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
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
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.
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
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
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
to pay into the Exchequer for the Fee Farm of the Mannor of Bollestrade Next he granted him a Pension of 20 Marks per annum for his life out of his Exchequer until Lands of the yearly value of 10 l. should be setled on him The following year he granted him all the Lands and Tenements belonging to Iohn the Son of Henry de Morff in Alnetheley in Shropshire which by forfeiture of the said Iohn Escheated to the King to hold to him and his Heirs for ever Besides these the Prince having retained him in his service as well in Peace as for War granted to him for life a Pension of 50 l. per annum and that it might be more certainly paid he after granted to him his Mannors of Neuyn and Purchely in North Wales for life which the King confirmed Afterwards Henry Earl of Lancaster the Kings Lieutenant in Aquitaine for the good service this Knight had formerly done the King in England Scotland and elsewhere and also to himself in Gascoigne by Letters Patent dated the 12. of November an Dom. 1346. gave him for his life Pedalium Sancti Macharii with all the profits thereto belonging which grant the King confirmed to him an 22. E. 3. This noble Knight was Son and Heir of Roger Loring and Cassandrae Daughter of Reginald Perot He married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Sir Ralph Beauple of Cnubeston in Devonshire by Elizabeth his Wife Daughter and Heir of Alan Bloyho the relict of Stephen Tinterne Esq by whom he had Issue two Daughters and Heirs namely Isabel Wife to Robert Lord Harington and Margaret Wife to Iohn Peyvre of Tuddington in the County of Bedford He died an 9. R. 2. and was buried in the Priory of Dunstable to which he had been a great Benefactor 21. Sir Iohn Chandos THE first Martial Action of his was at St. Quintins for while King Edward in the 13. year of his Reign lay at siege before Cambray being the first Town he sate down before upon his first entrance into France the Earl of Henault made an assault upon St. Quintins where this Esquire so then called by Sir Iohn Froissard fought valiantly with Iohn de St. Dager an Esquire of Vermandois between the Bars and the Gate both manifesting great Courage and Gallantry And in this Expedition he was ranged in the third Battel led by the King which was pitch'd between Vironfosse and Flamengery to encounter the French For his Valour shewn in this Expedition the King bestowed on him the honor of Knighthood and at his return to Antwerpe granted him 20 Marks per annum out of his Exchequer to support that Dignity till he should settle on him Lands to that yearly value for his life When the King led another Army into Flanders designed also against the French he attended him and fought valiantly in the Naval Engagement before Sluce He was in the Voyage Royal made into Normandy an 20. E. 3. and in its march at Poisy he and Sir Basset preserved two of the Lord of Poisy's Daughters from violation and brought them to the King who caused them to be safely conducted to Corbe whither they desired to go At the Battel of Cressy he commanded in the Van led by the Prince of Wales and when this Prince was constituted the Kings Lieutenant in Aquitaine he attended him in that Expedition and by his command summon'd the Castle of Romorentine which held out a while but was at length forced to surrender Marching on with the Prince the Battel of Poictiers approached and on the day before a Truce for that day being obtained by the endeavours of the Cardinal of Piergort this valiant Knight coasted about to make discovery of the French Army as did also the Lord Clerèmont one of the French Marshals and as they returned they met and observed that both of them bore the same device to wit a Lady in blue irradiated with the Sun-beams Cleremont demanded how long he had born his device Chandos answered you bear mine I deny that replied Cleremont and did not the Truce hinder I would make it good To morrow said Chandos you shall find me ready to justifie it to be mine as well as yours and so they parted The next day the Fight begun during which St. Iohn never parted from the Princes side and when he perceived that the French Marshals was discomfited he advised the Prince to advance towards the Kings Battel telling him there was all the hazard and the glory which he accordingly did At the end of this famous Battel when no more French Banners were left in the field he prevailed with the Prince to set up his Standard in a Bush near him to give a signal to his dispersed Army to rally while he took some refreshment An. 33. E. 3. he attended the King in his Expedition into France and being at the siege of Rheyms he and Sir Iames Audeley and the Lord Mucident a Gascoigne with their Troops rode near to Chalons in Champaigne and drawing near to Chargny in Dormois where was a strong Castle they gave an assault to it at which the Lord Mucident being slain they in revenge made a resolution to take it ere they went away which they did putting all to the Sword and demolishing the Castle He was constituted Captain and the Kings Lieutenant in the Dukedom of Normandy and the parts of France and had power given him to grant Pardons for Treason Murder c. and whatsoever he did in this case the King promised to ratifie under his Great Seal After the Peace near Chartres Sir Iohn Chandos was constituted one of King Edward's Commissioners to take possession of the Dutchy of Aquitaine where Sir Iames de Bourbon delivered him the possession of divers Lands Towns Cities Castles and Fortresses whereupon he received the Fealty and Homage of all the Nobility and others Shortly after he was made Captain and Commander in chief of the Castle and Town of Rochel and all the Country of Xâ—ntonge and a command was therewithall sent to Iohn de Monte Ferandi Custos of the said Castle and Town to deliver them up to him with all the Arms Provisions and other the King's Stores in his possession And the following year when the Prince of Wales now created Prince of Guyenne took a Voyage thither he was made Constable of Aquitaine and Sir Guischard d' Angle Marshal When the King of Cyprus came into Aquitaine upon a visit to the Prince he was sent to receive and conduct him to Angolesme where the Prince kept his Court He also waited on him through Xantonge and Poictou to Rochell to view the Country whence he returned to Angolesme where having taken leave of the Prince he yet attended him to the confines of the Principality Charles de Bloys having gained new strength from
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.
viz. Arch-Bishops Bishops Abbots Earls Barons and Knights Verstegan is of opinion that this word began to be made use of among our Ancestors as a Title of Honor from such as were admitted for their merit to be Knights to the King viz. his own Servants and Reteyners and such as were appointed to ride with or attend on him to whom our industrious Minshew agrees the Equites saith he which heretofore followed and accompanied the Emperor are in the German Tongue called Knechtes that is Servitors or Ministers But our learned Cambden is of opinion that the word Knercht was in far more ancient times used and accepted as an honorary Title and among the old Germans signified a person armed with Spear and Launce the Ensigns of their Knighthood as in after times such were among other Nations adorned with a Girdle and Belt who are since called Equites Aurati and sometimes simply Milites In the last place we think it not amiss to say something here touching the usual and accustomed English word with us added to the names of Knights viz. Sir We note then that since Titles and honorary Appellations have been in use for anciently no other Appellations were used but only the persons names the word Sire in old French was taken to signifie Seignieur or Lord and though in Latin the word Dominus hath been indifferently attributed to all Degrees of Nobility yet in the Registries of the most noble Order of the Garter it is us'd with a distinction For wherever the Names of any of the Knights Companions are recorded if he be a Baron of the Kingdom it is exprest by Dominus and his Surname only added thereunto as for instance the Lord Cameux is termed Dominus de Cameux and so others whereas a Knight Baneret or Batchelor hath his Christian Name adjoined as Sir Iohn Chandos who was one of the first Founders of this most noble Order is stiled Dominus Iohannes Chandos Sir Walter Paâ—ely another of those Founders is written Dominus Gualterâ—s Paâ—ely and so of others Now this addition Sir is properly attributed to the Names of all Knights Banerets Knights of the Bath and Batchelor Knights the words sometimes pronounced at the time when they are dubbed being with this compellation to their Christian Names Arise Sir Iohn or Sir Thomas or whatsoever else is his Christian Name and therefore is accounted parcel of their stile as among the French Messire is used in the same nature But to Knights Baronets the addition of Sir is granted by a peculiar clause in their Patents of Creation to be prefixt to their Christian Names albeit they be not dubbed Knights How it came to be first given we cannot find but Custom from former times hath continued it to ours upon the Degrees before mentioned and divers of our old English Writers have bestowed it upon the major Nobility after they had been received into the Order of Knighthood Nevertheless though it be wholly uncertain when it first began to be used with us yet our learned Selden hath observed it in an Hebrew Star of King Edward the First 's time And in the life of Saint Thomas Becket written also about that Age we meet with the Title prefixt to the Names of the four Knights there called Luther Knigths who slew the said Saint Thomas His Knyghts tho hi i husde this hi stode some stille Hi bethoghte stillelich to pay the Kyng at wille Hour that mest â—rewen wer bithoghte of one gile Sir Renaud le uz Ours and Sir Hewe de Morbile And Sir William Trati and Sir Richard le Brut. SECT VI. The Ensigns of the Equestrian Order among the Romans THE Equestrian Order among the ancient Romans was conferr'd by particular Ceremonies to wit the donation of a Horse or giving of a Ring and these were accounted the two chief and principal Ensigns and Ornaments of that Order as appears out of Pliny and other Writers and both bestowed upon the publick account The giving of the publick or military Horse was a far more ancient Ceremony than that of bestowing the Ring there being a time when only those who received the publick Horse weâ—â— of the Equestrian Order and none other and this was long before the Gold Ring was used as a mark of this Honor. For it appears out of Livy that upon Servius his Institution of the Cense and his inrolling the Knights by it he forthwith took care to pay them out of the publick Treasure Ten thousand pieces of Brass Money to buy them Horses and certain Widows were assigned to pay two thousand pieces of like money annually towards the keeping of them Therefore saith the learned Salmasius no other were then enrolled in the Equestrian Order but such as had the Equestrian Cense and to whom a publick Horse was assigned And this is further evident from this passage in Pliny That the Name to wit Equites which was heretofore saith he derived from the â—ilitary Horses now the Iudges upon the account of money viz. the Censors bestow But here instead of the word Iudices the learned Critick Iustus Lipsius is rather willing to read Indices and we find the Letters n and u are frequently mistaken by Transcribers the one for the other which indeed seems as well sutable to the meaning which the whole sentence aims at for the former part thereof declares that the Rings were the Notes or Ensigns of the middle viz. Equestrian Degree and then according to Lipsius his correction of the word the latter part runs thus that the Name which formerly the military Horses gave the Notes and Indices of wealth did afterwards to wit in Pliny's time bestow And as the donation of a Horse was the ancienter badge of Knighthood so were those to whom it was given saith Iustus Lipsius most anciently properly and alone in times past called Equites The same Lipsius reflecting on the twofold Ensigns of Knighthood among the Romans makes a dichotomy of the Equestrian Order into those who had a publick Horse and others who had none but only the honor of wearing of a Gold Ring In succeeding times when the Custom was received of electing Knights as well by bestowing of a Gold Ring as formerly had been used by the single Ceremony of giving a publick Horse yet still to those who had the Equestrian Cense then was the number of these Knights very much increased whereupon no publick Horses were afterwards assigned but unto such as were ready to enter into the military service and to fight in the Legions and then also to such persons only who were chosen out of the Body Number and Order of the Knights to wit such as to whom there had not yet any publick Horse been assigned but were only known to be of that Order by wearing of a Gold Ring Those therefore to whom the publick Horse was then assigned were thenceforth
Ferrys 16. William Palet Canon 12. Iohn Vaughan Canon 17. Henry Deane 13. William Lord Hastings 27. Iohn Oxenbrydge Canon 14. Brothers and Sisters of St. Anthony  21. King Edward the Third Founder  27. Will Askew Bishop of Salisbury  August September 4. Sir Reginald Bray Knight 5. Iohn Seymor Canon 8. Iohn Blount 13. Henry Hanslappe Canon 10. William Mychell Canon 14. Iohn Duke of Bedford 11. Robert Barham Canon 16. William Bohun Earl of Northampton 17. Philippa Queen of England Foundress 27. William Wykham Bishop of Winchest 18. Richard Surland Canon  31. King Henry the Fifth  It was an usual thing in former Ages especially for those of the Military profession after they had spent their youth and manhood in the service of their King and Country to bestow the remainder of their livâ—â— in Prayers for both and the salvation of their own Souls And therefore to cherish the piety of well disposed Knights-Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter who for devotions sakâ— were induced to retire to Windesor permission was given then by the Statutes of Institution to make their continual abode there Nevertheless to maintain themselves out of their own Estates not at the Colledge charge This Article is confirmed by the Statutes of King Henry the Fifth to which those of King Henry the Eighth add That the Soveraign should assign them convenient Habitations within the Castle The like favour upon like occasion was afforded to other devout Knights though not of the Order but the Lodgings to be such as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions should decree We no where find that any of the Knights-Companions made use of the benefit of this Article hitherto but in another nature and for their better accommodation at the grand Feast of the Order and other Solemnities held at Windesor they moved the Soveraign in Chapter there 22. of May anno 14. Car. 1. That they might have Rooms for Lodgings assigned them in the great or upper Court which they offered to repair at their own charge since all the officers of the Order had Lodgings in the Castle but the Knights-Companions none This motion was not disliked by the Soveraign so it might be without exclusion of the Great Officers of State concerning whom He declared That he would not have them removed from him at any time and thereupon it was left to further consideration SECT III. The Foundation of the Colledge within the Chappel KIng Henry the First as he had erected a Chappel within the Castle so did he therein found a Colledge for eight Canons neither endowed nor incorporate but maintained by an annual Pension out of the Kings Exchequer King Edward the Second founded here a Chantry for four Chaplains and two Clerks to pray for his Soul and the Souls of all his Progenitors as likewise a Chappel in the Park of Windesor under the same Ordination for four more Chaplains whom his Son King Edward the Third by the advice of his Council removed and joined to those other before setled in the Chappel of the Castle and built habitations for their better accommodation on the South side thereof all which we shall pass over with this short mention as not directly relative to our present purpose But the Foundation that we shall treat of here King Edward the Third laid by His Letters Patent bearing Teste at Westminster on the sixth day of August anno regni sui 22. that being about three quarters of a year before He instituted the most Noble Order of the Garter for being inflamed with the zeal of a pious devotion and desiring by a good kind of Commerce to exchange earthly for heavenly and transitory for eternal things at his own Royal Charge He new founded the ancient Chappel in honor and to the praise of the omnipotent God the glorious Virgin Mary of St. George the Martyr and St. Edward the Confessor And by his Kingly authority and as much as in him lay Ordained that to King Henry's eight Canons there should be added one Custos fifteen more Canons and twenty four Alms-Knights together with other Ministers all under the Government nevertheless of the Custos and these to be maintained out of the Revenues wherewith this Chappel was and should be endowed But according to the opinion of those times his Kingly Authority extended not to the instituting therein men of Religion and other Officers to perform and attend the Service of God for that lay in the power and disposition of the Pope And therefore this King setting forth what he had profer'd to do in reference to the endowment of this Chappel requested Pope Clement the Sixth to grant to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Winchester the authority and power of ordaining and instituting the Colledge and other things thereunto appertaining Hereupon this Pope by his Bull dated at Avignion pridie Calendas Decembris in the ninth year of his Papacy which answers to the thirtieth day oâ— November Anno Domini 1351. commending the pious purpose of the King in this affair granted to the Archbishop and Bishop and to either of them full power to Ordain Institutâ— and Appoint in this Chappel as should seem good to them a certain number of Canons Priests Clerks Knights and Officers continually to attend upon the Service of God of which Canons and Priests one should have the Title of Custos and preside over the rest On that day twelvemonth the Statutes and Ordinances of the Colledge bear date being made by virtue of the Popes authority the Kings Command the Consent of the Bishop of Salisbury in whose Diocess the Chappel is situate and of the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury By which Statutes the Bishop of Winchester one of the Popes Delegates for we find not the Archbishop's name used in them did Ordain and Institute a Colledge within the Chappel of St. George consisting of one Custos twelve secular Canons thirteen Priâ—sts or Vicars four Clerks fix Choristers and twenty six Alms-Knights beside other Officers And to this Custos and Colledge by the name of Custos and Colledge of the Free-Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windesor for the most part but sometimes of Custos and Colledge of Chaplains or otherwise of Custos and Chaplains of the same Chappel were the Donations of Advowsons and other temporal Endowments commonly made and granted SECT IV. Of the Dean Canons Petty-Canons Clerks and Choristers SHortly after the Foundation of the Colledge by the Kings Letters Patent to wit the 14. of November anno 22. E. 3. the King constituted Iohn de la Châ—mbre Custos of the Chappel of St. George but he enjoyed this dignity not above half a year for the 18. of Iune ensuing the Letters Patent for constituting William Mugg Custos bears Teste so that in truth Iohn de la Chambrâ— was the first Custos though in the Preamble to the Letters
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
of April an 15. Car. 2. Sir Edward Walker now Garter represented to the Soveraign and Knights-Companions by Petition That the annual Pensions of the Installed Knights then in arrear for one year amounted to 94 l. 13 s. 04 d. according to the proportions last above decreed whereof the Soveraign's part he being to pay for all Stranger-Knights was at that time 32 l. 13 s. 4 d. And therefore humbly prayed that his Majesty would please to grant him and his Successors to receive in lieu not only of the said Pensions from Himself and Knights-Companions both Strangers and Subjects but for quitting his right and just pretence to his annual Pension of 50 l. to his allowances for preparing Scutcheons and removal of Atchievements 100 l. per annum out of the yearly Revenue setled and assigned to the use of the Order This Petition the Soveraign was pleased to refer to a Committee of the Knights-Companions namely the Duke of Albemarle the Earls of Lindsey Manchester Sandwich and Strafford who being attended by Garter and consideration had upon the Proposals contained in the Petition they humbly offered their opinions to the Soveraign to grant him the said 100 l. per annum in lieu of what he offered to quit and thereby he should not only gratifie him by preserving the interest of his Office in a more certain way than it was but be freed from those small payments for Strangers and other yearly Charges the Petitioner pretended unto as also exempt the Knights Subjects from the payment of their annual Pensions Shortly after the Chancellor Register and Garter attended the Soveraign with the Report which he approving of ordered the Chancellor to pay unto Garter and his Successors the said annual sum of 100 l. which he accordingly performed and for testimony thereof signed the ensuing Declaration I Henry de Vic Knight Chancellor of the most Noble Order of the Garter do certifie and declare That upon certain Proposals made by Sir Edward Walker Knight Garter Principal King of Arms to the Lords Commissioners for the Affairs of the said Order It was certified by a Writing under their said Lordships hands dated the 26. May 1663. That in lieu of all Fees and Salaries in the said Proposals contained the said Sir Edward and his Successors Garters and Principal Kings of Arms shall be paid by me and my Successors in the said Office of Chancellor of the Garter the sum of one hundred pounds by â—he year out of the Revenue of the Order with which Writing having attended the Soveraign his Majesty was pleased to conform unto it and to direct in his Commission unto me under the Seal of the Order to pay and issue the said one hundred pounds accordingly to the said Sir Edward Walker Garter In witness whereof I have set my Hand and Seal to this present Certificate this 5. August 1664. De Vic. Canc. Touching the Duty of this Officer in general it is to perform or cause to be done what business soever relating to this Order the Soveraign or Prelate or Chancellor shall enjoyn him to do but his duty in particular is dispersedly set down in the following Discourse under such heads to which it properly relates SECT V. Institution of the Black Rod's Office his Oath Habit Ensign Badge Priviledges and Pension THis Officer was instituted by the Founder of this most Noble Order but whether so soon as the Institution of the Order doth not yet appear Howbeit within a few years after viz. the 13. of April in the 35. year of his Reign he granted to William Whitehorse Esq for life Officium Hostiarii Capellae Regis infra Castrum de Windesore with a Fee of twelve pence a day out of his Exchequer An. 3. H. 4. This Office is called Officium Virgarii comitivâ— de la Garter infra Castrum Regis de Windesore and under that title was then granted to Thomas Sye with the Fees and Profits thereunto belonging In the Patent granted to his Successor Iohn Athilbrigg an 1. H. 5. we observe it called Officium Virgarii sive Ostiarii c. Afterwards it hath this Title Officium Virgae-baiuli coram Rege ad Festum Sancti Georgii infra Castrum Regis de Windesore And ever since it hath past in Patents by the name of Virgae-baiulus Virgarius or Nigri-virgifer But in the Constitutions of his Office he hath given to him the title of Hostiarius and these qualifications put upon him That he be a Gentleman of Blood and Arms born within the Soveraign's Dominions and if he be not a Knight at his entrance upon the Office he ought then to be Knighted As Garter was declared the Principal Officer of Arms so was the Black Rod for the honor of the Order appointed the Chief Vsher in the Kingdom And as he is so and frequently called Gentleman Vsher of the Black Rod so we shall wave as we did in the account of Garter's Office all things appertaining to his Imployments other than what directly relate to this most Noble Order In a Chapter held at Whitehall the 13. of February an 6. Car. 1. it was Decreed That the Office of Black Rod should from thenceforth successively as soon as the same should become void Iames Maxwell Esquire then enjoying the Office be annext to some one of the Gentlemen Ushers daily-waiters whom the Soveraign should appoint This was obtained upon the Petition of the Gentlemen Vshers daily-waiters seconded by the Lord Chamberlain the Earl Marshal and divers others of the Knights-Companions as appears from another Petition of theirs presented to the Soveraign in Chapter held at Oxford the 17. of Ian. an 20. Car. 1. But it seems some years after this Decree past viz. an 1642. the Lord Lenerick Secretary for Scotland had on Mr. Maxwell's behalf obtained the Soveraign's hand to a Warrant for passing Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England for two lives his own and Mr. Thayne's and the longest liver of them whereby the Soveraign's intention signified in the foresaid Decree to the Gentlemen-Vshers was frustrate of which they complaining in this last mentioned Chapter the Soveraign and Knights-Companions then present in regard this later Grant was not only repugnant to the preceding Decree and the Great Seal surreptitiously gained but ought to have pass'd the Seals of the Order to be made authentical according to a Decree made an 20. Car. 1. Ordered That Peter Newton Esquire should be presently sworn into this Office Which was then done in the presence of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions Nevertheless shortly after the present Soveraign's happy return viz. 14. Ian. 1660. the said Peter Newton being deceased the Gentlemen-Vsherâ— daily-waiters petitioned the Soveraign in Chapter for the void place which being read the Soveraign and Knights-Companions Ordered That the Petition should be shewed to Mr. Thaine and he to be heard in the next Chapter what cause he could alledge why
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.
