The History of the Most Noble Order of the Garter

Of the beginning of the Grand Feast.

§ 1.

The Celebration of the Grand Feast, with the Ceremonies, devis’d to set forth and illustrate the Glory thereof, hath been worthy the observation of the first Institutor, and all succeeding Sovereigns; well knowing that what is once slightly observ’d will soon fall into disesteem, if not into contempt. Therefore they have been very particular to the Day, the Hour, and the Place, where the Sovereign and Knights-Companions are to meet.

As to the first, although St. George’s Day (or such other Day as the Sovereign shall please to nominate and appoint, by Prorogation in lieu thereof,) be the Principal and Grand Day of the Feast, yet the Eve of that Day does the Feast take Commencement, and determines not till the third Day following; the whole Solemnity taking up three Days inclusively.

And this is clear from several Articles of the Statutes, wherein the course of the Ceremonies to be observ’d at the Grand Solemnity are set down; whether observed, on the Eve, the Feast-Day, or the Morrow after: And these three Days together did the Sovereign hold the Grand Feast, whether they personally celebrated the same, or deputed other of the Knights-Companions to that Employment, the cause of the Commissions of Deputation limitting their Power either in general, during the time of the Feast; or in particular, upon the Day of St. George, the Day, and that following, viz. the last Day of the Feast. In like manner, when in succeeding Times, Commissions of Prorogation of the Grand Feast were made use of, we find the three Days continuance of the Feast to be particularly mentioned in the Body of those Commissions: Namely, the Day wherein, by such Appointment, the Feast was to begin, the Grand Day it self, and the Day whereon it ended.

The Directions given in the Statutes, for the Order and Course of this Solemnity, to begin with the Eve, run thus: Every Year upon St. George’s Eve, shall be an Assembly, or Meeting of all the Knights-Companions of the Order, at Windsor Castle, &c. and the same is positively enjoin’d by all the other Bodies of the Statutes.

And as the Grand Feast is generally said to Commence in Vigilia Sancti Georgii, or as it is otherwise exprest in the Black-Book, in Vigilia in future celebratis, or, Vigiliis Divi Georgii, or in Vigilia Festi. So has the time of this preceeding Day several other Denominations given it in the same Register, Vesper ante Diem Sancti Georgii; in Vesperiis Georgianis, in Vesperiis Festi, in Vesperiis Commitionem; and at other times, pridie Divi Georgii, pridie Georgianæ Solemnitatis, pridie Festi, pridie feriarum Divi Georgii, and sometimes per vigilia, and lastly in plain English, St. George’s Eve; all which signify one and the same thing, and are but various Names given to the Evening of the Day foregoing either that of St. George, or that whereon the Grand Feast is appointed to be held by Prorogation.

Thus we see that the Founder began his Solemnity upon the Eve of the Feast Day; which doubtless was in conformity to the Custom of the Church, who made the Vigils and Eves part of the ensuing Festivals, and as Ushers to the Grand Solemnities.

As the Eve was appointed by the Founder for the Commencement of the Anniversary of the Grand Feast, so to make the time 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, where a Penalty was enjoined, and therefore at a Chapter held at Windsor, 17 Edw. IV. a scruple arising among the Knights-Companions, concerning the Words Hora Tertiarum, whether they were intended to mean three in the Afternoon, or at the Hour of the Church, generally used after Prime Noon before; and fixed it to the latter.

The Registrum Chartaceum Records the same Explanation of the Words; and to let us see that ’twas immediately put in Practice, it is there entered with the Names of those Knights-Companions present with the Sovereign, both in the Morning and Evening of the same Day.

Another Instance of which there is, 3 Hen. VII. on the Eve of the Grand Feast, held by Prorogation at Windsor, where the Sovereign, in regard of the arrival of several Ambassadors, put off the usual Chapter till Noon; whence it is evident, that the Custom at this time was likewise to begin the Solemnity in the Morning.

But notwithstanding the said Decree of King Edw. IV. we find it Anno 11 Hen. VIII. to be meant and intended for three in the Afternoon. And when King Henry VIII. came to Model the Statutes of the Order, in two several Articles, he declares and expounds the Hora Tertia, (which the English Version of those Statutes renders the Hour of Tierce,) to be the Hora Tertia post Merediem, three in the Afternoon; and in another Article of the same Statutes, Hora Tertiarum, id est, Hora Tertiarum post Merediem; and elsewhere, Hora Tertia Vespertina vel Pomeridiana; which Hour, as it was then settled to be the punctual time for the Knights-Companions meeting, to enter on the Solemnity of the Feast, so has it ever since continued unaltered, and usually observed.

