CAP. XXI.
The Order of the Ceremonies on the Feast Day.
The Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning.
§ 1.
Notwithstanding the Celebration of the Feast takes up three Days, viz. part of the twenty second, all the twenty third, and part of the twenty fourth of April, yet the twenty third, St. George’s Day, is the Grand Part: The Ceremonies of which may be divided into Sacred and Civil, the first solemnized in the Chappel, the latter in St. George’s Hall.
In Order to which, the Knights-Companions in full Robes repair to the Sovereign’s Privy Lodgings, at the Hour appointed; as also the Officers of the Order. In the mean time the rest of the Degrees and Persons, which made up the Proceeding on the Eve of the Feast, take their several Stations then appointed them, to attend the Sovereign’s coming out of the Presence-Chamber.
When the Sovereign, having the Knights-Companions, and Officers of the Order before him, has entered the Presence, the Sword is delivered to the Nobleman appointed to bear it; and after the usual Salutations, the Proceeding sets forward to the Chappel in the same Order as on the Eve; the Knights-Companions having their Trains born by some of their own Gentlemen.
At the Foot of the Stairs, entering the Cloister, or Stone Gallery, twelve Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber attend, with a rich Canopy of Cloth of Gold, who, when the Sovereign approaches, receive him under it, and bear it over his Head, till he comes to the Choir Door of St. George’s Chappel; which Canopy is carried only on the Morning of the Feast Day, and not at any other time.
The Processional way to the Chappel, is the same they traversed on the Eve, if the Sovereign and Knights-Companions proceed to the Chapter-House first; for anciently it was the Custom to hold a Chapter in the Morning of the Feast Day, either before Mattins, or after, before the Grand Procession set forward. This Course received interruption in Queen Elizabeth’s time, during which, no Chapter was held in the Morning, except in the 26, 31, and 38 Years of her Reign, and then only for admitting some Officers of the Order: But the time of holding this Chapter was restored by King Charles I. who several times held it before the first Service began; as in the 5, 14, and 15, of his Reign.
But if no Chapter be held at this time, then, as soon as the Proceeding comes near the Chappel, instead of entering the Passage between the East-end of the Chappel, and King Henry VIII’s Tomb House, as it does on the Eve, by reason the Sovereign goes first to the Chapter-House, it proceeds straight on to the South Door, and thence into the Choir: Yet King Charles II. in the 15 of his Reign, appointed the whole Proceeding to pass by the said South Door, all along the South side of the Chappel, and then to enter at the West Door, which was then, and since observed.
When the Alms-Knights are come to the West Door of the Choir, they enter, and pass up above the Steps of the Altar, in the very same Manner and Order as they did on the Eve, and so exactly of the rest: Which being done, the Prelate begins the Morning Service, according to the Order observed in the Common-Prayer, only that the first Lesson being made proper to the Festival, is taken out of the 44 Chapter of Ecclesiasticus.
This Solemn Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning of the Feast Day, is, and has been, most usual performed on Foot; yet there are Instances heretofore, where the Sovereign and Knights-Companions have proceeded on Horse-back, for the greater Splendor and Gallantry of the Order: As in 16 Edw. IV. when several Ladies rode in the Cavalcade, richly adorned, of which Habit mention is already made. So also 3 Hen. VII. when it was augmented by the Presence of the Queen, and the King’s Mother, attended by a splendid Train of Ladies: And again the 22 of the same King, when he held the Feast at Baynard’s-Castle, in London, he proceeded on Horse back to St. Paul’s: The like King Henry VIII. did at Windsor, on the Feast of St. George, 11 of his Reign; and King Philip, 1 and 2 of Phil. and Mar. and Queen Elizabeth, in the 6 of her Reign, in her whole Habit of the Order; so did the Sovereign’s Lieutenant at the same Feast ride to the first and second Vespers, and to the Morning Service the Day after.
It was a Custom begun by Queen Elizabeth, and used when she celebrated St. George’s Feast, either at White-Hall, or Greenwich, for the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, and Knights-Companions, in full Robes, attended with the Officers of the Order, and of Arms, to meet in the Presence Chamber, about nine in the Morning of the Feast Day, and proceed thence as they did the Evening before, through the Guard Chamber, down into the great Hall, and thence into the Chappel, where they took their Stalls, as on the Eve; after which, Morning Prayer was performed as far as the Litany, and this was called the first Service; which done, they all descended from their Stalls, in the accustomed Order, and proceeded back to the Presence, and there waited the coming of the Sovereign, before whom they proceeded a second time to the Choir, where the Litany, and Grand Procession began, called the second Service, at which the Sovereign was usually Present; but seldom at the first Service.