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
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
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
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
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
THat at his first entry into this Office the Black-Book wherein the chiefest Record's of the Order are being in the custody of Sir William Segar then Garter he was forced to receive from him the Instructions which concerned his place And whereas at the Installation of any Knight the said Sir William Segar did use to make a Bill of such Fees as were to be paid wherein of later years he would set down for the Register but half as much as for himself upon whose athority the Register for a while rested and knowing no other had no more Copies of which Bills are privately transmitted from one Lords Officer to another But since the Black-Book was by the honorable Chapter remanded to the Registers custody upon survey of the Records and view of the Statutes in the Book by him latey exhibited to your Soveraign Majesty the rule for the Registers Fee in more express Text than for any Officer else appears That as oft as any Knight chosen into the Order is installed the Register shall have of him thirteen shillings and four pence and a Robe Statut. de Officialibus Ordinis cap. 6. He therefore most humbly beseecheth on the behalf of his place that according to every Lords Oath not wittingly to break the content of any Statute this Statute may be without question observed and the Robe be allowed him and that Sir John Burrowes noâ— Garter may have order to reform this Error with such of the Companions or their Officers as have not yet paid the Register an Installation Fee But in case that any Lord shall rather chuse to compound with the Register for the said Robe That it may now please your sacred Majesty for the avoiding of all exception to the said Register to set down a proportion meet to be demanded for the same by him who both in the order of his place is before Mr. Garter and in the proportion of his Annual Fee from your Soveraign Majesty above him At the Court at Greenewich the 6. of May 1634. It is his Majesty's pleasure that all Fees due to the Officers of the Order by the Institution shall be precisely paid and that this particular of the Register shall be satisfied according to the words of the Institution and not according to the custom lately used of which Mr. Garter is to give notice as there shall be occasion Fr. Crane Cane But it seems that nothing was done in his time upon the Soveraign's Answer to this Petition besides its entry into the Red-Book and thereupon afterwards when his Brother Doctor Christopher Wren had succeeded him in the Register's place and the Robe assigned him out of the Soveraign's Wardrobe at his entrance into his Office being of the value of 28 l. 1 s. 0 d. according to this valuation of his Robe a like value was proposed by way of Composition upon the Knights-Companions Batchellors the lowest Degree among the Knights of the Order to be paid him in lieu of the said Robe supposing they could not give him less and from hence was raised the proportions for each several Degree of honor upon those who should be admitted into this most Noble Order thus  s. d.  l. s. d. Imprimis for a Knight-Batchellor 13 04 and 28 00 00 Item for a Baron 13 04 and 30 00 00 Item for a Viscount 13 04 and 32 00 00 Item for a Earl 13 04 and 34 00 00 Item for a Marquess 13 04 and 36 00 00 Item for a Duke 13 04 and â—8 00 00 Item for a Prince 13 04 and 40 00 00 Afterwards taking occasion from the Instalment of the present Soveraign then Prince an 14. Car. 1. the Dean desired the Deputy-Chancellor to know the Soveraign's pleasure once again and to represent that the Registers Fees were anciently 13 s. 4 d. in money and the Robe in kind and seeing that the Soveraign was pleased to allow encrease of Fees to the other Officers of the Order particularly to Garter King of Arms 40 l. at the Installation of the said Prince and every other Officer in proportion and that it stood both with the honor of the Prince to give as honorable a Fee as any Prince Stranger at his Installation and also with the Dignity of the Registers place to expect no less than others that were not above him in rank that it would therefore please the Soveraign to think the Register worthy to make the like Plea Thus much the Deputy-Chancellor represented to the Soveraign at Greenewich sometime after the Prince's Installation and thereupon the Soveraign was graciously pleased to think it most reasonable on the Register's behalf and Ordered that at every Installation of a Prince the Register should receive for his Fee 13 s. 4 d. and 40 l. in lieu of his Robe and that Prince Charles then newly installed should pay him the said sums which was accordingly done and the same were since setled on this Officer by the Establishment of Installation Fees made an 22. Car. 2. to be thenceforth paid not only by the Prince of Wales but for the Installation of a a Stranger-King whereto is added for a Stranger-Prince 38 l. 13 s. 4 d. But those thereby made due from Knights-Subjects of other Degrees are the same as were proposed by Doctor Christopher Wren mentioned a little above Next to the Register doth Garter claim both Droits and Fees for his service and attendance at this Solemnity who in reference to its preparations and employment at the time hath a greater share of business than any other Officer of the Order As to the first of these it was Ordained by the Constitutions of his Office That as often as any Knight should happen to be Installed he might challenge for himself the Garments worn by him immediately before his Investiture with the Surcoat of the Order And the constant practice hath interpreted this to be the Knight's upper Garment anciently a short Gown of later times a Cloak but now a Coat which he puts off in the Chapter-house when the Investiture begins When Garter had received the Gown of Philip King of Castile immediately before his Investiture with the Robes of the Order an 22. H. 7. he came before the Soveraign and humbly besought him to give thanks to the King who for his sake had bestowed it on him which the Soveraign accordingly did Heretofore when Garter had received the Knight's Gown he immediately put it on and wore it during the whole Ceremony of Installation and therefore the Gown of Henry Duke of York second Son to King Henry the Seventh though he was very young when installed was made large enough for Garter's use But because this short Gown hath been so long out of fashion as to be well nigh forgotten we shall therefore mention several of the kind wherein their description will appear remarkable enough both for their materials and the then fashionable Trimmings King
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
the Chapter-house either through negligence or want of timely notice or other accident the Penance set on them by the Statutes of Institution is That they shall so far incur punishment from the Soveraign and Chapter for their offence as not to be permitted for that time to enter into the Chapter but shall tarry without at the door and not have voice in any thing that shall happen to be done there unless they can alledge a just excuse or render such a sufficient cause as the Soveraign or his Deputy shall approve of But we have observed few Defaulters in this kind beside the Lord Bourchier an 35. H. 6. who being noted to come thither before Vespers it seems to imply that his appearance was short of the Hour enjoyned as aforesaid Concerning the third sort of Delinquents being those Knights-Companions who are not only absent at the Hour of Tierce but likely to be so during the whole Feast the Proceedings in the Chapter relating to them are either upon what is presented and offered in excuse of their absence or determined upon their neglect or default of making Apology for it Where Excuses for absence are offered they are either by Letters or word of mouth if by Letters then are they sent either from the absent Knights themselves and directed to the Chancellor of the Order or else from the Soveraign to his Lieutenant on their behalf and both produced by the Chancellor But it Excuses be made by word of mouth then they are delivered either by the Soveraign himself or upon motion made by some of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter In order to the first of these ways of presenting the absent Knights-Companions excuses we find the Custom of sending Letters to that purpose to have been very ancient For at the Grand Feast held at Windesor by Humfry Duke of Gloucester the Soveraign's Deputy an 8. H. 5. it appears that the Lord Powis his Letter under his Hand and Seal wherein he certified his present infirmity and indisposition of Body was produced in Chapter And the following year the Dukes of York Norfolk and Buckingham with the Earls of Salisbury Shrewsbury and Penbroke Viscount Bourchier the Lord Rivers and Sir Iohn Fastolf being all absent from St. George's Feast they declared the reason of their absence by their Messenger So an 5. E. 4. we find that the Lord Beauchamp sent his Excusatory Letters which were received Again an 19. of the same King it is noted That all that were absent from this Solemnity excused their absence by Letters to that purpose signed and sealed with their Arms. And this hath been the use in following times whereunto several Memorials entred in the late Soveraign's Reign concur and among others that an 13. Car. 1. when on the Eve of the Grand Feast held by Prorogation upon the 17.18 and 19. days of April the Earls of Moulgrave Lindesey Suffolk and Exceter having signified by Letters under their Seals of Arms their several excuses of sickness and disability to attend the Chancellor producing them in Chapter they were dispensed with by the Soveraign The like Excuses made by Letters were accepted from the Earls of Suffolk Danby and Lindesey an 15. of the same King There are entred in the Registers several Memorials of Letters sent from the Soveraign to his Deputy when himself hath not been present in Chapter wherein his excusing and pardoning the defaults of absent Knights-Companions hath been signified As an 22. H. 6. the Duke of Buckingham being Lieutenant the Dukes of Gloucester and Exceter with the Lord Hungerford were excused by the Soveraign's Letters So an 36. of the same King Viscount Mountague being reckoned up amongst the absent Knights-Companions the Register saith he was excused by the Soveraign 's Letters The like is noted of the Dukes of York and Gloucester and six other Knights-Companions absent from the Feast held an 18. E. 4. the Lord Soveraign's Lieutenant And so an 21. E. 4. concerning other absent Knights-Companions Moreover an 18. H. 7. the Soveraign it being his pleasure to be absent sent his Letters thereupon to the Earl of Darby his Deputy to excuse also some others that were absent So also in the 21. 22. and 23. of the same King But an 20. H. 8. we find no less than 17 Knights-Companions at one time excused and pardoned for their absence by the Soveraign's Letters sent unto the Marquess of Exceter his Lieutenant for the Grand Feast kept at Windesor the 27. of May in the foresaid year viz. three Dukes six Earls two Viscounts five Barons and one Knight Baneret And hitherto may be referr'd what is spoken of the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester and six other Knights-Companions an 14. E. 4. that their absence was excused by the Soveraign's authority the like expression is used in the case of the Earl of Northumberland and others an 19. of his Reign And from many Precedents which we have seen of Letters sent from the Soveraign and directed to his Lieutenant to accept of Knights-Companions excuses whose absence he had beforehand dispensed with we observe those Dispensations excused not the sending of their own particular Excuses for it is evident they were also expected and that such allowance of absence was not absolute but in a manner conditional the clause running thus That you the Soveraign's Deputy allow these excuses so far as they are consonant to reason And in all other Letters of the same nature a Clause to this effect hath been inserted That as the Soveraign thought good to advertise his Deputy that for certain causes he had dispenced with their attendance for that time so he willed him to accept their reasonable excuses in that behalf accordingly Secondly The absent Knights-Companions have had their Excuses frequently made by word of mouth either of the Soveraign or some other of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter This favour of the Soveraign is either done by himself when present in Chapter or by giving order to his Lieutenant before the Feast begin In relation to what he hath personnaly done in this case we have many Examples as an 6. H. 6. the Soveraign declared the reason of the Duke of Norfolks absence So on the Eve of the Feast kept at Windesor an 26. H. 6. the Duke of York the Earl of Salisbury Viscount Beaumont the Lords Hungerford Willoughly and Sir Iohn Fastolf were absent but excused by the Soveraign Again in a Chapter held on the Eve of the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor an 36. H. 6. the Duke of York Earl of Salisbury and Viscount Bourchier being absent were excused by the Soveraign's own moâ—th the like is said on the behalf of the absent Knights an 3. H. 7. So an 17. E. 4. on the Eve of the Feast held by Prorogation the Dukes of Gloucester Buckingham and Suffolk with
the Earl of Northumberland at that time absent were excused by the Soveraign At other times the Soveraign not being present in Chapter hath before hand verbally instead of Letters given his Deputy or Lieutenant direction to excuse the absence of several of the Knights-Companions Thus it was in the case of the Prince the Earls of Surrey and Shrewsbury and Lord Daubeny who an 19. H. 7. were excused by the Soveraign by word of mouth to the Marquess of Dorset his Lieutenant because they were then employed in his service And as touching the Earls of Arundel and Devonshire at the same time the Register saith the Soveraign with his own mouth excused them to his Dputy Whereto we may add what is recorded an 26. H. 8. All others absent were by the Soveraign at that time excused to the Duke of Richmond his Lieutenant by word of mouth and afterwards by his Letters Of the latter sort to wit such as have been excused upon the motion made by some of the other Knights-Companions present in Chapter we find that on the Vigil of St. George an 1. H. 6. Humfrey Duke of Gloucester being then the Soveraign's Deputy Sir Harington's absence was excused by the Chancellor at that time Sir Iohn Robessart one of the Knights-Companions So an 2. H. 6. The Deputy took upon him the Earl of Warwick's excuse But ere we proceed any further it will not be amiss here to observe what effect the Excuses presented on the behalf of absent Knights have usually produced in reference whereunto we find the just and reasonable favourably admitted some suspended and divers disallowed Excuses easily allowed were first Sickness for those of the Knights-Companions who have either been sick far spent with age or intent upon publick Affairs have readily obtained excuse which we meet with in the Examples of the Lord Powis an 8. H. 5. the Duke of Exceter an 2. H. 6. Sir Thomas Erpingham an 6. H. 6. as also the Lord Dudley an 15. E. 4. And of later times the Earl of Bedford an 26. Eliz. Viscount Mountague and the Earl of Warwick in the 30. of the same Queen with many others Secondly The not recovery of Wounds received in the Soveraigns Service for such was the condition of Sir William Harington an 7. H. 5. whom we see excused for his illness occasioned from the Wounds then lately received at the Siege of Roan and elsewhere Thirdly Impotency and old age for which cause the Lord Burnell an 7. â— 5. at the last mentioned Chapter the Earls of Shrewsbury and Warwiâ—k and Lord Burghley an 31. Eliz. and the Earl of Moulgrave an 13. Car. 1. So also the Earl of Westmerland an 2. 3. H. 6. and the Earl of Suffolk an 13. Car. 1. for the weakness of his Limbs were all of them excused for absence at those several Feasts Fourthly imployment in the Soveraigns service either abroad or at home Of the first sort was the case of Sir Robert Vmfrevile excused an 7. H. 5. because he had been sent towards Scotland to defend the Borders So the Lord Scroop engaged in the like Service an 30. Eliz. his absence was immediately excused As was that of the Duke of Bedford and the Lord Talâ—ot an 6. H. 6. both being employed in the Wars of France whilst the Grand Feast was celebrated at Windesor Again the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Faucombridge had such another Apology an 28. H. 6. And lastly the Earl of Essex an 41. Eliz. who according to his Commission was endeavouring to subdue by Arms the Irish Rebels and therefore deservedly excused Of the second sort of employment to wit at home was that of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Hungtington an 22. 26. Eliz. the first of whom was taken up in the managery of certain Affairs enjoined him by the Soveraign but the other being President of the Council in the North his absence was for that and several years following favourably admitted And a like case was that of the Earl of Danby an 13. Car. 1. who for his necessary attendance at the Seat of Iustice in Eyre was excused of his waiting on the Soveraign at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation on the 2.3 and 4. days of October in the foresaid year Fifthly When the Grand Feast hath received Prorogation and any of the Knights-Companions have not had notice of the day whereunto it was prorogued and for non-attendance for want of such notice Sir Simon Fehbridge an 8. H. 6. the Feast for that year having been prorogued unto the 22. of May was excused by Humfry Duke of Gloucester then the Soveraign's Deputy Sixthly When any of the Knights-Companions have been employed upon Embassie or other Civil Affairs as Sir Here Tanke Clux who an 3. H. 6. was by the Soveraign sent in Legation to the Emperor of Germany and also for that an 5. 6. H. 6. he yet remained in the Emperor's Court by the Soveraign's command In like manner the Indulgence of the Soveraign excused the Earl of Derby and Lord Cobham an 30. Eliz. they being sent Ambassadors into the Low-Countries to treat with Philip King of Spain about a Peace To like purpose is that Entry made in excuse of the Earl of Marr's absence in Scotland and Earl of Carlisse's Embassy abroad an 4. Car. 1. Seventhly When any of them have been in Captivity as was Thomas Earl of Salisbury and the Earl of Huntington both Prisioners in France an 2. H. 6. So also the Earl of Suffolk the Lord Talbot and Lord Scales an 7. H. 6. the Lord Fauconbridge an 30. 36. H. 6. and Earl of Kendal an 32. H. 6. and lastly in the 4.5 and 6. years of Edward the Fourth Sir Iohn Astley who was Prisoner there also Eighthly When any of them have obtained the Soveraign's Letters of Dispensation of which sufficient is spoken before Lastly some other just and lawful occasion as well as accident having fallen out not relating to those under the former heads the Soveraign upon information given in Chapter hath been pleased to allow of as sufficient to excuse the non-appearance and non-attendance of the Knights-Companions at the Grand Feasts in which rank the foresaid Lord Fauconbridge's care of his domestick Affairs an 32. H. 6. was readily admitted because having been lately in Prison he had obtained leave to go to see his House and Lands in the Country And the Earl of Arundel's absence an 15. Car. 1. was pardoned by reason of the Dutchess of Richmond's Death who died on the Eve of the Grand Feast that so he being the chief of her Family might be at hand to advise and assist in all things conducing to the honor of the deceased Dutchess And as the Knights-Companions have been often excused for not appearing at the Grand-Feast
upon lawful and sufficient grounds so hath the Soveraign for like reasons been pleased to license and dispence with their departure from the same Of this we have met with an Example an 6. Eliz. in the Lord Hastings of Longhborough who falling ill a little before the Offring on St. George's day obtained license from the Soveraign to depart out of the Choire and came no more abroad that day nor during that Feast As also another in the Duke of Lenox an 15. Car. 1. who being forced to go back to London by reason of the aforesaid Dutchess of Richmond's death had his excuse made in Chapter held the morning of the Feast day by the Deputy Chancellor whereupon he obtained the Soveraign's allowance for such his departure We are next to consider Excuses which though sent in due time yet upon debate and consultation in Chapter were suspended rather than allowed to this head may be referred that case of several of the Knights-Companions who were members of the Lords house in the Long Parliament For an 18. Car. 1. the Deputy Chancellor having by command of the Soveraign and in discharge of the duty of his Office sent unto each of them a several Summons for their attendance at the celebration of the Grand Feast to be held for the preceding year at York upon the 18.19 and 20. days of April and notice thereof being given to the House of Lords they immediately made the ensuing Order Die Martis 22. Maii 1641. WHereas the Lord Chamberlain of his Majesties houshold and some other Lords of Parliament Knights of the Garter have been summoned to give their attendance and repair unto the City of York for the celebration of St. George's Feast who acquainting this House with the Summons aforesaid it is this day Ordered by the Lords in Parliament that they attend the weighty Affairs of the Kingdom discussed in Parliament whereunto they are obliged by his Majesties Writ and the Law of the Land Jo. Browne Cleric Parliament Whereupon every one of the said Knights-Companions before the days appointed by Prorogation for holding the Feast sent their Petitionary Letters of excuse to the Deputy Chancellor wherein they professed their desire and readiness to attend in obedience of the said Summons nevertheless pleaded the foresaid Order for the ground of their stay at London and therefore desired him to obtain for them the Soveraign's gracious Letters of Dispensation But when the said Letters were severally presented in Chapter held before Vespers on the Eve of the said Feast the Soveraign would not at present either admit or disallow of their Excuses but deferred the consideration thereupon until the next Chapter to be held by Prorogation Of excuses which have not been allowed the most remarkable is that of the Duke of Norfolk and the Lord Scales an 36. H. 6. who in regard the causes alledged to excuse their absence at the Feast were not approved in a Chapter held on the Eve were adjudged to the penalty of the Statute the latter being particularly fined by the Soveraign and Knights-Companions in a Iewel to the value of 20 Marks to be offered in the Colledge whereby the rigour of the Statute appears to have been more strictly executed upon him than on the Duke whose contempt might be of a less nature though it seems great enough to shut out his excuse probably because the Lord Scales having been absent the year before and no cause thereof being then shewed in Chapter was therefore to suffer penalty for his absence according to the Statute so that this it seems was the second fault But now to enter upon the second Branch of the third general head which relates to the proceedings upon the absent Knights-Companions neglect or default of sending their Excuses We shall therein observe that some of them have with difficulty been remitted some left in suspence and others sentenced and referred either to the Soveraign's pleasure or the punishment assigned by Law Of the first kind are those who having such a plea for their absence as might induce the Chapter to dispence therewith yet were with much ado excused because they neglected giving the due intimation thereof according to the Statutes Such was that of the Earl of Westmerland an 10. H. 5. who though not very well yet had much ado to be excused because he signified not the cause of his absence as the Statutes required So an 12. Car. 1. The Earls of Derby and Kelly having made no Excuse nor Petition for Dispensation were for that omission blameable but by the grace of the Soveraign for that time pardoned Of the second sort are such who through the indulgence of the Soveraign or his Lieutenant where probable cause hath induced it have not had sentence passed on them at that present but were deferred in expectation of some satisfactory cause to be shewed As in the cafe of the Prince the Duke of Tuckingham and five other of the Knights-Companions absent from the Feast held an 18. H. 7. concerning whom no cause of Excuse was shewed but there was an expectation of one to be alledged But as for those of the third sort upon whom sentence hath passed for default of sending their Excuses they have been left either to the pleasure of the Soveraign or to those penalties and penances which the Law of this Order doth inflict And first of such Offenders as are left by the Chapter to the mercy of the Soveraign we have several Examples Of the Earl of Essex an 18. H. 7. it is recorded That his absence was referred to the Soveraign's indulgence So an 21. of the same King upon occasion of the absence of the Earls of Northumberland Oxford Devonshire Kent together with the Lord Stafford and no cause thereof assigned they were left to the Soveraign's indulgence To the like effect is the entry made of the Earls of Essex and Kent absent the following year without cause shewn to the Chapter Lastly touching those on whom Iudgment hath passed divers instances may be given among which are these that follow An. 10. H. 5. the Lord Willoughby Sir Robert Vmsrevill Sir Iohn Cornewall and Sir William Harington were in no wise excused for their absence because being within the Kingdom they sent not the cause of their absence And an 2. H. 6. the said Sir Robert Vmsrevile was also found culpable in regard no cause of his absence had been shâ—wed Moreover seeing the reasons of the Duke of Norfolk's the Lord Scales and Fastolss absence an 33. H. 6. were not made known to the Chapter they were left to the Iudgment of the Statutes And of the same Lord Scales an 35. H. 6. it is recorded that he gave no reason of his absence therefore underwent the punishment thereof Lastly The Duke of York the Earl of Salisbury the foresaid Lord Scales and Lord Willoughby for presuming
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
was born at 40 minutes after five in the morning of the said day the 6. Degree of the Sign Scorpio Ascending and the 18. Degree of Leo Culminating The places of the Planets as there posited followeth gr ♄ in 5 ♑ ♃ in 27 ♉ ♂ in 21 ♠☉ in 28 ♠♀ 18 ♠☿ in 8 ♠◠in 8 ♉ ♠in 26 ♉ The Thursday after his birth he was Christned in the Chappel then of St. Edward in Windesor Castle by A. Priest Cardinal by the Title of Sancta Prisca and his Godfathers were Richard Bishop of Poictiers Iohn Bishop of Bath and Wells William Bishop of Worcester Lewis Earl of Eureux the Queens Brother Iohn de Britannia Earl of Richmond Aymer de Valence Earl of Penbroke and Hugh le Despenser Within a few days after the King his Father granted him the County of Chester except the Mannors of Mekklesfield and Shotwyke to hold to him and his Heirs Kings of England for ever And likewise the County of Flint and Cantred of Englefield with the Castles of Flint and Rothelan to hold as before except the Mannor of Overton the Lands of Mailor Seysnoke and the Castle and Mannor of Holt after which he was thus stiled by the King Edwardus Comes Cestriae filius noster Charissimus So pleasing to his Father 〈◊〉 the birth of this Prince that the 16. of December following he gave to Iohn Launge Valet to the Queen and to Isabel his Wife and the longer liver of them for bringing to him so desirable News 24 l. per annum to be paid out of the Farm of London But leaving his Infancy we will now proceed to his youth and the occurrences that attended his riper years King Edward his Father having been often summoned to the Court of France to do homage for the Dukedom of Aquitaine and other his Lands held in that Kingdom and still delaying till the French King had seized thereon it was at length concluded that he should give to this Prince that Dukedom who then should do the Homage and enjoy the Lands Hereupon preparation was made for his passing into France and a little before at Langedon Abbey near Dover the King on the 2. of September in the 19. year of his Reign first gave to him his Heirs and Successors Kings of England jure haereditario imperpetuum the Counties of Ponthieu and Monstroile and on the 10. of the same month at Dover granted to him the Dukedom of Aquitaine and all the Lands he had or ought to hold in the Kingdom of France Habendum as before two days after this new Duke took shipping at Dover thence passed into France and made his Homage in which Journey it was likewise thought fit that the Queen should accompany him in regard her Lands in that Kingdom had also been seized on Shortly after his return into England he was unanimously chosen Custos of the Kingdom in his Fathers absence then fled into Wales with Hugh le Despencer the Son Robert-Baldock and others by divers of the Bishops Nobility Barons and Knights de assensu totius Comitatûs dicti Regni ibidem existentis and at Martley the Great Seal sent from the King was delivered to him Not long after his Father ressigned his Crown upon which great preparations were made for this young Prince's Coronation which was solemnly performed at Westminster by William Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday after the Conversion of St. Paul being the 1. of Feb. an 1327. His first Martial Attempt but unsuccessful for more then what appertains to his Wars we shall not here discourse off was the raising an Army to march against the Scots For Robert Bruce King of Scotland having sent him a defiance about Easter next following his Coronation shortly after invaded England notwithstanding the Truce between the said King Robert and King Edward the Second was yet on foot and an agreement for further Treaty of Peace to be held in the Marches on Sunday next before Ascension day then next comming The Kings Army was appointed to Rendevouz at Newcastle upon Tyne on Munday next before the Ascension of our Lord though Sir Iohn Froissard saith it was at York upon Ascension day whence about three weeks after Trinity Sunday he marched towards the Enemy but the Scots having exceedingly wasted the Northern parts and declined to fight slipt from him at Stanhop Park in the Bishoprick of Durham and withdrew towards their own Country nor could the King engage them though he endeavoured it for 24. days together I confess the first Actions of Princes are looked upon by all Eyes and not seldom with many Observators taken as the Radix whence to calculate their future either Successes or Miscarriages If at these undertakings a full Age entitle them to the sole management of Affairs we are inclined to think a judicious Eye may partly discern the strength of their Fortune But while they reside within Tutorage and their designs are carried on under the conduct of others the Event of things will manifest a dependency upon the strength or weakness of the Genius of those persons who are the chief managers of their Concerns And this was fully made good in this Prince whose Martial undertakings were very unsuccessful specially while the Government of the Kingdom was committed to others and sometimes afterwards when he was tyed up and hampered by his Allies in Flanders but he no sooner arrived at full Age but his Affairs shewed themselves as if disposed by his own Genius and the first remarkable experiment was verified even upon the Scots themselves from whom before he had received some affronts and indignities For having sent Ambassadors to the Custos and chief Nobility of Scotland He demanded the Homage of David Brus their King and these were probably Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton and William de Denum for it appears they were employed thither the 14. of Decemb. an 6 E. 3. touching the Affairs of the King and Kingdom and the doing of Homage denyed He forthwith raised an Army in assistance of Iohn Balioll Son of Iohn Balioll sometime King of Scotland against David Brus the then King which being appointed to meet at Newcastle upon Tine on Trinity Sunday an 7 E. 3. King Edward entred Scotland and wasted the Country as far as Scone for six months together Insomuch that the Scots were forced to fly to their Fastnesses in the Forest of Gedworth where they abode for many years and as the King returned he encountred an Army of theirs at Hallidown Hill which he defeated and killed about 32000. common Souldiers 7. Earls 90. Knights and Bannerets and 400. Esquires In memory of this great Victory hapning on the Eve of St. Margaret the Virgin being the 13. of Iuly he repaired the Church and Convent of Nuns near the place where the Battel was fought upon that occasion destroyed and burnt and caused
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
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
Seige of Calais with Command to raise what Forces he could and to bring them to Sandwich by Ascension-Day well arm'd to pass over to Calais in regard the French King was drawing together a vast Army with intention to raise the Seige In the Prince of Wales's Expedition into Gascoigne an 29. E. 3. He attended him thither and at the Battel of Poctiers gained everlasting Fame For immediately before the Battels joined he acquainted the Prince that he had served his Father and him faithfully and had made a vow to give the onset or dye in the attempt at the first Battel that the King or any of his Sons should personally be engaged in and therefore beg'd his License to place himself there where he might be in the best capacity to accomplish his Vow which the Prince giving way to he put himself into the Front of the English Army accompanied with his 4. Esquires viz. Dutton of Dutton Delves of Doddington Fowlehurst of Crew and Hawkeston of Wrinehill who had obliged themselves to stick close to him and encountred with Sir Arnold Dandrehen who commanded in the French Marshalls Battel and was sorely wounded by him but taken Prisoner by others for this valiant Knight and his Esquires refused to take Prisoners but spent their time in execution In this Battel he was most dangerously wounded in the Body and Face and at the end of it his 4. Esquires brought him out of the Field and laid him under a Hedg to refresh him where they took off his Arms and bound up his Wounds His valour and stout performances were greatly wondred at by the French Commanders as they acknowledged the following night when they sate at Supper in Poictiers and it is reported by Walâ—ingham that by his extraordinary courage he brake through the Enemies Battel and made great slaughter among them As soon as the Prince had sent to find out the French King he enquired after this Knight and being told where he lay wounded he sent to know if he could be brought to him otherwise he would come to visit him this being told Sir Iames he caused 8. of his Servants to carry him in his Litter to the Prince who took him in his Arms and kist him acknowledging he ought to honor him for by his valour he had gain'd great renown and to enable him to pursue martial affairs he retained him to be his Knight with 500. marks Land of Inheritance Sir Iames being departed from the Prince sent for his Brother Sir Peter Audeley with some other of his nearest Relations and called before them his 4. Esquires to whom he declared that seeing the honor he had that day gain'd was by his Esquires valour he gave them the said 500. marks per annum as freely as the Prince had bestowed them on him This generous action the Prince being acquainted with sent for Sir Iames who being brought to him in his Litter the Prince told him that he had been inform'd of his Gift to his Esquires and would therefore know whether he liked his kindness or why he gave it away To whom he gave a particular account of their fidelity and services which he thought himself obliged to reward affirming it was by their assistance he accomplished his Vow and had his life preserv'd and therefore humbly desir'd pardon for doing it without his knowledge Herewith the Prince was so well satisfied that he afterwards gave him 600. Marks per annum more in like manner as he had done the former this grant was confirm'd to him by the King during life and for a twelve Month after to be received out of the Coynage of the Stanneries in Cornwall and the Kings Lands in that County This valiant Knight did afterwards attend the King in his Royal expedition into France an 33. E. 3. And was in the action with Sir Iohn Chandos and the Lord Mucident when the strong Castle of Dormoys was taken by assault When the Prince undertook a voyage into Spain to restore Don Pedro he constituted him Governor of Aquitaine in his absence and afterwards made him great Seneschal of Poictou about this time he raised a great Army there and marched to Berry and wasted that Country and thence passed to Tourayn keeping the Field and then to the Lord of Chauuigny's Country he being lately revolted to the French and destroy'd it afterwards he took the Town of Breuse by assault and burnt it and so returned to Poictiers He was with Sir Iohn Chandos at the Siege of Dome and of the strong Castle of Roche sur Ion in Anjou which at length was surrendred and thence he retired to fresh Quarters in the County of Fontney And here Sir Iohn Froissard puts a period to his life and faith he was buried at Poictiers but he mistakes Iames the Father for Iames the Son who in truth died in Gascoigne an 43. E. 3. which was near about Froissard time after whom his Father lived many years having received Summons of Parlialiament an 4. E. 3. and thence to all ensuing Parliaments to the time of his Death This Noble Lord married to his first Wife Ioan Daughter to Roger Mortimer Earl of March by whom he had Nicholas his Son and Heir Roger and Rowland who died without Issue and two Daughters Ioan the Wife of Iohn Tochet and Margaret Wife of Roger Hillary who upon their elder Brothers Decease also without Issue became Heirs to a fair Patrimony but the Barony came to Iohn Tochet Son to the eldest Daughter By his second Wife Isabel he had Iames and Thomas who died without Issue and Margaret the Wife of Fulk Fitz-Waren And having lived to a very great Age he died the first of April an 9. R. 2. leaving Nicholas his Son and Heir then 50 years of Age having a little before made his Will at Heligh Castle by which he appointed his Body to be buried in the Choire of his Abbey of Hilton before the high Altar in case he should dye in the Marches but if in Devonshire or Somersetshire then in the Choir of the Friers Preachers at Exceter before the high Altar 23 Sir Otho Holland HE was one of the younger Sons of Robert Lord Holland and Brother of Sir Thomas Holland one of the first Founders of this Noble Order The Earl of Ewe Constable of France being Prisoner of War to the said Thomas the King bought him of him for a certain sum of Money and afterwards by Indenture deliver'd the said Earl to the Custody of the said Sir Otho Holland under condition that the Earl should not go out of England nor wear Arms publickly until he had paid his full Ransom to the King But it seems Sir Otho took the Earl with him to Calais where he went up and down armed upon which information being given to the King Sir Otho was brought to the Kings Bench Bar before the
