewels and other Treasure of the Chappel not committed to the Chantor under the obligation of rendring an account and his yearly Pension is 5 l. The Treasurer is appointed to distribute to the Custos Canons Vicars and every other Minister of the Chappel the Pensions and Allowances assigned to them of which if he fail eight days after the expiration of their set times of payment he is debar'd of his own Quotidians as Canon-Resident until such Arrears be discharged so also the Steward if he be faulty herein The Pension allowed him is also 5 l. per annum As there is one Treasurer who receives the Rents of the Old Lands so was there appointed another distinct from the former and chosen from among the Canons to receive the Rent of the New within few years after they were setled on the Colledge to whom the like annual Pension of 5 l. hath been also allowed The Title of the former being Senescallus veteris Dotationis and of the latter Senescallus novae Dotationis There is also the Steward of the Courts and Clerk of the Lands which
Garter of Ioane Countess of Salisbury falling casually off as she danced in a solemn Ball King Edward hastily stooping took it up from the ground whereupon some of his Nobles and Courtiers smiling as at an amorous action and he observing their sportive humour turn'd it off with this reply in French Honi soit Qui mal y Pense but withal added in disdain of their laughter That in a short time they should see that Garter advanced to so high honor and estimation as to account themselves happy to wear it But taking leave to examine this Tradition we shall only make two or three Remarques and then refer it to the judgment of others what credit ought to be given thereto First Sir Iohn Froissart who only among the Writers of that Age speaks of this Institution assigns it no such original as that of the falling of a Ladies Garter Nor is there found any thing to that purpose in our other Historians for the space of two hundred years till Polydor Virgil took occasion to say something of it whose grounds we shall examine immediately Besides it might be expected that some Historian among the French who were so forward to jeer at our King Henry the Fifth's design of invading them with a return of Tennis Balls would not have forborn to register some where or other a scoff at the Ladies Garter especially in a time when the fury of War had dissolv'd all obligations of friendship and civility and opened the mouth of slander Whereto we must add that there is not the least appearance in the original Statutes of this most noble Order to countenance the conceit of such a Feminine Institution no not so much as obliging the Knights-Companions to defend the quarrels of Ladies as the Rules of some Orders then in being enjoin'd nor doth the Author of that piece intituled Institutio clarissimi Ordinis Militaris à prenobili Subligaculo nuncupati written by way of Preface to the Black Book of the Garter let fall the least touch to that purpose As to what Polydor says it is even thence to be noted that he himself is not so confident as to ascertain the person whose Garter it was but warily declining that says it was either the Queens or the Kings Mistress and if it were the later yet doth he with the same caution omit her name and title of dignity both which hath since been supplied but on what authority we find not by some of our modern Historians who call her Ioane Countess of Salisbury and there is as little reason why she should be supposed to be Ioane called also the Fair Maid of Kent whom Edward the black Prince afterwards married inasmuch as no Historian takes the least notice that King Edward the Third ever courted her as a Mistress We suppose our learned Selden points at her when he calls the Lady from whom the Garter slipt Countess of Kent and Salisbury but about the time of the Foundation of the Order of the Garter she in truth was neither for albeit she was Daughter to Edmund of Woodstock Earl of Kent and had been sometime the reputed Wife of William Mountagu second Earl of Salisbury of that Family yet then she could not properly be accounted Countess of Salisbury because she was actually Wife to Sir Thomas Holland one of the first Founders of that Order and so adjudged to be by Pope Clement the Sixth in a controversie depending before him between Sir Thomas and the Earl and for this reason not taken notice of either by Brooke or Vincent in the title of Salisbury to have been his Wife Nor was she yet though afterwards Countess of Kent because her Brother Iohn Earl of Kent at the Institution of this Order was alive and died not till anno 26. E. 3. But that there was a Countess of Salisbury of whom King Edward the Third became greatly enamoured is reported by Sir Iohn Froissart after this manner That this King having relieved a Castle belonging to the Earl of Salisbury in the North of England wherein his Countess had been besieged by the Scots the Earl himself being at that time Prisoner in France upon sight of her extraordinary beauty fell in love with her but she so virtuously demeaned her self towards the King during his short stay there that he declined further sollicitation Howbeit some time after the King out of desire to see her saith the same Author proclaimed a solemn Justs in London whither this Countess and many other Ladies being invited came Froissart names not the Castle wherein this Countess lay when the Scots besieged it but only gives this note upon it That the King gave the same Castle to her Husband for his good service past when he first married her being then but a Knight The name of the place being left thus by him in the dark those who hitherto sought after it have but roved at it with uncertain guesses But upon more diligent search we have hit the mark and find it was the Castle of Wark upon Tweed in the County of Northumberland upon the Borders of England towards Scotland which King Edward had so bestowed upon Sir William Mountague afterwards created Earl of Salisbury for his life together with the Mannor Lands and Tenements within the Liberty of the said Mannor This Castle being grown very ruinous and the said Sir William undertaking the charge of the repair which hapned to be very great the King thereupon granted the same anew to him for life by the service of one Knights Fee the remainder after his death to his Son Iohn and the Heirs of his body lawfully begotten to hold by the foresaid service and if he dyed without such issue then to the right Heirs of Sir William for ever Though then it should be admitted that this Countess of Salisbury was the Kings Mistress yet must it be noted that she was Wife to William Mountague created Earl of Salisbury anno 11. E. 3. Mother to William the before mentioned second Earl that her Christian name was Katherine not Alice as Froissart nor Ioane as others call her and Daughter to William Lord Granston a Nobleman of Burgundy and that she died anno 28. Ed. 3. and lies buried at Bysham Abbey in Berkeshire But that the whole story may appear no otherwise than indeed it is a Fable we shall here insert the opinion of a late learned Writer who hath taken no small pains to satisfie himself and the world in this particular This saith Doctor Heylin I take to be a vain and idle Romance derogatory both to the Founder and the Order first published by Polydor Virgil a Stranger to the Affairs of England and by him taken upon no better ground than Fama vulgi the tradition of the common people too trifling a foundation to so great a building common bruit being so infamous an Historian that wise men neither report after it
the Reign of King Richard the Second But since Mr. Selden does acknowledge him guilty of a mistake in the number of the first Knights-Companions and a gross one indeed it is by making them no fewer than forty why might he not likewise erre in this point namely the Time and as unwarily confound the year of its Erection with that wherein the Founder renewed the Order of the Round Table Windesor being the place for holding the grand celebration of both For should we admit that during some part of the great Solemnity held in this Kings 18. year the accident of the Ladies Garter slipping off happen'd and that the King taking it up declared he would make it highly renowned what other inference can be made but that he had then only an intention or resolution at most to do somewhat afterwards not that there was an Erection or Order actually Instituted at that time Besides if the King had been desirous to fall upon the establishment of the Order immediately upon the said accident yet may it well be supposed that the jollity of the season and remaining part of the Feast was too busie a time to admit of much consultation tending thereunto at least serious enough to mould a design so compleat and substantial as it appears to have been even at first whether we consider the substance of the Statutes of Institution or variety of the matter and so fully judiciously and warily contrived as little of that subject could be found worth the adding in many years after To these if we join the authority of Fabian he is plain that though the King design'd the Institution at the end of the Festival which he placeth between Candlemas and Lent in the 19. not 18. year of this King yet was it not then saith he but afterwards established by him As to the testimony given by the Author of Les grandes Chroniques de Britaigne c. who likewise alledgeth that the Institution of the Order was in the 18. year of the King We suppose his best authority was also taken from Froissart supposing him as Mr. Selden doth the more to be relied upon because he wrote so near that time But 't is a fault too frequent among Historians to run away with what they find spoken by those from whom they collect especially if such have gained any good opinion or credit in the world though perhaps erroneous without making a sufficient enquiry either into the probability or truth of the thing And for an instance of some unwariness in collecting we may trace the now mentioned Author in another passage relating to this matter where he tells us it was the day of St. Gregory instead of St. George whereon the Grand Feast of the Order was ordained to be solemnized We now see that Froissart and with him Mr. Selden place the beginning of this Order to the 18. year of King Edward's Reign with whom agrees Thomas Cooper in his Epitomy of Chronicles And yet the same Mr. Selden in another place notes that it took beginning in the 24. year of the said King and our industrious Stow with whom Lilly Speed and Segar agree tells us that the first Feast of the Order was celebrated in the year of our Lord 1350. which answers to the said four and twentieth year of King Edward the Third But Polydore Virgile in the series of his History placeth it after Henry Earl of Derby was created Duke of Lancaster and Ralph Lord Stafford Earl of Stafford which hapned in March anno 25. E. 3. Thus it appears that our Historians took little heed to transmit the true time of so famous an Institution to posterity and their neglect perhaps was the cause why our judicious Cambden became silent herein yet how this Chronological note slipt all their Pens is much to be wondred at We must therefore have recourse to some other proofs whence our Reader may receive better satisfaction Admitting then that the erecting this Order entered into Edward's thoughts at some of those grand Assemblies of the Round Table held after the French King had set up the like yet was it not brought to any maturity till after his glorious Triumphs over the French and Scots in the Battels of Crescy and Nevils Cross in which both the French and Scotch Armies were utterly vanquished and David King of Scots taken Prisoner and until King Edward had Calais surrendred to him as will now be manifest Among the Rolls of the great Wardrobe we have met with one which contains the Accounts of all the Kings Liveries from Michaelmas anno 21. E. 3. to the 31. of Ianuary in the 23. year of the same King In this Roll are divers things mentioned to be adorned with Garters which were provided against the first grand Feast of St. George and among the rest are the Robes for the Soveraign of the Order namely his Mantle Surcoat and Hood as also a Bed of Blue Taffaty adorned with embroidered Garters containing the Motto Honi soit qui mal y pense There were then likewise made for the Soveraign three Harnesses whereof two were of White Velvet wrought over with Garters de blu diaspriz per totum compedinem cum Woodhouses and the third de Velvetto Ynde cont Lappekin quisseux caligas wrought over likewise with Garters Had this Roll been divided into years or had there been other notes thereupon to have distinguished whether these particulars were made and provided at the beginning of his 22. year against the Feast-day of St. George ensuing or else towards the later end of that year against the same Feast-day anno 23. E. 3. we might have been thereby guided with more certainty as to the right and true year of the Institution However we may thence safely conclude that this Order was not founded in the 18. year of King Edward the Third according to Froissart and his Followers because we here find that the Soveraign's Robes were not made until the 22. year of his Reign at the soonest perhaps not till the beginning of the 23. But to put all out of further doubt the Founder's Statutes fix the time of Institution to his 23. year so do the Statutes of King Henry the Fifth and the Preface to the Black Book the same also is attested by Leland and affirmed by Mills and Doctor Heylin To conclude when this famous King had resolved upon the day and place for keeping the first grand Feast of this most noble Order which he designed to exhibit with as much glory as could be imagined He sent his Heralds into Germany France Scotland Burgundy Hainault Flanders and Brabant to invite all Knights and Esquires who were willing to meet at that grand Solemnity with assurance to every one of safe conduct and Liberty for fifteen days both before and after the same to shew their Military Prowess and Valour in all kind
Seals but also in those other belonging to their Courts of Justice and generally in all things except Coyns whereon the Scutcheon of their Arms have been since cut carved graved painted or wrought in imitation of whom the Knights-Companions have done the like But there were an 21. Car. 1. certain half Crowns stamped in the West of England having the Soveraign's Arms so encompassed and this was the first Money whereon the Royal Garter appeared amongst us And the present Soveraign intending the augmentation of the Honor of this renowned Order as in many other things so in advancing the reputation of this Noble Ensign by a more publick way hath caused the irradiated Cross of St. George encompassed about with the Royal Garter to be stamped in the Center of his Silver Coyn made upon the alteration of it anno 14. Car. 2. There were likewise Medals heretofore stamped upon several occasions wherein the Garter was designedly added some of which are here exhibited As that in the year when Frederick Prince Palatine of the Rhyne was crowned King of Bohemia and Robert Cecil Earl of Salisbury made Lord Treasurer of England both Knights-Companions of this most Noble Order We have seen Gold Rings cast into the Figure of Garters the ground on the outside enamelled with a deep Blue through which the golden Letters of the Motto appearing set them off with an admirable beauty And it seems such Garter Rings have been of ancient use since the Preface to the Black Book of the Order taking notice of wearing the Garter on the left Leg and Shoulder adds also the Thumb by which we suppose is meant Gold Rings made into the fashion of Garters and bestowed by some new installed Knights upon their Relations and Friends to wear in memorial of so great an honor conferred upon them Among the Officers belonging to the Order the Prelate is allowed to bear his proper Arms impal'd with those of his See within the Garter and the rest of the Officers are permitted only to wear the Badges of their Office surrounded with the same to express their peculiar relation to this most Noble Order Besides the manner of bearing Arms within the Garter of this Order the Garter either in whole or part hath been given by way of Armory but without the Motto and in sundry manners of bearing As in the Seal of Arms belonging to the Office of Garter Principal King of Arms where the Garter surrounding a Crown is placed in Chief between one of the Lions of England and a Flower de Lis of France And to instance in Families we find Argent three demy Garters Azure buckled and garnished Or granted by King Henry the Seventh to his Servant Peter Nerborne and Sable a Garter Or between three Buckles of the second to be born by the name of Buckland or Bowland in the County of Northampton SECT II. Of the Mantle IN the Founder's Statutes mention is made of no other Robe among those appointed for the Habit of this most Noble Order but only an upper Garment to which is there given the name of Mantle and is the chief of those Vestments which the Soveraign and Knights-Companions wear upon all solemn occasions relatâ—ng to the Order That this kind of Mantle was transferred and derived to us from the ancient Greeks and Romans is not to be doubted since it so little differs in fashion from their Pallium or Toga For the Grecian Pallium was a kind of long Cloak which only wanted a Coller or Cape and the Roman Toga a Garment as common in fashion with and proper to them as the Pallium to the Grecians and the use so ancient as Romulus is noted by Plutarch to have worn it We find the Pallium further described to be a kind of upper Robe that covered the whole Body made fast on the right shoulder with a Fibula or Clasp It was usually worn over the Tunica or short Coat whence grew the Proverb Tunica Pallio propinquior est and is more particularly observed by Erhard Cellius from the authority of Livie Suetonius Tacitus and other Latin Authors to have been a Garment made without Sleeves that reached down to the Ancles In describing this upper Robe called the Mantle the Soveraign's being differenced from the Knights-Companions only by a long Train we shall first set down the various Names given it in the Records of the Order secondly the Materials whereof made thirdly the Colour fourthly the Quantity and last of all the Ornamental Trimming used about it Wherein though some things hereafter inserted may perhaps to some seem light and trivial and fitter to fill up a a Taylors Bill than have place in a serious Discourse yet well knowing they will be thought to others worthy remembrance and as much esteemed as necessary to be known we thought good not to omit the least particular that might contribute to the satisfaction of any enquiry In the Founder's Statutes it is called Mantellum and in Henry the Fifth's Manteâ—â— both which in English we render a Mantle But the Exemplar of the Founder's Statutes entred in the Black Book and the Statutes of Henry the Eighth call it Trabea which Rosinus also reckons among the different kinds of Mantles or Gowns And in the 20. Article of King Henry the Eighth's Statutes it is applied both to the Mantle and Surcoat Sometime it is called Chlamyda sometime Stola but in other places and more agreable to the Greek and Latin denomination Pallium and Toga In the second place as to the Materials That Mantle made for the Founder against the first Feast of this Order appears to have been of fine Wollen Cloth And it is not unlikely the Founder made choice of Cloth for the Robes of the Order rather than any richer material to the end he might give a reputation to that our homebred and native Commodity albeit we find in the Statutes of Institution a permission for the Proxies of Forreign Princes to bring over with them Mantles of Silk or Velvet when they came to receive the possession of their Principals Stalls either because other Countries were better furnished with such Commodities than our English Cloth or that it might rather stand with the liking or esteem of Forreign Princes as accounting Silk or Velvet the nobler material How long the Soveraigns of this most Noble Order continued wearing of Cloth we cannot directly say the first time we discover their Mantles to be made of Velvet is about the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth which sort of Silk hath thence continued in use until this day About this time also we observe the Mantles of Forreign Princes were likewise made here of Velvet for so was that sent to the King of Portugal elected anno 13. H. 6. As touching the Mantles of the Knights-Companions there is no question but they were of the same
Cloth Anno H. 6. the Soveraign's Gown or Surcoat was made of Scarlet and so was that sent to the King of Portugal in the 13. year of the same King Anno H. 6. the Soveraign had White Cloth and of like Colour were the Surcoats provided for 20 Knights-Companions in the year of his Reign Afterwards the before mentioned four Colours began to be laid aside and others brought into use for the Surcoat sent to Iulianus Medices in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth was Purple Velvet And by the Soveraign's Warrants entred in the great Wardrobe towards the latter end of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth and since it is manifest the Surcoats of the Soveraign and all the Knights-Companions were Crimson Velvet Nor was this Colour altered in the Surcoat though the late Soveraign restored the Mantle to its first and ancient Colour an 12. Car. 1. It is evident that in provisions of Surcoats made for the Knights-Companions against one and the same Feast there hath been some difference in the Quantity of the Cloth allowed for we find an 34. E. 3. the Earls of Stafford Warwick and Suffolk as also Sir Thomas Vghtred had then allowed for each of their Surcoats 6 Ells of Cloth perhaps the tallness of their stature required it when the other 15 Knights-Companions were allowed but 5 Ells being the same quantity put into the Soveraign's Surcoat at the same time The Dukes of Holland and Clarence an 1. H. 5. with the Earl of Arundel were allowed 8 Ells of Cloth apiece the Dukes of Bedford Gloucester and York the Earls of Westmerland and Warwick the Lords Grey Fitz-Hugh and Roos 6 Ells apiece the Earls of Dorset with six Barons and five Knights-Batchellors but 5 Ells apiece Afterwards when the number of Ells of Cloth Garters and Furrs came to be ascertained for each Degree all the Knights-Companions even the Prince of Wales were stinted to a certain allowance of 5 Ells of Cloth But since Velvet came into use the allowance for Surcoat and Hood as appears by the Soveraign's Warrants hath been eighteen yards that is while the Surcoat reached down to the feet but now it being the fashion to wear it shorter the allowance is but ten yards The length of the now Soveraign's Surcoat is one yard and a half and of the sleeve one yard wanting a Nail In the last place the ornamental Trimmings of these Garments especially at the time of Instituting the Order are worthy observation for they were then and for a long time after garnished or powdered all over with little Garters embroided with Silk and Gold Plate in each of which was neatly wrought the Motto Honi soit qui mal y pense Besides the Buckles and Pendants to these small Garters were Silver gilt Of these embroidered Garters there were laid upon the first Surcoat and Hood made for the Founder no less than 168. In King Richard the Second's Reign the little Garters that adorned the Surcoats of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions were wrought in embroidery upon Blue Taffaty with Cyprus and Soldat Gold and Silk of divers Colours and the Letters Gold And as the Soveraign was not limited in the proportion of Cloth or Velvet for his Surcoat no more was he confined to a certain number of Garters wherewith to adorn it nor do I find that any of the Knights-Companions were until the Precedent of the Livery of the Garter was setled For an 1. H. 5. the Dâ—kes of Holland and Clarence the Earl of Arundel the Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester had each of their Surcoats adorn'd with 120 Garters but the Duke of York and the rest of the Earls Barons and Knights-Batchelors wore but 100. The setlement in the Precedent of the Livery was made in relation to the Degrees of honor of each Knight-Companion according to which they had an allowance of a greater or lesser number of Garters that is to say A Duke 120 Garters A Marquess 110 Garters An Earl 100 Garters A Viscount 90 Garters A Baron 80 Garters A Baneret 70 Garters A Knight-Batchellor 60 Garters About the Reign of King Henry the Sixth the Soveraign's number of Garters did not much exceed those which the Founder allowed to himself at the Institution for the Surcoat and Hood of the said King took up but 173. and the King of Portugal an 13. H. 6. 120 Garters But this manner of adorning these Garments grew at length quite out of fashion perhaps when Cloth was altered to Velvet and the plain Surcoat hath to this day continued in use In the second place it is to be noted that all these Surcoats whilst made of Cloth were lined with Fur of one and the same kind to wit with Bellies of pure Miniver only the Soveraign's were purfled with Ermyn and of these it seems a like proportion was at first allowed to all the Knights-Companions viz. 200 Bellies Yet in the Reign of King Richard the Second some difference began in the allowance to the Knights-Companions for a Baron and all Degrees upward had the same allowance of 200 Bellies but the Degrees under a Baron only 120. Howbeit an 1. H. 5. the Barons were equalled to the Knights-Batchellors for all Degrees above a Baron were allowed a Fur of 200 Bellies but the Barons and Knights Batchellors Furs were only of 120 Bellies Afterwards by the Precedent of the Garter there was another Proportion set the Prince a Duke a Marquess an Earl had each of them 5 Timber of pure Miniver allowed to a Surcoat but the Viscount Baron Baneret and Batchelor Knight but 3 Timber apiece In time these Furs also were laid aside and then the Surcoats came to be lined with White Sarcenet to which in Queen Elizabeth's Reign White Taffaty succeeded and that still continues What became of these Surcoats heretofore seeing the Knights-Companions had new ones every year appears from this Note entred in the Black Book of the Order That on the Eve of the Feast of St. George the Knights wore to Vespers the Soveraign ' s Livery or Surcoats used by them the preceding year which after that night they did not wear for the new Surcoats were first worn on the Feast-day but the Ensigns and Ornaments of this kind were afterwards disposed of to the use of the Colledge SECT IV. Of the Hood and Cap. THE Hood comes in the next place to be spoken of which in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes and the Black Book of the Order is called Humerale but in the Rolls of Accounts in the Soveraign's great Wardrobe Capucium In the French it is Chaperon a word used in the Statute an 1. Ric. 2. c. 7. and also retained in an old English Draught of Henry the Eighth's Statutes that seems to have been prepared for the view of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions at their solemn meeting in Chapter
Noble Order of the Garter the Register of our said Order is to have his person and estate secured from violence and injury to the end he or his Ministers may securely live under our perpetual protection and safeguard and as often as he shall be molested for himself or for any thing that belongs unto him he is to receive our protection and the assistance of the Companions of our said Order according to equity and right These are therefore to will and command all men of what condition soever they be not to trouble or molest Doctor Christopher Wren Dean of Windesor and Register of our most Noble Order of the Garter or any of his Ministers whomsoever or any thing that belongs to him whatsoever but to suffer his Person servants and Estate to be in quiet security and peace without any injury or violence to be offered by any unto him or his as they and every of them will answer the contrary at their peril Given at our Court at Oxford under the Signet of our Order the 12. day of December in the 19. year of our Reign This Officer by the Constitutions of his Office hath a Pension of 50 l. per annum allowed him or proportionable in Fees Offices or other Profits And an 1. 2. Phil. Mar. the like Pension was granted to Owen Oglethorp Dean of Windesor out of the Exchequer until some Ecclesiastical Preferment of like value should be conferr'd on him by the Soveraign The same was confirmed to Doctor Maxey by Decree in Chapter 23. April an Iac. Reg. 16. and afterwards to Doctor Beaumont by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England in the 20. of the said King for which there is a most grateful acknowledgment entred among the Annals But there needed to assignment of Lodgings at Windesor to this Officer as there was to the rest considering both the Canons and Dean were provided of Houses belonging to their Ecclesiastical Dignities within the Colledge at the Institution of the Order SECT IV. Garter ' s Institution Oath Mantle Ensign Badge Priviledges and Pension KIng Henry the Fifth Soveraign of this most Noble Order seriously contemplating its honor upon good and mature deliberation and with advice and consent of all the Knights-Companions Ordained and Instituted this Officer and for the Dignity of the Order was pleased he should be the Principal Officer within the Office of Arms and chief of all the Servants of Arms. The services enjoined him relating to the Order were in time preceding performed by Windesor Herald at Arms an Officer created with that Title by King Edward the Third much about the time of his Instituting the Order and an annual Pension of 20 Marks granted him out of the Exchequer by Letters Patent for life which received confirmation from King Richard the Second But as to the nature of his employment comprehended under this later part of his Title and thus annext to the Office of Garter we have here no direct occasion to discourse off nothing therein properly relating to the service he is to performed within this Order Nevertheless where any are desirous to be informed of it some part of his Priviledges Employments and Duty are to be found in the Constitutions of his Office others in the Constitutions made by the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England an 10. Eliz. and lastly by the Lords Comissioners constituted for the Office of Earl Marshal dated the 22. of November an 20. Car. 2. Sir William Brugges was the person first created Garter and called in the Institution of his Office Iartier Roy d' Armes des Anglois but else where his Title is found to run thus Willelmus Brugges alias dictus Gartier Rex Armorum This Sir William became a great Benefactor to St. George's Church at Stamford and in the Windows of the Chancel caused to be represented King Edward the Third with his 25 first Knights-Companions kneeling habited in their Mantles and Surcoats of Arms which upon my journey thither an 1664. I found so broken and defaced that no tolerable Draught of them could be taken fit to exhibit to the Readers satisfaction Iohn Smert the immediate Successor to Sir Will. Brugges had this Office given him by Letters Patent under this Title Iohannes Smert Rex Armorum de Garteria and Iohn Wrythe was stiled Principalis Heraldus Officiarius inâ—liti Ordinis Garterii Armorumque Rex Anglicorum But Sir Gilbert Dethick leaving out Heraldus joined Principalis with Rex and so it hath continued since Principalis Rex Armorum Anglicorum Principal King of English Arms. In the Constitutions of his Office he is called Garterus Rex Armorum Angliae whom the Soveraign and Knights-Companions thereby Ordained to be a Gentleman of Blood and Arms of untainted reputation and born within the Kingdom of England Besides as King Henry the Fifth did before so doth King Henry the Eighth here declare That he should be chief of all the Officers of Arms attending upon the Crown of England The substance of his Oath administred by the Register at his admission whilst he humbly kneeleth at the Soveraign's feet in the Chapter-house is 1. To yield obedience to the Soveraign and Knights-Companions 2. To keep silence and not disclose the secrets of the Order 3. To make signification of the death of each Knight-Companion 4. To execute all things faithfully committed to his care 5. To enquire diligently after all the Noble Acts of the Knights-Companions and certifie them to the Register 6. To be faithful in the exercise of his Office And we find it observed that an Oath consisting of these particulars was administred to Garter at a Chapter held at Greenwich an 28. H. 8. which is to be understood of Sir Christopher Barker admitted Garter that very year We find no allowance given to this Officer for his Habit in the Precedent of the Garter for Liveries nor among the Books in the Soveraign's Great Wardrobe whence it may be presumed he had no particular Habit assign'd him at first but was distinguished from the rest of the Officers of the Order by his Coat only embroidered with the Soveraign's Arms like as the Provincial Kings then wore But after the Constitutions of the Officers were established there was appointed him a Habit in all things like to the Registers saving that the Ground whereon the Lions and Flowers de Lis were embroidered was wholly Red and this to be worn only at the Publick Solemnities of the Order the fashion and embroidery of which appears in the Plate exhibited at the beginning of this Chapter Queen Mary caus'd it to be made of Crimson Sattin and so it continued till shortly after the present Soveraign's return when the Colour was altered to Scarlet This Officer is appointed to bear a White Rod or Scepter at every Feast of St. George the Soveraign
being present gilded at both ends and at the top a Scutcheon of the Arms of the Order impaled with the Soveraign's Arms. In the fore-mentioned Plate the Figure of this Scepter hath these Arms crowned but no directions for it given in the Constitutions nor for the Crown on his head wherewith he is there represented which at these Solemnities of the Order neither is nor hath been used that we can discover There was assigned him by Queen Elizabeth a Badge of Gold to be worn daily by him and his Successors before the Breast in a Gold Chain or Ribband and â—hereon enamelled the Soveraign's Arms crowned with an Imperial Crown and both surrounded with the Princely Garter but Sir Edward Walker when made Garter obtained the Soveraign's License to impale therein St. George's Arms with those of the Soveraign's of the Order of which Badge the foreside and backside are both alike There is a House appointed for his habitation within Windesor Castle and is the middle West Tower in the lower Ward which thereupon hath gain'd the name of Garter's Tower It was by a Decree in Chapter annexed for ever to the Office of Garter and restored to Sir Segar's possession the 2. of May 1630. By the Constitutions of his Office he is to be allowed Baron Service in the Soveraign's Court and his Table served next after the Dean of the Chappel with such Liveries as of old were accustomed It appears that King Henry the Fifth after his instituting this Office died before he had setled any Pension upon Sir William Brugges for supportation of his little Estate which the Knights-Companions taking into consideration and desiring that for the honor of the Order he should receive a reasonable subsistence among themselves by which he might more honorably comport himself to the service of the Order till the Infant King should come to age and be more largely provided for They being present in Chapter with the consent of the Prelate did assign and ordain the said Sir William to receive of each of them annually at the Feast of St. George the Pensions following viz. Of the Bishop of Winchester Prelate 5 Marks Of every Duke 5 Marks Of every Earl 6 Nobles Of every Baron or Baneret 4 Nobles Of every Knight Batchelor 2 Nobles The first payment was agreed on to be made in hand and so to continue yearly without failings with request to the absent Knights that for the honor of the Order and causes in the Instrument express they would consent to and approve of their Ordinance and Agreement which pass'd under the Seal of the Order and bears date in the Chapter-house at Windesor in the Feast of St. George an 1422. but there is a mistake in the date for at that time King Henry the Fifth was alive and died not till the 31. of August following St. George's day in that year Afterwards King Henry the Sixth in consideration of the good services performed by Sir William Brugges to his Father and Himself with consent of his Council granted him by Letters Patent an annual Pension of 20 l. out of the Fee Farm of the City of Winchester during pleasure which Pension upon surrender of this Patent He granted a new to him and Agnes his Wife for their lives and the longer liver of them And when this Office upon Sir William Brugges death was given to Iohn Smert Guyenne Herald 3. April an 28. H. 6. he had the yearly Pension of 20 l. granted him therewith for life out of the Exchequer But his Successor Iohn Wrythe Norroy obtained an increase of Pension to 40 l. per annum made payable out of the small Customs of the City of London This annual sum was after confirmed to Garter by the Constitutions of his Office and an augmentation from the then Knights-Companions also made to the Pensions granted by their Predecessors upon the death of King Henry the Fifth viz. Of A Duke 4 Pounds Of A Marquess 5 Marks Of An Earl 4 Marks Of A Baron 6 Nobles Of A Knight-Batchellor 4 Nobles In succeeding times the Soveraign thought fit to increase his Pension to 50 l. per ann now paid out of the Revenue setled upon the Order and the Knights-Companions yet to augment their Annuities which they did by the following Decree AT a Chapter holden at Windesor the Feast of St. George being there solemnized the xiii xiv and xv days of September Anno Domini 1617. It was Ordained and Decreed by the mutual consent of the Knights and Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter then present the Soveraign thereto assenting That their officer Sir William Segar Garter Knight King of Arms of that Order should then and from thenceforth have renewed and paid unto him certain Annual Fees and Pensions anciently due to his Place and Predecessors with an increase of ten pounds per annum which his Majesty forth of his Royal Bounty hath given unto his said Servant for his better maintenance and support As also of Prince Charles Prince of Wales the sum of eight pounds and of every Duke of the blood six pounds all other Estates viz. a Duke not of the Blood four pounds a Marquess five Marks an Earl four Marks a Viscount seven Nobles a Baron forty shillings and a Knight Batchelor that shall be of the Order twenty six shillings and eight pence All which said sums of money according to the several degrees of their Estates are to be paid unto the said Garter or his Assigns yearly at St. George's Feast or immediately after as well by the Knights then present as by those that shall be absent or hereafter are to succeed in the said Order And after the decease of the said Garter to his Successors for ever Prince Charles Prince of Wales viii l. The Earl of Nottingham liii s. iv d. The Earl of Northumberland lviii s. iv d. The Earl of Worcester liii s. iv d. The Lord Sheffeild xl s. The Earl of Suffolk liii s. iv d. The Earl of Sussex liii s. iv d. The Earl of Derby liii s. iv d. The Earl of Exceter liii s. iv d. The Duke of Lenox iv l. The Earl of Southampton liii s. iv d. The Earl of Marr liii s. iv d. The Earl of Penbroke liii s. iv d. The Earl of Montgomery liii s. iv d. The Earl of Arundel liii s. iv d. The Earl of Somerset liii s. iv d. The Earl of Kelly liii s. iv d. The Viscount Wallingford xlvi s. viii d. The Earl of Rutland liii s. iv d. The Marquess of Buckingham iii l. vi s. viii d. The Earl of Leicester liii s. iv d. Charles P. Nottingham E. Worcester T. Suffolk Will. Derby Lenox Penbroke T. Arundell Fenton J. Rutland Northumberland E. Sheffeild Ro. Sussex Exceter H. Southampton Montgomery R. Somerset W. Walingford G. Buckingham Last of all at St. Georges Feast held at Windesor the 22.23 and 24.
by his special favour and the Injunction of the Statute as the Annals further add concerning the due Number of Nominators were by the same clemency remitted because of the exigency of the time and place and forthwith upon a Scruteny then taken Iames the Fifth King of Scotland was elected into the fellowship of this most illustrious Order From this time to the late Rebellion we meet not with the like case but then the wickedness of those days created new necessities which occasioned or rather inforced the then Soveraign one of the exactest observers of the Laws and Ceremonies of this Order most unwillingly to awaken this dormant prerogative which he first put in execution at a Chapter specially called for the Election of that deserving and renowned Knight Thomas Earl of Strafford held at the City of York upon the 12. day of September anno 16. Car. 1. where at that time and place by his Supream Authority he dispensed with the defect of Number of six Knights-Companions having then with him four only some of the rest being employed in his Service against the Scots and gave Sir Thomas Rowe then Chancellor of the Order directions to prepare a Dispensation accordingly which in regard that Soveraign did therewithal command should be entred among the Annals of the Order we have thought fit to insert in the Appendix Afterward when several of the Knights-Companions so much adhered to the Long-Parliament that no summons could draw thence their attendance upon the Soveraign though but to celebrate the grand Festival of their Patron much less to the compleating Chapters of Election to which the Oath taken at their Installation had equally obliged them the Soveraign was constrained to make further use of his Supream Authority in this very particular and thereupon at the Feast of St. George celebrated at York upon the 18.19 and 20. days of April in the 18. year of his Reign in a Chapter held on the Eve of the said Feast by Himself and but four other Knights-Companions viz. Prince Charles the Prince Elector the Earl of Lindsey and Duke of Richmond and Lenox it was Ordered That Letters of Dispensation should be drawn up by Sir James Palmer then Deputy Chancellor for the insufficient Number as wanting of six Knights to hold a Chapter of Election and for authorizing the Knights then present to deliver in their Votes according to custom in other Scrutenies that so the Soveraign might proceed to the Election designed By virtue of which Dispensation the Duke of York and Prince Rupert were Elected Fellows and Companions of this most Noble Society The like Dispensation was made for the defect of Six Knights to hold a Chapter of Election at Oxford upon the second day of March ann 20. Car. 1. there being then but five Knights-Companions present with the Soveraign namely the Duke of York Prince Rupert the Earls of Dorset and Berkshire and the Duke of Richmond and Lenox at which Chapter William Prince of Orange Son-in-Law to the Soveraign and Bernard de Foix Duke of Espernon were Elected Last of all in reference to the holding three several Chapters preparatory to the Feast of St. George and Grand Installation celebrated at Windesor the 15.16 and 17. days of April in the 13. of his Majesty the now Soveraign's most happy Reign one of which Chapters was called for the Election of four Knights and to deliberate with the surviving Knights-Companions the Soveraign was pleased the 29. day of March immediately foregoing to pass the like Dispensation under the Signet of the Order and his own Sign manual for this defect and thereby made those three Chapters as legal and of as much force and validity as if the Number of Knights-Companions required by the Statutes had been full and compleat SECT V. Of opening the Chapter WE are now arrived at opening the Chapter whereinto neither the Soveraign of the Order nor any of the Knights-Companions are to enter without wearing both their Mantles and Garters for so the Statutes of the Order ordain and so hath the Law been understood in case where a Chapter hath been held elsewhere than at Windesor as for instance at a Chapter held at Whitehall for the Election of Iohn Count Palatine of the Rhine an 20. Eliz. the Earl of Huntingdon and the Lord Grey of Wilton not having their Mantles then at Court not permitted to enter into that Chapter to give their Votes for his Election The late Soveraign King Charles of ever blessed memory determining to call a Chapter for Electing the foresaid Thomas Earl of Strafford at York where neither He nor any of the Knights-Companions then attending his person had their Robes of the Order with them and taking notice of the Injunction of the Statutes now mentioned did by his supream authority as Soveraign of the Order dispence with the Knights-Companions then present for coming into the Chapter without their Mantles Afterward upon great necessity occasioned by the late Rebellion the same Soveraign was inforced to make further use of his Prerogative relating to this particular in some following Chapters held at Oxford In like manner shortly after the present Soveraign returned to his Throne a like Dispensation pas'd under the Signet of the Order the Great Seal being then under the hand of the Graver but not finished dated the 10. of Ianuary in the 12. year of his Reign He being then necessitated to make use of his Supream authority for holding a Chapter the 14. of Ianuary following in regard the Knights-Companions then in being were not as yet provided of new Robes Presuming then that a full Number of Knights-Companions in obedience to their Summons are attending the Soveraign habited in their Mantles and Garters and entred into the Chapter-house at Windesor or other place appointed for this their Assembly the Soveraign having taken his Seat at the upper end of the Table and given leave to the Knights-Companions to sit the occasion of their being called together is first declared either by the Soveraign himself or by the Chancellor of the Order upon his command The next thing in course is to give the Soveraign information of all the Stalls then void the notice of which vacancies if as sometimes formerly the Soveraign happens to be in foreign parts ought to be before sent him by his Deputy or Lieutenant but if in England and present in Chapter then to be presented by the Chancellor or in his absence by the Register or other Officer of the Order This done the Soveraign and Knights-Companions enter into consideration how the room of the defunct Knight or Knights shall be supplied and sometimes where two or more Stalls are found void whether they shall be all fill'd up at that time or if not how many Knights then Elected But where the Scruteny is intended to be taken in the Choire of St. George's Chappel at Windesor these
or the like particulars referring to Election are commonly consider'd of on the Feast day in the Chapter held immediately before Vespers wherein it is most usually Ordered That the Scruteny shall be taken in the said Chappel that following Afternoon and so was it Decreed on St. George's day anno 5. E. 6. viz. That the Elections of Knights should be taken that Evensong and in the Chappel After this the Chancellor begins to collect the Knights-Companions Votes and this is frequently termed the taking of a Scruteny To the full understanding the nature of this Action and Ceremony we shall proceed to certain considerations preparatory thereunto beginning with what concerns the Nomination of the Persons to be proposed to Election SECT VI. That Knights only present in Chapter ought to Nominate THE Nomination of those persons proposed to the Soveraign's Election belongs only to such of the Knights-Companions as are present in Chapter when the Scruteny is taken for therein not only all the Bodies of the Statutes are positive but Entrances to that purpose are made in sundry places of the Annals insomuch that from the Institution of this most Noble Order it hath not been otherwise used that we can collect And it is observable that anno 26. Eliz. the Feast of St. George being celebrated at Greenwich the Earl of Warwick and Lord Burley Lord Treasurer of England fell both ill of the Gout upon the Feast day which occasioned their absence at Evening Prayer whilst the Scruteny was taken whereupon we find their indisposition of body and absence noted in that Scruteny instead of and in those peculiar places where their Nominations should else have been entred had they been present at the taking thereof And beside this we meet with an observation made upon the same occasion by Robert Cooke Esquire then Clâ—renceux King of Armsâ— That as for those Knights-Companions who happen to be absent when the Scruteny is taken although this absence be occasioned by accident of sickness or with the Soveraign's license nevertheless in regard of this their absence at that very time their Votes may not be received Those Knights-Companions that come late to the Chapter lose also the priviledge of giving their Votes for that time which so hapned to Prince Rupert and the Earl of Strafford at the Chapter held for the Election of Iames Duke of Monmouth in the Privy-Chamber at Whitehall the 29. of March an Dom. 1663. Now though none of the absent Knights-Companions can give a Proxy to Vote or otherwise send their suffrages into the Chapter or Chappel there to pass in Nomination yet anciently about the Reigns of King Henry the Fifth and King Henry the Sixth when divers of the Knights-Companions were frequently employed in the Wars of France and consequently so strictly obliged to their several Commands that they could not personally attend the celebration of the Feast of St. George at Windesor it was usual for the Commander there in chief with consent of those Knights-Companions to make a formal Certificate or Presentment but not to pass it by way of Nomination or Vote for that the Law of the Order did not permit to the Soveraign of the Order or his Lieutenant and Knights-Companions assembled at the Feast of such persons famous for martial Valor and Virtue with an account of their notable services and atchievements attested by other persons of honor also as were at that time and in that Kingdom employed in the Soveraign's service and seemed worthy the honor of Election to the end that famous and deserving men might be preferr'd to so noble a Dignity Which manner of Recordation we having most happily lighted upon among the Collections made by the great industry of William Dugdale Esquire now Norroy King of Arms and esteeming it to carry the just reputation both of authority for informing us of this custom and of antiquity for the hand of that time cannot without injury to its due worth omit My Lord the Duc of Bedford remembrith as by the Statutes of the Diver of the Gartice the Election of the Stalls voyde be saith in the voyce of the Brethren and of the Fellowship beyng at the tyme at the Fest in the presence of the Soverain or hys Deputy Yt thinkyth to my said Lord that for hys acquital to Knighthood yt fytteth hym to give in knowledge to the Kyng Soverain of the Ordre and to his Fellowship of the same Ordre the great honours of the notable Knights that from tyme to tyme exercyseth and have exercysed in Knighthood and especially in the service of their Soveraign Lord and of such notable Knyghts as my Lord of Bedford for the tyme remembreth hym of he hath by the advyce of them of the Fellowshyp of the Order being now in France in the Kyngs service and givyng in charge to the said Garter Kyng of Arms of the Order to shew theyr â—ames to the Kyng and to expound part of theyr Deeds Acts and of theyr worthynesse First to expose the honour of Sir John Radeclyff that hath contynowed all the tyme of the victorious Kyng that last dyed whom Chryste absolve at the first landing of hym at Quies-de Caux where the sayd Radeclyff receyved the order of a Knyght and after continowed the Seige of Hareflew And after with my Lord of Excester at the Battaile of Vallemont and of Quies-de Caux And also sythen the deth of the sayd victorious Kyng Radeclyff being Seneschall of Guyen hath brought by hys labour in Knyghthood to hys Soveraign Lord's obeysance within the Duchie of Guyen many dyverse Cities Towns and Fortresses And in especial deserved great and notable merits at the Seige of the City of Bazates whych Seige was accorded appointed and set day of Battaile and of Rescous the whych day was kept and houlden with great power on both sydes and under Banners displayed the Enemyes doubtyng to fyght wyth Radeclyff required hym of apoyntment they to depart under saufe conduit from the said feild the whych saufe conduit he graunted them for the term of eight days like as they required The honour and the empruise rested in the sayd Radeclyff and to hys hygh meryte for incontynent followying was delyvered to hym the reddyssion and possession of the sayd Cytty of Bazates And also the sayd Radeclyff was at the Battaile of Assincourt and hath contynowed and exercysed the Armys the space of xxviij Wynter unreprothed And in the tyme of his Esquierhood was at the Battaile of Shrewsbury and at the Journey of Husks wyth the Lord Grey at the discomfiture and taking of Owenson Syr Thomas Ramston Syr William Oldegall Syr Rauff Butler Syr Ro. Harlyng Syr Gilbert Halsall Item my Lord the Duc of Bedford beseecheth the Kyng Soveraign of the Order to have also for recommendyd to his good grace and highnesse other of his Subjects and Servants now being in hys service in his Realme of France whych hath doon and yet doth take great
payne by their Knyghtly labour dayly to serve the merite of worthyness and prowess as Sir Robert Hungerford Sir Thomas Beamont Sir John Popeham Sir Nicholas Burdett Sir Rauff Nevell Sir Edward Wyver Sir John Robesart Sir Tyre Robesart Sir William Bretton Sir Thomas Kyngston Sir Richard Hankford and dyverse other But lest peradventure it may seem to some that the Knights-Companions present in Chapter can at their pleasures Nominate or propose to Election such persons as they think fit so they be qualified according to the Statutes of the Order this priviledge is to be understood of Knights Subjects only for in all cases concerning Strangers the Soveraign doth but permit and may direct and confine the Knights-Companions to the Nomination of such as He at any time intends to Elect which Prerogative we find more particularly asserted in the 31. year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and third year of King Charles the First In the first of these instances the Blue Book of the Order recordeth That at a Chapter held immediately before Vespers on Saint George's day the Earl of Huntingdon then Lieutenant for the Soveraign acquainted the Knights-Companions That the Soveraign did permit them or leave it to their pleasure to chuse into the Order whatsoever Foreign Prince they should by their Votes approve of Hence there may be observed two things First that the Knights-Companions have not the priviledge and liberty to nominate what Foreign Prince they please but the same is derivative from the Soveraign and only by his particular license or leave at some times permitted to them Secondly if this Paragraph be well weighed as also that which succeeds it is most clear from the context that Nominare ought to be understood here by the word Eligere and that the power delegated to the Knights-Companions from the Soveraign was only to Nominate not Elect. For it immediately follows That the Knights-Companions went from the Chapter to the second Vespers and while the Divine Offices were celebrating the Prelate received their Nominations and that very Evening the Lieutenant presented them to the Soveraign for her to consider of which had been needless if the Knights-Companions had been impowered by her said License to have made the choice themselves But the contrary is yet more evident by that which follows for the next morning all the Knights-Companions attending the Soveraign in Chapter she her self made there the Election not of any Foreign Prince but of the Earl of Sussex and Lord â—uckhurst In the other Instance anno 3. Car. 1. the Soveraign in a Chapter held before Vespers on St. George's day signified it to be his pleasure three Stalls being then vacant that out of Foreign Princes the Nomination of whom saith the Annals in that very place belongs only to the Soveraign that is the Soveraign has the prerogative to direct the Knights-Companions to Name or impose upon them the Nomination of such Foreign Princes as he pleaseth they the Knights-Companions should Chuse which must nevertheless be understood to Nominate or enter down into the Scrâ—teny not Elect Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry of Nassau Prince of Orange For there a little after it in like manner appears when the Scruteny was presented to the Soveraign that Himself not the Knights-Companions made Election of them And it is further manifest by the Scruteny there inserted that both these â—rinces were named by every of the Knights-Companions then present according to the Soveraign's signification which has been usually done at all other times upon the like occasions as may be seen by the Scrutenies entred in the Annals But concerning the third person then to be Elected the Soveraign intending him to be a Knight-Subject left it wholly to their pleasure to Nominate whomsoever they esteemed worthy of their Votes Since this time the Nominations in like cases have been sufficiently owned by the Knights-Companions themselves to be a Prerogative belonging to the Soveraign For to the end they might more readily and fully comply with the observance of this particular it was moved in a Chapter held at Oxford the second day of March an 19. Car. 1. That it might become a custom for the Soveraign to deâ—lâ—re before hand whether He would Elect any Foreign Prince and whom that so the Knights-Companions might be sure to Name him in the Scruteny SECT VII Of the Number Qualifications and Degrees of the Persons to be Nominated ANother consideration in our progress towards the act of Election is touching the Number Qualifications and Dignities of the Persons Nominated which may be best known from another branch of the before mentioned Article of the Statutes and is to this effect That every one of the Knights-Companions present at the Election should Nominate for himself nine very sufficient Persons whom he should judge free from all reproach and scandal whether Subjects to the Soveraign or Forreigners Provided they are known not to favour or abet any party at enmity with him that is to say three Earls or others of higher degree three Barons and three Knights The things chiefly observable out of this Text we rank under five heads First The Number of Persons Nominated or to be given in by every Knight-Companion are to be exactly Nine Secondly They ought to be of unblamable Reputation Thirdly Either Subjects to the Soveraign or else Strangers Fourthly Such as are known not to be engaged in any party against the Soveraign Lastly to be Earls or of greater dignity or Barons or Knights 1. For the first of these their Number every one of the Knights-Companions assembled in Chapter are enjoined to name nine neither more nor less So also saith King Henry the Fifth's Statutes whereunto are consonant the Statutes of King Henry the Eighth And in this particular the Statutes have been hitherto observed except in one case as from the Entries of those many Scrutenies in the Annals of this most Noble Order is fully evident As to Numbers we are taught that great Mysteries lie wrapt up in them the excellency and dignity whereof and particularly of this number Nine which Scaliger calls the most perfect number are largely celebrated among the Learned both ancient and modern which are easie to be met with wherefore we shall not spend further time to insist upon them But why our Royal Founder made choice of this Number to be put in Nomination above all other unless he had some reflection on the Nine Worthies men reported famous for valour and martial exploits and therefore not unlikely to be at first proposed as Examples to the Knights-Nominators or otherwise considered it as a trebled threefold Cord and Symbol of perfect stability and solid amity for so also is the number Nine accounted to signifie can neither easily nor certainly be resolved 2. As to the second point the Injunction in the Statutes of Institution takes order that the Persons designed for Election
Domini 1650. By his Majesties command Rob. Long. We shall further add that together with the Letters signifying an Election and the Ensigns of the Order it was anciently in use to send the Book of Statutes under the Common Seal of the Order no less to a Knight-Subject than in like case to a Stranger and to the same end viz. that he might peruse and advise thereupon whether he would accept of the Election or not for so it appears by the Letters signifying Election sent to Sir Iohn Fastolf an 4. H. 6. Within a few days after his Highness Prince Rupert was Elected into this Order being then in Holland a Commission of Legation was prepared to be sent thither with the Garter and George by Sir Iohn Burrough Garter to perform the Investiture with them but Sir Iohn falling sick and dying prevented the designed Ceremony Nevertheless some while after the Prince had been in England the then Soveraign thought fit to command Sir Iames Palmer Chancellor of the Order to attend his Highness to declare the reasons why the said Commission was not sent and executed as was designed as also to deliver him the Commission it self to the intent being prevented of receiving his Installation at Windesor because that Castle continued in the possession of the Rebels it might remain with him as a memorial of this Soveraign's Princely favour and respect to his quality and merits as also for a further evidence of his admittance into this Noble Order since there was no other memorial thereof but the minutes of his Election and this Commission On Monday therefore the 14. of Ian. 1644. the said Chancellor accompanied with Dr. Chr. Wren Register and Sir Edward Walker then newly made Garter attended the Prince at his Lodgings in Oxford who having notice of their coming received them with all obliging civility and after a little pause the Chancellor made known to his Highness the Sovereign's Commands in the following Speech May it please your Highness THE Kings of England Soveraigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter ever since that honorable Foundation have thought fit not only for the reward of eminent services done by their own Subjects but also for incouragements to noble acts of Chivalry and virtue and partly for further augmentation and extention of the renown and honor of that most Noble Society have made it so estimable amongst all the Foreign Princes of Christendom that they have 〈◊〉 thought their fames sufficiently advanced till they have been taken notice of by this Princely Society and Elected into this most Noble Order of the Garter Which â—lâ—ction hath been so welcomed even to the Emperors and Kings of higâ—est degree of Renown in Europe that no tye of allyance amity or league hath proved a stronger bond of affection between this and Foreign Crowns than that of the Companionry of the most Noble Order of the Garter in which nine Christian Emperors fiâ—ty five crowned Kings and four hundred Princes and Peers having taken the Oath of homage and fealty to the King of England as their Soveraign in the said most Noble Order have already had their Names and glorious Acts registered in the Records thereof According to which Example of his Majesties Progenitors of famous memory his Majesty King Charles my Master Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter did at a Chapter held at his City of York the 20. of April in the 18. year of his Reign when though many Stalls remained vacant yet did think sit then to elect but two Knights only namely Prince James Duke of York his Son and your Highness his Nephew whom his Majesty thought worthiest to make choice of not only for your Princely descent of Blood but for his own particular interest in that noble consanguinity as being the Son of his only beloved Sister the virtuous Queen of Bohemia and for many eminent virtues besides as well heroical as moral inherent in your person And that his Majesties affection to you might be the more emphatically expressed he elected your Highness a Companion of the Order in the company of his own Son both to manifest thereby the intimateness of affection to your Highness as well as to shew Prince James his tender years a glorious pattern for his Princely imitation of valour and martial Atchievements in which choice his Majesty did not prove himself a King of Grace and Goodness only but a King and a Prophet also as if he could by his foreseeing judgment divine how happy an instrument of valour and safety you would after prove to his Crown and dignity in their greatest distresses In the conduct of whose Armies your Highness hath hitherto been so prosperous and successful that it will be my duty to truth as well as to the propriety of my Office to give a timely recordation of each particular to the Register of the Order that he may eternize the memory of your noble Acts to remain in the Records of the Order that posterity may know as well as we find what happy assistance your Princely Conduct of his Majesties Armies hath brought to his Kingdoms and Dominions Sir the Reasons and Motives of this your Election being so many it behoves me now to inform your Highness the reasons why this Commission hath not been sooner delivered unto your hand and those are that immediately upon your Election at York his Majesty commanded me to draw up a Commission of legation to Sir John Burrough Knight then principal King of Arms and Garter â—o bring the Ensigns of the Order together with the notice of your Election unto your Highness then in the Low Countries and to perform the same with all the Solemnities thereunto belonging Another Commission also under the Broad Seal of England was directed to the right Honorable the Earl of Arundel and Surrey Earl Marshall of England and to the Lord Goring his Majesties Embassador extraordinary with the States of the United Provinces to give your Highness the honor of Knighthood a Ceremony always by the Statutes of the said Order necessarily to be performed to any Elected Knight before he can be admitted to be a Companion and receive the Ensigns of the Order of the Garter But the said King of Arms then falling sick shortly after dyed and your Highness suddainly coming in person into England that Ceremony was prevented by those casualties and his Majesty at Nottingham himself performed that Office in delivering both the Garter and George unto your Highness since which time your continual employments in his Majesties Wars and your absence thereby necessarily inforced from Oxford where the Commission and Seals of the Order remained the delivery thereof was necessarily delayed till this present when his Majesties express command to me and to those Gentlemen Officers of the most Honorable Order is to deliver it now unto your Highness hands considering the place of your Instalment at the Castle of Windesor is necessarily prevented by reason