The first Instance we have met with of this double Proceeding, is recorded in the Blue-Book of the Order, 3 Eliz. and was continued throughout her Reign; and that of King James I. not only when the Feast of St. George was celebrated at White-Hall, or Greenwich, but also at other times, when celebrated at Windsor; and so 1 Car. I. But from that time, the Sovereign went to the Chappel at the beginning of Morning Service, which was continued without interruption: Which way has been ever since duly observed.
But when it was known that the Sovereign did not go in the Grand Procession, but his Lieutenant for him; then the Service was constantly gone through withal at once.
The Proceeding to the second Service.
§ 2. When the Feast has been celebrated elsewhere than at Windsor, as soon as the Prelate was come down from the Altar, on finishing the first Service, the Knights-Companions descended from their Stalls in usual Order; and then the Lieutenant, with the Officers of the Order, and of Arms, proceeded before him to the Presence, to conduct the Sovereign to the second Service; which second Proceeding was disposed in the same manner as was that to the first Service in the Morning; only in the latter, because the Sovereign proceeded, the Sword was also carried.
Of the Grand Procession.
§ 3. We are now arrived at the Grand Procession of this most Noble Order, which is indeed the most Solemn, and Magnificent Part of the whole Ceremony, and has always been celebrated in the Morning of the Feast Day of St. George; or on such other Day, as the Sovereign hath appointed by Prorogation to hold the same. But as to the instant of Time when it began, it has sometimes been uncertain; with respect to the conveniency of the Church Service, when it was conceived most proper; which was generally at the end of the second Collect, and before the Litany: Nevertheless, in 6 Eliz. the Feast being then held at Windsor, it began presently after the Te Deum was Sung; and the twentieth of the said Queen’s Reign, at Greenwich, after reading the second Lesson. And to come nearer our Times, the Grand Procession set forward, 8 Car. I. when the first Service was finished; and 17 Car. I. after the Sermon was ended: But at the Grand Feast, 13 Car. II. it was brought to its usual time, after the last Collect.
As to the Proceeding, or Processional way at Windsor, that has not been always the same; sometimes it was confined within the Walls of St. George’s Chappel, but at other times enlarged through the lower Court of the Castle; a few Instances of both Cases are remaining, but none of any ancient date.
What the Order and Manner of this Ceremony was, may be collected from what an old Relator says, of the Solemn Procession made the 29 May, 5 Hen. VIII. That it was ordered as of old Time accustomed.
First went the Alms-Knights, two and two on either side the Choir, then the Officers of Arms, next the Knights-Companions; after them the Officers of the Order, and then the Prelate bearing the Heart of St. George, under a Canopy honourably assisted, four Noblemen bearing each a Torch; and last of all the Sovereign.
And though here is no mention of any Ecclesiasticks, that joined themselves in the Proceeding; yet it cannot be supposed, that as part of the Divine Service was to be performed, but that some of the Chaplains and Priests were included. And we meet with one Instance, where the Priests not only went in the Grand Procession, but had a Place assigned in it; where the Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s Chappel, and Choir of Windsor, now go.
But it must be confessed, that the Records of the Order are very defective in this particular, relating to the Grand Procession, and speak of it only in general, or at most, take notice but of some of those Degrees that attend in it; and this but of late Time neither: Among which, 23 Eliz. it is said; They all proceeded in Order, as the Custom was; the Sovereign following in the Rear of the Procession.
As to Place and Precedency, it is in every respect the same, as in the Sovereign’s Proceeding to the Chappel, on the Eve of the Grand Feast; only here are some Persons added, which go not in that; Namely, the Gentlemen and Choiristers of the Sovereign’s Chappel at White-Hall; and the Petty-Canons, Vicars, and Choiristers of Windsor: The whole Order is as follows.
The Morning Service having proceeded to the second Lesson, and the Prelate conducted by the Serjeant of the Vestry from the Altar to his Seat;
The Alms-Knights rise from their Seats, and pass to the middle of the Choir; and after their accustomed Reverences, go up to the sides of the Altar.