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
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
peremis victoriae palmam recipere valeas in signum Ordinis augmentum tui honoris NUM CII Instructions to the Soveraign's Amabassadors sent upon a like Embassy to Iames the Fifth King of Scots Ex. Autogr. in Bibl. Hatton THE said Lord William shall within five or six days next after he hath been with the said King of Scots for his first Ambassade and resort to Court there and in most reverend fashion deliver unto the King of Scots the Letter missive of Certification of his Election into the Noble Order of the Garter from the King our Soveraign Lord his Highness with due commendations from his Highness The Letter read and be consenting to the reception of the said Order then incontinent the Book of Statutes to be delivered unto him and a day appointed as well for to have his consentment on the Articles of the said Statutes and in the mean time his Oath to be prepared by his consent and advice On which day being at the least Sunday and he agreeing to receive the same honorable Order he must be in a place convenient First they shall present their Commission unto the said King and cause the said audibly and distinctly to be read and so followingly shall in good and reverent manner require him to make his corporal Oath for the inviolable observing of the same like as by the tenure of the Statutes every Knight of that Order is bound to do in form following The Oath We James by the grace of God King of Scots promise and swear by our Faith and Honor and holy Evengelist by us presently touched that we shall accomplish and keep truly unto our powwer all the Statutes Points and Ordinances of the right Noble Order of Saint George named the Garter from point to point and from Article to Article as is contained and declared in the Book thereof to us delivered the which we have accepted and do accept as if that we read them now presently Note if he will make any exceptions they must be here rehearsed the which Articles we promised now again to keep hold and entertain without breaking So God help us and all the Saints Yeoven c. Which Oath given the Lord William shall put the Garter in due and reverent manner about his left Leg and in this doing Garter shall say Sir the Soveraign and honorable Company of the Order of the Garter have received you as their Brother and Companion and in knowledge and token thereof they give and present you this Garter the which God give you grace to wear to his land and praise to the honor of the blessed Virgin Mary and the glorious Martyr Saint George Patron of that Noble Order and to the augmentation of your honor Which thing so done the said Lord William shall deliver unto him the Gown of Crimson and cause him to apparel himself with the same the said Garter saying these words following at the doing on the same Ye take this Garment wherein God give you grace strongly to stand in the true Faith of Christ and depressing the Enemies of Saints in token of the said Order and to the augmenting of this Order and your honor And then lovingly the said Lord William shall cause the said King to put on the Mantle of Blue Velvet garnished with the Arms of St. George invironed with a Garter the said Garter saying as followeth Note the Hood to be put on the right shoulder Take ye this Mantle of heavenly colour with the shield of the Cross of Christ garnished by whose strength and virtue ye always be defended and by virtue of it you may overcome all your Enemies and so through your most noble desert may worthily come to the joys everlasting in token of the said Order and increase of your honor And when the said King shall be so apparelled with the adornments aforesaid the said Lord William shall put the Coller of the Order with the Image of Saint George about his neck the said Garter saying Take ye and bear this Coller with the Image of the most glorious Martyr Saint George Patron of this Order about your neck by the help whereof you may the better pass through both the prosperity and adversity of this world so that your Enemies both of body and soul may be overcome ye then may receive not only glory of temporal Chivalry but also the rejoycing of everlasting victory in sign and token of this Order and increase of your honor Which things thus fully ended the King to go to some solemn Church and there to bear a solemn Mass and so to return an so to his Lodging where if he dine abroad to wear the said whole Habit during the dinner time and after to do this pleasure Then Garter to remember to purchase and sollicite a Certification of the Reception of the said Order by him and also his Oath both under the said Kings Seal Also to advertise him the manner of the coming of his Procurator for his Installation within seven Months he to bring with him a Procuration under the Kings Seal for his Installation with all other things necessary as the said Garter knoweth by his old Presidents in such case accustomed All these things thus duly and in reverent order done with other the Kings Affairs there the said Lord William and the said Garter to return to the Kings Highness NUM CIII A Letter signifying Election to Edward Count Palantine of the Rhine Ex Collect. E. W. G. Charles R. CHarles the Second 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 our right dear and entirely beloved Cousin Edward Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria c. Greeting Whereas our Royal Progenitors the Kings of England have in all times since the Institution of the most Noble Order of Saint George called the Garter by our most Noble and Victorious Ancestor King Edward the Third elected and chosen into the Fellowship thereof such Princes and other eminent persons as well Strangers as their own Subjects as have for the greatness of their Births and other Heroick virtues especially in martial actions been thought worthy of the same We therefore considering that since the late horrid Rebellion in that our Kingdom that many of the Companions thereof are dead and that others contrary to their Honor and Oaths have deserted their Allâ—giance and are no more worthy to be esteemmed Companions of so Noble an Order anâ— finding how necessary it is for our honor and sâ—â—vice to elect others in the places vacant wâ—o for their birth courage fidelity and affectionâ—â— us may be worthy to be admitted thereuntâ— have therefore thought fit by our power as Soveraign of the said Order dispensing with the usual Ceremonies to elect and chuse you our said right dear and entirely beloved Cousin Edward Count Palatiâ—e of the Rhyne and Duâ—â— of Bavaria to be Fellow and
yere within xv days after Ester by reason whereof We have according to the Statutes of the noble Order of the Garter differred the solennenifacion of the same unto the xxiiii day of May next coming on wyche day we have appointed the said Fest to be kept and also deputed you to be our Lieutenant at the same We therefore woll and desire you to prepare and dispose your self soo to bée accordingly Yeven under our Signet at our Vniversitie of Cambridge the xxv day of April NUM CLX A Letter of Notice to a Knight-Companion to be present at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation Ex Collect. praef W. le N. Cl. Mary R. RIght trusty c. And having deferred the keeping of the Feast of the Glorious Martyr St. George Patron of our most Noble Order of the Garter until the coming of our most dear Cousin the Prince of Spain To the intent the said Feast might be also honoured with the Installation of our said dearest Cousin We let you wit that we have now resolved to hold and celebrate the same Feast within our Casâ—le of Windsor upon Sunday the 5. of August next ensuing Requiring you therefore to put your self in order to make your repair thither for that purpose before the same day so as you may be present at the Celebration of that Feast and all the accustomed Ceremonies thereof Wherefore we pray you not to fail Yeven under the Seal of our Order c. NUM CLXI A Letter from the Chancellor giving a Knight-Companion notice of the Prorogation of the Grand Feast Ex Lib. Collect. W. le N. Cl. fol. 46. Right Honorable WHereas his Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter for sundry causes but especially for the late Death of the high and mighty King his most dear and most entirely beloved Father which bringeth unto him cause of grief infinitely more then of triumph hath not thought meet to keep the Feast of St. George for this year on the days accustomed for the same that is to say on the 22.23 24. days of this month of April His Majesty therefore under the Seal of the said Order remaining in my Custody hath prorogued the keeping of the said Feast for this year unto the 16.17 18. days of August next Commanding all the Knights and Companions of the said Noble Order and Officers of the same then to attend his person wherein his Majesties Pleasure it is my due to make known to your Lordship which being by these performed I most humbly rest Your Lordships most ready to do you service George More 7. April 1625. To the right Honorable the Earl of Arundel and Surry Earl Marshal of England Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter and of his Majesties most Honorable Privy Council NUM CLXII Another Rowes Iournal pag. 5. May it please your Lordship THe King's Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter having formerly prorogued the Celebration of the Feast of Saint George for this year from the usual days upon which it should have been solemnized unto the 8.9 10. of July following and by reason of the Contagion spread in many parts of his Kingdom from those days to the 26.27 28. of September and then also upon special consideration unto the 13.14 15. of December by Several Commissions under the Seal of his Order now remaining in my Custody His Majesty for divers and important Causes and to avoid the danger of the concourse of much people during the Infection finding it not convenient to celebrate the Feast at that designed time hath adjourned the Prorogation thereof by a new Commission to me delivered unto the 17.18 19. days of April next And thereby given Commandment to all the Knights and Companions and Officers of his Order that they should attend his Royal person upon these last appointed days Wherefore in discharge of my duty I do signifie unto your Lordship his Majesties pleasure praying your Lordship that you will be pleased to take knowledge herein of the Soveraign's Order humbly resting Your Lordships In all due Observance and Obedience Tho. Rowe Cranford 12. Dec. 1636. To the Right Honorable Iames Marquess Hamilton Knight and Companion of the most Noble Order of the Garter and my most Honored Lord. NUM CLXIII Another to the Register of the Order Ibidem pag. 3. Reverend Sir THE King's Majesty Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter having formerly prorogued the Celebration of the Feast of St. George for this presents Year from the usual days upon which it should have been solemnized by several Commissions under the Seal of his Order now remaining in my Custody and finding it inconvenient for divers important causes specially by reason of the Contagion spread in divers places of his Kingdom to hold the Feast at any of those designed times His Majesty hath pleased by a new Commission to me delivered to prorogue the last Prorogation unto the 17.18 19. of April next And thereby given Commandment to all the Knights and Companions and to the Officers of his Order that they should attend his Royal person upon those last appointed days Wherefore in discharge of the duty of my place I do signifie unto you his Majesties pleasure desiring that you will take knowledge herein of his Royal Order Your affectionate Friend to do you service Tho. Rowe Cranford 12. Dec. 1636. To the Reverend and my Worthy Friend Doctor Wrenn Dean of Windsor and Register of the most Honorable Order of the Garter One Duplicate of this was sent to Sir Iohn Boroughs Knight Garter another to Iames Maxwell Esq Black-Rod NUM CLXIV Letters of Dispensation for attending at the Grand Feast Ex Collect. A. V. W. By the Queen RIght trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and Counsellor We greet you well and forasmuch as you are as well Governor of our Town of Barwick as also Warden of our East Marshes for and anyenst Scotland and may not conveniently be spared from thence for certain Affairs there by you to be done whereby you cannot make your repair hither to celebrate with us the Feast of St. George and have thought good upon that respect to excuse your absence from the said Feast and do by these presents dispence with you for the same And therefore these our Letters shall be your sufficient discharge in that behalf Yeven under the Signet of our said Order at our Palace of Westminster the day of April in the seventh year of our Reign 1565. NUM CLXV Another Ex eod Collect. By the Queen RIght trusty and right well-beloved Cousin We greet you well and forasmuch as you are President of our Council established in the City of York and by reason of your charge and attendance there for our service you cannot conveniently be present with us to solemnize the Feast of our most Noble Order of the Garter the Even of Vigil of St. George next ensuing We let you understand that
to Marriage whilst in other things they made no alteration but lest them whole and entire And therefore since we observe those Knights who vow absolute Chastity and those who profess Conjugal have alike received their approbation from the Papal See and that some Knights have not been accounted Religious before such time and until their rule of living hath been confirm'd to them from thence as is noted by those of St. Lazarus after which Confirmation all that enter into any Order are subject to the particular Rule so approved of unless for good cause they be dispensed with For these reasons we shall place both under the Title of Religious or Ecclesiastical Knights in the following Discourse SECT IV. Of Ecclesiastical Foundations dependant upon Military Orders BUT the Institutions of those Orders purely Military were after a while thought too weak to continue long if not sustained by Religion and Piety and too defective without adjoining Ecclesiastical persons thereunto Therefore the Founders considering that in all Councils and Affairs there should be a concurrence of Divine assistance and Military industry began to dedicate them principally to the Honor and Worship of God or to our Saviour or to the blessed Virgin or some other of the Saints thereby to gain no less the protection and favour of the Divine goodness on the behalf of the Founders and Knights Companions of such Orders in general than its especial assistance in their Councils Affairs or particular Enterprises And this they supposed more easily obtainable by the interposition of men eminent for their sincerity piety humility and devotion set apart and appointed to say Prayers sing Psalms and perform other Ecclesiastical Duties the efficacy of Religion consisting in the Offices of the Priests for the glory fidelity peace and safety of their Kingdoms and Subjects and the good success of their Military Undertakings Hereupon some of them at their first Institutions joined sacred Orders to their Militia and made provision for Ecclesiastical persons whose assigned Duty was to undertake the spiritual warfare and spend their time in Divine Offices and Devotions at home in their several Foundations for the prosperity of those undertakings wherein the Knights Companions themselves were engaged abroad either as to the defence of Christian Religion their Prince or Country THE Severall ENSIGNES of the RELIGIOVS ORDERS of KNIGHTHOOD mentioned in the second Chapter SECT V. A brief account of the Religious Orders of Knighthood NOw come we to deliver a short account of the Religious or Sacred Orders of Knighthood to which shall succeed those that are purely and compleatly Military in both which we shall principally take notice 1. Of the Time of their Institution 2. By whom founded and 3. The Habit and Ensigns bestowed upon each of them proceeding according to the antiquity of each Order's Foundation as we can best discover it and allowing their Precedency here for that cause rather than any other But forasmuch as the Institutions of some of these Orders of Knighthood are endeavoured to be made more ancient than there is good ground to believe we have therefore thought it needless having for the most part confin'd our Discourse to the three particulars now mentioned to engage our Pen too far where 't is almost impossible to set the Chronological part right and may very possibly give an occasion of Offence We have taken in all the Orders that we could meet with though some were obscure and but short-liv'd and others for other reasons may be thought inconsiderable judging them worthy of a place here with the most famous and known seeing once they had such in the Register of Honor. Lastly where the occasion is inserted whence as is affirmed some of them took their Original and this lookt upon as fabulous and romantick We must inform our Reader that we take not upon us to justifie all that is spoken to this point but suppose we have dealt fairly and candidly with him in placing our Authorities in the Margent and there lest them to be considered of where we hope they will be of strength at least sufficient to support the Text and justifie our integrity The Order of the Knights of the Holy Sâ—pulchre in Ierusalem 1. This Order of Knighthood though not so ancient as some would make it who refer the Original to St. Iames Bishop of Ierusalem to Constantine the Great and to Charles the Great nor so late as others would have it who say this Order was founded in the year of our Lord 1110. yet is it accounted the most ancient of all those Orders which took beginning in the Holy Land and as a judicious Divine of our Nation reports was instituted in the year 1099. at such time as the Temple of Ierusalem was regained from the Saracens which account perhaps he grounded upon the date given to the ancient Statutes of this Order established at Ierusalem on New-years-day in the year aforesaid and published by Mennenius As to the person by whom this Order was founded he refers it to Philip King of France but Andrew Favin will have it to be Baldwin the First King of Ierusalem For there having been while the Saracens possest that City certain Canons regular of the Order of St. Augustine to whom they permitted the Custody of the Holy Sepulchre of our Lord and whose Convent adjoined thereunto These Canons saith he did King Baldwin make men of Arms and Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and ordained that they should nevertheless retain their White Habit and on the breast thereof bear his own Arms which were Argent a Cross Potent Or between four Crossetts of the same commonly called the Ierusalem Cross. Their Great Master was the Patriarch of Ierusalem who had power granted from the Founder to confer the Order and to receive the three Vows of Poverty Chastity and Obedience The chief Duty whereunto these Knights were obliged by their profession was to guard the Holy Sepulchre the custody whereof was peculiarly committed to them to â—ight against the Saracens and Infidels with all their power to relieve and protect Pilgrims to redeem Christian Captives to hear Mass every day to recite the hours of the Cross and to bear the five red Crosses in memory of the five wounds of our Saviour They had their Rule confirm'd to them by Pope Innocent the Third When the Christians were driven out of the Holy Land these Knights retired into Europe and seated themselves at Perugia in Italy after which by consent and permission of the Soldan the custody of the Holy Sepulchre was committed to the Franciscan Fryars The Knights then in being retained yet their white Habit but changed their ancient Arms to a double red Cross. By the Bull of Pope Innocent the Eighth dated the 28. of March 1484. they and all their Goods were annexed and incorporated to the Knights Hospitalars of St. Iohn of
have also the faculty of restoring to Honors of legitimating Bastards of giving Degrees with the Title of Doctors creating Poet Laureats and making publick Notaries This Order is under the protection of the Blessed Virgin and patronage of St. George the titulary Saint and Guardian of military men in general and of these Knights in particular who profess obedience and conjugal Chastity The Formulary prescribed for entrance into the Order the manner of receiving the Habit taking the Oath the benediction of the Mantle Cross and Sword the admittance of the Knights Priests and Novices are at large laid down by this Author The Habit of this Angelick Order is White on the left side whereof is sewed a Red or Crimson Velvet Cross Flory in the middle is the Labarum imbroidered after the form of the Letter X with the Letters A upon the one arm of the Cross and Ω on the other the sides are wrought with Gold and Silk but the Labarum all with Gold Amongst these Knights there are three Degrees the first are called Collared or Grand Crosses these wear a Collar formed of Labarums whereat depends the Figure of the Cross and St. George The second are the Knights and these wear the Cross as is above described The third are Servants and they bear the Cross only wanting the upper arm of it and the Labarum The Priests wear the like Cross with the Knights The Grand Priorates and Promotions or Commanderies belonging to this Order shew how great it hath been and how far its jurisdiction extended since to them were joined very great Revenues and Rents which the Knights of this Order held and they were these saith mine Author though I suppose divers of them are miswritten The grand Priorates of Mistra and of Bosnia of Cappadocia Calcide Napoles Antiochia Constantinople Ierusalem Natolia Iulia Caesaria and the Priories of Barlada Scione Anfiboli Damascus Mileto Pergamo Sinope Ephesus Argo Odeseo Egena Nicepoli Corinthus Nicomedia Apollonia Erapoli Engada together with several Baliato's or Baliwicks The Bulls and Priviledges are to be seen in the Constitutions of the Order published by the eloquent and learned Knight Majolini Bisachioni grand Prior of Bosnia Earl of Galicia great Chancellor and Administrator of the Order as also in Malvezzi and other Authors Knights of this Order To conclude this Author gives a Catalogue of the Names of 34 Great Masters whom he affirms were all true descendants of the Family of Angelus Flavius Comnenus beginning with Constantine the Great but between him and Alexius Angelus Flavius whom he reckons to be the third Great Master and who was he that drew all the Knights into a Fraternity is doubtless a very great Chasme As to others either the chain of succession is broken in several places or the Order hath suffered some discontinuance Knights of the Order of St. James in Galicia 14. There were several Orders of Knighthood to which the Spanish piety gave a being protection and support and amongst them that of St. Iames the Apostle commonly called Sanctiago was the first and principal There are some Spanish Writers reckoned up by Franciscus Mennenius that say this Order took beginning in the time of Don Ramiro King of Leon who began his Reign in the year of our Lord 821. and at the Battel of Clavijo or Clavigio anno 826. or as some say anno 837. against the Moors did by the assistance of St. Iames the Apostle said to have then appeared upon a white Horse bearing a Banner with a Red Cross upon it gain a mighty Victory over an innumerable multitude of them whereupon in all Battels thenceforth his patronage was implor'd That this was the occasion of the Orders Foundation is not believed or approved of by all as may be collected from Iohannes Mariana Franc. Alphon. Venerius and others of that Country some of them placing the Institution thereof about the year 1160 and some others upon a clear mistake confounding the time of Institution with that Confirmation by Pope Alexander the Third anno 1175. in which the first rule of living is prescribed to the Knights of this Order But though there be no certainty that this Order was instituted in memory of the appearance of St. Iames after the manner before related and in the Reign of Don Ramiro yet that there was a Fraternity or Military Order in Spain under that Title at least 145 years before Pope Alexander gave his Confirmation though how much elder is hitherto not known is a thing out of all dispute For it evidently appears from the original Priviledge granted to the Nuns of the Monastery of St. Esprit in Salamanca dated the 15. of Nov. anno Dom. 1030. under the royal hand of Don Fernando the First who began his Reign anno Dom. 1017. and is therein stiled King of Castile Leon Galicia Portugal and Lord of Biscay for in his time were the Kingdoms of Castile and Leon first united that there was then in being a Fraternity and Order of Knights or Comendadores as also a Superior bearing the Title of Master and Governor thereof and that these Knights had then also Castles Lands Rents and Possessions to support them for of all these is there express mention made in that Grant Moreover in an ancient Original of a very old Letter written long before they received any Rule or Form of Religion and pen'd in corrupt and barbarous Latine which contains certain Rules and Orders to be observed by them as also mulcts and forfeitures for neglects and offences therein set down they are called Brothers of the Fraternity of St. Iames. And albeit the Knights of this Order did at first dispose themselves to virtuous courses and valiantly encountred the Moors Enemies to the Cross of Christ that being the chief end of their Foundation yet in tract of time they fell from the honor of their first Institution and grew so strangely debauch'd and gave so great occasion of scandal that the Order was thereby so much perverted as it could scarce be accounted an Order But afterwards the Knights being by the divine goodness reclaimed grew desirous to be reduced to a better life and to submit themselves to regularity and order and upon Cardinal Iacintha's arrival in Spain and their application to him he as much as in him lay first confirmed their Order in the year of our Lord 1170 under the Rule of St. Augustine and upon his return to Rome Fernando de Fuente Encalada and others Knights and Canons of this Order attended him thither whom he presented to Pope Alexander the Third and from him obtained approbation and confirmation He also received this Order under the protection of the Papal See prescribed to these Knights the Rule and manner of living the form of holding Chapters of electing their Master of the Trezes and thirteen Comendadores of Houses â—nd of the Visitors In
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
with this Order â—he sends the Jewel accompanied with her Letter which serves instead of a personal Investiture Among many others admitted thereinto were Vladislaus Sigismundus late King of Poland Carolus Gustavus late King of Sweden and Adolphus Iohannes his Brother also Iohn George Duke of Saxony the Lantgrave of Hesse several German Princes the Count Montecuculi General of the Horse to the Emperor Don Antonio Piementelli de Parada Envoye Extraordinary from the King of Spain as also divers great Lords of the Court of Sweden and of our Nation Sir Bulstrode Whiteloke to whose friendly civility we are obliged for the foregoing Account SECT II. Of Knights in the West-Indies IF after all these we take some prospect of those Martial Honors bestowed in the West-Indies which the Europeans commonly call by the Title of Knighthood as having some resemblance to it from the nature of the Ceremonies used at the entrance and admittance into that Dignity and the end for which they were bestowed we shall find they properly enough deserve mention here The Mexicans gave the first place of Honor to the profession of Arms and therefore on such as had performed valiant services in Wars they bestowed great recompence and gave them sundry Priviledges which none else might enjoy Valour and Courage were with them the steps by which a man of mean extraction ascended to high dignity and honor and therefore the chief of their Nobility commonly sprung from the Camp Among whom Moteçuma set Knighthood in highest splendor ordaining certain Military Orders with several Badges and Ensigns The most honorable among the Knights were those that carried the crown of their Hair tied with a little Red Ribbon having a rich Plume of Feathers from which did hang branches and rolls of Feathers upon their shoulders They carried so many of these rolls as they had done worthy deeds in War The King himself was of this Order as may be seen in Capultepec where Moteçuma and his Sons are represented attired with those kind of Feathers cut in the Rock There was another Order of Knighthood which they called of the Lyons and Tygers these Knights being commonly the most valiant and most noted in the Wars and always bore with them their Badges and Armories Other Knights there were as the Grey Knights not so much respected as the rest they had their Hair cut round about the ear They went to the Wars with Ensigns like the other Knights yet not armed but to the Girdle while the most honorable were armed all over All Knights might carry Gold and Silver wear rich Cotton use painted and gilt Vessels wear Shoes after their manner but the common people only earthen Vessels neither might they carry Shoes nor attire themselves but in a gross Stuff called Nequen Every Order of these Knights had their Lodging in the Palace noted with their Ensigns the first was called the Lodging of the Prince the second of Eagles the third of Lyons and Tygers and the fourth of Grey Knights They of the Province of Cinaola an Inland part near new Mexico created their Knights by giving a Bow then setting them to encounter a Lyon or some other wild Beast the death of which was accounted the life of their Gentility The Inguas Lords of Peru in their solemn Feasts at Cusco dedicated their Children to Honor by adorning them with Guarras or Ensigns They pierced their Ears whipt them with Slings anointed their Faces with Blood and all in sign that they should be true Knights to the Ingua Those of the blood royal in Peru before they received the Degree of Knighthood pass'd through sundry probations but chiefly they performed some Military Exercises and managed the Lance Dart and other Arms. The manner and order of tryal of their skill and courage was both rigorous and severe as abstaining from all things for seven days except a little raw Corn and Water then being heartned again their running of Races afterwards one day holding out another besieging a Fort then Wrestling Leaping Shooting Slinging throwing the Dart and Lance exercising in all Weapons of War and enduring to be beaten on the hands and legs with wands all these things tending to discover whether they could bear the hard adventures of War or not which tryals if they could not manfully suffer they were rejected and denyed Knighthood Next followed the Circumstances and Ceremonies of their Creation as boaring a hole in the Ears putting on gallant Shoes as also Breeches which before they might not wear adorning their heads with Flowers and an Herb that none else might use and lastly giving an Axe into their hands All which Mr. Purchas having set down at large we thought it less needful to be more particular These Knights are by Mennenius called Oreiones from the Spanish word Orejas which signifies flap or loll-eared and in Latin Auriculares either from the Leaf which they carried hanging in their Ears or as Ios. Micheli saith for that they were only to negotiate and treat of great Affairs with the Emperor and had his ear at all times To these we shall add the account we have of an Order of Knights in Iapan intituled Mengoras part of them are called Bonzoes living in Fraternities as do our religious Brotherhoods in Europe Some of these relate to their Temples and have the charge of their Idols and the service appertaining to them others are Knights and follow the Wars accepting pay from any Lord that imploys them Of this Order there are found to be about 30000. who in many things bear parallel with the Religious Knights in Europe They prosess Chastity with such severity that into their Cities no Woman may enter They have the Rule given them over those Kingdoms which they conquer and are very rich some of them having not less than 60000 Duckets per annum Revenue Every day they make and present five Arrows to the publick Armory which is a very prudent provision in regard no man is sensible of the charge and thereby they find themselves well provided upon all occasions SECT III. The Feminine Cavaliers of the Torch in Tortosa AND now in close of our Discourse of the Orders of Knighthood give us leave to bring up the rere with a memorial relating to Feminine Valour and of the later Age for we shall not need to instance in the Amazons of old whose fame in Arms is so generally known since some of that Sex having acquired honor and renown by their personal courage and valiant exploits have had bestowed on them the priviledge of living after the manner and in the esteem of Knights The Example is of the noble Women of Tortosa in Aragon and recorded by Ioseph Micheli Marquez who plainly calls them Cavalleros or Knights or may I not rather say Cavalleras seeing I observe the words Equitissae and Militissae formed from the Latin Equites and Milites
House within two miles of Eccleshall in Staffordshire where one Mr. George Barlow then dwelt delivered his Wife this George to secure Within a week after Mr. Barlow himself carried to Robert Milward Esquire now second Justice of the great Sessions of the County Palatine of Chester one of the Commissioners of the Privy Seal and Son unto Sir Thomas Milward Knight late Chief Justice of the said great Sessions both persons of known loyalty and great sufferers for his late Majesty he being when a Prisoner to the Parliament in the Garrison of Stafford and by his means was it happily preserved and restored for not long after he delivered it to Mr. Isaac Walton a man well known and as well beloved of all good men and will be better known to posterity by his ingenious Pen in the lives of Doctor Donne Sir Henry Wotton Mr. Richard Hooker and Mr. George Herbert to be given to Colonel Blague then Prisoner in the Tower who considering it had already past so many dangers was perswaded it could yet secure one hazardous attempt of his own and thereupon leaving the Tower without leave taking hasted the presentation of it to the present Soveraign's hand The first is the Great Seal of Borice-Feodorwiche Emperor of Russia affixed to his Letters sent to Queen Elizabeth dated at his Imperial Palace of Mosko the 12. of Iune 1602. and 39. year of his Reign A Translation of which was most courteously afforded me by Mr. Ia. Frese Interpretor to the Russian Ambassadors sent over hither to his now Majesty an Dom. 1660. and is as followeth By Gods providence We the great Lord Emperor and great Duke Boreece Feodorwiche of all Russia Self-upholder of Wolodeemer Mosko Novograde Emperor of Kazan Emperor of Astracane and Emperor of Seebeeria Lord of Psokosske great Duke of Smolenskee Twerskee Ugarskee Permskee Vaticekee Bolgarskee and other Lord and great Duke of Novagradia the lower Countries Cheringoskee Rezanskee Rososkee Yaroslaveskee Beloozerskee Leeflandia Udorskee Obdorskee Kondinskee and Commander of all the Northern parts and Lord of all the Iverskee Countries and Granziskee Empires and of the Caberniskee Countries Cherkaskee Igorskee and of many other Kingdoms Lord and Conqueror We have likewise seen another of this Emperors great Seals fixed to his Letters bearing date the 31. day of May an Dom. 1594. which he also sent to Queen Elizabeth and was presented to her at Richmond the 14. of October following by his Ambassador Evanowich the Circumscription containing the same Stile and Titles above set down There is preserved in the Archives at Oxford an Instrument containing Letters testimonial of this Emperor given to Doctor Christopher Ritinger his chief Physician the Seal whereof is Silver gilt but differs in size and design from the former and contains on the reverse the Figure of St. George and the Dragon only A translation of the whole Instrument I have transcribed hither as it was communicated to me by my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Hyde the present Library-Keeper of that famous Vniversity a Gentleman of eminent Learning in all kinds and especially in the Oriental Tongues By the great mercy of God We great Lord Emperor and great Duke Borrys Feodorwich of all Russia sole Commander of Volodemersky Moscovesky Novogorodsky King of Cazansky King of Astracansky King of Sibersky Lord of Vobsky and great Duke of Smolensky Twersky Ugorsky Permesky Votsky Bulgarsky and many others Lord and great Duke of Novogorod Levelandsky Udorsky Obdorsky Kondnisky and all the Northern parts Commander Lord of Iverskyland King of Grusinsky Caberdinsky Country Chercasky and the Country of Iversky and of many other Kingdoms Lord and Commander together with our princely Son Pheodor Burrissiwich of all Russia do by these our princely Letters given unto Doctor Christopher Ritinger Physician Hungarian born acknowledge his true faithful and willing service unto our Highness in which his profession We Lord King and great Duke Burrys Feodorwich of all Russia have sufficiently tryed his skill on our princely person which he carefully performed for the better preservation of our health and through Gods great mercy by his diligent and faithful service hath cured our Highness of a dangerous sickness And therefore we Lord King and great Duke Borys Feodorwich of all Russia sole Commander with our princely Son Pheodor Burryssiwich in regard of his great learning and faithful service to us have admitted him to be our Princely Doctor to minister Physick and attend on our royal person to which end we have granted him our Letters and hereby we testifie his sufficient knowledge and practice in Physick who hath by our selves well deserved to publish and make known the same And if the said Doctor Christopher shall repair to any other Princes Countries Emperors Kings Curfists Arch-Dukes or Dukes to offer his service unto them We do by these our princely Letters wheresoever they shall come give true testimony on the said Doctor Christopher's behalf to be of great learning sufficient knowledge well practised in Physick matters as also in that profession careful diligent and trusty to be credited We having had sufficient tryal of his faithful carriage in all true and honest services towards us These our Princely Letters given in our great and chiefest Palace in the Kingdom of Mosco in the year of the creation of the World 7109. and in the moneth of August The Style about the Seal By the great mercy of God We great Lord Emperor and great Duke Borys Feodorwich of all Russia sole Commander Lord and Governor of many other Countries and Kingdoms The third is the great Seal of Alexeye Michailowiche the present Emperor of Russia wherewith was sealed the Letter sent to his now Majesty an Dom. 1660. by his Ambassadors Duke Peter Semoenowiche Prosoroskee Lord and Possessor of the Dukedom of Toole and Evan Offonosyewiche Zelabuskee Namestinck of Coormeskee Which having obtained by the favour of Sir William Morice Knight and Baronet late principal Secretary of State we also here exhibit to publick view with a translation of this Emperor's Style rendred into English by the said Mr. Ia. Frese By Gods mercy We the great Lord Emperor and great Duke Alexeye Michailowiche of all the great and lesser and white Russia Self-upholder of Moscovia Kneveskee Wolodeemerskee and Novagardskee Emperor of Kazan Emperor of Astracan Emperor of Siberia Lord of Pscosskee and great Duke of Lettow Smolenskee Twerskee Wolniskee Podolskee Ugarskee Permskee Waticekee Bolgarskee and others Lord and great Duke of Novogradia the lower Countries Cheringoskee Rezanskee Polotskee Rostosskee Yaroslasskee Belozerskee Udorskee Obdorskee Kandinskee Weetepskee Meestesloskee and of all the Northern parts Commander Lord of the Iverskee Countries Cartalinskee Groonsiskee and Igerskee Empires and of the Kabardinskee Countries Cheringosskee and Igorskee Dukedoms and of many other Dukedoms Eastern western and northern from Father and Grandfather heir apparent Lord and Conqueror This representation of St. George and the Dragon we find assigned for Arms to Anne de Russie Daughter to Iaroslaus