The Place of Assembly for the Sovereign and Knights-Companions, hath usually been in such of the Sovereign’s Privy Lodgings, both at Windsor, or elsewhere, as he hath appointed; frequently in the Privy, Withdrawing, or Bed Chambers: To this appointed Place the Knights-Companions repair, to give their Attendance on the Sovereign, having first invested themselves in full Robes, either in their own Lodgings, or some convenient Room at Court, where Garter is to attend them, with notice of the approaching Hour.

The Knights-Companions being come to the Sovereign, as likewise the Officers of the Order, habited in their Mantles, and bearing in their Hands the Symbols of their several Offices, they wait the Sovereign’s being vested in his Robes, till he passes into the Presence Chamber, or give beginning to the Feast, by opening the Chapter at their meeting, before he goes thither.

About the same time, the Provincial Kings, Heralds, and Pursuivants, wearing their Coats of the Sovereign’s Arms; so also the Band of Pensioners, armed with their Pole Axes, Assemble in the Presence Chamber; but the Prebends of the College, vested in their Taffaty Mantles over their Surplices, and Alms-Knights in their Mantles and Surcoats, come no nearer than the Guard Chamber.

Lastly, The Servants and Attendants of the Knights-Companions meet without the Guard Chamber Door, whence spreading themselves down the Stairs, through the Stone Gallery, into the upper Ward of the Castle, or as far as their Number will reach, all wait the Sovereign’s coming forth into the Presence.

It will be necessary here to inform the Reader, in regard not only the Feast Day of St. George, but the Grand Feast held in Honour of the Order, hath been kept in several other Places besides Windsor Castle, more particularly, at White-Hall, St. James’s, Greenwich, and York; that there are many Ceremonies, and other Particulars hereafter named, which alter not with the Place; but appertain to the Festival, and are therefore to be observed every where alike; as for instance, the form of Proceeding, the manner of holding Chapters, the Ceremony of Offering Gold and Silver, Swearing of Officers, and such like: But others there are, which are precisely local and particular, as the Prebends and Alms-Knights going in the Proceeding, the Offering up of Atchievements, &c. to Windsor only.

Since the withdrawing the Grand Feast from Windsor, some of the Officers of Arms, curious in the Observation of these Solemnities, performed in other Places, have afforded us great Plenty of Memorials, relating to the ceremonious Part thereof, while the same was continued at Windsor; and therefore, when the true Place where the Instance lies, shall be also cited, the Reader is not to conclude that the Precedent urged doth not full enough answer the Purpose, unless it had been likewise fetched from Windsor. But that in this case, the Ceremony or Example is such, as is peculiar to the Feast, not the Place, and ought to be observed without alteration at any Place, where the Sovereign shall keep the Grand Feast.

Of setting the Proceeding in Order.

§ 2. In Times past, the Knights-Companions appeared at the Grand Feast, attended with a numerous Train of Servants and other Dependents; but the Feast having removed from Windsor to other Places, much of this ancient Splendor was laid aside; yet upon King James I. Accession to the Crown, somewhat of this Glory began to revive; for we find it entered upon the Register, in the fourth of his Reign; That the ancient Custom, which for some Years had been intermitted, wherein, at the Solemnity of this Feast, all the Knights-Companions were wont to go attended, each with a large Train, was recalled and brought back into use.

But this heighth of Gallantry and Splendor in the Number of Attendants, and richness of their Apparel, within ten Years grew up to such Excess, or rather Exorbitancy, that it required a restraint; wherefore the Sovereign, by the unanimous Advice of the Knights-Companions, Decreed, and Commanded, That every one of the Knights-Companions of the Order, should have to attend upon his Person at the yearly Solemnization of the Feast of the Order, fifty Persons, and no more: The reason whereof we find elsewhere noted to be, for saving of Charge, and avoiding of Emulation. But in the beginning of King Charles I. Reign, of ever Blessed Memory, the gallantry of Attendants began again to Increase and Augment; insomuch that at the Grand Feast held at White-Hall, the 22d, 23d, and 24th of April, Anno 8 Car. I. we find it observed, that the Knights-Companions came forth attended, each with a Train of Servants very richly clad.

But to return and enter upon the Proceeding, to the end the Servants and Attendants of the Knights-Companions may be exactly Marshalled, the Usher of the Hall (whose Duty it is to rank them) ought to call for a List from Garter, of such Knights-Companions as are to be present at the Grand Feast, noted with their several Places in the Proceeding, for his better Directions in assigning the Attendants their due Places, the Order whereof is thus: First, the Junior Knights-Attendants proceed one before another, on the left Hand, upon whose right Hand the second eldest Knights-Attendants go in equal Rank with them, for this we observe to have been the general rule; where the Knights-Companions Proceed in pairs, their Attendants go together; those belonging to the Senior Knights of the two, on the right Hand, and to the Junior upon their left; but the Order is otherwise, where any of the Knights-Companions proceed single and alone, (which often falls out, as shall be noted in its due Place,) for then the Attendants belonging to that single Knight go two and two, on both sides the Way, opposite one against the other.