Next, in like manner, the Officers of Arms pass up.
Hereupon Garter rises from his Seat, and makes his usual Reverences; then waving his Rod, summons the Junior Knights to descend.
Whilst they and the rest of the Knights-Companions are leaving their Stalls, with usual Reverences; the Gentlemen of the Chappel, Petty-Canons, and Vicars of Windsor, put on Copes, and make themselves ready to proceed.
Then the Knights-Companions being all come down, stand each under his proper Stall.
Then the Black-Rod, Garter, and Register rise, and stand before their Forms.
So do the Chancellor and Prelate.
This done, the Alms-Knights come down from the Altar, and passing into the middle of the Choir, make again their double Reverences, and proceed out of the Choir.
After them the Choiristers pass in a Body to the middle of the Choir, and having made their double Reverences, (as do all that follow,) proceed forth two and two.
So do the Vicars of Windsor.
Next, the four Petty-Canons come from their Seats, into the middle of the Choir; and there begin to Sing an Hymn.
Then follows the Serjeant of the Vestry, bearing his gilt Rod.
After him the Gentlemen of the Chappel at White-Hall.
Next the Virger of Windsor Chappel, bearing his Silver Rod.
Then the Prebends of Windsor.
After whom the Officers of Arms come down from the Altar, and pass on.
Then the Knights-Companions, the Juniors first.
Then the Black-Rod, Garter, and Register.
The Chancellor and Prelate.
The Nobleman that bears the Sword of State.
Then the Sovereign, above in his Stall, makes a Reverence toward the Altar, and being descended, another below; then passes out, and enters under the Canopy, which waits for him at the Choir Door; the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold, if not a Knight of the Order, attending somewhat behind the side of the Canopy, on the Sovereign’s right Hand; and the Vice Chamberlain at the like distance on his left; as in the Grand Procession, 23 Car. II.
And lastly, The Band of Pensioners, who attend the Guard on each side the Sovereign and Knights-Companions, with their Captain at the Head of them.
In this Order, to this Day, they proceed with great Devotion; the whole Choir Singing the Office appointed, which heretofore was the Litany; but is now generally a Thanksgiving Hymn.
The Grand Procession, when it has been celebrated at White-Hall, or elsewhere than at Windsor, is for the most part ordered after the aforesaid manner, as may be seen by the following Scheme.
But in what this Grand Procession differs from that at Windsor, we shall here Note.
First, Here the Serjeant of the Vestry leads the Proceeding, and is followed by the Choiristers.
Secondly, The Prebends and Choir of Windsor, and the Alms-Knights, are here wanting.
Thirdly, The Subdean and Dean of the Chappel are taken in, and proceed next to the Gentlemen of the Chappel, to whom the Sovereign’s Almoner has sometimes joined himself.
Fourthly, Whilst the Knights-Companions are descending from their Stalls, the Gentlemen of the Chappel go into the Vestry, to put on their Copes; but the Dean of the Chappel hath his brought into the Choir, which he puts on below, under his Seat.
Fifthly and Lastly, In Queen Elizabeth’s Reign, the Ladies Attendants went with the Pensioners on either side the Sovereign.
To contribute more to the Pomp and State of this great Ceremony, a Canopy is born over the Sovereign’s Head, by Knights and Gentlemen of Quality, while he passeth in Procession, till he return to the Choir Door.
The Persons appointed to carry the Canopy, Anno 11 Hen. VIII. were four Knights of the Body, when four other Knights bore four Wax Tapers; but since they are the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in ordinary, who at the time of the Feast are in waiting, twelve of whom are appointed for this Service; the Sovereign hath also the long Train of his Mantle carried up by several of the young Nobility, who receive notice thereof by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold.
In like manner the Lieutenants, or Deputies to the Sovereign, have had their Train carried up in the Proceedings, by Persons of Distinction; and the Train of a Stranger King, personally present at Windsor, hath also been born up; and in like manner the Train of a Deputy from a Stranger King; and lastly, the Knights-Companions have their Trains carried up by their own Gentlemen.
The Cloaths and Apparel of the Sovereign and Knights-Companions, and the great variety of rich Jewels which surround or adorn their Caps, or where else they may appear most conspicuous, shine with great Lustre.