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
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
the Soveraign under his Seal the cause of his impediment that so he might perceive by his excuse whether it were worthy acceptance or he in fault or not CHAP. X. THE Investiture OF A KNIGHT SUBJECT WITH THE Garter and George SECT I. The Notice given to a Knight Subject of his Election IN reference to this Ceremony we are first to premise something concerning the notice to be given the Knight-Elect of his Election into this most Noble Order whether he be at such time personally at Windesor or other place where the Chapter is then held or employed in some more remote parts within the Kingdom or elsewhere beyond the Seas upon the Soveraign's Affairs To the newly Elect-Knight who upon this acquisition of Honor happens to be at Windesor or wheresoever else the Chapter is held Garter immediately after the Soveraign hath signified his pleasure in Election of the person is sent out of the Chapter to give him notice of it for we find this employment recorded as part of the duty of his Office and asserted to be so by the general practice and among other Precedents in the Annals upon the Election of the Lord Howard and Sir Henry Marney an 2. H. 8. both then present at Court it appears that Garter was forthwith sent out of the Chapter to give them notice thereof and to conduct them to the Soveraign 's presence where both were invested with the two principal Ensigns of the Order the Garter and George And upon the like service was he employed at the Election of Sir Nicholas Carew an 28. H. 8. and of the Lord Burghley and Lord Grey of Wilton an 14. Eliz. And as Garter hath been accustomed to carry the verbal notice of Knights Election so also the Soveraign's Letter signifying Election to a Knight then likewise at Court where the Soveraign is pleased for the greater honor of the Person to wave a verbal notice and send Letters of signification in its stead And in such case these Letters are drawn up by the Chancellor of the Order and pass under both the Soveraign's Sign manual and Signet of the Order Such a particular Honor was afforded the present soveraign to whom immediately after his Election in a Chapter held at Windesor the Soveraign directed the following Letter presented to him by Sir Iohn Burrough Garter who found him walking in St. George's Hall Charles R. OVR most dear and entirely beloved Son having to our great comfort seen and considered the ripeness of your youth and conceived joyful and pregnant hopes of your manly virtues in which we are assured you will encrease to your own honor both in prowess wisdom justice and all princely endowments and that the emulation of Chevalry will in your tender years provoke and encourage you to pursue the glory of heroick action besitting your royal birth and our care and education We with the Companions of our most Noble Order of the Garter assembled in Chapter holden this present day at our Castle of Windesor have elected and chosen you one of the Companions of our Order In signification whereof we have sent unto you by our trusty and well beloved servants Sir John Burrough Knight Garter and our Principal King of Arms these our Royal Letters requiring you to make your speedy repair unto us to receive the Ensigns of our most honorable Order and to be ready for your Installation upon the 21. day of this present Month. Given under the Signet of our Order at our Castle of Windesor the 20. of May in the 14. year of our Reign 1638. To our dearly beloved son Prince Charles This is the only Instance we have met with where a Letter was sent to an Elect-Knight and he at the same time present at Court But when an Election passeth and the Knight Elected is remote from Court then the general form of the Letter is both to signifie his Election and summon him to his Investiture with the Garter and George of which see a Precedent in the Appendix But where the Soveraign is pleased to descend to mention particular services or other inducements for a Knights Election there the Preamble of the Letter is worded accordingly and that this hath sometimes though but rarely been used appears thus in that Letter which certified Election to Sir Iohn Fastolfe We considering the virtuous fidelity you have shown and the honorable exploits you have done in the service of our thrice renowned Father and that in our service also you as many others have given proofs of that honor and those deserts wherewith God hath endowed you always suffering as is the part of a good and faithful subject the pains and toyls of War for the vindicating and maintaining of our just right claims and title have chosen you one of our Companions of our Order c. Where the Letter barely signifies Election that is when the Soveraign doth not design a present Investiture with the Garter and George but defers that Ceremony till the Elect-Knight comes to Windesor to take possession of his Stall in such case notice of the day of his Installation is also inserted towards the end of the Letter and upon his appearance at Windesor so soon as he is called into the Chapter-house the Garter is first buckled about his left leg next follows his Investiture with the rest of the Ornaments of the Order and lastly his Installation And thus in the case of Henry Earl of Cumberland an 29. H. 8. was the Investiture with the Garter deferr'd till his appearance at Windesor where that Ceremony as also his Investiture with the Habit and Collar and lastly his Installation were dispatcht at one time SECT II. His Reception into the Chapter-house IF the Elect Knight be neer where the Chapter is held and that Garter hath been sent forth to give him notice of the Honor and to usher him into the Chapter-house to receive the Garter and George before the Chapter break up intimation being given of his approach the Soveraign sends forth two of the Knights-Companions to meet him who after a mutual salute conduct him between them to the presence of the Soveraign Garter going before them For instances herein first of Strangers we shall remember Vlrick Duke of Holstien an 3. Iac. R. who being sent for by Garter was introduced into the Chapter between Prince Henry and the Earl of Dorset and by them presented to the Soveraign So Christian Duke of Brunswick an 22. Iac. R. proceeded with much state and honor in the midst between William Earl of Penbroke and Philip Earl of Montgomery to receive the Garter and George The 6. of November an 14. Car. 2. Christian Prince of Denmark being Elected in a Chapter held in the Withdrawing Room at Whitehall and then absent Garter was sent next day by the Soveraign to give him notice thereof with desire to be present the following day at the foresaid place to receive his
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
hither being pronounced by the Chancellor if the Soveraign or his Lieutenant be present otherwise by the Register To the land and honor of Almighty God his imaculate Mother and Saint George the holy Martyr tye or gird your Leg with this Noble Garter wearing it to the encrease of your honor and in token and remembrance of this most Noble Order remembring that thereby you being admonished and encouraged in all just Battels and Wars which only you shall take in hand both strongly to fight valiantly to stand and honorable to have the Victory But against the Investiture of the present Soveraign the words of Signification being better weighed and considered were put into this form To the honor of God omnipotent and in memorial of the blessed Martyr St. George tye about thy Leg for thy renown this Noble Garter wear it as the Symbol of the most illustrious Order never to be forgotten or laid aside That thereby thou mayst be admonished to be courageous and having undertaken a just War into which only thou shalt be engaged thou mayest stand firm valiantly fight and successfully conquer The Princely Garter being in manner aforesaid buckled on and the words of Signification pronounced the Elect-Knight is brought before the Soveraign who puts about his Neck the George pendant at a Skie coloured Ribband at which part of the Ceremony the Admonition used at the adorning of an Installed Knight with the Collar of the Order changing only the word Collar for Ribband is pronounced but were thus framed for the before mentioned occasion of the present Soveraign's Investiture with the George and Ribband Weaâ— this Ribband about thy Neck adorned with the Image of the blessed Martyr and Soldier of Christ St. George by whose imitation provoked thou mayest so overpass both prosperous and adverse encounters that having stoutly vanquished thy Enemies both of Body and Soul thou mayest not only receive the praise of this transient Combat but be crowned with the Palm of eternal Victory In further progress upon this Ceremony we shall note that so great a respect hath been given to Foreign Princes who receive the honor here that the Soveraign most usually performs the Investiture himself For so when Philip King of Castile received a personal Investiture in the Chapter-house at Windesor it was from the Soveraign's own hands for he took the Garter from the King of Arms put it about the Kings Leg and Prince Henry fastned the Buckle Queen Elizabeth her self buckled the Garter about the Leg of Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne and hung about his Neck a Gold Chain with the George at it The like honor did King Iames to the Duke of Holâ—tein in the third year of his Reign And now and then though seldom out of special grace and favour hath the Soveraign done this honor to a Knight-Subject though when Queen Eliz. was pleased to adorn the Lord Burghley with the Garter the Annals note it to be done as it were by the by and Henry Earl of Susseâ— an 31. Eliz. received these Ensigns of the Order from the Soveraign her self The like favour did she to the Earl of Shrewsbury in the 34. year of her Reign So also did King Iames invest Henry Earl of Northampton with the principal Ensigns of the Order as a person worthy so great an honor and lastly his late Mâ—jesty of blessed memory placed both the Garter and George upon the present Soveraign the 21. of May 1638. with his own hands Sometimes the Soveraign hath performed but part of the Investiture and commanded the senior Knight to do the rest Thus when the Earl of Devonshire an 13. H. 8. received these Ensigns it was on this manner first the Soveraign reached out the Garter to the Marquess Dorset and commanded him buckle it about his left Leg which as he was doing the Duke of Norsolk gave him his assistance then the Soveraign put on the Gold Chain with the Image of Saint George at it At the Investiture of Christian Duke of Brunswick an 22. Iac. R. the Soveraign put about his neck the Blue Ribband whereat hung the Effigies of St. George and the Earls who introduced him to the Soveraign's presâ—â—â—e buckled on the Garter The like did the late Soveraign to William Earl of Northampton an 4. Car. 1. at which time the Earl of Penbroke fastned the Garter about his left Leg and an 9. Car. 1. the Earls of Danby and Moreton were both of them invested with the George by the Soveraign himself while the Earl of Penbroke invested the former and the Earl of Carlisle the latter with the Garter So also since the Soveraign's happy return in the cases of the Prince of Denmark the Dukes of Monmouth Cambridge and Albemarle was the Investiture begun with the George And thus we see that an 22. Iac. Reg. the order of Investiture began to be inverted the George and Ribband being then first put on and the Garter last Nevertheless the Garter as it was the first so the principal and most worthy Ensign of the Order and therefore in the practice of all former times thought fit to have the precedence of Investiture given it and was so observed at the Investiture of the present Soveraign Lastly the Investiture with these two Ensigns hath for the most part been heretofore performed by the two senior Knights and at the command of the Soveraign but always in his presence the Chapter sitting but if absent then by his Lieutenant and so it hapned an 31. Eliz. for the Lord Buckhurst being Elected at Whitehall upon the 24. of April that year and coming to Court having no knowledge of his Election after the Soveraign was risen yet leaving the Chapter sitting her Lieutenant invested him both with the Garter and George The Solemnity of Investiture being compleated the Elect-Knight recollecting himself with all befitting humility renders thanks to the Soveraign for these Tokens and Ensigns of Honor and after with due respects salutes the Knights-Companions who thereupon re-salute the Elect-Knight and joyfully receive him into their Fellowship Society In case two or more Elect-Knights receive the honor of this Investiture at one time then so soon as the senior hath been Invested and his humble thanks presented he passeth down towards the Chapter-house door and there stands while the next junior is in like manner invested which Ceremony being ended he also goes down and stands with the other Elect-Knight and so do the rest in order if there be more present that attend their Investiture until the Chapter break up SECT IV. Of sending the Garter and George to an Elect-Knight Subject WHere a Knight-Subject at the time of his Election is remote from Court or beyond Sea and the Soveraign determines to send him the two principal Ensigns of the Order the charge of this employment doth of right belong to Garter and herein there are divers Precedents Sir
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
brought the persons to whom they related was it that the late Soveraign of ever blessed memory thought fit to perpetuate the Solemnity of the present Soveraign's Installation by certain Medals whereof the forms and inscriptions were these SECT XI Of setting up the Knights Atchievments THE last thing to be done at this great Solemnity is setting up the Helm Crest Sword Banner and Plate of the new installed Knight over his Stall in the Chappel of St. George at Windsor to which purpose they are to be provided in readiness according to the directions before given This though it be no part of the Ceremony of Installation yet is it a consequent thereunto and an unseparable appendix and therefore proper enough to be added here The setting up of Trophies Ensigns and Atchievements of honor anciently in Churches as well in the life time of such worthy and deserving men who had performed some gallant action as on their Tombs and Monuments after their death was chiefly designed to this end that the Beholders thereby put in mind of their great virtues might be excited to the imitation and pursuit of true Nobility Valour and Virtue Hereupon at the Institution of this most Noble Order the Atchievements of the Knights-Companions were thought fit to be set up in the Choire of the said Chappel and hence also the remarkable Plates wherein their Escotcheons of Arms curiously wrought in enamel were fastned to the back of their Stalls Not that the outward form of such things have in them any great force but that the memory of great actions done beget that ardour in the breasts of excellent persons which never is at rest till some eminent atchievements of theirs have over-taken the others fame and glory By the Statutes of Institution it is ordained that the time for setting up the Atchievements shall be when the Elect-Knight comes to Windesor Casilâ— that is to his Installation and not before and the reason is there likewise given lest it should happen he not coming within the time limited for his Installation and consequently the vacating his Election thereupon ensuing that a new Election being made those Military Ensigns might seem to be disgracefully withdrawn and an occasion of dishonor given which otherwise could not be avoided if they should be suddenly taken down from a place so high Now 't is most clear that the intention of this Article extends to the â—inishing the Ceremonies of Installation before the Atchievements ought to be set up by so carefully providing against the dishonor of taking them down in case the Election should become void which must certainly happen if the Knight-â—lect died but the hour before he were compleatly installed And accordingly in the ancient Deputation both to Sir William Philip and Sir Iohn Fasiâ—lâ— power is given their Proctors first to demand receive and obtain their Principals Stalls and next to tender their Helms and Swords to be hung up in the Choire of Windesor according to custom and for clearer information of the order and course in this Ceremony it may be observed that the Soveraign impowered his Commissioners first to give the Deputy possession of his Principals Stall and aâ—ter to receive the Atchievements and place them over it Herewith it may be considered That the Atchievements are set up in memorial of the Knight-Elect's being installed a Companion of the Order and 't is incongruous in the rules of Honor to have the sign or memorial of an action precede the action it self Again the Statutes of this most Noble Order expresly provide That the Knights Atchievements shall not be permitted to be hung up until all the Duties and Fees enjoined by the Statutes to be paid the Colledge be first discharged but 't is certain there are no Fees due and consequently cannot be challenged till the Ceremonies upon which they become due are compleatly â—inished And it is remembred as the Custom in Queen Elizabeth's Reign for the Elect-Knights Steward or some other of his Servants to bring money with them to Windesor and there pay the Fees at the Chappel door so soon as the Installation was dispatcht to the end the Atchievements might immediately after be set up But to clear all doubts which may arise upon this point it was in a Chapter held at Whitehall the 4. of February an 22. Car. 2. Ordained and Decreed That not any of the Atchievements of an Elect-Knight shall be set up in the Chappel at Windesor before he be Installed and the Fees of Installation paid It should seem that though anciently they did not set up the Elect-Knights Atchievements before he was installed yet were they prepared and brought to Windesor and disposed of or set before his Stall and in case of his not coming to receive Installation then being no otherwise placed might be the easier removed without the Choire in as decent a manner as could be that so the honor of Knighthood might be preserved entire nevertheless to be thenceforth kept for publick use and benefit of the Colledge Where we find mention made in the Annals of any person employed to set up the Atchievements of a Knight it is to be understood that he was his Proctor and installed on the behalf of that Knight whose Atchievements he so hung up And the Lord Fitz Hugh who set up the Atchievements of the King of Denmark an 9. H. 6. took also possession of that Kings Stall for and on his behalf and in his name There is but a single instance as we remember where one man hung up a Knights Atchievements and another was installed for him and this hapned an 29. H. 6. where the Lord Ryvers having been Elected to the Stall of the Lord Hungerford the 4. of August that year his Sword and Helm were hung up on the 8. of September next after by William Bobden his Esq and Guyen Herald and he installed the 30. of October following by Sir William Crafford his Proctor But this was contrary to the Law of the Order Moreover where the setting up of a Knights-Atchievements is barely mentioned without taking notice of the Installation it is to be understood that such Knights Installation was also solemnized at that time as in the case of the King of Portugal concerning whom the Annals only note that he had taken care to set up over his Stall his Helm Sword and Banner and all things belonging thereunto at the Feast celebrated at Windesor an 2. H. 6. In what manner and order these Atchievements are fixed will partly appear from the Statutes viz. the Helm and Crest are thereby appointed to be set over each Knight-Companion's Stall and the Sword to hang directly underneath them But the Plate is nailed to the Back of the Knights Stall And here for a Corollary to this Chapter let us add That as the Statutes of two of the most noted Orders of Knighthood in Christendom have in
rigid an observance of the Statutes in this point the foresaid Knight through the misfortunes and casualties of War whereunto they were daily exposed should be snatcht away by a sudden death and so want the desired suffrages of those Masses ordained to be sung for a defunct Knights as had been seen in the case of divers other prevented thereof by over much delay Nevertheless by that more ample and large Copy of the foresaid Letter recorded in the Registrum Chartaceum which we think necessary also to add in the Appendix it appears that the Soveraign and Knights-Companions remaining at that time with him in France had before upon the Duke of Bedford's request signified their approbation of installation by Proxie by the favour of which Certificate and virtue of this consent though as yet not formed into a Decree Sir Iohn Grey and Sir Iohn Robessart were installed upon their Letters missive wherein they only named their Proctors In this Letter it also appears that the Lord Bourchier's Proctor made so by a deprecatory Letter sent over to his Deputy from the Countess of Stafford was only promised to be installed in regard there was no express caution given in the Statutes concerning the sufficiency of this sort of Proxie But to clear all doubts which for the future might arise it was among other things Decreed an 9. H. 5. That where any Elect-Knight was actually in the Soveraign 's Wars or otherwise employed abroad upon the Soveraign 's affairs he should possess and enjoy the priviledge of a Stranger in this particular namely to be admitted to his Stall by a legal Proxie who should do and perform all things enjoined to the Proxie of a Stranger Which Decree we find added to King Henry the Fifth's Statutes Hereupon it was in a short time after enjoined the Elect-Knight upon notice of his Election to take care that his Proctor should be appointed to take possession of his Stall with all possible speed to the end he might enjoy the rights and priviledges of a Founder for such an obligation we find laid upon Sir Iohn Fastolf who at the reception of the Garter was in France and there employed in the Soveraign's service But King Henry the Eighth besides his confirmation of this Decree for allowance of a Proxie in the foresaid two Cases further enlarged it to such as the Soveraign should either command or permit by License to be installed by Proxie which is to be understood of Knights-Elect within the Kingdom no less than those beyond Sea By virtue of which clause the Earl of Dorset being sick an 1. Car. 1. obtained the Soveraign's License to be Installed by his Deputy Sir Richard Young who accordingly took possession of the Stall appointed for him SECT II. Letters of Procuration WE noted before out of the Registrum Chartaceum that Sir Iohn Robessart Elected into the Order by King Henry the Fifth was Installed by virtue of his Letter missive sent to Sir Thomas Barr his Proxie But the same Register in another place calls it a sufficient Procuration under his Seal of Arms enabling him to do and perform in his name all things which might appertain to the observance and Ceremony of his Installation The Copy of this Instrument we have not met with but that other Letter missive which Sir Iohn Grey directed to Sir Iohn Lisle to take the possession of his Stall and by virtue of which he was Installed is transferred to the Appendix Nor have we seen the before mentioned Deprecatory Letter sent over from the Countess of Stafford for the Installation of Hugh Stafford Lord Bourchier but it seems to have been esteemed so sufficient and authentick as to obtain for his substitute the title of Proctor This example became a President to the now Countess of Bristol whose Lord having been Elected a Knight-Companion of this Order by the present Soveraign and being absent on an Embassy when the Grand Feast of St. George happily celebrated an 12. Car. 2. was drawing on she wrote a Letter to Sir Richard Fanshaw Knight and Baronet to desire him to appear and act at that following Solemnity in quality of her Lord's Proxie And because there grew some doubt from the Lord Bourchier's Case of the sufficiency of such a Nomination the request of the said Countess was thought requisite to be strengthened by the Soveraign's Authority and Nomination likewise which being obtained was ratified under the Seal of the Order And doubtless in the case of a Knight-Subject the Soveraign may if he please nominate and appoint a Proxie for Installation where the Elect-Knight hath not done it himself for here all those considerations of grand respect form of the Oath c. always afforded to Strangers have no place and this is evident from the Soveraign's Letters of Summons to the Commissioners nominated for Installation of the Lord Grey an 4. 5. Ph. M. who at that time was Prisoner in France and whose Deputy Sir Humfry Radcliff Knight is therein mentioned to have been appointed by the Soveraign her self The first President of Letters of Procuration or Deputation drawn into a solemn form is that made by Sir William Philipp whereby he having obtained the Soveraign's License impowers two Knights namely Sir Andrew Butreley and Sir Iohn Henington or either of them as their occasions would permit to supply his place and take possession of that Stall which should be assigned him in the Choire at Windesor This Procuration and the time of Sir Philipp's Installation by virtue thereof is entred in the Black Book of the Order under the eighth year of King Henry the Fifth but certainly misplaced for though the year of our Lord or of the Soveraign's Reign be wanting in the date of the Instrument yet is there added a note remarkable enough to wit that it was made while the Soveraign lay in Siege before Roan in France which as our Chronicles report was begun the 13. of October an 5. H. 5. and taken the 19. of Ianuary following so that by this account the Procuration was sealed the 11. of November an 5. H. 5. and ought to have been placed in the Annals under that year Besides this the Registrum Chartaceum expresly saith That Sir William Philipp was Installed the same day with Sir Iohn Robessart and so it is also exprest in the Duke of Bedford's before mentioned Letter which Solemnity is there entred as held on the 17. of February and though the year be not set down and all the former part of this Register wanting yet in the course thereof it may be observed that the following year is the 7. of H. 5. Add to all this that the Black Book it self under that seventh year ranks both Sir Iohn Robessart and Sir William Philipp for Knights-Companions among the other Knights Installed before that year and notes them to be then
with the former yet more clear and full than the Black-Book for it tells us that Mr. Newport was at the same time sent in the Legation with the Garter and Mantle to the King of Poland But to return we have not found that King Henry the Eighth or any of his Successors Soveraign's of the Order have made much use of that liberty granted by the foresaid Article of his Statutes for deferring the Significatory Letters of Election beyond the time appointed by the Statutes of Institution And that it may be the better observed how soon notice of Election hath been given to Strangers we will insert all the instances in this kind that have come to our knowledge It is recorded that the French King Francis the First was Elected Oct. 21. an 19. H. 8. and albeit we find not the exact time when the Soveraign's Letter for giving notice of his Election was sent him yet must that complement be most certainly dispatcht within the time limited by the ancient Statutes since we observe he was Installed within three months after viz. the 25. of Ianuary following When Iames the Fifth King of Scotland was Elected Ian. 20. an 26. â— 8. the Lord William Howard was forthwith sent to inform him of his â—lection Henry the Second of France before mentioned having been Elected the 24. of April an 5. E. 6. had Letters of signification sent him in May following Emanuel Duke of Savoy was chosen a Knight-Companion 6. Aug. an 1 2. Ph. M. and the same day it was Decreed That Letters should be sent unto him with the illustrious Garter and other Ensigns of the Order But hereby is to be understood the Soveraign's Credential Letters sent to accompany the Habit of the Order the Commission for delivery whereof bears teste the 17. of October following not the Letters signifying his Election for it appears clearly from the said Credentials that the Soveraign had not only before that time given him notice of his Election but that the Duke had returned a cheerful and ready acceptance of the honor The Election of Charles the Ninth of France passed the 24. of April an 6. Eliz and in May ensuing the Lord Hunsdon carried him the Habit of the Order which he received at Lyons the 24. of Iune following and the French King Henry the Fourth and Iames the Sixth King of Scotland afterwards Soveraign of this most Noble Order were both Elected together the 24. of April an 32. Eliz. to the former of these the Certificate of Election was sent by Sir Edward Stafford Knight and to the later by the Earl of Worcester Lastly Christian the Fourth King of Denmark Elected the 14. of Iune an 1. Iac. R. Maurice Prince of Orange chosen the 19. of December an 10. Iac. R. Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry Prince of Orange both Elected the 24. of April an 3. Car. 1. as also Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne chosen a Knight-Companion the 18. of April an 9. Car. 1. had Letters sent to signifie their Election within a few days after they were Elected And at such times as the present Soveraign made Election of any Stranger whilst he remained abroad care was also taken to send his Letters to acquaint them with their Election immediately after the Ceremony of Election had past SECT II. Of Notice given of an Election before sending the Habit. HEre it is to be observed with how much more caution than the former the Statutes made by King Henry the Eighth do Ordain to send Letters that signifie Election and the Book of Statutes only at the first but not the Garter and Mantle till a return be made whether the Stranger-Elect after consultation had with the Statutes will receive the Order or not And after the Certificate of Acceptance returned to the Soveraign then but not before is it there also Decreed to send a solemn Embassy with the whole Habit George and Collar And consonant to these directions in the Statutes hath the Practice sometimes been As for instance in the cases of the French King Henry the Second an 5. E. 6. and Emanuel Duke of Savoy an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. both remembred a little before as also in that of Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg to whom Queen Elizabeth sent Letters signifying his Election shortly after she had chosen him into the Society of the Order to which the Duke returned thanks and acceptation by two Ambassadors Benjamin a Buwinkhausen of Walmeroet one of his privy Councel and Cristopher ab Haugwitz Master of his Horse who received a promise from the Soveraign that the sending him the whole Habit of the Order should not be long deferr'd howbeit the same was not sent during her life SECT III. Notice of Election sent with the Habit. WHen the Soveraign hath been well assured beforehand that the Elect-Stranger would not refuse the Honor upon such confidence the same Embassy as anciently before the adding this Clause dispatcht both Ceremonies The Soveraign's Letter certifying Election being first presented together with the Book of Statutes to peruse and consider of and if upon consideration thereof the Stranger declared his acceptance then within few days after the whole Habit of the Order was with due Solemnity delivered And thus do we find it directed shortly after the Election of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland the Lord William Howard sent on that Embassy his Instructions as to this point being as followeth That he should within five or six days next after he had been with the said King of Scots for his first Embassade and resort to Court there and in most reverend fashion deliver unto the King of Scots the Letter Missive of Certification of his Election into the noble Order of the Garter from the Soveraign of the Order with due commendation from his Highness The Letter read and the said King consenting to the Reception of the said Order then incontinent the Book of Statutes to be delivered unto him and a day appointed to have his consentment on the Articles of the said Statutes In like manner were the Letters certifying Election and the Commission for presenting the Habit and Ensigns of the Order dispatcht together to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 1. Iac. R. and sent by the Earl of Rutland who went hence within a fortnight after the said King had been Elected As also to Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry Prince of Orange within two months their Election falling on the 24. of April an 3. Car. 1. and the date of the Commission for delivering the Order being on the 24. of Iune following The manner and order of the delivery of these Letters signifying Election when the Habit is sent therewith is thus First the Ambassador and Officer of Arms having notice given them of the first Audience do present
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