But when the Grand Feast is Celebrated at White-Hall, there the Knights-Companions Attendants are Marshalled by the said Usher, on both sides the Passage, from the outward Door of the Guard Chamber, down into the Hall, taking up all the Room as far as the old Chappel; and because here they do not proceed, in regard of the shortness of the Processional way, but only make a stand, for the Proceeding to pass through them, they are ranked in a way different from that used at Windsor; nevertheless relating more especially to the Order observed by their Masters: Which Method, in the Sovereign’s Proceeding to the Chappel, at the beforementioned Feast, held at White-Hall, Anno 8 Car. I. we find thus described. The eldest Knight-Companions Servants were ranked on the right Hand of the Passage, the chiefest of them near unto the old Chappel Door; and the second Knight (being Companion to the eldest) his Attendants stood on the left side, the chiefest of them also next the said old Chappel Door, and in case the eldest Knight’s Fellow or Companion be not present in this Proceeding, then the eldest Knight’s Servants ought to be placed opposite one against the other, upon each side the said old Chappel Door: The like Order is to be taken in Marshalling the Servants of the other Knights of this most Noble Order, whose Companions are then absent.

Secondly, The Order of Proceeding amongst the Alms-Knights, (who, Anno 1 Car. I. had two Waiters of the Sovereign’s Hall, in their Livery Coats, bearing white Rods in their Hands, to proceed before them,) is in general two and two together, the Junior is placed foremost on the left Hand, and his next Senior on his right; and if Sickness, or other lawful Impediment, chance to hinder one or more of them, from going in the Proceeding, his Junior is advanc’d into his Place, and consequently all the other Juniors do in like manner alter their Places, and advance, to the end the superior Place be still supplied, according to the right rule of Marshalling the Singles, that compose a gross Body; but in this Case, if the Number that attend happen to be odd, the Governor of the Alms-Knights goes last of all, and alone.

Thirdly, The Virger of the College hath his Place next after the Alms-Knights, and immediately before the Prebends of the College; who being habited in a Gown, beareth a Silver Verge, the Ensign of his Office: Nevertheless, heretofore, when the Prebends went not in the Proceeding, on the Eve of the Grand Feast, the Virger proceeded first of all, before the Alms-Knights, for so it was observed on the Eve of St. George, at Windsor, Anno 6 Eliz. and in this manner we see it exprest, in the Proceeding set forth by Marcus Gerchard.

Fourthly, Under the general rule, relating to the Alms-Knights, are comprehended the Prebends of the College, the Pursuivants, Heralds, and Provincial Kings, insomuch, that where either of the said Kings are absent, the Senior Herald is advanced, and goes in breast on the left Hand of him who is then present; so also where any of the Heralds are wanting, his next Junior ascendeth into his Place; whereby it sometimes falls out, that the Senior Pursuivant is joined to the left Hand of the Junior Herald: And through their defects and absence, the Number of the Officers of Arms be odd, then (with this difference in the foresaid rule observed among the Alms-Knights,) the youngest Pursuivant goeth single by himself.

Touching the right of Precedency, between the Officers of Arms, and Prebends of the College, in Proceeding before the Sovereign and Knights-Companions, we find there hath been heretofore not only some Question started, but the Place contended for; insomuch, that at the Installation of the Earls of Shrewsbury and Cumberland, Anno 34 Eliz. the Prebends took Place, and upon the 24th of May, Anno 39 Eliz. at the Installation of Thomas, Lord Howard of Walden, and others, the Prebends again endeavoured to pass between the Officers of Arms, and Officers of the Order; but Charles, Lord Howard of Effingham, then Lieutenant to the Sovereign, delivered his Opinion on the behalf of the Officers of Arms against the Prebends.

Yet did not this so settle the Order of Precedency, or quiet the Prebends, but that the Contention again broke out, Anno 1 Jac. I. at the Installation of the Earls of Pembrook, Marr, Southampton, and Duke of Lenox; (which happened on the ninth, not second of July, in the foresaid Year,) even to such a heighth, that the Prebends, Pursuivants, and Heralds, contended in the Proceeding; but the Controversy was on the next Morning composed, by the Lord Admiral, (then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant,) the Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Worcester; and the Order in Proceeding thus settled: first, That the Alms-Knights should go foremost, the Pursuivants next, then the Prebends, and then the Heralds and Kings of Arms; and this Order in Proceeding was afterwards observed, on the 21 May, Anno 4 Jac. I. at the Installation of the Earl of Salisbury, and Viscount Bindon; as also the 19 May, Anno 6. of the same King, at the Installation of the Earls of Dunbar, and Montgomery.