The Provincial Kings, Heralds, and Pursuivants, habited in their rich Coats, and going together in one Body, appear also very conspicuous, from the Royal Arms of the Sovereign richly Embroidered on them with fine Gold, Purples and Twist; the Ground of the Provincial King’s Coats are blue Velvet, the Heralds blue Sattin, and the Pursuivants blue Damask.
The Habit in which the Canons of the College proceed, is also peculiar; for though, as Clergymen, they are vested in Linen Surplices at all times of Divine Service, yet at this Solemnity they wear a Mantle over those Surplices, which is a Habit appointed for them, from the Foundation of the Order; these Mantles are of Murry Taffety, and on the right Shoulder is an Escutcheon of St. George’s Arms within a Rundlet, Embroidered with Gold and Silk, which is bought at their own Charge.
The Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s Chappel, the Petty-Canons, and Vicars of Windsor, appear in Habits more glorious, being all (or the most part of them) vested in rich Copes of Cloth of Gold, or most costly Embroideries; but the Children of the Chappel and Choiristers, proceed habited in Surplices of white Linen; lastly, the Habits of the Alms-Knights [a Mantle and Kirtle] are not unremarkable both for Colour and Materials, which appear suitable to their Age and Degree. The Mantles are of Cloth, which the Statutes appoint to be of a red Colour, with a Shield of the Arms of St. George, but without a Garter to surround them.
In this Grand Proceeding, the Habits entertain the Beholders with a very delightful Prospect, being so ordered, that the Grave are placed between those that are Rich and Gallant; and to add to the greater Shew of this Solemn Ceremony, the Registers of the Order make mention of divers Persons of Rank and Quality, who put themselves on the Duty of Attendance on their Sovereign, because related to his Service, though in reference to the Order not so concerned as to be taken into the Proceeding; such are divers of the Nobility, sometimes great Ladies, many considerable Officers of the Houshold, and other Courtiers, all richly habited and attired.
To complete the Pomp of this great Solemnity, we may (in the last Place,) fitly remember the Musick, as a part thereof, the Choirs of the Sovereign’s Chappel at St. James’s, and at Windsor, being united, all Singing the sacred Hymn together, while the Grand Procession devoutly passeth; and on their return to the Choir Door, the Alms-Knights first advance into it, and after double Reverences ascend above the Haut Pas’s to the Altar.
Next the Choiristers, and in like manner the Vicars, Petty-Canons of Windsor, Gentlemen of the Chappel, and Prebends, go to their Seats.
Then the Officers of Arms pass up, and join to the Alms-Knights. After this the Knights-Companions enter, and stand before their Stalls.
The like doth the Black-Rod, Garter, and Register.
As also the Chancellor and Prelate.
Then doth the Sovereign take his Royal Stall.
The Knights-Companions ascend their Stalls.
The Officers of the Order sit down on their Forms, in the same Manner and Order, and with like Reverences, as at their Entrance into the Choir, on the Eve of the Feast.
Then the Prelate, with two Prebends, (appointed to read the Epistle and Gospel,) are conducted, the one by the Serjeants of the Vestry, the other by the Virger, up to the Altar, (which they approach with usual Reverences,) the Prelate passing to the North-side, and the Prebends to the South, to finish the remaining part of Divine Service.
Whereupon the Officers of Arms descend into the Choir; And
The Alms-Knights go down to their Seats, which, while they are so doing, the two Prebends put on their Copes at the South-side of the Altar. This done, the Prelate begins the second Service, which hath been celebrated, since the time of the Reformation, according to the Book of Common-Prayer, and is the same commonly used on any other Feast Day; excepting a peculiar Epistle and Gospel; the first being the thirty third Chapter of Deuteronomy, and the latter the fifth Chapter of St. John, beginning at the twenty fourth Verse, and ending at the thirtieth; which being read, the Creed is Sung.
We may here Note, that before the Reformation, it belonged to the Abbot of Tower-Hill to read the Gospel, and to the Prior of Medemenham in Norfolk, to read the Epistle.
The Offering of Gold and Silver.
§ 4: This Ceremony, whether it be performed in the Sovereign’s Chappel at Windsor, or in any other Church or Chappel, is one and the same, (except the Sovereign’s Offering of Gold and Silver, instead of the Bezant,) which is peculiar to Windsor.