of the possession thereof by the Rebels and no other memory but your Election and this Commission remains upon Record But his Soveraign Majesty is so desirous to invest you and the Prince his Son in the full priviledges of the said Order and society that assoon as a competent number of Knights can be assembled to make a Chapter his Majesty determines to consult of a course how the Instalment at Windesor may if possibly it can be dispensed with that rather than you should be deprived longer of the full enjoyment of all rights of Installation his Majesty is fully determined to make ordinary rules of Ceremony and Order to give place to extraordinary Examples of merit and fidelity already so amply performed by your Highness to his Crown and dignity which is the sum of what his Majesty hath commanded me to present unto your Highness which he desires you to take in good part till the rest can be performed At the ending of this Speech Sir Iames Palmer presented the Commission to the Prince who gave this Majesty many humble thanks for this gracious Message and acknowledged his Majesties favours far beyond his desert but promised he would study to be more worthy by his actions than in return of words with many thanks to the Chancellor and the other Officers of the Order for their pains whereupon they took their leave and the Chancellor went immediately to his Majesty and rendered him an account of this Employment SECT V. The Manner of a Knight's Investiture IN ancient time it was part of the Ceremony belonging to the Investiture with the Garter of an Elect-Knight whether a Stranger or Knight Subject to give him an Oath which we find called The Oath in such cases accustomed to be taken and was to this effect that the Knight should well and faithfully keep and observe so far as God should enable him all that was contained in the Statutes of the Order But we find not of late that the taking such an Oath at performing this Ceremony hath been imposed upon any but Foreign Princes of which anon It is also observable that an 4. H. 6. a particular Commission issued to the Earls of Warwick Salisbury and Suffolk with power to any two or one of them to receive this Oath from Sir Iohn Fastols upon his Investiture And this was besides the Oath which his Proctor was afterwards to take at Installation as is manifest out of the Letters of Procuration whereby the said Sir Iohn Fastols gave to his Procter license to take on his behalf such Oath as should be required at the time of his Installation As to the Ceremony and manner of Investing a Knight-Elect with the Garter and George albeit we have discourst thereof before we nevertheless think it necessary to subjoin two or three considerable Instances as most proper to this place When Philip Prince of Spain an 1. Mariae had these Ensigns of the Order sent him the Soveraign joined Garter King of Arms with the Earl of Arundel to perform the Investiture who upon notice of his arrival on the Coast of England set forward on their journey to Southampton where on Friday the 20. of Iuly they took Water and meeting the Prince before he landed entred his Barge and gave him notice of his Election in a short speech which being ended Garter having the Garter in his hand kissed it and so presented it to the Earl who forthwith fastned it about the Princes Leg in like manner Garter presented the Earl with the George hanging at a Chain of Gold who put it also about the Princes neck The Ceremony of Investiture being thus performed the Prince came on shore at Southampton and on the uppermost stair there were ready attending his landing the Marques of Winchester Lord high Treasurer of England with divers other Lords the Prince gave the Lord Williams his White Staff and made him Lord Chamberlain of his Houshold and Sir Anthony Brown Master of his Horse presented him from the Queen a Horse with a Footcloth of Crimson Velvet richly embroidered with Gold and Pearls having the Bridle and all other Furniture sutable whereon he rode to the Cathedral and after Prayers to the Lodgings prepared for him Touching Garter's Investiture of the Earl of Warwich at Newhaven in France the first of May an 5. Eliz. it was as followeth First Garter repairing to the Earls Lodgings put on his Mantle in the next Chamber to the Earls and thence proceeded into the Earls Chamber where having made three Reverences he buckled the Garter about his left leg and next put on the George and Ribband about his neck reading to the Earl the words of Signification appointed to be pronounced at the Investiture which done Garter retired into the Room where he had put on his Mantle and there disrobed himself and so the Ceremony ended And it seems to have been a custom about these times for the Nobility and others the Allyes or Friends to the Elect-Knight to send unto him by Garter several Garters and Georges as tokens of congratulation for the Honor he was at this time to receive which so soon as the Investiture was finished and Garter returned from putting off his Robe he delivered unto him with the particular services and respects of those his Friends who had so bestowed them for such we find to have been sent by Garter and presented to the aforesaid Earl of Warwick at New-haven and to the Lord Scroop at Carlisle an 26. Eliz. At Garter's return to Court he is obliged to deliver an account to the Soveraign how he hath discharged his employment and therewith by special directions from the Elect-Knight also present the highest thanks he can express as well to the Soveraign as the rest of the Knights-Companions for honoring him with a reception into so illustrious an Order We shall close this Section with a brief account of the Investiture of his Highness the late Duke of Gloucester at the Hague on Easter-day in the morning being the 14. day of April 1653. in reference to which Ceremony there was provided 1. A Garter with the Motto to be tyed about his left Leg. 2. A George in a Ribband to put about his Neck 3. An embroidered Cross of St. George within a Garter and Star to be sowed on the left shoulder of the Dukes Cloak 4. A Velvet Cushion whereon the Ensigns and Ornaments of the Order as also the Letter signifying his Election were to be laid Moreover for the honor of the Order and his said Highness Sir Edward Walker Garter humbly proposed as followeth That he might be assisted by two or four Knights in performing his duty That his Highness the Duke might receive the Ensigns of the Order in the Presence Chamber of the Princess Royal or in his own accompanied with the Queen of Bohemia her Highness Royal and some other persons of Honor and Quality That his
9. Eliz. nevertheless the Feast of Installation was therein excepted and appointed to be solemnized at that place And this was again provided for among the before mentioned Orders an Iac. Regis 21. to wit That after an Election made of a Knight of the Order his Installation should be performed at Windesor according to the ancient Custom and Statutes of the Order When therefore the Soveraign hath been pleased to prefix a certain day for Installation in order to this great Solemnity several things are necessarily to be prepared as namely 1. a Commission to admit and install the Elect-Knight 2. Letters to each of the Commissioners and the Elect-Knight for their repair to Windesor 3. Warrants for the Soveraign's Livery 4. a Bill or Warrant for the removal of Stalls and Atchievements all which are to be obtained from the Soveraign under his Sign manual by the Chancellor of the Order and 5. lastly the Knights own Preparations among which his Atchievements are to be got in readiness for setting up so soon as he is Installed SECT III. Of Commissions for Installation IN the first place we are to note that no Elect-Knight can be Installed unless by the Soveraign of the Order himself or being present by such of the Knights-Companions whom he shall verbally authorize or if absent by his Commission drawn up in writing and past under the great Seal of the Order directed either to his Lieutenant or Knights-Commissioners We have met with but one Instance where the Soveraignâ—ath â—ath been pleased to honor a Knight by performing the Ceremony of Installation himself and that was in the case Philip King of Castile and Leon an 22 H. 7. yet it is probable enough that Sigismond the Emperor and anciently some other Foreign Princess of eminence and dignity might receive Installation from other of the Soveraigns though no memorial thereof hath been transmitted to us As to the Soveraign's verbal appointment we shall mention it by and by But in reference to Installation by Commission we shall speak of it here For it was Ordained by the Statutes of Institution That in case the Soveraign should be absent out of the Kingdom at the time of Installation of any of the Knights so that he could not personally perform those things his Office obliged him to it should be lawful for him to constitute as his Deputy in this affair whomsoever of the Society he should think fit and he to have power and authority in the Soveraign's name to perform and execute those things which it would have been his own part to have done had he been present By virtue of this Article the Soveraign's Deputy or Lieutenant in his absence performed the Ceremony before the Reign of King Henry the Eighth which was usually done at the Feast of St. George for the Celebration of which he had another Commission but in the Commission given out for Installation formerly the Lieutenant was first named and the Knights-Companions appointed for his Assistants at the said Feast were joined with him in the Commission for Installation to assist in that Ceremony also but of later times the Commission hath pass'd to the Lieutenant alone King Henry the Eight enlarged the powers given by the former Statutes to a Deputy to two or more of the Knights-Companions that should exercise the same by the Soveraign's Letters of Commission And therefore by the liberty and priviledge of this Article whensoever after the Soveraigns did appoint an Installation at other times of the year than at the Feast of St. George they then delegated their authority to such of the Knights-Companions as were thought most fit to perform this great Ceremony And the very next year after making this Statute we find such a Commission issued to the Marquess Dorset and Earls of Devonshire and Kent to Instal the Lord Ferrars of Chartley the substance of which hath been ever since and is yet retained though the form hath received some little Variation as may be seen by two other Commissions immediately following in the Appendix The particular powers granted by the Commissioiners are these to accept and admit the Knight Elect into the Order to receive his Oath and to Instal him and the general power is to do and accomplish every thing which belongeth to his due Admittance and full Installation as to the Statutes and laudable Usageâ— Rules and Customs of this Order appertaineth We shall only add this observation out of the Commission given to the Marquess Dorset and the Lord Cobham an 5. E. 6. for Installation of the Lord Darâ—y which else is the same verbatim with former Commissions that in the last clause of general power the word Vsage is put down instead of the words Statutes and laudable Customs which were generally inserted in the more ancient Commissions perhaps as restraining the Ceremonies of Installation to such as were in use about that time when many Ceremonies accustomably used were forborn not what the Statutes and laudable Customs of formerly days had appointed and pracâ—ised Howbeit shortly after these words were restored to the Commissions of Installation as appears from a and Lord Clynton an 2. 3. Ph. Mar. for the Installation of Anthony Brown Viscount Mountague SECT IV. Letters of Summons BEsides the Commission impowering the Soveraign's Lieutenant or Knights-Commissioners therein named to Instal the Elect-Knight it hath been usual for the Soveraign upon the Chancellors motion to issue out Letters of Summons under his privy Signet but of late under the Signet of the Order both to the Commissioners for Installation and to the Elect Knights Those to the Commissioners are directed severally to each nominated in the Commission the effect whereof is to give them notice of the Installation and to require their repair to Windesor against the day therein assigned to the end the Elect Knight might proceed to his Installation a Precedent whereof is also added in the Appendix But at the Installation of Algernon Earl of Northumberland an 11. Car. 1. a Clause to this purpose is inserted into the Commission it self Those directed to the Elect Knight pass likewise under the Soveraign's Sign manual and Signet of the Order by which he is required to repair to Windesor Castle at a certain day therein prefixt to proceed to his Installation according to the Statutes of the Order and of this kind we have also inserted a Form in the Appendix Where note that if there be two or more Knights appointed to be Installed on the same day the like Letter is sent to each of them the difference being only in the direction Besides these Letters sent from the Soveraign the Chancellor in case the Soveraign afford his presence in his Circular Letters to the Knights-Companions for their repair to the Feast of St. George gives them also intimation of the designed Installation And if the said Feast be held either by the Soveraign or his
Lieutenant he dispatcheth a Letter to the Prelate of the Order signifying the Soveraign's commands for his attendance at the day appointed In both which cases as also if the Installation be dispatcht by Commissioners he writes his Letters to the three inferior Officers of the Order purporting the same command The conveyance of all which appertain to Garter and are left to his care and trust by the Constitutions relating to the Officers of the Order whose allowance and reward upon these and such like service shall be noted in its due place SECT V. Warrant for the Livery of the Order THE third thing to be obtained by the Chancellor of the Order is the Soveraign's Warrant directed to the Master of the Great Wardrobe for the time being to deliver so much Velvet for the Livery of the Order as will make the Knight Elect a Surcoat and Hood and as much Sarcenet or Taffety as will line them Of such a Warrant there is an ancient Precedent in Latin entred in the Black Book of the Order and transferred to the Appendix together with which we have also inserted another Precedent in English for delivery forth of materials for the Livery to Sir Iohn Wallop Knight Elected an 35. H. 8. And in the same form run all the Warrants we have seen in the Reigns of Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth There is also to be provided a Book wherein King Henry the Eighths English Statutes are written in a fair and legible hand upon Vellom having in the beginning the Soveraign's Arms impaled with those of the Order and the proper Arms of the Knight for whom the Book is provided both fairly limned and surrounded with the Garter This Book of Statutes is prepared by the Register of the Order to whom for the writing there is an allowance made which generally in the Reigns of King Edward the Sixth Queen Mary and Queen Eliz. was 2 l. but at King Iames his coming to the Crown it was enlarged to 3 l. 6 â— 8 d. SECT VI. The Removal of Atchievements and Plates BEsides these particulars before mentioned there is a Warrant or Scheme prepared for the Soveraign to sign wherein the order of the Stalls in the Choire at Windesor is set down according as he appoints them to stand at the ensuing Installation by virtue of which Garter is impowered to removed the Plates and Atchievements of the present Knights-Companions that so way be made for the Elect Knight or Knights and to fix the new Plates and Atchievements within and over the Stalls in such order as they are ranked in the said Scheme In reference to this alteration Garter so soon as the Soveraign's pleasure is known touching an Installation brings to the Chancellor of the Order the Names of the present Knights-Companions ranked in the order they then sit in their Stalls in which the Stalls void are to be so noted to the end he may present them to the Soveraign who upon observing the series wherein they be already placed may the better consider and determine how to alter and seat both them and the new Elect Knights And we find in the vacancy of Garter's Office this Employment was put upon Clarenceux for an 27. Eliz. the Soveraign's Warrant for removal and placing of Plates and Atchievements was delivered to him five days before the Installation of the Earl of Rutland the Lords Cobham and Scroop who thereupon fixed them according to the direction therein given This Section may be further enlarged by adding thereunto an account upon what ground this Alteration and Removal came to be made and how it continueth now in practice seeing it was otherwise at the Institution of the Order wherein we must first have recourse to the Statutes of the Order and ancient practice grounded thereupon Among the Statutes those of Institution did Ordain That if any Earl Baron or Knight Batchellor should depart this life he that succeeded in his place of what condition or state soever should possess the same Stall which his Predecessor held before without changing So that it might happen for an Earl or Duke to succeed a Knight and a Knight an Earl or Duke And it was thus at first appointed That it might be known who were the first Founders of this most Noble Order Now how punctually this Article of the Statutes hath been observed and what care was generally taken for a long time after the Institution of the Order that none chosen should interrupt or change this course we shall shew in the following Instances conceiving it very material to make use of those Tables yet preserved in the Chapter-house at Windesor but heretofore in the Choire of St. George's Chappel there wherein are collected the Names of all those Knights Companions who succeeded one another in each Stall until the beginning of King Henry the Seventh's Reign a transcript whereof we have inserted in the Appendix next after the Constitutions belonging to the Officers of the Order From which Series of succession and other Authorities we shall note how exactly the Law in this point hath been kept and observed even unto King Henry the Eighth's Reign when it received some alteration in this particular with reference no less to Election than Installation for we find in the Annals several Knights designed to the Stall of their immediate Predecessor by the honor only of Election albeit prevented of Installation by death or other accidental occasion and the Statutes do not bind him only who shall fortune to attain the honor of Installation but him who shall come after or succeed the desunct Knight which may as well be understood of and applied to an Elect as Installed Knight though the before mentioned Tables take notice only of the latter of these First therefore we shall instance in foreign Kings among whom we see the King of Denmark Ericus to have received Installation in King Henry the Fifth's Reign not according to his own state and degree as a King but into the Stall of that Knight-Companion whom he succeeded namely the Duke of Bavaria it being the eighth on the Soveraign's side whose first Predecessor and Founder was Sir Iohn Grey of Codnore Castle in the Country of Darby Besides Iohn the First King of Portugal a Knight-Companion in King Henry the Fifth's time also was installed in the second Stall on the Soveraign's side which belonged to Henry Duke of Lancaster his first Predeccessor and to this King did succeed in the same Stall his Son Edward King of Portugal elected an 13. H. 6. to whose Successor Humfry Duke of Gloucester an 34. of the same King succeeded Alphonsus the Fifth King of Portugal and to him as saith the French Table Iohn the Second King of Portugal But I rather doubt this Table as to the last King is mistaken for the second Stall not on the Soveraign's but Princes side because there we find as may be
21. Oct. an 18. H. 8. and to make room for his Instalment in the second Stall on the Soveraign's side which hitherto had been possessed by the Duke of Richmond both the said Duke and Marquess of Dorset were removed lower the Duke into the said Marques's Stall and the Marquess into the Earl of Northumberlaâ—ds then lately void by death And this was now so done that the Soveraign might express what honor he could to a King between whom and him there had lately past so great endearments All the rest of the Stalls may be observed to stand ranked as they did the year before and the void Stall on the Soveraign's side to be here supplied by the Installation of the Earl of Oxford Elected in the same Chapter with the French King In the 20.21 and 22. years of King Henry the Eighth the Stalls received no alteration and but little an 23. of the same King when the death of the Marquess Dorset occasioned advancing the Duke of Suffolk into his void Stall and placing the Earl of Arundel in the Dukes Whereupon the Earl of Northumberland Elected in the room of the Marquess Dorset was Installed in that which the Earl of Arundel relinquished and in this order they continued the 24. and 25. years of this King Nor was there any removal made an 26. H. 8. for albeit the Earls of Beaumont and Newblâ—nke French Noblemen were elected in a Chapter held at Callire the 27. of Oct. an 24. H. 8. yet at their Installation they were placed in the two Stalls then void by the death of two of the Knights-Companions viz. the first in the Stall of the Lord Dudley and the other in that of Sir Henry Guilford But the alterations became yet more considerable and extended almost to a general Translation which were made in the Stalls an 27. H. 8. upon the admission of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland one Stall being then void by the death of the Lord Montjoy for there remained unchanged only these five viz. the Earl of Rutland and Earl of Beaumont but called only Lord Beaumont in the Warrant for Translation on the Soveraign's side and the Emperor the King of Bohemia and Duke of Suffolk on the Princess side Nevertheless this so great an alteration was not made but upon consultation in Chapter held at Greenwich on St. George's day in the aforesaid year where the Soveraign with the assent of the rest of the Knights-Companions present thought it expedient that forasmuch as the said King of Scots was newly admitted into the Society of the Order and that there ought to be assigned a Stall answerable to his greatness that the Stalls of the Knights-Companions should be translated so as the said King should be placed next to the King of the Romans and the rest to be ranked according to the Soveraign's pleasure and thereupon it was given in charge to Garter to see the same accordingly performed The setlement of the Stalls at this time as it was sub-signed by the Soveraign coming to our hands we have exactly transcribed hither The Kings Highness appointment for the Stall of the King of Scots An. R. sui 27.23 April 1535. 1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor 2. The French King 2. The King of the Romans 3. The King of Scotland 3. The Duke of Richmond 4. The Duke of Norfolk 4. The Duke of Suffolk 5. The Marquess of Exceter 5. The Earl of Shrewsbury 6. The Earl of Arundel 6. The Earl of Essex 7. The Earl of Northumberland 7. The Earl of Westmerland 8. The Earl of Wiltshire 8. The Earl of Sussex 9. The Earl of Rutland 9. The Earl of Oxenford 10. The Lord Beaumond 10. The Viscount Lysle 11. The Lord Burgaveny 11. The Earl of Newblanke 12. The Lord Ferrars 12. The Lord Darcy 13. The Lord Sandys 13. Sir William Fitz William  Henry R. In this Scheme we find the King of Scots placed in the Duke of Richmond's Stall who with the Duke of Norfolk the Earls of Shrewsbury Arundel Essex Northumberland Westmerland and Sussex were all removed into the next Stall below that which each of them sat in before whether it were on the Soveraign's or Princes side The Marquess of Exeter to the next below his own on the Soveraign's side Viscount Lisle from the seventh to the tenth Stall on the Prince's side the Lord Abergaveny from the eighth on the Prince's side to the eleventh on the Soveraign's side the Lord Ferrars from the ninth on the Prince's side to the twelfth on the Soveraign's side the Lord Darcy from the tenth on the Prince's side to the twelfth on the same and the Lord Sandys from the twelfth on the Prince's side to the thirteenth on the Soveraign's And as these before mentioned Knights Companions were removed lower so the Earls of Oxford Wilts and Newblanke were honored with higher Stalls than they before possest for the first of them was advanced from the eleventh Stall on the Soveraign's side to the ninth on the Prince's the second from the eleventh on the Prince's side to the eighth on the Soveraign's and the third from the thirteenth of the Prince's to the eleventh on the same side So that in this last example though many of the Knights-Companions were removed lower yet it may be observed that the English Nobility were now ranked according to their Degrees first Dukes next a Marquess then Earls next Viscounts afterwards Barons and last of all Knights Some few removals were made in the following years of this King but none of so great note as this last mentioned and therefore we need not enlarge our Instances Nor were there any considerable translations in the Reigns of King Edward the Sixth or Queen Mary But immediately after Queen Elizabeth came to the Crown by consent of the Knights-Companions in Chapter held the 12. of Ianuary an 1. Eliz. the Atchievments of Philip King of Spain late Soveraign of the Order were removed to the Stall of the Emperor Ferdinand void by his being advanced into the Princes Stall for which Garter had then command given him And when the French King Charles the Ninth was Elected into this Order to wit on the morrow after St. George's day an 6. Eliz. it occasioned the Soveraign then to alter some Stalls to leave one vacant for him and the better to observe this alteration which was considerable we shall first shew how they stood ranked on the Eve of the said Feast Elizabeth R.  1. The Soveraign 1. The Emperor Ferdinand 2. The King of Spain 2. The Duke of Savoy 3. The Constable of France 3. The Duke of Holstein 4. The Earl of Arundel 4. The Marquess of Winchester 5. The Earl of Derby 5. The Earl of Penbroke 6. The Duke of Norfolk 6. The Lord Clynton 7. Void 7. The Marquess of Northampton 8. Void 8. Void 9. The Lord Effingham 9. The Earl of Sussex 10. The Earl of Shrewsbury 10. The Lord Hastings 11. The Viscount
4. of Iuly after And when the Removal of Stalls was considered on for admission of these seven Elect Knights it was determined that the Dukes of Brunswick and Chevereux should be installed in the uppermost Stalls among Strangers as King Henry the Eighth had ordained but the Knights Subjects in the lowermost Stalls according to the constant practice since passing the Decree an 6. Eliz. as doth appear from the setlement of Stalls then made and thus Intituled A Remove of Banners and Plates at the Feast of St. George and Installation holden at Windesor the 13.14 and 15. days of December an 1625. At which time were Installed the Dukes of Brunswick and Chevereux the Earls of Salisbury Carlisle Holland Dorset and the Viscount Andover as followeth Charles R. Â 1. King Charles Soveraign 1. The King of Denmark 2. The Prince Palatine 2. The Duke of Brunswick 3. The Duke of Chevereux 3. The Earl of Northumberland 4. The Earl of Worcester 4. The Lord Sheffield 5. The Earl of Suffolk 5. The Earl of Sussex 6. The Earl of Derby 6. The Earl of Marr. 7. The Earl of Penbroke 7. The Earl of Montgomery 8. The Earl of Arundel 8. The Earl of Somerset 9. The Earl of Kelly 9. The Visc. Wallingford 10. The Earl of Rutland 10. The Duke of Buckingham 11. The Earl of Leicester 11. The Earl of Salisbury 12. The Earl of Carlisle 12. The Earl of Dorset 13. The Earl of Holland 13. The Viscount Andover Shortly after the Restauration of the present Soveraign to his Crowns and Kingdoms when several Knights-Companions both Strangers and Subjects were to be Installed debate was had in Chapter held at Whitehall the 10. of April an 13. Car. 2. about placing their Atchievements over their Stalls whereupon the following Order issued Charles R. WHereas divers Elected Knights and Companions of our most Noble Order of the Garter are by our special appointment to be installed in the Chappel of our Castle of Windesor upon the 15. day of this instant and that some of them who are Strangers do not yet nor are likely to appear either in their own persons or by their sufficient Proxies at the said Instalment and so might run hazard to lose the benefit and advantage of their pre-election in point of rank and precedency in respect of some of our Subject Knights who though since Elected will be first installed without some expedient taken therein to prevent it There being no reason nor is it in our intention that those Noble Persons should suffer that prejudice for want of that usual formality and for which they are not in fault but others who according to the Statutes and ancient Custom were to give timely advertisement to the said Foreign elected Knights and to summon them by themselves or Proxies to assist at the said Instalment Our will and pleasure is you proceed forthwith to the placing of the Hatchments of all the respective Knights and Companions of our said Order whether Installed or Elect Subject or Strangers over the Stalls which we do in manner as followeth assign and appoint them in our foresaid Chappel 2. The Duke of York 1. 1. The Soveraign 2. The Elector Palatine 3. Prince Elector of Brandenburg 3. Prince of Orange 4. Prince Rupert 4. Prince Edward 5. Earl of Salisbury 5. Earl of Berkshire 6. Earl of Northumberland 6. Duke of Espernon 7. Duke of Ormond 7. Duke of Buckingham 8. Earl of Southampton 8. Marquess of Newcastle 9. Earl of Bristol 9. Prince of Tarente 10. Count Marshin 10. Duke of Albemarle 11. Earl of Sandwich 11. Earl of Oxford 12. Duke of Richmond 12. Earl of Lindsey 13. Earl of Manchester 13. Earl of Strafford And for so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant any Statute or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding Given under the Signet of Our said Order at our Court at Whitehall the 10. of April 1661. By the Soveraign's command Hen. de Vic. To our trusty and wellbeloved servant Sir Edward Walker Knight Garter and Principal King of Arms of our most Noble Order of the Garter So that here we see the Stranger Princes are setled in the upper Stalls neerest the Soveraign according to their several dignities and degrees and all the Knights Subjects among whom were reckoned the Duke of Espernon the Prince of Tarente and Count Marshiâ— according to the times of their Elections this being in confirmation as well of the setlement made by King Henry the Eighth as of Queen Elizabeth before remembred And among the Knights Companions in this setlement it is to be noted that though the Earl of Southampton did not receive his Garter and George till the Soveraign's happy return into England and then from his own hands yet was his place and precedence here allowed him according to the time of his Election in the Isle of Iersey in Ianuary an Dom. 1649. some few days before Duke Hamilton and the Marquess of Newcastlâ— were elected But the 10. of Ianuary an 14. Car. 2. the Soveraign and Knights-Companions assembled in Chapter Ordered That thence forward all Princes Strangers of what condition soever should have precedence among themselves according to the seniority of their Elections and Installations and thereupon the Soveraign's Warrant issued out to Garter under the Signet of the Order dated the 30. of March following to authorise him to set up their Atchievements in the Chappel of St. George at Windesor in the order here exhibited Charles R. Â 1. The Soveraign 1. Void 2. Duke of York 2. Prince Elector Palatine 3. Prince Rupert 3. Prince of Orange 4. Prince Elector of Brandenburg 4. Prince of Denmark 5. Earl of Salisbury 5. Earl of Berkshire 6. Earl of Northumberland 6. Duke of Ormond 7. Duke of Buckingham 7. Earl of Southampton 8. Marquess of Newcastle 8. Earl of Bristoll 9. Prince of Tarente 9. Count Marshin 10. Duke of Albemarle 10. Earl of Sandwich 11. Earl of Oxford 11. Duke of Richmond 12. Earl of Lindsey 12. Earl of Manchester 13. Earl of Strafford 13. Duke of Monmouth Nevertheless the 19. of November and. Dom. 1669. at a Chapter held at Whitehall upon due consideration had of the Law made by King Henry the Eighth for placing of Strangers as also of Queen Elizabeth for Knights Subjects and to remove all Orders made in alteration thereof the Soveraign by the advice and consent of the most Noble Companions present was pleased to Ordain and Declare First that the Princes of Wales and such Emperors and Kings that should be of the Order should be placed in the neerest Stalls to that of the Soveraign according to their Elections and Installations Then that all other Soveraign Princes and Princes of the Blood should be placed in the Stalls next unto Kings according to their seniority in the Order And thirdly that all other his Majesties Subjects and Strangers not of the dignity above mentioned should be installed in the lowest Stalls according to their antiquity in the
was ought to outlive the accident of foul weather we shall insert the order of it here The order of riding to the Installation of William Earl of Northampton the 20. of April 1629. Trumpets whose Banners were of Damask and thereon the Earls Arms within a Garter with his Crest and Supporters The meanest of his Servants as Grooms and Teomen in Blue Coats two and two His Lordships other Servants in Blue Coats as Gentlemen Esquires and Knights two and two Two Secretaries Mr. Ralph Goodwyn and Mr. Francis Mewse Steward Mr. Cuthbert Ogle Controller Mr. William Goodwyn Two Pages Thomas Floyd and Francis Browne His spare Horse led by the Gentleman of his Horse His Chaplain to distribute his Alms. Pursuivants at Arms two and two Heralds at Arms two and two Gentleman Vsher Mr. Walter Thomas bareheaded Earl of Berkshire Earl of Northampton Earl of Salisbury The Senior Herald covered Noblemen in their places two and two Knights Esquires and Gentlemen which accompanied him The Commissioners Servants Other Noblemens Knights Esquires and Gentlemens Servants Thus Henry Earl of Danby and William Earl of Morton being to receive the honor of Installation an 10. Car. 1. so disposed of themselves for their more commodious passage and the peoples view that the one lodged at Warwick House in Holborne the other at Dorset House in Salisbury Court neer Fleetstreet and proceeded severally through the Streets to Hide Park each between two Noblemen to support him with their Footmen in rich Coats on either side them Their Gentlemen-Vshers rode bare-headed and before them the Officers of Arms wearing their Coats then their Servants in Blue Coats and Cognizances as was the ancient manner all led on by Trumpets The rest of the Lords Knights and Gentlemen followed after each Knight-Elect in Troop according to their Degrees those of the best quality formost In particular the Proceeding of the Earl of Morton was marshalled in the following order Trumpets two and two Grooms in Coats two and two Yeoman two and two Gentlemen two and two Secretaries Steward Gentleman of the Horse Pages 4 Officers of Arms. Gent. Vsher bare Lancaster Herald covered Earl Morton supported between two chief Lords Footmen on each side in rich Coats Noblemen and Gentlemen according to their Degrees At Slow two miles on this side Windesor they all made a stand and being put again into order proceeded to Windesor Castle where alighting in the lower Court the Knights-Elect were thence conducted to their several Lodgings To these already mentioned we shall add the order of that stately Cavalcade set forth by Algernon Earl of Northumberland from Dorset house in Salisbury Court toward Windesor the 13. of May an 11. Car. 1. which though the last this age hath beheld yet was it not the least in pomp and glory and disposed as followeth Mr. Butler Mr. Havelocke Mr. Hillman Mr. Eglebie Mr. Gradye Mr. Williams Mr. Sheares Mr. Collins Mr. Simpson Mr. Barnard Mr. Gates Mr. Iohnson Mr. Fenwick Mr. Granger Mr. Cappon Mr. Browne Mr. Rushton Mr. Percy Mr. Gibbons Mr. Musgrave Mr. Millar Mr. Heron. Mr. Potter Mr. Dodsworth Mr. Githens Mr. Blackstone Mr. Harris Mr. Hall Mr. Newland Mr. Hubbald Mr. Lambe Mr. Clarke Mr. Emery Mr. Meriwether Mr. Guppie Mr. Cobbie Mr. Holdridge Mr. Baldwine Mr. Thorneton Mr. Edmunds Mr. Francis Mose Mr. William Mose Mr. Cartwright Mr. Cardinal Mr. Wivild Mr. Pagler Mr. Smith Mr. Taylour Pages being Earl Sons viz. Mr. William Herbert Mr. Philip Cecil Mr. Iohn Herbert Mr. Algernon Sidney Heralds at Arms two and two Mr. Bluâ—devile Gent. Vsher bareheaded Norroy King of Arms. Marquess of Winchester Earl of Northumberland Earl of Kent And somewhat behind him the rest of the Lords Knights and Gentlemen in order the best formost two and two the Coaches closing up the Troop There was a publick Cavalcade desâ—â—n'd from Somerset House in the Strand to Windesor Castle when the present Soveraign was to be Installed which though it took not effect yet is fit to be remembred by the insertion of the then Chancellor's Letter to each Knight-Companion for making preparations to accompany him thither May it please your Lordship THE Kings Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter having determined to create the Prince his eldest Son Knight and to propose him in Election to be a Companion of his Order for the better conveniency of his Installation hath prorogued by a Commission under the Seal of his Order given the 25. of February now remaining in my Custody the celebration of the Feast of St. George from the 22.23 and 24. of April next whereon it should have been solemnized unto the 21.22 and 23. of May immediately ensuing and thereby given Command to all the Knights-Companions and Officers of his Order that they should attend his royal person at his Palace of Whitehall upon those days appointed In discharge of the duty of my place and by special order I do signifie unto your Lordship his Majesties will and that it is his pleasure for the more honor of the Prince and the noble Feast of his Election and Installation that your Lordship should be attended with your Servants and Retinue according to solemn Custom and be prepared to accompany his Highness from Somerset-house in the Strand unto the Castle of Windesore upon the 19. of that moneth to assist at the Ceremony and Feast of his Installation upon the day following Praying your Lordship that you will be pleased to take knowledge hereby both of the time and place designed and of the Soveraign's order I humbly rest In all due obedience and observance Tho. Rowe St. Martin's Lane 27. Feb. 1637. When this Letter was sent the Soveraign intended to create the Prince Knight of the Bath which Ceremonies were designed to begin at the old Palace at Westminster upon the 21. day of May an 13. Car. 1. as also to hold the Feast of St. George for that year at Whitehall on the 23. of the same Moneth and to take the Scruteny that Evening for his Election into this Order The next day was designed to invest him with the Garter and George and the day following to set forward the Cavalcade towards Windesor wherein also the Knights of the Bath intended to be created with the Prince were to ride in their Robes But this resolution being changed and the intention of creating the Prince a Knight of the Bath altered to that of a Knight-Batchellor the Ceremony thereof was defer'd to Windesor and so the Cavalcade followed not It was the manner heretofore for the Soveraign's Lieutenant when the Soveraign thought fit to appoint the Installation at the same time with the Feast of St. George to ride to Windesor attended with a gallant Train and no small number of his own Gentlemen and Yeomen richly habited and in all things well appointed as was seen in that Cavalcade of the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England and Lieutenant to the
Soveraign for St. George's Feast an 5. Eliz. at which time the Earls of Northumberland and Warwick were to be Installed who had then attending on him 200 of his own Gentlemen and Yeomen The Lieutenant and his Assistants or otherwise the Knights-Commissioners if the Feast of St. George be not then held being arrived in the Castle forthwith retire to their Lodgings which most usually have been prepared at the Deans house the Rooms therein being the fairest and best fitted accommodation in the Castle next those of the Soveraign's in the upper Ward but the Knights-Elect were at all times furnished with Lodgings in some of the Prebends houses SECT II. The Offering in the Chappel on the Eve of the Feast IF it so happened that the Installation passed by Commissioners and the Cavalcade set forth from London in the morning of the day preceding the Installation and arrived at Windesor Castle early that afternoon then the Knights-Commissioners have been accustomed to put on their Mantles only at the Chapter-house door and enter St. George's Chappel to offer but without the attendance of Heralds or any solemne Proceeding before them into the Choire only brought in by the Prebends where having taken their Stalls with usual Reverences the order of which shall be discoursed at large in the 20. Chapter and heard an Anthem they pass'd up to the Altar with the Verger and Garter before them and there made their Offering both of Gold and Silver according to usual custom As soon as the Vespers were ended they descended from their Stalls after the accustomed manner and departed to their Lodgings and in this case the Knights-Commissioners put not off their Mantles till after Supper In this manner was the Ceremony of Offering on the Eve of the Installation performed by the Lord Admiral and Earl of Ormond Commissioners for the Installation of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Cumberland an 34. Eliz. as also by the Earls of Nottingham Worcester Suffolk and Southaâ—pton Commissionerâ— appointed for the Installation of the Earl of Salisbury and Viscount Bindon aâ— 4. Iaâ— R. But at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland and others an 26. Elâ—z the Lord Hunsdon one of the Commiâ—sioners for that Solemnity refused to go to the Chappel to Offer alone albeit he arrived at Windesor Castle timely enough on the Eve because he wanted the company of Viscount Mountague joined in Commission with him who came not thither till the next morning The Offering thus made at the Knights-Commissioners coming to the Castle on the â—ve of Installation is in conformity to an Article in the Statutes to this efâ—â—â—t That if any of the Knights-Companions being upon a Iourney should accidentâ—lly pass by Windesor Castle he is to turn in thither if he can with convenience and be not hindred by some just and allowable cause in honor of the place and prepare himself to enter into the Chappel to Offer first putting on his Mantle without which he must never presume to enter into it After the Knight-Companion had entred the Castle the Canons-Resident were by this Article appointed to meet and receive him and with due reverence conduct him into the Choire If it were in the time of high Mass the Knight was obliged to stay and hear it in honor of God and St. George but if he came thither in the afternoon he was to stay till the Canons with the rest of the Choire had sung the Anthem de Profundis which being ended he proceedâ—d to the high Altar and Offered and returned to his Stall with usual Reverences and then departed But if the Knight-Companion passed through the Town of Windesor and did not go to the Chappel to Offer in manner as before is ordained so often as he omitted doing thereof he was bound upon his obedience to walk a mile on foot to the Chappel in honor of St. George otherwise for every time he failed to offer one Penny which by King Henry the Eighth's Statutes is inlarged to a Groat It seems at last there hapned some dispute about the just distance intended by this Article from the Castle and to the end the Knigâ—ts-Companions might fully know when they came within the breach of this Injunction it was thought requisite by King Henry the Eighth to â—â—t down a certain bound which in his Statutes is there declared to be two miles within which if any of the Knights-Companions come and do not repair to the Chappel and Offer he is liable to the penalty or mulct above specified And because it oftentimes fell out that some of the Knights-Companions did accidentally ride within the said limits whilst they took the pleasure of hunting in Windesor Forest some part of it lying neer the Castle nevertheless could not conveniently leave their sport to perform all the Solemnity required they usually in such case sent their Offring in money to the Canons which being received the Knights took it for a dispensation of the Ceremony enjoined by the Statutes But they still apprehending inconvenience in this Article endeavours were used to have it interpreted with greater latitude which so far took effect that at a Chapter held at Windesor the 10. of October an 15. Car. 1. it was ordered to be considered of at the next Chapter that so some provision might be made to save the Knights from breach of their Oath if they came within the foresaid limited distance of Windesor Castle and passed thence without Offring But nothing being then done nor at any time since the Law stands as it did SECT III. The Supper on the Eve THE Supper at night after their arrival at Windesor is but in the nature of a private Meal and prepared for the Lieutenant or Commissioners and the Knights-Elect generally in the Deans House and where on the Eve of Installation of the Earl of Rutland and Lord Cobham an 26. Eliz. the Commissioners supped together with such Lords and Gentlemen of account as came along with them no Nobleman having above one servant to wait on him at the Table the rest had their diet prepared in the Town at their own Inns. But now and then they have been permitted to sup in some of the Rooms in the Soveraign's Lodgings for there was the Supper made ready at the Installation of the Lord Russel and other Elect Knights an 31. H. 8. and at the Installation of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon an 3. Eliz. the Lieutenant and Knights supped in the Great Chamber there all sitting together at one Table in the same order as was used at other times but the Heralds then supped in St. George's Hall And in the 34. of Queen Elizabeth when the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland were Installed all the Lords and Gentlemen supped together at one long Table set in the Council Chamber SECT IV. The order in Proceeding to the Chapter-house WE come now to
the chief Circuâ—â—â—ances of this great Solemnity namely the particular Ceremonies of Installation managed and ordered after either the Soveraign or in his absence his Lieutenant or Commissioners and Knights-Elect are arrived at Windesor In reference to which we shall premise this general note That since neither the Statutes of Institution nor the Statutes of King Henry the Fifth afford us a Formulary for the personal Installation of a Knight-Elect though each of them contain some part of those Ceremonies observed at the Installation of Strangers by Proxy yet those made by King Henry the Eighth do exhibit in short the order and method thereof which we shall make use of as we pass along and regularly place those directions under their proper heads We must further observe that if the Installation be appointed together with the Feast of St. George then either the Soveraign and consequently the Knights-Companions or else his Lieutenant and Assistants are present but if any other time of the year then it passeth by Commissioners only and where we mention the Soveraign and his Lieutenant and Commissioners together there the Case or Rule inserted will sute with every of them After such time therefore as the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commissioners have prefixed an hour wherein to begin the Proceding to the Chapter-house in order to the Installation of the Elect Knight which Ceremony for the most part hath been performed and dispatcht on the Evening of their arrival at Windesor but sometimes the next morning all the Knights-Companions and Elect-Knights the Officers of the Order and of Arms the Prebends of the Colledge and Alms-Knights are to give their attendance that is to say the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order on the Soveraign in his inward Lodging the Elect-Knights and Officers of Arms in the Presence Chamber the Prebends and Alms-Knights in the Great Chamber where they wait the Soveraign's coming forth The attendance to be given upon the Soveraign's Lieutenant and such of the Knights-Companions as are appointed for his Assistants is by the Officers of the Order and of Arms the Prebends and Alms-Knights either at his Lodgings or else where as he shall appoint but not by any other of the Knights-Companions For though we find the Knights-Companions have sometimes proceeded to the Chappel before the Soveraign's Lieutenant when an Installation was celebrated yet hath it been at such time only as they came to Windesor with the Soveraign chiefly to hold St. George's Feast where though the Soveraign through indisposition of body or weighty affairs could not pass down to the Chappel on the Eve of the Feast yet they being obliged by the Statutes to celebrate Vespers did on this occasion not that of Installation proceed thither as it fell out at the Installation of Prince Henry and four other Knights an 1. Iac. R. when the Proceeding began from the Presence Chamber and thence past to the Chapter-house in the following Order Alms-Knights Prebends Pursuivants Heralds Vlster King of Arms. Lyon King of Arms. Clarenceux King of Arms. The four â—lect-Knights Knights-Companions Black Rod. Register Garter Chancellor The Soveraign's Lieutenant leading the Prince in his hand The Knights-Companions proceeded likewise before the Soveraign's Lieutenant at the Installation of the Duke of Brunswick and five other Elect-Knights the 23. of Nov. an 1. Car. 1. but the Soveraign was then at Windesor Castle though not in the Proceeding and the Feast of St. George there also solemnized But upon the Soveraign's Commissioneâ—s neither the Knights-Companions nor the Prelate nor Chancellor do give theâ—r attendance only at the Grand Feast of St. George an 13. Car. 2. the Chancellor then waiting on the Soveraign at Windesor in the duties of his place out of a particular regard to his Royal Highness the Duke of York being then Controller of his Houshold attended the Commissioners in the proceeding to his Installation The Proceedings upon this solemn occasion have been generally ordered on foot Nevertheless upon some extraordinary account marshalled and disposed on Horseback in manner of a Cavalcade as was set forth at the Installation of Philip King of Castile an 22. H. 7. and that when the Lord Russel and other Elect-Knights were installed an 31. H. 8. So also at the Installation of the Earl of Sussex an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. which King Philip honored with his own presence Himself and several of the Knights-Companions riding on Horseback from his Lodgings in the Castle down to the Cloister door at the East end of the Chappel and there alighting proceeded directly into the Chapter-house When the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon were installed an 3. Eliz. the Proceeding was likewise ordered on Horseback So also at the Installation of the Earl of Northumberland and Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. and lastly at the Installations of Francis Duke of Montmorency the Viscount Hereford and the Lords Burghley Grey and Shandos an 14. Eliz. concerning which it is further observed that the Soveraign's Lieutenant and Knights-Assistants did then put on their Robes in the Soveraign's Lodgings in the Castle and meeting in the Presence-Chamber proceeded down to the outward Hall door in the upper Ward of the Castle where taking their Horses adorned with foot Clothes they proceeded on Horseback to the West door of the Chappel If the Proceeding was ordered on Horseback at the beginning of the Feast it continued the same throughout at the usual times so often as the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commissioners went to the Chapter-house or Chappel and all the returns were marshalled in the like order as the settings forth As concerning the marshalling this proceeding to the Chapter-house it hath been done after the same manner and order as that celebrated on the Eve of the Grand Feast of St. George in relation to the degrees whereof it was composed of which we shall discourse at large below nevertheless where there happened any considerable difference it shall be noted in this Section as we have occasion To begin now as we shall do there with Servants and Attendants belonging to the Knight-Elect who if they be taken into the Proceeding pass on first two and two in rank according to their quality those of the meanest condition formost Next the Alms-Knights in their Habits and usual order Then follows the Verger of the Colledge After him the Prebends or Canons but what attendance they have given heretofore at Installations we cannot make appear for in those Schemes left us of Proceeding to Installations in the Reigns of King Henry the Eighth King Edward the Sixth Queen Mary and part of Queen Elizabeth we find them not inserted though since they are Next to the Prebends of the Colledge do the Pursuivants Heralds and Provincial Kings of Arms proceed in a Body And after them the Knight-Subject Elect unless the Proctor of an absent Knight-Subject pass at the same time in this Proceeding whose place is
immediately next after the Provincial Kings And if it so happen that the Proctor to a Stranger-Prince be then also present he is to proceed between the Knight-Subject's Proctor and the Knight-Subject Elect. But Prince Henry at his Installation an Iac. R. 1. went in a place above all the Knights-Companions and was paired with the Earl of Nottingham the Soveraign's Lieutenant for that occasion Where two or more Elect-Knights proceed to their Installation at the same time they take place according to the seniority of their Election proceeding two and two together and if the number be odd the junior Elect-Knight passeth alone Some other notices may here take place as first that the Elect-Knight passed heretofore in his ordinary Apparel wearing over it long since a short Gown afterwards a Cloak and of later times a Coat as did the Earl of Northumberland an 5. Eliz. and the Earls of Penbroke and Derby an 16. Eliz. And this also the Annals of the Order and other Authorities particularly note of the Earl of Sussex and Lord Buckhurst an 31. Eliz. of Charles Duke of York and others an 9. Iac. R. of the Duke of Lenox an 22. Iacobi the Earl of Northampton an 5. Car. 1. and Marquess Hamilton the year following But this was before any peculiar under Habit was appointed to the Knights-Companions for now there being a Cloth of Silver Doublet and Trunk Hose established to be worn at the Feasts of Installation and of St. George the Elect-Knight proceeds in this Habit and so did the Duke of Albemarle an 23. Car. 2. Secondly In this Proceeding to the Chapter-house he weareth only the Garter about his Leg and the George and Ribband wherewith he was invested either about his neck or as of late drawn under his right arm which being omitted by Sir George Villars and Viscount Lisle is noted to be contrary to order Thirdly that the Earl of Rutland with his Fellow Elect Knights an 14. Iac. Reg. proceeded bareheaded as also the Duke of Lenox an 9. Car. 1. and so did the Duke of Albemarle an 23. Car. 2. Fourthly the Elect Knight doth not always go in this Proceeding but sometimes stays at his Lodgings in the Castle as did the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberlâ—nd an 34. Eliz. or else at some other convenient place neer unto the Chapter-house till he be sent for in thither to receive Investiture with the Surcoats an instance whereof we have in the Duke of Montmorency an 14. Eliz. and the other Elect Knights that were to be installed at the same time with him who before the Soveraign's Lieutenant and Assistants proceeded to the Chapter-house went privately from the Soveraign's Lodgings down to the House of Mr. French then one of the Prebends for the Dean was absent at that time and his House unprovided for their Reception and rested in the Parlour until they were sent for Or otherwise he hath gone privately into the East Isle of the Chappel behind the High Altar and there stayed till called in as did the Duke of Monmouth an 15. Car. 2. If the Soveraign be present at the Installation the Knights-Companions proceed next after the Knights-Elect or the Proctor to a stranger Prince according to the order of their Stalls but if the Soveraign's Lieutenant then his Assistants go in their place of which there is a President at the Installation of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon an 3. Eliz. the Proceeding being ordered in the following manner Vergers Alms Knights Officers of Arms. Elect-Knights Assistants to the Lieutenant Officers of the Order Earl of Arundel Lieutenant And if the Installation be dispatcht by Commissioners then the three inferiour Officers of the Order immediately follow the Knight-Elect and proceed next before the Commissioners because they have no Assistants appointed them to pass between as hath the Soveraign's Lieutenant and thus we find them marshalled at the Installation of the Earl of Northampton an 5. Car. 1. The Earls Servants Alms-Knights Prebends Heralds Elect-Knights Officers of the Order The Soveraign's Commissioners Nevertheless once and but once viz. an 16. Eliz. at the Installation of the Earls of Penbroke and Derby we find the said Officers did precede the Elect-Knights but this was through mistake Something more may be added concerning these three Officers place and order in proceeding at the Solemnities of Installation since there hath heretofore fallen out both question and dispute thereupon For at the Installation of the said Earl of Northampton some question and debate hapning touching their place in this Proceeding it was at length concluded That from the Castle to the Chappel they should proceed before the Commissioners but in returning from the Chappel to the Castle they should follow We suppose the Question whatsoever it was chanced not to be propounded till the Proceeding was ready to pass on and then starâ—ed on a sudden because the Heralds not readily resolving as the Annals note seems rather to proceed from suprize than want of ability to answer and it also appears that the determination which took place was grounded but upon conjecture and how fit soever it was them thought yet if well considered will appear not consonant to Precedents and Practice both before and since as also to the usual rule where all returns are marshalled answerably to their settings forth unless the condition of any person in the Proceeding be in the mean time changed But perhaps it will be answered that the ground of this resolution of following the Commissioners in their return was because the authority wherewith they were impowered seemed to cease as soon as the Knight was Installed and consequently the attendance which that authority exacted from the Officers then ceased also Yet if so what needed any Proceeding back at all but that the Commissioners should have put off their Habits in the Chapter-house and pass thence privately to their Lodgings But to proceed It is further to be observed that when Installations pass by Commissioners only these three inferior Officers wear their Robes for they are appointed to be worn at all solemn Assemblies of the Order no less than at the Feasts of St. George but bear not the Ensigns of their Offices in the Proceeding And this seems to be deduced from particular Injunctions laid down in the Constitutions appertaining to the Officers of the Order which appoint Garter and Black Rod to bear the Ensigns of their Offices at the Feast of St. George when the Soveraign or his Deputy shall be present whence it may be inferred that if either happen to be absent they need not bear them We also find this in practice and their Ensigns not carried at the Installations of Frederick King of Denmark and Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhine an 25. Eliz. next of the Earl of Rutland and Lord Cobham the following year and thirdly so noted in the Red