Howbeit, Anno 9 Jac. I. and so afterwards, we do not find the Pursuivants mentioned in the Proceeding, by particular Name, nor otherwise, than in this following Order, viz. Alms-Knights, Prebends, Heralds, &c. but it may be presumed that the Pursuivants, then joined again in Body with the Heralds, (though for some Years before divided from them, by the interposition of the Prebends,) as well as the Provincial Kings, and all of them under the Title of Heralds, and sometimes Officers of Arms.

And though at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation, on Sunday the 14th of September, in the said fifteenth Year of King James, it is noted, that the Prince (being then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant,) proceeded to Morning Service on the Feast Day, with the Alms-Knights, Heralds, Prebends, and Officers of the Order before him; from which manner of Expression, it may perchance be supposed, that the Heralds went at that time next after the Alms-Knights, and before the Prebends; nevertheless, elsewhere we find them, on the Eve of the aforesaid Feast, ranked in this following Order.

And doubtless, they proceeded in the same Order to the Chappel, on the next Morning, notwithstanding what is before said to the contrary, those Expressions being interwoven with the general Account given of the Ceremonies of the whole Festival, and more subject to mistake, where the relation of the Proceeding is carried on in a continued Discourse, than were ranked (as is before exhibited,) in particular Lines, and in the Order and Form of a Proceeding. Besides, we no where meet with any Order or Decree, nulling the foresaid Determination, made Anno 1 Jac. I. which placeth the Prebends before the Heralds. Finally, to give an end to the Disputes in this Point, we find, that upon the Eve of this Feast, held at Windsor, the 23, 24, and 25 of November, Anno 1 Car. I. the Prebends proceeded next before the Pursuivants, and the Pursuivants immediately before the Heralds and Provincial Kings; that is to say, all the Officers of Arms (except Garter, whose Place is elsewhere,) proceeded in one entire Body together, which Order we find to be the same in all Proceedings after, that we have met with, and was so observed at the Grand Feast held at Windsor, Anno 13 Car. II. and ever since. But to proceed.

All the before mentioned Attendants wait in their several Stations, till the Hour of Tierce, when the Sovereign (having the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order before him, and his Train carried up,) passeth towards the Presence Chamber, notice of whose coming being given, the Band of Pensioners make the accustomed Guard and Passage along the Presence Chamber, the Seniors standing towards the Lobby Door, within which Guard, on the other side, the Officers of Arms place themselves: Upon the same warning, the Yeomen of the Guard clear a like Passage from the Presence Chamber Door, along the Guard Chamber, unto its outward Door, for the Proceeding to pass through.

At the Sovereign’s approach, one of the Gentlemen Ushers attended with the Sword of State, (the Point resting upon the Ground,) delivereth to such one of the Nobility, (not being a Knight of the Order,) whom the Sovereign, as an honorary Favour, hath before nominated, to bear it from thence, before him in all the Proceedings of the Feast; during which Action, the Knights-Companions proceed forwards, and being entred the Presence Chamber, Flank on each side the State, with some small distance between them, and there make a stand: The Sovereign being also entred, passeth to the Step before the State, (the Nobleman who beareth the Sword, and the five Officers of the Order, retiring a little on his right Hand,) and then turning himself towards the Knights-Companions, standeth there a while, until they have made their Reverences unto him; which being performed, he resaluteth the Knights-Companions by putting off his Cap: This done, the Sovereign putteth his Cap on again; whereupon every of the Knights Companions putteth on theirs, and immediately Rank themselves, according to their due Place, on both sides the State.

For the right understanding whereof, we are in the fifth place to Note, that in the Order and Method wherein the Knights-Companions are ranked, (if they be all present,) is two and two together, the Junior foremost on the left Hand, for that is his Place in all Proceedings; but where any of them be absent, the rule is different from that appropriate to the before-mentioned Degrees; for though it be recorded, that upon the Eve of the Grand Feast held at Windsor, Anno 7 Hen. V. the Knights-Companions went in Order to the Chapter-House and Choir; yet this being exprest but in general terms, how it ought to be understood, will more fully appear, from the particular Directions given for the Order of the Knights-Companions Proceeding in King Henry VIII’s Statutes; where the Law directs each Knight-Companion to proceed alone, at such time as his Fellow (who possesseth the Stall opposite unto him) is absent, but the Order of such Proceeding will by a Scheme be made more evident.