The accustomed time of Offering on the Feast Day, is mentioned Anno 22 Hen. VIII. to be after the Sovereign’s return to his Stall from the Grand Procession, in the time of High Mass, and at this Day begins immediately after this first Sentence of the Offertory is pronounced by the Prelate.
Let your Light so shine before men, &c.
This said, the Organ begins to Play, and forthwith a Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe, (with Reverence first made,) unrol a long Carpet, and spread it before the Altar; which being done, the Alms-Knights first, next the Pursuivants, Heralds, and Provincial Kings, ascend in usual Order, and flank the Carpet on both sides. Then Garter steps from his Seat, and after double Reverences, and the usual manner of waving his Rod, the Knights-Companions descend in their accustom’d Order, and stand before their Stalls.
After this, Black-Rod goes from his Seat to the Altar, towards which, making a single Reverence, he turns his Back, and immediately the Groom of the removing Wardrobe delivereth him a little Carpet, anciently of Silk, now of Cloth of Gold; and the said Groom holds on his Arms a Cushion of Cloth of Gold, for the Sovereign to Kneel upon, at the time of his Offering, which the Black-Rod forthwith lays on the upper Haut Pas before the Altar, and each of them, as well in delivering, as receiving the Cushion, kiss it.
After this, the Prelate of the Order takes a gilt Bason to receive the Sovereign’s Offering, and stands before the middle of the Altar, with one of the Prebends to assist him, at which time the Sovereign arising makes his Reverence towards the Altar, and then descending, makes a little Reverence below, and ascends towards the Altar with his Attendants, and being come into the middle of the Choir, he makes another Reverence, and at the first Haut Pas his last.
He that bears the Sovereign’s Offering, is either the Senior Knight, the Prince, or the greatest Estate among the Knights-Companions then present, and no other Person, (of what Degree soever) if he be not of this Noble Fraternity, performs this Service.
The Sovereign being come to the upper Haut Pas kneels, at which Instant Black-Rod on his Knee delivers (with Assay) the Sovereign’s Offering to the Senior Knight, or other Person nominated, and he kneeling presents it to the Sovereign, which he immediately Offers into the Bason held by the Prelate, and then ariseth, and is conducted and attended, as when he came up to Offer; at the Entrance into his Stall, he turns and makes a Reverence, and his Attendants also bow towards the Altar; and being attended into his Stall, doth the like again, and then reposeth himself in his Seat.
An Entry is made in the Red-Book, Anno 6 Car. I. That whereas in other Places (besides Windsor) the Sovereign is wont to Offer a certain Gold Piece, (vulgarly called a Bezant) to be redeemed afterwards at a certain Price; the Usher of the Black-Rod having been admonished, that in these Services there is no Redemption to be made, should never present the Bezant at Windsor to the Sovereign, but Gold and Silver of English Money.
When the Sovereign is absent, and the Lieutenant Offers for him, he performs the Ceremony as follows.
First, (After the Preparations made for the Offering, as aforesaid,) he descends from his Stall with the usual Reverences, and goes to the Steps ascending the Sovereign’s Stall, and there stands a while; then making his double Obeysance, he proceeds towards the Altar (the Officers of the Order going before him,) with one other Reverence in the middle of the Choir, and another at the first Haut Pas of the Altar; the Carpet and Cushion is spread and laid for him, as is for the Sovereign, and the Offering also given in the same way, and the Lieutenant kneeling puts it in the Bason, and returns to the Sovereign’s Stall in the same Order, &c. he came; where standing a while again before it, he makes a Reverence towards it, and then goes up into his own Stall, where (if it fall out that the Lieutenant is not the Senior Knight,) he stays to receive the Reverences of all the Knights-Companions his Seniors, as they go up to Offer, and when his own turn comes to Offer, he descends with a double Reverence, and proceeds up with his Fellow, (if present) and Offers for himself in his own Place, but his Train is then let down, the Carpet, &c. taken away, and only two Officers of Arms (but none of the Order) proceeds before him, and when he has Offer’d, he returns to his Stall.