Book of the Order But if the Soveraign himself be present or that he constitute a Lieutenant in his stead the Register then carries the Red Book and Garter and the Black Rod bear each of them their Rods. And note also that in every Proceeding to Installation by a Lieutenant or Commissioners Garter carries the Soveraign's Commission in his hand to the Chapter-house before them We now are arrived at the place of the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commissioners which is in the Rear and with which we shall close the ordinary Proceeding But because we would give some instances where the Soveraign willing to add honor to the Elect-Knights hath appointed their Installation at such time as he personally solemnized the Feast of St. George we shall insert here first that memorable but mixt Proceeding on Horseback when the Election and Installation of Philip King of Castile and Leon past an 22. H. 7. from the Soveraign's Lodging in the Casile to the South door of St. George's Chappel and was thus ordered Knights according to their Degrees Lords after their Degrees Knights-Companions in their whole Habit bearing company with some of the Knights of the Order of Toyson d' or Prelate of the Order Archbishop of Canterbury The Spanish Ambassador Toyson d' or King of Arms in his Coat of Arms. Garter King of Arms in his Coat of Arms. The Sword The Prince Philip King of Castile King Henry the Seventh Soveraign of the Order Another but later instance shall be that at the Feast of St. George an 9. Iac. R. when Charles Duke of York Thomas Earl of Arundel and Robert Viscount Rochester were installed Alms-Knight Prebends Officers of Arms. Visc. Rochester Earl of Arundel Duke of York Knights-Companions Officers of the Order The Sword The Soveraign The same Soveraign with several of the Knights-Companions proceeded also to the Chappel at the personal Installation of Frederick Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 10. Iac. R. the Feast of St. George being then solemnized and again at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland Sir George Villâ—rs and Viscount Lysâ—â— in the 14. year of the same King The like honor did King Charles the First to the Earl of Suffolk an 4. Car. 1. and to the Duke of Lenox an 9. Car. 1. as also to the present Soveraign when his Installation was celebrated at Windesor an 14 of the same King To these examples we may add the present Soveraign's personal appearance at the Grand Feast of St. George held next after his happy Restauration whereat 12 Elect Knights Subjects received the honor of Installation namely the Dukes of Ormond and Buckingham Earl of Southampton Marquess of Newcastle Earl of Bristol Duke of Albemarle the Earls of Sandwich and Oxford Duke of Richmond and the Earls of Lindsey Manchester and Strafford As also at the Installations of the Prince of Denmark and Iames Duke of Monmouth the 22. of April an 15. Car. 2. and lastly of the King of Sweden the Duke of Saxony and Christopher Duke of Albemarle the 28. of May an 23. C. 2. Lastly at this Solemnity of Installation the Soveraign proceeds in full Robes having the Sword of State born before him by a Nobleman not of the Order his Train-Bearers and Attendants following and the Band of Pensioners closing up the Proceeding The Soveraign's Lieutenant and his Assistants so also the Commissioners proceed in full Robes likewise which we find not only mentioned but the particulars enumerated an 31. H. 8. when the Earl of Arundel and his Assistants installed the Lord Russel and two other Elect Knights but the Soveraign's Lieutenant not any of the Commissioners hath his Train carried up and this service is usually performed by some of his own Gentlemen The Earl of Arundel's Train was carried up by his Gentleman Usher an 3. Eliz. And the Duke of Norfolk's an 5. Eliz. by Sir Nicholas Strange his Chamberlain The Processional wâ—y if the Proceeding take beginning in the Presence Chamber is down thence into the upper ward of the Castle and through the other Wards in at the Cloyster door and so to the Chapter-house but if from the Deans house then the way is but short and taken only through the Cloysters into which there is an immediate passage from the Deanry The Proceeding having entred the East door of St. George's Chappel and passed by the Chapter-house door makes a stand in the North Isle while first the Officers of the Order next the Knights Commissioners or else the Knights Assistants and the Soveraign's Lieutenant or lastly the Knights-Companions and the Soveraign with the Sword born before him pass into the Chapter-house But the Knight or Knights Elect ought not as yet to enter but as they come in at the Chappel door fall off on the left hand into the East-Isle behind the high Altar where they may either walk or repose themselves at pleasure on Velvet Chairs or Stools with Cushens there prepared for them until they are called into the Chapter-house And this hath been so usual a custom that we find very frequent mention made of it amongst others it is thus noted of the Earl of Northumberland an 5. Eliz. that he entred not into the Chapter-house with the Lieutenant and Assistants but walked before the door until he was called in The like did the Earls of Essex and Ormond and Sir Christopher Hatton while the Commissioners appointed for that Installation an 30. Eliz. went into the Chapter-house At the Installation of the Earl of Rutland Sir George Villars and Viscount â—ysle an 14. Iac. R. there were prepared in the foresaid Isle Stools set upon Carpets one an Ell distant from another on which they sat according to the order of their Election whilst the Soverâ—ign Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order entred into the Chapter-house So an 1. Car. 1. the Earl of Salisbury and the rest of the Elect Knights retired out of the Proceeding as it entred the Chappel and rested themselves in Velvet Chairs placed in the aforesaid Isle Lastly all the Elect Knights that received their Installation at the Grâ—nd Feast of St. George happily celebrated in the 13. year of the present Soveraign did the like Nevertheless out of extraordinary respect to great personages they have been sometimes though but rarely admitted into the Chapter-house with the Soveraign or his Lieutenant among whom Philip King of Castile and Leon an 22. H. 7. was one and also Prince Henry an 1. Iac. R. he being led in by the Soveraign's Lieutenant while the other four Elect Knights installed at that Solemnity with him sat upon Benches in the accustomed place until they severally received their Summons to enter Sometimes the Soveraign and Knights-Companions in their Proceeding to Insâ—allation have waved going to the Chapter-house and pass'd immediately into the Choire as did King Iames an 9. when â—harles Duke of York and others
were Installed The like did King Charles the First at the Installation of the Earl of Suffolk but then the Soveraign had held a Chapter in the Privy Chamber immediately before the Proceeding set forward and it is to be noted that in the former instance when the Proceeding came as far as the East end of the Chappel the Duke of York and the two other Elect Knights with Norroy before them went out of the Proceeding into the Chapter-house and there reposed themselves while the Soveraign proceeded on to the South door of the Chappel and thence into the Choire SECT V. The Ceremonies performed in the Chapter-house AFter the Lieutenant's entrance into the Chapter-house and opening of the Chapter Garter with three Reverences presents first the Commission of Lieutenancy to hold the Feast next that of Installation to the Lieutenant or if the Installation pass by Commissioners then only the Commission of Installation to the Senior Commissioner which being received he delivers it to the Register of the Order who forthwith reads it for to him this duty appertains as is recorded in the Black Book of the Order upon occasion of Garter's reading the Commission for Installation of Sir Thomas Brandon an 22. H. 7. the Register being then absent When the Register hath read the Commissions he returns them to the Lieutenant or Commissioners and he again to the custody of Garter as it is noted to be done at the Installation of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland an 34. Eliz. If the Soveraign be present the Chancellor acquaints him that the Knights-Elect are without otherwise the Lieutenant and Assistants or Commissioners consult together for some short space touching the manner of calling in and receiving the Elect-Knight which being concluded on they immediately send out for him and Garter is usually imployed in this service who with all due respect invites and conducts him to the Chapter-house door But an 34. Eliz. Garter went to the Lodgings of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland where they waited the Summons from the Commissioners and having delivered his message they forthwith repaired to the Chapter-house their Train attending them to the door At the Installation of Francis Duke of Montmorency the Earl of Leicester then the Soveraign's Lieutenant as an evidence of singular respect sent from the Chapter two of the four Assistants assigned him namely the Earl of Bedford and Sir Henry Sidney to Mr. Frenche his Lodgings who taking Garter and the Officers of Arms before them led him thence between them into the Chapter-house When there are two or more Elect-Knights that wait without in the East Isle expecting to be called in Garter first conducts the senior by Election to the Chapter-house door and afterwards the next and so the rest in like order for Instance an 14. Iac. R. when three Elect-Knights remained without Garter came forth and made his Reverence to the Earl of Rutland the senior Elect-Knight and first ushered him to the Chapter-house door leaving the other two reposing upon their Seats again Garter returning the second time introduced Sir George Villars the next senior Knight-Elect and last of all brought Viscount Lisle the junior Elect to the same place In like mâ—nner and order did Garter perform this service to all the Knights-Elect according to their seniority of Election an 13. Car. 2. As soon as Garter hath conducted the Elect-Knight to the Chapter-house door two of the Commissioners when the Installation is performed by Commissioners or two of the Knights-Assistants when by the Soverâ—ign's Lieutenant or two of the senior Knights-Companions if the Soveraign himself be present receive him without Thus did the two Commissioners receive the Earls of Derby and Peâ—broke an 16. Eliz. and the Earl of â—ssex an 30. â—liz In like manner did two of the Lieutenants four Assistants receive the Lord Cromwell an 29. H. 8. as also the Earl of Huntington an 3. E. 6. and Earl of Northumberland an 5. â—liz The Elect-Knight being thus received is immediately conducted from the Chapter-house door up to the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commisioners unto whom he maketh humble Reverence and after some short congratulation the Lieutenant or senior Commissioners in a short speech makes known to him the effect of his Commission and declares the Soveraign's bounty and ready kindness towards him for a full admittance into this most honorable Society which the Elect-Knight most humbly and gratefully acknowledgeth and accepts When Philip King of Castile and Leon was to be Installed which he personally received at Windesor the 9. of Feb. an 22. H. 7. the Soveraign himself being present in the Chapter-house rose up from his Throne and gave him information of the Statutes and Ceremonies of the Order and what they obliged him to perform to all which he gave his ready assent The Complements at receiving the Elect-Knight into the Chapter-house being over he disrobes himself of his upper Garment and then the Surcoat or Kirtle is taken from the Table where it and the rest of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order are decently and separately laid in readiness before hand and he invested therewith at the doing of which these words of Admonition entred at the end of King Henry the Eighth's Book of English Statutes are to be read or spoken Take this Robe of Purple to the encrease of your honor and in token or sign of the most honorable Order you have received wherewith you being defended may be bold not only strongly to fight but also to offer your self to shed your blood for Christ's Faith the liberties of the Church and the just and necessary defence of them that be oppressed and needy After this his Sword is close girt about him over his Surcoat by the Commissioners or the Assistants to the Lieutenant or some of the Knights-Companions and sometimes in way of assistance Garter hath put on the Elect-Knights Surcoat girt his Sword about him and laid his Hood over his shoulder as in the case of the Earl of Rutland an 26. Eliz. And as soon as this Ceremony is dispatcht the Soveraign or his Lieutenant proceed into the Choire leaving the Elect-Knight behind them The Hood was heretofore put on in the Chapter-house for so King Henry the Eighth's Statutes do appoint after the Elect-Knight hath been invested with his Surcoat and before he proceeded to his Installation but of late because it must be taken off again in the Choire and laid aside to the end the Mantle may be put on and after that laid on the shoulder a second time over the Mantle it hath been conceived a sort of diminution in the investiture to take off any part of the Habit before the whole investiture be compleated Whereupon at the beginning of King Iames his Reign it was thought more convenient that
Alms-Knights but not the Prebends Officers of Arms and the three inferior Officers of the Order pass out of the Choire in usual manner and proceed before them to the Chapter-house from whence they introduce the Elect-Knight into the Choire to his Installation But if there be more Knights to be Installed then the two next senior Knights descend and after them the next seniors to them till all the Elect-Knights are conducted in And this course is likewise observed when a Lieutenant is constituted and hath been generally so practised since the Investiture with the Collar was performed in the Choire and particularly at the Installations of the Duke of Lenox and Earls of Penbroke Marr and Southampton an 1. Iac. R. and of the Duke of Holstein and Earl of Northampton an 3. Iac. R. In this Proceeding to Installation the Register usually carries a Book of the New Testament for the Elect-Knight to take his Oath upon as also the Oath it self fairly written in Parchment Garter bears before the Knight-Elect his Mantle until he arrive at his Stall and King Henry the Eighth's Statutes place this service upon some one of the Knights-Companions likewise but we have not found in all our search that it was ever performed by any of them It should seem that about the time when this Injunction passed it was the Custom for Garter to bear the Mantle upon his arm for we find it so carried at the Installation of the Lord Russel and others an 31. H. 8. But it was not long after that the laying it on a Velvet Cushen began The great Collar of the Order was also laid upon the Cushen at the Installation of Sir Henry Sidney an 6. Eliz. of the Earl of Derby an 16. Eliz. of the Earl of Rutland an 26. Eliz. and of the Earl of Shrewsbury an 34. Eliz. and in this manner born before the Knight-Elect an 13. Car. 2. and before the Duke of Monmouth an 15. Car. 2. and the Duke of Albermarle an 23. Car. 2. With these the Hood though heretofore put on in the Chapter-house yet of late hath been laid upon the Cushen and also the Book of Statutes and so we find them born by Garter before Prince Henry an 1. Iac. R. and Frederick Elector Palatine in the 10. year of the same King as also before the Knights Installed an 13. Car. 2. and since And here we must note that when Garter bears these Ornaments and Ensigns upon the Cushen before an Elect-Knight or a Proctor he is always placed between the Register and Black Rod in the Proceeding Lastly in this Proceeding also the Knight-Elect goeth bare headed holding his Cap in his hand and so did the Duke of Albermarle an 23. Car. 2. for it hath been thought incongruous to the order of Investiture as is before noted of the Hood to put on any part of the Habit or other Ornaments that must be taken off again before the Investiture be compleated and the due place among the Ceremonies of Investiture for putting on the Cap is not till all the other be finished SECT VII The Ceremonies of Installation WHen the Proceeding hath entred the Choire the Alms-Knights and Officers of Arms make their obeysances towards the high Altar and the Soveraign's royal Stall in the same manner and order as we shall describe anon to be done on the Eve of St. George Then they proceed up to the steps before the Altar and divide themselves next the Officers of the Order make their like double Reverence and last of all the two Commissioners or Knights-Assistants or Knights-Companions and Knight Elect all three together After this the Officers of the Order turn aside towards the Stall designed for the Elect Knight and approaching neer it stand below in the Choire while the Commissioners or Assistants or Knights-Companions pass into the lower row of Stalls sometimes called the middle row directly under the designed Stall leading the Elect Knight with them And in this place is he to take his Oath called in the Annals the Sacred Oath of the Order of the Garter during which time he ought to stand between the Knights-Companions who brought him thither At the Installation of Prince Henry an 1. Iac. R. the Soveraign's Lieutenant himself with the Lord Buckhurst the next senior Knight-Companion led him directly under his own Stall and there gave him his Oath And when the Earl of Shrewsbury was Installed an 34. Eliz. we find it noted that the senior Commissioner first entred the lower row of Stalls but an 31. H. 8. at the Installation of the Lord Russell and others the junior Assistant went up first The Knight Elect being thus placed the Register of the Order standing before them but below in the Choire readeth or pronounceth the Oath for it is part of his duty to administer the same In this solemn Ceremony the New Testament whereon the Oath is taken commonly opened in some place of the Gospels is indifferently held by one of the three inferiour Officers of the Order for sometimes the Register hath held it as at the Earl of Derby's Installation an 16. Eliz. as also at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland and Lord Cobham an 26. of the same Soveraign At other times Garter hath held it as an 5. Eliz. when the Earl of Northumberland took his Oath and an 10. Car. 1. at the Installation of the Earl of Moreton But when the Earl of Shrewsbury was sworn an 34. Eliz. the Usher of the Black Rod performed this Office While the Oath is administring the Elect Knight holds his right hand upon the holy Evangelists and assoon as the Register hath ended pronouncing the words the Elect Knight answereth I will so help me God and then taketh off his hand reverently kissing the Book and by this Ceremony sealeth his obligation to the Statutes of this most Noble Order The Ceremony used when Philip King of Castile and Leon took the Oath which to him was administred in the Chapter-house at Windesor an 22. H. 7. was this The said King laid his hand upon the Canon under which was placed the Book of the Statutes of the Order by the Prelate to whom it was delivered by the Register and repeated the words of the Oath and having reverently kist all those things by which he swore he took a Pen from the Prelates hand and signed the Oath he had taken with his own hand-writing and forthwith delivered it to the Soveraign then present Now the Oath which a Knight-Subject takes at his personal Installation being of very great weight and concernment it is fit we here render some account of the nature and form thereof and leaving those others taken by Stranger-Princes and their Proctors and the Deputies of Knights-Subjects to their proper places enquire what was its original form and how when and upon
what occasion it received addition and enlargement First then the form of the ancient Oath which the Statutes of Institution appointed to be taken by the Elect-Knight was very short but comprehensive and was That he should well and faithfully observe to the uttermost of his power all the Statutes of the Order This was the full content of the Oath taken by the first Founders and to which they also affixt their Seals and so it continued without alteration or addition till towards the end of King Edward the Fourth's Reign But at a Chapter held at the Kings Wardrobe in London the 10. of February in the 19. year of the same King it was Decreed That all the Knights-Companions then alive and all such as were afterwards admitted into the Order and that before they took possession of their Stalls should be obliged to take this Oath also That they would aid support and defend with all their power the Royal Colledge of St. George within the Castle of Windesor as well in its possessions as all other things whatsoever In pursuance of which Decree there was a form drawn up wherein both Oaths were joined together and entred in the Black Book the Transcript whereof we have placed in the Appendix But when the Register of the Order pronounced the Oath he premising such compellation as was due to every Elect Knight by name it was altered to the form there likewise following This Clause relating to the maintenance and defence of the liberties of the Colledge we also find retained in the Oath drawn up for the Prince of Wales and entred for a Precedent in the Annals of the Order which we have also thought fit to subjoin to the former But when King Henry the Eighth new modelled the Statutes we observe this Clause to be omitted and some other particulars of another nature added to the general Oath for due observation of the Statutes as first instead of maintaining and defending the Colledge in its rights and possessions there is adjoin'd a Clause to defend the Honors Quarrels Rights Dominions and Cause of the Soveraign to augment the Honor and accomplish all the Statutes Points and Ordinances of the Order as may be seen at large in his Body of Statutes all which we find sum'd up together in that form of the Oath taken by the Earl of Cumberland at his Installation an 29. H. 8. In the third year of King Edward the Sixth at the Installation of the Earl of Huntington and other Elect Knights a new form was agreed on by consent of the Earl of Derby then the Soveraign's Lieutenant and the Knights-Assistants appointed for that Solemnity the alteration being such as the Reformation in Religion and the Soveraign's Interest thought fit to make and to the end the difference between this and former Oaths may be observed it is also inserted in the Appendix But an 1. Eliz. the Blue Book affords us a notable instance of a dispensation for taking the Oath at the Installation of the Duke of Norfolk and others in regard the Rites and Ceremonies of Religion were then altered and no new form of an Oath yet setled for which cause the Earl of Penbroke then the Soveraign's Lieutenant dispensed with their taking any Oath at that time upon promise they would observe such Statutes and Orders as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions should decree to be observed and kept in the next Council of the Order And accordingly within a short time after another Form was Ordained wherein the words of Obligation were put in the Negative And this is the form of the Oath taken by a Knight-Subject at this day it being recorded at the end of the Red Book of the Order both in Latin and English and thence transcribed into the Appendix As soon as the Knight-Elect hath taken the usual Oath he is led by the Knights-Commissioners or Knights-Assistants or Knights-Companions up to the Stall appointed for him through that entrance next beneath it and by them placed before it In the mean time Garter advanceth into the lower row of Stalls to the place where the Elect Knight stood when he took his Oath and from thence he presenteth to them with due Reverence the Mantle Collar and Book of Statutes who invest the Elect Knight first with the Mantle by putting it upon his shoulders But we have met with some Examples where Garter hath delivered the Mantle while the Elect-Knight remained in the lower row of Stalls and wherewith he was invested before he went up to his Stall and these were in the cases of the Earl of Northumberland an 5. Eliz. of Francis Duke of Montmorency and others an 14. Eliz. the Earls of Dunbar and Montgomery an 6. Iac. R. and the present Soveraign an 14. Car. 1. Whereto may be added that those Elect-Knights installed at the Grand Feast of St. George most happily celebrated an 13. Car. 2. were constrained to receive their Investiture below in the Câ—oire yâ—t direâ—tly under their proper Stalls But this hapned through the great câ—â—course of people which at that time had flockt to Windesor greedy to behold the glory of that Solemnity which for many years had been intermitted and rudely forced not only into and fill'd the lower row of Stalls but taken up almost the whole Choire But it is noted in the Red Book that the Investiture with the Mantle and Collar hath been sometimes performed by the Black Rod as at the Installation of the Earl of Northampton an 5. Car. 1. and of the Lord Treasurer Weston the Earls of Exiter and Lindsey and Iames Marquess Hamilton an 6. Car. 1. Nevertheless this is to be understood of this Officers asistance given to the Knights-Companions whose Office it only is and no otherwise Whilst the Ceremony of Investiture with the Mantle is performing the words of Admonition proper thereunto are pronounced and are these that follow Take this Mantle of Heavenly Colour in sign and token of the most honorable Order you have received and to the increase of your honor signed and marked as you see with a red Scutcheon of our Lords Cross to the intent that you being always defended by the virtue and strength thereof may pâ—sâ— through your Enemies and then also overcome and vanquish so that at the last for your worthy and approved acts you may after this temporal Chivalry come to eternal triumphant joys in Heaven But at the Installation of the present Soveraign the received some alteration and were put into this form Receive this Robe of Heavenly Colour the Livery of this most excellent Order in augmentation of thy honor enobled with the Shield and Red Cross of our Lord by whose power thou mayest safely pierce Troops of thy Enemies and be over them ever victorious and being in this temporal warfare glorious in egregious and heroick actions thou mayest obtain eternal and triumphant joy In the
Denmark and Iohn Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 25. Eliz. where the Kings Proxy was conducted into the Choire between the Earl of Leicester and Lord Hunsdon being the two senior Commissioners and the Prince between the Earl of Huntingdon and the Lord Charles Howard the two junior Commissioners But some have been of opinion that the Commissioners nominated to this employment ought not to divide the duty and part of them to instal one Knight and part another and by such an alternation to dispatch the Ceremony as in the former cases but on the contrary that all should jointly assist at each Installation And in favour of this opinion there is an instance at the Installation of the Earl of Salisbury and Viscount Bindon anâ— 4. Iac. R. for the said Earl having been brought in to the Choire and both invested and installed by the Earls of Nottingham and Suffolk then the two senior Commissioners the other two Commissioners who were left behind in the Chapter-house to conduct Viscount Bindon to his Stall calling to mind that all four were joint Commissioners conceived that the said Earl was not legally installed by the two other because themselves had not been assistant at the Ceremony And upon consultation with the senior Commissioners it seems this opinion prevailed so far with them that they agreed to impart it to the Earl of Salisbury who thereupon descended into the lower Seats before his Stall and there all four Commissioners gave him his Oath again then led him up into his foresaid Stall and a second time Invested and Installed him each of the four Commissioners putting to their hand and the like joint assistance was given by them to the Viscount Bindon installed at the same time But this method was not only new but different from former practice for in all like cases as before are cited we have observed that both the Knights-Commissioners and Lieutenant's Assistants have constantly divided the employment by an alternate change and besides where the Soveraign hath authorized his Lieutenant to peform this Ceremony and appointed some of the Knights-Companions to assist therein these Assistants and not the Lieutenant have done the duty appertaining to the Installation that part of it of investing with the Collar heretofore in the Chapterhouse and the whole duty at the Installation of Prince Henry excepted And it is to be further noted that this way of joint assistance at the installation of the Earl of Salisbury was afterwards thought so little essential or necessary that it became no Precedent for at the very next Feast of Installation when the Earls of Dunbar and Montgomery were installed in the sixth year of the same King and for which Ceremony four Commissioners were likewise appointed the two senior of them installed the Earl of Dunbar and the two junior the Earl of Montgomery and this we find again in Practice an 10. Car. 1. when the two senior Commissioners installed the Earl of Danby and the other two the Earl of Morton But in the last place if the Soveraign be present and consequently that the Knights-Companions perform this Ceremony of Introduction Investiture and Installation there is commonly then so many of them as can go through the whole work without changing by turns after the manner used when done by a few either Commissioners or Assistants and therefore in this case the order is thus First the two senior Knights-Companions having descended from their Stalls and past out of the Choire to the Chapter-house with the Proceeding before them conduct to his Installation the eldest Elect-Knight and having performed that whole Ceremony they return and take their Stalls with accustomed Reverences Then the two next senior Knights-Companions descend and go out and return with the next senior Elect-Knight to his Installation and after that two other Knights-Companions go out and fetch in the third and so the rest in due order And this method we observe to have been practised at the Installation of Prince Henry and other Elect-Knights an 1. Iac. R. for after the Prince had been placed in his Stall by the Earl of Nottingham and Lord Buckhurst the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland came down from their Stalls and went to the Chapter-house taking the Proceeding before them and thence conducted the Duke of Lenox to his Stall and returned to their own In like manner the Earls of Northumberland and Worcester went next out for the Earl of Southampton and having installed him the Lord Sheffield and Lord Howard of Walden past forth of the Choire and brought in the Earl of Marr and lastly the Lord Montjoy and Earl of Sussex Installed the Earl of Penbroke The like order was observed at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland and others an 14. Iac. R. who having been left behind in the Chapter-house while the Soveraign proceeded to the Choire were afterwards by several Knights-Companions the seniors going out first introduced to their Installations one after another according to the seniority of their Election But to be more particular in the order of the Ceremony in this case we shall lay down the method observed at the grand Feast of St. George held at Windesor an 13. Car. 2. which was as followeth First the two senior-Knights the Earls of Salisbury and Berkshire descended from their Stalls with the usual Reverences and stood before them Next the Alms-Knights came down in a body from the hault paces of the Altar into the middle of the Choire and having there made their double obeysances proceeded forth After them the Officers of Arms descended also the Pursuivants formost and having made the double Reverences in the middle of the Choire went out after the Alms-Knights Then followed the three inferiour Officers of the Order having first made their usual Reverences And lastly the two Senior Knights joining together in the middle of the Choire after their double Reverences past out in the Rear In this order they proceeded towards the Chapter-house and when the Alms-Knights came neer the door they fell off and divided themselves the like did the Officers of Arms and both thereby opened a way for the Officers of the Order and Knights-Companions to pass between them into the Chapter-house where being entred they first brought forth the Duke of Oromnd the senior Elect-Knight and taking him in the middle between them the Proceeding went before into the Choire in the same order as it came thence Garter then bearing on a Velvet Cushen his Mantle Hood Collar and Book of Statutes The Alms-Knights being entred the Choire made their double obeysances in the usual place and ascended the hault-paces of the Altar flanking on the other side After them the Officers of Arms did the like Then the three inferior Officers of the Order coming up into the middle of the Choire made their double Reverences and so passed before the Knights to the place directly under the Stall
after his Reign we find the old usage of making a Feast at this Solemnity restored If the Soveraign appoint the Installation to be when the Feast of St. George is also celebrated and himself personally present the Feast is then kept at the Soveraign's charge If in such case he constitute a Lieutenant the Installation Dinner is kept at the expence of the Lieutenant and usually prepared in some of the Soveraign's Lodgings in the Castle but seldom in St. George's Hall though there the Earl of Arundel at the Installation of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon kept his Feast an 3. Eliz. But when the Installation is kept at any other time of the year without the joint observation of St. George's Feast then the new installed Knight or Knights are at all the charge who for the most part have had the Grand Dinner prepared at the Dean's Lodgings Nevertheless where ever it is appointed thither do the Soveraign his Lieutenant and Assistants or Commissioners together with the new installed Knights proceed in full Robes which at the Installation of the Marquess of Dorset and other Knights an 1. E. 6. we find noted to be according to the ancient custom At the Installation of the Lord Russell Sir Thomas Cheney and Sir William Kingston an 31. H. 8. the Soveraign's Lieutenant washed alone the water being brought up with three Reverences after him did his two Assistants walh and lastly the three new installed Knights The Lieutenant's place at the Table is somewhat on the left hand the cloth of State and there sat the Earl of Arundell Lieutenant for St. George's Feast when the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon were installed an 3. Eliz. But the other four Knights-Companions his two Assistants and the two new installed Knights sat towards the Tables end on both sides for that they could not well sit all on a side But of late times viz. at the Installation of the Earl of Northampton an 5. Car. 1. a question was started whether the Lieutenant or Commissioners should sit at Dinner in their Habit or not since the powers given them by their Commissions seem to terminate as soon as the Knights are installed though it was allowed that the new installed Knight ought to sit in his Robes as also because at the Installation of the Lord Cromwell an 29. H. 8. after all the Ceremonies were finished in the Chappel the Knights went to the Deans house and there put off their Habit and dined in their ordinary Apparel So also at the Installation of the Earl of Rutland and Lord Cobham an 26. Eliz. the Commissioners when they were returned from the Chappel did put off the Habit of the Order before they went to Dinner and the new installed Knights kept on only their Surcoats and thus sat all Dinner while What was answered to these objections or whether they dined without their Habit we do not find but the practice to the contrary to wit of keeping on the whole Habit till the grand Dinner be ended hath been at other times generally observed At the second Course called also the second Mess and second Service doth Garter accompanied with the Officers of Arms proclaim the Stiles and Titles of honor of the Soveraign if he be personally or by Lieutenant present in Latin French and English and crys Largess thrice next the Stiles of the new installed Knights in French or English only with two Largesses and in that order they were installed Thus was it done at the installation of Charles Duke of York an 9. Iac. R. of Frederick Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 10. Iac. R. of the Earl of Rutland and others an 14. Iac. R. Philip King of Castile dined with the Soveraign in his Privy Chamber the day of his installation an 22. H. 7. whose Stile was proclaimed by Garter not in the same Room but at the Soveraign's great Chamber-door and in St. George's Hall after Largess had been thrice cryed in this manner Du treshault trespuissant tresexcellent Prince Ic Roy de Castile de Leon de Granade Archdue Daustrich Due de Bourgoine Chevalier de la tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier When the Soveraign constitutes a Lieutenant then is the Lieutenant's Stile also proclaimed and to his other Titles is added that of this present honor of Lieutenantship and afterwards the Stiles of the new installed Knights which we find noted at the installation of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Hunsdon an 3. Eliz. where Garter and the Officers of Arms proceeded into the middle of St. George's Hall the Grand Dinner being held there and after three obeysances proclaimed their Stiles only in French as followeth Du tres-noble puissant Seigneur Henry Fytz Allen Conte de Arundell Seigneur Matravers de Clun Chevalier du tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier Lieutenant de cest noble Feste de St. George Du tres-noble puissant Seigneur George Conte de Shrewsbury Seigneur Talbot Furnivall Verdon Strange de Blakmer Chevalier du tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier Iusticier des Forrestz Chasez de la Riviere de Trent envers le North. Du tres-noble seigneur Henry Cary Baron de Hunsdon Chevalier du tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier The order of this Ceremony is more particularly noted at the Installation of the Duke of Montmorency and others an 14. Eliz. and was thus first Garter cryed Largess and next proclaimed the Soveraign's Stile and Titles of honor in three Languages then going two foot back he proclaimed the Lieutenants Stile only in French with two Largesses after that he cryed one Largess for the Duke and lastly for all the other new installed Knights only two Largesses and the other Officers of Arms did the like and still as Garter had finished his proclamation of the Stiles the Heralds joined with him in crying Largess and so with Reverence they departed the Hall But we are in the last place to note that when neither the Soveraign is present nor his Lieutenant then the Soveraign's Stile is not proclaimed nor those of the Commissioners but only of the new installed Knights Assoon as Dinner is ended the Knights-Companions rise from the Table and withdraw to disrobe themselves and therewith the Solemnity of Installation takes ending but if at any time the Solemnities continue to that evening and the following day it is only because the Soveraign or his Lieutenant is present upon the account of celebrating the Feast of St. George and not with reference to the Solemnity of Installation We shall conclude with this Observation that the ancient custom of preserving the memory of remarkable actions by some Emblematical Representations Figures and Devises whereof for the last Century Lukius affords plenty of Examples is still continued in use and therefore upon consideration had of the honor they thereby
bring these to Windesor is likewise part of the duty assigned to the Proctor by the Statutes Besides these Atchievements the Proxie is to provide a Plate of Brass gilt whereon is to be engraved the Arms Crest and Supporters enamelled in their proper Colours together with the Stile of the Elect-Knight and this to be fixt upon the back of his Stall A Velvet Cushen also for Garter to bear the Mantle on when the Proctor proceeds to the Choire Lastly A dozen or more of Lodging Scutcheons to set up at the Inns by the way and other places in Windesor SECT V. Proceeding to the Chapter-house THE next thing to be considered of is the Proceeding to the Chapter-house and therein chiefly the Proxie's place for it will be needless here to speak of his journey to Windesor Castle his arival there or ordering of this Proceeding in relation to those Degrees whereof it is composed since what hath been already said touching these particulars and other circumstances having reference to the Personal Installation of an Elect-Knight may be made applicable to a Proxie or else such part of them as he shall judge most conducing to the honor of his Principal The place therefore belonging to the Proxie of a Knight-Subject in this Proceeding is that immediately after the Provincial Kings of Arms because as yet he hath not taken possession of his Principal 's Stall which gives him a place in his return according to its dignity and in this place did the Proctors of the Marquess since Duke of Newcastle and Earl of Bristol proceed bare-headed to the Chapter-house an 13. Car. 2. And though this be the Proxie's usual place in this Proceeding yet Sir Henry Sidney Proctor to the Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. and 't is the only instance we have met with proceeded immediately before the Alms-Knights the order of which Proceeding was as followeth First Gentlemen Attendants Knights Sir Henry Sidney Proctor Alms-Knights Verger Pursnivants Heralds Provincial Kings E. of Northumberland a Knight-Elect Visc. Mountague Assistants Lord Loughborow Assistants Black-Rod Register Garter Duke of Norfolk Lord Lieutenant Lastly the Proxie as in the case of an Elect-Knight passeth into the East Isle behind the high Altar as soon as he ariveth within St. George's Chappel while the Soveraign or his Lieutenant or Commissioners proceed into the Chapter-house and there reposeth himself till he be sent for in for so did the foresaid Proctors to the said Marquess of Newcastle and Earl of Bristol But if the Proxy pass not in the Proceeding he then goes privately to this place before the Proceeding sets forward SECT VI. Transactions in it AFter the Chapter is opened the first thing done is for Garter to present the Commission or Commissions which he carried in the Proceeding thither aswel that for Lieutenancy in case a Lieutenant then held the Feast as of Installation for admitting a Proxie the order of which and by whom read is noted before in the precedent Chapter The Letters of Procuration or Deputation are in the next place read after which the Proxie is sent for into the Chapter-house by Garter who conducts him to the door and there the Commissioners or Assistants or Knights-Companions receive him But an 5. Eliz. Sir Henry Sidney exhibited his Deputation after he was called in Or sometimes the Proxie produceth his Deputation before the Proceeding pass to the Chapter-house for so did Sir George Howard Deputy to the Earl of Bedford an 6. Eliz. and in such case there is no need of admitting the Proxie into the Chapter-house but that he may rest without till the Soveraign his Lieutenant or Commissioners are past into the Choire and he sent for in thither at which the Mantle was wont to be laid upon his right arm at the Chapter-house door by the Knights-Companions appointed to introduce him Heretofore so soon as the Proxie was admitted into the Chapter-house and the Letters of Procuration read the Mantle of his Principal was usually laid upon his right arm by the Soveraign's Lieutenant or Commissioners and being so laid part of it was also spread upon the Proxies shoulders the Scutcheon of St. George lying uppermost and the Cordons laid fair to be seen and in this manner he bore it in the Proceeding to the Stall of his Principal where he hâ—â—â— it till Service was ended But now the present Soveraign hath directed the Mantle to be born upon the left arm But an 5. Eliz. the Earl of Warwick's Proctor had the Mantle born before him into the Choire by Garter in the same manner as is used to Knights Personally Installed and not delivered him till he had taken the Oath and at the delivery thereof the words of Admonition were pronounced by the Register of the Order So was it observed to the Proxies of the Duke of Newcastle and Earl of Bristol an 13. Car. 2. SECT VII Proceeding to the Choire THE Proxie proceeds from the Chapter-house door between the Soveraign's Commissioners Assistants or Knights-Companions Concerning the order of this Proceeding so much is spoken before that we shall need to add but one Example and that is an 6. Eliz. Verger Alms-Knights Officers of Arms. Officers of the Order Lord Hunsdon Proctor to the Earl of Bedford Lord Clynton SECT VIII Ceremonies performed there THE Proceeding having entred the Choire the Commissioners Knights-Assistants or Knights-Companions conduct the Proxie into the lower Stalls directly under the Stall designed for his Principal where the Register of the Order reads the words of the Oath while the Proxie laying his hand upon the Book repeats after him and in confirmation thereof kisseth the Book and this Oath his Deputation impowers him to take in the name and behalf of his Principal The form of the Proctor's Oath hath no difference from the Oath which an Elect-Knight himself takes the substance of the ancient Oath is already noted down and that taken of later times may be seen in the Appendix Nevertheless some variation and inlargement though the same in effect with the ancient Oath do we observe to be in that Form which Sir Thomas Barr Proctor to Sir Iohn Robessart took viz. Faithfully to keep and observe all the Articles of the Statutes whatsoever in all things appertaining thereunto according to the form and efficacy of the said Statutes and to the utmost of his power The Oath being taken in this solemn manner the Proctor is led up into the Stall of his Principal where both the Knights who conducted him into the Choire first take the Mantle and lay it on his left though formerly on his right arm next laying their hands upon him in the Name of his Lord and Master from whom he received his Dputation set him down therein and so the Ceremony of Installation being fully finished the
Service of the Church begins If the Installation be performed in the morning then there is an Offring of Gold and Silver at which time the Proxie in his turn comes down from his Principal 's Stall and stands before it and when the Soveraign hath offered or the Lieutenant for him and for himself or otherwise the Commissioners as also the rest of the Knights-Companions present in their due order then the Proxie's turn coming being joined with the Knight sitting in the opposite Stall to that of his Principal if he be present at this Solemnity and having two Officers of Arms before them he proceedeth to the high Altar and there offereth both Gold and Silver and afterwards returns and takes his Stall in the same order as the Knights-Companions do In this manner an 5. Eliz. the Earl of Warwick's Proxie joining himself with the Earl of Northumberland installed at the same time jointly proceeded to the Offring with Richmond and Lancaster Heralds before them The like did the Proctor to the Earl of Bedford and offered together with the Lord Hunsdon an 6. Eliz. As soon as the Ceremony of the Offring is finished the Service of the Church proceeds which being ended the Proceeding returns in the same order it came to the Chapter-house except that now the Proxie takes his place according to the dignity of the Stall of which he lately took possession for his Principal But in regard the Statutes do expresly declare That after the Proxie hath been admitted to the Stall of his Principal he shall neither wear the Mantle nor have any Voice in Chapter nor presume to enter there in the absence of him that sent him therefore hath it been the common practice to take off the Mantle from his arm at the Chapter-house door in his return from the Choire so that at this place the bearing thereof hath usually terminated having for the most part been delivered to the Verger of the Chappel though sometimes to the Sexton at other times to Garter so also to the Black-Rod who hath taken it from off the Proxie's arm and carried it into the Chapter-house this done the Proctor retires privately out of the Proceeding to his Lodgings Nevertheless it appears but by what indulgence is not recorded that though Garter took from Sir Henry Sidney an 5. Eliz. the Mantle at the Chapter-house door on the Evening as he returned from taking possession of his Principal 's Stall yet the next morning he rode in the Proceeding to the Chappel the celebration of St. George's Feast continuing with the Mantle on his right arm on the left hand of the Earl of Northumberland the place of his Principal and having entred the Choire took his Principal 's Stall afterwards he bore the Mantle in the grand Procession at the Offring of Money and during divine Service and from the Chappel proceeded in the foresaid place up to the Castle to Dinner In the Afternoon of the said Feast-day he again rode on horse-back in the Proceeding to the Chapter-house door but there the Mantle was taken from him and laid within upon the Table whilst he retired into the East Isle of the Chappel and at the rising of the Chapter was it again delivered to him whence he proceeded in his Principal 's place to the second Vespers The next morning after the Lieutenant and his Assistants had ended the Chapter the Mantle was again laid on his arm and in that manner he pass'd into the Choire where he entred the Stall of his Principal and afterwards Offred in the same order he did on the Feast day and when the morning Service was finished the Lieutenant and Assistants returned to the Chapter-house door where they put off their Mantles and at the same place the Sexton of the Colledge received the Mantle from him SECT IX The Grand Dinner AT Dinner the Proxie sits with the Lieutenant or Commissioners and takes the place where his Principal should sit if he were present and this was so observed at the Installation of the Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. for the Soveraign's Lieutenant sate on the left hand of the Cloth of State his two Assistants the Earl of Northumberland newly installed and the said Earl of Warwick's Proxie sate on the same side The Stile of the Knight who is installed by Proxie is proclaimed in French or English at the usual time and in his due place together with the other Stiles that then ought to be proclaimed as we find it observed an 25. H. 8. at the Installations of the Earls of Beaumont and Newblanke by their Proctors for they were Knights-Subjects though not to the Soveraign and therefore not improper to be made use of for an instance in this case in the order following Du noble puissant Seigneur le Compte d' Essex de Enseigneur de Bourchir de Loueyn Lieutenant Depute de la Feste Saincte George Chevaler Frere Compaignon de la tres-noble Ordre de la Jartier Du tres-noble puissant Seigneur la Conte de Beaumont Seigneur de Montmorency premier Baron grand Maistre Mareschall de Fraunce Baron de Montberon fere tertenois Seigner de Lysleadam de Compiegne de Chantelly de Escouen Gouverneur Lieutenant General pour le Roy tres-cristien au Paris de Longuedoe Chevaler frere Compaignon de la tres-noble Ordre de la Jartier Du tres-noble puissant Seigneur le Conte de Neublance Seigneur de Beron Baron d' Aspremont Buransay Beaumont Paygin Mirebeau de Fonteyne Franâ—ccedil ois Admirall de France Gouverneur Lieutenant Generall pour le Roy tres-cristien en la Duché de Bourgoigne Chevalier Frere Compaignon de la tres-noble Ordre de la Jartier And when the forementioned Earl of Warwick was installed by Proxie the order was thus Du tres-hault puissant tres-noble Prince Thomas Duc de Norffolk Conte Marshall d' Angleterre Seigneur Mowbray Segrave de Brews Chivalier du tres-noble Ordre de la Jartier Lieutenant de ceste noble Feste de Seint George Du tres-noble puissant Seigneur Thomas Conte de Northumberland Baron de Percye Chivalier de tres-noble Ordre de la Jartier Du tres-noble puissant Seigneur Ambrose Conte de Warwick Baron de Lisle Chivalier c. Maistre de L'artillerie de la Royne nostre Soveraine Lieutenant pour sa Majestie au pais de Normandie Defendeur de la Ville François de grace To conclude the Proctor is to take care that the Atchievements and Plate of his Principal be set up in the Chappel of St. George so soon as the Installation is compleated for he is obliged to offer and present them to that end according to custom which doth further appear not only out of the ancient Letters of Procuration but also by Commissions for Installation which appoint That the Soveraign's Deputy
of the Election or not It seems the Duke of Burgundy returned no answer to this Letter and therefore at the next years Feast it came again to be considered of by the Duke of Gloucester the Soveraign's Deputy for that Feast also and the Knights-Companions present and upon further debate it was thought fit that there should be those persons sent over to him with the Nomination who should desire to receive his final answer And then it appears that the Duke of Burgundy well considering the Statutes of the Order and reflecting on the Quarrels between the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Brabant his Uncle made a most plaucible excuse refusing the Election least he should be forced either dishonorably to violate the pious Constitutions of the Order or the obligations of Alliance The substance of this Excuse was afterwards represented to the Soveraign's said Deputy and Knights-Companions in a Chapter held at Windesor an 2. H. 6. who considering the reason and manner thereof the long voidance of the Stall and the strictness of the Statutes in this case vacated the former Election and proceeded to a new one which brought Iohn Lord Talbot into the room and Stall of the said Lord Clifford This is the only instance of any Stranger who after Election refused his acceptance of the Order On the contrary how desirous and earnestly solicitous some others even of the highest rank have been of admittance into this illustrious Society may appear by these few Examples Alphonsus King of Naples and Duke of Calabria did with great importunity solicit his Election into this Order and was accordingly chosen an 7. H. 7. The Black-Book of the Order mentioning the Election and Installation of Philip King of Castile saith that he not only assented to what was offered namely the honor of admittance into the Order but with much gladness and infinite thanks accepted thereof A little before we are informed how gratefully the King of Denmark an 20. H. 7. accepted of his Election And in the memorial of the Soveraign's sending his Ambassadors with the Ensigns of the Order to the French King Francis the First it is noted that he received them with such a cheerfulness of mind as the Affair required Some few years before this King was Elected Ferdinand Brother to the Emperor Charles the Fifth was chosen into the Order of whom it is said That he took it for a very high honor to be made a Collegue of this most Noble Society and that he received the Order at Norimberg in Germany to his great contentment Maximilian his Son was presented with the Habit of the Order by Thomas Earl of Sussex who giving the Soveraign an account by Letter of his reception thereof affirms that he received the Honor gladly and with manifest satisfaction Such is also the expression of Frederick the Second King of Denmark in his Letters of Procuration to the Lord Willoughby That he received the Order with as much gratitude as if it had been presented to him by the Soveraign her self But that which Erhardus Celius reporteth of Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg is beyond all who being in England and seeing the magnificence of the Castle and Chappel of Windesor was induced by the sight of the illustrious Arms and Ensigns of Honor of so many great Princes and famous Personages of this most Noble Order to wish himself one of the renowned Society Being afterwards Elected he exprest his acknowledgments of the Honor done him not only by a solemn Embassy to Queen Elizabeth but also by the great Preparations he made the vast Expences he was at and his extraordinary munificence in Rewards at his Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order which indeed were such grand testimonies of his glad acceptation of this additional flower of Honor as nothing could more fully evidence it to the World To these we may add the re-iterated sollicitations made to the present Soveraign on the behalf of Frederick Guillaume Marquess of Brandenburgh and his great impatience till his Election was past though not easily nor suddenly obtained In fine how acceptable this Honor hath been to several other Kings and Princes and what esteem and value they have set upon it may be further seen in their several Certificates sent back to the Soveraign of this most Noble Order after their Investitures with the Habit and Ensigns thereof CHAP. XV. THE Investiture of Strangers WITH THE HABIT and ENSIGNS Of the ORDER SECT I. The Time for sending the Habit and Ensigns unlimited ALbeit the Statutes of the Order do appoint and prefix a time within which the Soveraign's Letters giving notice to a Stranger of his Election ought to be sent unto him as before is shewed yet as to the sending a solemn Embassy with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order they do not limit a certain time but leave that wholly to the Soveraign's pleasure wherein his conveniency and other Interests as also those of the Elect Stranger are to be consulted and considered But nevertheless the Statutes of Institution appoint and direct that this Legation shall be dispatcht with convenient speed which must needs be interpreted with such latitude as may refer both to the Soveraign's conveniency of sending and the Stranger 's capacity of receiving And therefore we find it six years after the Election of the Kings of Aragon and Poland and the Duke of Brunswick e're we meet with the first notice of the Soveraign's determination of sending over the Habit of the Order to them For they having been Elected the 4. of August an 28. H. 6. the preparations for the intended Legation were not made until the 34. year of the same King And doubtless some cause within the limits of that conveniency allowed to the Soveraign by the foresaid Article of the Statutes or the accident of miscarriage might fall out particularly in reference to the King of Poland if not of the other because three years after the former Order for Legation had past we find new directions issued for sending the Ensigns of the Order to him But in King Henry the Eighth's body of Statutes this Clause of sending the Legation with convenient expedition is wholly omitted and the Soveraign is now unlimitted as to the time by which liberty it hath come to pass that the Habit and Ensigns have been sent over sometimes soon after the Stranger 's Election at other times not till some years after and at all times when the Soveraign hath thought fit and convenient Thus was it four years after Frederick the Second King of Denmark had been Elected before Peregrine Lord Willoughby of Ersby together with Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter and Robert Glover Somerset Herald by Order of Chapter 24. Apr. an 24. Eliz. were sent over into Denmark to present him with the Habit of the Order Maximilian the Emperor was
the Embassy to Maurice Prince of Orange one Herald sufficed because the Garter and George only not the whole Habit of the Order were sent unto him and consequently there was then but little service to be done at such an Investiture Concerning other Companions and Attendants in these Legations they are both for Quality and Number such and so many as the Chief in the Legation thinks sufficient for the honor of the Soveraign and the reputation of the Embassy and in what Equipage some of these Ambassadors have been attended heretofore may be seen from the following Lists The Names of the Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen that accompanied the Marquess of Northampton in his Legation with the Habit of the Order to the French King Henry the Second 15. May an 5. E. 6. The Earls of Worcester Rutland Ormond Viscounts Fitzwalter Lysle Lords Bourgoune Bray Evers Mr. Throgmorton Mr. Sidney both of the Soveraign's Privy Chamber Sir William Cobham Sir Iohn Cutts Sir Iohn Perrott Sir Anthony Guydot Sir Gilbert Dethick Mr. Fitz Williams Mr. Carre Mr. Knolles Mr. Edw. Warney Mr. Fr. Warney Mr. Young Mr. William Thomas Secretary to the Lords Commissioners Mr. Nicholas Alexander Mr. Lucas Frugard Chester Herald at Arms. Rougdragon Pursuivant at Arms The whole number of Noblemen and Gentlemen with all their Trains was 260. The Names of the Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen who accompanied the Earl of Sussex in his Legation with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order to Maximilian the Emperor an 9. Eliz. The Lord North Baron of Kyrtling Sir Egremond Radcliff the Ambassadors Brother Sir Thomas Mildmay Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter Sir Henry Cobham Two of the Soveraign's band of Pensioners Sir Edmund Powell Two of the Soveraign's band of Pensioners William Dethick Rouge Cross Pursuivant at Arms. William Weston one of the Queens Servants Gentlemen attending on the Ambassador Iohn Valpe Doctor of Physick Anthony Overton Prothonotary William Chancellor Chaplain George Frevill Robert Butler William Mesten Henry Mildmay Thomas Higham Peter Gough Arthur Hevingham Albert Philipps Servants to the Ambassador Henry Eritage Iames Bradshaw William Hamlett Thomas Gest. Simon Smith Thomas Barber Servants to the Lord North. Arnold Segrell Leonard Dickes Servants to Sir Tho. Mildmay Iohn Strange Iames Servants to Sir Gilbert Dethick Charles Poirett Iohn Rudde Iohn Child Iohn Fletcher Servant to Sir Henry Cobham Hans Servant to Sir Edmund Powell Charles The Names of the Emperor's Gentlemen that waited upon the Lord Ambassador the Earl of Sussex in Vienna 1567. Casper van Mynkonitz Sewer Seymfred van Alderston Carver Marquess Spiller Cupbearer William van Pellustrans Heralds of Arms. Hans Poyntsott Heralds of Arms. Nicholas Radode Comptroller of the House George Swikle Clerk of the Kitchin Item 10. Archers Item 10. Holbardiers George Weaver Master Cook In the Kitchin 10 persons In the Cellar 5. In the Larder 5. In the Confectionary 5. In the Chaundry 2. In the Wardrobe 3. In the Scullery 3. And one Porter In all 62 persons The Names of the Noblemen Knights Esquires and Gentlemen who gave their attendance on the Earl of Derby sent Ambassador with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order to the French King Henry the Third 20 Ian. an 27. Eliz. The Lord Sands The Lord Windsor Mr. Scroop Son and Heir to the Lord Scroop Mr. Windsore Son and Heir apparent to the Lord Windsore Sir Richard Shirborne Knight Treasurer Sir Randolph Brereton Knight Mr. Clarencieux King of Arms. Mr. Anthony Cook Heir to Sir Anthony Cook Mr. Gerard Son and Heir to Sir Thomas Gerard. Mr. Fleetwood Mr. Newdygate Mr. Stallange Mr. Somerset Herald of Arms. Mr. Crompton Mr. Smith Mr. Denton Mr. Milles Secretary Mr. Thomas Arderne Steward Mr. Fox Comptroller Mr. Newton Gentleman Huisher Mr. Philipps Chaplain Mr. Alexander Gentleman of the Horse Mr. Moorcrost Physitian The Earls waiting Gentlemen Mr. Dawney Son and Heir to Sir Iohn Dawney Mr. Iames Legh Son and Heir to Sir Pierce a Legh Mr. Warenne Mr. Thomas Shirborne Mr. Stanley Mr. Charles Doyley Mr. Chevalier Matchett Mr. Richard Starkey Mr. Brereton Mr. Thomas Hamner Mr. Richard Lloyd Mr. Salisbury Mr. Richard Bussy Mr. Iohn Downes Mr. Francis Starkey Mr. Baptist. Mr. Thomas Randolph Mr. Tusser Mr. Anthony Chambers Mr. Nicholas Forton Mr. Gervase Rosell Thomas Burscogh Clerks of the Kitchin Roger Iollibrand Clerks of the Kitchin In the third place there is to be prepared for this Legation Warrants for the Habit and Ensigns of the Order and these are also to be drawn up by the Chancellor of the Order who is to attend the Soveraign for his Sign manual thereunto One Warrant is to be the Master of the Soveraign's Great Waâ—drobe to deliver to Garter King of Arms the Mantle with a Scutcheon of St. George within a Garter embroidered on the left shoulder and Tassels thereunto belonging as also the Surcoat and Hood There is also another Warrant drawn up for the delivery of the Ensigns of the Order to Garter namely the rich Garter the Great Collar of the Order with a George appendant and another smaller George hanging in a Blue Ribband together with Cases for them lined with Purple Velvet and gilt on the outside And sometimes these Ensigns have been delivered out of the Iewel-house to the Herald at Arms joined in the Legation in Garters's stead as where those sent to Charles King of Sweden an 20. Car. 2. But those provided for Iohn George Duke of Saxony to Sir Thomas Higgons the principal in the Legation to him for which they gave their several Receipts The Soveraign's Warrant for the delivery of those Ensigns sent to Maximilian the Emperor was directed to the Lord Treasurer of England for which Garter gave his Receipt But for those sent to the French King Henry the Fourth the Warrant was directed to the Master of the Iewel-house and out of this Office have all the Ensigns of the Order before mentioned been since delivered There are several other Necessaries to be provided which may pass as appurtenances to the former and are sometimes inserted into the Soveraign's Warrants for the Habit of the Order and at other times issue forth by particular Warrants namely A Black Velvet Cap with white Feathers and a Heron Sprig A Girdle and Hangers of the same coloured Velvet with the Surcoat A yard of Purple Velvet hath been usually allowed out of the Great Wardrobe for covering the Book of Statutes which the Soveraign sends to the Elect-Stranger and for the Velom Writing and Binding the said Book there is a Fee paid by the Soveraign to the Register of the Order which generally hath been proportioned according to the Degree of the Stranger for this Officer had allowed him for the Book sent  l. s. d. To the French King Henry the Fourth 5 0 0 To Iohn Casimire Count Palatine 4 0 0 To the Duke of Holstein an 3. Iac. 3 6 8 To the King of Sweden an 3.