was performed all together and before the Stranger proceeded to the Church The Stranger being thus Invested stayeth a while in the Room where he received this honor and either discourseth with the Ambassador or else is entertained by him with some short congratulatory Oration which Complement being ended he goeth to the Church in a solemn manner having the Train of his Mantle carried up The Proceeding to the Chappel after the Investiture of the French King Henry the Second Gentlemen of France and England Noblemen of France and England Knights of the Order of St. Michael in their Collars Commissioners of England where Sir Iohn Mason placed himself with Monsieur de Omable above the other Commissioners because he was the Soveraign's Ambassador Resident Chester Herald in the Soveraign's Coat of Arms. Marquess of Northampton and Constable of France Serjeâ—nts at Arms. Garter in the Soveraign's Coat of Arms. The French King in the Habit of the Order of the Garter Cardinal of Chattillion The Cardinal of Loraine His Train born by the Duke of Longueville as great Chamberlain of France At the entrance into the Church all in the Procession make three Reverences the first towards the high Altar the next towards the Soveraign's Stall and the third towards the new-invested Stranger 's Stall The Lord Ambassador proceedeth towards the Seat assigned for him and stands before it till the Stranger hath ascended his Stall and after that making his Reverences as before he takes his then Garter making the like Reverences sits down on a Chair placed for him before the Soveraign's Stall But the Herald at Arms ought to be often neer the Stranger or else the Lord Ambassador to inform them of the order of the Ceremony if there be occasion because Garter is obliged to attend the Soveraign's Royal Stall After a solemn Anthem sung Garter passeth into the middle of the Choire and by a Reverence first to the Invested Stranger and next to the Lord Ambassador gives them the Signal for descending They being both come down Garter passeth up before the Stranger to the high Altar where he makes his Offring of Gold and Silver being accompanied with the Lord Ambassador the Herald laying the Cushen whereon he kneels while he offers But in case a Knight-Companion of the Order be sent on this Legation then he proceeds first up to the Altar preceded by Garter and offers for the Soveraign which done he returns to his own Stall Next the Invested Stranger proceeds up preceded as before and offers and returns back to his own Stall afterwards the foresaid Knight-Companion proceeds up again and at this time offers for himself and in this order was the Offring made when the Emperor Maximilian was Invested at Vienna the 4. of Ianuary an 10. Eliz. At the Investiture of the French King Henry the Second there was a solemn Mass sung and at the Offring time Garter proceeded before the King to the Altar and Monsieur Dangennes the Duke of Vendosme's Brother presented to the King his Offring and when he was returned to his Stall the Constable of France proceeded up with Garter before him and offered and in like manner after him the Marquess of Northampton with Garter also before him made his Offring and returned to his Stall The new-invested Stranger having offered returns to his Stall and the Lord Ambassador with three Reverences takes his Seat the Organs or other Musick playing all the while As soon as the solemn Service is finished the Stranger descends again from his Stall and with the Proceeding before him returns in the same order he came to the Room where he received his Investiture And it is observable that the Emperor Maximilian out of compliance with the Protestant Religion caused on the day of his Investiture all Prayers to Saints Incensing and other matters and Ceremonies not used by the Church of England to be wholly omitted at the service in his Chappel At these great Solemnities the invested Strangers have heretofore held most magnificent Feasts but they of late are not so much in use And when Dinner was ready they proceeded thither in their whole Habit which they wore all Dinner while At the Investiture of Christian the Fourth King of Denmark an 1. Iac. the Soveraign's Stiles and Titles of honor were proclaimed thrice before they sat down to Dinner and the said Kings twice But when Maurice and Henry Princes of Orange received Investiture the Stiles were proclaimed immediately after they were Invested and in the same Room that Ceremony being performed to both in an Afternoon We have had the perusal of a fair Vellom Manuscript wherein there is very curiously limned the order and manner of Maximilian the First King of the Romans his sitting at Dinner on the day of his Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order together with Sir Charles Somerset and Sir Thomas Wriothesley sent on the Embassy to present him therewith As also the order observed of sitting at Dinner by Don Ferdinand Prince of Spain Arch-Duke of Austria on the like solemn occasions the Lord Morley and Sir William Hussey sitting on his right hand and Doctor Lee the said Sir Thomas Wriothesley on his left these four being joined in the Commission of Legation to him which two Draughts for Antiquity's sake we have copied thence and thought good here to exhibit The Manner of sitting at Dinner of Maximilian king of the Romans on the day of his Investiture The Manner of sitting at Dinner of Ferdinand Prince of Spanie on the day of his Investiture At the Feast made on the like occasion by the French King Henry the Second he admitted to his Table beside the Marquess of Northampton the principal person in the Legation the before mentioned Constable of France and all three sat in their full Robes of the Garter which they put not off till after Dinner The Cardinal of Loraine fate also at the Kings Table but it was on the other side When the Investiture hath been performed in the Afternoon then was the grand Dinner turned into a Supper and thus it fell out at the Investiture of Maximilian the Emperor and two of the French Kings namely Charles the Ninth and Henry the Third as also of Maurice Prince of Orange But when Henry Prince of Orange received the Ensigns of the Order there was no Feast at all but purposely omitted to prevent the difference which might have been occasioned by the precedency and place between Ambassâ—dors drinking of Healths and other Complements Only the next day the said Prince invited Garter to Dinner who sate on the same side with him yet at a convenient distance and on the other side of the Table were placed Count Lodowick of Nassau and Collonel Bogg a Scotchman Thus have we briefly touched at the most material particulars relating to the Investiture of Strangers of which Solemnity
him to the Duke of Joyeuse These Duties thus performed the King standing invested with his Robes and the â—arl likewise by him the Ambassador for and in the name of the Earl for want of the Language used a Speech to this effect Sir we rejoice greatly to see your Majesty now invested into this honorable Society and Order of the Garter desiring of God that long and most happily you may wear and use the same to his Glory and the advancement of your own greatness equal with all your Predecessors being right well assured for so hath her Majesty commanded my Lord to say unto you that if her Highness and the residue of the Knights of this Order certainly had understood of the day and time of this your Majesties reception of the same both she and all they would not have failed in their Robes to celebrate this day in token of the honor and prosperous success they wish unto your Royal Person When the King had thus received the Order and was invested as aforesaid he proceeded to the Church of the Augustines some 15 or 20 score off to Evensong being about 4 of the Clock the way being all railed in with Timber and gravelled with fine Sand and guarded on each side with the Kings several Guards that the Train might not be troubled in proceeding The body of the Church was hanged with rich Arras and all the Choire of the same Church and Stalls with Cloth of Gold At the entry of the Choire was erected two Cloths of State one for the Queens Majesty and that was over the Stall on the right hand of the same Choire and the other for the French King and that was over the Stall next unto the Queens Majesty on the left hand within these two States royal were affixed the Arms of these two Princes viz. over the Queens Stall the Arms of England and France quarterly and over the Kings Stall the Arms of France both within the Garter and set in Frames of Wood richly gilt The Earls Stall was about eleven Stalls beneath her Majesties and on the same side whereon was also affixed the Earls Arms within the Garter and his Stile fairly written under them directly before the Queens Cloth of State was placed a Form covered all with Cloth of Gold for Mr. Clarenceux to sit upon during the time of Evensong At the right side of the Altar within the same Choice was made a place of bords Sâ—affoldwise two yards high from the Ground covered with rich Carpets and hanged with Cloth of Gold whereon was placed the Queen Mother and Queen Regnant with other Ladies and great Princes and directly on the other side against them was another place made and erected whereon stood the Popes Nuntio with the Cardinals and all the Ambassadors that then were in Paris All things being thus put in Order at the Church and all persons placed therein according to their Degrees the King proceeded thither in this sort following First Trumpets and Drums Then thirty English Gentlemen accompanied by the Kings especial order and care with thirty French Gentlemen of equal or better degree Then the Lord Windesor with a French Lord. Then the Lord Sands so also accompanied Then Serjeants at Arms with their Maces Then Somerset Herald at Arms. Then Clarenceux Then the Ambassador Leiger Sir Edward Stafford And then the Earl of Darby Chief Commissioner After him followed the King his Train being born by a Brother of the Duke of Joyeuse being a Gentleman of the Kings Privy Chamber And after the King came the Princes of the Blood Royal. Then Dukes Marquessâ—s Earls and other Noblemen Note That the King had especially ordered that for her Majesties special Honor none should that day proceed before him but English and such French as were ordered to go with them and his own Nobility to wait behind him Note also that all personages of the Order of the Holy Spirit went next to the King in their Cloaks of the Order and Collars of Gold about their necks of the same Order the person of the King was guarded all the way by a number of Gentlemen Pensioners with their Pool-axes in their hands In this order the King with his Train entred the Church and in the entring in of the Choire Somerset Herald in his rich Coat of Arms made his three Reverences the first towards the Altar as it was formerly agreed upon before by the Lord Ambassadors Secondly towards the Queens Stall Thirdly towards the Kings Stall And after him Clarenceux entring the same Choire did the like Then the Ambassador Leiger then the Earl which done the said Earl went before his own Stall and there stayed till the King had taken his Stall Royal and then the Earl making his Reverence as before went up into his Stall After him the Ambassador Leiger did the like and went into the Stall next beneath the Earl towards the High Altar Then Clarenceux having made the like Reverence sat him down on his Form placed as aforesaid directly against the Queen's Stall where he remained till the Choire began to sing Magnificat At which time he stepped forward into the midst of the Choire and there making his three Reverences as aforesaid turned himself to the Earl and Leiger Ambassador then the Ambassador came forth of his Stall and making his three Reverences followed Clarenceux over the Choire towards the King and there stayed afore the Kings Stall until Clarenceux returned and fetched the Earl unto him who making his three Reverences came also with Clarenceux before the King to the right side of his Stall where standing Clarenceux delivered the Oath fairly written in Parchment and Letters of Gold which by the Earl was laid before the King to be Signed the Ambassador Leiger being ready to have read it but that the King said it needed not because he was privy to it before who taking it in his hands received of his Secretary Pinart a Pen with Ink and therewith did subscribe his Name only by the Name of Henry which done he gave the same unto the said Secretary to have the Privy Seal put thereto which was done accordingly and the next day delivered to Clarenceux After the King had thus taken his Oath as aforesaid the Earl and the Ambassador with Clarenceux before them returned back to their Stalls not omitting three Reverences and there remained till the end of Evensong at which time the King standing up in his Stall being ready to depart all the other Strangers Ambassadors presented themselves before him with words of special Congratulation to whom he gave several thanks and answers and so departing out of the Church in the same order as he came thither he returned again to the House of Mantuliet where in the same Chamber as he had put the Robes on he put them off and after some speeches with the Earl and Ambassador some Quarter of an Hour or thereabouts he departed with his Nobility over the Water to the Louvre
leaving the Earl and Ambassador and all their Trains to return in their Coaches through Paris to the House of Longueville The same night the Earl with the Lord Ambassador and all the English Gentlemen that were the Queens Servants did sup at the Court the Earl and the Ambassador at the lower end of the Kings Table at which Board did also sit with the King the two Queens and six or seven other great Ladies among whom the Lady Sheffield was one and at another Table in the same Chamber did sit divers great Ladies all along one side and over against them the Lord Sands the Lord Windesor and the other English Gentlemen Supper being ended and the place ordained for dancing the King took his Wife by the hand and danced with her the like did divers other great Lords and Ladies of France and lastly three English Gentlemen I omit the description of the Masque and other â—â—ngular Musick both costly and curious whereby the Evening was spent till three of the Clock the next morning On the 28. of February the Ambassador with his Train took their leave at whose return from the Court to his Lodging he was presented that night with a rich Cupboard of Plate worth 1200 l. at the least and unto Mr. Clarenceux was given a Chain of Gold worth 120 l. and better of 236 links to Master Somerset a Chain of 150 links worth 100 Marks and to Thomas Milles a Chain of the same value On Thursday next the Earl with his Train set forward homeward from Paris unto St. Dennis and so were lodged all the way in the same Lodgings that before they had been received in and arrived prosperously in England from Boloigne to Dover the 12. of March and on the Tuesday following were brought to the Queen'â— Majesty's presence at Greenwich who graciously welcomed them home A Relation of that pompous Solemnity celebrated at the Duke of Wirtemberg's Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter an I. Iac. R. extracted out of Erhardus Cellius his Eques Auratus Anglo-Wirtembergicus RObert Lord Spencer of Wormleiton and Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight Garter Principal King of Arms were joined in Commission bearing Teste at Woodstock the 18 day of September an I. Jac. R. to present and invest Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg and Teck with the Habit and Ensigns of the most Noble Order of the Garter They began their Iourney in the beginning of October an 1603 and came to the City of Studtgard the second of November following Vpon their arrival they presented their Credential Letters which being reâ—d the said Duke began to treat the Ambassadors with the highest respect imaginable and to put all things into a readiness for his solemn reception of the Ornaments of thâ— Order To which end he sent for his three Sons with their Tutors from the Caâ—â—â—â— of Tubing where they followed their Studies to be present at this Solemnity likewise he ordered the Vice-President and twelve Assistants of his Ducal Conâ—istory anâ— all the principal and most noble Persons of his Court to be present Moreover he appointed an English Lord and the Lord Benjamin Buwingkshausin one of his Privy Council to be the principal Contrivers Directors and Managers of all things that should belong to the setting forth of this Solemnity for the performance of which two places were especially allotted prepared and adorned namely the great Church of Studtguard where the Investiture was to be conferr'd and the great Hall of the Castle called from hence Hypocaustrum Equestre whence the Proceeding was to begin and pâ—ss toward the Church At the entrance of the Choire were four stately Stalls erected with their Canopieâ— Footstools and ascents on each side and covered with Velvet the first Stall was assigned to the Soveraign of the Order on the back side whereof his Majesties Arms and Stile were engraven besides his Stile written underneath in French thus Du tres-hault tres-puissant tres-excellent Prince Iaques par la grace de Dieu Roy d' Angleterre d' Escosse France d' Irelande Defenseur de la Foy c. Souveraigne du tres-noble Ordre de la Iartier The second Stall was placed on the right hand next to the Soveraign's in like manner adorned and assigned to the Principal Ambassador the Lord Spencer who in conferring the Order was to represent the Soveraign's person The third Stall was on the left hand next to the second assigned to Sir William Dethick Garter Principal King of Arms. The fourth Stall was also on the left hand over against the Soveraign's Throne after the same manner made and adorned assigned to the Elect Duke and on the back side thereof his own Arms and Stile also engraven besides his Stile likewise underwritten in French thus Du tres-hault puissant tres-noble Prince Frederick par la grace de Dieu Duke de Wirtemberg Teck Comte de Montbeliardt Seigneur de Haydenhemb c. Chevalier du tres noble Ordre de la Iartier There were also on the right and left hand of the Stall Benches or Seats continued on either side as far as the Altar these Seats were all covered with red Cloth and also the stone Pavement from the steps of the Vestry unto the Stall of the Elect-Duke and so from the middle of the Vestry unto the Altar in the form of a Cross. The Altar was covered with red Silk hanging down to the ground in the middle of which three gilt Basons were set upright the first for the Soveraign the second for his Ambassador and the third for the Elect-Duke The Hall of the Castle was magnificently set out with rich Hangings and other costly Furniture Towards the East and South were placed five stately long Tables covered with Velvet as also the Seats and Benches about them the middlemost of these Tables was called the Soveraign's Table in honor of the King of England though absent over the Soveraign's Chair was set a stately Canopy of Silk and on the back side of the Seat towards the middle thereof were fixt his Majesty's Arms with his Stile underwritten after the same manner as on his Stall in the Church At the right hand of the Soveraign's Table were two other Tables the one for the Lord Ambassador Spencer the other for Sir William Dethick Garter both covered in like manner with Silk and adorned with Canopies and their Arms. On the left hand of the Soveraign's Table were likewise two other Tables one for the new invested Duke covered and adorned with his Arms and a Canopy in the same manner as in the Church the other for the Duke's Wife and Children who were ten in number of either Sex Besides those that were particularly warned to be present at this Feast which was cheerfully performed by them there came divers of their own accord from all parts of the Dukedom drawn by the fame of a Feast and Solemnity the like whereof had not been in
those parts within mans memory The day appointed for this Solemnity namely the 6. of November an Dom. 1603 being come the Peers Nobles and Councellors of the Duke of Wirtemberg according to Summons appeared at the Castle of Studtguardt attending the Dukes coming forth And at length be proceeded out of his Bedchamber most splendidly clad in very rich and sumptuous Habit there going before him first the Nobles of his Dukedom the great Master of his Court the Marshal the great Master of his Hall the Tutors and Attendants of the Dukes five Sons then the five young Princes themselves going next immediately before their Father who thus illustriously attended entred into the said Hall and placed himself between the Soveraign's Table and his own expecting the coming of the Soveraign's Ambassadors The Elect-Duke was most sumptuously habited from Head to Foot his Hose were Ash-colour and seamless his Breeches Doublet and Sleeves were of Silk prickt slasht and fringed there shining all along through the Cutwork the gilt Plate upon which it was wrought his Sleeves were wrought after the manner of a long Pretext or Senators Robe with the finest sort of Linen embroidered with Needlework Blue upon his Wrists were Bracelets of costly Gems upon his Fingers Gold Rings most exquisitely wrought and inlaid with Rubies Diamonds Saphirs Emeraulds and other such like precious Stones casting forth a radiant mixture of divers colours the Collar of his Doublet was in like manner of the finest and softest Linen and of a Blue Amethist colour and wrought all about with oylet holes his Cap was of Silk ending in a Cone at the top and girt about with a Hat-band of Gold and precious Stones especially Pearls of a very large size and also a Circle of white Plumes erected up towards the top and bending a little downward at the end His Shoes were likewise of Silk adorned with Roses artificially wrought with Precious Stones Gold and Pearls a cross his middle he had a Belt very skilfully wrought and adorned with a Sword appendant to it on the left side and a Dagger inserted into the Belt the Hilt and Handle whereof were all wrought about and enamelled with Gold and Precious stones his Cloak was of black Silk bordered about with several orders or rows of Not broad Gold Fringe long after the Lord Ambassador Spencer from another part towards the South came forth out of his Chamber through a little Stone Gallery into the Hall where the Duke was There went before him Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter clad in a long Crimson Mantle reaching down to his heels lined within with White Silk and carrying in both hands a Cushen of Crimson Velvet upon which were laid the Robes and Ornaments of the Order as the Gold Collar of the Order with the George hanging at it the Blue Garter and the other Vesiments and Ensigns belonging thereunto and making thrice a low Reverence first to the Soveraign's Table and next to his Highness the Duke as he drew neer he gently laid down the Cushen with the aforementioned Ornaments upon the Soveraign's Table in the mean time the Lord Ambassador Spencer representing the person of the Soveraign bowing himself to the illustrious Elect-Duke placed himself at his right hand whom his Highness courteously received as also Garter King of Arms taking them by the hand After which the Lord Buwingkshausen made an Oration in the Dutch Tongue wherein he briefly toucht upon all the Circumstances of the occasion of this solemn meeting which were more at large contained in the Commission of Legation and the Soveraigns Letters which after a low obeysance were delivered by the Lord Ambassador into the Dukes hands who presently gave them to his principal Secretary and Councellor the Lord John Stattler standing neer him to read them publickly in that solemn assembly Before the Letters of Legation were read in the attentive hearing of the whole Assembly Garter made a short speech also in French to the illustrious Elect Duke wherein he declared the will and pleasure of â—is most serene Master the Soveraign of the Order which speech being ended and the Commission read they proceeded to the Investiture Garter first devesied the Duke of his Cloak Sword and Dagger which according to the custom of the Order he reserved to himself as his own Fees but presently in the room thereof he invested him with a Surcoat of Crimson Velvet lined with White Taffaty which he girded close to his Waste with a silken Girdle by which there hung a Fauchion or shorter kind of Sword made plain after the ancient fashion Over his Surcoat he put on the Mantle of the Order which reached down to his heels with a long Train behind and buttoned before at the top it was of Velvet and of a mixt colour Purple with Violet and lined within with White Tafsaty as also faced with the same and very neatly fringed and made after the ancient fashion used at the Institution of the Order over the left shoulder whereof hung the Tippet or Hood The Duke splendidly clad with the aforesaid Vestments of the Order proceeded from the Hall through the four square Court of the Castle and over the large Bridge to the Church of St. Ulrick to receive the rest of the Ensigns of the Order there sounding all the time of his Procession several Trumpets and other Musitians placed on high in the Stone Gallery of the Castle As to the order of the Proceeding it was in this manner First went two Trumpeters belonging to the Troops of Horse whose Trumpets were adorned with silk Banners painted with the Arms of Wirtemberg in their proper colours and after them ten other Trumpeters in the same equipage Next a Flute-player and a Drummer the military Musick belonging to the Foot These fourteen Musitians were clad in Silk intermixt White and Red at equal intervals and Caps of black Velvet on their heads After these rode the Captain of the Life-Guard habited in the same colour but more richly and with a gilt Truncheon in his hand then the Troop of the Life-Guard habited in like manner as before is specified and carrying Pollaxes Next after a little interval went the Lord Marshal Baron Princenstein carrying in his hand a Silver Wand then came all three together Anwill the great Master of the Hall Hugwizt the great Master of the Horse and Daxperg Captain of the Horse-Guard After them rode the Knights in a long Train and then the Soveraign's Ambassador's Retinue of Knights and Gentlemen very splendidly accoutred and adorned next the chief Peers and Nobles of the Dukedom together with the principal Courtiers and chief Officers of the Duke's houshold after whom rode the Duke's five Sons in the richest and most splendid equipage that could be imagined at a little distance from them came very nobly attended and also accoutred Garter King of Arms carrying before him with both hands the Cushen upon which lay the Ensigns of the foresaid
Order namely the Great Collar of the Order with the Image of St. George in a riding posture hanging at it also the Garter wrought with Gold and Pâ—ecious Stones He carried moreover the Book of the Statutes of the Order Next after Garter came jointly together the Lord Ambassador Spencer richly glistering with Gold and Precious Stones and with him the illustrious Duke of Wirtemberg himself so personable and withall so magnificently attired that he attracted the admiration of all upon him some thinking his Habit to be Turkish some Hungaric some Imperial others Electoral others Pontifical The Train of his Mantle was held and carried after by Count Lodowick Leostein The last part of the Procession consisted of the grand Councellors and Senators of Wirtemberg as namely the Lord Eberard Lord of Limpurg hereditary Cup-bearer of the sacred Roman Empire Great Master of the Court of Wirtemberg James Reenhard Doctor of Law Assistant at the Imperial Chamber and Chancellor besides many other Councellors and Noblemen Thus nobly and magnificently attended the Duke entred into the Church where in the midst of the Body thereof he and the Lord Ambassador Spencer walking upon Red Cloth spread for that purpose they first made obeysance according as the manner is in England to the Soveraign's Royal Stall all the rest of the Company doing the like as they past by then the Lord Ambassador went to his own Stall placed at the right hand next after the Soveraign's and seated himself therein Garter also placed himself in his and lastly the Duke possessed his Stall on the left hand As soon as they were seated thus in the Church a loud volley was discharged by 300 Musketiers The concourse of People at this Solemnity was very great but to repress the Croud from rushing in with too much violence there were placed at the entrance both of the Church and the Castle on the one side a row of Musketiers and on the other a row of Halberdiers The Soveraign's Ambassadors and the Duke being thus seated each in their Stalls the Peers and Nobles that attended took their places also the English Nobles and Gentlemen on the right hand of the Lord Ambassador Spencer those of Wirtemberg on the left hand of their Duke and in the first place on the foremost Seats covered with red Cloth sate the Dukes five Sons vested in ducal habits Then began a threefold sacred Musick first the Organ played to certain Anthems next the Children of the School sung certain Psalms in Dutch lastly the principal Musitians of the Court sung in Consort and during the Musick the Investiture of the Duke went forward For the Lord Ambassador Spencer and Garter rising from their Seats went upon the red Woollen Cloth towards the Duke and making a low obeysance to him with great honor and respect they addressed their speech to him in a certain form of words commonly used upon that occasion and presented unto him the Ensigns and Ornaments of the Order First they delivered into his hands the Book of the Statutes which he again delivered unto his chief Secretary the Lord John Stattler who stood ready at the Duke's side according to his place to receive it and who thereupon delivered to the Ambassadors from the Duke an Oath to keep and observe faithfully all the Statutes and Articles of the Order After that the Garter was tied upon his Highness left leg a little beneath the Knee Then they put the Collar about his neck All these things being performed the Lord Ambassador Spencer and Garter congratulated the Duke with much respect and a while held discourse with him and then after a low obeysance made to the Soveraign's Stall they returned towards their several Seats Then the Musick ceasing that most eminent Divine John Magirus Councellor to the new invested Duke and President of Studtguardt made a most learned and elegant Sermon wherein he discourst of the friendship and discord of Princes and shewed how excellent a thing the mutual concord amity and benevolence of Princes was how much it was to be esteemed by their Subjects and what great benefits and conveniences arose from thence Sermon ended the Musick was again renewed which consisted of the Voices of two Youths clad in White Garments with Wings like Angels and standing oppoâ—ite one to another so after a Tenor an Altus and a Base was sung the Organ and other instrumental Musick together with vocal went together in 〈◊〉 After according to the Custom at the Anniversary Feast of Georgeâ—t â—t Windesor the new invested Duke rising from his seat and thrice as he passed by making Reverence to the Soveraign's Stall went upon the Red Cloth Garter going bâ—â—ore immediately to the Altar his Train being held up by Count Leostene and his Sword carried after him by his Esquire of honor where when he was come the Reverend Divine Faelix Bidembachin Chaplain to his Highness set a gilt Bason upon the middle of the Altar into which the Duke put 50 Duckets which he took out of a little red silk Purse giving charge to his said Chaplain to distribute them to the Poor which done he betook himself again to his Stall saluting the Soveraign's in passing by as before The Solemnities in the Church being finished this illustrious company returned to the great Hall in the Castle in the same order and pomp as they proceeded thence the Trumpets sounding and the Guns going off After several congratulations from the Lord Ambassador Spencer and Garter and many other noble Personages to the new invested Duke in the said Hall they parted and went to their several Chambers till Dinner was ready Dinner time being come the Duke and Lord Ambassador Spencer with all their Train went into the great Hall to Dine where the preparation and order of the Feast was after the manner of St. George's Feasâ— in England the Soveraign's Table was served with all manner of varieties as if he had been there present himself the Carver and Sewers and all other Officers attending and serving on the Knee Also Water was presented by three that carried the Bason Ewer and Towel with the same obeysance as is used in England to the Soveraign being present Water also was presented to the Duke after the custom of Wirtemberg the like to the Lord Ambassador Spencer and Garter to the Dutchess and the Duke's Children Then each ones proper place was assigned by certain Officers appointed for that purpose At the four ends of the Soveraign's Table were placed Tasters he that was at the North side received the Dishes from the Sewers and delivered them to him that stood opposite on the South side who standing on the right side of the Soveraign's Chair tasted of the meat cut off it and put it upon a Plate that was laid as for the Soveraign and after a while changed the Plate giving it to him that stood at the West Side and did the
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
2. the Proxies are prohibited for sitting in their Stalls during the time of Divine Service but on the contrary directed to stand before them in the uppermost Row of Stalls uncovered holding their Mantles on their right arms until it be ended And thus this great Ceremony of Installation with all its Circumstances being finished the two Knights between whom the Proxie proceeded to Installation descend into the Choire and stand before their own Stalls and after a while ascend up into them with usual Reverences but the senior Commissioners first and then begins the celebration of Divine Service SECT XII The Proctor's Offring THE Proctor having now received the possession of his Principal 's Stall performs his part in all the following Ceremonies while he stays in the Choire as if his Lord and Master were present until he hath surrendred up his Mantle the chiefest of which is the Offring of Gold and Silver and this he doth according to the degree and seniority of his Principal 's Stall in case the Installation be in the morning If the Installation be celebrated when St. George's Feast is held by the Soveraign's Lieutenant the Proxie ought not to offer until the Lieutenant have first offered for the Soveraign And in case the Lieutenant's Stall be higher than the Stranger 's for whom the Proctor is installed then the Lieutenant also offereth for himself before him As to the order observed in Offring by the Proctor he doth it with all the circumstances of Ceremony as if his Lord were present First when the Knights-Companions descend from their Stalls which Ceremony begins with the junior Knight he also descends in his turn and course and placeth himself below in the Choire before the Stall of his Principal Then in case he have an opposite Knight-Companion present he joins himself unto him and so proceeds up towards the Altar to the Offring taking the Officers of Arms before him but if not he then proceeds alone without him having his Train born and a Knight-Companion or some other great personage sutable to his degree attending on his left hand to give him the Offring with Carpets and Cushens spread to kneel upon at the time of Offring after whom the rest of the Knights-Companions present offer every one according to the seniority of their Stalls The Proctor to Francis the First of France was served in all respects as if himself had been there present and at the time of the Offring Sir Richard Sands who was of greatest quality there present excepting the Knights-Companions gave him his Offring after whom the residue of the Knights-Companions offered in their due order Charles the Ninth's Proctor proceeded up to the Offring first no Feast of St. George being then solemnized and consequently no Lieutenant to offer for the Soveraign with the three inferior Officers of the Order before him he had his Train carried up and the Earl of Sussex the principal Commissioner following delivered him the Offring for whom also a Carpet and Cushen was laid and assay thereof taken by Mr. Monk Servant to the Earl of Leicester instead of a Gentleman Usher with the assistance of a Yeoman Usher Henry Ramel Deputy to Christian the Fourth King of Denmark was ushered up to the Offring by Garter and the Black-Rod still bearing the Mantle of his Principal on his arm and having his Train born up by a Gentleman When the Proxie hath offered he returns back to his Lords Stall in the same manner as do the Knights-Companions that is by the East end of the Stalls not through the body of the Choire and so along till he arrive at the Stall of his Principal as did the foresaid Henry Ramel Divine Service being finished and like honor in all respects shewed to the Proxie as would have been done to his Principal had he received a Personal Installation the Poxie ought to remain in his Masters Stall until his next junior Knight have left his Stall and then is he to descend after him and stand below before his Stall until his turn come to join himself again to the Proceeding and so to pass out of the Choire Where note that sometimes the Proctor hath been received at his coming down from his Lords Stall by the two Knights-Commissioners who installed him for so were the Proctors of Frederick the Second King of Denmark and of Iohn Count Palatine of the Rhyne between whom they also proceeded to the Chapter-house door in the same manner as they were conducted to the Choire But rather the Proctor ought in this his return to take the place of his Principal as he did at the Offring and which in truth is his right as we find it allowed to the Proctor of Francis the First of France who went behind alone in his Principal 's place and followed the Knights-Commissioners from the Choire to the place where he lodged In like manner Viscount Hereford Proxie to the Duke of Holstien an 3. Eliz. who though in his Proceeding to the Choire he went before the Officers of Arms yet in his return from Installation pass'd behind the Knights-Commissioners in the room and place of the Duke and the Ambassador of Holstien followed him because the said Duke's Stall was higher than any of the Commissioners as many be seen by the following Scheam Alms-Knights Officers of Arms. Garter and Register Lord Loughborough Commissioners Lord Pagit Commissioners The Proctor The Ambassador of Holstien and Sir Henry Pagit Knights and other Gentlemen The like did the Proxie for Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Henry Prince of Orange an 4. Car. 1. who as they returned from the Choire held the rooms of their Principals among the Knights-Companions in the Proceedings So also the Proctor to Charles Prince Palatine of the Rhyne in his return but was then commanded by the Soveraign present in the Proceeding to put on his Hat which he had kept off in all the preceeding parts of the Ceremony As the Proctor passeth along by the Chapter-house door he hath usually heretofore delivered up his Mantle there and so is it directed in the Black-Book of the Order as did the Proctor to the French King Francis the First an 19. H. 8. So also the Duke of Savoy's Proctor an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. And at the same place did the Verger receive the Mantle from the Duke of Holstein's Proctor an 3. Eliz. But of later times when the Soveraign hath been present at the Installation some Proxies have been permitted to go along in the Proceeding to the Presence-Chamber covered as were the Proxie to Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden to Charles Count Palatine of the Rhyne to Charles King of Sweden the Train of whose Mantle was born by Monsieur Leyonberg the Swedish Resident and to Iohn George Duke of Saxony whose Train likewise was carried up by Mr. Richard Richaut