Thus four Knights-Companions proceeded alone, in regard the Stalls opposite to them were void, the three first being absent, and the last void by the Death of the Earl of Huntington; and to avoid all disputes in relation to Precedency, King Henry VIII. Decreed, in the sixteenth Year of his Reign; That each Knight-Companion should take Place, in Procession, Station, or sitting at the Table, thence forward, as he had his Seat or Stall in the Choir, and not according to the Degree of his Birth or Condition, unless the Sovereign was pleased that any should be made Choice of, according to the Nobility of his Family, to sit at the end of his own Table, or perform any other thing by the by.

The Proceeding among the Officers of the Order differeth from all before spoken of; for, being five in Number, the three inferior Officers (when all present,) March in a breast, and (of later Times,) the Register in the middle, Garter on his right Hand, and the Usher of the Black-Rod on his left.

After these three Officers, the two superior proceed together, the Prelate on the Right, and the Chancellor on the left; and after, the Officers of the Order follow the Sword, which is carried immediately before the Sovereign. In the beginning of Queen Elizabeth’s Reign, it was born by some of the Barons, but of later Times it hath been conferr’d on Persons of higher Rank, as Anno 4 Car. I. on the Earl of Dover; Anno 9 Car. I. on the Earl of Danby; and Anno 13 Car. II. on the Lord Viscount Mordant, then Constable of the Castle of Windsor; and at this Time ’tis usually born by none under the Degree of an Earl.

The Sovereign’s Place in the Proceeding, & notandum quod superior Ordinis tempore Processionis in dicta Capella transibit retro totam Sociarum Comitivam; which though the Statute mentions here to be performed at the Grand Procession, yet it refers to all those times the Sovereign proceeds to, or from, no less than within the Chappel. In ancient Time, the Sovereign (if he were at Windsor, to celebrate the Grand Feast,) proceeded to the Chappel in Person, as well on the Eve, as on the Feast Day. Queen Elizabeth being the first who went not to the Chappel on the Eve of the Feast, unless we except King Henry VI. who, by reason of Sickness, was necessitated to make a Deputy in his stead: The aforesaid Omission of Queen Elizabeth, was first occasioned through Indisposition of Health, though she afterwards, without that necessity, did not comply, as in the 18, 25, 29, and 31 Years of her Reign, which gave occasion to King James to make Deputies at those three Grand Feasts he Celebrated at Windsor; and the like did King Charles I. in the first Year of his Reign; but in the fourth Year of his Reign, the ancient Custom (for many Years intermitted,) was restored, and the Sovereign (making no Lieutenant,) proceeded to the Chappel, not only on that Eve, but always observed it afterwards, as did King Charles II. in all the Grand Feasts he held, and is now observed.

It will be necessary to take notice, that the Proceeding begins from the Presence Chamber, call’d in the Statutes the Great Chamber; a Scheme whereof, on the Eve of the Grand Feast, is here exhibited.

To the foregoing Proceeding have been occasionally receiv’d some Persons of Quality, and others Eminent in Place and Degree; (though their Offices do not particularly relate to this most Noble Order,) but are admitted by reason of their requisite Attendance on the Sovereign, in his Proceedings on all Occasions.

On St. George’s Eve, Anno 3 Eliz. the old Ambassador of Sweden, accompanied by the Earl of Hertford, went in the Proceeding to the Closet at White-Hall, next after the Train-bearers, and immediately before the Ladies Attendants on the Sovereign; and the next Morning, when the Sovereign proceeded to the Chappel, the new Ambassador of Sweden went in the same Place.

As to those admitted on the Account of their Offices, is the Lord Chamberlain, (though not a Knight of the Garter,) and is allowed Place somewhat behind, on the right Hand of the Sovereign, and the Vice Chamberlain on the left.

The Dean of the Sovereign’s Chappel at White-Hall attends when the Proceedings are thither, going a little behind the Sovereign towards his left Hand; next goes the Clerk of the Closet, then the Master of the Robes, as also one of the Masters of Requests, and then the Gentlemen of the Robes.

§ 3. Having under the precedent Head, treated at large of the Rank and Place of all those that pass in the Proceeding, wherein all are Bare-headed, except the Sovereign and Knights-Companions: I now come to the Place whither the Proceeding is directed.