and the honor they derived from it some have thought fit to transmit the memory to Posterity by Medâ—ls with Inscriptions relating thereto Such were those of Gold and Silver which Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg caused to be made having on one side his Effigies and on the other the Arms of Studtgard his chief City and over them the imperial Eagle crowned some of which were preserved and others disperst abroad for a perpetual commemoration of that solemn act of his Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order So also those made by Charles King of Sweden at his Investiture emblematically pointing out the happy concord setled between the Crowns both of this and that Kingdom being copied out and here inserted What is wanting in the course of the Solemnity on the day of Investiture may be supplied from the large account we shall give of the Ceremonies on the Eve and Feast-day of St. George from whence many things may be transferr'd to their use who shall be employed abroad upon the Like Legations Yet for their sakes whose curiosity will like a more particular account of the Solemnities in Foreign parts we have thought fit to insert here the Relations of some eminent Investitures wherein several passages may seem remarkable enough while drawn together in a continued Narrative but perhaps would not appear so if taken asunder nor indeed can divers minute things in some kind worthy of knowledge be precisely referr'd to those few heads we have chosen to discourse of without too much straining A Relation of the manner of investing the French King Henry the Third with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter An. Dom. 1585. HEnry Earl of Derby appointed by her Majesty Ambassador to Henry the Third French King and to invest him with the Order of the Garter took his leave of the Queen's Majesty at Greenwiche the 20. of January an 27. Eliz. and with him such Gentlemen as were present were admitted to kiss her Highness hand Mr. Cook Clarenceux appointed to attend in that Voyage in place of Garter whose room was void and Robert Glover Somerset Herald likewise appointed to that Iourney On the 26. of January the Earl with his Train passed from London to Gravesend where taking Post-Horses they rid to Sittingborne and from thence to Dover where they embarqued and landed at Callis on the first of February on the third of February the Earl with his whole Train went from Callis to Boloigne to Bed where they were very well entertained On the fourth of February they rid to Monstreuil on the fifth to Abbevil where they were met with 150 shot of Hacquebusiers On the sixth they took their Iourney to Amyens being by Monsieur Crevecoeur accompanied with 100 Gentlemen and best Citizens met half a Mile without the Town that night the said Crevecoeur presented the Earl with great store of very large and good Fresh-water Fish and the Town with Wine of divers sorts and the day following being Sunday the said Crevecoeur invited the Earl to Dinner which Dinner was highly commended after Dinner the Earl with his Train went to Breteuil to Bed the next night to Cleremont where they stayed Tuesday and Wednesday the tenth of February he went to Luserche on the eleventh to St. Dennis where by the way he was met by Sir Edward Stafford her Majesties Ambassador resident with the French King who brought with him divers Gentlemen of England to the number of thirty horse and so accompanied him to St. Dennis where they kept Company all the day following being Friday On Saturday his honor made his Entry into Paris about two or three of the Clock at Afternoon there being of the Lord Ambassadors Train more than two hundred horse and mid-way between St. Dennis and Paris there met with them sent from the King the Duke of Montpensier a Prince of the blood the Lords Chauigny le Chapelle Comte de Lude de Pienne de Malicorne de la Mothefelon who had sometimes been Ambassador Leiger in England D'estree d'Abin de Fontaines de Cornusson the Marquess of Curton the Comte de Grignan all Councellors to the Council and Knights of the Holy Ghost the Duke of Iremonille the Counts of Brisac de Creance Sancerre and of Lazure with a great number of Lords and Barons Gentlemen of the Chamber these did accompany the Earl of Derby unto Hostell de Longuevill sometime called the Hostell of Anjou there was his Lordship with the other Lords and Gentlemen lodged where was three Tables very sumptuously furnished for them all of the Kings cost the one Table in the great Chamber for the Lords and Gentlemen Servants to her Majesty the other in the Hall for the Earl of Derby's Gentlemen and a third in a Gallery beneath for Gentlemens Servants besides livery into every Chamber both of Wax Wood Wine and such like in as great plenty as could be desired On Sunday the said Earl betwixt the hours of two and three in the Afternoon went from his Lodging by a Postern through the Garden accompanied with the said Lords de la Mothefelon de Curton and Grignan together with others and and found the Captains of the Regiment of the Kings Guard making two ranks on either side of the streets beginning from the Postern to the Louvre Gate who welcomed â—im in the Kings behalf without the Gate of the said Louvre he was received by the Lieutenant of the great Provost of France and his Archers at the Louvre Gate by the Sire de Montigny Captain thereof to his Majesty and his Archers which Archers together with those of the great Provost made two ranks from the said Gate of the Louvre to the foot of the Stairs from which foot his Lordship was received by the Sire de Pardillon the French Lieutenant of the Switzers of the Kings Guard which from the foot of the said Stairs to the door of the Hall made two ranks for his Lordships passage at the entrance of the Hall his Lordship was received by the Sire de Chasteau Viaux Knight of the Holy Ghost and Captain of Archers of the Kings Guard who likewise from the said door unto the door of the Antichamber made two ranks from the door of the Antichamber his Lordship was received by Sire de Combault Knight of the Holy Ghost Chief Master de Hostell to his Majesty and by his Gentlemen Waiters and there in the said Antichamber all the said Earl of Derby's Officers and Gentlemen wearing Liveries were appointed to stay and the Queens Servants that proceeded next went still forward at the Entry of the Chamber of Estate his Lordship was received by the Sire de Lenoncourt Knight of the Holy Ghost chief Escuier of the Kings â—scurie and the other Escuiers of the Escuire together with the Lieutenant of the hundred Gentlemen of his Majesty who made two ranks from that Chamber door to the Chamber of Audience every of them having Halberts in their hands
at the Entrance of the Antichamber his Lordship was received by the Duke Joyeuse accompanied with the Gentlemen of the Kings Chamber Ordinary who made two ranks from that Chamber door to the door of the Chamber Royal into the said Chamber Royal. First entred all the Gentlemen the Queen's Majesty's Servants the Lords that had received and accompanied the said Earl and Lords and the said Duke de Joyeuse accompanied the said Earl of Derby unto the Bars that stood about the haultpâ—ce or mounting floor in the said Chamber where the King stood at his Beds feâ—t accompanied with the said Barriers on his right hand with the Cardinals of Bourbon Vandosme and Joyeuse and on the left hand with the Lords the Princes of Conty the Comte de Soissons and D. Montpensier Princes of the Blood the Dukes of Nevers Delboeufe de la Joinuille de Retz Monsieur le Chancellourâ— Sier de Villequier du Bouchage de la Valette d'Antragues de la Chappelle aux Urfius Chavigny la Vivone Comte de Mauleurier Clermont Denitragues de l'Archant and other Knights of the Holy Ghost and Councellors of the â—states in great number The said Earl with the Lord Ambassador Ordinary of England only entred the said halt-space within the Barriers unto his Majesty of whom they were received with great curtesie and as amiable countenance as could be and the Earl delivered the Queen's Majesty's Letters unto the King with great reverenâ—e and then making rehearsal of that he had in charge to say the said Ambassador presented unto the King the Lord Sands and Windsore and other the English Knights and Gentlemen which all one after another mounted upon the halt-pace kissed their hands and did reverence unto the King Then the Earl took his leave and was conducted by all the Lords and Captains unto the place where they had first received him After he went to salute the Queen Mother and at the entrance into her Chamber he was received by Monsieur de Lansac Knight of the Holy Ghost and Knight of Honor unto the said Queen whom he found accompanied with her Neece the Princes of Loraine standing at her Beds head the Princes of Conde and the Dutchess of Nevers standing at the Beds feet the Dutchess of Duzez and of Retz and other Ladies and Gentlewomen in greâ—t number from thence his Lordship was conveyed to the Queen Regents Chamber and at the entrance whereof he was received by the Comte de Fiesque Knight of the Holy Ghost and her Knight of Honor finding her accompanied with the Dutchess of Montpensier and Joyeuse who stood at her Beds feet the Lady of Royden her Lady of Honor and other Ladies and Gentlewomen in great number and then returned to the aâ—oresaid Hostell de Longueville On Monday the 15 of February the King by Mouâ—eur de Mothefelon told the Lord Ambassador his mind touching the receipt of the Order that he intended to receive it on Thursday following in the Afternoon at the Augustine Friars which was done accordingly the 18 day of February an 27. Eliz. About two of the Clock in the Afternoon the Earl and Leiger Ambassador and all the other Gentlemen of their Train in Coaches were conducted from the house of Longueville where the Earl of Derby was lodged unto the house of Monsieur de Mantuliet Provost of Paris where the Earl did put on his Robes of the Garter and Clarenceux then representing the place of Garter did put on his Mantle and made ready the Kings Robes The King also with a great number of his Nobility came from the Louvre to the same house of Mantuliet for whom there was provided two Chambers in the inner Chamber over the Chimney was set up a cloth of Estate and on the left hand thereof a board covered with a rich Carpet against the end of which board the King did stand in a short Gown of rich Taffata having on either hand of him some sixteen of the greatest of his Nobility the rest abode in the outward Chamber for so was the Kings pleasure that there might be the more room and freer access for the Earl and the English Noblemen and Gentlemen all things being put in good order the King sent the Earl word by Monsieur Lamothe Fluelon and Monsieur de Rhoades Master of the Ceremonies that he stayed for him Whereupon thirty of the English Gentlemen accompanied with as many French Gentlemen proceeded two and two together up the Stairs before the Earl towards the King then marched Somerset Herald in his rich Coat of Arms bearing on his Arms the Kings Kittle Mantle and Hood after him went Clarenceux in a Robe of Crimson Sattin having on his arms a fair large Cushen of Purple Velvet and thereon the Collar of the Order of the Garter and the little Chain with the George After Clarenceux went the Earl in his Robes and the Ambassador Resident And being thus come before the King Somerset after due reverence laid the Robe he bare upon the Table that the King leaned unto so also did Clarenceux the Cushen with the Iewels thereon The Earl also being entred and having made his due reverence Clarenceux delivered him his Commission who giving the same reverently to the King he forthwith gave it to his secretary Pinart to be read according to the form Though at that time it was not read at all That done Clarenceux delivered unto the Ambassador the Garter who gave it unto the King who also kissing the same kneeling did put it about the Kings left leg the Ambassador pronouncing these words following Ad laudem atque honorem Omnipotentis Dei c. That being done Clarenceux killing the Kirtle of Crimson Velvet gave it to the Ambassador who also delivered it to the Earl and he to the King putting the same on with a Crimson Velvet Girdle whereunto was put a gilt Rapier which Girdle and Rapier was formerly provided by a Gentleman of the Kings Chamber at the doing whereof the Ambassador pronounced these words following Capito Vestem hanc purpuream c. The Kirtle being put on Clarenceux delivered the Mantle of Purple Velvet and the Hood of Crimson Velvet which the Earl put upon the King also with the assistance of the Ambassador that pronounced these words following Accipe Clamidem hanc Coelici coloris c. Lastly Clarenceux kissing the Collar of Gold gave the same also to be put about the Kings neck which was done by the Earl the Ambassador using these words following Torquem hunc in Collo deferes c. After the King was thus invested with all the Habilements of the Order as aforesaid the Earl delivered unto him first the Book of Statutes of the said Order fairly bound in Crimson Velvet and Gold Lace which Book the King gave to the Duke of Joyeuse to carry after him to the Church and lastly the small Chain with the George which was by the Earl delivered to the King which also was delivered by
leaving the Earl and Ambassador and all their Trains to return in their Coaches through Paris to the House of Longueville The same night the Earl with the Lord Ambassador and all the English Gentlemen that were the Queens Servants did sup at the Court the Earl and the Ambassador at the lower end of the Kings Table at which Board did also sit with the King the two Queens and six or seven other great Ladies among whom the Lady Sheffield was one and at another Table in the same Chamber did sit divers great Ladies all along one side and over against them the Lord Sands the Lord Windesor and the other English Gentlemen Supper being ended and the place ordained for dancing the King took his Wife by the hand and danced with her the like did divers other great Lords and Ladies of France and lastly three English Gentlemen I omit the description of the Masque and other â—â—ngular Musick both costly and curious whereby the Evening was spent till three of the Clock the next morning On the 28. of February the Ambassador with his Train took their leave at whose return from the Court to his Lodging he was presented that night with a rich Cupboard of Plate worth 1200 l. at the least and unto Mr. Clarenceux was given a Chain of Gold worth 120 l. and better of 236 links to Master Somerset a Chain of 150 links worth 100 Marks and to Thomas Milles a Chain of the same value On Thursday next the Earl with his Train set forward homeward from Paris unto St. Dennis and so were lodged all the way in the same Lodgings that before they had been received in and arrived prosperously in England from Boloigne to Dover the 12. of March and on the Tuesday following were brought to the Queen'â— Majesty's presence at Greenwich who graciously welcomed them home A Relation of that pompous Solemnity celebrated at the Duke of Wirtemberg's Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter an I. Iac. R. extracted out of Erhardus Cellius his Eques Auratus Anglo-Wirtembergicus RObert Lord Spencer of Wormleiton and Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight Garter Principal King of Arms were joined in Commission bearing Teste at Woodstock the 18 day of September an I. Jac. R. to present and invest Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg and Teck with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter They began their Iourney in the beginning of October an 1603 and came to the City of Studtgard the second of November following Vpon their arrival they presented their Credential Letters which being reâ—d the said Duke began to treat the Ambassadors with the highest respect imaginable and to put all things into a readiness for his solemn reception of the Ornaments of thâ— Order To which end he sent for his three Sons with their Tutors from the Caâ—â—â—â— of Tubing where they followed their Studies to be present at this Solemnity likewise he ordered the Vice-President and twelve Assistants of his Ducal Conâ—istory anâ— all the principal and most noble Persons of his Court to be present Moreover he appointed an English Lord and the Lord Benjamin Buwingkshausin one of his Privy Council to be the principal Contrivers Directors and Managers of all things that should belong to the setting forth of this Solemnity for the performance of which two places were especially allotted prepared and adorned namely the great Church of Studtguard where the Investiture was to be conferr'd and the great Hall of the Castle called from hence Hypocaustrum Equestre whence the Proceeding was to begin and pâ—ss toward the Church At the entrance of the Choire were four stately Stalls erected with their Canopieâ— Footstools and ascents on each side and covered with Velvet the first Stall was assigned to the Soveraign of the Order on the back side whereof his Majesties Arms and Stile were engraven besides his Stile written underneath in French thus Du tres-hault tres-puissant tres-excellent Prince Iaques par la grace de Dieu Roy d' Angleterre d' Escosse France d' Irelande Defenseur de la Foy c. Souveraigne du tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier The second Stall was placed on the right hand next to the Soveraign's in like manner adorned and assigned to the Principal Ambassador the Lord Spencer who in conferring the Order was to represent the Soveraign's person The third Stall was on the left hand next to the second assigned to Sir William Dethick Garter Principal King of Arms. The fourth Stall was also on the left hand over against the Soveraign's Throne after the same manner made and adorned assigned to the Elect Duke and on the back side thereof his own Arms and Stile also engraven besides his Stile likewise underwritten in French thus Du tres-hault puissant tres-noble Prince Frederick par la grace de Dieu Duke de Wirtemberg Teck Comte de Montbeliardt Seigneur de Haydenhemb c. Chevalier du tres noble Ordre de la Iartier There were also on the right and left hand of the Stall Benches or Seats continued on either side as far as the Altar these Seats were all covered with red Cloth and also the stone Pavement from the steps of the Vestry unto the Stall of the Elect-Duke and so from the middle of the Vestry unto the Altar in the form of a Cross. The Altar was covered with red Silk hanging down to the ground in the middle of which three gilt Basons were set upright the first for the Soveraign the second for his Ambassador and the third for the Elect-Duke The Hall of the Castle was magnificently set out with rich Hangings and other costly Furniture Towards the East and South were placed five stately long Tables covered with Velvet as also the Seats and Benches about them the middlemost of these Tables was called the Soveraign's Table in honor of the King of England though absent over the Soveraign's Chair was set a stately Canopy of Silk and on the back side of the Seat towards the middle thereof were fixt his Majesty's Arms with his Stile underwritten after the same manner as on his Stall in the Church At the right hand of the Soveraign's Table were two other Tables the one for the Lord Ambassador Spencer the other for Sir William Dethick Garter both covered in like manner with Silk and adorned with Canopies and their Arms. On the left hand of the Soveraign's Table were likewise two other Tables one for the new invested Duke covered and adorned with his Arms and a Canopy in the same manner as in the Church the other for the Duke's Wife and Children who were ten in number of either Sex Besides those that were particularly warned to be present at this Feast which was cheerfully performed by them there came divers of their own accord from all parts of the Dukedom drawn by the fame of a Feast and Solemnity the like whereof had not been in
to send over hither any person of his own Court or give his Procuration to some one of the Soveraign's Subjects to receive his Stall and in his name to take possession of it the later of which hath been several times done out of desire to favour some of our Nobility or other persons of quality at Court with this honor For instance Frederick the Second King of Denmark gave his Procuration to the Lord Willoughby principal in the Legation for the carriage of the Habit of the Order to him to be installed for him and in like manner Iohn Prince Palatine of the Rhyne deputed Sir Philip Sidney to the same Employment Viscount Dorchester was installed for Henry Prince of Orange to whom he and Sir Williams Segar Garter had before carried the Habit and Ensigns and this was done by virtue of a Deputation pen'd in French and sent him hither from the said Prince The Earl of Carlisle received his Deputation from Charles King of Sweden at Stockholme and the Prince Elector of Saxony sent his hither to the Earl of Bath But it hath sometimes hapned that a Proctor for the installation of a Stranger hath been appointed and nominated by the Soveraign of the Order though the Principal had named another before perchance induced thereto by some extraordinary necessity Thus it hapned in the case of Maurice Prince of Orange an 10. Iac. R. who having deputed Count Henry his Brother to be installed for him and he having put to Sea in order thereto but by reason of contrary winds not arriving in England before the day appointed for his Installation the Soveraign and Knights-Companions ordered that Lodowick of Nassau Kinsman to the Elect Prince should take possession of his Stall on his behalf to the end that the honor designed the said Prince in accompanying Frederick Prince Elector Palatine to his personal Installation might not become frustrate A case somewhat like to this was that of Iohn George Duke of Saxony for having sent over his Procuration to Iohn Earl of Bath and he being detained in the West by extraordinary occasions when St. George's Feast was held at Windesor an 23. Car. 2. wrote to the Chancellor of the Order to obtain the Soveraign's Dispensation for his not appearing there in the name of his Principal who representing his humble request to the Soveraign in Chapter held on the Eve of the said Feast he was pleased to grant it and appointed Heneage Earl of Winchelsey to be the Duke's Proxie who performed the whole service And there is an ancient Example in this kind an 9. H. 5. where the Soveraign nominated the Lord Fitz-Hugh Procter for the King of Denmark which yet was not done till after the Soveraign had been certified that the said King had been invested with the Habit and Ornaments of the Order and also obliged himself by Oath to the observation of the Statutes In like manner it is recorded that the Earl of Cleveland was by the Soveraign appointed Deputy for the Installation of Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and yet not unlike but this might be by consent of the said King though the Annals herein are silent as is very usual and sometimes in circumstances and passages of note for if we look towards the end of the said King's Certificate returned of his Receipt of the Habit and Ensigns of the Order we shall there find he desired that the Qualifications therein before mentioned might be admitted into his Oath when any solemn attestation should be made by his Proctor in his Name whence it may be well enough and without much wresting inferr'd that he had not then named his Proctor but probably either by a private Letter or verbal message returned by those or some of them joined in the Legation with the Habit might leave him and the time to the choice and appointment of the Soveraign But suppose the Soveraign being loth to defer this King's Installation too long considering the hazards of War did appoint a Deputy for his Installation without his direction as the case stood he might do it and not intrench upon that leave given a Stranger by the Statutes to chuse his own because in the body of the said Kings Certificate there is set down the very qualifications wherewith his Oath should be taken by his Proctor which being allowed and admitted by the Soveraign any further concern in this Affair was but matter of indifferency But if the Soveraign having nominated a Proctor should also cause him to take the ancient Oath in its absolute nature and form not allowing those qualifications which the interests of his Principal to his Religion or to other Princes Orders and such like might justly exact which without consulting an invested Stranger cannot well be known or set down and such an Oath as his Principal had neither allowed of nor consented unto this might seem good cause of exception and be esteemed done in prejudice to his preingaged interests SECT II. The Proctor's Qualifications BUT whether the Proctor be nominated by his Principal or by the Soveraign the Statutes of the Order put some qualifications upon the person so sent or appointed as aforesaid and first That he be Procurator sufficiens idoneus that is such a person who hath been always accounted of an unblamable conversation not branded with any note of infamy but altogether irreproveable And such as one was Dominus Franciscus Deputy to Hercules Duke of Ferara who in the Black-Book of the Order is characterised to be a Knight of an incorrupt Fame nor are we to doubt but that other Proctors to Strangers were such though the testimonials of their virtue do not appear in the Annals of the Order Secondly the Proctor ought to be a person correspondent to the State and Dignity of that Stranger which doth depute him so that answerable to the dignity of the Invested Knight ought to be in some Proportion the quality of the Proctor And how this Injunction hath been observed will sufficiently appear in the following Scheme  Knights Proctors  Emperor Maximilian the First Marquess of Brandenburgh An. 6. H. 7. Kings Ericus King of Denmark Lord Fitz-Hugh An. 9. H. 5. Kings Francis the First of France Andrian de Tercelin Lord of Bross An. 19. H. 8. Kings Iames the Fifth King of Scotland Lord Iohn Erskine An. 26. H. 8. Kings Charles the Ninth of France Iaques Lord Remboilliet An. 8. Eliz. Kings Frederick the Second King of Denmark Peregrine Lord Willoughby of Ersby An. 24. Eliz. Kings Henry the Fourth of France Sier de Chastes Vice-Admiral of France An. 42. Eliz. Kings Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark Henry Ramell hereditary Lord of Wosterwitz and Beckeskaw An. 3. Iac. R. Kings Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden Thomas Wentworth Earl of Cleveland An. 4. Car. 1. Kings Charles King of Sweden Charles Howard Earl of Carlisle An. 23. Car. 2. Arch
much the same with that drawn up for Installation of a Knight-Subject both as to the material and circumstantial parts whereof we have already discourst The Preamble constains the same matter and the authority wherewith the Proxie is impowered and is penn'd with like words the variation lies only in those expressions which lay down the causes of the Stranger 's absence and for the most part are generally exprest but if in particular then are the words fitted with alterations sutable to the occasion The Letters sent from the Soveraign to each of the Commissioners appointed for Installation giving them notice and information of the Solemnity and requiring their attendance at Windesor on the day assigned are of the same nature with those prepared against the Installation of a Knight-Subject by his Proxie the necessary alterations being taken in where the occasion requires Thirdly a Warrant for the Removal of Stalls is likewise to be obtained from the Soveraign and sent unto Garter to see it put in execution according to its tenour whereby a Stall being assigned to the Stranger his Proxie having taken possession thereof may set over it the Atchievements of his Principal The ground of this Removal and the practice thereupon in relation both Strangers and Knights-Subjects is discoursed of at large among the Preparations made for the Personal Installation of a Knight-Subject In the last place a Warrant is to be drawn and signed by the Soveraign for providing the Stranger 's Atchievements at the Soveraign's charge namely his Helm Crest Mantlings and Sword together with a Banner of his Arms and Quarterings and these the Proctor is enjoined to bring along with him to Windesor Sometimes a Warrant hath been directed to the Mâ—â—ter of the Wardrobe to provide but some part of these Atchievements and another Warrant to the Lord Treasurer of England to deliver Garter money to provide the other part in each of which the particulars relating to either are enumerated For so were the Warrants drawn up for the Atchievements of the French King Henry the Second At other times the direction hath been to the Master of the Great Wardrobe to provide and deliver to Garter the whole who thereupon put the charge upon account as were those Warrants for Atchievements for the Duke of Chevereux and King of Sweden Sometimes particular Warrants have been directed to the Master of the Wardrobe to deliver forth several parcels of the Materials for the making up these Atchievements to the persons employed in the work or oversight thereof as were those Warrants to deliver the Soveraign's Embroiderer and to Garter so much Velvet Cloth of Gold c. for making the great Banner and other the Atchievements of Charles the Ninth and Henry the Third the French Kings and Christian Prince of Denmark But it appears that Garter hath sometimes laid out the money for making all or part of the Atchievements and then he delivered his Bill of disbursements into the Wardrobe as is manifest from those Bills drawn up for the Atchievements of Frederick the Second King of Denmark Iohn Count Palatine of the Rhyne and the Duke of Holstien Besides the Atchievements some other things used at the Solemnity are commonly included in the foresaid Warrants as 1. a Plate of Brass gilt whereon are engraven and enamelled in Colours the Stranger 's Coat of Arms and Quarterings within a Garter as also his Helm Crest and Supporters and underneath these his whole Stile and Titles of Honor 2. A Majesty Scutcheon to be set over the Soveraign's Stall and another over the Strangers there to remain during the time of Installation And when Prince Henry was constituted the Soveraign's Lieutenant for St. George's Feast at which time also Christian the Fourth King of Denmark was installed he likewise had a Majesty Scutcheon placed 〈◊〉 his Stall 3. Some Lodging Scutcheons of his Arms marshalled in the same order as they are in his Plate and 4. a Cushen of Crimson Velvet whereon to lay the Mantle when Garter bears it before the Proctor into the Choire in case the Proctor doth not carry it on his own arm Lastly for the carriage of all these things to Windesor a Trunk is likewise to be provided We do not think it needful to place the Mantle of the Order here with those things that are to be prepared at the Soveraign's charge against this Solemnity for the Statutes of Institution appoint the Proxie to bring one with him not that the Soveraign should provide it having done that before at the Legation with the whole Habit Nor have we found in the Rolls or Books of the Soveraign's Great Wardrobe any account made for providing a second Mantle when the Proxie of a Stranger came hither which had the Soveraign been at such charge would not have been omitted SECT VI. The Proctor's Cavalcade to Windesor THE day appointed for the Installation drawing on the Proxie was heretofore accompanied on Horseback from London to Windesor with the Soveraign's Lieutenant and his Assistants if the Feast of St. George were then also celebrated or otherwise the Soveraign's Commissioners with a very great Retinue Amongst the rest when Adrian de Tercelin Deputy for the French King Francis the First rode to Windesor the day before his Installation being the 24. of Ian. an 19. H. 8. all the Knights-Companions that were in Commission for that Solemnity assembled at the Lord Sandys his Place neer St. Paul's Church in London whence they rode to the Deputies Lodging then at the Dean of Pauls his House and thence accompanied him in good order and gallant equipage to the Castle of Windesor where Lodgings were prepared for him at the Dean's House In like manner on Tuesday the 15. of Ianuary an 8. Eliz. the Earls of Sussex and Leicester and Lord Clinton three of the four Commissioners appointed for the Installation of the French King Charles the Ninth with other Lords and Gentlemen took their Horses at the Court Gate at Westminster and with a great Train rode to the Lodging of the said Kings Proxie being then at St. Mary's Spittle in London whence they took their way through Holborn towards Windesor the Earl of Southampton Viscount Mountague Sir Henry Lea and Sir Edward Vmpton met them at Langford neer Colebrook with their Hawks and there shewed the Proxie variety of sport with which he being exceeding well pleased they rode to Windesor where he was accommodated with Lodgings in the Dean's House for that hath usually been the place to entertain the Stranger 's Proxies when they came to Windesor upon this solemn occasion SECT VII Supper after his arrival there THE Evening of their arrival passeth with a Supper for the most part costly and sumptuous but the principal entertainment is reserved to set forth the magnificence of the following days Dinner in case the Instalment be appointed to be
solemnized on the next morning At the Installation of the French King Francis the First all the Commissioners met at the Marquess of Exceter's Lodgings and went together to the Dean's House where they were entertained by him at Supper all at one Table at another Table sat Garter with certain of the Deputy's chief Gentlemen and some of the Heralds and at a third Table sat the rest of the Heralds and other of the Proxy's Servants The Commissioners and other Noblemen who also accompanied Charles the Ninth's Proctor to Windesor supped the Evening of their arrival with him he himself sitting at the upper end of the Table then the Earls of Sussex and Leicester by him one against the other next the Earl of Southampton and Viscount Mountague then the Lord Clinton and Lord Herbert of Cardiff after them two Strangers namely Monsieur Cleremont and Monsieur de la Lupe then lower sat the Lord Grey and other Strangers and last of all sat Monsieur Doze alias St. Michael the French Herald at the lower end opposite to the Proctor Garter Black-Rod and divers Strangers supped with the Dean and in the Parlour and Hall sat divers Pensioners Gentlemen and Strangers SECT VIII Of the Proceeding to the Chapter-house WHat hath been before set down touching the publick Proceeding to the Chapter-house at the personal Installation of a Knight-Subject and other particulars relating to that Ceremony will extend hither both as to order and circumstances and there needs no further instruction here but to look back to the Discourse thereupon Nevertheless this general rule is to be born in mind That the place of a Stranger-Prince's Proctor here is next after the Provincial-Kings unless the Proctor of a Knight-Subject happen to intervene and before the junior Knight-Companion unless a Knight-Subject Elect pass then in the Proceeding of which we have an instance at the Installation of the Dukes of Brunswick and Chevereux and the Earl of Dorset by their Proctors but the Earls of Salisbury Carlisle and Holland with Viscount Andover in person an 1. Car. 1. when the Proceeding was ordered as followeth First two Waiters of the Soveraign's Hall in their Livery Coats bearing white Rods. Alms-Knights Prebends of the Colledge Officers of Arms. Proctors to the absent Elect-Knights Elect-Knights in person Knights-Companions Black-Rod Register Garter Chancellor Prelate Soveraign's Lieutenant Courtiers and Gentlemen in the Rear Only in the single case of Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 3. Iac as an extraordinary respect and honor his Proxie went in the Proceeding to the Chapter-house next before the Soveraign's Lieutenant As we had an example before of a Proctor to a Knight-Subject who past in this Proceeding before the Alms-Knights and Officers of Arms namely Sir Henry Sidney Deputy to the Earl of Warwick an 5. Eliz. so here in the case of a Stranger the Viscount Hereford Proxie to the Duke of Holstien installed the 15. of December an 3. Eliz. who went in the Proceeding to the Chapter-house before the Officers of Arms also which Proceeding was ordered in this manner Gentlemen and Knights The Proctor and Ambassador of Holstein together Officers of Arms. Register and Garter Lord Hastings Commissioners Lord Paget Commiccioners If the Proxie of a Stranger pass in the Proceeding which the Soveraign or his Lieutenant or Commissioners make to the Chapter-house then doth he for the most part give his attendance in the Presence-Chamber or in that Room from whence the Lieutenant or the Commissioners do proceed and there joineth himself thereunto But sometimes the Commissioners after their setting forth as an act of grand respect have taken the Proxie's Lodgings by the way and there received him into the Proceeding Instances in this are first Prince Henry Lieutenant at the Installation of Christian the Fourth King of Denmark who proceeded from the Presence-Chamber down to the Deans House where the said King's Proxie lodged and received him at the Door from whence the Lieutenant pass'd to the Chapter-house And at the Installation of the Duke of Wirtemberg 19. April an 2 Iac. R. the Commissioners proceeded from their Lodgings having the Alms-Knights and Officers of Arms before them unto the Dean's House where Grave van Eveston his Proctor likewise lodged and from whence to the Chapter-house the now full Proceeding passed We observe that the Proxies of Strangers have not always gone in the Proceeding but sometimes stayed at their Lodging in the Castle till the Commissioners were ready to send for them into the Chapter-house And thus it was at the Installation of the French King Charles the Ninth for on the 16. of Ianuary an 8. Eliz. in the morning at the Earl of Leicester's Lodgings in the Castle the other three Commissioners met where they and the three inferior Officers of the Order robed themselves and went thence to the Proxie's Lodging and having a while conferred with him took leave and proceeded to the Chapter-house After some time of consulation there they sent out Garter to the Proctor with desire to repair to them who upon the delivery of the message was forthwith conducted by Garter attended with the Earl of Southampton the Lords Herbert and Grey and many others to the Chapter-house door where being arrived the Earls of Sussex and Leicester being the two senior Commissioners received him between them Sometimes the Proxies have past privately to the East-Isle of St. George's Chappel and there rested before the Soveraign and Knights-Companions went iâ—to the Chapter-house or proceeded into the Choire without entring thereinto for â—o it hath sometimes hapned as did the Earl of Cleveland and Marquess Dorchester Proxies for Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry Prince of Orange an 4. Car. 1. The like did the Earl of Dover Proxie to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne an 9. Car. 1 and of late Sir George Carteret Proxie to Christian Prince of Denmark an 15. Car. 2. So also the Earls of Carlisle and Winchelsey Proctors to Charles King of Sweden and Iohn George Prince Elector of Saxony an 23. Car. 2. SECT IX The Ceremonies performed therein WHen the Proceeding hath arrived at the Chapter-house door the Soveraign and Knights-Companions or the Lieutenant and his Assistants or Commissioners with the Officers of the Order before them enter to hold their Consultation but first the Stranger 's Proctor is intreated to stay without until his Deputation or Letters of Procuration be read to the end they may understand the elect thereof To this purpose we find it also directed under an ancient hand that where any Knight is installed by his Deputy he ought to stay without the Vestry or Chapter-house door until he be brought in by two Knights-Companions Hereupon the Lord Pagit one of the Commissioners for installation of the Duke of Savoy when the Proceeding was come to the Chapter-house door acquainted
his Proxie with this Custom and Injunction and desired him to walk aside which he accordingly did The East-Isle behind the High Altar is the accustomed place for the Proxies to walk or repose themselves in till they be called into the Chapter as it is also for the Deputies of Knights-Subjects where Chairs and Cushens are ready prepared for this occasion The first thing done after the Chapter is opened is Reading the Commission for Installation by the Register of the Order but if the Soveraign be present at the Installation no Commission issues and next the Letters of Procuration this being as the most proper so the most accustomed place for this act Nevertheless at the Installation of the French King Francis the First we know not by what but certainly a most unusual compliance the Commissioners went from the Chapter-house after they had called in and invested the Earl of Oxford then also present to receive his Installation with his Surcoat and Hood unto the Deans House where the Proctor was lodged and in the great Chamber there shewed him the Soveraign's Commission and in it the authority for admitting him into the Stall of his Lord and Master Whereupon the Proctor presented them with his Procuration by which he was impowered to take the possession of his Principal 's Stall and further to do and perform all such Ceremonies as to the Order of the Garter did appertain which Instrument was forthwith read before them by the Register This Ceremony being ended they all proceeded to the Chappel where entring they waved their return into the Chapter-house and pass'd directly into the Choire After some time of consultation in the Chapter-house the Proxie is sent for in thither by Garter who conducts him to the Chapter-house door and his Reception there by the Commissioners is after the same manner and with the same circumstances of respect and ceremony as is used to the Knight-Elect or to his Proxie But whether he ought to enter into the Chapter-house or be admitted any further than the door or Porch thereof and to pass thence immediately into the Choire hath been some question because the practice seems to have been sometimes one way and sometimes another All that we find to prohibite his entrance thereinto is an expression in the short Ceremonial of Installation of Strangers by Proxie entred in the Blaâ—k-Book where it saith That the Mantle is to be laid on the Proctor's right shoulder in the Porch of the Chapter-house because he is not to enter into it And there are two instances where the Mantle was delivered to the Proctor at the Chapter-house door from whence some may infer that the Practice also of those times was agreeable to the aforesaid direction namely that of the Proctor of the French King Francis the First an 19. H. 8. where Garter stood at the Chapter-house door with the Mantle and as the Proceeding passed by presented it to the two Senior Knights-Companions the Marquess of Exeter and Viscount Lysle who placed it upon the Proctor's right arm and of the Proctor to Emanuel Duke of Savoy an 1 2. Ph. M. who entred not into the Chapter-house but had the Mantle of his Principal laid on his arm and spread upon his shoulder at the door But these instances if duly weighed cannot properly or with advantage be alledged to prove the assertion because the affairs relating to both received dispatch in the Proctor's Lodging a little before and where the Proctor himself was present which Convocation or meeting of the Commissioners and Proctor cannot be called less than a Chapter though not held in the Chapter-house from the Transactions which pass'd therein namely producing the Soveraign's Commission and the Proctor's Instrument of Deputation which were both read before them by the Register and the Proctor accordingly admitted which being finished nothing referring to the present occasions required their passing into the Chapter-house or remained to be done till they came into the Choire But the general practice runs strong on the contrary side for we find that the Proxie for Charles the Ninth of France an 8. Eliz. was met at the Chapter-house door by the Earls of Sussex and Leicester who took him in thither between them where after the Register had read as well the Soveraign's Commission for Installation as his Letters of Procuration and the Commissioners had admitted him Deputy for the said King they all came forth and laid his Principal 's Mantle on his right arm and shoulder the Train whereof was born by the Earl of Southampton assisted by the Lord Herbert of Cardiff Again it is remembred an 25. Eliz. that Garter conducted the Proxie of Frederick the Second King of Denmark to the Chapter-house door and at that place the Earl of Leicester and Lord Hunsdon received and led him in So also was Christian the Fourth's Proxie led in thither by the Earls of Nottingham and Dorset and an 10. Iac. R. Lodowick Count Nassaw Proctor to Maurice Prince of Orange was called into the Chapter-house and there left while the Soveraign and Knights-Companions proceeded into the Choire And so in like manner was Sir George Cartret Vice-Chamberlain Proctor to Christian Prince of Denmark an 15. Car. 2. and the Proctors to the King of Sweden and Duke of Saxony an 23. Car. 2. Nor are these instances and the practice in this latter case in truth derogatory to the Statutes which though it prohibite the Proxies entrance into the Chapter-house yet doth not this Prohibition extend to any time before but after the Ceremony of Installation is finished for the Article of the Statutes having first directed the delivery of the Mantle to the Proxie and next the assumption of his Principals Stall in these words Dictus Procurator installatus it immediately subjoins that from thenceforth namely the time of installation he shall neither wear the Mantle nor enter into the Chapter nor have any voice there by virtue of any power granted unto him all which are prohibitions plainly relateing to the future and after such time as the Ceremonies of Installation are past and not to any time preceding And it seems the Law hath been thus understood in regard the greater stream of Practice hath gone along with it for not only the Proxies of Strangers as before is observed but generally of Knights-Subjects have been called into the Chapter-house and there received the Mantle before they proceeded into the Choire The Ceremony of delivering the Mantle to the Proctor is performed by the Soveraign his Deputy or the Commissioners Garter presenting it to them and the manner thereof was heretofore by putting it upon the Proxies right arm or shoulder in the name of his Lord and Master there to hold it until the end of Divine Service But as there hath hapned some doubt touching the entry or not entry
of Proctors into the Chapter-house before they proceeded to Installation so likewise here concerning the receiving of the Mantle viz. whether in the Chapter-house or Stall allotted to their Principal of which there are Examples That part of the Article of the Statutes of Institution which concerns this point runs thus That the Mantle tempore Installationis Procuratoris shall be laid upon his Arm. c. but whether this shall be strictly limited to that instant of time when the Proctor is brought to the Stall of his Principal or with some greater latitude construed to be during the time of Installation including the very first action or beginning of the Ceremony of Installation namely the being called to the Chapter-house door and entrance into it is the question because there are instances in both but the latter is more warrantabale by the Statutes and general practice The Article in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes being much more large in description and passing further in setting down the Ceremonies of Installation than any of the former the particulars of which as in the rest so to this point we take to be as well placed in a true series and order of action having mentioned the Soveraign or his Deputy's laying the Mantle on the Proxies Arm it immediately follows as the very next thing to be performed in course of time That afterward he shall be led by two Knights from the Chapter-house door unto the Stall and there being shall make his Oath and be installed but it saith nothing of laying the Mantle on the arm of the Proctor now at the instant of installation in the Choire for that was directed to be done before It is also recorded in the Black-Book where the order of this Ceremony is more fully and particularly set down That Garter shall take the Mantle upon his Arms and deliver it to both the Knights-Commissioners and that they according to the tenor of the Statutes shall lay it on the Proctors right shoulder in the Porch of the Chapter-house Besides which and the ancient usage of receiving the Mantle in the Chapter-house or at the Chapter-house door either before or in the Proceeding to the Choire by the Proctors of the French King Francis the First of Emanuel Duke of Savoy of Charles the Ninth the French King and Frederick the Second King of Denmark we have likewise the Examples of later times as that of the Proctor for Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden an 4. Car. 1. who proceeded into the Choire with the Mantle upon his arm and that at the Installation of Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne the 5. of November an 9. Car. 1. where the Earl of Dover his Proxie bare the Mantle on his right shoulder into the Choire and Garter carried the Collar of the Order before him on a Velvet Cushen But there are several modern instances where the Mantle hath been born to the Choire and sometimes the Collar of the Order with it not by the Proctor but by Garter before him and delivered in his Principal 's Stall as in the Proceeding of the Proxie for the Duke of Wirtemberg an 2. Iac. when after he had taken the Oath and was led into the Duke's Stall not before was the Robe laid upon his arms and so was it done in the following year at the Installation of Christian the Fourth King of Denmark So also at the Installation of Maurice Prince of Orange an 10. Iac. Garter performed the like service for him and in the very same manner and after he had taken the Oath appointed the Mantle was laid upon his arm And lastly after the Proxies of the Duke of Brunswick and Chevereux had taken the Oath not only the Mantles but Collars were placed on their arms Which manner hath so far prevailed as to be continued in practice since the Restauration of the present Soveraign for at the Installations of the Prince of Denmark Charles King of Sweden and Duke of Saxony Garter carried the Mantle on a Cushen before their Proctors into the Choire nor was it laid on their arms till they had taken their Oaths and so laid that the Cross of St. George might be conspicuous SECT X. Of the Proceeding to the Choire BUT let us pass on to the Proxie's proceeding into the Choire concerning which King Henry the Eighth's Statutes direct as is remembred a little before upon another point That he shall be accompanied and led by two Knights-Companions of the Order from the door of the Chapter-house unto the Stall assigned to his Principal agreeable to which is that passage in the short Memorial of Installation entred in the Black-Book That as soon as the two Knights have placed the Mantle on his arm they shall take him between them and conduct him to the Stall of his Lord and thus assisted have all Proxies proceeded to the Choire But in relation to the order of the rest of the Proceeding it will be necessary to exhibit a Scheme or two The ordinary Proceeding into the Choire the Installation being celebrated when the Soveraign's Lieutenant holds the Feast of St. George Alms-Knights Verger of the Chappel Prebends of the Colledge Officers of Arms. Black-Rod Register Garter The Proxie between two Knights-Assistants The Lieutenant having his Train born The Proceeding into the Choire at the Installation by Commission of Charles the Ninth the French King an 8. Eliz. Gentlemen attendants on the Soveraign's Commissioners Gentlemen attendants upon the Proctor Verger of the Chappel Alms-Knights Officers of Arms. Black-Rod Register Garter Viscount Mountague the two Iunior Commissioners Lord Clinton the two Iunior Commissioners The Proctor between the Earl of Sussex and Earl of Leicester the two senior Commissioners his Train being born by the Earl of Southampton assisted by the Lord Herbert Since the Custom of receiving the Collar in the Chapter-house was laid aside if the Soveraign or his Lieutenant was present at an installation of a Stranger so soon as the Mantle was delivered to the Proctor or as of late that he hath been admitted according to the purport of his Deputation the Soveraign or his Lieutenant proceeds to the Choire with the Knights-Companions present and leaves the Proxie behind him in the Chapter-house and after he and the Knights-Companions have taken their Stalls directs two of the Knights-Companions to descend who taking the Alms-Knights Officers of Arms and the three inferior Officers of the Order before them pass to the Chapter-house and bring thence the Proxie to his Installation Thus was it done an 4. Car. 1. at the Installation of the King of Sweden when William Earl of Penbroke and Philip Earl of Montgomery proceeded forth of the Choire and introduced the Earl of Cleveland Proctor to the said King In like manner the Earls of Penbroke and Arundel went out to conduct in the Earl of Dover Proctor to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne So also were