But it seems, 7 Jac. I. that Garter alone, on the Feast Day, brought up the Prince, then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, when he came to Offer for himself, which Service ought to have been performed by Clarenceux and Norroy, which was an oversight in Garter; as likewise his bringing down at the same, the Knights-Companions out of their Stalls to Offer, before the Epistle and Gospel were Read, contrary to the usage of former times; by which they were kept a tedious time waiting below in the Choir, before the Offering began. But 11 Jac. I. the Prince was brought up by Clarenceux and Norroy, when he came to Offer, and not by Garter. When the Lieutenant hath Offered for himself, he returns to the lower end of the Stalls, and passes to his own, where having paid the usual Reverences, he enters it, and is ready to receive the Reverences of all the other Knights-Companions.
As soon as the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, is returned to his Stall, the two Provincial Kings pass down into the middle of the Choir, where making Reverences jointly to the Altar, and next to the Sovereign, Clarenceux turns himself to the Senior Knight, and makes him a third Reverence, while Norroy at the same Instant does the same to the next Junior Knight, and so both, as an intimation of their going up to Offer; then each King retires a little backward toward the Stalls: In the mean time, the two Senior Knights draw near together, and making double Reverences, Clarenceux and Norroy step forth, and pass up before them, till they arrive near the Prelate; (or if the Senior Knight be without his Opposite, then he is brought up single,) then making their Reverences, first towards the Altar, next to the Knights, Clarenceux retires to the right side, and Norroy to the left, waiting for the return of the Knights, who are kneeling on the uppermost Haut Pas of the Altar, making their Offering. Which humble Ceremony of kneeling, not being heretofore used, was fixed by a Decree of 4 Car. I.
The Knights-Companions Offerings are both of Silver and Gold, which is receiv’d by two of the Prebends, or by one Prebend and one Chantor, anciently by one Chantor only, when the Offering is at Windsor; but by the Dean of the Chappel, when at White-Hall. The Offering being made, the Knights-Companions rise, and forthwith divide themselves, Clarenceux conducting the Senior Knight to the lower end of the Stalls on the Sovereign’s side; and Norroy the next Junior Knight, to the lower end of the Stalls on the Prince’s side; and at parting make their Reverences, and return to their Stations before the Altar. The Knights, at their Entrance into the Stalls, make their double Reverences together, and then pass on to their own; where making the like Reverences, they take their Seats.
But if any Stranger King be present at the Offering, he does not retire to his Seat, by the lower end of the Stalls, but along the Choir, as does the Sovereign, the same way he proceeded up: So did the King of Denmark, 4 Jac. I.
The Ceremonies of the two Senior Knights Offering being finished, the two Senior Heralds observing their last Reverences, pass down into the Choir, in the same manner as did Clarenceux and Norroy, to bring up the next two Senior Knights to Offer, who use all the same Ceremonies, and are conducted back in like manner to the Altar; and so of the other, brought up by the two next Senior Heralds; Clarenceaux and Norroy beginning again, if there are more Knights than the Heralds in one Course supply; and after them the Heralds again, till the whole is ended: And here it may be noted, that where any Knight goeth single to Offer, he hath nevertheless two Heralds to attend him.
Touching the Offerings themselves, made in the Chappel of Windsor, they belong of right to the Dean and Prebends, being conferr’d on them by the Statutes of the College: And ordained also, that the Chantor should see them receiv’d, and faithfully kept; and at the end of every Month, or Weekly, if the College required it, give an Account of what was receiv’d: All which was confirmed by King Edward III. the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter of Salisbury, to whose Jurisdiction the College of Windsor belongs; and also by the Bishop of Winchester, Prelate of the Garter, 1352. But Dr. Montague, Bishop of Winchester, at the Feast at Windsor, 21 Jac. I. challenged a right to the Offerings; and Bishop Andrews did de Facto both receive, and keep the Offerings, whenever he officiated at Windsor. But on complaint of the Dean and Prebends of Windsor, this matter was referred to the Chapter; yet we do not find that any final or positive Determination was ever made to the time of the Restauration, from which time the right of the Dean and Canons has never been disputed, and the Statutes have duly taken Place.
What has usually been offered, either in Gold or Silver, we shall see by the Account given in by the Bishop of Winchester, 4 Car. I. at St. George’s Feast at Windsor, September 24.
The whole Offering of the eight Knights, is four Pounds fifteen Shillings, viz. in Gold ten Shillings each, and in Silver two; excepting the Lord Steward, whose Offering in Silver was only one Shilling; besides the Sovereign’s Bezant redeemable.
The Offerings on the twenty fifth Day.