The first Solemn Action on the Entrance of the Grand Feast, which the Sovereign and Knights-Companions are obliged to perform, is to Celebrate a Chapter, to which end it hath been most usual for them to proceed from the Presence Chamber, every one in their due Place and Order; first to the Chapter-House, to consult of things of course; and next into the Choir, to hear Divine Service; which has been the constant Custom from the Reign of King Henry V. as many Examples, recorded in the Registers of the Order, evidence.

As this Custom of holding a Chapter on the Eve of the Grand Feast, was constantly observed when celebrated without Prorogation; so also hath a Chapter been in like manner held before Vespers, on the Eve, at such time as the Feast Day of St. George only hath been observ’d, when (for any cause) the Anniversary of the Grand Feast receiv’d Prorogation: As for Instance, Anno 1 Mary, a Chapter was held at the Mannor of St. James’s, on the Vigil of St. George, before the first Vespers; whereunto is fixt this Note, ut moris est; and the Grand Feast for that Year receiv’d Adjournment, until the coming of Philip, then Prince (after King) of Spain.

In like manner, though the Celebration of the Grand Feasts were removed from Windsor, and observed at other Places, yet this usual Custom of holding a Chapter on the Eve, was always practised; after which the proceeding to Evening Prayer succeeded, as is manifest by several Testimonies from the Registers.

The publick processional way to the Chapter-House at Windsor, used Time out of Mind, led from the Presence Chamber through the Cloister, and the great Gate of the King’s Lodging, to the upper Ward of the Castle, thence through the middle Ward, and part of the lower, to and through the Passage, between the East End of the Chappel and Tomb-House; and thence into the Chapter-House, Situate on the North East Corner of St. George’s Chappel.

But the Sovereign hath sometimes thought fit to wave this publick processional way, and pass along the private way, which leads from the King’s Privy Chamber, down the Stairs into the Terrace, viz. through that stately Walk lying on the North side of the Castle, and entring again at a Door, heretofore made through a part of the Castle Wall into one of the Canons Lodgings, adjoining to Winchester Tower, (now made up) went thence through the Cloisters, proceeding in the Order before shewed.

We shall close this Head, with observing, that though the Proceedings to the Chapter-House or Chappel, on the Eve of the Feast, have most commonly been on Foot; yet have they been also on Horse-back, on extraordinary Occasions, as Anno 3 Hen. VII. at which Time several Ambassadors being arrived here from Foreign Kings and Princes, they and many of the Nobility of this Kingdom, with the King’s Council, the two Archbishops, the Bishops of Lincoln and Ely, and the Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, repaired also thither; and on the Eve, the Sovereign, accompanied with the Knights-Companions, rode from the upper Quadrangle down to the College. The Queen and the King’s Mother rode in a Chair, covered with rich Cloth of Gold, drawn by six Coursers finely Harnass’d, and twenty one Ladies, habited in Crimson Velvet, rode on white Palfries: Sir Roger Cotton, Master of the Queen’s Horse, led her Horse of State, whereon was a Saddle of Cloth of Gold, and three Crowns of Silver gilt; as soon as they alighted, the Sovereign and Knights-Companions proceeded to the Chapter-House, and thence to Evening Song, which ended, they return’d in the Order they came.

King Henry VIII. in the eleventh Year of his Reign, at three a Clock in the Afternoon, with all the Knights-Companions, in the Habit of the Order, proceeded from the Presence Chamber in Windsor-Castle, till they came to the Quadrangle, where they took their Horses, and rode according to their Stalls, not according to their Estate, next before the King, and thence rode to the middle Door of the Chappel, and there alighted, and proceeded without the Choir to the Chapter-House; there are other Examples, but these may suffice.

§ 4. The Proceeding being arriv’d at the Entrance into the Chappel, first the Attendants on the Knights-Companions divide themselves as they enter, beginning at the outward Door, and Flank on each side the North Isle of the Chappel, and so toward the West Door of the Choir, making a stand along the Isle for the Alms-Knights, Virgers, Prebends, and Officers of Arms, to pass through them, who go on towards the said West Door; and when the Junior Knights-Companions are entred into the Chappel, the Proceeding makes a stand, while all the Knights-Companions following turn aside on the right Hand into the Chapter-House, next the Officers of the Order, and lastly the Sovereign; but the Nobleman that carries the Sword, the Train-bearers, Pensioners, &c. stay without the Chapter-House Door in the North Isle; none being admitted in but the Sovereign, the Knights-Companions, and the Officers of the Order; who being all entred, the Door is shut by the Gentleman Usher of the Black-Rod, and every Person severally takes his due Place and Station, whereupon the Chapter immediately opens.