one of the Earl of Winâ—helsey's Gentlemen SECT XIII The Dinner WHen the Installation hath past in the morning there hath usually been prepared a great Dinner at the Soveraign's charge we shall need here only to mention such particulars as are peculiar to the Proxie of a Stranger or different from the Instances set down in our discourse of this particular in the Personal Installation of a Knight-Companion And first before Dinner if the Installation pass by Commissioners the Proxie representing the State of his Principal shall wash alone he shall sit at the chief place of the Table and alone and shall be served alone but the other Knights-Commissioners shall sit at the end of the Table Thus was it observed at the Installation of Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria an 14. H. 8. and of Francis the French King an 19. H. 8. for when the later of these was Installed the Dinner was held at the Deans-house and his Proctor washed alone and sat down to Dinner in a Chair nor did any of the Knights-Commissioners sit at his Mess. The services were all performed to him in every particular as though his Principal had been present saving his Cloth of State The Lord Marquess of Exceter and all the other Knights-Companions having first washed sat on both sides the same Table yet beneath the Proctor and in their whole Habits of the Order The Dinner was likewise prepared in the Dean's great Chamber at the Installation of Charles the Ninth the French King whose Proctor was served with Water and a Towel by the Earl of Southampton and Lord Herbert Sir Iohn Radcliff performed the Office of Sewer Henry Brooks alias Cobham Esq was Carver and Mr. Francis Hervy Cupbearer This Proctor had a Cloth of State allowed him under which he sat at Dinner the Mantle lying by him all the while on a Stool and Cushen at the Tables end on the right hand sat the four Commissioners in their Robes being served apart from the Proctor But if the Soveraign's Lieutenant be present the Proctor dines at the same Table with him and then a little before the second course is brought in is the Soveraign's Stile proclaimed in Latin French and English with usual Ceremony but otherwise only the Stile of the new Installed Prince and but once The Stile and Titles of Christian the Fourth King of Denmark were proclaimed in Latin and of Maurice of Orange in French Dinner being ended all rise in order and wash first the Proxie alone and after him the Knights-Commissioners and thence they accompany the Proctor to his Chamber where having left him they retire to their own Lodgings and there put off their Habits The Proctor to Charles the Ninth took the Mantle of his Principal on his arm into his Chamber when he rose from Dinner and there delivered it to Garter So soon as the Solemnity of Installation is over the Proctor is to take care that Garter forthwith set up the Atchievements of his Principal over his Stall and fix the Plate of his Arms upon the back thereof in memorial of the Honor done him by this Ceremony of Inauguration into the most Noble and most Honorable Order of the Garter And sometimes we find the Proxie hath upon his request obtained an Instrument under the Sign manual of the Soveraign and Seal of the Order attesting his being conducted to St. George's Chappel at Windesor and placed in and taken possession of the Seat assigned to his Principal in whose name he hath also taken the Oath attested by his subscription and performed all the Ceremonies in due form as the Statutes direct for so did the Sieur de Chastes Proctor to the French King Henry the Fourth an 42. Eliz. In close of all let us here remember that the present King of Sweden against his late Installation caused both Gold and Silver Medals to be made in memory of that Solemnity and to perpetuate the honor so received Those of Gold were bestowed upon the Knights-Companions present and other persons of quality and those of Silver distributed among some of the Officers attending at the Installation and others The Devise was sutable to the occasion and present interest of both Kings as may be observed from the Representation here exhibited CHAP. XVII THE Duties and Fees PAYABLE BY THE KNIGHTS COMPANIONS AT THEIR Installations SECT I. Touching the Fees due to the Colledge of Windesor SUch was the piety and bounty of our Ancestors that they thought no work well performed without being attended with some charitable donation especially if it had relation to the Church whereunto they generally bore a venerable esteem Hence was it at the Installation of this Order ordained That every Knight-Companion should at his entrance bestow a certain sum of money according to his quality and degree That is to say  l. s. d. The Soveraign of the Order 26 13 4 A Stranger-King 20 0 0 The Prince of Wales 13 6 8 Every Duke 10 0 0 Every Earl 6 13 4 Every Baron 5 0 0 Every Knight-Batchelor 3 6 8 What use these sums were employed in and how distributed appears by the appointment there set down viz. Towards the relief of the Canons of Windesor the Alms-Knights and augmentation of the Alms deeds there appointed perpetually to be done To the end That every one entring â—nto this Military Order might thereby more worthily obtain the Name Title and Priviledge of one of the Founders of the order It being supposed a worthy and just thing that whosoever obtained this Priviledge should add some small increment to this Founâ—ation Not long after establishing the Statutes of Institution the Titles of Marquess and Viscount came to be special dignities for Robert Vere Earl of Oxford was the first among us who as a distinct dignity received the title of Marquess the first of December an 9. R. 2. and Iohn Lord Beaumont the first here also that had the Title of Viscount conferred on him as a distinct Title of Honor the 12. of February an 18. H. 6. And whereas both these Degrees of Honor at their Creations were setled as intermediate the first between a Duke and an Earl for so saith the Roll where it speaks of the Marquess his precedency the Marquess was commanded to sit among the Peers in Parliament in a higher place than his Degree as Earl of Oxford could justly challenge viz. between Dukes and Earls and the Viscount between Earls and Barons as the said Viscount Beaumont is by his first Patent ranked to wit above all Barons and afterwards in another Patent to render his place more certain and apparent above all Viscounts afterwards made and created and before and above the Heirs and Sons of Earls and immediately and next to Eâ—rls both in all Parliaments Councils and other Places Upon these grounds and sutable to
such Ceremonies as were not consonant to the King's Injuctions then lately prescribed it was Ordained and Decreed that then and for ever from thenceforth at the Feast of this most Noble Order no other Ceremonies should be observed than such as were appointed in the following Letter Which was at that Chapter agreed upon and a little before the next years Feast day of St. George sent from the Lords of the Council to the Knights-Companions attributing the whole procedure to the great piety of the then Soveraign and the care he took that certain abuses and preposterous Ceremonies of the Church should be reformed Whereby the Solemnity State and magnificence of this Grand Festival was very much eclipsed AFter our most hearty commendations For as much as the Kings Highness hath appointed a most godly Reformation of divers abuses and rites in the Church to a more convenient and decent Order of the which some hath been used heretofore in the most honorable and amicable Order of the Garter and being not reformed there should make a disagreeing from his Majesty's most godly proceedings Therefore it is his Majesty's will and pleasure by the advice of us the Lord Protector and other his Highness Council that all such things as be not conformable and agreeing to his Majesty's Injunctions Orders or Reformations now of late prescribed should be also in that most Noble Order and the Ceremonies thereof lest undone and reformed as hereafter followeth First that no Procession be made with going about the Church or Church-yard but the Kings Majesty's Procession lately set forth in English to be used His Majesty and other Knights of that honorable Order sitting in their Stalls at the entry such Reverence to be made to the King's Majesty only as was heretofore The Offring to be in the Box for the Poor without any other Reverence or kissing of any Paten or other thing but only at the return due Reverence to the King's Majesty as was used before The Mass of Requiem to be left undone but yet both upon St. George's day and the next day a Mass to be sung with great Reverence in the which immediately after the words of Consecration is said the Priest shall say the Pater Noster and so turn and communicate all or so many of the Order or other after they have done as shall be disposed godly at the same time to receive the Communion according to such order as is prescribed in his Highness Book of Communion and without any other Rite or Ceremony after the said Communion to be used except it be some godly Psalm or Hymn to be sung in English and so to end the said Service All Chapters and other Rites concerning the said Order not being contrary to these to remain as they have been prescribed and used the which we have thought good to signifie unto you that you may follow the same accordingly From Greenwich the 20. of April 1548. This Decree we observe signified not less than a Prohibition to the holding the Grand Feâ—st at Windesor although it spoke not so plain at least the neglect of its celebration there whilst King Edward the Sixth lived makes it to seem so And albeit towards the end of this Soveraign's Reign some care was or seemed taken for a permissive holding of the said Feast either upon the day of St. George or some other day appointed by Prorogation yet was it without any regard had to the ancient and usual place the Castle of Windesor For when the Act of Parliament passed commanding the days therein mentioned to be kept holy and none other whereby the celebration of many days besides which in former time by the Canons of our Church appointed to be kept holy were prohibited and among the rest the Feast day of St. George it being not found among those Feast days at that time established It was considered That a Proviso and allowance should be entred in the aforesaid Act for the celebration of this Feast particularly by the Knights-Companions of this most Noble Order in these words Provided always and be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid that it shall be lawfull to the Knights of the right honorable Order of the Garter and to every of them to keep and celebrate solemnly the Feast of their Order commonly called St. George's Feast yearly from henceforth the 22.23 and 24. days of April and at such other time and times as yearly shall be thought convenient by the Kings Highness his Heirs and Successors and the said Knights of the said honorable Order or any of them now being or hereafter to be any thing in this Act heretofore mentioned to the contrary notwithstanding Which Act although it suffred a Repeal by Queen Mary yet strands it at this day in force being revived by King Iames his repealing of that Statute of the first of Queen Mary Cap. 2. SECT VII Removed from Windesor by Queen Elizabeth BUT that which gave the greatest and almost fatal blow to the growing Honor of this no less famous than ancient Castle of Windesor and severed the Patrons Festival from the Place was a Decree made at a Chapter held at Whitehall upon St. George's day an 9. Eliz. with the consent of the Knights-Companions then present being 12 in number namely the Earls of Arundel and Penbroke the Lord Clinton Marquess of Northampton Lord Howard of Effingham Earl of Sussex Lord Loughborow Viscount Mountague Earls of Leicester Northumberland Warwick and Lord Hunsdon to the effect following That if on the Vigil and day of St. George the Feast were not held at Windesor according to the usual Custom it should nevertheless be sufficient if the observation thereof were kept in the same place where the Soveraign should then happen to be where also all the rest of the Knights-Companions were obliged to be present no less than if the Feast had been to be celebrated at Windesor And henceforward the glory which Windesor Castle had alone possest for some Ages began to be distributed to other places nay so severe was the later part of this Decree to the interest of so flourishing a place that it welnigh extended to a prohibition of all other Celebrations there since it also commanded That no other Solemnity under the notion of St. George's Feast should thenceforth be celebrated at Windesor except upon occasion of the Installation of some illustrious personage and then also not without the leave and appointment of the Soveraign And to say truth this Statutes was but too strictly observed all the remainder of her Reign for we meet not with one Feast of St. George held simply and peculiarly as a Feast in honor of the Order's Patron at Windesor unless you mistakingly account any of the Feasts of Installation for those of St. George which for the most part were held at the charge and expence of the Knights Installed until the first year of King Iames But then the Soveraign as yet in
could not be celebrated in any part of the year following the aforesaid 29. of April because the Grand Feast it self was then already past In like manner King Henry the Seventh in the 20. year of his Reign went on St. George's day in solemn Procession and very great State to the forementioned Cathedral yet notwithstanding on the 4. of May following the Grand Feast was observed at Windesor by the Earl of Arundel deputed by the Soveraign and four other of the Knights-Companions appointed for his Assistants Again an 8. H. 8. the Soveraign being at Eltham on St. George's day it was in a Chapter there held Decreed That the accustomed celebration of the Feast of St. George should be observed at Windesor upon Sunday next after Trinity Sunday being the 25. of May ensuing and the Marquess Dorset was then also appointed Lieutenant to the Soveraign for holding thereof and the Earl of Essex in whose room the Lord Poynings was afterwards substituted with the Lords La Ware Mountegle and Lovell his Assistants And from this time it became annually customary especially all the subsequent years of King Henry the Eighth's Reign Queen Mary's and unto the 9. of Queen Elizabeth to keep the day of St. George wheresoever the Soveraign at that time abode which for the most part was at Greenewich or Whitehall on which day as also on the Eve and morning after the day the usual Solemnities were observed and a noble Feast provided as hath been said But as to the celebration of the Grand Festival it self that was in one of the Chapters held during the foresaid celebrations and most commonly on St. George's day adjourned unto some further time and then solemnized at Windesor by Prorogation not by the Soveraigns themselves but by their Lieutenants and their Assistants especially deputed and appointed for that purpose But to proceed with the causes of Prorogation which were either for some considerable reasons or upon emergent occasions An. 1. Mariae the Soveraign celebrating the day of St. George at her Mannor of St. Iames's Philip then Prince of Spain and Henry Earl of Sussex were on the morrow after elected into the Order whereupon it was also decreed That the inauguration of these two Knights-Elect should be prorogued until the Prince came over into England which hapning upon the 21. day of Iuly following the Grand Feast together with that of the Elect-Knights Installations were appointed to be celebrated together to which purpose a Letter was afterwards sent unto the Knights-Companions for their repair thither against the 5. of August then next following Again an 3. 4. Ph. Mar. at a Chapter held at Westminster upon the 22. of April the Feast of St. George together with the Installation of three Knights at that time Elected was appointed to be held at Windesor on the 9. day of May following and by a Chapter summoned at the same place the 3. of May before the appointed day for keeping the Feast the same was prorogued unto the 5. of December following because of the manifold and urgent affairs of the King and Queen But before that designed time another Chapter was held at Saint Iames's upon the last day of October in the 4. and 5. years of their Reigns wherein it was again prorogued unto the first Sunday after Twelfth-day viz. the 9. of Ianuary then following if by that time the King who it seems was gone out of Flanders should return into England but there appearing afterwards no hopes of his coming over against that prefixed time another Chapter was summoned and held at Greenewich the 5. of Ianuary wherein it was Decreed urgent Affairs requiring that the said Feast should be further prorogued unto the 20. of February next coming and then the Lieutenant and Assistants appointed to the first Prorogation should celebrate this solemn Feast at Windesor in manner as it was Decreed the 22. of April preceding Nevertheless the sixth day of February after in another Chapter the Soveraign and Knights-Companions Decreed to prorogue the last mentioned Prorogation unto St. George's day then next following Because both in respect of the meeting of the Parliament and other Affairs of great importance as also by reason of the War that was begun the said Feast could not conveniently be before observed In like manner an 2. Eliz. upon the 24. of April it was Decreed that on Sunday the 5. of May the Feast of St. George should be observed with the accustomed celebrations but that morning in a Chapter held at Whitehall for very high and important causes was it prorogued until Sunday the 12. day of May immediately following on which day it was solemnized at Windesor Again King Iames having designed his Journey into Scotland to begin the 20 of March an 14. regni sui he assembles a Chapter at Whitehall the second day of that Month and therein by reason that for the cause aforesaid Saint George's Feast for the year ensuing could not conveniently be kept on the accustomed day and place decreed to celebrate the same at Windesor the 13. day of September next following where it was accordingly observed So also for causes of another but sadder nature an 17. Iac. R. viz. Queen Anne's death and the Soveraign's dangerous sickness which had brought him also neer to the gates of death was the Grand Feast prorogued from St. George's day to the 26. of May in the same year and then celebrated at Greenewich And an 1. Car. 1. the Soveraign not thinking sit for several causes at that time to keep the Grand Feast prorogued it from the 22.23 and 24. days of April unto the 16.17 and 18. of August following thence again until the 4.5 and 6. of October and lastly to the 23. 24. and 25. of November in the same year and then observed it at Windesor Sometimes this Feast hath been put off out of a respect unto the day whereon it fell as an 22. Iac. R. St. George's day then hapning upon a Friday the Soveraign therefore prorogued it until the 26. 27. and 28. days of April at which time it was celebrated at Windesor And the authority unto which regard was had in this place was that Clause in the 8. Article of King Henry the Eighth's Statutes wherein the keeping of St. George's Feast was prohibited if it fell upon any Fish or Fasting days So also an 22. Car. 2. it falling upon a Saturday was prorogued to the 27. 28. and 29. days of April following And albeit in times past this Feast hath been for the most part upon Prorogations observed upon a Sunday yet of late in veneration to this day it hath been likewise prohibited as an 2. Car. 1. St. George's day falling upon a Sunday thereupon the Solemnity was put off until Wednesday
13. Car. 1. for Prorogation of the Grand Feast from the 25. of September then neer at hand unto the 2.3 and 4. of October following And as all the preceding Adjournments of the Grand Feast have been either Decreed in Chapter or directed immediately from the Soveraign So have we also seen a Precedent that hath impowered a Lieutenant to prorogue the same nevertheless to the time and place before appointed by the Soveraign and mentioned in the Commission of Lieutenancy And this was a Commission directed to Charles Earl of Nottingham an 1. Iac. R. wherein after the Soveraign had premised the impediments which hindred him from his personal observation of the said Feast upon the prefixed day then neer approaching he thereby made choice of the said Earl to be his Lieutenant and impowered him to assemble in Chapter upon the Vigil of St. George such of the Knights-Companions as might be conveniently gotten together and then and there to intimate unto them the great causes that withheld him from keeping the Feast at the set time and by virtue of the said Commission to defer the same until the 3. of Iuly following Furthermore charging and requiring all the Knights-Companions not to fail to be present at that day wheresoever the same should happen to be to perform and celebrate with him the said Feast according to the laudable Orders and Institutions of the Order And lastly he required the said Lieutenant to give warning of his pleasure to all other Knights-Companions who should not be present at the Chapter by him assembled SECT X. That the Grand Feast ought to be celebrated once every Year AND though Prorogations of the Grand Feast have been occasionally made use of upon the several and important reasons above discoursed of and sometimes a necessity hath fallen out to appoint two three or four of them in a year by proroguing the Prorogations yet is no such Adjournment legally to be enlarged beyond the next St. George's day ensuing because that every year that is once before the revolution of the year determine the year in this case entring upon St. George's day the Grand Feast ought to be solemnized For so we see it was not only ordained at the Institution of the Order but confirmed by the succeeding Statutes And where our Historians take notice of the Grand Feast they speak the same thing to wit That it ought annually to be observed Hence it is frequently called in the Registers Annua Festivitas Solennitas annua Celebritas annua Epulum quotannis Convivium quotannis and the like Of late times an occasion hapned which brâ—â—ght this Clause of the Statutes into a solemn debate in Chapter which for the result thereof became very remarkable And the Order thereupon drawn up being full and positive not only as to the occasion but also as to the circumstances and determination may not unfitly come in here At a Chapter held in Whitehall the 26. day of February 1640. Present The Soveraign The Earl of Penbroke and Montgomery The Earl of Salisbury The Earl of Holland The Earl of Lindesey The Prince The Earl of Arundel and Surrey The Earl of Dorset The Earl of Berkshire The Lord Marquess Hamilton The Duke of Lenox The Chancellor Garter The Soveraign proposed unto the Knights of the Order that having prorogued the Celebration of the Feast of St. George from time to time unto the first second and third of March so near unto Lent that if the Feast were not held on those days it could not be held within the year because the 23. of April for the next year did fall upon Good-Friday and so consequently must have been kept in Lent for this Year or not at all And considering the great and important Affairs of the Parliament he moved this Question Whether if there were no Feast kept this year it would be any blemish unto the Honor of the Order or not And whether he might not dispence with the Statute and defer it until the next Year requiring the Knights and Companions to consult and to give their opinions therein The result whereof was that though they did all confess an absolute power to dispence in the Soveraign yet some of the Knights proposed unto him that seeing from the Institution until this day there was not found any year wherein the Feast was wholly omitted but that some of his Ancestors though engaged in War beyond the Seas either solemnized the Feast in their own presence or by Commission in England which was averr'd by the Chancellor to be both the fundamental Statute and constant practice They humbly besought the Soveraign not to begin to make a breach in that constant order which hath been so long and uninterruptedly continued whereupon it was resolved by general Vote that the Feast should be celebrated upon those afore appointed days in the last Prorogation By which determination it sufficiently appears of what concernment the then Soveraign and Knights-Companions conceived it to the Honor of the Order and observation of the Statutes for the Grand Feast to be celebrated once within the year Besides we may observe that it was not thought expedient to be dispensed with albeit the weight of important Affairs were justly alledged to ballance the Law and ground a further Prorogation Nay rather than the Statutes should suffer violation the said Feast was accordingly solemnized on the said first second and third days of March although so straitned in time that there was not above two days space to make preparation and provision for the doing of it But within a few years after the unhappy distractions had prevailed so far that the Soveraign was necessitated to assume his power of dispensation in this particular and by continued annual Prorogations from the 22.23 and 24. days of April an 18. of his Reign being then at York to defer the Solemnity from year to year so that during the remainder of his Reign this Grand Celebration had never the fortune to be again observed And here the glory of this solemn Feast began first to set with us unto which succeeded a long night But blessed be God we have lived to behold it rise again and seen the Royal Soveraign and most Illustrious Knights-Companions fill those too long vacant Stalls and late languishing Fabrick with wonted lustre CHAP. XIX OF Preparations FOR THE Grand Feast OF THE ORDER SECT I. Of Letters giving notice of the Time and Place TOwards the setting forth and celebration of this Grand Festival there are several things to be prepared beforehand chiefly such as are usual and of course nevertheless among these we shall have opportunity now and then to touch upon some things extraordinary where the occasion hath invited the Soveraign to give any additional lustre to the state and glory of the Feast The things therefore to be prepared of course are 1. Letters directed to all the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order resident within the Kingdom to
The Story of Abraham and Lot most curious for design and workmanship most costly for Silk and Gol◠with the rich State Chair Cushens and Stools belonging to the Queen's Privy-Chamber did adorn the Presence-Chamber at the Feast held at Whitehall an 11. Car. 1. And the same Hanging were made use of in the Banqueting House there an 19. Car. 2. And in case the appearance at Windesor of the Nobility and great Personages with their Trains be extraordinary then doth the Soveraign upon such an occasion direct his Letters to the Dean and Prebends desiring them to give way that the Black-Rod may survey their Houses and therein appoint Lodgings for so many as may be entertained there and thus was it done upon the coming hither of the Emperor Sigismond an 7. H. 5 for the Soveraign being desirous that their Servants and Attendants as well as others of his own Retinue might be in all respects handsomly accommodated and because the Priviledge was granted to the Dean and Canons in the Charter of 27. E. 3. That no person of what state or condition soever might upon any colour lodge or tarry in their Houses without their consent he thereupon wrote his Letter to them thereby desiring liberty and allowance for the Black-Rod to take up Lodgings in their Houses in such an extraordinary case yet withal signified it was not his intention that under colour of this they should be so charged for the future In May an 23. Car. 2. a little before the Grand Feast was held at Windesor there fell out some dispute between the Gentlemen-Vshers daily Waiters and the Knight-Harbenger who should appoint Lodgings in the Dean and Prebends Houses for any of the Knights-Companions or other persons of quality of the Court The Knight Harbenger alledged that by his Patent he ought to assign Lodgings for all persons that are not lodged in the King's Palace and that the Gentlemen-Vshers have nothing to do either without the King's House or with those who are not the King's Houshold-Servants as some of the Knights-Companions are not But after much discourse on both sides before the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold which occasioned a further enquiry into the matter the only person for this Affair appeared to be the Gentleman-Vsher of the Black-Rod who is an Officer of the Order within the Colledge and whose Predecessor carried the before mentioned Letter from King Henry the Fifth to the Dean and Canons besides he is one whom they have since willingly admitted of in such occasions and consequently not been invaded by a strange Officer and thereupon were the pretensions of the Knight-Harbinger set aside SECT VIII Officers and Servants appointed to attend at the Grand Feast THE Names of those Noblemen which the Soveraign appoints to the principal Offices of this Grand Feast are put into a List signed by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold and delivered to the Black-Rod who is to give them notice some convenient time before the Feast begin that thereupon they may fit themselves to perform the duty of their several places A List of those Lords that gave attendance at the Grand-Feast an 14. Car. 2. when the present Soveraign was Installed A List of those Lords that attended the Soveraign at St. George's Feast held at Windesor the 8. of October an 15. Car. 1. For the Sword For the Sword Earl of Northampton Earl of Denbigh The Great Bason The Great Bason Earl of Bedford Earl of Denbigh Earl of Hertford Earl of Monmouth Earl of Clare Lord Edward Howard Earl of St. Albons Lord Herbert of Cardiff Lord Herbert of Ragland The Cupbearer The Cupbearer Lord Herbert of Cardiff Earl of Essex The Carver The Carver Lord Wharton Earl of Carlisle The Sewer The Sewer Lord Grandison Earl of Dover The Surnap The Surnap Lord Edward Howard Earl of Elgin The Ewer The Ewer Lord Slego Earl of Devonshire The Train The Train Duke of Buckingham Lord Russel Earl of Oxford Lord Herbert Lord Buckhurst Lord Cranborne  The Gentlemen of the Soveraign's Privy-Chamber who bear the Canopy are those that are at the time of the Feast in waiting and these that follow performed that service at the Feast held in October an 15. Car. 1. Mr. Gilbert North. Mr. John Carey Mr. John Frecheville Captain John Tyringham Mr. Edward Tyringham Sir Peter Kellegrew Mr. Henry Wentworth Sir William Berkeley Sir Henry Bruce Sir Richard Young Sir Robert Winde Sir John Weldram Besides these several other of the Soveraign's Officers and Servants have notice from the Lord Chamberlain to give their particular attendance at the Grand Feast and of what quality they usually are will appear by the List of those appointed to attend at Windesor the 29. of May an 23. Car. 2. Lord Chamberlain and Servants Mr. Vice-Chamberlain Groom of the Stool Gentlemen of the Bedchamber Bedchamber-men Privy-Purse Secretaries of State Secretaries of Scotland Gentlemen-Vshers of the Privy-Chamber 12 Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber in waiting 4 Gentlemen-Vshers daily Waiters 2 Carvers 2 Cupbearers 2 Sewers 8 Quarter-Waiters Gentlemen-Vshers 2 Pages of the Presence 2 Chaplains 2 Esquires of the Body 2 Physicians 2 Apothecaries 2 Chyrurgeons 4 Serjeants at Arms. Mrs. Sempstress and Landress to his Majesty 8 Sewers of the Chamber 4 Grooms of the Chamber Pages of the Back-Stairs 14 Lords to attend his Majesty Captain of the Guards Officers of the Guard Officers of the Robes Yeomen of the Guard 2 Grooms of the Privy-Chamber 3 Masters of the Tents Groom-Porter Master of the Ceremonies Marshal of the Ceremonies Aid of the Ceremonies Removing Wardrobe Iewel-house Gentlemen of the Chappel Musicians 5 Messengers Yeomen of the Bows and Guns 16 Trumpeters Captain Cook and the Children of the Chappel Serjeant-Trumpeter Drum-Major 4 Drummers and a Fife St. Alban CHAP. XX. THE ORDER OF THE Ceremonies ON THE Eve OF THE Grand Feast SECT I. Of the beginning of the Grand Feast HAving in the precedent Chapter spoken somewhat of the Institution of the Grand Festival which the Statutes of this most Noble Order have fixed to the day of St. George we come now to treat of its Celebration with the Ceremonies performed throughout this great Solemnity devised to set forth and illustrate the glory thereof In the observation of which both the first Institutor and all succeeding Soveraigns have shewn the utmost of their provision and care well knowing that what is once slightly observed will soon fall into disesteem if not contempt And here what first occurs to our consideration are the Day the Hour and the Place when and where the Soveraign and Knights-Companions are to meet in order to the beginning of the Feast As to the first although St. George's day or such other day as the Soveraign shall please to nominate and appoint by Prorogation in lieu thereof be indeed the principal and Grand day of the Feast yet does the Feast take commencement upon the Eve and determines not until the third
insomuch that at the Grand Feast held at Whitehall the 22 23. and 24. of April an 8. Car. I. we find it observed That the Knights-Companions came forth attended each with a Train of Servants very richly clad But to return and enter upon the Proceeding to the end the Servants and Attendants of the Knights-Companions may be exactly marshalled the Vsher of the Hall whose duty it is to rank them ought to call for a Lift from Garter of such Knight-Companions as are to be present at the Grand Feast noted with their several places in the Proceeding for his better directions in assigning the Attendants their due places the order whereof is thus First the junior Knights Attendants proceed one before another on the left hand upon whose right hands the second eldest Knight's Attendants go in equal rank with them for this we observe to have been the general rule where the Knights-Companions proceed in pairs their Attendants go together those belonging to the senior Knight of the two on the right hand and to the junior upon their left But the order is otherwise where any of the Knights-Companions proceed single and alone which often falls out as shall be noted in its due place for then the Attendants belonging to that single Knight go two and two on both sides the way opposite one against another But when the Grand Feast is celebrated at Whitehall there the Knights-Companions Attendants are marshalled by the said Vsher on both sides the passage from the outward door of the Guard-Chamber down into the Hall taking up all the room as far as the old Chappel and because here they do not proceed in regard of the shortness of the processional way but only make a stand for the Proceeding to pass through them they are ranked in a way different from that used at Windesor nevertheless relating more especially to the order observed by their Masters which method in the Soveraign's Proceeding to the Chappel at the before mentioned Feast held at Whitehall an 8. Car. I. we find thus described The eldest Knights-Companions Servants were ranked on the right hand of the passage the chiefest of them neerest unto the old Chappel door and the second Knight being Companion to the eldest his Attendants stood on the left side the chiefest of them also next to the said old Chappel door And in case the eldest Knights Fellow or Companion be not present in this Proceeding then the eldest Knights Servants ought to be placed opposite one against another upon each side of the said old Chappel door The like order is to be taken in marshalling the Servants of the other Knights of this most Noble Order whose Companions are then absent Secondly the order of Proceeding amongst the Alms-Knights who an 1. Car. 1. had two Waiters of the Soveraign's Hall in their-Livery Coats bearing white Rods in their hands to proceed before them is in general two and two together the junior in place formost on the left hand and his next senior on his right And if sickness or other lawful impediment chance to hinder one or more of them from going in the Proceeding his junior is advanced into his place and consequently all the other juniors do in like manner alter their places and advance to the end the superior place be still-supplied according to the right rule of marshalling the singles that compose a gross Body but in this case if their Number that attend happen to be odd the Governor of the Alms-Knights goeth last of all and alone Thirdly the Verger of the Colledge hath his place next after the Alms-Knights and immediately before the Prebends of the Colledge who being habited in a Gown beareth a Silver Verge the Ensign of his Office Nevertheless heretofore when the Prehends went not in the Proceeding on the Eve of the Grand Feast the Verger proceeded first of all before the Alms-Knights for so was it observed on the Eve of St. George at Windesor an 6. Eliz. and in this manner we see it exprest in the Proceeding set forth by Marcus Gerchard Fourthly under the general Rule relating to the Alms-Knights are comprehended the Prehends of the Colledge the Pursuivants Heralds and Provincial Kings insomuch that where either of the said Kings are absent the senior Herald is advanced and goeth in breast on the left hand of him who is then present So also where any of the Heralds are wanting his next junior ascendeth into his place whereby it sometimes falls out that the senior Pursuivant is joined to the left hand of the junior Herald And if through these defects and absence the number of the Officers of Arms be odd then with this difference in the foresaid rule observed among the Alms-Knights the youngest Pursuivant goeth single by himself Touching the right of precedency between the Officers of Arms and Prebends of the Colledge in proceeding before the Soveraign and Knights-Companions we find there hath been heretofore not only some question started but the place contended for insomuch that at the Installation of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland an 34. Eliz. the Prebends took place and upon the 24. of May an 39. Eliz. at the Installation of Thomas Lord Howard of Walden and others the Prebends again endeavoured to pass between the Officers of Arms and Officers of the Orders but Charles Lord Howard of Effingham then Lieutenant to the Soveraign delivered his opinion on the behalf of the Officers of Arms against the Prebends Yet did not this so settle the order of Precedency or quiet the Prebends but that the contention again broke out an 1. Iac. R. at the Installation of the Earls of Penbroke Marr Southampton and Duke of Lenox which hapned on the ninth not second of Iuly in the foresaid year even to such a height that the Prebends Pursuivants and Heralds contended in the Proceeding but the controversie was on the next morning composed by the Lord Admiral then the Soveraign's Lieutenant the Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Worcester and the order in proceeding thus setled first that the Alms-Knights should go foremost the Pursuivants next then the Prebends and then the Heralds and Kings of Arms. And this Order in Proceeding was afterwards observed on the 2I of May an 4. Iac. R. at the Installation of the Earl of Salisbury and Viscount Bindon as also the 19. of May an 6. of the same King at the Installation of the Earls of Dunbar and Montgomery Howbeit an 9. Iac. R. and so afterwards we do not find the Pursuivants mentioned in the Proceeding by particular name nor otherwise than in this following order viz. Alms-Knights Prebends Heralds c. but it may be presumed that the Pursuivants then joined again in Body with the Heralds though for some years before divided from them by the interposition of the Prebends aswel as the Provincial Kings and all of them under the Title of Heralds
and sometimes Officers of Arms. And though at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation on Sunday the 14. of September in the said 15. year of King Iames it is noted that the Prince being then the Soveraign's Lieutenant proceeded to Morning Service on the Feast day with the Alms-Knights Heralds Prebends and Officers of the Order before him from which manner of expression it may perchance be supposed that the Heralds went at that time next after the Alms-Knights and before the Prehends nevertheless elsewhere we find them on the Eve of the foresaid Feast ranked in this following order The Alms-Knights The Prebends The Officers of Arms. The Knights of the Order c. And doubtless they proceeded in the same order to the Chappel on the next morning notwithstanding what is before said to the contrary those expressions being interwoven with the general account given of the Ceremonies of the whole Festival and more subject to mistake where the Relation of the Proceeding is carried on in a continued Discourse than where ranked as is before exhibited in particular lines and in the order and form of a Proceeding Besides we no where meet with any Order or Decree nulling the foresaid determination made an 1. Iac. R. which placeth the Prebends before the Heralds Finally to give an end to the disputes in this point we find that upon the Eve of the Feast held at Windesor the 23.24 and 25. of November an 1. Car. 1. the Prebends proceeded next before the Pursuivants and the Pursuivants immediately before the Heralds and Provincial Kings that is to say all the Officers of Arms except Garter whose place is elsewhere proceeded in one entire Body together which order we find to be the same in all Proceedings after that we have met with and was so observed at the Grand Feast held at Windesor an 13. Car. 2. and ever since But to proceed All the before mentioned Attendants wait in their several stations till the hour of Tierce when the Soveraign having the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order before him and his Train carried up passeth towards the Presence Chambers notice of whose coming being given the Band of Pensioners make the accustomed Guard and Passage along the Presence-Chamber the seniors standing towards the Lobby door within which Guard on either side do the Officers of Arms place themselves Upon the same warning the Yeomen of the Guard clear a like passage from the Presence-Chamber door along the Guard-Chamber unto its outward door for the Proceeding to pass through At the Soveraign's approach one of the Gentlemen-Vshers attending with the Sword of State the point resting upon the ground delivereth it to such one of the Nobility not being a Knight of the Order whom the Soveraign as an honorary favour hath before nominated to bear it from thence before him in all the Proceedings of the Feast during which action the Knights-Companions proceed forward and being entred the Presence-Chamber flank on each side the State with some small distance between them and there make a stand The Soveraign being also entred passeth to the step before the State the Nobleman who beareth the Sword and the five Officers of the Order retiring a little on his right hand and then turning himself towards the Knights-Companions standeth there a while until they have made their Reverences unto him which being performed he re-saluteth the Knights-Companions by putting off his Cap. This done the Soveraign putteth his Cap on again whereupon every of the Knights-Companions put on theirs and immediately rank themselves according to their due place on both sides the State For the right understanding whereof we are in the fifth place to note that the order and method wherein the Knights-Companions are ranked if they be all present is two and two together the junior formost on the left hand for that is his place in all Proceedings But where any of them be absent the Rule is different from that appropriate to the before mentioned Degrees for although it be recorded that upon the Eve of the Grand Feast held at Windesor an 7. H. 5. The Knights-Companions went together in order into the Chapter-house and Choire Yet this being exprest but in general terms how it ought to be understood will more fully appear from the particular directions given for the order of the Knights-Companions proceedings in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes where the Law directs each Knight-Companion to proceed alone at such time as his Fellow who possesseth the Stall opposite unto him is absent but the order of such Proceeding will by a Scheme be made more evident The Proceeding of the Knights-Companions present on the Eve of St. George to the Closet at Whitehall an 3. Eliz. The Lord Hunsdon The Lord Robert Dudley The Lord Loughborow Void The Viscount Mountague The Earl of Shrewsbury The Earl of Sussex Void The Marquess of Northampton The Lord Clynton Void The Lord Howard of Effingham The Earl of Westmerland Void The Duke of Norfolk The Earl of Penbroke In this Proceeding there are four Knights-Companions who proceeded alone first the Lord Hunsdon then being the junior Knight because the Lord Grey his Fellow on the right hand was in this Proceeding absent and consequently his Stall became Void Secondly the Earl of Westmerland in regard the Earl of Rutland his left hand Companion was then also warting Thirdly the Marquess of Northampton whose right hand Fellow the Lord Pagit was likewise absent and lastly the Earl of Penbroke because the Stall opposite unto him was then void by the death of the Earl of Huntington And to avoid all questions and disputes touching precedency of the Knights-Companions among themselves at Feast Installations Chapters or other occasional meetings relating to the Affairs of the Order and to setle an indisputable rule for them to observe it was in the 16. year of the said King Henry the Eighth Decreed in affirmation and explanation of the foresaid Article of the Statutes that Each Knight-Companion should take place in Procession Station or sitting at the Table thenceforward as he had his Seat or Stall in the Choire and not according to the degree of his birth or condition unless the Soveraign were pleased that any should be made choice of according to the Nobility of his Family to sit at the end of his own Table and perform any other thing by the by And this is the Law which setled the precedency among the Knights-Companions Sixthly the manner of Proceeding among the Officers of the Order differeth from all before spoken of for being five in number the three inferiour Officers when they are all present march in breast and of later times in this following order The Register in the middle Garter on his right hand and the Vsher of the Black-Rod on his left But we find the form and course of Proceeding among these three Officers hath anciently been observed otherwise and therein we
meet with much diversity as for instance in the Proceeding of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions fairly limned and inserted in the Black-Book of the Order at the beginning of the Acts of King Henry the Eighth's Reign there Garter is placed in the middle having the Register on his right hand and the Black-Rod on his left so also at the Installation of the Lord Cromwell an 29. H. 8. Nevertheless in another Proceeding of the Soveraign the Knights-Companions the Officers of the Order and the Alms-Knights designed and etched by Mâ—rcus Gerchâ—rd hereafter inserted there the Register is put in the middle Garter upon his right hand and Black-Rod on his left as is the order at this day And in truth all Relations described in writing of the manner of Proceeding since which hath come to our view are in this point delivered very imperfect and promiscuous having neither distinction of the right hand man or which of the foresaid three Officers went in the middle to guide us with any certainty For sometimes when they come to speak of this very point and here we take in what we find of proceeding upon other occasions besides those used at the Grand Feast in regard they ought to be alike in all they thus deliver themselves Then followed the Vsher Garter and the Register as it is set down in the 2.3.4.5.6 and 7. years of Queen Elizabeth At other times thus then went Garter the Register and Gentleman-Vsher an 31. H. 8. 1. E. 6. and 1. Car. 1. and again thus then the Register Garter and Black-Rod as in the 5. and 34. of Queen Elizabeth and the 6. and 15. of King Iames And lastly thus then Garter Black-Rod and the Register as an 16. Eliz. and 4. Iac. R. Other Examples there are which may be reduced to one or more of these heads or the like uncertain manner of placing these three Officers but these are the most obvious and we need not be more particular And seeing the errour or at least inadvertency of the Relators have left the matter so confused we cannot confidently enough say to what method such contrariety in ranking them heretofore can refer in regard they agree not in position of place nor doth that clear enough set forth where how or in what particular the right appears due to the priority of their several Offices After these 3 Officers the two superior proceed together the Prelate on the right hand and the Chancellor on the left yet an 11. H. 8. we find that Garter and Black-Rod proceeded between the Prelate and the Sword but the very same morning at the Grand Procession the Prelate proceeded next before the Soveraign affirming that was his room and place and the other Officers of the Order went before him After the Officers of the Order follows the Sword which is carried immediately before the Soveraign In the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign it was born on the Eves of St. George solemnized at Whitehall by some of the Baronage for instance an 3. Eliz. by the Lord Wentworth an 5. Eliz. by the Lord Scroop an 7. Eliz. by the Lord Shandos an 9. by the Lord Cobham and an 10. by the Lord Herbert But of later times the employment hath been conferr'd upon persons of higher rank as an 4. Car. 1. upon the Earl of Dover an 8. Car. 1. upon the Earl of Stanford an 9. Car. 1. upon the Earl of Danby and an 13. Car. 2. upon the Lord Viscount Mordant then Constable of the Castle of Windesor A Proceeding of the Soveraigne and Knights Companions at the Feast of S. George designed by Maâ—â—â—â—rd and set forth in the 20 yeare of Queene Elizabeth by Thomas Dawes sometime Rougecroix Pursâ—◠〈◊〉 Before we pass further it will be necessary to observe that from the Presence-Chamber called in the Statutes the Great Chamber and elsewhere the Chamber of Estate or the Kings Dyning-Chamber this first Proceeding to the Chapter-house and all that follow during the Feast begin and there take ending And now to close up the Ordinary Proceeding the Band of Pensioners having stood in the Presence-Chamber and made a spacious Lane for the Proceeding to pass through so soon as the Soveraign and the Attendants upon his Train are passed by they with the Captain of their Band or his Lieutenant before them immediately fall in two and two from each side of the way after the Proceeding the seniors first and so accordingly in order and follow thence the Soveraign to the Chapter-house door but at the Feast held an 8. Car. 1. they went in guard on each side the Soveraign and Knights-Companions the Lord Goring their Lieutenant for the Earl of Sussolk their Captain was absent going in the head of them Having under these precedent heads spoken as much as we conceive needful to usher in the ordinary and usual Proceeding upon the Eve of the Grand Feast we think fit to exhibit a Scheme thereof here The Attendants on the Knights-Companions Alms-Knights Verger of the Chapel Prebends of Windesor Officers of Arms. Knights-Companions Black-Rod Register Garter Chancellor Prelate The Sword The Soveraign Train-bearers Captain of the Pensioners Pensioner To the foregoing Proceeding we shall touch upon those persons of quality who to encrease the pomp and state of it have occasionally been received thereinto as also such other eminent in place and degree as though their Offices do not particularly relate to this most Noble Order have nevertheless been taken into the Proceeding meerly by reason of their requisite attendance upon the Soveraign in his Proceedings upon all other occasions On St. George's Eve an 3. Eliz. the old Ambassador of Sweden was present and being accompanied by the Earl of Hertford went in the Proceeding to the Closet at Whitehall He had place assigned him next after the Train-bearers and immediately before the Ladies Attendants upon the Soveraign and the next morning when the Soveraign proceeded to the Chappel the new Ambassador of Sweden went in the same place So also the French Ambassador an 6. Eliz. had place near the Soveraign at her proceeding to Morning Service on the Feast-day at Windesor As to those admitted upon the account of their Offices we observed Henry Earl of St. Albans the present Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold being not hitherto a Knight of the Order was allowed place on the right hand of the Soveraign somewhat behind in the Proceeding to the Chappel at the Grand Feast an 23. Car. 2. and the Vice-Chamberlain on his left hand The Vice-Chamberlain who in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign was taken in to assist at the bearing up the Soveraign's Train went on the left hand the Sword of State on the Eves of St. George at Whitehall an 3. 8. Car. 1. and 19. Car. 2. The Dean of the Soveraign's Chappel at Whitehall attends the Soveraign in the
upon lawful and sufficient grounds so hath the Soveraign for like reasons been pleased to license and dispence with their departure from the same Of this we have met with an Example an 6. Eliz. in the Lord Hastings of Longhborough who falling ill a little before the Offring on St. George's day obtained license from the Soveraign to depart out of the Choire and came no more abroad that day nor during that Feast As also another in the Duke of Lenox an 15. Car. 1. who being forced to go back to London by reason of the aforesaid Dutchess of Richmond's death had his excuse made in Chapter held the morning of the Feast day by the Deputy Chancellor whereupon he obtained the Soveraign's allowance for such his departure We are next to consider Excuses which though sent in due time yet upon debate and consultation in Chapter were suspended rather than allowed to this head may be referred that case of several of the Knights-Companions who were members of the Lords house in the Long Parliament For an 18. Car. 1. the Deputy Chancellor having by command of the Soveraign and in discharge of the duty of his Office sent unto each of them a several Summons for their attendance at the celebration of the Grand Feast to be held for the preceding year at York upon the 18.19 and 20. days of April and notice thereof being given to the House of Lords they immediately made the ensuing Order Die Martis 22. Maii 1641. WHereas the Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties houshold and some other Lords of Parliament Knights of the Garter have been summoned to give their attendance and repair unto the City of York for the celebration of St. George's Feast who acquainting this House with the Summons aforesaid it is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament that they attend the weighty Affairs of the Kingdom discussed in Parliament whereunto they are obliged by his Majesties Writ and the Law of the Land Jo. Browne Cleric Parliament Whereupon every one of the said Knights-Companions before the days appointed by Prorogation for holding the Feast sent their Petitionary Letters of excuse to the Deputy Chancellor wherein they professed their desire and readiness to attend in obedience of the said Summons nevertheless pleaded the foresaid Order for the ground of their stay at London and therefore desired him to obtain for them the Soveraign's gracious Letters of Dispensation But when the said Letters were severally presented in Chapter held before Vespers on the Eve of the said Feast the Soveraign would not at present either admit or disallow of their Excuses but deferred the consideration thereupon until the next Chapter to be held by Prorogation Of excuses which have not been allowed the most remarkable is that of the Duke of Norfolk and the Lord Scales an 36. H. 6. who in regard the causes alledged to excuse their absence at the Feast were not approved in a Chapter held on the Eve were adjudged to the penalty of the Statute the latter being particularly fined by the Soveraign and Knights-Companions in a Iewel to the value of 20 Marks to be offered in the Colledge whereby the rigour of the Statute appears to have been more strictly executed upon him than on the Duke whose contempt might be of a less nature though it seems great enough to shut out his excuse probably because the Lord Scales having been absent the year before and no cause thereof being then shewed in Chapter was therefore to suffer penalty for his absence according to the Statute so that this it seems was the second fault But now to enter upon the second Branch of the third general head which relates to the proceedings upon the absent Knights-Companions neglect or default of sending their Excuses We shall therein observe that some of them have with difficulty been remitted some left in suspence and others sentenced and referred either to the Soveraign's pleasure or the punishment assigned by Law Of the first kind are those who having such a plea for their absence as might induce the Chapter to dispence therewith yet were with much ado excused because they neglected giving the due intimation thereof according to the Statutes Such was that of the Earl of Westmerland an 10. H. 5. who though not very well yet had much ado to be excused because he signified not the cause of his absence as the Statutes required So an 12. Car. 1. The Earls of Derby and Kelly having made no Excuse nor Petition for Dispensation were for that omission blameable but by the grace of the Soveraign for that time pardoned Of the second sort are such who through the indulgence of the Soveraign or his Lieutenant where probable cause hath induced it have not had sentence passed on them at that present but were deferred in expectation of some satisfactory cause to be shewed As in the cafe of the Prince the Duke of Tuckingham and five other of the Knights-Companions absent from the Feast held an 18. H. 7. concerning whom no cause of Excuse was shewed but there was an expectation of one to be alledged But as for those of the third sort upon whom sentence hath passed for default of sending their Excuses they have been left either to the pleasure of the Soveraign or to those penalties and penances which the Law of this Order doth inflict And first of such Offenders as are left by the Chapter to the mercy of the Soveraign we have several Examples Of the Earl of Essex an 18. H. 7. it is recorded That his absence was referred to the Soveraign's indulgence So an 21. of the same King upon occasion of the absence of the Earls of Northumberland Oxford Devonshire Kent together with the Lord Stafford and no cause thereof assigned they were left to the Soveraign's indulgence To the like effect is the entry made of the Earls of Essex and Kent absent the following year without cause shewn to the Chapter Lastly touching those on whom Iudgment hath passed divers instances may be given among which are these that follow An. 10. H. 5. the Lord Willoughby Sir Robert Vmsrevill Sir Iohn Cornewall and Sir William Harington were in no wise excused for their absence because being within the Kingdom they sent not the cause of their absence And an 2. H. 6. the said Sir Robert Vmsrevile was also found culpable in regard no cause of his absence had been shâ—wed Moreover seeing the reasons of the Duke of Norfolk's the Lord Scales and Fastolss absence an 33. H. 6. were not made known to the Chapter they were left to the Iudgment of the Statutes And of the same Lord Scales an 35. H. 6. it is recorded that he gave no reason of his absence therefore underwent the punishment thereof Lastly The Duke of York the Earl of Salisbury the foresaid Lord Scales and Lord Willoughby for presuming