His Majesty’s Offering in Gold one Pound, and in Silver ten Shillings.
The eight Knights-Companions the same as the Day before; the whole, besides the King’s Bezant, eleven Pounds.
When all the Knights have offered, and are returned to their Stalls, the Chancellor of the Order makes his Reverences; and after him, the Register, Garter, and Black-Rod, theirs together, and take their Seats: Next, the Carpet being rolled up by the Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe, the Provincial Kings, Heralds, and Pursuivants, and last of all the Alms-Knights, make their Reverences, and pass into the Choir, where they remain till the Prelate has finished the second Service; who, conducted by the Serjeant of the Vestry, comes down from the Altar with his accustomed Reverences to his Seat. After whom, the two Prebends are brought down by the Virger, who making their usual Reverences take their Seats.
The Return to the Presence.
§ 6. Immediately after, all prepare to pass out of the Choir, and to proceed back to the Presence Chamber, which is done in every particular as it is in the return of the Sovereign from the first Vespers.
The Proceeding passes on through the South-Door of the Chappel, and here the Trumpets are taken in, and placed before the Alms-Knights, and sound all the way to the Guard Chamber; at which time the Drums and Fifes begin to beat and play. Thence the Proceeding passes into the Presence Chamber, whither it ought to go, before the Sovereign pass into the great Hall to Dinner; and here the Knights-Companions take their usual Stands; and after the Sovereign’s Salutation, and their Reverences, the Sovereign retires into the Privy Chamber, and the Knights likewise retire till Dinner is ready.
Of the Dinner on the Feast Day.
§ 7. As soon as the Sovereign hath notice given him, that the first Mess is set on the Table, the Sovereign and Knights-Companions come out of the Privy Lodgings into the Presence Chamber, attended by the Officers of the Order, and seat themselves in the same manner, as at the Supper on the Eve of the Feast: The Musick sounding whilst the said Mess is carrying up; which is in the following Order.
| Four Serjeants at Arms, | two and two. |
| The Comptroller. | The Treasurer. |
| The Sewer. | |
| The Messes carried up by the Pensioners. | |
| Master of the Houshold. | Cofferer. |
| A Clerk Comptroller. | A Clerk Comptroller. |
| Second Clerk of the Kitchin. | Chief Clerk of the Kitchin. |
The Sovereign hath most frequently sat alone, though sometimes heretofore he hath been pleased to admit some of the Knights-Companions to sit at the Table with him; but this Honour has not been offered to any of them since the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. As soon as the Sovereign is placed, the Knights-Companions put on their Caps, and remaining covered, retire against the Tables prepared for them; where Water is brought them by a Gentleman of Quality; and having washed, they all sit down.
The Order of passing to their Seats at the Table, 19 Car. II. and so appointed to be observed for the future, was after the following manner. First, The Duke of York entered the Rails at the upper end of the Table, and passed down the hither side, to the lower end, and thence to the bench-side to his Place: In like manner followed all the other Knights, according to the Seniority of their Stalls, as it is ordained they shall sit, and not according to their Estates or Dignities, (except the Sons of Stranger Kings, Princes, and Dukes,) and all on the right Hand, or farther side of their Table, not one against another, but two and two at a Table to a Mess, and those whose Opposites are wanting to sit alone, and have a whole Mess. Their Meat being usually brought up by the Yeomen of the Guard; and are attended by some of the Gentlemen Pensioners, and others of the Sovereigns Servants, two to each Table.
It appears that anciently the Officers of the Order had a Table allowed them in the great Hall, and sat covered in the Sovereign’s Presence; but on the Eve of the Feast, 10 Car. I. it was ordered in Chapter, That they should be at their Choice, to keep the Feast privately by themselves, or sit uncovered where the Sovereign dined. Whereupon, from that time, they forbore sitting in the Hall, or where else the Sovereign and Knights-Companions sat. It likewise appears, that the Officers of Arms did anciently sit in St. George’s Hall, at a Table joined to that, at which the Officers of the Order sat.
Before the Entrance of the Sovereign’s second Course, he stands up and drinks to the Knights-Companions, (and so it is remembred to be done by Phil. and Mar.) they standing all the while uncovered, till they have all pledged him: Which done, the Officers of Arms make themselves ready, at the lower end of the Hall, to proceed up in the following Order.