In what Manner and Order the Sovereign, Knights-Companions, and Officers of the Order, are ranked, at the holding of a Chapter, is describ’d, Anno 11 Hen. VIII. when the Sovereign and Knights-Companions consulted in the Chapter-House, on the Reformation and Explanation of the Statutes of the Order.

The Sovereign, on his Entrance, proceeded to the midst of the North-end of the Table; the Knights-Companions, whose Stalls in the Choir were on the Sovereign’s side, took the right Hand of the Table, and those of the Princes side the left; then the Prelate of the Order came and stood on the Sovereign’s right Hand, at the corner of the Table; Register and Garter were at the lower end, and Black-Rod kept the Chapter-House Door on the inside. The Chancellor of the Order is not there mention’d, (as not being present) yet his Place is on the Sovereign’s left Hand of the Table.

If the Sovereign and Knights-Companions arrive at the Chapter-House so late, that the Business necessary to be done cannot be discuss’d, without putting off the Celebration of Vespers, beyond the Canonical Hour; it hath been usual to adjourn the Debates till the next Morning, as was done Anno 14 Car. I.

Transactions in the Chapter held before the Vespers.

§ 5. When the Chapter held before the Vespers is opened, and no Adjournment given thereto, all things are then to be provided for, which concern the Honour and Dignity of this most Noble Order.

The matters of course are; first, Swearing, and admitting Officers; secondly, Debating about the Knights-Companions then absent, and either dispensing with, or inflicting Penalties on them; and thirdly, Constituting or appointing an Officer, to carry on the State and Solemnity of the Feast in the Sovereign’s absence. But other Particulars that are occasional, cannot so well be brought within Rule, as being wholly accidental.

As to the first, the Officers of the Order, soon after the Chapter is open’d, take their respective Oaths, in Order to perform the Duty of their several Places, during the Session of the Chapter, and thenceforward, as is evident from several Examples, but one may suffice, from a Chapter held at Windsor, Anno 4 Car. I. whereat Dr. Neal, Bishop of Winchester, was Sworn Prelate; Sir Francis Crane, Chancellor; and Dr. Mathew Wren, Bishop of Ely, Register.

It hath sometimes happened, that some of the Officers of this Order have been Sworn at other Times, as at Chapters next ensuing their Nomination and Choice, wherein the Administration of the Oath is one of the first things done.

Touching the second particular debated in Chapter, viz. the dispensing with, or punishing absent Knights; it is to be considered, that the Statutes of the Order enjoin all the Knights-Companions to be present at the Celebration of the Grand Feast: that is, those that are within the Kingdom, or elsewhere; although the Service of St. George, according to the Rites of the Church, be not celebrated, as on the Service of the Day whereon that of St. George has fallen, viz. Good-Friday: But with this Limitation, so that they be in a capacity, or may conveniently repair thither.

Therefore the next thing usually entred upon in the Chapter, is the Sovereign’s and Knights-Companions taking notice, whether any of the Fellowship make default of coming at the Hour assign’d; and if so, they are considered under one of these Heads. First, Stranger Princes; Secondly, Late Commissioners who are arrived, or every Minute expected; and Thirdly, Such as have given notice that they cannot be present, during the continuation of the Feast: Of these Excuses of course, verbal Apologies, or Letters of Excuse, are, or may be, offered; and in case they are approved or admitted, then the Penance, which by the Statutes ought otherwise to be inflicted, is admitted; all which ought to be recorded.

Stranger Princes are excused in course, on Account of their necessary Residence in their own Territories; and of their Excuses and accustom’d Dispensations, are divers Instances in the Registers of the Order.

As to Knights-Companions, who are tardy in their Journey, or being come to the Castle, fall short of the Hour, or of attending the Sovereign to the Chapter-House, either through negligence, or want of timely notice, or other accident; the Statutes enjoin for Penance, that they be not permitted for that time to enter into the Chapter, but tarry without 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 Sovereign, or his Deputy, shall approve of; but few defaulters have been noted of this kind.

The third sort of Delinquents, are those Knights-Companions absent, not only at the Hour of Tierce, but are likely to be so during the whole Feast; the Proceedings relating to them, are either upon what is offered in Excuse of their absence, or determined on their neglect of making Apology for it.

Excuses for absence, are either by Letters or Word of Mouth; if by Letters, they are directed to the Chancellor of the Order; or else the Sovereign sends to his Lieutenant on their behalf, and both are produc’d by the Chancellor: But if Excuse be made by Word of Mouth, then are they delivered by the Sovereign himself; or on motion made by some of the Knights-Companions present in Chapter.