so negligent as not to come to the celebrations of the Grand Feast and yet have no justifiable reason of his absence such as may be allowed by the Soveraign or his Deputy he shall not at the Feast to be held the ensuing year enter into his own Stall but stand below before it in the place above mentioned 2. he shall walk alone by himself before the three Crosses which in ancient times were born in the Grand Procession 3. When the Grand Procession returns to the Choire he shall stand in the place before mentioned the following part of the Mass until the time of the Offertory 4. He shall Offer last of all by himself alone And after the humble sufferance of all these Penances he shall forthwith approach the Stall of the Soveraign or his Deputy and there humbly desire absolution for his Offence Whereupon the Soveraign or his Deputy shall restore him to his Stall and first estate But we have not hitherto met with any Record or Memorial where the particulars of this punishment were executed upon any of the Knights Offenders albeit we too often find where many have neither appeared all the time of the Feast nor sent Letters of excuse nor obtained license for their absence As for instance an 9. H. 6. Sir Robert Vmsrevile Sir Simon Felbrigg and Sir William Harington signified not the cause of their absence neither did the Duke of Buckingham nor Earl of Northumberland give any reason at all of their absence The like hath been observed of many others but without further memorial of what the Chapter did thereupon Fifthly and lastly the Statutes ordain That if any Knight-Companion remain within the Kingdom and not having a sufficient excuse to be allowed upon humble suit as aforesaid shall presume to absent himself the next following year and thereby become culpable of an omission of two years successively from the Solemnity before mentioned he ought thereupon to be so long interdicted his own Stall until in the said Chappel he shall have offered at Saint George's Altar a Iewel to the value of 20 Marks of lawful money of England and thence forward every year so long as he shall continue guilty in that nature the mulct must be doubled until he be reconciled and pardoned By vertue of this last Clause of the foregoing Article was the Lord Maltravers an 15. E. 4. for such his absence fined at 20 Marks And the Lord Scales an 36. H. 6. in a Jewel of 20 Marks value which as probably may be collected was the following year endeavoured either to be mitigated or taken off nevertheless we find the sentence confirmed and he left to pay the Fine imposed Of later times the greatest Offender that we observed against this Statutes was Ferdinand Earl of Derby who having made no excuse nor Petition for his absence in two years was at a Chapter held on the Eve of the Grand Feast an 13. Car. 1. accordingly fined and that with some further note of negligence but at the mediation of the Earl of Penbroke and Montgomery he was for that time remitted Yet was he not guilty of any future neglect for the following year upon his humble Petition setting forth his age weakness and inability to Travel he obtained a Dispensation for attendance on the Soveraign at the Feasts of St. George during his life But the most memorable case in the prosecution of a contempt was that against the Earl of Arundel who in a Chapter held an 14. E. 4. was fined 40 Marks to be paid to the Colledge of Windesor for being absent from the Solemnity of the Grand Feast for two years together without any approved cause and the following year still continuing his Contempt the mulct by virtue of the aforesaid Statute was doubled and he fined in the sum of 80 Marks Touching the third particular amongst those things done of course in the Chapter held before the first Vespers to wit the nominating and constituting an Officer for holding the same if the Soveraign be not present we are beforehand to note the occasion and cause thereof which was briefly this At the time of Instituting this Order the Soveraign being engaged in Wars with France and Scotland which he then and for some time after personally managed thought fit to make provision for supply of his room no less than in case of sickness or other urgent occasion where he should be hindered from affording his personal presence at such time of the year whereon the Grand Feast should happen and hereupon allowance was given by the Statutes to depute another in his stead When therefore such occasion afterwards hapned a Commission was made out to one of the Knights-Companions some reasonable time before the approach of the Feast to the end that by such a representation of his Person none of the ancient Ceremonies might be omitted or any defect happen through his absence For till the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's Reign we meet not with any Commissions that stayed for the Soveraign's fiat so long as until the sitting of the Chapter held before the first Vespers Nevertheless seeing from thence it hath been for the most part thus practised we think it not improper to give our account thereof here amongst those things of course which if at this day the appointing such an Officer shall be thought requisite are usually dispatcht at the foresaid Chapter And herein we shall speak 1. Of the Person Nominated to this Office 2. his Title 3. the Ceremonies used at his Constitution 4. the nature of his Employment 5. and the Dignity of his Office As to the Person Nominated we observe That most usually he hath been one if not the chief of the Knights-Companions we mean in Authority Eminence or Birth next to the Soveraign himself Such were Iohn Duke of Bedford Regent of France and Humfrey Duke of Gloucester stiled also Earl of Henalt Zeland and Penbroke Lord of Frizland Protector and Governor of England both Sons to King Henry the Fourth Brothers to King Henry the Fifth and Uncles to King Henry the Sixth Humfry Stafford Duke of Buckingham Son and Heir of Edmund Stafford by Anne Plantaginet Daughter of Thomas of Woodstock made Primer Duke of England 22. Maii an 25. H. 6. Thomas Earl of Derby Father-in-Law to King Henry the Seventh the Dukes of Suffolk and Richmond with Marquesses of Dorset and Exceter in King Henry the Eighth's time The Duke of Norfolk Marquess of Northampton Earl of Leicester and Lord Treasurers Burghley and Buckhurst under Queen Elizabeth And in King Iames his Reign the Soveraign's eldest Sons the Princes of Wales first Prince Henry and after his death Prince Charles the late Soveraign of blessed memory Next we shall consider the Time and Place when and where he hath been appointed to this Employment Concerning
mentioned in the Black-Book of the Order is an 36. H. 8. where the Soveraign constituted the Earl of Essex Locum tenentem during St. George's Feast albeit it is before in the same Book many times used in a way somewhat different as for Example such a one of the Knights-Companions naming him who is appointed to this Office Regiae Majestatis locum impleret or adimpleret occuparet suppleret obtineret and the like Lastly this Office hath been for the most part conferred under the Title of Lieutenant in all succeeding times and the other Titles of Deputy President and Vicegerent laid aside as is manifest from the Blue and Red Books and sundr◠original Commissions which we have seen under the Seal of the Order But besides the usage of these Titles of Deputy and Lieutenant severally we have met with them sometimes joined together in one person as in the Stile of Henry Earl of Essex proclaimed at the holding of the Grand Feast an 25. H. 8. as followeth Du noble puissant Seigneur le Conte d' Essex de Eu Seigneur de Bourgchir de Loveyn Lieutenant Depute de la Feste de Sancte George Chevalier Frere Compaignon de le tresnoble Ordre de la Jarretier As also in another of like nature when Henry Courtney Marquess of Exceter and Earl of Devonshire held the Feast an H. 8. wherein he amongst his other Titles is also stiled Lieutenant Depute de la Feste de Saint George And in the Blue Book also there is taken notice of the like conjunction of these two Titles for an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. the Grand Feast having been prorogued unto the 25. day of May it is there recorded that then the Soveraign appointed the Earl of Shrewsbury Deputy and Lieutenant To conclude the Titles of this great Officer are sometimes exprest not so much positively as by way of Periphrasis and that in several manners as Deputatus à Rege praesuit Assignatus ore Regio praesedit Virtute Regiae Commissionis Assignatus Cui Supremus eam potestatem commiserit Regiae sublimitatis commissione ac authoritate communitus Regias vices subiret gerebat praestabat suscepit cui vices ejus demandatae sunt Also Supremae absentis vice sufficitur Suprema absentis potestatem reserebat Supremus surrogatur Ejus viz. Supremi absentis Officio fungeretur with several other variations much of the same nature As to the third particular the Ceremonies used at the constituting the Soveraign's Lieutenant they were these three 1. The reading of the Commission 2. Delivery of it to the Lieutenant And 3. his taking an Oath For the Commission being ingrossed in Parchment and prepared ready by the Chancellor it is brought into the Chapter by him and there read in the presence of the Lieutenant and Knights-Companions before it be delivered for thus we find it recorded an 19. H. 7. The illustrious Lord Thomas Marquess Dorset was impowered to hold the Feast by the Soveraign's Letters of Commission which were read in Chapter And at the meeting in Chapter on the day prefixt for celebrating of the Grand Feast an 17. H. 8. by the Duke of Norfolk it is said that in the presence of the said Duke the rest of the Knights-Companions attending him on either side the Kings Letter was read wherein the power committed to the Duke was declared So also when the Earl of Penbroke Lieutenant for the Grand Feast held the 3. day of Iune an 1. Eliz. was arrived at Windesor with his Assistants and a Chapter being held the Soveraign's Letters were read wherein she conferred the Lieutenancy on the said Earl So an 3. of the same Queen the Earl of Arundel being Lieutenant and the Grand Feast kept at Windesor The Letters of Legation for so the Commission of Lieutenancy and Letters of Notice to the Lieutenants Assistants are here called were openly read in Chapter And sometimes we find the Officer taken notice of who reads these Commissions as when the Earl of Shrewsbury was constituted Lieutenant at a Chapter held in the Privy-Chamber at Greenwich on the Eve of the Feast an 27. Eliz. his Commission was read by the Dean of Windesor But an 37. Eliz. the Lord Cobham's Commission of Lieutenancy and the Prince's an 19. Iac. R. were both read in Chapter by the Chancellor of the Order which being finished in the next place the Soveraign if present in Chapter delivereth it propriâ manu to the Lieutenant who receives it upon his Knees as did the said Lord Cobham in the great Closet at Whitehall an 37. Eliz. Thirdly the Lieutenant is to take an Oath for the due Execution of his Office but the form thereof we have not hitherto met with before the Ceremonies of his Constitution are fully dispatcht This Oath the Lieutenant takes in Chapter upon his Knees when sometimes the Prelate and sometimes the Register have read the words whilst the Black-Rod held the Book in attestation of which the Lieutenant kisseth the same and then ariseth And we find that in the aforesaid 27. year of Queen Elizabeth the Lieutenant when he proceeded to Chappel after the Ceremonies of his Constitution were over gave his Commission to Clarenceux who then waited in the place of Garter to bear it before him thither And albeit it hath been the most usual way for the Soveraign to constitute his Deputy or Lieutenant for holding of the Grand Feast or any part thereof by Commission and to add thereunto the foresaid Ceremonies of Creation yet sometimes in great exigencies and sudden occasions he hath appointed this great Officer by word of mouth whereunto no other Ceremony hath been adjoined than that of taking the usual Oath as for instance an 32. H. 6. the Soveraign being then at Windesor and falling sick a little before the Feast the Duke of Buckingham was assigned his Deputy Ore Regio by word of mouth But before we take leave of this head we shall observe that in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth though in some one of the Chapters held during the observation of the day of St. George both the Grand Feast hath been prorogued to a further time and the Lieutenant nominated for holding the same yet upon just cause or for some reasons urged or excuse made which the Soveraign hath approved of some other of the Knights-Companions hath been appointed to the execution of this Office instead of him who had been first nominated Thus it chanced an 9. H. 8. when at the Celebrations of the day of St. George at Greenwich the Earl of Arundel was chosen the Soveraign's Lieutenant for holding the Anniversary of the Grand Feast at Windesor upon the 10. of May following but he not thinking himself able to perform the Duty humbly
the Blue Book of the Order an 3. Eliz. And this double Proceeding and dividing of the Service continued throughout the Reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King Iames not only when the Feast of St. George was celebrated at Whitehall or Greenwich an 7.8.10.12.13.14 and 16. Iac. R. but also an 15. 20. 21. and 22. of the same Soveraign when solemnized at Windesor and also the first year of King Charles the First But from that time the Soveraign went to the Chappel to the beginning of Divine Service and the celebration thereof continued on without any interruption to the end and this latter Custom hath been ever since duly observed by the present Soveraign But when it was known before the Lieutenant proceeded to the first Service that the Soveraign did not go the Grand Procession as when either through indisposition of Body or some other occasion she could not come abroad there the Service being begun continued and at the usual time the Grand Procession began wherein the Soveraigns place was supplied by the Lieutenant Nevertheless once we observe that the Soveraigns Lieutenant at the finishing of the first service proceeded back to the Soveraign's Lodgings the Feast being then kept at Windesor not knowing of the Soveraigns indisposition which understanding to be such as permitted him not to go in the Grand Proceeding he with the rest of the Knights-Companions returned to the Chappel a second time to celebrate the rest of that Mornings Ceremonies SECT II. The Proceeding to the second Service BUT when the Feast hath been celebrated elsewhere than at Windesor as soon as the Prelate was come down from the Altar upon finishing the first Service the Knights-Companions descended from their Stalls in usual order and then the Soveraign's Lieutenant with the Officers of the Order and of Arms proceeded before him to the Presence to conduct the Soveraign to the second Service This second Proceeding to the Chappel was disposed in the same order as was that in the Morning to the first Service only in the latter because the Soveraign proceeded the Sword also was carried Here follows a Scheme of one of these Proceedings viz. an 19. Eliz. Pursuivants Heralds Provincial Kings Lord Howard of Effingham Earl of Penbroke Earl of Worcester Earl of Bedford Lord Viscount Mountague Earl of Leicester Lord Clynton Earl of Sussex The Vsher. Mr. Dean of Windesor in place of the Register Garter One Gent. Vsher. The Bishop of Winchester Sword born by the Earl of Southampton One Gent. Vsher. The Soveraign The Earl of Ormond on the left hand assisted the Robe on her shoulder The Earl of Rutland on the right hand assisted the Robe on her shoulder The Train of the Robe born by the Earl of Oxford The Train of her Kirtle by the Countess of Derby The Processional way from the Presence to the Chappel at Whitehall is at this time the same as it was in the Morning to the first Service viz. through the Gâ—â—rd-Chamber and Great Hall And as soon as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions had ascended their Stalls after the usual manner in the 3. 4. and 5. years of Queen Eliz. a Psalm was sung the Feast being celebrated those years at Whitehall at the ending of which the Knights-Companions descended and stood before their Stalls and then the Grand Procession began Sometime afterwards as an 18. 19. Eliz. instead of a Psalm an Anthem was sung by the Choire in praise of the Soveraign's presence there with her Knights-Companions which custom of singing an Anthem immediately before the Grand Procession was observed an 9. 14. 16. Iac. R. and probably theuse continued long after But an 4. Eliz. by reason that the Soveraign was not well she somewhat altered the usual processional way to the Chappel proceeding from the Presence first to the great Closet where she reposed her self while the Choire was making ready to advance in the Grand Procession and when the Soveraign was gone into the Closet the Lieutenant and Knights-Companions leaving her there proceeded through the great Hall into the Chappel where they took their Stalls in due and solemn order while the Choire sung a Psalm After which the Letany begun and then the Knights-Companions descended from their Stalls in usual order and went the next way up to the Closet having the Officers of the Order and of Arms before them where waiting the Soveraign's coming forth they returned before her again to the Chappel the Choire having by that time advanced forward in the Grand Procession and proceeded through the body thereof SECT III. Of the Grand Procession WE are now arrived at the Grand Procession of this Noble Order which is indeed the most solemn and most illustrious part of the whole Ceremony to usher in the state and magnificence whereof it seems here both proper and necessary to premise somewhat concerning Procession in general and by reason of their correspondency to say something of Triumphs Cavalcades and Ecclesiastical Proceedings those glorious and pompous Solemnities which the wisdom of all Ages and custom in most parts of the World for all or in all parts for some have thought most necessary to exhibit upon particular and remarkable Occasions Procession is so called as it were progressio à procedendo in publicam The original of Processions some deduce from the ancient Iews in the Old Testament and well may we do so too since we observe the Israelites removal from Sinai to Paran was according to the commandment of God and the order and manner of their Proceeding thus recorded First went the Standard of the Camp of the Children of Iudah where Nahshon the Son of Aâ—inadab commanded in Chief Next that of Issachar Thirdly that of Zebulon and after these The Tabernacle born by the Sons of Gershon and Merari Then followed the Standards of Ruben Simeon and Gad and after them The Kohathites bearing the Sanctuary Afterwards the Standards of the Camps of Ephraim Manasseh and Benjamin And lastly in the Rere came The Standards of Dan Asher and Naphtali A second and most solemn Proceeding we have in the Book of Ioshua at the famous encompassing the Walls of Iericho where first the Army proceeded on before the seven Priests who sounded the seven Trumpets of Rams horns then the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord followed them and lastly the Rere came after the Ark. Again when the Ark was fetched from Kiriath Iearim by David unto the House of Obed Edom it was brought thither with great Ceremony the King and all Israel joining with him in the Procession And to be more particular as to the order thereof David himself informs us out of the 67. Psalm which most Interpreters agree to be penn'd upon this solemn occasion that in this Proceeding The Singers went before the Minstrels followed after and in the midst were the Damsels
reported His Highness King Henry the Seventh having notice of the King of Castile's approach rode towards him a mile or two out of Windesor and there in an Arable Field where the King of Castile by the Kings pleasure tarried his comeing met with him And when the Kings Compaignie approched neer to the said King of Castyll some stode on oon part and summe on the odir part and soo made a lanne that the two Kyngs myght mete togeder and when the King of Castyll perceyved the King he toke of his hat and in like manner the King toke off his and with a loving and glad countenance everych salued and embraced odir The King with many odir good wordys welcomed him to his realme and the King of Castyll with humble and loving wordys smyling thanked the King of the great honours that he did him and alsoo for the grete plesirs and kyndness that the King had shewed and doon unto him sython his arivall and at divers tymes before and the King toke the King of Castyll on his left hand and in good ordonance Rode towards the said Castyl of Windsor the Officers of Armes beryng theyr Cots of Armes and the Kings Trumpetts blew at the metyng and soo by the way c. the Earle of Derby barre the Swerd right before the King Hit is to be noted that there was many Noble men verely well appointed both in Cloth of Gold and Goldsmyth werke as my Lord Marquis therle of Kent therll of Derby the Lord Henry Stafford with many and divers odir Noble and Gentlemen which all for the most part were in Velvet and oder silkes right honorably apparelled and when the Kings entred the furst yate of the Castyll the Mynstrells and Shackâ—uth play'd and when they approached neere the place where they alighted the King of Castyll tarryed and wold have alighted before the King but the King would not suffer him but tooke hym forth with him and soo lighted booth at oons the King of Castyll sumwhat got before the King and in like Order the Lords and odir Noble men went before the Kings through the Nedar Galarie towards the Hall and as the King perceyved that the King of Castyl's hatt was off he toke of his hatt and would not doe hit on againe till the King of Castyl was almost ready to doo on his and soo went up the Stayres and passed through the upper Galarie to the Kings grete Chamber which was richly hanged with Cloth of Arras and a gret riche Bed in the same Chamber where remayned the Knights and Esquires and from thence to the 2d. Chamber which was alsoo richly hanged where remained Barons and Baronetts and from thence to the 3d Chamber which was hanged with a very rich Arras in the which there was a Cloth of Estate and as rich a Bed as I have seen where remained the Bishopps Erlls and Officers that attended upon him and from thence would have conveyed the King of Castill to the 4th Chamber which was all hangen with rich Cloth of Gold the bordure above of Cremosin Velvett and brodered upon the Kings Armes with other the Kings devyces as Roses Portecolys c. but the King of Castill excused hym and said that the King should not take the paine to convoye him to his Logging then the King shewed him that all that he had passed through was and should be his Logging and that the King thowght that place honoured by his commyng and called hym Sonne and sayd that he was as welcome unto him as though he had been his owne Naturall Sonne and that his comyng was not only agreeable and joyfull unto him but also to all his Subjects and that that Rome and all his Servants should be at the Commandement of the said King of Castill and that he should thinke that he were come to his own Faders House and soo desired him to goo at his plesir to Dyner or to shuft hym but when the King of Castill perceyved that that greate Logginge was for hym he thanked the King bare headed for he had taken off his hood a little before and sayd that he was sorry that the King had taken soo moch labour and payne for him and for any words or thing that the King might doe he wold convoye the King to his Lodging and soo he did and after the King had showed hym his Chamber and would he should take no further paine the King would somewhat have reconvoyed him but the King of Castill would not suffer hitt and soo they enter salued the one the odir and departed Another most magnificent Cavalcade was that of King Henry the Eighth and the Knights-Companions into Windesor upon the 27. of May in the 11. year of his Reign being the day preceding the Eve of the Grand Feast during which he begun his Reformation of the Statutes of the Order which was ordered as followeth On the 27. day of May being Friday the King removed from Richemont towards his Castle of Windesor and appointed them about one a Clock at Afternoon the same Friday that all Noblemen and oder which should wayte upon his Grace should be ready between Richemont and Honslowe to attend upon him and in consideration of a scarcyte and straitnes of Lodgings as well as in avoyding and eschewing of the corrupt air every Nobleman was taxed and rated to a certain number of Horse that is to say every Duke at 60 Horses a Marquess at 50 Horses every Earl at 40 Horses every Baron at 30 Horses every Knight of the Garter Batchellor at 20 Horses and no odre Knight or Nobleman to have above 16 Horses with their Carriages and all And the King thus right nobly companyed rode to Colebroke and at the Sign of the Katherines Wheel the King took his Courser and his Henchmen richly apparelled followed and also the Kings Horse of State led Gartier King of Arms wore his Coat of Arms the Lord Richard Fox Byshop of Winchester and Prelate of the Order with many odre great Estates gave their attendance upon his Highness The Queen and the Ladies and their Compaignies stood in the feild at the Towns end besides the high way towards Windesor to see the Kings noble Compagnie pass by and then the Queen rode to the Fery next way to the Castle The King rode by Slow and so to Eton Colledge where all they of the Colledge stood along in manner of Procession receiving his Grace after their custom The King entred Windesor with his great Horses that is to say nine Coursers with nine Children of Honor upon them and the Master of the Kings Horses upon another great Coursers back following them having and leading the Kings Horse of Estate in his hand that is to say a rich Courser with a rich Saddle and trapped and garnished following the King and so entred the Castle At the Castle Gate the Ministers of the Colledge received the King with Procession and the King and Knights of
of Silk and Gold rich Cloth of Gold or Cloth of Tissue and to sute with both it is sometimes called Vmbrella aurea Vmbraculum aureum or Canopium vel Coelum portatile auri to which there are affixed 6 Golden Staves wherewith it is supported The persons appointed to carry the Canopy an 11. H. 8. were 4 Knights of the Body when 4 other Knights bore 4 Wax Tapers but since they are the Gentlemen of the Soveraign's Privy Chamber in Ordinary who at the time of the Feast are in waiting Concerning whom there is this mention made in the Blue Book an 26. Eliz. The Soveraign was pleased to follow the Grand Procession certain persons being placed already at the Choire door who wear to bear the Canopy woven of Gold and Silk for her to walk under In her Reign there were not above 6 appointed for this service but of later times they have been increased to double that number the first mention whereof that we have met with is an 8. Car. 1. The most usual place at Windesor where the Canopy bearers attend to receive the Soveraign when he enters upon the Grand Processions is at the Choire door yet once we find they received him without the outer door of the Chappel and they who bear it make a stand when the Soveraign returns to the same place where they received him while he passeth from under the same into the Choire to his Royal Stall At Windesor the Canopy is aswell used when the Soveraign descends from the Presence Chamber in the Proceeding to the Chappel on the Feast day in the Morning as during the time of Procession but at Whitehall it is carried over the Soveraign's head during the time of the Grand Pâ—â—cession only In this solemn Proceeding and at all other times of Publick Proceeding during the continuance of the Feast the Soveraign hath the long Train of his Mantle carried up by several of the young Nobility appointed to this Service concerning which we shall observe That this Custom of holding up the Train is a very ancient kind of honor and derived some think from the Roman Emperors others from the Popes Cardinals and Bishops who as they used to kneel down to offer at the Altar or perform any other part of Divine Service had the end of hindermost part of their Stoles or long Robes held up behind from the ground by their Arch-Dâ—aecons in token of great veneration and honor But what Erhardus Cellius affirms as more peculiar to our purpose is this That as Kings have anciently been accounted Priests so King Edward the Founder of this most Noble Order ordained this sacerdotal honor of the Train to be added to the Habit of the Order Which Ceremony of carrying up the Train as it hath been anciently afforded to Kings both in England France and elsewhere so at length it was drawn down into use by great Personages of both Sexes at grand Solemnities Assemblies Marriages c. whereof the foresaid Author gives sundry Examples A description of the Train together with the manner of bearing it up as of the Fashion and Figure wherein it then shews it self is also given us by him for speaking of the Duke of Wirtemberg's Train that was carried up according to the English Fashion at his solemn reception of the whole Habit of the Order of the Garter he takes occasion to tell us that this Appendix or Supplement trailing from the hindermost part of his Mantle is commonly called Syrma as being in the likeness of the Tail and Wings which Nature hath given for ornament to the Peacock The Lady Isabell Daughter to the French King Henry the Second when she was married by Proxy to Philip the Second King of Spain an 1559. had her Train carried up from the ground by Mary Queen of Scotland who had been lately married to the Dauphin of France and two other young Ladies Sisters of the Bride This being premised the Persons together with their quality who have had the honor to bear up the Soveraign's Train at the Grand Festival or other solemn Assemblies relating to this most Noble Order fall in now to be spoken of they being appointed by the Soveraign and notice thereof sent unto them by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold to the end they may give their attendance accordingly The ancientest Example we have met with of performing this Service in relation to the Solemnities of the Order is that of an 21. H. 7. at the Installation of Philip King of Castile when the Soveraign's Train as he went to make his Offring at the high Altar was born up by one of the Canons of the Colledge Queen Elizabeth had for the most part her Train carried up by great Ladies when she proceeded to the Closet at Whitehall on the Eve of St. George and in particular by the Lady Marchioness of Northampton in the third year of her Reign an 4. by the Dutchess of Suffolk an 5. by the Dutchess of Norfolk an 6. by the Lady Margaret Clifford Wife to the Lord Strange in the 7. and 9. years by the Dutchess of Somerset an 8. by the Countess of Rutland and an 10. on the Eve of the Grand Feast by the foresaid Dutchess of Suffolk At other times this service hath been performed by persons of honor both men and women together as on the Grand Feast day an 19. Eliz. the Earl of Oxford bore up the Train of the Soveraign's Robe and the Countess of Derby that of her Kirtle But an 5. Eliz. the Dutchess of Norfolk carried up the Train both of the Robe and Kirtle Sometimes the said Soveraign had her Train carried up by the Register of the Order as on St. George's day an 2. 3. Eliz. But of late times young Noblemen have performed this Office the most honorable person going on the right hand as an 3. Car. 1. the Duke of Lenox and Earl of Caernarvon an 8. Caer. 1. Visc. Grandison the Lord Wentworth and the Lord Carew of Leppington So 8. Oct. an 15 Car. 1. the Duke of Buckingham and his Brother with the Lord Buckhurst and Lord Cavendish Assistants have been usually appointed to those honourable personages who carried up the Soveraign Train and in this quality an 18. Eliz. the Earl of Oxford Lord High Chamberlain of England assisted the Countess of Derby which service the Vice-Chamberlain had before discharged for many years together viz. in the 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 and 10 th Years of Queen Eliz. and since the Gentleman of the Robes for so did Mr. Kirke an 8 9 11 Car. 1. The place of the Assistant in the Proceeding is upon the left hand of the Train-Bearers This honor of bearing up the Train hath been in like manner afforded to Stranger Kings at such times as they have
personally been present at Windesor and in particular to Philip King of Castile an 21. H. 7. who in his approach towards the High Altar to make his Offering had his Train carried up by his own Chamberlain In like manner the Lieutenants or Deputies to the Soveraign constituted for holding the Grand Feasts of St. George and consequently his representatives have had their Train carried up in the Proceedings For instance the Earl of Arundel being the Soveraigns Lieutenant for holding St. Georges Feast an 31. H. 8. after such times as he had offered for the Soveraign his Train was let down when he came to offer for himself in the quality of a Knight-Companion And this hath been the usage in all times since And not only the Train of the Soveraigns Lieutenant or Deputy but sometimes that of a Stranger Kings Mantle hath been carried up when his Proxy proceeded to Installation as in the case of the French King Charles the Ninth an 8. Eliz. when Monsieur Rambouillet bearing the Mantle of his Principal upon his right Arm had the Train thereof carried up by Henry Earl of Southampton assisted by the Lord Herbert Furthermore this Ceremony of bearing up the Train hath been also performed unto Stranger Princes in their own Countries and that in reference to the Custom of England at those solemnities relating to this most Noble Order whereof Erhardus Cellius gives us an instance in Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg who as soon as he was invested with the Surcoat and Mantle in the great Hall at Studgardt proceeded thence to the great Church of St. Vlrick to receive the rest of the Habit of the Order having his Train born from the ground by the Noble and Illustrious Count Lodowick Leosten who likewise carried it after him throughout the whole Ceremony And lastly the Knights-Companions have in this Proceeding their Trains carried up by their own Gentlemen Another piece of Ceremony in the State of this Grand Proceeding we find once added and that was the bearing of Queen Elizabeth's Cloak and Hat along with her the one by Sir William Howard the other by Sir Christopher Hatton then Captain of her Guard but as this was the first so was it the last time that either of these are mentioned to be thus publickly carried In the second place the Cloths and Apparel or under Habit of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions have for many years past been made of white Sattin and in the fashion of the times which the present Soveraign observing to be laid aside and others introduced He to prevent profuseness in Apparel and emulation among the Knights-Companions as also to beget an uniformity and equality among them in the under no less than in the upper Habit of the Order thought â—it to appoint a set and constant Habit of Cloth of Silver made in the fashion of Trunk Hose with white silk Stockings to be worn by himself and them upon all solemn occasions relating to the Order for the observation of which an Order past in Chapter an 13 Car. 2. As to other Ornaments the chiefest are the variety of rich Jewels which surround or adorn their Caps and where else they may appear most conspicuous But besides the glory and splendor which shoot from the Habits and Ornaments of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions who are principal in this grand Ceremony there are others that make up the body of the Proceeding and may fitly be compared to Stars of the middle and lesser magnitude since we find them adorned in Robes particular to their Offices to distinguish and set off the lustre of the show among whom are first The five Officers of the Order namely the Prelate Chancellor Register Garter and Black Rod of whose Habits we have sufficiently spoken before The Provincial Kings Heralds and Pursuivants habited in their rich Coats and going together in one Body appear more conspicuous from the Royal Arms of the Soveraign of this most Noble Order richly imbroidered upon them with fine gold purles and twist the ground of the Provincial Kings Coats being at this day blew Velvet the Heralds blew Sattin and the Pursuivants blew Damask The Habit in which the Canons of the Colledge proceed is also peculiar and more remarkable because of their particular reference to this most Noble Order for though as Clergy men they are vested in Linen Surplices at all times of Divine Service or the Celebration of Sacred Offices yet at the Solemnities peculiar to the Order they wear a Mantle over those Surplices which is a Habit appointed for them from the foundation of the Order These Mantles are of Taffety and of the ancient colour to wit Murry upon the right shoulder of which is a Scutcheon of St. Georges Arms within a Rundelet imbroidered with Gold and Silkâ— and bought at their own charge for we do not find them entred among the Liveries of the Garter provided by the Soveraign In Habits yet more glorious do the Gentlemen of the Soveraigns Chappel at Whitehall the Petty-Canons and Vicars of Windesor appear who at this time are also joined in one Body to augment the Solemnity for they are all or the most part of them Vested in Rich Coaps of Cloth of Gold Cloth of Bodkin or most costly Imbroideries But the Children of the Chappel and Choristers do always proceed habited in Surplices of fine Linen By a memorial we have met with a. 22 H. 8. we find how well stored this Colledge then was with such sacred Vestments when at one Procession appointed by the Soveraign in honor of St. George there were 35. Copes of rich Cloth of Gold made use off These kind of Vestments have been in all times worn in the Grand Procession whether the Grand Feast was kept at Windesor or at Whitehall or Hampton-Court or Greenwich even to the beginning of the late Wars in which the covetous barbarism of the then Reformers sent most of them to the fire Besides they are sometimes taken notice of in the Registers of the Order to be used in the Grand Procession as in particular an 15 Iac. Reg. it is noted that the whole Choire being adorned in Copes for so we suppose the word Orarium may signify as well as Dalmatica Vestis descended from the Altar and sung the Letany and to like purpose is that recorded an 21. of the same King 7. Lastly the Habits of the Alms-Knights a Mantle and Kirtle are not unremarkable they being grave and civil and both for colour and materials appear sutable to their Age and Degree The Mantles are of Cloth which the Statutes appoint to be of a Red Colour with a Shield of the Arms of St. George but without any Garter to surround them In conformity whereunto when Queen Elizabeth's Orders and Rules for the establishment of good Government among these Alms-Knights were made It was therein Ordained that
Earls of Manchester and Strafford conducted to the Offering by Clarenceux and Norroy And it is to be noted that where any Knight hath his opposite Companion absent he goeth up to Offer singly and alone and so returneth nevertheless with two Heralds before him as may also be seen by the precedent Scheme who conduct him to the lower end of the Stalls and there with a joint Reverence take their leave In this solemn Ceremony the order wherein the Knights-Companions Offer is always according to the Dignity of their Stalls wherein they sit for they obtain the honor and title of Seniority according as their Stalls stand in Order nearer to the Soveraigns Stall As touching the Offerings themselves which the Soveraign and Knights-Companions do at any time make in the Chappel at Windesor they of right belong to the Dean and Prebends of that Colledge having been conferred on them by the Statutes of the Colledge And it was also Ordained that the Chantor should see that all the Offerings there made should be received collected and faithfully kept and at the end of every Month or weekly if the Colledge required it give a faithful account of what was so received By which it appears that they were not only given to the Dean and Prebends but care was also taken by whom they should be received and when an Account should be rendered All which was confirmed by King Edward the Third by the Bishop and Dean and Chapter of Salisbury to whose Jurisdiction the Colledge of Windesor doth belong and also by the Bishop of Winchester Prelate of the Garter the last Day of November 1352. Nor do we find but that in pursuance of these Statutes the Dean and Prebends of the said Colledge have constantly enjoyed them until Dr. Mountague came to be Bishop of Winchester and Prelate of the Order who it seems challenged a right to the Offerings which he had received at the Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor an 21 Iac. Reg. Whereupon in a Chapter held on the last Day of the said Feast the Dean and Canons made their complaint against the said Prelate for not only receiving the Knights-Companions Offerings but for detaining them as also the Soveraigns and Princes Offerings Of which the said Prelate being demanded by the Soveraigns Lieutenant and Knights-Companions present in the said Chapter he acknowledged and further answered that he had left them in the hands of the Subdean of the Chappel tanquam in deposito But the Chapter being ready to rise the matter was not then further debated but referred to the next Feast Bishop Andrews did also de facto both receive and keep the Offrings whensoever he as Prelate Officiated at Windesor but his Executors to avoid Suit compounded for them It appears by the Red Book of the Order upon Complaint of the Dean and Prebends of Windsor in a Chapter held the 24. of Sept. an 4. Car. 1. that power was given to the Knights-Commissioners of the Order to determine this contention about the Offering and withal it is there noted that Bishop Neyle the then Prelate himself also desired that a Chapter might determine the matter But we have not met with any account of what these Commissioners so impowred did though by an Expression in the same Book an 5 Car. 1. one would guess as though the thing had been determined against the Prelate For an Offering having been then made in the Chappel at Windesor and the Soveraigns Offering received by the Bishop of Norwich that Officiated for the Prelate and the Knights-Companions Offering by the two Prebends who assisted at the Altar it is added That what was Offered fell according to Law of the place to the share of the Dean and Prebends And yet it appears that the controversy was not ended since by a subsequent Order of Chapter 6 Oct. an 6 Car. 1. the matter was again referred to the nine Knights-Commissioners of the Order or any four of them who were to hear both Parties and make their Report that so the same might receive a determination But here also it is immediately noted That the next Morning the Prelate nequid nimis denique suae sententiae tribuere videretur voluntarily delivered to the Dean 9 l. 4◠that sum being the moity of the Offerings he had received from the Soveraign and Knights-Companions The next Feast after held at Windsor viz. 4. Oct. an 7 Car. 1. the controversy was again resumed and after some arguments urged by the Prelate and answered by the Register it was Decreed that the Dean should attend the Knights-Commissioners at their next sitting with the Statutes and other Grants to the Colledge and that from them the controversie should be determined After this there is another Memorandum made in the same Register which informs us that the Prelate by the hands of the Chantor delivered all the Offerings received at the Feas◠an 9 Car. 1. to the Canons upon condition of restitution if it chanced they should be adjudged to him and not to the Canons And whether any final determination was afterwards made herein we have not hitherto found But since the return of the present Soveraign the Offerings received at the Feast of St. George at Windesor an 13 Car. 2. were divided between the Dean and Canons resident the Prelate not disputing the right And now that we may see what hath ordinarily been Offered in Gold and Silver this following Account of the Offring received by the Bishop of Winchester attested under his hand and delivered to the Dean and Prebends of Windesor will give us some Information Sept. 24.1628 The Offring at St. Georges Feast at Windesor besides the Kings Offring of the Bezant not yet redeemed  l. s. d. The whole Offring of the eight Knights 04 15 00. Viz. in Gold in Silver  s. s. The Lord Steward 10 01. Lord Chamberlain 10 02. Earl of Kellie 10 02. Earl of Salisbury 10 02. Earl of Dorset 10 02. Earl of Holland 10 02. Earl of Suffolk 10 02. Earl of Berk-shire 10 02.  04 15 00. The Offrings on Thursday the 25 th Day  s. s. His Majesties Offrings 20 10. Lord Steward 10 01. Lord Chamberlain 10 02. Earl of Kellie 10 02. Earl of Salisbury 10 02. Earl of Dorset 10 02. Earl of Holland 10 02. Earl of Suffolk 10 02. Earl of Berk-shire 10 02.  06 05 00.  l. s. d. The sum of both besides the Kings Besant unredeemed is 11 00 00. Of which given to Mr. Cotton who waited at the Altar by me 5 s. for the rest I am answerable R. Winton When all the Knights-Companions have Offered and are returned to their Stalls then doth the Chancellor of the Order make his Reverences and after him the Register Garter and Black Rod theirs together and take their Seats Upon this the afore-mentioned Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe roll
alone and have a whole Mess allowed to each of them Their meat is usually brought up by the Yeomen of the Guard and are attended by some of the Gentlemen Pensioners and others of the Soveraign's Servants two to each Table And now to descend to the Officers of the Order who though they sit not at this day in the great Hall at Dinner yet anciently it appears they had a Table allowed them there For first the Black Book rendring an account of the magnificent Feast of St. George held at Windesor an 3. H. 7. and having spoken somewhat of the Soveraign's splendid and sumptuous Table as also of that of the Knights-Companions placed on the right side of the Hall â—it tells us that a little beneath the said Knights-Companions there sat on both sides the Table the Dean the Register of the Order the Prebends the Choire and Alms-Knights The said Register informs us further that at the Table set in the middle of the Hall sat the Lord Bothville Ambassador from the King of Scots the Lords Edmond of Suffolk Grey Morley Latimer La Ware and Barness a little beneath whom sat the Choire of the Soveraign's Chappel At another Table on the left hand side of the Hall sat the President Kussemburg with the Ambassadors of the King of the Romans and the Duke his Son over against whom on the other side sat the Lord Malpart Ambassador from the Duke of Britagne the Lord Housey and others Knights Esquires and Officers which had given their attendance at the high Mass. Moreover at the Feast holden at Windesor an 11 H. 8. we meet with an account of several other Tables set in St. Georges Hall beside those of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions For on the Southside opposite to the Knights-Companions Table was a Table placed for the Lord Steward at which then sat certain French Gentlemen being Hostages of France accompanied with Earls and Lords and none at that Board under the Degree of a Lord. At the second Table of the said Southside sat the Dean of Windesor Doctor Vescy Register of the Order the Abbots of Towerhill and Medemenham who that Morning read the Epistle and Gospel and the Choire or Chappel And at the West end of the same Table which was all joined together as far as to the Choire sat the other Officers of the Order as Register Garter and Vsher of the Black Rod accompanied with the Legaâ—s Brother and four other Strangers and beneath the Strangers sat divers Knights next to them sat the Officers of Arms then several other Gentlemen filled up the Table unto the Chappel adjoining to the Hall the residue of Officers sat in the Chappel at divers Tables In the eighth year of King Charles the First the Dinner being then prepared in the Banqueting-House at Whitehall we find a particular mention of a Table for the Officers of the Order and in what part of the Room it was then set namely on the right hand side of the Banqueting-house over against the Table of the Knights-Companions who all sat after the manner of the Knights-Companions on the further side of the Table having their Meat brought and served up to them by the Yeomen of the Guard and some of the Soveraigns-Servants And at the Soveraigns command signified by the Treasurer of the Houshold they sat covered all Dinner while the Prelate and Register in their four cornerd Caps and the other three in their Hats So also at the next Great Feast viz. an 9 Car. 1. at Windesor these Officers Dining in the Great Hall sat covered but not till such time as the Soveraign by the Treasurer of the Houshold had given command for it And though it was by the Soveraigns command that they sat covered at this time also yet the following Afternoon it was moved against in Chapter as a thing unfit to be permitted because some of the grand Nobility always served the Soveraign at this Feast uncovered and therefore not sitting that the Officers being all of far lower Degree excepting the Prelate should sit with their Hats on Whereupon it was Ordered That it should be referred to the further consideration of the Knights-Commissioners Afterwards we find it was Ordered in Chapter on the Eve of the Feast an 10 Car. 1. That these Officers should be at their choice either to keep the Feast privately by themselves or sit uncovered where the Soveraign Dined They thereupon thence forward forbore sitting in the Hall or where else the Soveraign and Knights-Companions sat and at the Grand Feasts celebrated at Windesor since the present Soveraigns Happy Return they had their Messes served up into the Chappel at the end of St. Georges Hall and there Dined By what is before spoken touching the order of sitting at Dinner an 11. H. 8. it appears that the Officers of Arms did then also sit at a Table in St. Georges Hall which joined to that where the Officers of the Order also sat And among the memorials of the Feast held an 19 Eliz. it is noted that on the Eve thereof the Heralds had at Supper their allowance as accustomed viz. 16 Dishes of Meat at the first course and 8. at the second A little before the Soveraigns second course is sent for all the press of People which throng towards the Knights-Companions Tables out of curiosity to behold them sitting at Dinner and observe their Services are to be removed away towards the side Tables whereby a place may be left spacious enough for the Soveraign to take all the Knights-Companions in view which being done the Soveraign stands up and drinks to them and so is it remembred to be done by King Philip and Queen Mary they standing all the while uncovered and which they do altogether till they have pledged him And immediately before the said course is brought in the Press is again removed from the Knights-Companions Table to make another spacious lane from the lower end of the Hall up to the State At which lower end the Officers of Arms assemble and there make themselves ready to proceed up in the following Order Garter Clarenceux and Norroy Heralds two and two Pursuivants two and two Having put themselves in the foresaid Order they altogether make their Reverence to the Soveraign and proceed near the side of the Knights-Companions Table until they come to the middle of the Hall where after another Reverence made they go still forward and when Garter hath passed about two yards beyond the Knights Table and come near the Haut Pas ascending the Soveraigns State they jointly make the like Reverence again Then Garter with a loud and audible voice crys Largesâ— thrice though anciently but twice Upon Garters beginning to cry Largess all the Knights-Companions except Kings and Great Princes if any be present stand up uncovered so did the
Mantlets which Garter assisted by the Officers of Arms spurned out of the West-Door of the Chappel into the Castle Ditch But in the case of Robert Earl of Essex 25 of May an 43 Eliz. his Atchievements were only thrown down and those of Henry Lord Cobham 12 Febr. an 1 Iac. Reg. only spurned out of the Church Door but by the Kings Clemency not into the Ditch But Degradation was not alone thought sufficient and therefore an 32 H. 8. it was considered in Chapter what course should â—e taken with the Names of such of the Order as were convicted of High Treason and whether they should remain in the Registers or be razed out for it seemed just that Traitors who had deserved to have their Atchievements disgracefully thrown down should also have their Actions and Names extinguished and the Books wherein they were entred to be esteemed as polluted This being debated before the Soveraign He keeping a mean between both extreams determined That wheresoever the Actions and Names of such Offenders should be found these words vah Proditor should be written in the Margent by which means the Registers would be preserved fair and not defaced with razures and blots SECT III. Of Restauration into the Order after Degradation SOme of the Knights-Companions who have injuriously suffred Deprivation of the Ensigns and Degradation from the Order have lived to enjoy the Honor of Restauration and both re-elected and re-invested and their Atchievements again set up as were the Lord Pagits an 1 Mar. and the Marquess of Northampton's an 1 Eliz. whose Cases we have before Reported Another Instance there is of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk who being Degraded by King Edward the Sixth was upon Queen Maries's coming to the Crown restored into this Noble Fellowship as will fully appear by the Order for his Restauration which was this By the Queen Trusty and wellbeloved we greet you well And whereas our Right Trusty and right entirely beloved Cousin and Councellour the Duke of Norfolk for the good and valiant service by him of long time done to the King our Father of most famous memory King Henry the Eight as well here within the Realm as abroad with Foreign Princes both in Peace and in War and in respect of other his good qualities and vertues was by our said Father elected into the Company of the most Honourable Order of the Garter and duly invested in the same from which nevertheless afterward in the time of our late Brother King Edward the Sixth whom God assoil the said Duke was by our said late Brother and other the Companions of our said Order of the Garter through wrong information and accusation cleerly expelled and removed and his Hatchments to his no small slaunder and dishonour openly cast down and taken from the Stall appointed for him in our Chappel at Windesor We let you wet that we minding to do Iustice to all men have sythence our coming to the Government of the Realm called a Chapter for the redress of the Injuries aforesaid and such like and at the same holden at our Mannor of St. James the 27. day of Sept. last by the advice and consent of the Companions of our said Order have restored the said Duke of Norfolk to his former room and place among other the Companions of our said Order as one that was injuriously put from the same wherefore like as we have willed him to use and wear the Garter Collar George Robes and other the Apparel of our said Order in such sort as he was wont to do before his said wrongful deprivation So have we also thought good to will and require both you the Register of our said Order to cancel and utterly to put out of your Register all Writings Records or other mynyments making mention of the said deviation And you also Garter King of Arms for our said Order to see his Hatchments honourably set up in the place appointed for them and his Banner to be of such Arms as his Father bare and had set up aforetime being late Knight of the said Order there to remain and continue among the Hatchments of other our Companions of our said Order according to the ancient Ordinances and landable usages heretofore accustomed at the seting up whereof our Pleasure is these our Letters shall be openly read for a more plain Declaration of our pleasure in the premises And these our Letters shall be to you and either of you for the doing of the premises and every part thereof a sufficient Warrant and discharge Given under our Signet of our said Order at our Palace of Westminster the 7. of March the first year of our Reign To our Trusty and Well-beloved the Dean of our Chappel at Windesor Register of our Order of the Garter and Sir Gilbert Dethick alias Garter Knight King at Arms for our said Order and to either of them CHAP. XXV Honors PAID TO DECEASED Knights-Companions SECT I. Of the celebration heretofore of Masses for the defunct Knights-Companions WE observe it to have been the Custom in all Religious and most Military Orders that when any of the Knights departed this life the several Members of them should contribute their devotions for the benefit of their departed Souls according to their different qualifications some in celebrating Mâ—sses or causing them to be celebrated and others in the recitation of Divine Offices and Alms-giving as it were to satisfie the World of the honor they had from their being enrolled in their several Fraternities and Societies But the Order of the Garter hath outvy'd all others in this particular for as the reputation which the Knights-Companions while living derived from their admission into so renowned and illustrious a Body specially Knights-Subjects who were thereby advanced to a Fellowship with their King and Supreme Lord and made Companions to Emperors Kings and Princes was very great so were the several Honors paid to their memory after their decease particularly in the Royal Chappel of St. George at Windesor very remarkable not including the Solemnities at their publick Funerals many times hapning elsewhere and these we find reducible to five heads 1. The number of Masses celebrated for their Souls departed 2. The fastning Plates of their Arms at the back of their Stalls 3. Offering up their Atchievements at the Altar and 4. Depositing Mantles in the Chapter-house at Windesor As to the celebrating of Masses for the deceased Knights-Companions though it might suffice to say that it was done consonantly to the perswasion of those times yet we shall not think it much to give the reasons thereof as we find them laid down in the Preface to the Black-Book of the Order in direct relation to this solemn Ceremony performed for them It was the general opinion then That Monasteries Convents and Colledges were founded out of this motive that among devout charitable and well disposed Christians there should be a continual harmony of Prayer as well for the