And so altogether make their Reverence to the Sovereign, and proceed near the side of the Knights Table, till they come to the middle of the Hall, where, after another Reverence made, they go still forward; and when Garter has passed about two Yards beyond the Knights Table, and come near the Haut Pas ascending the Sovereign’s State, they make the like Reverence again jointly. Then Garter with a loud and audible Voice cries Largess thrice, though anciently but twice.
Upon Garter’s beginning to cry Largess, all the Knights-Companions, unless Kings and great Princes, if any be present, stand up uncovered, till he has made an end; (which Custom, it seems, 7 Car. I. had been discontinued for some time.) Then Garter proceeds, and Proclaims the Sovereign’s Stiles and Titles of Honour, first in Latin, after in French, and lastly in English; he and the Officers of Arms making a Reverence between; and at the end join altogether in crying Largess thrice, and then all make Reverence together.
Hereupon, sometimes the Treasurer of the Houshold puts the Sovereign’s Largess, which is ten Pounds in Gold, into Garter’s Hat; and this is afterwards divided among the Officers of Arms, according to Custom. But Anno 23 Car. II. the Black-Rod put the Largess into Garter’s Hat. This being finished, all the Officers of Arms retire about three Yards backward, keeping their Faces towards the Sovereign, and there make a Reverence, and so a second, and thence retire out of the Hall to Dinner.
This Ceremony ended, the Sovereign’s second Course is brought up; first the Serjeants at Arms, next the Treasurer and Comptroller of the Houshold, next the Sewer, then the Gentlemen-Pensioners, bearing the Messes; then the Cofferer and Master of the Houshold, the two Clerks of the Green-Cloth, the two Clerks Comptrollers, and lastly the two Clerks of the Kitchin, habited in their Gowns, and their Caps in their Hands. And after the Sovereign’s Table is compleatly furnished, the second Course is served up to the Knights Table by the Yeomen of the Guard, in such Order as was the first.
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 Sovereign’s Stile,) from the lower end of the Hall, till they come before the new installed Knight’s Mess, and there Garter cries Largess once, and Proclaims his Stile in English only; and then retires to Dinner.
In the last Place comes in the Banquet, brought to the Sovereign’s Table by the Pensioners, in the same Order as the Messes; (only in Place of the Clerk of the Kitchin, the Chief Clerk of the Spicery waits,) and the Banquet for the Knights-Companions, by the Yeomen of the Guard.
Dinner being ended, the Knights-Companions rise first, and having washed, place themselves a little below the State, in their usual Order, and make their Reverences to the Sovereign. After which, the Sovereign hears Grace said by the Prelate, then Water is brought in the usual way, and the Sovereign washes: Which done, the Knights making again due Reverence to the Sovereign, he puts off his Cap, and salutes them, and then proceeds as usually to the Presence Chamber, with the Knights and Officers of the Order before him, &c.
In like manner does the Sovereign’s Lieutenant proceed from the Presence to the Hall, or such other Room where the Dinner is prepared, only his Place at the Table is a little on the left Hand the Cloth of State, or at the end of the Table: And after Dinner, he returns to the Presence in the same Order as the Sovereign does.
The Ceremonies belonging to the second Vespers.
§ 8. The usual time for Proceeding to the Chapter-House, hath usually been about four a Clock in the Afternoon, but sometimes not before five, by reason of the length of the Dinner. The Proceeding is as at other times; and when the Sovereign and Knights have made a Cavalcade of it on the Eve, or on the Feast Day, the same has been observed at the Proceeding to the second Vespers.
It has been customary to hold a Chapter before the second Vespers, for the regulation of the Affairs of the Order. When the second Vespers are ended, the Proceeding passes out of the Choir in the very same Order as at the first Vespers; but Anno 15 Car. I. it happening to be late ere the second Vespers ended, the Sovereign did not go to the Presence Chamber, but proceeded directly to the great Hall to Supper by Torch Light.
Of the Supper on the Evening of the Feast Day.
§ 9. It has not been frequently known, that the Sovereign hath supped publickly in St. George’s Hall on the Feast Day; but when it happens, as 14 Car. I. the Proceeding thither, and return, are in all respects performed as at the Supper on the Eve. And if the Sovereign’s Lieutenant hath on this Night supped publickly, then it was in the Presence Chamber, where he sat alone at the Sovereign’s Table, as at other times.