to be absent from the Grand Feast an 30. H. 6. without shewing any allowable cause they were adjudged to the certain and deserved penalties of the Statutes against the next Feast And the said Duke being again absent the very next year and also the Lord Hastings They were both adjudged to certain Penalties as daring to be absent without sufficient cause shewn Besides these grounds for assigning Penances already mentioned there are upon a few other causes set down in the before recited ninth Article of the Statutes of Installation other Penances appointed that is to say if the Knights-Companions be absent at other times beside the hour of Tierce which if we were strictly tied to pursue the series and order of time would fall out to be spoke of a little hence Nevertheless having had occasion to discourse so much already of this subject it will become further beneficial to the concerned Reader to bring all the Injunctions which are included in the said Article and muster up the Penalties for breach thereof in view together nor will this anticipation at all interrupt our method or become improper for this place if well considered and therefore we shall proceed with them here The Knights-Companions are further punishable if they are absent at any of the times here spoken of viz. First at the beginning of the first Vespers Secondly at the beginning of the Morning Service on the Feast day Thirdly at the beginning of the Second Vespers Fourthly during the whole Feast And fifthly at the Grand Feast next following For the first admitting any Knight-Companion hath failed of meeting and attending on the Soveraign at the hour of Tierce and thereupon suffered the punishment of non-admittance into the Chapter-house and deprivation of Vote nevertheless if at the rising of the said Chapter he be not ready to proceed with the Soveraign and other the Knights-Companions into the Choire to the beginning of the first Vespers he ought not only to suffer the former but this additional penalty That he shall not presume to enter into his Stall at that time but tarry in that part of the Choire where the Taper-bearers are wont to stand nevertheless before his own Stall until the holy Offices be ended And the Law of the Order is the same in King Henry the Fifth's and King Henry the Eighth's Statutes only they render the place for the delinquent Knight to stand in to be before their Stalls in the Choristers places And now how the penalty hath been inflicted upon breach of the Law in this particular we shall see by the following instances At the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor an 21. H. 7. when it seems the Lord Kildare Sir Gilbert Talbot and Sir Richard Goulford came late to the Chappel we find this Memorandum fixed to their names They stood without before their Stalls by the Soveraign's permission or rather command But yet this is not all the punishment which hath been inflicted upon the Knights-Companions for this offence though it be all that is set down in the foresaid Article for an 25. H. 6. upon the Eve of St. George the Marquess of Dorset not coming to the first Vespers and being convicted of his late coming was prohibited joining in the Nomination then made for thâ— Election of the King of Portugal into the room of the Duke of Gloucester Offendors in the second and third case being such as neglect to come before the beginning of the high Mass or the second Vespers called also the Vespers on St. George's day have the like punishment with the former assigned them throughout all the Bodies of the Statutes viz. Exclusion from their Stalls and station in the Choristers range An. 1. H. 6. we observe the Lord Willoughby noted to be absent upon the Eve of the Grand Feast but present on the day and consequently he incurred no further penance than what his absence on the Eve drew on him The Earl of Derby an 18. Eliz. coming too late to the first morning Service on the Feast day did for some short time undergo the aforesaid penance but soon after upon Dispensation from the Lieutenant went up to his Stall In like manner an II. Car. 1. the Earl of Exceter came not to the Chappel in the morning of the Feast day till after the Grand Procession and so the Penance for his tardiness should have been according to the Statutes stare Paviamento but upon consideration of his age and the soul weather whereby it was occasioned the Soveraign permitted him to enter into his Stall And though absence at these times also be occasioned by Sickness or some unexpected accident yet notice is to be given thereof to the Soveraign or his Lieutenant For instance the Lord Burghley falling ill was absent from the first Morning Service on the Feast day an 37. Eliz. but upon notice given thereof with the consent of the Lieutenant and Knights-Companions he obtained leave of absence The Earl of Dorset an 15. Car. 1. the Grand Feast being then celebrated at Windesor suddenly falling ill before Evening Prayer on the Feast day besought the Soveraign to excuse his attendance for the present but the next morning being recovered he attended the Soveraign with the rest of the Knights-Companions to the Chapter-house The Penances inflicted upon any Knight for the foresaid defaults he is in like manner to undergo if he happen to offend in the like kind when the Grand Feast is prorogued from St. George's day in what place soever it be celebrated But if he offend in all and have neither license nor reasonable or allowable excuse for his absence he is then prohibited entring his Stall at the next St. George's Feast where ever it be kept and moreover to pay as a pecuniary mulct 10 l. to be employed towards the Ornaments of the Colledge And we find the former kind of Penance to have been inflicted upon Late Comers to Divine Service as well upon the Morrow after the Feast day as on the Eve or Feast day it self For the Earl of Lindsey coming into the Chappel on the morrow after the Feast held at Whitehall an 8. Car. 1. after the Soveraign was entred he suffred the punishment of standing before his Stall a while until the Soveraign signified his license that he might ascend thereinto In like Manner the Earl of Northumberland coming somewhat late unto morning Service on the last day of the Feast held by prorogation at Whitehall the 17.18 and 19. days of April an 13. Car. 1. did undergo the assigned Penance of standing beneath his Stall in the middle of the Choire but upon the gracious permission of the Soveraign he was soon admitted thereunto But touching the fourth degree of offence as it is far greater than any yet named so are there variety of Penances appointed to expiate the fault and therefore if any Knight-Companion shall be
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
singly But the place appointed for all but the two senior Knights-Companions to enter into and come out of their Stalls is the middle entrance or that at the East end of the Stalls which of them fall out to be next below each Knight's respective Stall to avoid the trouble and inconvenience of passing before any of their senior Companions The Knights-Companions being all seated the Prelate and Chancellor of the Order pass into the middle of the Choire and having made double Reverences return to their Form and sit down After them doth the Register Garter and Black-Rod pass thither there make their Reverences and then sit down on their Form in the order as they proceeded As touching the Soveraign's other Attendants we have observed that the Nobleman who carries the Sword retires before the Soveraign's Stall a little on the right hand and the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold if not a Knight of the Order and the Vice-Chamberlain on his left until the Soveraign give them leave to sit down the Clerk of the Closet stands at the Soveraign's right hand but the young Noblemen that carry up the Soveraign's Train and the Gentleman of the Robes sometimes repose themselves upon the Steps going up to the Soveraign's Stall This great Ceremony of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions entry into the Choire and taking their Stalls being finished preparation for the Vespers begin in reference to which the Prelate ascends to the Altar it being appointed among other things relating to the duty of his Office That Whensoever the Soveraign should think fit to keep the Solemnity of St. George at Windesor he should be obliged to be present to celebrate divine service which if he purposely omitted it is there provided that for such omission he should be fined 20 Marks to the Colledge to be laid out upon the Reparations that are there to be made unless he alledge to the Soveraign and the Knights-Companions some reasonable and just cause of his being absent And therefore in case of Vacancy of the See of Winchester Sickness or other lawful occasion for absence the Soveraign hath dispnesed with this penally and appointed some other Bishop to officiate for him The Proceeding to the Altar on this occasion is in manner following First the Serjeant of the Vestry makes a double Reverence then comes before the Prelate and makes a single one to him who thereupon ariseth from his Seat and the Serjeant proceedeth before him into the middle of the Choire where standing a little on the one side the Prelate there makes a double Reverence and from thence passing forward after the Serjeant and having ascended the uppermost Haut-pas before the Altar he makes one single Reverence towards the same and so goes to the North side of it In his ascent to the Altar he hath sometimes made three double Reverences viz. one before his Seat a second in the middle of the Choire and the third on the first Haut-pas and after these the single one above the Haut-pas's all in a direct line before the Altar After the Prelate hath arrived at the Altar the two Provincial Kings Heralds and Pursuivants leaving their forementioned Station join together and pass along the Choire until the Kings come neer to the Form whereon the Register Garter and Black-Rod sit where all making their double Reverences together they divide themselves again on each side and there stand Lastly the Alms-Knights come down into the Choire in a Body and there make their joint double Reverences and then take their Chairs The like in every thing is performed in the Chappel at Whitehall and other places where the Solemnity of the Feast is observed where because the Alms-Knights are absent the Pursuivants at Arms ascend neerer the high Altar than when they are at Windesor that there may be room enough for the rest of the Officers of Arms to stand in rank yet so that the Provincial Kings stand not further from it than the lowermost Haut Pas to avoid pressing upon the Junior Knights All these Ceremonies being finished and the several Degrees in the Proceeding duly placed the Choire resembling the coelestial Spheres where the Soveraign of this most Illustrious Order sits as Sun among the Planets and Stars the Divine Office is begun by the Prelate in a most solemn manner which is now celebrated according to the Order of the Book of Common Prayer established by the Acts of Parliament made an 1. Eliz. 14. Car. 2. being the same appointed in the Rubrick for the Evening of the 22. day of April or for the Evening of such other day whereon the Feast by Prorogation hath been celebrated Where sometimes to shorten the Ceremony the Prelate hath omitted the Confession and Absolution and began with the Pater Noster and frequently instead of the Magnificat or Nunc dimittis or one of them some choice-composed Anthems are sung to the Organ and after proceeding on with the Creed and the rest of the Prayers in the accustomed order to that of St. Chrysostom before which in the Reign of King Iames was the following Prayer used throughout the Feast O Lord save our King And mercifully hear us c. Almighty and most merciful Father we humbly beseech thee in the Name of thy Son Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour to direct and endue King James our most worthy Governour with the continual aud plentiful grace of thine holy Spirit that as be is anciently and rightly descended from the valiant and prudent Princes of this Realme the first Founders and Creâ—ors of this most noble Order of the Garter So be may abound and excell in all things acceptable to thee namely in the maintenance of piety peace justice and unity to the support of good Learning relief of the poor and oppressed and grant most gracious Lord that all the Noble men of this Realm especially such as be Companions of this most honorable Order may be truly deboted to godliness balour and bertue in such sort that God may be thereby the better honored their Soberaigne serbed the Common-wealth secured and the memorial of their well-doing remain to their posterity And that we all may live and dye in thy faith and fear and walk in these good works which thou hast appointed us through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen O Lord long preserve James our King and all the Companions of this most noble Order of the Garter Amen Next follows the Prayer of St. Chrysostom and last of all the Blessing After the pronouncing of which at the Feast of St. George celebrated at Windsor in the 15. year of the present Soveraign there was an Anthem composed for the present Solemnity sung to the Organ and other Instrumental Musick placed in the Organ loft and this was the first time that Instrumental Musick was introduced into the said Chappel When the Vespers are ended the Prelate goes to the middle of the
the Ordre at the Church dore took their Mantles and entred the Quere and stood before their Stalls till the Soveraign had Offred and retorned to his Stall then every Knight offered according to his as by the Statute is ordained and entred their Stallys which was a long Ceremony or ever they had all offered because of the great number of Knights that then was present which were 19 in number besides the Soveraign The Offring Doon the Soveraign and all the foresaid Knights of the Ordre putting of their Mantles at the Church Dore with the Prelate and odre Officers of the Ordre as the Register King of Armes and Huishier of the Ordre called the Black Rodd borne by Sir William Compton according to his Office of Hueshier all thes rode before the King from the Colledge unto the Quadrate of the Castle and so conveyed his highness to his Lodging The King had attendant on him all his Officers of Armes wearing their Coats of Armes and all his Trumpetts which blew the Entry of the King all the tyme of the said Entry The Lord Mountague Henry Poole hare the Sword before the King and Garter King of Armes rode next before the Sword and Sir William Compton rode on his left hand bearing the Black Rodd Another Cavalcade offers it selfe here namely that of King Philip and Queene Mary who after the Marriage solemnized betweene them at Winchester the 15. of July 1554. arived at Windesor the 3. of Aug. following where at the nether end of Pescod-street they were met by the Major of Windesor and his Brethren and thence the Trumpets sounding they Proceeded with the Officers of Arms before them into thâ— Castle till they arrived at the West door of the Chapell where was prepared a Form with Carpets and Cushons and at their entry the Byshop of Winchester sensed them The Queene having received the Mantle of the Order with a reverential kiss from the Earl of Derby and Penbroke to whom it had been presented by the Register of the Order put it upon the King assisted by the said Earles the Earls of Arundell and Penbroke receiving the Collar of the Order from Garter presented it to the Queene with the like Ceremony as was the Mantle who put it about the Kings Neck Then all the Knights Companions put on their Mantles within the Chapell Dore and Proceeded into the Choire and stood before their Stalls according to ancient Order Then the Queene went into her Stall taking the King by the Hand and setting him in the same Stall with her and after a little space they both descended and Proceeded up to the High Altar the Queene keeping the right hand and there Offred after which they retorned to their Stall where they reposed themselves while all the Knights Companions present did Offer according to their Degree and had taken their Stalls according to their ancient Custome Then was Te Deum and de Profundis sung which being finished they came all downe from their Stalls and Proceeded to the Chapter House Dore where the King and all the Knights Companions put off their Mantles and imediately going out of the Chapell they tooke their Horses at the Chapell Dore and Proceeded in Order up to the Castle where they reposed themselves that night In the last place we may properly add the duty of the Colledge of the royal Chappel of St. George touching their Reception of the Soveraign upon special occasions to wit the manner to be observed by them in their Proceeding to meet the Soveraign of the Order at his first coming thither in his royal State or in his return after some great Victory or extraordinary Action performed or some Foreign or unwonted Atchievement according to the most decent manner there observed by the most invincible Prince King Henry the Fifth in the 9. year of his Reign at which time he ordained that this his Ceremonial should be firmly observed for ever in the like cases The same in effect is also appointed by King Henry the Eighth only the direction is put into other words and where the title of Custos is in the former Precedent used in the latter that of the Dean is inserted instead thereof and is as followeth In the first place a Form or Bench decently adorned being placed after the usual manner in the midst between the Chappel of the Colledge and the uttermost gate of the Castle the Custos and Canons are there to meet with all the Officers of the Colledge each in their proper order and Habits having a handsom Cross carried before them with two Torch-bearers and two Censers The Register of the Order bearing the Kings Mantle is to present it to his Majesty who being therewith invested by the Custos assisted by the senior Canon the King is to be Censed five times and then taking the Cross to kiss from the hand of the Custos or some one of the more eminent Prelates then present he is to be conducted in way of Procession to the Chappel the Knights-Companions present vested with their Mantles going orderly immediately before the King until he hath arrived at the Faldstool before the high Altar for that purpose adorned and there kneeling till the end of the Responsory to be sung by the Choire at his arrival by appointment of the Praecentor to wit Honor Virtus or some such like answerable to the Affair in hand with a Prayer also correspondant And then kissing the venerable part of the Cross of our Lord and the Heart of St. George he is to offer and then to betake himself to his Stall and there to sit till the Knights of the Order have also offered each in their turns and placed themselves again in their Stalls and until the Anthem De Profundis hath been sung by the Canons with the accustomed Prayers then the Knights-Companions are to descend from their Stalls into the Choire each of them bowing himself towards the Altar every time they so come down and thence proceed through the middle of the Choire unto the place where the Chapter is to be celebrated at the hour of Tierce the Soveraign of the Order following in the last place as in all other Processions and consequently in his absence his Deputy doing the same These things thus performed they are to get up on Horseback and conduct the Soveraign into the place appointed by the Statutes and the Proceeding being finished the Bells are to ring at convenient seasons As touching Ecclesiastical Processions they are of great antiquity in the Christian Church some are ordinary and stative other extraordinary or indictive The Ordinary are those celebrated on Ascension-day mentioned by St. Chrisostom and on the Purification by St. Austin Rabanus St. Bernard and divers others The Extraordinary are commanded and appointed by authority on several occasions such was that which Sozimus makes mention of at the translation of the Reliques of St. Miletus So also that of the
Christians of Antioch when Iulian the Apostate commanded the Coffin of St. Babilas to be removed who went a Procession with their Women and Children rejoicing and singing Davids Psalms and removed the Reliques of St. Babylas from Daphney to Antioch A like Procession do we find celebrated within the most Noble Order of the Garter on Wednesday in Easter week being the 27. of March 1504. at Greenwich upon reception of that noble Relique the right Leg of St. George sent to King Henry the Seventh then Soveraign from the Cardinal of Rowen being Legaâ— by a Chaplain of his own an Augustine and Abbot of by Meaux which was most solemnly ordered in the following manner First as the Oratour of the Legat was landed which landed before the Fryers yat of Greenwiche he did on a surplis and a cope holding St. George's Leg in his hand which was goodly garnished in Silver like a Knights Leg armed with a gilt Spor c. and immediately upon his arrival there went to meet the said Relique first the Kings Chappel all in Copis with Cross c. and on every side of the Chappel were divers Yoemen of the Garde in their beten Cotys of Goldsmith work beryng certain Torches brenning then the Bishop of Chestre in Pontificalibus the Dean on his left hand and on every side of them certain of the Officers of Arms then followed the Kings of Arms and next them the Knights of the Order beryng their Mantle and Collers of the Ordre that is to say the Marquiss of Dorset the Erll of Surrey the Erll of Shrewysbyry the Erll of Essex the Lord Dawbeny the Kings Chamberlaine the Lord Herbert Sir Thomas Lovell Treasurer and Sir Rich. Gilford Controller of the Household and next the Knights of the Order followed the odir Lords and Noblemen after their Estates and Degrees in gret nombre and when the Bishop approched neer the Legats Oratour which was assisted by two Doctours beyng Chappellyns to the King The Bishop censed the Relique and then the Legats Oratour beryng the Said saint George's Leg went between the Bishop and the Dean and returned in licke ordre till they came to the Kings Chappel where the Leg was set on the high Aultre and then the Quire sange O George c. that doon the Knights and Officers went up into the Galery and there did off their Mantles and the Officers of Arms their Cotys of Arms and from thence all the Noblemen went into the Kings grete Chambre to attend upon his Grace which immediately went to Mass and at Offering time his Highness kissed and offered the Leg and so the second Relique remained in the Kings Chappel and after Mass the King returned to his gret Chambre where he dyned c. with Gods blessing and Saint George Again of Processions some are called Lugubres i. e. mournful which seems to us to be properly termed Supplications being to implore some help or to avert some evil impending wherein Letanies were also used as that of The doâ—us the younger who instituted a Letany to supplicate for fair weather and a mild temper of the Air wherein as Nicephorus saith the Supplicants went in Procession with Hymns and Adorations Theodosius himself going before them in a mean Habit singing of Psalms and thereupon the face of the Heavens changed the troubled Air grew calm and serene and plenty of all things ensued and whilst the Letany in our Book of Common-Prayer was used the Grand Procession of the Order might well be cast among the Lugubres and in some places of the Blue Book we see it is so called being only upon this occasion sung walking a gesture more anciently used than the posture of kneeling or standing Others are called Letae i. e. joyful which are to give thanks for blessings received And such is the nature of the Hymn appointed by the Soveraign and Knights-Companions command to be sung in the Grand Procession of the Order an 15. Car. 2. instead of the Letany and since continued Having immediately before delivered somewhat of Proceedings Military Civil and Ecclesiastical we shall now pass on to the Grand Procession of this most Noble Order it self which consists of persons Military Civil and Ecclesiastical The Military are the Soveraign the Knights-Companions and Alms-Knights the Civil are the Officers of the Order Officers of Arms and other Attendantâ— and lastly the Ecclesiastical are the Prebends of the Colledge the Choire-men and Choristers And in reference to this magnificent Solemnity whether it fell out to be celebrated at Windesor or at any other place where the Soveraign kept his Court we are to consider the 1. Time when this great Ceremony took its beginning next the proper 2. Place or Processional way then the 3. Order and Manner of the Solemnity and lastly the 4. Pomp and State thereof The Grand Procession hath been always celebrated in the morning of the Feast day of St. George or upon such other day as the Soveraign hath appointed to hold the same by Prorogation but as to the instant of time when it began we find it divers and uncertain but those variations make no very great difference having been ordered and appointed with considerations had to conveniency and at such a part of the Church Service as was conceived most proper and generally after the end of the last Collect appointed for the morning in our Book of Common-Prayer immediately before the Letany Nevertheless an 6. Eliz. the Feast being then held at Windesor we find it began presently after the Te Deum was sung and an 20. of the said Queens Reign at Greenwich after the reading of the second Lesson Again an 22. Iac. R. it is said to begin when the second Morning Service was celebrating and almost half done And to come neerer our times the Grand Procession set forward an 8. Car. 1. when the first Service was finished and an 17. Car. 1. after the Sermon But at the Grand Feast solemnized at Windesor in the 13. year of the present Soveraign and since it took beginning at the most usual and accustomed time viz. when the Prelate then officiating at the Altar came to that part of the Common Prayer where the Letany was next to begin Who there making a pause was conducted from the Altar by the Serjeant of the Vestry down to his Seat We come next to the second consideration which is the compass of the Proceeding or the Processional way and that we observe not to have been always one and the same at Windesor for sometimes we find it confin'd within the walls of St. George's Chappel but at other times enlarged through the lower Court of the Castle in divers places of the Registers called also the Church-yard a few memorials in both cases are left unto us though none of very ancient date as An. 15. Iac. R. The Soveraign and whole assembly of the Knights-Companions going out at the
there facing their Table make a stand and the rest of the Knights-Companions coming up after do in like manner make a stand according to their seniority the senior neerest the State through which Lane the Officers of the Order proceed conducting the Soveraign till he draws neer to the State and then do the said Officers retire as did the former part of the Proceeding on the side opposite to the Table the Soveraign in the mean time passeth on to the State and there turning himself about receiveth the Reverences of the Knights-Companions and re-salutes them as usually After this the Soveraign yet standing directly before the State hath Water brought him up with three Reverences by the Noblemen assigned to that service the Lord Chamberlain if he be not a Knight of the Order otherwise the Vice-Chamberlain going before them for so did the Earl of St. Albans at the Grand Feast an 23. Car. 2. so also did Sir George Carteret an 19. Car. 2. But an 3. H. 7. some of the Knights-Companions served the Soveraign with Water And to be more particular in the Ceremony of the Soveraign's washing it is noted an 2. Eliz. that the Earl of Arundel held the Towel the Earl of Pembroke the Water the Earl of Derby and Marquess of Winchester Assistants the Bason and the Earl of Derby gave the Soveraign the Assay of it Again an 7. of the same Queen the Duke of Norfolk held the Towel the Earl of Derby received it the Earl of Sussex brought the Water and the Earls of Northumberland and Shrewsbury Assisted all these being Knights of the Order In like manner also is the Soveraign's Lieutenant served with Water before Dinner but not by any of the Nobility of which there are many Examples among the rest that an 3. Eliz. when Sir Tho. Berenger gave him the Water kneeling and Sir Radcliff the Towell as also an 7. Eliz. when Sir Nicholas Poynes brought him the Towell and Sir Tho. Berenger the Water When the Soveraign hath washed the Prelate of the Order says Grace being assisted with some of the Soveraign's Chaplains an 7. Eliz. the Register of the Order assisted him and an 9. Eliz. the Bishop of Rochester then the Soveraign's Almoner Grace being said the Soveraign sits down in his Chair placed in the middle of his Table under the State for there is the most honorable Seat and the place where the State is held And here we have occasion to offer to the Readers view a draught of the old Wooden Chair said to be the Founders yet remaining in St. George's Hall at Windesor in which the Soveraigns heretofore sat at Dinner Most usually the Soveraign sat alone though sometimes heretofore he hath been pleased to admit some of the Knights-Companions to sit at his Table with him For instance in a few Sigismond the Emperor when he received a Personal Installation at Windesor at the Grand Feast held there an 4. H. 5. it is remembred that the Soveraign out of great civility offered the chief place at the Table to him which hitherto the King as Soveraign had retained in the Chappel and in all the Proceedings which whether the Emperor accepted of it or not is not clear enough expressed in the Black Book but we have met with an ancient memorial which is more particular and faith that at Dinner the Emperor kept the State that is sat in the middle and another that saith the King sat on the Emperors right side and the Duke of Bedford the Lord Chancellor the Bishop of Duresme on the Emperors left hand the Duke of Briga and another Duke of the Emperors Train sat both on the Soveraign's side and all of them on one side of the Table Moreover an 11. E. 4. the Soveraign then keeping the Feast at Windesor the Prelate of the Order sat on his right hand and the Duke of Gloucester and Earl of Essex on his lest So an 3. H. 7. the Prelate sat alone on the Soveraign's right hand at the end of the Table And in the 24. year of the same King who then celebrated the Feast at Greenwich there sat with him at the Boards end the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk the Marquess of Exceter and the Lord Stephen Gardiner Prelate of the Garter It is also noted that at the Feast held at Windesor an 11. H. 8. only the Lord Richard Fox then Prelate sat on the right hand of the Soveraign neer to the Boards end being served with his Carver Sewer and Cupbearer Mess Course and Service as the Soveraign had In which place sat also the Bishop of Winchester an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. And an 22. H. 8. four of the greatest States being Knights-Companions sat at the Soveraign's Table and the residue of the Knights at their own An. 2. Eliz. the Soveraign admitted the Earls of Arundel and Derby together with the Marquess of Winchester to her Table who sat at the end thereof on the left hand and the following year the Duke of Norfolk the Marquess of Northampton and Earl of Arundel sat also at the Tables end So an 7. Eliz. the Duke of Norfolk and Marquess of Winchester and an 9. the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke whilst the other Knights-Companions sat at their own Table But this favour and honor was not afforded to any of the Knights-Companions since her Reign no not at the Installation of the present Soveraign though a Ceremony carried on with designed indulgence and honor but we find him then placed at the same Mess with the senior Knight at the upper end of the Knights-Companions Table Assoon as the Soveraign is sat down the Knights-Companions put on their Caps and remaining so covered forthwith retire against the Tables prepared for them where standing a while Water is brought to them and they also wash there being to each pair a Bason and Ewer and a Towel allowed which are brought in by Gentlemen of quality and having washt they all sit down The order of passing to their Seats at the Table an 19. Car. 2. was on this manner and appointed so to be observed for the future first his Highness the Duke of York entred within the Rails at the upper end of the Table and so passed down the hither side to the lower end and thence up along the Bench side to his place in like manner followed all the other Knights according to the seniority of their Stalls for it is ordained that they shall sit in that order not according to their Estates or Degrees except the Sons or Brethren of Stranger Kings Princes and Dukes who shall keep their placeâ— or rooms after their Estates and all on the right hand or further side of their Tables not one over against another two and two at a Table to one Mess. But those whose Companions are wanting sit
Officers of the Order when they Dined in the Hall until he hath made an end Which Custom it seems had been an 7 Car. 1. for some years discontinued Then Garter proceeds and proclaims the Soveraigns Stiles and Titles of Honor first in Latin as followeth Serenissimi Excellentissimi Potentissimi Monarchae Caroli Secundi Dei Gratia Magnae Britanniae Franciae Hiberniae Regis Fidei Defensoris Supremi Nobilissimi Ordinis Garterii Which done He and all the Officers of Arms make another Reverence and Garter Proclaims the Soveraigns Stile in French Du Treshault Tres-excellent Tres-puissant Monarque Charles le Second par le Grace de Dieu Roy de la Grande Britaigne France d' Irelande Defenseur de la Foy Soveraign du Tres-noble Ordre de la Iâ—rtiere Then Garter and the rest of his Fellows make another Reverence and lastly he Proclaims the Soveraign Stiles in English Of the most high most Excellent and most mighty Monarch Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defendor of the Faith and Soveraign of the most Noble Ordre of the Garter At the end of which but not before Garter and the rest join together in crying Largess thrice and then they all make Reverence together Hereupon sometimes the Treasurer of the Houshold puts the Soveraign's Largess which is 10 l. in Gold into Garter's Hat and this is afterwards divided among the Officers of Arms according to Custom But an 23. Car. 2. the Lord Chamberlain sent his Warrant to Sir Edward Griffin Knight Treasurer of the Soveraign's Chamber to deliver this Largess Money to the Black Rod and he put it into Garter's Hat so soon as the last Largess was cryed The proclaiming the Stile being finished all the Officers of Arms retire about 3 yards backward keeping their Faces towards the Soveraign and there make another Reverence and then retyring yet backward about the same distance they jointly make another Reverence after which they retire out of the Hall and go to Dinner This Ceremony ended the Soveraign's second Course is brought up in the following order first the Serjeants at Arms next the Treasurer and Comptroller of the Soveraign's Houshold next the Sewer then the Gentlemen Pensioners bearing the Messes then the Cofferer and Master of the Houshold the two Clearks of the Greencloth the two Clearks Controllers and lastly the two Clearks of the Kitchin following all in the rear habited in their Gowns and holding their Caps in their hands and after the Soveraign's Table is compleatly furnished then is the second Course served up to the Knights-Companions Tables by the Yeomen of the Guard in such order as was the first The order of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions sitting at Dinner on the Grand Feast day an 15. Car. 2. The order in proclaiming the Stile and bringing up the second Course with an exact prospect of the inside of St. George's Hall at Windesor we have here drawn together for the Readers better view But where any Knight-Companion happens to be Installed at this Grand Feast and is present at Dinner then Garter and the Officers of Arms proceed in order after they have proclaimed the Soveraign's Stile as before from the lower end of the Hall till they come before the new installed Knights Mess and there he crys Largess once and proclaims his Stile in English only after which they retire backward and go to Dinner Concerning which we had a full and remarkable instance in the 13. year of the present Soveraign when the Duke of York and other Knights were Installed For after Garter had proclaimed the Soveraign's Stile and he together with the Officers of Arms had retired to the lower end of the Hall they all proceeded again as at proclaiming the Soveraign's Stile to the upper end of the Knights-Companions Table where his Highness the Duke sat and there Garter cryed Largess twice and proclaimed his Stile in English then after a joint Reverence made Garter and the Heralds now joining with him cryed Largess twice This done they went backward as before to the next senior Installed Knight and proclaimed his Stile and cryed Largess but once the like to all the rest installed at that Festival and so they departed out of the Hall to Dinner It seems to have anciently been the custom of other great Feasts besides this of St. George at the second Course when the Soveraign's Stile was to be proclaimed for Garter and the Officers of Arms to proceed in order up to the Kings Table and there to cry Largess and upon the receipt of the Kings Largess in the name of all the Officers of Arms first to make some short Oration to the King and then to proclaim his Stile for so an 20. H. 7. when the King kept his Easter in great State at Greenwich have we met with the following Speech among some Collections of Sir Thomas Wryothesley then Garter made to the King in humble thankfulness for the Largess at that time bestowed upon the Officers of Arms. Most high mighty and excellent Prince most victorious and Christian King and also our most drede Soveraine and naturell Lord by whom through Gods provisâ—on vertue ys greatly incressed and vice oppressed juxta illud sapientis abhominabiles Regi agunt Impii qui Justitia formatur solium the which to your Highnesse is viz. Incressing of vertue and honor perpetual and to your subjects continuall Welth teste Salustio quia diviciarum forme gloria fluxa atque fragilis est virtus clara perpetuaque habetur and as concerning us your Officers of Armes and Servants of honour and of Noblesse in as moche as in us ys we humbly thanke your good grace of the grete and abundant Largess geven unto us in the honour of God and of his most glorieuse Resurrection and for as moche as wee suffice not to geve graces condigne unto your Highness Nam quod praestare tanto c. Wee meekly beseech almighty God long to preserve maintaine and encresse your most noble and royall Estate which ys the singuler Welthe and comfort of this your realme and of all your trewe subjects and to send you the perfict knowledge and victory over all your enemys Nor was it unusual for Poets in former times to present the Soveraign with the issue of their Fancies having a subject so noble as this of the Grand Feast among whom the following Verses were presented to King Henry the Seventh at the Feast of St. George celebrated at Windesor in the 3. year of his Reign probably by Mr. Iohn Skelton after made Poet Laureat who about that time began to be of some esteem O moste famous Noble King thy Fame both spring and spreade Henry the Seventh our Soverain in eiche Regeon All England hath cause thy grace to love and dread Seing Embassadores sethe fore protectyon For Ayd helpe and succore which lyeth in thie Eleâ—yone England now Rejoyce