living as the dead For the Living that in Peace and War they might manage all their Affairs with piety prudence and good success For the Dead that having obtained remission they might reign together in eternal bliss And not knowing what dangers might surround them the living thought themselves obliged the more servently to assist them with their Prayers supposing it uncertain whether they were in glory or torment That by pious Prayers they might endeavour to turn Gods vengeance due for the many sins committed in this life into clemency inasmuch as continual supplication was indeed very prevalent and might reach the ears of the Almighty That this kind of commemoration moved the greatest Princes to be so expensive in sumptuous Structures for the assembling such as should continually pray therein as also inferiour persons according to their abilities to promote their own and others salvation And that the Princes reflecting on the uncertainty of their own lives and considering that many were in their Services cut off amidst the hazards of War and how doubtful such a departure was endeavoured to assist them in the next World since they could no longer do it in this which if by any thing was to be performed by Prayer Out of these perswasions that this was availaable they had their recourse thereto and so began to institute persons and places for the making of Prayers to that end With what hath been delivered concerning the motive of this Office for the dead it may be also observed that the Founder of the Order admitted into its Institution the commemoration of the departed Souls of the Knights-Companions and thereupon it came to be ordained That assoon as the Soveraign should have true and certain intelligence brought him of the Death of any of the Knights-Companions he should cause to be celebrated for the Soul of a Defunct Knight a thousand Masses And that all the rest of the Knights-Companions might upon like notice contribute to the relief of the Soul of their deceased Fellow and Companion the Proportions were in like manner stated in the same Article of the Statutes thus A Stranger King 800. Masses The Prince 700. Masses Every Duke 600. Masses Each Earl 300. Masses Every Baron 200. Masses And a Knight Batchellour 100. Masses Afterwards when the Titles of Marquess and Viscount were introduced among us the proportion of Masses imposed upon the former was 450. as being a Degree of Dignity between those of a Duke and an Earl on the latter 250. And the numbers of all these Masses were rated proportionable to the Fees enjoined to be paid for setting up the Knights-Companions Atchievements over their Stalls Now to prevent the neglect in performance of this duty incumbent upon the Soveraign and surviving Knights-Companions by this Article of the Statutes it was thought fit to set down for penalty a compleat doubling of the number of those Masses to which at first they were enjoined according to their qualities and Degrees if they were not celebrated within three Months after notice given of the deceased Knights Death as aforesaid And if the neglect extended to half a year together they were obliged to quadruple their number and so from time to time until the years end But if after all this they should not within the whole year perform what they were so enjoined the Statute further bound them to double the Masses from year to year after the foresaid manner But to provide against any omission of the Soveraigns part it was added to the Registers Duty an 31 H. 8. to put the Soveraign in mind of giving Order herein if at any time it should happen to be forgotten by him to the end he might forthwith take care to have the Masses celebrated according to the said Injunction And because it was at length thought convenient to withdraw this burthen from Stranger Kings and Princes that branch of the Statute relating to them was made null and in a Chapter held at Windesor the 8. of May an 13 H. 6. the same was by the Soveraign placed upon himself and his Successours Soveraigns of this most Noble Order But because all the surviving Knights-Companions might the better perform this Injunction and cause the full number of Masses to be celebrated care was taken by the Soveraign to send Letters to every one of them at first as well to Knights-Strangers as Subjects immediately after the decease of any Knight to signify the time of his Death and put them in mind of the Injunction which the Statutes laid upon them Of which Letters some Precedents may be seen in the Appendix The difference between those Letters sent to the Knights-Companions beyond Sea and these at home was only this that in these directed to the latter in regard of their nearness to the Court and consequently in greater readiness to appear at an Election The Letters contained a summons also to come to the Election of a new Knight on such a day as the Soveraign had therein appointed And it seems it was the custom for those Religious Houses whether the Soveraign sent directions to celebrate either part or all the Masses due to each deceased Knight to make a formal return in writing under their Common Seal of what they had done therein which Certificates were also by the Register reported in Chapter to the Soveraign or his Lieutenant For an 18 H. 8. we find him acquaint the Soveraigns Lieutenant with several such Certificates signifying the Celebration of 1000. Masses upon the Soveraigns account for each of these Knights defunct namely the Earls of Arundel Shrewsbury Essex and Rutland the Viscount Fitz-walter and Lord Abergaveny and at other times siting the Chapter there wâ—re brought in such like authentick Letters certifying the celebration of the Masses for the Souls of other defunct Knights This course of celebrating these Masses for defunct Knights was constantly observed and so continued until the 32 d. year of King Henry the Eighth at which time upon a motion made concerning those suffrages for the Dead in a Chapter held in his Palace at Westminster on the 24 th of May in the aforesaid year this Decree passed That every one of the Knights-Companions in lieu of the said Masses should for the future after the Death of any of their Brethren according to the rates of their Degrees hereafter mentioned and immediately upon demand made for the same by the Register and Dean of Windesor or one of them pay the several sums of money here specified  l. s. d. The Soveraign 08 06 08. A Stranger King 06 08 04. The Prince 05 16 08. A Duke 05 00 00. A Marquess 03 16 00. An Earl 02 10 00. A Viscount 01 01 08. A Baron 01 13 04. A Batchellor Knight 00 16 08. The monies collected upon this Account called Obit monies were by the aforesaid Decree appointed to be distributed and imployed in Alms Deeds
and Arch-Chamberlain to the Emperor With these the King retained for his intended Expedition into France several other Noblemen of those Countries as namely Adolph Earl of Monte who having made Fealty and Homage to the King he in reward thereof setled on him a Pension for life of 1200 Florens of Gold per annum out of his Exchequer Everhard eldest Son to Thideric Earl of Lymborg Adolph Earl of Marlia Robert de Touburgh Lord of Warnich Theodorick Earl of Lossen and Heuseberg and Lord of Blatikenburgh and Theodorick de Montjoy Lord of Valkenborgh besides divers valiant Knights and Commanders of eminent note But Philip de Valois was so alarm'd at the report of these Alliances that he used all endeavours to interrupt the foresaid Ambassadors in their passage home both by placing a Garrison in the Isle of Cogaunt and setting out several men of War to Sea Of which the King having intelligene directed his Writ to Iohn de Ros Admiral of the Fleet from the River of Thames Northward to fit up a Convoy of 40 stout Ships well mann'd to be at Dort in Holland on Monday after Midsommer-day to secure their return where they lay ready for their coming And whereas these Ambassadors in making these Alliances and Retainers upon the Kings account had obliged themselves to pay sundry great sums of money the King indempulfied them their Heirs and Executors of all those sums and other things whereto they were so engaged This great Affair of strengthening the King with Alliances and Friends in Germany and Flanders was again set on foot and to that purpose another Commission was issued to the said Bishop of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury to whom was added Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk and Iohn Darcy Steward of the Kings Houshould with power to any three of them to treat thereupon with Lewis the Emperor Another Commission of the same date was made out to them and to Richard de Winkele Iohn de Offord Paul de Monteflorum Iohn de Montgomery and Iohn Wauwyn impowering them to treat with and retain all persons aswell Nobles as others for the Kings Service And as the King did endeavour by these means to gain assistance for the recovery of his right to the Crown of France so did he not neglect all methods of Peace among which he thought fit to constitute the foresaid Bishop of Lincolne the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk and Iohn Darcy his Agents to treat cum magnifico Principe Domino Philippo Rege Franciae illustri or his Deputies touching his right to the said Crown to wit whether it ought to remain to him or King Edward And by another Commission they were impowered to treat upon all Controversies and Demands whatsoever relating to the Dukedom of Aquitaine or other parts beyond Sea and also of a happy and perpetual peace The same day he constituted Iohn Duke of Brabant and Loraine his Lieutenant Captain and Vicar General in the Kingdom of France where it is worthy note that the King in this Commission challenging the Crown of France as devolved to him by right of succession and consequently become his lawful Inheritance did assume the Title of that Kingdom and stiled himself Edwardus Dei gratiâ Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Dux Aquitaniae And by another Commission bearing even date made of these Officiary Dignities to the said Duke he put France in the first place thus Edwardus Dei gratiâ Rex Franciae Angliae c. but it was not long e're he voluntarily laid this Title of France aside nor did he solemnly assume it again till the 14. year of his Reign over England By several other Commissions of the same date wherein the Titles of England and France were so transposed did the King constitute into the same Dignities William Marquess of Iuliers William Earl of Henault his Father-in-Law and William Bohun Earl of Northampton and by another then dated and directed to the Archbishops Bishops Dukes Marquesses Earls Barons and all other persons in the Kingdom of France having therein the Titles of England and France transposed as before they are commanded to receive the said Duke as if it were the King in his own person as also the Marquesses and Earls And further the said Marquesses and the Earls were by other Commissions severally constituted the Kings special Ambassadors to make known his said Title to all whom it should concern to challenge and prosecute his right to require every unjust detainor to render to the King whatsoever he so withheld from him to displace and punish such as they should think meet and lastly to do and execute all other things which should be most necessary for the recovery and preservation of his right The King of France had in the beginning of this year sent Forces into Gascoigne and seised upon many of the Kings Castles and Fortresses upon notice hereof the King gave command to arrest 20 Ships in the Port of Southampton and thereabouts and to press men to be ready at Portsmouth to set forward for Gascoigne on Whitson-Eve following for he had raised a great Army to send thither It may not here be forgotten what is recorded of Reymond Cornely Lord of Abertha a Gascoigner who made an offer to the King of France to fight in defence of Edward's right to those Countries for which he sent him very great and particular thanks But withall made several applications by his Ambassadors to the Court of France for restitution of what had been seized on and prevention of a War His Offers were these 1. To marry his eldest Son the Duke of Cornwall to the King of France's Daughter without Dowry 2. The marriage of his Sister the Countess of Geldres to his Son with a great sum of money 3. The marriage of his Brother the Earl of Cornwall with any of the Blood Royal. 4. To make restitution for any dammage he tendered him as much money as he could in reason demand 5. He also proferr'd to take a Voyage to the Holy Land with the King of France if he would restore his Lands to him 6. To go the Voyage if he would restore but half or some of those Lands 7. To take the Voyage with him if he would make restitution after his return or lastly 8. To take the Voyage singly himself so that at his return he would restore him his right These Overtures with many others which the King or his Council could think off were offered to the King of France in order to a Peace with this general proposal beside That if any one could think of any other way tending thereunto he would be ready to accept thereof But all in vain for on the contrary King Philip excited and maintained the Scots against him and his Navy also did great mischiefs at Sea Whereupon the Pope perceiving that the War was likely to proceed sent
England landing at Orewell the 21. of Febr. at 9. a Clock in the Morning and the first of March delivered it to Sir Iohn de St. Paul in a Chamber called the Cage Chamber at Westminster The old Great Seal was then delivered up to him by the said Sir Iohn which he gave to William de Kildesby to be kept in his Wardrobe But that the New Seal might be made more publick he caused Impressions thereof and of his Privy Seal to be made and sent to all the Sheriffs in England to be published in the several Counties in regard he intended at the meeting of the Parliament on the Wednesday next after Midlent Sunday to acquaint them with the cause wherefore he had added to his Stile the title of King of France That day being come he under his New Great Seal as King of France vacated all Papal Processes made at the instance of the French King against the Inhabitants of Flanders and granted to the Earl of Flanders his Heirs and Successors for ever the Towns of Lysle Doway Bethune and Orchies with the County of Artois and City of Tournay and to their Inhabitants divers Priviledges And by another Instrument of the same date under the said Seal with the consent of the Parliament he granted that the staple of Wools should be setled at Bruges A little before his return into England he wrote a Letter from Gaunt which bore Teste the 8. of Febr. in the first year of his Reign over France and 14. over England to the Prelates Peers and Commons of France thereby signifying that Charles late King of France his Mothers Brother being dead that Kingdom was fallen to him by manifest Law and that Philip de Valois Son to the Uncle of the said King had by force intruded into it in his Minority and yet detained it Lest therefore he should seem to neglect his own right he thought good to own the Title of France and take on him the defence and Government thereof and having offered the said Philip divers friendly conditions of Peace to which he refused all condiscention he was therefore necessitated to defend himself and recover his right by force of Arms and therefore all such Subjects as would submit to him as true King of France by Easter then next ensuing should be received into his grace and protection Having dispatcht his Affairs with the Parliament which had given him a great Supply to go on with this War and wherein an Act passed that he might with the assent of his Allies condescend to any reasonable terms of Peace And having created the Marquess of Iuliers Earl of Cambridge and given him 1000 l. per annum until he were provided for of so much Land of Inheritance He got in readiness an Army to go beyond Sea and prepared his Navy to transport it and on the 22. of Iune horâ diei quasi primâ set sail from Orewell The French King had laid 120. great Ships beside Genoeses Normans and Picards Manned with 40000. Men to intercept his passage But after a fierce and bloody fight on Midsummer Eve the King got the Victory before Sluce destroying most of the Enemy and taking the greatest part of their Fleet and on Midsummer day landed at Sluce and went forthwith to Gaunt Of this Signal Victory an account by Letter was sent from the King to the Bishops and Prelates by the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Trussell Not long after the King held a Council with his Allies at Villenort where it was resolved that the King should besiege Tournay before which he brought 120000. Men. Thence he sent a Letter sealed with his Great Seal to Philip de Valois signifying that he had fairly requested him to render him his lawful right to the Crown of France but perceiving he meant to persist in detaining it without returning him any answer He was therefore entred Flanders as Soveraign Lord thereof to pass through that Country for recovery of his Inheritance so detained yet to avoid the effusion of Christian blood and determine the right he challenged him to fight body to body or else 100. chosen Souldiers on each side or if both were refused then to pitch upon a day for both Armies to fight neer Tournay But the French King returned no answer to this Letter The Siege continued eleven weeks wanting three days in which time by the mediation and effectual endeavour of Iane de Valois the French Kings Sister a Treaty was set on foot Iohn King of Bohemia Adolph Bishop of Leige Reynel Duke of Loraine Am Earl of Savoy and Iohn Earl of Arminiack being Commissioners for the French King the Dukes of Brabant and Gueldres the Marquess of Iuliers and Iohn of Henault Lord Beaumont for King Edward who on the 25. of September agreed upon a Truce between both Kings to endure till Midsummer following of which publication was made in England the 6. of October and thus both Armies retired But this was much against the Kings Will though not against those of his Allies who were very desirous to return home The Siege being raised the King went to Gaunt and thence returned into England where he arrived at the Tower Wharf on the Feast of St. Andrew about Midnight At this Treaty before Tournay it was among other things agreed that another Treaty should be held at Arras within that year whither both Kings and the Pope should send Commissioners but that meeting produced only another year to be added to the Truce The Kings Commissioners were the Bishops of Lincolne and Durham the Earl of Warwick Sir Robert d' Artois Sir Iohn Henault and Sir Henry of Flanders This year produced some other Overtures for the amicable composure of all Controversies and concluding a Peace between the two Kings to which purpose a Commission issued to R. Bishop of Durham Hugh Earl of Gloucester William Fitz Warren Nicholas de Flisco and William Trussell Another Commission issued to Iohn Duke of Brabant Reignold Duke of Gueldres and Zuthphen William Marquess of Iuliers and Earl of Cambridge and William Earl of Hanaw and Iohn de Hanaw Lord Beaumont to treat and agree with Philip de Valois upon a Truce to the Feast of the decollation of St. Iohn Baptist then coming on which it seems became so far hopeful as to produce a prorogation till the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and thence till Midsummer in the following year Another Commission was made forth to William Earl of Huntingdon Bernard Dominus de le Brett Bartolomew de Burglersh Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely and Michael de Flisco to treat with the 〈◊〉 Philip de Valois aswell touching the Kingdom and Crown of France as divers other questions and controversies between them and to compose the differences by a full Peace or otherwise a Truce and one of these Commissions was
risen between them or was like to arise After this another Commission issued containing the same powers to Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby Thomas de Beauchampe Earl of Warwick Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolke Hugh le Despenser Lord of Glamorgon Ralph de Nevill Bartholomew de Burghersh Iohn le Grey de Ruffyn Reginald de Cobham and Thomas de Brodiston Barons William de Norwich Dean of Lincoln Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely Robert Herward Archdeacon of Taunton and Andrew de Offord Professor of the Civil Law or to any 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 or 3. of them But this Treaty had only the effect of continuing the Truce yet that so ill kept on the French side that the following year it occasioned a solemn complaint sent from the King to the Pope by Iohn Offord Dean of Lincoln Hugh de Nevill and Nicholas de Flisco to require reformation and security for the observance of the said Truce until the time it was to end and in case that were not done then they to surrender it into the Popes hands and defy Philip de Valois as the Kings Enemy It seems the desires of the King met with a dilatory answer for the 20 of October following William Bishop of Norwich Iohn de Offord Dean and Iohn Thoresby Canon of Lincoln Sir Hugh Nevil and Sir Ralph Spigurnell Knights and Nicholas de Flisco were commissionated to declare before the Pope in what particulars the Truce had been broken and to demand reparations but after all this no satisfaction being given to the King and the Truce manifestly and notoriously violated the King gave Commission to William de Bohun Earl of Northampton to defy Philip de Valois as a Violator of the Truce an unjust Usurper of his inheritance in France and his Capital Enemy And shortly after he set forth a Manifesto touching the dissolution of the Truce wherein the causes were declared at large being the same with the Letters sent from him to the Pope and four Cardinals the 26. of May preceeding This being done the King with all diligence provides an Army to enter France the following year and the 5. of Iuly in the 20. year of his Reign took Shipping at Southampton but instead of sailing towards Goscoigne whether he at first intended upon the advice of Sir Geoffry de Harecourt he diverted his course and made towards Normandy and landed at Hoges Saynt Wast in the Isle of Constantine not far from St. Saviours le Vycount the 12. of Iuly after Upon his arrival he ordered his Army in three Battels the one marched on his right hand along the Sea-side the second on his left both which exceedingly inriched themselves with the spoils of the Country and himself with the third in the middle This Battel consisted of 3000. men at Arms 6000. Archers and 10000. Common Souldiers The first Town he took was St. Lo in Constantine rich in Drapery and next Caen the plunder of it and other places consisting of Cloth Vessels of Silver and Gold Jewels and more than 60. Knights and 300. Burgesses made Prisoners were sent to the Ships and transported into England After this the King marched on wasting and burning the Country and entred Lisieux the Chief City of Normandy for Wealth and Merchandize and plundered it And hence he gave Letters of Protection and safe conduct to the Cardinals of Tusculan and St. Iohn and St. Paul sent from the Pope to mediate a Peace From thence he marched into the Country of Eureux and spoiled it and leaving Roan he passed to Gaillon and burnt it with Vernon Pont de Lache and all the Country thereabouts and went over the River Seyne to Poissy Hence having thus overrun and wasted Britagne and Normandy the English Marshalls rode towards Paris and burnt St. Germain en Laye Mountjoy St. Clou Pety Bolayne neer Paris and the Bourg la Reyne which caused the French King to retire to St. Denys Sir Godfrey de Harecourt encountred a considerable party of the Burgesses of Amiens going to the assistance of the French King of whom he kill'd 1200 and defeated the rest and took their Carriages and Baggage About this time the French King had sent notice to King Edward that he would give him Battel the Thursday Saturday Sunday or Monday after betwixt St. Germains de Preez and Valgirart de là Paris or between Franconville and Ponthoise in answer to which from Antes 15. Aug. the King sent him word that he was come thither to put an end to the War by Battel but that the said French King had broken down all the Bridges so that they could not come at each other That he had come to Poissy and repaired that Bridge and there stayed three days expecting him and that the French Forces might have come on either on the one side or the other at his pleasure But forasmuch as they did not he could not then give him Battel and therefore now resolved to pass further into the Kingdom and there stay till he had ended the War or advantaged himself and disabled his Adversaries Nevertheless if he would combat him to save those which he challenged for his Subjects upon notice of the Hour he should find him ready for the Encounter and this he principally desired for the benefit of Christianity since he had refused to accept of or propose any reasonable way for effecting Peace This answer was not liked by the French King therefore the King having stayed at Poissy and there kept the Feast of our Lady in August marched thence into the Country of Beauvosyn burning and destroying all before him One night having lodged in an Abbey and next morning after his departure looking behind him he saw it on fire but he hanged 20 of his Souldiers that had done the mischief because at his first entrance into France he had caused Proclamation to be made throughout his Army that no man upon pain of death should violate a Church or burn a Religious House As he passed by Beauvois he fired the Suburbs and went thence to Granvillers He also took and fired the Castle of Anger 's and the Town of Pork and the two Castles and drawing neer to Abbeville he endeavoured to pass the River of Somme but sounding several places found no Ford at length one Gobyn a Grace a Prisoner brought him to Blanch-taque This Ford was guarded on the other side by 12000 men commanded by Sir Godmar du Foy here the King forced his passage and defeated Sir Godmar and after he had passed his whole Army over he marched to Crescy in Ponthieu where he formed his Army into three Battels the first of which was led by the Prince of Wales accompanied with divers of the English Nobility the second by the Earl of Northampton and the third by the King himself And here before the Battels joined he created 50 Knights
Thomas Bishop of Catness Patrick Bishop of Brethin Chancellor of Scotland Patrick Earl of March Robert de Irskin and William de Levington Knights Deputies of Robert Steward Guardian of Scotland the Prelates Lords and Commons of Scotland on the other party it was agreed that King David should be delivered out of Prison and ransomed for the sum of 100000 Marks Sterling to be paid by 10000 Marks annually at Midsummer the first payment to begin at Midsummer following It was also agreed that the Truce should be kept and observed in England Scotland and the Isle of Man until the money was paid and that Edward de Baliol and all the Kings Allies should be comprised in the said Truce That for payment of the said sum King David should leave 20 Hostages who are named in the conditions set down for their delivery that King David the Peers Bishops and Prelates of Scotland should be obliged by writing and oath for payment of the said Ransom and observing the Truces That if there were a failer of payment they should be also obliged after the foresaid manner to render the Body of King David within three Months after failer of any term and he to remain Prisoner till the sum due at the said term were paid and for the true payment thereof 20 Hostages were to be left in England besides which there were several other conditions agreed upon that made up the consideration of his Release The Truces between England and France being expired as aforesaid without obtaining Peace and all endeavours of others becoming ineffectual the two Kings themselves began to confer and fell at length upon such terms as it was hoped would produce a Peace of which an account was sent into France but the French determined rather to let their King lye in Prison than to agree to them upon notice of which refusal the King resolved upon a War and the following Winter to enter France and either make an end of the War or obtain Peace and honor at his pleasure And having designed his Expedition he next provided for the security of the Kingdom in his absence and issued out Writs to the Sheriffs of the several Counties to summon both Knights and Burgesses to treat with his Council at London as also with certain Bishops and Earls in other parts of the Kingdom how that might best be done He next caused all the French Prisoners to be disposed into several safe places and the French King having been secured in the Castle of Hereford under the custody of Roger de Beauchamp was afterwards by the advice of his Council sent to the Castle of Somerton in Lincolnshire on Monday the 29. of Iuly and conducted thither by William Deyncourt William Colvill Iohn Kirketon Iohn Deyncourt and Saier de Rocheford with a strong Guard of Horse and Foot Nevertheless upon the first of March following upon a spreading rumor that the French were at Sea with a design to deliver their King from Imprisonment command was given that King Iohn and all the French Prisoners should be removed thence to Berkhampsted and Iohn de Buckingham Keeper of the Privy-Seal to Thomas the King's Son Custos of England and Ralph Spigurnell were appointed to conduct them thither But it seems Iohn de Buckingham went not as was designed for it appears by a Writ of assistance directed to all Mayors c. That Thomas de Baddely was put in his room nor afterwards was either of them employed in this Service nor Berkhampsted but London the place whither King Iohn was brought for we have met with a later Writ whereby William de Ayremynne Iohn de Buscy and Thomas de Meaux were commanded to be at Somerton on Friday the 20. of March to bring the said King to Grantham and the like Writs were sent to others to conduct him from place to place till he was brought to London to wit the 21. of March to Stanford the 22. to Higham Ferrars the 23. to Wooburn Abby the 24. to St. Albans and the 25. to London The King having raised his Army first sent over to Calais Henry Duke of Lancaster and himself presently followed taking Shipping at Sandwich in the Dertmouth the 28. day of October inter auroram diei ortum solis with him went the Prince of Wales and his other Sons Lyonel and Edmund and many of the Nobility and landed that Evening at Calais circa horam Vesperarum This Army then which never before departed from England one greater or more gallant marched through the very heart of France and laid all wast before it for the French not daring to encounter the King in all his March kept themselves within their fortified Towns and relinquished the Country to the spoil of this Army and to the end the Reader may observe the course of this Expedition we will here set down from Froissard the most notable places it passed through From Calais on the 4. of November he marched through the Country of Artois by Arras and so to Beauvois thence into Thierach and so to Reims to which he laid Seige for 7. weeks but provision growing scarce thereabouts he departed towards Chaalons in Champaigne and thence towards Troyes Tonnerre Noirs Mont-royal and so to Avallon where he stayed from Ash-Wednesday to Midlent During this time the young Duke of Burgoigne sent some Noblemen to the King who made a Composition with him to preserve his Country from plundering for 3. years after which the King dislodged his Army and marched towards Paris and sat down within two Leagues of it at Bourg la Reyne The King of Sicily was not the only Astrologer that prognosticated of King Edward's success but one Fryer Iohn de Rochtaylade as Froissard calls him whom Pope Innocent the Sixth kept Prisoner had foretold many notable things which about that time came to pass among others being demanded an account of the War he affirmed that all the misery that had been seen was not like that to come and for the wasting of France assigned the years 1356 1357 1358 and 1359. which hapned right enough for so great desolation and devastation was made by the Sword and Famine in those years that when King Edward entred France an 1359. he met with exceeding great scarcity of provision of all kinds and in all places where he passed While the King lay at Bourg la Reyne he sent his Heralds to Paris to demand Battel of the Duke of Normandy eldest Son to King Iohn and then Regent of France to which he would not consent whereupon the King dislodged and went to Manto le herry where he arrived on Tuesday before Easter being the last of March intending to enter the Country of Beausse and stay part of that Summer in Britagne and about August to return and besiege Paris but the Pope sending into France the Abbot of Cluygny and Simon de Lengres Provincial of the Friars
Preachers with Hugh de Geneve Knight Seigneur d'Auton the Duke of Normandy dispatcht them to King Edward to propose a Treaty of Peace who required things so great they could not be yielded to Howbeit they still followed the King to Chartres where a meeting for Commissioners on both sides was consented to and they brought demands to such moderation that with the Duke of Lancasters effectual perswasion the King was content to accept of Peace But what inclined the King to hearken thereto as Froissard tells the story was this That while the Commissioners on both sides were upon Treaty and the King wholly untractable there fell in the Kings Army so great a Tempest of Thunder Lightning Rain Hail and Stones of such bigness that kill'd both Men and Horses at which time the King beholding the Church of our Lady of Chartres vowed devoutly to condescend to Peace This prodigious storm hapned on Easter Munday which falling that year on the 14. of April neer a Month before the conclusion of the Treaty was from its dismal effects called Black Munday which name it retains to this day The Treaty was managed between Edward Prince of Wales and Charles Regent of France their Proctors and Agents in the name of both Kings these two Princes and all the Subjects of France Those deputed on the English part were Sir Reginald de Cobham Sir Bartholomew Burghersh Sir Francis Hale Bannerets Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Richard la Vache and Sir Neel Loring Knights and others of the Council of the King of England Those other on the French side were the Ellect of Beauues his Chancellor Charles Lord Momorency Monsieur Iohn le Meingre Marshal of France Monsieur Aynart de la Tour Lord of Vivoy Monsieur Ralph de Ravenal Monsieur Simon de Bucy Knights Monsieur Stephen de Paris and Peter de la Charite his Councillors with many others of his Council deputed by King Iohn and Himself At first a Truce was agreed on the 7. of May An. Dom. 1360. in the 34. year of King Edward over England to continue till Michaelmas following and thence till Michaelmas an 35 E. 3. which upon the return of the King into England was by Writs bearing Teste the 24. of the same Month commanded to be published throughout all the Sea-Ports in England and by a like Writ notice was given to the Duke of Lancaster to proclaim it in Gascoigne And the next day viz. 8. of May were the Articles referring to a final Peace agreed to on the behalf of both Kings This was that Famous Treaty of Renunciation of both Kings so much spoken of by Writers to which their eldest Sons were parties in regard the King of France renounced the Soveraignty of several Territories to King Edward and he in like manner renounced his Title to France and some other Places all which we shall here briefly mention First it was agreed that King Edward with what he held in Aquitaine and Gascoigne should hold perpetually to him and his Heirs in the same manner as the King of France or his Son or any of his Ancestors held the same to wit that in Soveraignty in Soveraignty and that in Demain in Demain the City Castle and County of Poytiers with the Fees of Thoâ—ars and Land of Belleville the Cities and Castles of Xaintes Agen Pierregort Lymoges Caours Tarbe Angolesme and Rodeis and the Land and Countries of Poytou Xaintonge on this and the furthest side of the River of Charente with the Town and Fortress of Rochell Agenoys Pierreguis Lymosyn Caorsyn Tarbe Bigorre Gaure Angolesmoys Rovergue the Counties of Pierregort Bigorre Gaure and Angolesmoys And that such Earls or Lords as had Lands within the forementioned places should do their Homages and Services to him That King Edward should have in Demain all that any of his Predecessors anciently held in the Town of Monstrereul on the Sea As also all the County of Ponthieu with some few exceptions the Town and Castles of Calais the Towns Castles and Lordships of Merk Sangate Coloigne Hames Wale and Oye with their appurtenances as likewise all the places lying within the Jurisdictions and bounds following that is to say from Calais to the border of the River before Gravelinges and so by the same River round about Langle and by the River that runneth beyond the Poil and by the same River that falleth into the great Lake of Guynes to Freton and thence by the valley about Calculy Hill inclosing that Hill and so to the Sea with Sangate and all the appurtenances that the King should have the County of Guynes with all the Lands Towns Fortresses Places Men Homages Lordships Woods Forests and Rights thereunto belonging in as ample manner as the then late Earl of Guynes or his Predecessors held the same and likewise all the Isles adjoining to the Lands aforesaid and all other Isles he then held That the King of France and his eldest Son the Regent should before Michaelmas 1361. give and deliver to the King of England his Heirs and Successors all the Honors Obediences Homages Liegeances Subjections Fees Services Recognizances Rights and all manner of Jurisdictions high and low Resorts and Saveguards Advowsons and Patronages of Churches and all Lordships and Soveraignties with all the right they had and belonging to them by any Cause Right Title or Colour or to the Crown of France in the said Cities Counties Castles Towns Lands Countries Isles and Places and of their appurtenances and appendencies without holding any thing to them their Heirs or Successors or Crown of France And also to give notice to all Archbishops Bishops and Prelates and all Earls and other Noblemen and Citizens by Letters-Patent in all the said places to yield obedience to the King of England his Heirs and Successors in the same manner as they had obeyed the Kings and Crown of France and thereby also to quit and absolve them of all their Homages Fealties Oaths Obligations Subjections and Promises made to the Kings and Crown of France And that the King of England his Heirs and Successors should have and hold all the forementioned Cities Counties Castles Lands Places and Persons perpetually and freely in their Lordship Soveraignty Obedience and Subjection as the Kings of France had or did hold them in times past and all the Countries with their appurtenances in all Freedoms and Liberties perpetually as Lords and Soveraigns and as Neighbors to the King and Kingdom of France without any acknowledgment of Soveraign or making any Obedience Homage Resort or Subjection Service or Recognisance in time to come to the Kings or Crowns of France of the Places or Persons aforenamed or any of them The Renunciation on the King of England's part was as to the Name and Right to the Crown and Kingdom of France to the Homage Soveraignty and Demain of the Dutchies of Normandy and Thouraine of the Earldoms of Anjou and Maine to the Soveraignty and
for his own and the Princes expeditions During the Minority of this King there were several Matches proposed for him though none took but the last and first his Father designed to marry him to the Lady Margaret Daughter of William Earl of Hanow Holland Zeland and Lord of Frisia who being in the third degree of Consanguinity a Letter was dispatched to the Pope dated the 10. of December in the 12. year of his Fathers Reign for obtaining his Dispensation because of their nearness of blood Secondly with the Lady Sibilla Daughter to Robert Earl of Hanow and Zeland Lord of Frisia as appears from a like Letter to the Pope dated the 2. of November in the following year Thirdly with the Daughter of Iames King of Arragon for which affair were commissionated Alexander Archbishop of Dublin Edmund Earl of Kent King Edward the Second's Brother and William de Weston Canon of Lincoln Doctor of Laws the Commission bore Teste the 30. of March an 17. E. 2. It appears by the Kings Letters of the 16. of February following that her name was Iolant and King Iames her Father stiled Rex Aragoniae Valenciae Corsâ—ae Comes Barch Sanctae Rom. Ecclesiae Vexillarius Admirallus Capitaneus Generalis to whom the King then also sent Sir Edmund Bacon Sir Robert Thorpe Mr. Iohn Heldesley Canon of Chester to proceed further in this matter Fourthly with the Lady Alonar Sister to Alphonsus King of Spain to which purpose Iohn Stoner William de Berne Lord of Lescune William de Weston Canon of Lincolne and Peter de Galicano Canon of Roan were impowered by a Commission dated the 6. of April an 18. E. 2. as also to treat and conclude a marriage between the said King Alphonsus and Elianor King Edward's Sister Besides these the King of Portugal sent Ambassadors over hither to propose a marriage between this Prince and his Daughter to whom the King by Letter dated the 15. of April an 19. E. 2. directed thus Magnifico Principi Domino Alfonso Dei gratiâ Portugaliae Algarbiae Regi illustri amico suo charissimo acquainting him with the Treaty of marriage begun between his Son and the King of Spain's Sister and that because of neerness of blood he had dispatcht a Letter to the Pope for his Dispensation that he had received no account as then of the issue of that Affair that his Son was gone into France to do Homage for the Dukedom of Aquitaine during all which it was not fit for him to begin any new Treaty but if that succeeded not he would then confer with his Ambassador in this particular But last of all in the following year the Queen and Duke having left France went to the Earl of Henault's Court where a Contract past between him and one of the Earls Daughters and not long after his Coronation the marriage was consummate in reference to which R. Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield was constituted the King's Ambassador to contract either espousals or marriage in the King's Name with Philippa that Earls Daughter who forthwith took his Journey to Valenciens and the Popes Dispensation being gained she was there married to King Edward by Proxie By this Lady he was Father to 7 Sons all except two that dyed young men of great renown in that Age namely Edward Prince of Wales and Guyenne signally famous all over Europe and commonly called the Black Prince William of Hatfield Lyonell of Antwerp Duke of Clarence and Earl of Vlster Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster and Aquitaine King of Castile and Leon Edmund of Langley Earl of Cambridge and Duke of York William of Windesor and Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Gloucester His Daughters were five Isabell Wife to Ingelram de Coucy Earl of Bedford Ioan married by Proxie to Peter eldest Son to Alphonsus King of Castile and Leon but died in her journey thither Blanch died young Mary Wife to Iohn Montford Duke of Britagne and Margaret Wife to Iohn de Hastings Earl of Penbroke Besides these he had a natural Son named Nicholas who was Abbot of Westminster and lies buried in Westminster before the Altar of St. Blase His Queen fell sick at Windesor Castle and there dyed before him viz. on the day of the Assumption of our blessed Lady an 43. E. 3. whose Exequies and Interment he caused to be solemnized with great magnificence He himself dyed the 21. of June at his Mannor of Shene in Surrey after he had reigned 50 years 4 Months and 28 days and lies interred on the South side of St. Edward's Chappel in Westminster Abbey under a stately Monument having thereon his Portraicture at full length SECT III. Some account of the first 25 Knights-Companions 1. Edward Prince of Wales THis Noble and Valiant Prince was born at Woodstock the 15. of Iune An. Dom. 1330. at ten a Clock in the Morning in the Scheme of whose Nativity found among the Collections of that famous Mathematician Mr. Thomas Allen of Gloucester-Hall in Oxford the 9. degree of Virgo ascends the 3. of Gemini culminates and the Planets are thus posited gr ♄ in 16 ♌ ♃ in 12 ♠♂ in 11 ♉ ☉ in 1 ♋ ♀ in 19 ♊ ☿ in 18 ♊ ♃ in 10 ♊ â— in 22 ♋ â— in 22 ♑ â™ in 19 ♌ So welcome to his Father was the News of his Birth that he granted to Tho. Priour who brought it 40 Marks per annum out of his Exchequer for life until he should setle on him Lands to that annual value Afterwards he gave to Ioane de Oxenford this Prince's Nurse 10 l. per annum out of his Exchequer during her life until he or his Heirs should setle that yearly value in Lands or Rents upon her And the next day a yearly Pension of 10 Marks out of his Exchequer also for life on Matilda Plumpton Bersatrix or Rocker to this young Prince till Lands of that value were in like manner provided for her Before he was three years old the King intended to make some considerable provision for him though he had before made him an annual allowance for the expences of his House and several Gifts did by his Charter dated 18. May in the 7. year of his Reign grant to him by the Title of Edward his most dear and eldest Son the County of Chester the Castles of Chester Beston Rothelan and Flynt and all his Lands there as also the Cantred and Land of Englefield with their appurtenances to him and his Heirs Kings of England together with all Knights Fees Advowsons Liberties Royalties and all other things belonging to the said Country Castles Lands and Cantreds aswell in England as in Wales and the Marches thereof as fully and under the same conditions as himself received them before he was King And thence forward he had the Title of Earl of Chester added to his
brought to King Iohn he resolved to fight him for now the Prince with about 8000. Men had entred the Country of Berry as far as Issoudun Bourges Vierzon and Remorentin which two last Towns and their Castles the Prince took by Assault and passing into Anjou and Touraine having wasted all the Country where he past intended to return for Bourdeaux But after this long and wearisom Voyage drawing near to Poicters he was informed that the French Army was not far from him and here the Cardinal of Poicters used means to have brought both sides to some composition but the French being high in their demands his endeavours took no effect The Prince thereupon fitted himself for fight and the Battels joining in the Fields of Beaumont and Malperteus after some space they broke the Van of the French Army when the main Body led by the Duke of Normandy coming on and finding the other routed fell into disorder also This incouraged the Prince to fall in upon the Rear led by the King at whose approach the main Body of the French Army left the Field as their Leader himself did with Charles Lewis and Iohn the Kings Sons the Earls of Poicters and Tourayne King Iohn behaved himself very valiantly and maintained the fight for some time but was at length taken Prisoner by Sir Denys Morbeck a Knight of Arthois to whom the Prince gave afterwards 2000. Nobles to support his Estate whilst the chace continued to the Gates of Poictiers and a compleat Victory obtained the particulars whereof are related by Froissard The French Kings Army consisted of 60000. fighting men whereof there were above 3000. Knights The Prince had but 8000. whereof 3000. were Archers though Froissard in one place saith 6000. in another 4000. The names of some of the Prisoners of Note and those that were slain are mentioned by Knighton in a word the Flower of France fell here and so many Noblemen were there slain or made Prisoners that there were but few left to manage the Affairs of France the Souldiers had twice as many Prisoners as themselves were in number nay divers of them 4. or 5. Prisoners a piece all which they put to ransom in the Field upon promise to return before Christmas with their Ransoms to Bourdeaux The spoil was exceeding rich so were also the Arms they took and whatsoever the Booty was it remained to him that took it The Prince bought of the Gascoigners for ready money those of the French Nobility whom they had taken And of these namely Philip Son to King Iohn the Earl of Sanceir and the Lord Craon he sold to the King afterwards for 20000 l. This Battel was sought the 19. day of September an Dom. 1356. it beginning in the Morning and ending at Noon but it was night e're they returned from the Chase. When it was ended the Prince who saith Froissard was therein couragious and cruel as a Lyon and took great delight in the Fight and Chase commanded his Standard to be pitched on a high Bush as a signal to the dispersed Forces to retire to him thither and then sent out the Earl of Warwick and Sir Reynold Cobham to make enquiry after the French King who in a short time brought him Prisoner to the Prince The Prince entertained this Noble Prisoner at a Supper at which himself with all respect served him nor could be prevailed upon to sit down at the Table The next day the Prince dislodged his Army and marched through Poicton Santonge and at Blaye passed the River Garronne and so to Bordeaux where in one part of the Abby of St. Andrew he lodged his Royal Prisoner and in the other himself and upon the News of this great Victory and Success the King appointed publick thanks to be given to God throughout England In April following the Prince took shipping for England and brought along with him the French King and divers other Prisoners of quality the 5. of May he arrived at Plymouth for whose reception there Iohn Dabernoun Sheriff of Devonshire was commanded to make provision of Victuals and Carriages and Horses and attend him in all parts through that County The 24. of May the Prince in a stately Cavalcade rode through London his Royal Prisoner by his side on a White Courser and himself on a Black Hobby and so proceeded to Westminster Hall where he presented King Iohn to his Father and from whence King Iohn was conducted to his Lodging but within a short time the Savoy was furnished for his entertainment After some few years the King an 33. E. 3. preparing for another Expedition into France this Prince went along with him so also his three Brethren and commanded the Rear of that Army which making its way through the Bowels of France at Bretigny neer Chartres a Peace was concluded in which this Prince and some other of the Kings Council on the Kings part having treated with the French Lords on the part of the Dauphin of Viennois Governor of France brought all controversies touching that Realm to a happy composure The King desirous to proceed to the effect and accomplishment of that Treaty gave him another Commission with authority to treat further upon any thing that concerned or was comprised therein either in general or special to demand and receive the Hostages Money Castles Cities and Fortresses and what ever else was to be delivered to the King by virtue thereof with a general Clause to add and supply the power granted if any solemn or substantial thing should be omitted through much business or otherwise or were expedient or advantagious as to the premises After the confirmation of this Peace and King Edward in possession of a considerable part of the Territories both of his own inheritance or invested in him by the said Peace which he was to enjoy without resort or Soveraignty to the Crown of France The Nobility of these Provinces desiring to be governed by a Prince of their own rather than by the Kings Lieutenants as before they addressed themselves to the King to confer the Government thereof on this Prince and send him thither where he had so great Possessions and Revenues to maintain his State and Dignity Hereupon the King Created him Prince of Guyenne and gave him Guyenne and Gascoigne by the name of a Principality during his life and also granted to him those other Countries Towns and Castles near adjoyning delivered into the Kings possession by vertue of the foresaid Treaty together with the Government of them also retaining nevertheless the Resort and Soveraignty over all thereby given and granted to himself This done he forthwith prepared for his Voyage thither taking along with him his Lady the Princess with whom being arrived at Rochel they were both joyfully received Thence he went to Poicters whither the Barons and Knights of Poictou and