The Custom of sending Letters has been very ancient: The Lord Powis’s Letter, under his Hand and Seal, (certifying his Indisposition of Body,) was produc’d in Chapter, Anno 8 Hen. V. And the following Year the Dukes of York, Norfolk, and Buckingham, with the Earls of Salisbury, Shrewsbury, and Pembrook, Viscount Bourchier, the Lord Rivers, and Sir John Falstaff; being all absent from St. George’s Feast, they declared the reason of their absence by their Messengers. There are many Precedents of this kind, and of Letters sent from the Sovereign, directed to his Lieutenant, to accept of Knights-Companions Excuses, whose absence he had beforehand dispenc’d with; we observe those Dispensations excus’d not the sending their own particular Excuses; for it is evident they were also expected, and that such allowance of absence was not Absolute, the Clause running thus: That you [the Sovereign’s Deputy] allow these Excuses so far as are consonant to reason. And in all other Letters of the same nature, a Clause to this Effect hath been inferred: That as the Sovereign thought good to advertise his Deputy, that for certain Causes he had dispenc’d with their Attendance for that time; so he will’d 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 Sovereign, or some other of the Knights-Companions, present in the Chapter. This Favour is done either by the Sovereign himself, if present; or by his Order to the Lieutenant, in his absence.

There have been many Examples of what hath been done in this Case, and also when the Sovereign hath not been present in Chapter, but hath beforehand verbally given his Deputy or Lieutenant direction to excuse the absence of several Knights-Companions.

It will be necessary to observe what Effect the Excuses have usually produc’d; whereinto we find the just and reasonable favourably admitted, some suspended, and divers disallowed. Those easily allow’d were, first, Sickness; (for those of the Knights-Companions who have been either Sick, far spent with Age, or intent on publick Affairs, have been readily allow’d,) Secondly, The not recovery of Wounds receiv’d in the publick Service; as we meet with in the Case of Sir William Harington, Anno 7 Hen. V. whom we see excus’d for his Illness, occasion’d from his Wounds then lately receiv’d at the Siege of Rohan, and elsewhere. Thirdly, Impotency and old Age. Fourthly, Imployment in the Sovereign’s Service, either Abroad or at Home; those Abroad are necessarily excus’d, those at Home we shall be more particular to. The Earl of Shrewsbury, Anno 22 Eliz. was taken up in certain Affairs, enjoin’d him by the Sovereign; the Earl of Huntington, 26 Eliz. being President of the Council of the North, his absence was for that, and several Years following, favourably excus’d; and a like Case was that of the Earl of Danby, Anno 13 Car. I. who for his necessary Attendance at the Seat of Justice in Eyre, was excus’d waiting on the Sovereign at the Grand Feast that Year. Fifthly, When the Grand Feast hath receiv’d Prorogation, and any of the Knights-Companions have not had notice of the Day whereunto it was prorogued. Sixthly, When any of them have been in Captivity; as was Thomas, Earl of Salisbury, and the Earl of Huntington, both Prisoners in France, Anno 2 Hen. VI. Seventhly, When any of them have obtain’d the Sovereign’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 Sovereign, on Information given in Chapter, hath been pleas’d to allow of; as in the Case of the Lord Fauconbridge, Anno 32 Hen. VI. was readily admitted, on his pleading the care of his Domestick Affairs, he having been lately in Prison, and had obtained leave to go and see his House and Lands in the Country. The Earl of Arundel’s absence, Anno 15 Car. I. was pardon’d, 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 Honour of the deceased Dutchess.

And as the Knights-Companions have been often excus’d for not appearing on the Grand Feast, so hath the Sovereign, on sufficient Grounds, been pleas’d to license and dispence with their departure; from the same of this is an Example, 6 Eliz. when the Lord Hastings of Loughborough, falling Ill a little before the Offering on St. George’s Day, obtain’d Licence from the Sovereign to depart out of the Choir; and came no more abroad that Day, nor during the Feast. As also another in the Duke of Lenox, Anno 15 Car. I. The Deputy Chancellor having, by Command of the Sovereign, and in discharge of the Duty of his Office; who being forc’d to go back to London, by reason of the aforesaid Dutchess of Richmond’s Death, had his Excuse, and the Sovereign’s Licence for departure.

We are next to consider Excuses, which, though sent in due time, yet on Debate in Chapter were suspended rather than allow’d; to which Head may be referr’d that Case of several of the Knights-Companions, who were Members of the Lord’s House in the long Parliament. For Anno 18 Car. I. the Deputy Chancellor having, by the Command of the Sovereign, and in discharge of the Duty of his Office, sent to each of them a Summons, for their Attendance at the Celebration of the Grand Feast, to be held for the preceeding Year at York; and notice thereof being given to the House of Lords, they immediately made the ensuing Order.