the same order as they go the Gentlemen-Vshers also are to go bare-headed and the Herald if present to take place next before the Knights person 4. In his Dinner on the Feast day that it be noble and his Attendance at the Table sutable and that he dine and sup alone at all times unless there happen to be a Knight-Companion with him 5. In his Offering of money that he make it not only on the Feast day in the morning but the next morning also assoon as the first sentence of the Offertory is pronounced 6. That at Evening Prayer on the Feast day and also at the Supper following he observe all things as on the Eve 7. In wearing his Habit of the Order until after Supper on the Eve and all the Feast day until supper be ended at night 8. That on the Morrow after the Feast he proceed to the Church in his Mantle only and when Divine Service is finished then to put it off at the Church door And if any thing else in the before recited Article seem short or obscure the large account in the Preparations for the Grand Feast and course to be observed in the celebrations thereof before laid down and handled will sufficiently clear and explain without the assistance of any further Comment But here we must note that though the Statutes seem not to oblige the absent Knights-Companions to hold the Ceremonies of the Feast longer than the Evening on the Feast day yet by the practice of ensuing years they were extended to the Morrow after and consequently observed by the absent Knights so long as the Soveraign and Knights-Companions performed them at Windesor or elsewhere If the absent Knight be a person of eminent Degree he is to be attended by a Herald or Pursuivant at Arms or both during the Solemnity of the Feast to adde the greater lustre thereto Thus was Prince Arthur an 15. H. 7. attended at Hereford and the like honor was designed to the Earl of Leicester when he kept the Solemnity of the Feast in the Low Countries and had been performed but that the Herald dyed before St. George's day The nature of this Officers Employment on such an occasion will partly appear out of the Instructions given by Sir Gilbert Dethick Garter pursuant to the directions of the Statute to Henry Rees alias Berwick Pursuivant at Arms the 3. of April an 1565. which were to this effect 1. That he should see a Capital Stall provided for the Soveraign though not there with a Cloth of State and before it a Carpet and Cushen with a Scutcheon of the Soveraign's Arms impaled with those of St. George fixed thereon 2. That the Knight's Stall should be decently trimmed with a Scutcheon of his own Arms fixed at the back of it and that this Stall should be placed a good distance from the Soveraign's Stall according to the largeness of the Chappel 3. That he should go before the Knight-Companion to and from the Church both on the Even of the Feast and Feast day in his Coat of Arms using such Reverence as is meet and convenient and sit on a Form before the Soveraign's Stall 4. That on the Feast day at Dinner after the second Mess shall be served up having on his Coat of Arms he shall proclaim the said Knight's Stile in French 5. And lastly when the Knight puts off his Mantle either in the Church or where Service is said then he to put off his Coat also and return home in his ordinary Apparel with him SECT III. How to be observed in case of Sickness BUT in case of Sickness and such as hath confined the absent Knight to his Bed or would not permit him with safety to go out of his Chamber the custom was to prepare a Capital Stall for the Soveraign of the Order with a Cloth of State Carpet Cushens and a Scutcheon of the Arms of the Order impaled with the Arms of the Soveraign and his Stile underneath in the Chamber where he lay as also another Stall for himself placed according to the before mentioned directions which were there to remain during the Feast In which Room also were the Divine Offices celebrated both on the Eve the Feast day and the Morrow after And if the absent Knight were so sick that he kept his Bed then was his whole Habit of the Order laid thereon during the time the rest of the Knights-Companions are enjoined to wear theirs according to the ancient Custom and Statutes and upon this account Ambrose Earl of Warwick falling ill at Greenwich when St. George's day was there celebrated an 30. Eliz. retired to his Chamber and there sat in his Robes SECT IV. In what manner the Feast hath been observed by absent Knights IN relation to the Celebrations performed by absent Knights the Black Book gives us a punctual account in a considerable Precedent namely of the Feast of St. George holden in the Palace of Hereford by Prince Arthur an 15. H. 7. he being then in the Government of his Principality of Wales and had with him Sir Richard Pool one of the Companions of the Order then his Highness Chamberlain this worthy Knight took care that all those things which the Solemnity of the Feast required and the Soveraign and Knights-Companions did observe according to the form of the Statutes and accustomed manner should be most exactly performed and indeed there was nothing intermited in the Mass in the first and second Vespers which solemn custom required should be done in Censing Fuming Proceeding and Offering aswell the Prince as the said Sir Richard but it was undertook and performed with much exactness Besides the Princes Sword was born and held before his Stall and his Herald performed his Service with all â—â—â—â—gence also the Soveraigns Herald stood all the while before the Soveraigns Stall which was adorned with accustomed Ornaments and lastly the Bishop who celebrated Divine Service had his Seat erected near to the high Altar But the publick memorials of Sir Henry Sydneys holding two several Feasts of St. George the one at Shrewsbury and the other at Ludlow is worthy of a place here since these two Corporations have caused them to be conspicuously recorded in their Town Hall and from whence I made Transcripts when I accompanied William Dugdale Esq Norroy King of Arms in his Visitation of Shropshire An. Dom. 1663. That at Shrewsbury being written in large Letters upon a pain of Wainscot over the Chimney in the Chamber of Concord in the Town-Hall is as followeth Be it remembred that in the Year of our Lord 1581. and in the 23d Year of the Reign of our most dread Soveraign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Feast of the most noble Order of the Garter was right honourably kept in the good and right renowned Town of Salop by the Right Honourable Sir Henry Sidney then Lord President of the Council established in the Principallity of Wales and Marches of
ever pious memory having taken notice of and desirous to put a stop to a mischief not in his power to prevent as also to preserve the remembrance of the precedent Knights-Companions commanded the Dean of Windesor to describe the Stiles of those that remained in a Book which he accordingly did and laid it up in the Colledge But what became of this Book our most diligent enquiry could never find out So that in May An. Dom. 1659. by the civil permission of Colonel Whichcott then Governour of Windesor Castle all we could do was to draw the Arms and coppy out the Stiles engraven on the Plates then remaining whilst Mr. Wineslaus Holler was imployed by us to take several Prospects of the Castle and Chappel from which we have drawn these following observations First That for many years after the Institution of the Order the Plate whereon the Shield was engraved bore no other Inscription but the deceased Knights name set at the foot thereof under the Scutcheon of his Arms. Afterwards his Chief Title of Honour began to be added though now and then in these first and elder times both were omitted as also their Crests But about the beginning of King Henry the Eighth's Reign not only the Knights chief Title but all other his Titles of Dignity whether Honorary or Officiary and every thing in that kind due were drawn together in one Inscription concluding with that of Knight of this most Noble Order and which about the same time the Knights-Companions used to insert into both publick and private Instruments of writing wherein any of them were concerned a custom observed by the Knights of other Soveraign Orders abroad For in an Instrument dated at Bulloign the 20 th of Febr. an 1549. by the Noblemen and others that were appointed to treat of a Peace between King Edward the Sixth and the French King Henry the Second we find that such of them as were Knights of the Orders of either Kingdom had the additions of their Orders as also the Register of the Order of St. Michael that title of his Office joyned to their other Titles in this manner Iohn Earl of Bedford Knights of the Order William Pagit Knight also of the Order Francis de Mountmorency Seignior de Rochepot Knight of the Order of France Gaspard de Colligny Seignior de Chastillon Knight also of the Order Guilliame Rochetell Seignior de Sassy one also of the French Kings Council chief Secretary and Register of the Order At first the Knights-Companions gave their Paternal Coats of Arms singly and without any Quarterings but towards the beginning of King Henry the Fifths Reign they began to add their Quarterings as may appear from the Scutcheons of Hugh Lord Burnell who died an 9 H. 5. Sir Lewis Robessart Lord Bourchier Robert Lord Willoughby and others Yet was not the same generally used but left to the pleasure of the Knights-Companions But of latter times this very thing was thought of such concernment and honour that where a Knight hath been elected who wanted Quarterings the Soveraign hath been pleased to grant him another Coat of Arms to quarter with his Paternal Coat lest otherwise his Banner which ought to hang over his Stall should seem too naked as in the Case of Robert Viscount Rochester and Thomas Earl of Kelley in the Reign of King Iames. Shortly after the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth the Knights compassed their Shields with the Royal Garter and thereon if Noblemen placed the Coronet belonging to their Dignity continuing the use ever since Thus adorned do we find the Scutcheon of Charles Duke of Burgundy elected in the Reign of King Edward the Fourth and yet we do not observe it used in all the Reign of King Henry the Seventh For though a Plate for Franke van Hall a Knight elected by the Founder is hitherto standing in his Stall at Windesor surrounded with a Garter yet is not this Plate the workmanship of that Age but engraved and set up of late times as may easily be observed from the work it self As touching Supporters t is true we observe two Plates to which Supporters are added the one of Iohn Beaufort the first Duke of Somerset of that name elected an 20 H. 6. the other of Anthony Woodvill Earl Rivers elected an 5. E. 4. and besides these until the Reign of King Henry the Eighth there is not one other example But then it grew into a common usage as also the ingraving their peculiar Mottoes or Devises upon the Plates SECT III. The Offering of Atchievements A Third honour done to the defunct Knight is a most solemn Offering up of his Atchievements at the High Altar according to the magnificence of so great an Order namely the Banner of his Arms his Sword his Helmet and Crest with its Mantlings all which had been set up over his Stall when he was Installed The Ceremony of Offering these Ensigns does not appear to have been so Ordained at the Institution of the Order but rather an additional honor instituted by King Henry the Fifth and the manner and order thereof set down in the 14 th Article of his body of Statutes This solemn Ceremony is local to the Chappel of St. George within the Castle of Windesor and not to be celebrated until certain notice be given to the Soveraign of the Knights-Companions Death or that he shall receive a Certificate thereof This appears in the case of the Duke of Ferrara where at the Feast of St. George an 20 H. 7. the vulgar report run for currant that he was dead nevertheless because the Soveraign had not then received any Certificate of the same his Atchievements were not Offered up at that Feast There fell out a question at the Feast of St. George held at Windesor the 23 d. of May an 1 E. 6. which held some debate viz. whether the Atchievements of King Henry the Eighth which yet hung over the Soveraigns Stall should be taken down and Offered at the Mass of Requiem ensuing or not in regard his Banner Sword Helm and Crest with Mantles had been offered up thâ— 16 th of Febr. before at his Interment within that Chappel whereupon it was determined That the said Atchievements should not again be Offered but remain over the Soveraigns Stall for his Son King Edward the Sixth The Relator for justifying the legality of this determination saith there was found a like Precedent in the case of King Henry the Sixth who lyeth buried in that Chappel but we suppose him mistaken and that instance being in truth much different from that of King Henry the Eighth not well considered by him For the case was this When King Edward the Fourth came to the Crown he thought it unfit that the Atchievements of King Henry the Sixth who could not be accounted Soveraign of this most Noble Order because no longer King of England should be continued over his Stall They therefore by the express
to treat by the advice of Iohn Duke of Brabant and other the Kings Allies in â—landers While the King lay at the Siege of Tournay the Scots excited by the French King invaded England and passing by Berwick marched into Northumberland and thence to Dâ—â—â—â—m foraging the Country still as they went and after returned home 〈◊〉 this incursion they recovered all the Castles formerly lost except those of Edeâ—â—urgh Strivling and Roxborough the first of which within a short time after was taken by stratagem But in the Truce made at Tournay the Scotch were by a particular Article included and so all hostility ceased during that Truce yet after the expiration thereof and some new provocations given the King he raiâ—ed an Army to enter Scotland but being engaged in the War with France could not go with it himself and therefore constituted Edward King of Scotland his Captain and Lieutenant of his Army and in another Commission of the same date gave him power nevertheless to treat with the Scots and to admit them to Peace and pardon their offences In these Commissions the King stiles him Magnisicus Princeps Edwardus Rex Scotiae fidelis consanguineus noster charâ—simus The following year he was again constituted the King's Captain and Commander in chief of the Army designed against Scotland for defence of the Kingdom of England and destruction of his Scotch Enemies and further commissionated to raise men in all the Counties beyond Trent aswell within Liberties as without for that Expedition Upon which preparation a Truce was made for one year before the ending of which the Truce concluded at Vannes in Britagne between the King and his Adversary of France took commencement being to hold from Michaelmâ—s 17. E. 3. for three years And in the mean time the Bishop of Durham and others were appointed by the King to treat and conclude with the Scots touching the manner form and conditions appointed by the said Truce and the mutual commerce of the Subjects of both Kingdoms as also to reform and punish the breakers of the Truce The Truce made with the French at Tournay and enlarged at Arras gave the King time to see his Allies in Flanders aimed chiefly at the accomplishment of their own designs by his hands rather than the advancement of his interest in France by their assistance and the two fruitless Expeditions in attempting to enter that Kingdom through Flanders shewed they would do little for him besides he now judged it a more easie and advantagious passage thither through Britagne which he hoped to gain by laying hold of the occasion offered him to protect and assist Iohn Earl of Montsort Duke of Britagne whose Title to that Dukedom and the occasion of the War between him and Charles de Bloys are set down at large by Sir Iohn Froissard This Iohn Montfort being taken Prisoner at Nants by Charles de Bloys whom the French King had assisted with an Army to enter Britagne was sent to Paris and there died in Prison his Widow Ioane of Flanders being of a manlike courage nevertheless maintained the War and to gain further aiâ— and supplies from King Edward proposed by Sir Emere de Clisson a Nobleman of Britagne to marry her Son to one of his Daughters which taking effect the King sâ—nt Sir Walter Many in November with 3000 Archers into Britagne who though they wandred 40 days at Sea by distress of weather yet came timely to her assistance The King in the 16. year of his Reign raised a great Army and by Proclamation made appointed his Souldiers in all Counties of England except Yorkshire Northumberland Cumberland and Westmerland to be in readiness by Midsummer following to go along with him and after directed his Letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops for publick Prayers to be made and the divine goodness sought to for a blessing upon his Armies which now he designed both against France and Scotland The 4. of October following he took shipping at Sandwich in a Ship called the George and sailing towards France met with the French Fleet where after a fierce Encounter they were separated by Tempest at length he landed neer Vannes in Britagne and laid Siege thereto and here leaving the Lord Stafford he marched to Remes and Nantes laying Siege to both Towns as also to Dynan and took it after which he returned to Vannes and then drew off his Forces from Nantes thither and there the Bishop Cardinals of Penestrina and Tusculan sent from Pope Clement the Sixth obtained of him 19. Ian. 1343. a Truce for 3 years which the King gave way to in hope of an honorable Peace This done the King returned into England and set forth a Proclamation to give publick notice of this Truce But the Truce expiring the War was again renewed between Charles de Bloys and the Countess of Montfort to whose assistance the King sâ—nt Sir Thomas Dagworth from the Siege of Calais with a supply of men and the English having Rochedaren surrendred to them Charles de Bloys laid Siege to it to relief of which the Countess sent Sir Thomas Dangorne and Sir Iohn Artwell who 20. Iune 1347. took Charles de Bloys with the Britagne and Norman Lords that were on his part Prisoners and raised the Siege which Charles was sent into England where he remained in custody a long time The 24. of February an 17. E. 3. the King summoned a Parliament to be held die Lunae proximò post Quindena Paschae wherein Sir Bartholomew Burghersh present at the making of the Truce neer Vannes declared that the King consented thereto provided it might be honorable and advantageous for his Allies and was content to have the Peace made before the Pope as before a Friend but not as a Judge otherwise he would pursue his Quarrel And that as the King did not undertake this War without the assent of Parliament so without it he would conclude no Peace and therefore it rested whether it were best for the King to take this Offer and send Ambassadors to the Pope instructed for this Affair before Midsummer or not Hereupon both Lords and Commons answered That it was good to pursue the Peace and to send Ambassadors as was proposed Those who were first sent to the Popes Court upon this Affair were Hugh le Despenser Lord of Glamorgan Ralph Lord Stafford William de Norwich Dean of Lincoln Sir William Trussel and Andrew de Offord a Civilian The Authority given them was to Treat in presence of the Pope not as a Judge but private Person and Friend to both parties with the Agents of his Cosin the Lord Philip de Valois upon the Kings Right to the Crown of France as also upon whatsoever Dominions Dignities Honors Lands Possessions Places and Rights appertained to him concerning which any controversy had
among whom were Robert de Maule Guy de Brian Iohn de Ravensholm Peter de Brewes Thomas de Lancastre Henry Dengayne and Iohn the Son of Guy de Beauchamp to whom the King gave annual Pensions for their lives to support these Honors The Battel was fought between Bray and Cressy on Saturday the 7. of the Calends of September viz. the 26. of August an Dom. 1346. and the Victory fell to King Edward There were kill'd on the French part the King of Bohemia the Duke of Lorraine the Earls of Alanson Flanders Harcourt Almor Bloys Auser and St. Paul but the French King fled to Bray Castle with 5 Barons only and thence to Amiens On the day after the Battel there were four times as many slain coming to the assistance of the French King but knew nothing of his defeat as on the day on which the Battel was fought After this Battel the King forthwith carried his Army towards Calais and sat down before it the 7. day of September continuing his Siege all the Winter ensuing The next Summer the French King came down with an Army of 200000 men to raise the Siege and on Monday after St. Iame's day drawing neer to the Castle of Guisnes and finding the King so strongly intrenched that he could not attempt him he on the 2. of August returned whereupon the Town was surrendred to the King's mercy the 4. of August following and the King having setled his Affairs there returned into England the 14. of October The 7. of October an 20. E. 3. which was within a Month after King Edward had laid Siege to Calais David King of Scots invaded England with 50000 men The Queen being then at York raised an Army to oppose him and marched towards Newcastle neer which on St. Luke's Eve she encountred the Scots flew 15000 of them and vanquished the rest Their King was taken Prisoner at Meryngton by Iohn Copland an Esquire of Northumberland and according to the Kings command signified to Thomas Rokely high Sheriff of Yorkshire who had received him by Indenture from Monsieur Ralph Nevill was delivered by Indenture dated the 2. of Ianuary after unto Iohn Darcy Constable of the Tower of London there to be kept in safe custody After this Victory the English entred Scotland and took the Castles of Roxburgh and Hermitage and subdued the Counties of Anandale Galloway Mers Tividale and Ethrick Forest extending their March as far as Cockburns Peth and Sowtray hedge Tralnilips and Cross Cave Shortly after the defeating of the King of Scots upon the mediation of the Cardinal of Naples and Clermont a Commission was made out to William Marquess of Iuliers William de Bohun Earl of Northampton Constable of England Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Marshal of England Bartholomew de Burghersh Richard Talbot Steward of the King's House Thomas Bradewardyn Chancellor of London Iohn de Thoresby Canon of Lincolne and Andrew Offord Canon of York or any 8 7 6 5 4 or 3 of them to treat of and conclude with the said Cardinals upon all Quarrels and Controversies depending between the King and Sir Philip de Valois and their Allies but this meeting came to nothing Nevertheless after Calais was taken the Earls of Lancaster and Huntingdon were commissionated to treat of a Peace with the said Sir Philip de Valois which upon the interposition and mediation of the foresaid Cardinals produced a Truce to endure from Michaelmas Eve an 21. E. 3. to the Qninzeme of St. Iohn Baptist next ensuing Lewis of Bavaria the Emperor being dead about this time Henry Archbishop of Mentz Arch-Chancellor of the Empire in Germany Rudolph and Rupert Counts Palatine of the Rhyne and Dukes of Bavaria Lewis Marquess of Brandenburgh and Lusatia and the Dukes of Saxony assembled at Collen whence they sent Ambassadors to King Edward with the offer of Electing him Emperor of Germany in return of which he sent to them Sir Hugh Nevil and Ivo de Glynton Canon of St. Pauls London with full information of the Kings intention which contained a refusal of that Imperial Dignity but with great thanks for the honor they designed him The Truce made at Calais as aforesaid now growing towards an end the King was prevailed with upon the Popes Letters to depute Thomas Fastolf Arch Deacon of Wells Iohn Carleton Canon of Wells both Doctors of Law and Fryer Iohn de Reppes of the Order of Mount Carmell who had Commission to prorogue the Truce and to treat of a final Peace the former of which was concluded on for 6 weeks in Picardy Normandy Artois Boloigne and Flanders and to commence the 13. of September an 22. E. 3. But the King well seeing the delay and unwillingness of the French to close with him either for Truce or Peace drew down his Forces in October to Sandwich intending to pass the Sea which quickned the French to agree to the prorogation of the Truce from the 18. of November till the first of September an 23. E. 3. upon which he returned to London No sooner was this Truce concluded but the Lord Geoffry Charney attempted to corrupt Sir Amery de Pavy an Italian then Governor of Calais to betray the Town to him for 20000 Crowns of which the King having notice came privately the night before the delivery was agreed on The Lord Geoffry had paid his money and expected the surrender of the Town when the King issued out disguised under the Banner of Sir Walter Many and fought on foot among the Common Souldiers and within a while he encountred the Lord Eustace of Rybemont a Valiant Knight who having struck him twice on his Knees was at last Mastered by the King and made his Prisoner The encounter being over and the King desirous to view the Prisoners caused a great Supper to be prepared for them at which time he came in wearing a Chaplet of Pearls and passing to Sir Eustace of Rybemont took the Chaplet off his own head and placed it upon the head of Sir Eustace with the commendation of a valiant Knight and one that had performed best in the late Action and with all forgave him his ransom Thomas of Walsingham placeth this famous exploit to the year 1349. and consequently to be done in the 23 d year of King Edward the Third But we rather judge Sir Iohn Froissard to be in the right since we find Sir Iohn Beauchamp made Captain of Calais the first of Ianuary an 22. E. 3. which according to Froissard's Account was the next day after this defeat of Sir Geoffry Charney And though the French Writers affirm that Sir Aymery de Pavy discovered the design to the King yet Froissard saith not tell the King had otherwise first heard of it and therefore not unlike but there might rest so much suspicion upon Sir Aymery as induced the King to appoint
through France to Bourdeux and there he arrived about Christmas in which Voyage though the French durst not fight him and all the way avoided the hazard of a Battel yet through the scarcity of Victuals many dyed not to mention the loss of 30000 Horse About the beginning of the following Summer at the Pope's instance a Truce was made by this Duke and the Duke of Anjou to continue till the last of August wherein it was agreed that in the beginning of September there should meet in Picardy on the English part the Duke of Lancaster and other Commissioners to treat of Peace with the Duke of Anjou and others on the French part where also the Popes Legate should appear as Mediatour and in pursuance thereof the Duke of Lancaster took Shipping the 8. of Iuly an 48 E. 3. after whose departure all Poictou and Aquitaine fell from their Allegiance except Bourdeux and Bajon In this year the Earl of Cambridge and the Duke of Bretagne were constituted the Kings Lieutenants in France after which Commands were sent forth to arrest Ships for their passage thither to be at Dertmouth and Plimouth with all speed But notwithstanding these preparations yet they went not till the following Spring having then in their retinue many of the English Nobility and for whose good success publick Prayers were appointed to be made In this Expedition the Duke recovered many of his Towns but being included in the Truce made by the Duke of Lancaster he was thereby obliged to lay down his Arms. For upon the mediation of the Bishops of Roan and Carpentras the Pope's Nuncios there had been a Treaty set on Foot at Bruges in Flanders this Year managed chiefly by Iohn Duke of Lancaster who with Simon Bishop of London William Earl of Salisbury Sir Iohn Cobham Sir Franke de Hale Sir Arnold Savage Mr. Iohn de Shepeye and Mr. Simon de Molton were commissionated to carry on that Affair on King Edwards part and by Philip Duke of Burgundy on the behalf of his Brother Charles the French King which though it brought not forth a compleat Peace yet in effect it put an end to the present War for it produced a Truce to hold for a year viz. to the last of Iune an 50 E. 3. to give notice of which to the English Subjects a Proclamation was set forth And a quarter of a year before its expiration at another meeting at the same place this Truce was inlarged to the first of April an 51 E. 3. and thereupon another Proclamation issued to make it known But it appears that the French were gotten to Sea sometime before the expiration of this latter Truce and had done much hurt upon the Sea-Coasts Of this design of theirs the King had timely intelligence and therefore he endeavoured to enlarge the Truce to which end he empowred Iohn Bishop of Hereford Sir Iohn de Cobham of Kent Iohn Monteacute Bannerets and Iohn Shepeye Doctor of the Laws to Treat with the Earl of Salebruch Monsieur Chatillon and Philebert le Spoit where the Pope's Legats were also present as Mediators But nothing was done thereupon only the Legate proposed a Marriage between Richard Prince of Wales and the Lady Mary Daughter to the French King which begot a private meeting shortly after at Montrevile by the Sea and there Sir Richard Dangle Sir Richard Stan and Sir Geoffry Chaucer Commissioners for King Edward with the Lord Coucy and other Commissioners for the French King spent the time chiefly to found one anothers intentions and so departed without any other effect saving that of Proroguing the Truce to May day following The 26 of April another Commission was made for the same purpose to Adam Bishop of St. Davids Iohn Bishop of Hereford William Earl of Salisbury Robert de Ashton the Kings Chamberlain Guichard Dangle Banneret Aubrey de Vere Hugh de Segrave Knights Walter Skirlow Dean of St. Martins le Grand and the foresaid Iohn Shepeye which gave them power to treat and compose all differences Wars and contentions They thereupon came to Calais and the Lord Coucy and Sir William Dormer Chancellor of France came to Montrevile but by reason of the suspicion the Commissioners had of each other they could not agree of an indifferent place to meet at and so the time limitted by the Truce spinning on absolutely expired And in this posture the Affairs relating to France stood to wit in open hostility till the Death of King Edward Thus we see that from the breach of the Treaty and Entry upon King Edwards Territories to the time of his Death he all along steered against the Tide of adverse Fortune and what with Invasions Revolts and disastrous accidents though no pitch'd Battel was fought nothing of his great Conquests remained to him but only Calais and the small Territory adjoining But of the strange unsuccessfulness of these subsequent years there might be three main causes First the loss of so many stout and well disciplin'd Souldiers as upon their disbanding after the Peace made near Chartres joyned themselves to the Companions and marcht into Spain Italy and Germany to which number may be added those who perished in the Princes expedition into Spain of whom scarce the fifth man returned a sort of people so inur'd to War and such as had gained so great experience therein that the very Common Souldiers among them were men of good conduct The French King knew well enough how much King Edwards power was weakned through the want of those men and that as to such as might be raised a-new few of them having been trained up in the former Wars he thought he might the better deal with them in regard that many of his own disbanded Souldiers were still within his Kingdom and lay ready at his service A second cause might be that the King declining in years and the Prince of Wales growing daily worse and worse of a lingering sickness without hope of Recovery the French King took the more heart and began now not to fear either them or their Fortunes which before had proved so terrible to France And therefore he supposed if he could make a shift but to keep his Forces on Foot against their declining power he might deal well enough with those who should succeed them none of King Edwards other Sons having given such proof of their success in martial affairs as to be feared by him and much less was any such thing to be expected when an Infant King was likely to succeed Lastly His supplies of Money from his Subjects who before had freely enough opened their Purses to carry on the War began to fail him For being tyred out with the prosecution of it they complained of Poverty and thence it came that the Forces raised to recover what was lost were inconsiderable in comparison of the former Royal Armies levied
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
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
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
William Mountacute first Earl of Salisbury and Sister to William Earl of Salisbury one of the first Founders of the Garter whose Will bears date the first day of November an Dom. 1378. in which she appoints her body to be buried in the Conventual Church of the Holy Trinity in the Priory of Bistleham vulgarly called Bysham Mountagu in Berkshire where an 1381. she was accordingly interred He dyed at Rovery in Burgundy the 26. of February an 34. E. 3. as the King was upon his march in those Countries and his body afterwards brought into England was buried at Wigmore with his Ancestors 9 Sir Iohn Lisle SIR Iohn Lisle was the Son of Robert Lord Lisle first summond to Parliament an 5. E. 2. by the Title of Robert de Lisle de Rubemont and of Margaret the Daughter of Peverell His Father Robert being disposed to give to him 400 Marks per annum of Land to serve the King with 6 men at Arms in his War the King to gratifie the said Robert and the better to support his Son granted that the said Robert might give him his Mannor of Harwood with its appurtenances in Yorkshire with other Lands to the annual value of 400 Marks during his life but afterwards to return to the said Robert and his Heirs and some years after his Brother Robert released to him and his Heirs all his right in the said Mannor and in the Advowson of the Church there Being thus provided for he attended the King in his first Voyage into France by the way of Flanders an 13. E. 3. and as Sir Iohn Froissard observes was in the Battel designed to be fought near Vironfosse Two years after he went into Aquitaine in the King's Service And the year ensuing he attended the King in Bretagne where he was one of the Commanders left at the Siege of Nants in Bretagne while the King foraged the Country and laid Siege to Dinant For his good services done the King he granted him a Pension of 200 l. per annum for his life to support his Degree of Banneret This Pension was first appointed to be paid him out of the Exchequer until a Provision of Lands or Rents to that yearly value were made for him but after there was assigned to him out of the Priory of St. Neats then of Stoke nigh Clare and of Fye to wit 120 l. per annum out of the Priory of Stoke and 80 l. per annum out of that of Eye Then 100 Marks was taken out of the Rent charge upon the Priory of Eye and laid upon the Issues of the Counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon And lastly it came to be thus setled viz. That he should receive out of the Issues of these two Counties 200 Marks per annum and out of the issues of the Counties of Bedford and Bucks the remaining sum of 100 Marks per annum And having given him besides for like services another Pension for life of 40 l. a year out of his Exchequer also he appointed the payment of it out of the Farm of the Priory of St. Neats during the War An. 25. E. 3. the King made him Sheriff of the Counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon and granted him the Custody of the Castle of Cambridge for life He had by Maud his Wife two Sons Sir Robert Lisle Lord of Rougemont and Wilbraham whose Heir male hath now his dwelling as I am informed at Wilbraham in Cambridgshire and Sir William Lisle Lord of Cameldon and Shefford who died without Issue In the Prince's Expedition into Gascoigne an 29. E. 3. he attended him and had Command given him in the main Body of the Army But in the three days march into the Enemies Country he was unfortunately hurt with a Quarrel or Bolt shot out of a Cross-bow of which he dyed the 14. of October in the same year his Son Robert being then about 22 years of age 10. Sir Bartholomew Burghersh SIR Bartholomew Burghersh was Son to Bartholomew Lord Burghersh frequently distinguished by the Title of Senior and Elizabeth one of the Daughters and Co-heirs of Theobald de Verdon His Father was first summoned to Parliament an 1. E. 3. a person of great Council and Valour which laid a strong foundation for his Sons Honor having been several times constituted Constable of Dover and the Cinque-Ports he was also made Seneschal and Custos of Ponthieu and Monstriell Admiral towards the West Chamberlain to the King Lieutenant of the Tower of London one of the Custos's of England and frequently emploid in Embassies and by some through mistake made one of the first Founders of the Garter But among these enumerated in the preamble to the Statutes both of Institution with their Exemplars and those of King Henry the Fifth he is called Bartholomeus de Burghersh filius and Bartholomew de Burghersh le filz and so in divers places of our publick Records though we have seen some transcripts of these Statutes wherein the point hath been at the end of the Surname and filius so also le filz joined to Dom. Iohannes de Beauchamp But this was a plain mistake of the Transcriber since this Iohn was never married His first martial Service was when the King went into Bretagne an 16. E. 3. Next he went with the Prince in the Kings Expedition into France an 20. E. 3. where he staid with him at the Siege of Calais And for recompence of his Expences in this Voyage the King granted him the Custody of all the Lands and Tenements which had belonged to Iohn de Loueyne deceased till his Heir should come of Age without rendring any thing therefore The 23. year of King Edward he went along with him into Gascoigne And again thither with the Prince of Wales an 29. E. 3. and had command in the main body of the Princes Army The following year as the Prince retired from forraging the Country of Berry and was got near Romerentyne this Knight whom Froissard in several places calls the Lord Bartholomew Breches Sir Bartholomew de Bounes de Brennes and de Brunes but such mistakes are too frequent in that Author in this and other mens names as also in the names of Places was set upon by a French Ambushment but he and his Troops so gallantly behaved themselves that they kept the French in play till the Prince drew near upon the sight of whom they fled to Romerentyne pursued by the English and got into the Castle which the Prince commanded Sir Iohn Chandos to Summon but they refusing to yield after two desperate but fruitless assaults the English set it on fire which caused them speedily to surrender He attended the King in his expedition into France an 33. E. 3. and towards the end of the year an 37. E. 3.