of whom this Henry was one himself being then at Botheuill in Scotland so busied in the War that he could not be at the meeting appointed to treat on his behalf with certain Prelates and others whom he had commanded to meet at London on Wednesday after Newyears day following upon the defence and safety of the Kingdom repulsion of the Enemies and other things relating to the State of the King and Kingdom as also seriously and fully to acquaint them with the King's intensions to ordain and do all things referring thereunto and to his honor as if he were there personally present The following year he was created Earl of Derby and invested by girding him with the Sword his Father yet living by the Charter of his Creation did the King grant to him and his Heirs an Annuity of Honor of 20 l. out of the Farm of the County of Derby and to the end he might better maintain the State of an Earl he also granted him an annual Pension of 1000 Marks during his Fathers life out of the Customs in London St. Butolphs and Kingston upon Hull until the King should provide for him 1000 Marks per annum in Lands or Rents and in case the issues of the said Customs fell short of that annual sum then was it provided that it should be made up out of the Exchequer and for more surety out of the Custody of his Wards The third of October following the King granted to him the Manor of Wyghton and Hundred of Northgreneho with their appurtenances in the County of Norfolk as also the Mannor of Laghton in Morthynges with its appurtenances in the County of York which Ralph Earl of Eu had lately held and were then seised into the Kings hands to hold also during the life of his Father at the annual value of 72 l. 7. s. 6 d. q. at which rate they were extended in part of satisfaction of the said annual Pension of 1000 Marks But the Letters Patents of the 18. of March were resigned up to be cancelled the 24. of October an 13. E. 3. and the King thereupon by other Letters Patent dated the 20. of September preceding granted him during his said Fathers life all the Issues of the small Customs in London for the payment of 891 Marks 5 s. 9 d. ½ q. above the extent of the Mannors and Hundred aforesaid both which sums made up the foresaid annual Pension of 1000 Marks and in case the small Customs fell short of 891 Marks 5 s. 9 d. ½ q. then what they wanted was to be paid him out of the great Customs of the said City but if they exceeded that sum then the surplusage to be paid into the Exchequer which Lands and Pension out of the small Customs reverting to the King upon the death of this Earls Father were then granted to the Queen for the support and maintenance of her Children until the King should otherwise provide for them In the 11. year of King Edward the Third the King having sent over the Bishop of Lincolne and others into Flanders to make Alliances for him with Flemings the French King had laid a Garrison in the Isle of Cagaunt with design to take these Commissioners in their return home but they having notice thereof and the friendship and assistance of Iacques Dartuel took their way to Dort in Holland and so escaped that snare And the King resolving to clear that Island of this Garrison designed for this Service the Earl of Derby who raised part of his men in Staffordshire a Country where he was exceedingly beloved in which his Father had then great Possessions that after his death descended to him and of which for the better conservation of the Peace there the King made him high Sheriff during lifâ— These men levied by the King 's Writ he was commanded to have in readiness with hâ—â—self at London on the Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin next ensuing At the arrival of the English in the Haven they found the Town of Cagaunt well garrison'd and therein divers stout Commanders chosen by the Earl of Flanders for its defence well arm'd and ready to forbid their Landing so that with great difficulty and some loss they got ashore and here our Earl pressing on and fighting for his passage was struck down to the ground but relieved by the Lord Manny In fine the Town on Sunday before the Feast of St. Martin was taken by the English and above 3000 Flemmings slain after which they plundered and burnt it and brought their Prisoners to their Ships among whom was Sir Guy the Bastard of Flanders who after made Fealty to the King and sided with him in the War The 16. of February an 13. E. 3. he was put in Commission with others to array men in the County of Leicester against the Invasion of Enemies and the 3. of Iuly after made one of the 8 Commissioners to treat with Philip de Valois upon all Controversies between the King and him and also one of the 5 Commissioners constituted the second of Ianuary following to treat with the said Philip as also with the Cardinals of St. Praxide and St. Mary in Aquiro upon the same Affair The 6. of March an 14. E. 3. he had Commission given him to raise men in the Counties of Derby Leicester Staffordshire and Lancashire to pass over Sea with the King or himself at the Kings next Voyage beyond Sea This Earl attended the King in his first Expedition into France and had Command in the Battel ready pitcht to fight the French neer Vyronfoss as also at the Battel of Sluce an 14. E. 3. and the 10. of August the same year command issued to Robert de Morley Admiral of the Fleet from the Thames towards the North to send forth 10 Ships to Orewell to take in his Troops of Horse that were to pass over into Flanders after him In the following year He and Henry de Percy Ralph de Nevil and Robert de Dalton had Commission given them to treat with the Bishops Earls and all other persons as well Ecclesiastick as Secular in the Northern parts touching the defence of the Kingdom against the Scots and to sollicite them who had Lands in those parts to dwell there or otherwise to assign other persons there to remain in their stead He was again made the Kings Lieutenant in the North parts of England and in Scotland as also General of the Army sent against the Scots who had invaded England having power given him to defend the Marches to march into Scotland to create Stewards Constables Marshals and other Officers necessary for the Government of the Army and three days after had a Commission given him and power to treat and agree with the Scots about a Cessation of Arms to admit such of them as were willing to the Kings Peace to receive their Fealty to grant them
speed Immediately after his arrival in Gascoigne he took the Field and laid Siege to Bosyll which surrendred to him The Castle of Rochemyllone being well fortified he took by assault and slew all but those that fled into the Church the next day he laid Siege to the Town of Mountsegur and battered it with great Engines for 15 days together and at length it was yielded to him upon Composition After this the strong Castle of Aguillon was yielded up to him and then he laid Siege to Reole which surrendred on mercy but the Castle stood out 11 weeks and then also surrendred After his taking of Reole he marched to Mountpesance Castle which he took by Storm and then he sat down before Mauleon and took it by the stratagem of an Ambush He took also the Ville Franche in Agenois with its Castle by assault after which he marched through the Country and took many other Towns and Castles with little difficulty At the end of three days Siege Myremont yielded to him and some of his Forces took Thomynes on the River Garonne and the strong Castle Damasan Last of all Augoulesme yielded to him after a Months Siege and thence he retired to his Winter Quarter at Bordeaux This Winter the Duke of Normandy entred Gascoigne with 100000 men and shortly after Christmas took the Field in this Expedition he regained several places from the English and sat down before Aiguillon but after the Battel at Cressy being sent for back by the French King he was constrained to raise his Siege Shortly after the retreat of the Duke of Normandy this Earl the King having sent to the Prior of the Order of the Friers Preachers in London to offer up Prayers that God would please to protect and defend him and give his Forces Victory over his Enemies with 1200 men at Arms 2000 Archers and 3000 Foot passed the River Garonne towards Xantonge and took Myrabel by Storm as also the Town and Castle of Alaay and Sargeres and Benon He likewise took Mortagne on the Sea side in Poictou by assault and burnt Lusignen and took the Town and Castle of Taillebourge at length he lay Siege to St. Iean d' Angely which surrendred to him upon Conditions after which he took Maxinent by assault and won the Town of Monstrevil Bonnin he thence marched to Poicters and that he took by Assault where 700 of the Inhabitants were slain and some Churches spoiled and more had been but that this pious Earl commanded the contrary on pain of death Nevertheless they plundred the Town and left it desolate and here the Soldiers got so great Wealth that nothing was of value but Gold Silver and Feathers for the Troops From hence he returned to St. Iean d' Angely and thence to Bordeaux and in this Expedition he gained so great esteem that he was reported to be the Noblest Prince that ever rode on Horseback Having behaved himself so gallantly and faithfully in prosecuting and recovering of the King 's right in these parts the first of Febr. an 21. E. 3. the King sent for him back to be near unto himself for the future upon all occasions and to direct and assist in his Martial and other Affairs whereupon he returned into England and because King Edward understood that the French King was making great preparations to draw down to Calais about Whitsontide he enjoyned him speedily to repair to his assistance in reference to whose passage Command was sent to Io. de Montgomery Admiral of the Fleet Westward to provide Ships in readiness at Sandwich and Dover for the Transportation of the Army he had raised with all speed and immediately upon his coming thither and consideration had of his victorious Successes and good Services done the King in the Dukedom of Aquitain and parts adjoining the King granted to him and his Heir Males by Charter the Castle Town and Place of Brageriac in Diocess Petragoriensis with the whole Castellany and all Iurisdiction high and low Royal Authority absolute and mixt as also the Coinage of Money there To which he afterward added a grant of the Examination of the Assay with both the Criminal and Civil punishment of all Offenders for coyning Money And because this Town and Castle stood upon the Frontiers of the Enemy the King granted that during the War there should remain in that Garrison 100 men of Arms and 200 Foot at the King's pay subject nevertheless to the Command of the Steward of Gascoigne to be drawn out upon occasion by him leaving sufficient strength to defend the same This Earl having taken divers Prisoners at the Town of St. Iohn d' Angely and reduced it to the obedience of the King he therefore granted to him all the Lands Tenements Vines and other Goods of those Prisoners until their Ransoms were fully paid And a little after granted unto him and his Heirs for ever the Houses Lands c. of Bernard Barram Burgess of that Town to hold by the Service of rendring to the King and his Heirs one Rose annually at Midsummer Moreover on the 10. of November following he had further granted the Castle of Horston with the appurtenances in the County of Derby and 40 l. per an out of the Farm of the Town of Derby to him and his Heirs Males then the same to revert to the King and his Heirs All these Grants were made to him upon the account of his good and grateful services formerly performed Upon the French King 's coming towards Calais in Iuly before with design to relieve it the King appointed him to keep Newland bridge for by securing that passage the French could not pass on that side unless through the Marches which were not to be attempted without danger His order in keeping this place was much commended by the four French Commissioners who passed by it when they came from their King to King Edward to demand a place to fight in At this time the Pope having sent two Cardinals to the King they obtained his condescention to treat with King Philip whose Commissioners were the Dukes of Burgoigne and Burbone the Lord Lewis de Savoy and the Lord Iohn of Henalt otherwise called Lord Beaumont and on King Edwards part were the Noble Earls of Derby and Northampton the Lords Cobham and Mannie but three days being spent without coming to any conclusion the Treaty broke up and the Cardinal Mediators departed He was after made choice of by the King and Ralph Earl of Eu and Guynes Constable of France by the French King to agree upon a Truce in hopes of a Peace to hold for 6. Weeks throughout Picardy Normandy Artois Boulogne and Flanders to commence the 13. of the same September The 25. day of September following he was constituted the Kings Lieutenant as well in the parts of Flanders and Calais as
first designed for Gascoigne an 20. E. 3. he was made Admiral of the Fleet but the King altering his course upon the advice of Sir Godfry de Harecourt took into his own Ship the Admirals Colours and sailed towards Normandy Where landing at Hoges this Earl made the first attempt with one Esquire and six Archers against 100 Normans whereof 60 were slain upon the place and by this valiant action made way for the Kings Army to land Upon this he was constituted one of the Marshals of the Kings Army and Sir Godfry de Harecourt the other And upon the Kings advance to Cressy he was one of the Commanders under the Prince of Wales who led the Van of his Army in that famous battel He attended the King at the Siege of Calais with 3 Bannerets 61 Knights 160 Esquires 154 Archers on Horseback and upon its surrender he with the Earl of Stafford and Sir Walter Manny had the Keys of the Town delivered them by the King and were appointed to take possession of it for him And for his great services in this Voyage into France the King gave him 1366 l. 11. s. 8 d. and after assigned him 1000 Marks per annum for life out of the Customs of London Lynn and St. Botolphs and these partly in recompence for his great services and partly for wages due for attendance on his person with 100 men at Arms according to certain Indentures of Covenants made betwixt them He was also in that Naval fight against the Spanish Fleet near Winchelsey quarto Calendas Septembris an 24. E. 3. where the English took 26 of their best Ships the rest fled or were sunk King Edward having received intelligence that the French King threatned an Invasion this Earl was constituted Admiral of the Sea from the River Thames Westward and Philip de Witton made his Lieutenant The same year he was constituted one of the Commissioners assigned for the Arraying all able men as well Knights and Esquires as others within the Counties of Warwick Leicester and Worcester for defence of the Realm The Prince being constituted the King's Lieutenant in Aquitaine he attended him thither and there staid with him that year and the year after And that the Town of Vattes in Bretagne might be made defensible he had command to take care of the fortifying it and to furnish the Magazin with stores In the Battel at Poictiers the French King and his eldest Son encountred the Battel of the English Marshals led by the Earls of Warwick and Suffolk And after the Victory the Prince sent this Earl and Sir Reignold Cobham to discover what was become of the French King who after some time espied a Company of Souldiers together and riding towards them found the French King on foot in great danger between the English and Gascoigners for they had taken him from Sir Denis Morbeck to whom the King first yielded himself and in token thereof had given him his right Gauntlet there being above 10 Knights and Esquires among them who challenged him for their Prisoner but this Earl entring the throng commanded the Souldiers to fall back and brought King Iohn to the Prince In this Battel the Earl himself took William de Melleun Archbishop of Seinz Prisoner for whose Ransom he after received 8000 l. and therein behaved himself most valiantly and got great renown having fought so long that his hand was galled with the management of his Sword and Poleax This Earl was in the Gascoigne War an 31. E. 3. he also attended the King in his Expedition into France an 33. E. 3. And after the Peace was agreed upon at Bretigny near Chartres and the King returned to England he gave this Earl the Command of all the Forces he left behind him in Guyenne or any other place on that side the Sea An. 36. E. 3. he marched in the Retinue of Iohn Duke of Bretagne The following year he attended the Prince of Wales into Gascoigne and had an allowance of 452 l. in recompence of his expences and loss sustained by stay of himself and Men at Arms at Southampton After he had been a while in Gascoigne he began his Travels into other Countries having a Train of 300 Horse consisting of Knights Esquires Archers and Servants In this Journey he spent 3 years having made great proof of his Valour in the East Countries against the Pagans and in his return for England brought along with him the King of Lituania's Son to whom being christened in London this Earl was Godfather and named him Thomas His Commission for Marshal of England was renewed to him an 40. E. 3. and the following year he and the Bishop of Durham and some others were impowered to supervise the Marches of Scotland and to treat with David de Bruys about the rupture of the Truce formerly made at Berwick and several injuries done by the Scots He married Katherine one of the Daughters of Roger Mortimer Earl of March who dyed some few weeks before him He had by her these Children Guy his eldest Son who died in France Thomas who succeeded him in his Earldom Reynburn William Lord Bergaveny and Roger. His Daughters were Maud the Wife of Roger Lord Clifford Philippa of Hugh Earl of Stafford Alice of Iohn Beauchamp of Hach Ioane of Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton Isabel of Iohn Lord Strange of Blackmere Margaret of Guy de Montfort Agnes of Cokesey Iulian and Katherine This noble Earls last action was in the Isle of Caux an 43. E. 3. for passing over to Calais in assistance of the Duke of Lancaster as is mentioned the French having intelligence of his coming presently withdrew in great confusion from Chalke-hill where they had pitcht their Tents and upon his arrival understanding that the English had only faced the French and not fought them he could not forbear to condemn their slackness and out of a high sence and indignation thereof said I will go on and fight before the English bread which we have eaten be digested and forthwith past into the Isle of Caux in Normandy which he entred with Fire and Sword but returning to Calais he fell sick of the Pestilence then vulgarly called the Third Mortality and died on the 13. of November His Body was brought over into England and interred in the middle of the Choire of the Collegiate Church at Warwick the Sculp of whose Monument is to be seen in the Antiquities of Warwickshire 5 Piers Capitow de la Bouch. We are yet to seek who this person was notwithstanding there hath wanted no pains in the search That his name was Peter is most evident from the Inscription under his Plate yet remaining in Windesor Chappel in these very Syllables Le Capitow de la Bouch Monsieur Piers But whether Peter de Greilly
but that year he went over with Iohn Duke of Lancaster in his Voyage into France against whom the Duke of Burgoigne was sent with so great an Army that the English were but as a handful to them and having pitched his Tents near Calais within a Mile of the English Army after 19. days stay he dislodged and went to St. Omars not with much honor as some observe After whose departure the Duke of Lancaster returned to Calais and having refreshed his Army for three days and marched thence to St. Omars and the County of St. Paul then passed the River Some and entred the Countries of Ve xin and Ewe within the Archbishoprick of Roan thence to Deepe and Harflew with design to burn the French Fleet which lay there but the Earl of St. Paul was entred the Town before and so secured the Haven Whereupon he returned through Ponthieu where before Abeville Sir Hugh de Chastelon Master of the Crossbows in France was taken who with the Earl of St. Paul had before entred Ponthieu and took it from the King of England and having wasted the Country with Fire and Sword as they past along to Calais staid there a while and then took shipping for England where he arrived about the Feast of St. Martin the Bishop in Winter This Earl attended the King when he took his Voyage to relieve Thouars an 46. E. 3. who directing his course towards Rochel was not able to land by reason of contrary Winds and Tempests but forced to return after nine weeks being tossed upon the Sea The year following he with William Nevil and Sir Philip Courtney was sent to Sea upon a rumour that Ievan Prince of Wales Son of Prince Aymon was upon the English Coast with 6000 men designing to land The Earl had 40 Sail of Ships besides Barges and 2000 men of Arms besides Archers and departing from Cornwall sailed to Bretagne and coming to St. Malo burnt seven great Spanish Ships in that Haven Thence they sailed to Brest and there relieved the Garrison where Sir Robert Knolls was besieged by the Constable Sir Bertrand de Guesclin with men and provisions which having done they took shipping with design to keep the Frontiers of Bretagne and Normandy about which time the King had recruited them with 1000 men of Arms and 2000 Archers Hereupon he again went to Brest with a resolution to fight the French that lay before it but before he got thither the Constable had withdrawn most of his men to other Sieges upon a Composition made with the Garrison to surrender in case they were not relieved within 40 days for performance of which they had taken Hostages Upon the Earls arrival he sent to the Constable either to fight or to return the Hostages but he refused both so the Earl having Victualled the Castle departed to Sea and kept the Marches and Frontiers as before In the 50. year of King Edward's Reign he was constituted Admiral of his Fleet from the River Thames towards the Western parts And the following year a Commission issued to him and some others to Array all able men from 16 to 60 years of Age in the County of Dorset to be ready on occasion to withstand an Invasion and defend the Kingdom there being apprehensions that the French would land The first year of King Richard the Second the French being on the Sea this Earl was assigned to secure the Sea Coasts in the Counties of Southampton and Dorset to which purpose Command was sent to the Knights and Gentry of those Counties to be assistant to him It appears also that he was this year employed in Sea service and an 2. R. 2. constituted Governour of Calais An. 8. R. 2. he with divers others of the Nobility had Summons to appear at New-Castle upon Tyne the 14. of Iuly with Horse and Arms thence to march against the Scots The custody of the Isle of Wight and Castle of Carbroke with the whole Demesne thereunto belonging was granted to him during his life with all the profits liberties and advantages as the King enjoyed them without rendring any thing therefore only that he should maintain the Castle and undergo all Charges of the Isle and Castle as the Governors thereof usually had done He designe dto marry Ioane Daughter to Edmund Plantagenet Earl of Kent and gained a Contract from her but Sir Thomas Holland in his Petition to Pope Clement the Sixth alledging a precontract from her with him upon which carnal copulation followed and being after in Foreign parts this Earl contracted with her again and unjustly withheld her from him thereupon the Pope gave judgment against the Earl who complying therewith married another noble Lady namely Elizabeth eldest Daughter and after one of the three Co-heirs of Iohn Lord Mohun another of the Founders of this most Noble Order who outlived her Lord and had her Dower assigned an 21. R. 2. By this Lady he had William his only Son and Heir unfortunately slain at Windesor an 6. R. 2. by his own hand in a Tilting a place fatal also to his Father who at the Justs held there an 18. E. 3. was so sorely bruised that he dyed soon after so that Iohn Mountacute his Cousin and Heir Son and Heir of his Brother Iohn succeeded him in his Earldom This Earl dyed the 3. of Iune an 20. R. 2. having survived all the first Founders of this most Noble Order 8. Roger Mortimer Earl of March HE was the Son of Edmund Mortimer Son and Heir of Roger Mortimer first Earl of March and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter of Bartholomew de Badlesmere Baron of Leeds who after her Husbands death was married to William Bohun Earl of Northampton born towards the latter end of the first years Reign of King Edward the Third In the Voyage which this King made into France in the 20. year of his Reign he attended him being yet under age but before he went the King admitted Sir Peter de Grandison and William de Newenham Clerk to be his Guardians and to prosecute and defend his Suits in any of the King's Courts Upon his Petition in Parliament an 28. E. 3. he obtained a revocation of the Judgment against his Grandfather attainted of and executed for Treason an 4. E. 3. and thereupon was restored in Blood and to the Earldom of March and to all his said Grandfathers Lands Honors and Possessions The next year he was made Custos of the Castle of Dover and the Cinque-Ports for life and afterwards went beyond Sea in the Kings Service in the Voyage which Iohn of Gaunt made into France upon the French Kings drawing down an Army towards Calais And in the Kings Expedition into France an 33. E. 3. upon which a Peace ensued he attended him with 500 men at Arms and 1000 Archers He married Philippa Daughter of
Walter Devereux Lord Ferrers into the said Ordre and receive his Othe and install him but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Noble Order it appertaineth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge in that behalf Yeven undre our Seale of our said Gartier at our Castell of Windesore the xxi day of August the xv year of our Reign NUM XXVII Another Ex Collect. I. V. Elizabeth R. ELIZABETH by the Grace of God Queen of England France and Ireland and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To our right trustly and right well-beloved Câ—zen and Counsellor Francis Earl of Bâ—dford and to our right trusty and right well-beloved Anthony Viscount Mountague Companions â—f our Noble Order of the Garter Forasâ—uâ—h as we for divers reasonable causes cannot be present at our Castell of Windesor on the 19. of June next ensuing where we have determined to have installed our right trusty and right well-beloved Cozens William Earl of Worcester and Henry Earl of Huntingdon as Knights of ouâ— said Order of the Garter We therefâ—re by these presents name constitute appoint and ordain you to be our Deputies giving you full power and authority to admit and install our said Cozens of Worcester and Huntingdon and to do and accomplish every thing which thereunto belongeth and hath been accustomed for the due admittance and installing of the said Earls of Worcester and Huntingdon willing and commanding by the tenor hereof all and every the Companions and Officers of the said Order to be to you in the executing of this our authority obeying and attending as shall appertain Given under the Seal of our saâ—d Order at our honor of Hampton-Court the 12. of June 1570. in the 12. year of our Reign NUM XXVIII Another Ex ipso Autogr. Aerar Coll. Wind. Charles R. CHARLES by the Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To our right trusty and right well well-beloved Cosens and Councellors William Earl of Salisbury and Henry Earl of Holland Knights and Companions of our said Order Greeting Whereas we with you and others the Knights and Companions of our said Order assembled in a Chapter holden at our Palace of Westminster the 24. day of April being the morrow after the day of St. George last past did elect and chuse our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousen Algernon Earle of Northumberland to be a Knight and Companion of our said Order And whereas we have appointed the 13. day of this present Month of May for the time of his Installation at Windesor We do therefore let you know that we have named and assigned you the said Earls of Salisbury and Holland and by these presents do name assign and appoint you two to be Commissioners for the Inâ—tallation of our said Cousin the Earl of Northumberland as aforesaid And accordingly we do hereby give unto you full power and authority not only to accept and admit him into our said Order and to take his Oath but also to do and accomplish whatsoever else is needful to be done for his full Installation according to the Statutes Rules and Customs of our said Order For which purpose it is our pleasure that you make your repair to our Castle of Windesor so as you may be there on Wednesday at night being the 13. of this present May to the end that you may then proceed to the said Installation according to this our Commission Given under the Seal of our said Order at our Palace of Westminster the 11. day of May 1635. and in the 11. year of our Raign NUM XXIX Another Ex Collect. W. le N. Cl. PHilip and Mary c. To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosen the Earl of Huntington and to our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Clynton Companions and Knights of the Noble Order of the Garter Greeting Forasmuch as we with other Companions of the said Noble Order assembled at a Chapter holden at our Honour of Hampton Court the 24. of April last past have elected and chosen our right trusty and right well-beloved the Viscount Mountague to be Knight and Companion of the said Noble Order We therefore will and by the presents authorise and license you not only to accept and admit the said Viscount Mountague into the said Order and to receive his Oath and install him accordingly but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable Customs of the said Noble Order appertaineth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Yeoven under the Seal of our said Order the 12. of October the 2. and 3. year of our Raigns NUM XXX A Letter of Summons to the Commissioners appointed for Installation Ex Collect. I. V. By the Queen RIght trusty and well-beloved we greet you well and whereas we have appointed you together with our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosen and Councellor the Earl of Lincoln to be in Commission for the Installation in our Castle of Windesor of our right trusty and right well-beloved Cosens Henry Earl of Derby and Henry Earl of Penbroke being lately chosen Knights of our Order of the Garter We have thought it good not only to give you knowledge hereof by these our Letters but also to require you to make your repair to our said Castle of Windesor so as you may be there on Wednesday the 19. day of this Moneth to the end that upon Thursday the 20. day of this present Moneth of May they may proceed to their Installations accordingly Yeven under our Signet at our Palais of Westminster the 17. day of May in the 16. year of our Reign To our right trusty and well-beloved the Viscount Mountague one of the Companions of our Order The like Letter mutatis mutandis was under the same date directed to the Earl of Lincoln joined in Commission with him NUM XXXI A Letter of Summons to an Elect-Knight for his repair to Windesor to be Installed Ex ipso Autogr. Charles R. RIght trusty and well-beloved Cousen We greet you well Whereas in consideration of your approved fidelity and extraordinary services performed by you for us We lately elected and chose you to be one of the Companions of our most Noble Order of the Garter and in token thereof did send unto you the George and Ribband part of the Ensigns of our said Order and having at a Chapter held at White-hall the 14. day of January last past appointed to celebrate the Feast of St. George at our Castle of Windesor upon the 15.16 and 17. days of April next ensuing We do hereby require you to make your repair to our Castle of Windesor so as you be there on Monday the 15. of April next by Noon that in the Afternoon of the said day you may proceed to your Installation according
entirely beloved Cousin the said Duke of Savoy Prince of Piemont c. and to install him in the lieu of the said Duke but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Noble Order as touching a Proctor it appertaineth And in semblable wise we will authorise and license you to admit accept and install our said right trusty and right well-beloved Counsellor the Lord William Howard of Essingham high Admiral of England and further to do for his installing as to the Statutes of the said Noble Order it belongeth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Given under the Seal of our Garter at our Palace of Westminster the 29. day of January in the first and second year of our Reign 1554. NUM CXXVII Another for the Installation of the French King Charles the Ninth Ex eod Collect. ELizabeth by the grace of God c. To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Sussex our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor the Earl of Leicester Master of our Horse our right trusty and well-beloved the Viscount Mountague with our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Clynton our high Admiral of England Knights and Companions of our Noble Order of the Garter Greeting Forasmuch as We with other the Companions of the said Noble Order assembled did lately elect and chuse our dearest and most entirely beloved Brother the French King to be Knight and Companion of our said Noble Order and forasmuch as our said dear Brother cannot for divers causes conveniently repair to our collegiate Chappel within our Castle of Windesore and for that cause hath 〈◊〉 a right noble personage the Lord Rambouilliet one of his ordinary Chamberlains Knight of the Order of Saint Michaell and Captain of fifty ordinary men of Arms sufficiently authorised as his Deputy and Procurer to be installed in his name and to receive his Oath and to perform all other such things and Ceremonies for him as to the Statutes and Ordinances of the said Order be requisite and appertains We therefore in consideration of the premisses will and by these presents give unto you full power and authority not only to accept and admit the said Procurer but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Noble Order as touching a Procurer it doth appertain And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Given under the Seal of our Order at our Palace of Westminster the 14. day of January in the 8. year of our Reign NUM CXXVIII Letters of notice to the Commissioners appointed to Install the Duke of Holstein by his Proxie Collect. A. V. W. By the Queen RIght trusty and well-beloved We greet you well and whereas we have appointed you together with our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Hastings of Loughborow to be in Commission for the Instalment in our Castle of Windesor of our dearest and most entirely beloved Cousin the Duke of Holstein by his Procurer the Viscount Hereford being lately chosen to be one of the Fellowship and Companions of our Order of the Garter We have thought it good not only to give you knowledge hereof by these our Letters but also to require you to make your repair to our said Castle of Windesor so as you may be there on Saturday the 14. day of this moneth to the end that upon Sunday next the 15. day of this present Moneth of December he may proceed to the Installation of him by his Procurer accordingly Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster the 12. day of December in the third Year of our Reign To our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Pagit of Beaudesert one of the Companious of our Order The like Letter was directed to the Lord Loughborow the other Commissioner appointed for this Installation NUM CXXIX Letters of notice to the Commissioners for Installation of the French King Charles the Ninth Ex eod Collect. By the Queen RIght trusty and right well-beloved Cousin we greet you well And whereas we have appointed you with others the Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter to be in Commission for the Installation in our Castle of Windesor of our dearest and most entirely beloved Brother the French King by his Procurer the Lord Rambouillet being lately chosen to be one of the Fellowship and Companions of our Order of the Garter We have thought it good not only to give you knowledge hereof by these our Letters but also to require you to make your repair to our said Castle of Windesor so as you may be there on Tuesday next the 15. day of this present Moneth of January to the end that on Wednesday he may proceed to his Installation accordingly Given under our Signet at our Palace of Westminster the day of January in the eight year of our Reign To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Sussex one of the Companions of our Order The like Letter to the Earl of Leicester Viscount Mountague and Lord Clinton NUM CXXX A Warrant for materials for the Banner of the French King Henry the Second Ex Collect. E. W. G. By the King Edward WE will and command you that unto our trusty and well-beloved Servant Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight aliàs Garter King at Arms ye deliver or cause to be delivered upon sight hereof without delay three yards of Cloth of Gold two yards of Cloth of Gold Tissue and 16 yards of Blue Velvet which shall be for the Banner for the Mantles of the Helmet and the lyning of the same for the Installation of Henry the French King and that you content and pay for the Stuff workmanship and the embroidering of the said Banner And these our Letters c. Given under our Signet at our Mannor of Greenwich the 10. of May in the fifth year of our Reign To our trusty and well-beloved Counsellor Sir Rauf Sadleyere Knight Master of our Great Wardrobe or to his Deputy there NUM CXXXI A Warrant to deliver Garter money to provide the Atchievements of the said King Ex Collect. W. le N. Cl. THE King's Majesty's pleasure is that of such his Treasure as remains in your custody to his Majesty's use ye deliver unto Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight alias Garter King at Arms for the provision of an Helm garnished with fine Gold a Crown of Copper gilt an arming Sword and Girdle to the same and a Plate of metal with the Arms of the French King engraven which are for the Installation of the King's Majesty's good Brother Henry the French King the sum of twenty pounds and these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant in that behalf From Greenwiche the 11. of May 1551. Your loving friends E. Somerset J. Bedford E. Clinton W. Herbert W. Cecil J. Warwick W. Northt W. Paget J. Gate NUM CXXXII A Warrant
in Offic. Arm. H. 12. fol. 142. y Lib. C. p. 46. vide MS. f. pen. W.D.N. p. 17. b. etiam MS. in Offic. Arm. H. 12. fol. 142. z Lib. C. p. 46. vide MS. f. pen. W.D.N. p. 17. b. etiam MS. in Offic. Arm. H. 12. fol. 142. a Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. b Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. c Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. d Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. e Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. f Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. g Ex eod MS. pen. W. D. N. vide etâ—am MS. f. penes G.O.Y. p. 113 123. Collect. R. C. Cl. h Pag. 32. Illustrissimus Comes Arundel constituted the Soveraign's Lieutenant for that Feast cum reliquo Ordinis comitatu slipatus Matutinis Precibus intersuit Postea verò omnes celeberrimi Ordinis Commilitones illustrissimae Reginae dederunt operam seduli quae Sacellum est ingressa inibique Regis sedâ—â—l recepta quod reliquum erat celebritatis gratiosè peregit i MS. pen. E.W.G. k Eod. MS. l Lib. C. p. 1. m Ibid. pag. 6. n Pag. 19. o Pag. 30. p Lib. C. pag. 41.62.74.85.107.117 127. q Lib. R. p. 1. 2. an 20. Iac. R. r Lib. R. p. 1. 2. an 20. Iac. R. a MS. fol. pen. W. D. N. b MS. fol. pen. W. D. N. c MS. fol. pen. W. D. N. d MS. fol. pen. W. D. N. e MS. pen. G.O.Y. pag. 113. f This Lord and the three following Knights wanted their opposite Companions therefore went single g The year preceding the Soveraign had her Mantle born up in like manner from her shoulders by the Earl of Northumberland on the right hand and the Lord Russel on the left Ex eod MS. pag. 123. g MS. penes W. D. N. f. 3. b. h Ibid. f. 8. a. i Fol. 10. a. k MS. fol. peneâ— G. O. â— p. 123. l MS. peneâ— E.W. G. m MS. peneâ— E.W. G. n MS. peneâ— E.W. G. o MS. fol. peâ— praef W.D.N. fol. 8. b. p MS. fol. peâ— praef W.D.N. fol. 8. b. q MS. fol. peâ— praef W.D.N. fol. 8. b. * Durant de Ritibus Eccl. Cath. p. 427. a Nâ—mb c. 10. v. 13. b Cap. 10. â— 14. usque ad ver 2â— c Cap. 6. d Ver. 8. 9. e 2 Saln cap. 6. 1 Chron. c. 13. f Ver. 25. g â— Sam. c. 6. ver 5. h 1 Chron. cap. 13. ver 8. Triumphs i Exod. cap. 15. k Iudg. cap. 5. l Cap. 20. m Ver. 27. n Pancir li. rerum deperd Cap. de Triumphis o Mart. de Guichard de antiq triumph spect pag. 72. p Lib. de Vir. illustr p. 385. q Mart. de Guichard pag. 73. r Lib. 1. cap. 5. t Lib. 5. de lingua Latina u Mart. de Guichardo de antiq triumpspeâ—â— aculis pag. 21. w Lib. 2. c. 3. x M. Guich de antiq Triumph spect pag. 24. y Perot in Cornucopia fol. 74 col 1. z Salmuth in Pancir lib Rerum dâ—perd Cap. de Triumph a Lib. 2. 5. b Lib. 2. cap. 8. c Lib. 7. c. 24. d In vita Pauli Aemilii e De Bello Lybico f Sylloge Numismatum elegantiorum Edit Argent 1â—20 g Evelins Sculptura pag. 52. Transvection of the Roman Knights h Lib. 6 p. 351. i Liv. Dec. 1. lib 1. extremo vide etiam Val. Maxim m Inscript Ian Gruteri p. 133. n Lib. 33. c. 1. o Loc. citat p Dion Halicar loco cit q Vid. Hist. Aug. Veteres pag. 163. r Advers lib. 25. cap. 18. s Lib. 11. cap. 9. t Hist. Aug. Scriptores pag. 163. u Vide Gruter Inser an t Rom. p. 456. Inser 4. w Stlitibus judicandis id esi super lites judicandos x Inscr. ant Rom. pag. 1026. Inscr. 4. y Inscr. ant Rom. pag. 1026. Inscr. 4. z Lib. 15. c. 4. * In vita Aug. Cap. 38. Cavalcades a Quint. Curt. Amsterl 1650. lib. 5. pag. 95. b Quint. Curt. Amsterl 1650. lib. 5. pag. 95. c Matth. c. 21. v. 8. d 2 Kings c. 9. v. 13. e Matth. 21. vers 9. f Godw. Moses Aaron pag. 134. g Pag. 122. See also Ioâ—st Schanten's Descript. thereof an 1636. h Pag. 122. See also Ioâ—st Schanten's Descript. thereof an 1636. i Pag. 18. k Idem p. 182. l Pag. 109. m Ibid. p. 20. n Evelyn's Sculptura pag. 84. o Penes eund I. Evelyn p Evelins Sculptura pag. 70. q In Musaeo nostro r Pag. 271. s Io. Iusti Winkelmani Caesareologia p. 119. t Plate 14. u Pag 257. w Pag. 278. x Pag. 284. y Pag. 280. z Pag. 286. a Pag. 262. b Pag. 282. c Pag. 260. 263. d Pag. 21. e Ibid. p. 13. f Pag. 270. g Ex ipso Autographo h Ex alio Autogr. i Ex alio Autogr. k Ibid. l MS. penes W. le N. Cl. p. â—88 vide Lib. N. p. 182. Sic. o MS. in Offic. Armor M. 17 fol. 25. p MS. q Ex Lib. praed M. fol. 26. r MS. s MS. t MS. p. 10. 11. u Lib. N p. 307 w Regist. Char. tac fol. 9. b. Ecclesiastical Processions x Hom. 28. Sâ—â—m ad Ascen Dâ—m y Serm. 172. 173. z Lib. 7. Hist. Eccl. cap. 10. a Ruffinus li 2. c. 5. Socrat. l. 3. c. 19. Theod. li. 3. cap 9. b Collect Tho. Wriothesley Mil Garter penes W le Neve Cl. p. 3. c Collect Tho. Wriothesley Mil Garter penes W le Neve Cl. p. 3. d Collect Tho. Wriothesley Mil Garter penes W le Neve Cl. p. 3. Pag. 4. e Synod August cap. 20. cap. 23. f Lib 14. cap 2. g An. 28 30. Eliz. 14. Iac. R. h See Dr. Taylor 's Preface to his Collection of Offices 1. The time when the Grand Procession begins g MS. fol. pen. W.D.N. f. 15. a. h MS. pen. G. O.Y pag. 114 i Lib. R. p. 20. k Collect. W. le N. Cl. l Palmers Iourn p. 40. 2. The Processional way o Lib. C. p. 190. p MS. penes â— W. G. q Pag. 41. r Lib. R. p. 20. s Lib. R. p. 20. t Lib. R. p. 62. u MS. penes Edw. Fauconbridge gen w Lib. R. pag. 85. x Ex Collecâ— Io. Vincent gen y Ex Collecâ— Io. Vincent gen z Lib. Carol. pag. 29. a MS. penes G.O.Y. p. 113. 123. b Collect. W. le N. Cl. c MS. penes W. D. N. d MS. penes G.O.Y. loco
him to the Duke of Joyeuse These Duties thus performed the King standing invested with his Robes and the â—arl likewise by him the Ambassador for and in the name of the Earl for want of the Language used a Speech to this effect Sir we rejoice greatly to see your Majesty now invested into this honorable Society and Order of the Garter desiring of God that long and most happily you may wear and use the same to his Glory and the advancement of your own greatness equal with all your Predecessors being right well assured for so hath her Majesty commanded my Lord to say unto you that if her Highness and the residue of the Knights of this Order certainly had understood of the day and time of this your Majesties reception of the same both she and all they would not have failed in their Robes to celebrate this day in token of the honor and prosperous success they wish unto your Royal Person When the King had thus received the Order and was invested as aforesaid he proceeded to the Church of the Augustines some 15 or 20 score off to Evensong being about 4 of the Clock the way being all railed in with Timber and gravelled with fine Sand and guarded on each side with the Kings several Guards that the Train might not be troubled in proceeding The body of the Church was hanged with rich Arras and all the Choire of the same Church and Stalls with Cloth of Gold At the entry of the Choire was erected two Cloths of State one for the Queens Majesty and that was over the Stall on the right hand of the same Choire and the other for the French King and that was over the Stall next unto the Queens Majesty on the left hand within these two States royal were affixed the Arms of these two Princes viz. over the Queens Stall the Arms of England and France quarterly and over the Kings Stall the Arms of France both within the Garter and set in Frames of Wood richly gilt The Earls Stall was about eleven Stalls beneath her Majesties and on the same side whereon was also affixed the Earls Arms within the Garter and his Stile fairly written under them directly before the Queens Cloth of State was placed a Form covered all with Cloth of Gold for Mr. Clarenceux to sit upon during the time of Evensong At the right side of the Altar within the same Choice was made a place of bords Sâ—affoldwise two yards high from the Ground covered with rich Carpets and hanged with Cloth of Gold whereon was placed the Queen Mother and Queen Regnant with other Ladies and great Princes and directly on the other side against them was another place made and erected whereon stood the Popes Nuntio with the Cardinals and all the Ambassadors that then were in Paris All things being thus put in Order at the Church and all persons placed therein according to their Degrees the King proceeded thither in this sort following First Trumpets and Drums Then thirty English Gentlemen accompanied by the Kings especial order and care with thirty French Gentlemen of equal or better degree Then the Lord Windesor with a French Lord. Then the Lord Sands so also accompanied Then Serjeants at Arms with their Maces Then Somerset Herald at Arms. Then Clarenceux Then the Ambassador Leiger Sir Edward Stafford And then the Earl of Darby Chief Commissioner After him followed the King his Train being born by a Brother of the Duke of Joyeuse being a Gentleman of the Kings Privy Chamber And after the King came the Princes of the Blood Royal. Then Dukes Marquessâ—s Earls and other Noblemen Note That the King had especially ordered that for her Majesties special Honor none should that day proceed before him but English and such French as were ordered to go with them and his own Nobility to wait behind him Note also that all personages of the Order of the Holy Spirit went next to the King in their Cloaks of the Order and Collars of Gold about their necks of the same Order the person of the King was guarded all the way by a number of Gentlemen Pensioners with their Pool-axes in their hands In this order the King with his Train entred the Church and in the entring in of the Choire Somerset Herald in his rich Coat of Arms made his three Reverences the first towards the Altar as it was formerly agreed upon before by the Lord Ambassadors Secondly towards the Queens Stall Thirdly towards the Kings Stall And after him Clarenceux entring the same Choire did the like Then the Ambassador Leiger then the Earl which done the said Earl went before his own Stall and there stayed till the King had taken his Stall Royal and then the Earl making his Reverence as before went up into his Stall After him the Ambassador Leiger did the like and went into the Stall next beneath the Earl towards the High Altar Then Clarenceux having made the like Reverence sat him down on his Form placed as aforesaid directly against the Queen's Stall where he remained till the Choire began to sing Magnificat At which time he stepped forward into the midst of the Choire and there making his three Reverences as aforesaid turned himself to the Earl and Leiger Ambassador then the Ambassador came forth of his Stall and making his three Reverences followed Clarenceux over the Choire towards the King and there stayed afore the Kings Stall until Clarenceux returned and fetched the Earl unto him who making his three Reverences came also with Clarenceux before the King to the right side of his Stall where standing Clarenceux delivered the Oath fairly written in Parchment and Letters of Gold which by the Earl was laid before the King to be Signed the Ambassador Leiger being ready to have read it but that the King said it needed not because he was privy to it before who taking it in his hands received of his Secretary Pinart a Pen with Ink and therewith did subscribe his Name only by the Name of Henry which done he gave the same unto the said Secretary to have the Privy Seal put thereto which was done accordingly and the next day delivered to Clarenceux After the King had thus taken his Oath as aforesaid the Earl and the Ambassador with Clarenceux before them returned back to their Stalls not omitting three Reverences and there remained till the end of Evensong at which time the King standing up in his Stall being ready to depart all the other Strangers Ambassadors presented themselves before him with words of special Congratulation to whom he gave several thanks and answers and so departing out of the Church in the same order as he came thither he returned again to the House of Mantuliet where in the same Chamber as he had put the Robes on he put them off and after some speeches with the Earl and Ambassador some Quarter of an Hour or thereabouts he departed with his Nobility over the Water to the Louvre
Duke Ferdinand Arch-Duke of Austria George de Halwyn Baron of Gomyns An. 16. H. 8. Dukes Peter Duke of Conimbero Iohn Lord Typtost An. 6. H. 6. Dukes Guido Vbaldus Duke of Vrbin Sir Balthasar de Castilian Knight An. 22. H. 7. Dukes Emanuel Duke of Savoy Iohan Thomas Langusts des Contes de Stropiane An. 1. 2. Ph. Mar. Dukes Adolph Duke of Holstein Walter Devereux Viscount Hereford An. 3. Eliz. Dukes Henry Prince of Orange Dudley Carleton Viscount Dorchester An. 4. Car. 1. Dukes Iohn George Duke of Saxony Heneage Finch Earl of Winchelsey An. 23. Car. 2. Earls Anne Montmorency Earl of Beaumont Sir Amye de Courteney Knight Sier de Villert An. 25. H. 8. Earls Philip Chabot Earl of Newblank Sir Iames Deschateners Knight Sier de Beaulion An. 25. H. 8. Thirdly it is provided that he be a Knight and without any manner of Reproach and if it so happen that he have not received the degree of Knighthood the Soveraign is to bestow that honor before he be allowed to take upon him the execution of his deputative power for none but Knights are capable of this Honor or permitted to bear the Ensigns of so great an Order Hereupon the Lord Willoughby of Ersbie Proctor for Frederick the Second King of Denmark and Sir Philip Sidney for Iohn Count Palatine of the Rhyne were both Knighted by the Soveraign at Windesor Castle the morning before they proceeded to take possession of their Principals Stalls Notwithstanding there was a reason why this particular was not strictly stood upon though moved in the case and it is the single case of Henry Ramell Deputy for Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 3. Iac. R. for it being taken notice of that he was not a Knight certain persons were sent from the Soveraign to signifie his pleasure that he should be advanced to the honor of Knighthood before he took upon him the Ensigns of the Order in his Kings behalf to which he made answer that he appeared here not in his own but in the name of the King of Denmark and that such a Degree of honor was unusual in his own Country being born in Pomerania and therefore humbly desired that he might be excused for receiving the honor Upon which answer the Soveraign was pleased to dispence with him and forthwith the said Deputy but no Knight received the Ornaments of the Order and was admitted to take the Stall assigned to the said King his Principal SECT III. His Letters of Procuration THE authority wherewith an Elect-Stranger invests his Proxie is chiefly deduceable from the words in his Letters of Procuration or Deputation which ought to pass under the Hand and Seal of his Principal and do generally contain these particulars First he premiseth the Soveraign's Election of him into the Order of the Garter and his Receipt of the Habit and Ensigns thereof then takes notice of the obligation which the Statutes of the Order put upon him for sending a Proxie to take possession of his Stall in regard the dignity whereunto he is advanced in his own Country will not permit him to repair personally to Windesor and being not only desirous that the Election and Investiture should obtain its due effect but to fulfil as far as in him lies the Injunctions of the Statutes in what concerns the assuming of his Stall and taking the Oath appointed He therefore ordains authorises and deputes a person fitly qualified named in the Deputation his sufficient Proctor and special Deputy to appear at the Castle of Windesor on his behalf and in his Name at the next Solemnity that should be held there to supply his room and receive possession of the Stall assigned him according to the usual form and to perform in all respects those Ceremonies and things in his behalf due and accustomed or should appear to belong any way to the splendor or ornament of the Order As also to take the accustomed Oath with those qualifications and in that form as had been or should be agreed upon and further to fulfill all other things which he should think necessary to be performed on this occasion or whatsoever thing might require a more special command than was contained in the Letters of Procuration and as fully as the Stranger should be obliged unto and would do if he were there present in his own person Lastly there is usually added a Clause of Ratification and Confirmation of all such things as the Proctor should say or do in reference to the Solemnity of Installation SECT IV. Of the Proctor's Reception SOon after the arrival of the Proxie and that the Soveraign is acquainted with the occasion of his coming he at some convenient time giveth him Audience after which a day for Installation is assigned where the Soveraign or his Lieutenant are present the Soveraign nominates some of the Knights-Companions his Commissioners to perform the Ceremonies Heretofore the Soveraign hath caused the Proctor to be received with very great state for so was Sir Balthasar Castilian sent hither from the Duke of Vrbin an 22. H. 7. whom Sir Thomas Brandon with a goodly company of his own Servants well horst met at the Sea side and thence continually kept company with him till they came neer Deptsord in Kent where by the Soveraign's command he was met by Sir Thomas Dokara Lord of St. Iohns and Sir Thomas Wriothesley Garter The said Sir Thomas Dokara had attending him 30 of his Servants all in new Liveries well horsed every Gentleman bearing a Javelin in his hand and every Yeoman a Bow and a Sheaf of Arrows and so they conveyed him to his Lodging The next day they conducted him to London and by the way there met him divers Italians and Paulus de Gygeles the Popes Vice-Collector to whose house he was conveyed and there lodged The Reception also of Iames Lord Rambouillet Proctor for the French King Charles the Ninth was very noble to whom as soon as the Soveraign heard of his arrival at Gravesend being Tuesday the â—8 of Ianuary an 8. Eliz. she sent thither Arthur Lord Grey of Wilton Mr. Midlemore and other Gentlemen who the next day landed him at the Tower-Wharf where all taking Horse they conducted him to his Lodgings neer St. Maries Spittle without Bishops-Gate within which place lay the Ambassador Leiger of France SECT V. The Preparations for Installation THE Preparations for the Installation of a Stranger by Proxie are the same as for the Proxie of a Knight-Subject and mentioned as before namely the 1. Commission for Installation 2. Letters of notice to the Commissioners 3. Warrants for removal of Stalls 4. for the Strangers Atchievements and 5. some other particulars of less note All which are to be obtained by the Chancellor of the Order under the Soveraign's Sign Manual to which the Signet of the Order is to be affixt The form of the Commission is