deserved He married Ioane the Daughter and Heir of Oliver de Ingham and Relict of Roger le Strange and dyed on Wednesday next before the Feast of St. Nicholas an 38. E. 3. leaving his Son Miles then about 20 years of age The Custody of his Lands was granted to the Queen who granted it to Bryan Stapleton Knight Iohn de Boys and Roger de Boys till his said Son came of age which Grant the King confirmed the same day by his Letters Patent He and his Wife were both buried at the House of Ingham founded by his Mothers Ancestors 18. Sir Thomas Wale HE was the Son of Sir Thomas Wale and Lucy his Wife which Lucy held the Mannor of Wedon-Pinkney in the County of Northampton with its appurtenances in her Demesne as of Fee of the King in Capite as of the Fee Pinkney by the service of one Knights Fee and long before her death she setled the said Mannor on this Sir Thomas and his Heirs as appears by the Inquisition taken after her death wherein the said Sir Thomas is found to be her next Heir and then about 40 years of age He attended the King into Flanders an 12. E. 3. and had command under William de Bohun Earl of Northampton in the Expedition which the King made into Bretagne an 16. E. 3. so also beyond Sea in the Kings service with Richard Earl of Arundel an 18. E. 3. We find not that he had any issue by his Wife Nichola who out-lived him but that his three Sisters were his Heirs namely Margaret the Wife of Malorre Alice of Thomas Chamberlain and Iulian. He dyed in Gascoigne on Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel an 26. E. 3. being a Knight of great vertue and worthiness so that of all the Stalls of the first Founders his first became void into which succeeded Reginald Lord Cobham of Sterborough 19. Sir Hugh Wrottesley SIR Hugh Wrottesley was Son to Sir William Wrottesley of Wrottesley in the County of Stafford Knight It appears that an 8. E. 3. he designed a Voyage to the Holy-Land and to that end had obtained the Kings Letters for appointing Peter de Hoe and Thomas de Chency his Attornies during his absence to prosecute his Suits in any Court of England An. 12. E. 3. he went in the Kings Service into Flanders when the King went over thither to confer with his Allies And at the Siege of Calais he had the Kings Licence to inclose his Wood at Wrottesley and make a Park Two years after for his good service he granted to him the Custody of the Lands and Tenements which were William de Pilateâ—hall deceased till his Heirs came of age with the marriages of them without rendring any thing theretofore An. 24. E. 3. the King granted him a Pension of 40 l. per annum out of his Exchequer for his life upon the surrender of which Letters Patent he granted him 40 l. per annum to be thus received viz. 16 l. 4 s. 4 d. out of the Farm of the Villages of Mere and Clent 11 l. 10 s. out of the Farm of the Village of Swinford 11 l. out of the Farm of the Village of Kinefare and Tetenhale and 1 l. 6 s. 8 d. out of the Farm of the Foresters Fee of Tedesley to hold for life or till he had 40 l. per annum in Lands or Rents setled on him for life yet to be answerable for the overplus being 1 s. 8 d. These last Letters Patent were confirmed to him by King Richard the Second in the first year of his Reign He married Mabill the Daughter of Sir Philip ap Rees and Ioane his Wife by whom he had issue Iohn whose heir male in a direct line is Sir Walter Wrottesley of Wrottesley in the County of Stafford Baronet now living He also had to his second Wife Isabel Daughter of Iohn Arderne of Aldeford Aderlegh and Edds. And dyed the Monday after the Feast of St. Vincent an 4. R. 2. 20. Sir Nele Loring AT the Naval Fight before Sluce his Valour was so remarkable that it gained him the Honor of Knighthood to which the King immediately added a Donation of 20 l. per annum to him and his Heirs males for the better support of that Dignity till Lands of the like annual value were provided for him and them These Letters Patent bear Teste at Sluce 26. of Iune in the 14. year of the Kings Reign over England and his first of France In the Kings Expedition into Bretagne he attended him thither and an 18. E. 3. went beyond Sea in his Service In the beginning of the following year he and Michael Northburgh Canon of Liâ—hfeild and Hereford were sent to the Pope's Court with the Kings Letter dated 23. Feb. an 19. E. 3. to obtain a Dispensation for the marriage of the Prince of Wales with the Daughter of the Duke of Brabant At his return he went with Henry de Lancaster Earl of Derby into Gascoigne where he stayed the following year After which coming over into England he within a short time returned to his Commands in Gascoigne An. 29. E. 3. he attended the Prince of Wales in his Expedition into Gascoigne and being specially assigned to attend his person in the Battel at Poictiers he performed his duty so well that he received both acknowledgments and rewards from the Prince for that days service He was afterwards appointed by King Edward to be one of his Commissioners for receiving the possession of all Countries Cities Forts c. that by the Treaty of Peace near Chartres were to be delivered to him When the Prince of Wales was created Prince of Guyenne he attended him thither again and there continued four years whence returning into England he stayed not long but went back again and remained there three years After which coming into England and being again sent into Aquitaine Writs were directed to Robert de Ashton Admiral towards the West for the passage of him and Sir Iohn de la Haye their Soldiers and Retinue and this year he was one of those Knights of the Prince's Retinue sent to meet Sir Robert Knolls at his coming out of Bretagne whom they met at Quercy and assisted at the Sieges of Durmel and Domme both which though they thought fit to break up yet marching further into the Country they took Gauaches Freins Rochmador and Ville Franche upon the marches of Tholouze He was an active man and did King Edward great services which induced him to confer many favours on him in recompence thereof as first he granted him a Pension of 5 l. a year during his life to be paid him by the Abbess of Burnham out of the 15 l. per annum she was
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
other Ceremonies whereunto by the Statutes of the said Order he is bounden and for that cause hath by our special license appointed our trusty and well-beloved Sir Henry Sidney Knight sufficiently authorized 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 by the Statutes and Ordinances of the said Order be requisite We therefore in consideration of the premisses will and by these presents give unto you full power licence and authority not only to accept and admit the said Sir Henry Sidney to be Deputy and procurer for our said well-beloved Cousen the said Earl of Warwick and to install him in the behalf of the said Earl but also further to do therein as to the Statutes and laudable usages of the said Noble Order in this case appertaineth And these our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in this behalf Yeven under the Seal of our said Order at our Palleys of Westminster the 20. day of May in the fifth Year of our Reign NUM LIV. A Letter giving notice to the Soveraign's Commissioners of the day of Installation of a Knight-Subject by his Proxy Ibidem By the Queen RIght trusty and right well-beloved Cousen we greet you well And whereas we have appointed you together with our right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor the Lord Hastinges of Loughborow our Lord Chamberlen to be in Commission for the stallment in our Castell of Windesore of our right trusty and well-beloved the Lord Grey of Wilton being lately chosen to be of the Fellowship and a Companion of our Noble Order of the Garter And forasmuch as the same Lord Grey is presently Prisoner with the French King and therefore cannot be installed in his own person Our pleasure is that he shall be installed by Sir Humfry Radclysse Knight whom we have appointed to be his Deputy in that behalf And therefore have thought good not only to give you knowledge thereof by these our Letters but also to require you to make your repair to our said Castell of Windesore so as you may be there by Tuesday at night being the 19. of this present moneth to the end that upon Wednesday next being the xx of this same moneth he may proceed to the said Installation accordingly Yeven under the Seal of our said Order at our Mannor of Greenwich the xvi of April the fourth and fifth years of our Reigns To our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousen Th'Erle of Huntington Compaignion and Knight of our Noble Order of the Garter NUM LV. The Oath given to Sir Robesart's Proxy Ex Regist. Chartac fol. 5. a. MOY Thomas Barr Chivaler procureur a mon Maister Sire John Robesart eslieux d'èstre de l'honourable compaignie du Garter promete jure en lalme en nomme de mon dite Maister de loialment garder observer les pointes queconquez de lez estatutz du dite Ordre en cea que a luy pertiendra selonc le forme effecte dez estatuz susditz selonc son loial povoir NUM LVI The Oath given to the Lord Scroope's Proxy Ex Collect. I. V. YOV being Deputy and Procurer for the Lord Scroope of Bolton named and chosen to be one of the Companions of the most honourable Order of the Garter shall in the said Lords name promise and swear by the holy Evangelists by you here touched that the said Lord wittingly and willingly shall not break any Statutes of the said Order or any Article in them contained the same being agreeable and not repugnant to the Laws of Almighty God and the Laws of this Realm as for forth as unto him belongeth and appertaineth As God you help and his holy Word NUM LVII The Certificate of Election to the French King Henry the Second MS. quart penes W. le N. f. 109. b. TReshault trespuissant Prince trescher tresaymé bon frere Cousin tant si affectueusement que faire pouvons a vous nous recommendons Comme par la tresgrande noblesse prouesse aultres grandes vertus merites de vostre tresnoble personne tant approuvés que justement la fame en est par tout cognue oultre ce pour tant plus augmenter faire accroistre la bonne fraternelle amitié consederation d'entre vous nous nos Royaumes Subjects avons assemblé en deué Collegialle ancienne maniere avec les Chevaliers de nostre Ordre du Jarretiere an Chapitre tenu celebrè en nostre manoir de Greenwich le xxiv jour D'avril derniere passè avons tous ensemble d'un Commun unanime consentiment vouloir esleu choisi nommé vostre tresnoble personne au nombre de nostre dit amiable Compagnie Ordre du Jarretiere de la quelle Election il nous a semble bon vous advertir par cestes vous priant trescordiallement treshault trespuissant Prince trescher tresamé bon frere Cousin de faire cest boneur a nous toute la dite Compaignie de consentir a la dite Election en acceptant pour l'amour de nous comme par ce vous nous feres chose tres-agreable ainsi nous estimerons nostre dit Ordre d'autant plus garni decoré come entendres plus amplement par nos Ambassadeurs qui pour ceste cause sont prests a partir par devers vous Parquoy nous ne vous tiendrons ny plus long propos Ains prions le Createur treshaut trespuissant Prince trescher tresaime bon frere Cousin vous avoir en sa tressainte digne garde Excript a nostre Manoir de Greenwich le jour de May 1551. NUM LVIII A Credential Letter sent to Emanuel Duke of Savoy with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order Ex MS. 4. penes W. le N. Cl. fol. 110. TResbault tresexcellent Prince trescher bien aimé Cousin a vous bien affectucusement nous nous recommendons Comme sur l'advertissement que nous vous feismes de vostre Election icy au nombre amiable Compaignie de nos confreres Chevaliers Compaignons de nostre Ordre de la Jarretiere vous avez signifié depuis vostre bonne pronte acceptation singulier contentement de la dite Election si desirant affectueusement qu'elle pregne son den effect Nous avons prontement à ce despeché devers vous nostre tresseal bien aimé le Sieur de Clinton Say Chevalier Compagnon du dit Ordre nostre seal bien aimé Gartiere Roy d' Armes de l'Ordre avec ample pouvoir Commission non seullement pour vous presenter bailler donner de par nous la Jarretiete manteau aultres ensignes appartenantes au dit Ordre mais aussi faire tout aultre chose en tel cas accoustumé requise come ferious si nous y fussions en
and brotherly amity between us and our said good Sister to chuse and associate us into the Company of Knights of the same Order and for that effect hath deputed towards us our dear and well-beloved Cousin the Earl of Derby Knight and Companion of the same Order to whom and Sir Edward Stafford Knight her Ambassador resident with us she hath given power by her Letters Patents of the 20. day of January last past to present and give unto us on her behalf the Garter the Mantel and other Ensigns of the same Order which she hath sent us which they have done with the Ceremonies and Solemnities in such case requisite and accustomed For these causes liking the said Election and Association We have accepted and do accept the said Order of the Garter with honor and do promise to keep the Statutes thereof which also have been given us in writing upon the same assurance that the said Lady the Queen our good Sister hath them given Vs and the Declaration and Protestation which we have made that we be not constrained and bound unto things contrary and derogatory to our Religion Catholick Greatness and Majesty Royal and to the Statutes and Ordinances of our two Orders of the blessed Holy Spirit and of St. Michael as it is contained in the Act of our Oath which thereof we have made and given In witness whereof we have signed these presents with our hand and thereunto caused to be put our Seal Given at Paris the 12. day of March in the year of our Lord 1585. and of our Reign the 11. Henry NUM CXIX Another from Gustaâ—us Adolphus King of Sweden Sir Tho. Rowe's Iournal p. 208. GUstavus Adolphus Dei gratiâ Suecorum Gothorum Vandalorum Rex Magnus Princeps Finlandiae Dux Esthoniae Careliae Ingraeque Dominus c. Omnibus hasce literas lecturis vel audituris Salutem Quandoquidem complacuit seremissimo ac potentissimo Principi Domino Carolo Dei gratiâ Magnae Britanniae Franciae Hiberniae Regi Fidei Defensori fratri consanguineo amico nostro charissimo nobilissimi Ordinis Aureae Periscelidis Magistro reliquóque inclyto caetui Equitum ac Commilitonum illustrissmi bujus Ordinis in expressissimam amoris tesseram ac mutuam inter nos initam amicitiam arctioribus necessitudinis vinculis devinciendaem confirmandam Nos etiam eligere associare in Collegium Equitum bujus Ordinis atque in hunc finem Oratores Procuratores indubitatos Legatos suos constituere atque ablegare ad nos Nobilissimum virum de conclavi suo Dominum Jacohum Spens de Wormeston Equitem auraetum spectabiles viros Petrum Young Armigerum ex Nobilibus in Cubiculo presentiae suae ministrantibus unum Henricum Saintgeorgium Armigerum ex Heraldis suis ad Arma unum plenariá ipsis potestate concessâ— ac diplomate suo abunde ipsis fide adstructa munitá publico Sigillo Ordinis dato vigesimâ quartâ— Junii jam elapsi deferendi donandi atque tradendi nobis ipsum auream Periscelidem Torquem rosatum Sancti Georgii Imagunculas reliquasque vestes trabeatas in solenni harum Ceremoniarum celebratione debite requisitas a suá serenitate ad nos transmissas Idcircò haec omnia ab ipsis ritè administrata peracta agnoscimus fatemur ac praesentium Literarum tenore omnibus testatum volumus nostri electionem assumptionem in â—ujus Collegit sodalitium nobis gratissima fuisse ac fore Nosâ— Insignia Ordinis decenti cum honore suscepisse ac sancte in lâ—ges ac Statuta ejus per procuratores nostros loco ac tempore praeâ—â—itulis juraturos ea ipsâ cautione quae à suae serenitatis deputatis nobis scripto exhibita fuit videlicet Nos religioâ—è observaturos Articulos hujus Ordinis in omnibus quae Religioni à nobis professae dignitati ac Majestati nostrae Regiae nullatenus derogarent aut aliis Articulis ordinibus quos antebac suscepimus adversarentur atque hanc ipsissimam juramenti nostri sormulam esse cupimus quando solennis contestatio per procuratores nostros nostro nomine futura est quando ejus exemplar in acta referri contigerit In cujus rei testimonium praesentes propria nostrâ manu subscriptas Sigilli Regii appositione communiri jussimus Actum in Castris nostris ad Wormdit die sextá Mensis Octobris Anno supra Millesimum sexcentisimo vigesimo septimo Gustavus Adolphus NUM CXX Another from Charles King of Sweden Ex ipso Autographo CArolus Dei Gratiá Succorum Gothorum Vandalorumque Rex Princeps haereditarius Magnus Princeps Finlandiae Dux Scaviae Esthoniae Livoniae Careliae Bremae Verdae Stetini Pomeraniae Cassubiae Vandaliae Princeps Rugiae Dominus Ingriae Vismariae nèc nòn Comes Palatinus Rheâ—i Bavariae Juliaci Cliviae Montium Dux Omnibus hasce lecturis vel audituris salutem Quandoquidem complacuit serenissimo ac potentissimo Principi Consanguineo Amico Faederato nostro charissimo Domino Carolo ejus nominis secundo câdem gratiâ Magnae Britanniae Franciae Hiberniae Regi Fidei Defensori Nobilissimi Ordinis Aureae Periscelidis Magistro reliquoque inclyto caetui Equitum ac Commilitonum illustrissimi hujus Ordinis in expressissimam Amoris Tesseram mutuam inter nos initam amicitiam arctioribus necessitudinis vinculis devinciendam confirmandam Nos etiam eligere associare in collegium Equitum hujus Ordinis atque in hunc finem Oratores indubitatos Procuratores suos constituere oblegare Legatum suum extraordinarium Conciliarumque suum Illustrem nobis sincerè dilectum Dominum Carolum Comitem Carliolensem Vice-Comitem Howard de Morpeth Baronem Dacre de Gilisland loeum tenentem generalem in Comitatibus Westmorlandiae Cumbriae spectabilem virum Dominum Henricum St. George è primariis officialibus suis ad Arma unum vulgò Richmond Herald plenariâ ipsis potestate concessâ ac fide ipsis abunde astructâ Diplomate publico Sigillo Ordinis datoque in Palatio Alb-aulae apud Westmonasterium vicesimo nono die Mensis Novembris Anno Domini nuper praeterito Millesimo sexcentesimo sexagesimo octavo deferendi donandi atque tradendi Nobis ipsam auream Periscelidem torquem rosatum Sancti Georgii imagunculas reliquasque vestes trabeatas in solenni harum ceremoniarum celebratione debite requisitas à Majestate suâ ad nos transmissas ldcircò haec omnia ab ipsis ritè administrata peracta agnoscimus fatemur ac praesentium literarum tenore omnibus testatum volumus nosti Electionem Assumptionem in hujus Collegii sodalitium Nobis gratissimum fuisse ac fore Nosque insignia Ordinis decenti cum honore suscepisse ac sancte in Leges Statuta ejus per procuratores nostros loco ac tempore praestitutis juraturos eâ videlicet cautione Nos religiosè observaturos articulos hujus Ordinis in omnibus quae Religioni
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
durant strenuos quosdam Equites ex hiis qui vobiscum modo militant in socios Clarissimi vestri Ordinis assumere dâ—crevit ex consensu Commilitonum aliorum qui nunc isthic assunt idque nobis significare non refugit nos isthâc ipsâ voluntate vestrâ Commilitonum assensu subnixi quia nolumus ut quisquam per nos aut in Curiâ nostrâ privetur co fructu qui percipi possit saltem dum spectet ad salutem Animae si subitò contingeret obire quod fere fit hiis qui variis belli â—asibus agitantur Dominum Joannem Gray Dominum Johannem Robertsak Dominum Boucer virtute Literarum in quibus procuratores sibi nominârunt in sedes suas Windesori permisimus introduci ne si per bellorum infortunia quibus eos isthic quotidiè videmus objectos ante plenam possessionem interirent Missarum suffragiis destituerentur sicut quosdam nuper id quod dolemus nimiâ morâ praeventos intelleximus Rursum quia de tali procuratorio minus cantum in Statutis esse perpendimus in eo facto non parùm haesitavimus verùm nimio favore potiùs quam arciè severéque Statutorum observationi condonatum iri sperantes libenter in partem pientiorem uti est visa concessimus In quo tamen vestrae nos gratiae correctionique submittimus si quid in hâc ipsâ re delinquimus modo quo possumus humilimo supplicantes ut prudentissima Majestas vestra omnem abhinc scrupulum è Statutis auferatâ— absolutè pronunciet quid hîc posthà c fieri oporteat Vt Equities videlicet vestri cum celsitudine vestrâ vel in bellis vel alibi missu vestro commorati meritis exigentibus codem privilegio quod exteris in electione receptionéque sui per Procuratores est concessum congaudere possent vestro tamen in omnibus Iudicio semper salvo serenitatem autem vestram cum insigni victoriâ celebrÃque triumpho plená conservatae multitudinis Commilitii gloriâ reducat in Regnum ibi diuturnae pacis bono perfrui concedat ille Rex Regum Christus Jhesus qui Capitales hostes nostros sub vexillo Crucis edomuit moriendo devicit Windesori ab Arce vestrâ Kalendis Maii. NUM XLV A larger Letter to the same purpose Registrum Chartac fol. 6. b. VIctoriosissime Princeps metuendissime Domine Humilimâ Recommendatione praemissâ de magnificis vestris Regalibus guerrarum victoriosis eventibus gratiosis corundem auctori qui suo sub munimine vobis totiens contulit feliciùs triumphare obsequiosâ mente gratiarum referimus actiones vestrae Regiaae celsitudini insuper omnimodas reddentes odas debitas eò magis quò valemus quòd nostro minimo bumilimoque motivo de Militibus per vestram Regiam pietatem durantibus vestris bellicis exercitiis creandis interim in Milites Societatis Ordinis Garterii per Procuratores more exterorum installandis Aures vestrae magnificentiae Regalis dirigere voluistis ad tantam exauditionis gratiam ut Regiam vestram benevolentiam ad hoc unanimum assensum Commilitonum Ordinis vestro lateri Regio quà m strenuè assistentium nobis licèt indignis significare decrevistis Ad effectum quòd concors assensus ille nostro motivo mediante vim futuris temporibus statuti contineret super cujus significationis gratiâ virtute assensûs Dominum Willielmum Philipp per procuratorem suum sufficientèr constitutum installavimus Dominos verò Johannem Grey Johannem Robofarde virtute Literarum suarum missivarum in quibus suos solummodo nominarunt Procuratores Dominum de Boucer virtute Literae cujusdam deprecatoriae per Dominam Comitissam de Stafforde Deputato transmisso promisimus installari eò potiùs quod de sufficientiâ procuratorii hujusmodi in Statutis expressè non cavetur ac praecavere volentes ne per dubiosa infortunia guerrarum quibus ipsos in vestrâ Regali praesentiâ indies exponi perpendimus de tam meritoriis suffragiis huic annexis prae defectu plenitudinis sui juris relicti prae nostrâ vacillatione sub dubio privari possent seu veriùs eisdem carere quod absit prout jam tardè contigit quod dolentèr referimus prae nimiâ morâ praepotentis viri ante plenitudinem morte praeventi Piè sperantes nobis potiùs de vestro favore nimio pardonari quà m de severâ strictâ observatione Statutorum in hâc parte laudari ex condigno pensatis circumstantiis ac animis praesumentium super quo tamen humiliùs inclinati quo minùs peritè egimus veniam petimus omnimodè vestrae Regiae correctioni nos penitùs submittentes supplicantes devotiùs quò valemus quatenus omnimodum incertitudinis scrupulum in praemissis Regia celsitudo dignetur de cetero cautiùs abolere ac nostri praetextu motivi statuere ut finguli subditi vestri Milites activis suis meritis exigentibus in hanc eligendi commitivam qui vel in vestrâ praesentiâ Regali seu alibi extra Regnum dummodo ex mandato inibi militaverint Regali pro perpetuo gaudere valeant privilegio nobili exterorum Regali vestro judicio meliori in omnibus semper salvo Et serenitatem Regiae celsitudinis cum Coronâ victoriae servatâ strenuâ procerum multitudine cum bono pacis faelicitèr reducat ad Regnum invictissimus Rex ille qui in suo sanguine nostros dignatus est inimicos mortales sub vexillo Crucis moriendo devincere NUM XLVI Sir Grey's Letter Missive to Sir Iohn Lisle his Proctor Registrum Chartac fol. 6. A mon trescher bien ame Monsieur Jehan Lisle WOrchipful Sir I grete you wele desiryng to here c. And wete ye that the Kyng of his gracious Lordshippe God yelde him hase chosen me to be onne of his Brethrene of the Knyghtes of the Gartier And I hase chosen you to be myne Attourney to take my Stalle in my name what tyme that my Lorde of Bedforde c. And I pray you that ye wille do so moshe for me at this tyme as I may do thyng to your plesaunz in tyme comyng c. Writen before Roone the xi day of November John Grey NUM XLVII The Countess of Bristol's Deprecatory Letter Ex ipso Autogr. SIR PResuming from what I have been told of former times that my Husband the Earl of Bristol with many others being by his Majesties appointment to be installed Knights of the Garter at Windsor the next moneth he may receive that honor by Proxie at my request and nomination on his behalf because himself is at present beyond the Seas my desire to you hereby is that acquainting his Majesty herewith you would be pleased with his Soveraign permission and approbation to appear and act at that Solemnity in quality of my Lord's Proxie according to the accustomed forms in such cases wherein I assure my self you will perform a very acceptable service to my Lord and
therein oblige very much Your affectionate friend to command A. Bristoll Queens-street March the 13. 1660. Superscribed For Sir Richard Fanshaâ—e Knight these dd NUM XLVIII The Soveraign's Nomination of a Proxy thereupon Ex ipso Autographo CHarles the Second 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 our trusty and well-beloved Servant Sir Richard Fanshawe Knight Greeting Whereas we have appointed our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin George Earl of Bristol lately elected into our said most Noble Order to be installed together with others at the approaching solemnization of the Noble Feast of Saint George in our Castle at Windesor on the 15.16 and 17. days of April next ensuing the date hereof And whereas the said Earl cannot be there personally present being detained in Foreign parts upon our special service in which case he is priviledged alike with Foreigners by ancient Statute of our said Order to receive his installation by Proxie Know ye that we of our particular grace and favour to you our said Servant and finding in you all the statutable qualifications requirâ—d for such a Deputation have nominated and appointed and by these presents at the request and nomination of the Countess of Bristol in the behalf of the Earl her Husband do nominate appoint and authorize you the said Richard Fanshawe for and in the name of the said Earl to possess his Seat in our Colledge at Windesor and to take the Oath in such case accustomed and to do and perform all other things which the Statutes require and we do further by these presents will authorize and require all persons whom it may concern as well Knights as Officers not only to admit this Proxie or Deputy of the said Earl but also to do and perform in his regard all other things which shall appear requisite according to the Statutes and laudable Customs of our said most Noble Order For all which these our Letters shall be to you and them sufficient Warrant on that behalf Given under the Seal of our Order at our Court at Whitehall the sixteenth day of March 1661. and in the 13. Year of our Reign NUM XLIX Sir Philipp's Letters of Procuration to Sir Andrew Butrely and Sir Iohn Henington Ex Libro Nigro pag. 62. OMnibus praesentes Literas inspeciuris aut audituris Gulielmus Phyllipp Eques insignitus salutem Noveritis quod ubi supremo nostro Ordinisque nostri Galliae pariter atque Angliae Regi complacuit ad id honoris ae gloriae me provehere velle ut in samigeratissimam Socâ—etatem illam me unum intromitteret insupâ—r ex abundantiá suae gratiae secum reputâ—ns quemadmodum in his transmarinis bellicis rebus suo secum jussu distineor potestatem mihi fâ—â—eret sedis occupandae caeterosque ritus peragendi per idonâ—eum procuratorem Equitem ut minus auratum insignibus donatum boni atque irreprehensi nominis Ob id ego prudentiá ac virtute dilectissimorum mihi Domini Andreae Butreley Domini Johannis Henington in quibus ni sallor quod ad strenuissimos Equites attineat nil desideres cos vel eorum ut res feret alterum in vicem meam statuo deputo quicquid in me facultatis est erga istam mei causam tribuo Quibus tamquam mihimet ipsi impero ut pro me ac nomine mâ—o Locum in Choro ac Conciliâ— mihi praenotatum ingrediantur Wyndesori intra regale Castrum ubi Claritas Ordinis sundata relucet Clamidem meam Galeam atq Ensem suscepturis illic Offerant ut ex more prâ—pendeant pendeant causas absentiae commonstrent omnem legitimum atque honestum jusjurandum quod postulabitur ultrò prestent summatim omnia vice meâ sic exhibeant ac compleant atque si praesens ipse forem In cujus rei testimonium Sigillum meum ab Armis hîc affixi In obsidione Rothomagi Novembris xi NUM L. Sir Iohn Fastolfs Deputation to Sir Henry Inghouse and Sir William Breton Fr. Regr fol. 14. b. A tous ceulx qui ces Lettres verront on orront Johan Fastolf Chivaler salut Savoir venilles que come il ait pleu a nostre Soverain Seigneur le Roy de Fraunce D'engleterre come Soverain primer de L'ordre Monsteur Seint George de la Compaignie du Jartier me faire tant de honnure que de me vueiller eslier resseiver en un dez Compaignons du dit Ordre du Jartier en oultre de sa treshabundante grace considerant que je suis ocupié pour le present en son tres-honourable service perdecà m' a donné congé d'estre enstaillé d'avoire touz aultres choses que en cas appertiennent fetes fournés par procureur mais tontevoies qe ce soit per Chivalier de nom d'armes saunz reproche pour ce est il que singulierment confiant es sens tresages discrecions preudommie dez treshonnourés Seigneurs mes treschiers grauns amys messieur Henry Inghouse Guillaume Breton Chivalers esquelx a ce que je tiens riens ne faute que aux vaillans Chivalers doit appertenir ay faite ordeiné constitué deputé par ces presentes face ordonne constitue depute lez ditz Messieurs Henry Guillaume checun deux par luy mesmes vrais certains especiaulx procureurs a eux ou L'un d' eux ay donné donne povoir generall especial mandement es meilleurs fourme maniere que je say ou puis pour en nomme de moy demander receveir obtenir L'estall en le chore lien en le Chapitre en la Chapelle ou Collage du Roy nostre dit Seigneur dedeins son Chastell de Wyndesore ou quel est le dit Ordre foundé establez vacanis qui pour moy y sont ou serront assignez y offrir mou manteau moit healme mon espee les y attacher selanc la constume maniere du dit Ordre les causes aussy de m'absence declarer tout serement licite honneste que de Constume y serra a requise en lame de moy faire donner generelment tout ce faire excercer expedier que es choses desuisditz serra aucunment necessaire besoignable ma person de tout representier si comme je y feusse mesmes en personne En testimoigne de la quelle chose jay seellé ces presentz du Seel de mez armez signe de ma maine Donne à Lancone iii. jour de Feverier J. Fastolf NUM LI. A Commission for Installation of Sir Iohn Fastolf by Sir Henry Inghous his Proctor Ex Regist. Chartac fol. 14. b. HEnry par la grace de Dieu Roy D'engleterre de Fraunce Seigneur D'yrlande Souverain de L'ordre du
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