Chapter I: Part 1

Transcriber's Note:

When italics were used in the original book, the corresponding text has been surrounded by _underscores_. Text printed in blackletter has been surrounded by #pound signs#. Superscripts have been indicated by preceding the superscripted letters with ^. When more than one character in a row is superscripted, the letters have been surrounded with {}. Some corrections have been made to the text. These are listed in a second transcriber's note at the end of the book.

_His Royal Highness GEORGE AUGUSTUS
Prince of Wales, &c. And Knight of the
most Noble Order of the Garter.

M. V^{dr}. Gucht Scul._
]

THE

HISTORY

Of the most NOBLE

_Order of the GARTER_:

And the several ORDERS of _Knighthood_ extant in _EUROPE_.

Containing

I. The Antiquity of the Town, Castle, Chapel, and College of _Windsor_;
with their several _Officers_: The Foundation of the _ORDER_ by King
_EDWARD_ III. The Statutes and Annals at large, as they have been
altered and amended.

II. The HABITS, ENSIGNS, and OFFICERS of the _ORDER_. The Ceremonies of
Election, Investiture, and Instalment of Knights: The manner of their
Feasts; and the Duties and Fees payable on these Occasions. Some
Account of the _Founders_, with an exact List of all that have been
installed since the Institution, and their several Coats of Arms
emblazon’d.

_Written at the Command of King_ Charles II. _By_ ELIAS ASHMOLE, _Esq;_
Windsor _Herald. Now compared with the Author’s Corrections in his
Library at_ Oxford, _faithfully digested, and continued down to the
present Time_.

The Whole illustrated with proper Sculptures.

_LONDON_: Printed for _A. Bell_ in _Cornhill_, _E. Curll_, _J.
Pemberton_, and _A. Collins_ in _Fleet-street_; _W. Taylor_ and _J.
Baker_ in _Pater-Noster-Row_, 1715.

Price 7 _s._ 6 _d._

TO HIS

ROYAL HIGHNESS

GEORGE-AUGUST,

_Prince of_ WALES, _&c._

_KNIGHT_ and _COMPANION_ of the _MOST NOBLE ORDER_ of the _GARTER_.

PARDON me, Mighty Prince, that in the Crowd of Your Joyful and Devoted _Britons_, one of an obscure Fame presumes to lay his _Humble Offering_ at Your Feet.

IT is the _History_ of the _MOST NOBLE ORDER of the GARTER_; which, from its first Institution, has been constantly worn by Persons of the highest Birth, and most illustrious Merit.

IF the _Stile_ and _Manner_, in which it is treated, were proportionable to the Dignity of the Subject, there would need no Apology for this Dedication. For to whom, next to the _Great Sovereign_ of the _Garter_, whose true _Heir_ You are, in all manner of _Virtue_ and _Honour_, could this Treatise have recourse for Protection, but to Your Royal Highness, who are the Premier _Knight of this Most Noble Order_, and the standing _Grace_ and _Ornament_ of it.

BUT far above all particular _Views_, are the unspeakable Blessings derived to these Kingdoms, by the SUCCESSION of Your Illustrious Royal _House_: Every _Briton_ seems new Born, and to have borrow’d fresh influence from its Glorious Presence.

THE Godlike Virtues of Your Royal Father, are not to be excelled; and should we venture to express an Equality, it can only be the Appearance of Your Royal Highness’s imitating so Great a Pattern.

AS He is Wise and Good beyond Praise, so has He a Title to the Hearts of His People beyond Question; which stands Confirmed by the highest Instances of Divine Providence, as well as the incontestible Authorities of Temporal Laws: On these Foundations, what glorious Prospects may we not Build of future Happiness?

IT were easy to dwell on this Subject, were it not wasting Moments of much more concern to Your Royal Highness, than what I am able to Express.

MAY Your Royal Highness long Live to Adorn this _MOST NOBLE ORDER_, and to support the Crown, by a bountiful and flourishing issue, that there may never want one of Your Royal Line to sit on the Throne of _Great-Britain_,

_Is the Ardent Prayer of,
ILLUSTRIOUS SIR!_

_Your Royal Highness’s
Most Faithful,
Most Obedient,
and Humbly Devoted Servant._

THE

PREFACE

_Those who are acquainted with Mr._ Ashmole’_s_ History of the most Noble Order of the Garter, _will easily satisfy themselves; that no Pains or Industry was wanting to Perfect and Complete so Voluminous a Work: He had the Encouragement of a very gracious Prince, and the use of publick Records, more particularly the several Books of the_ Order, _with the Assistance of several MSS wrote by the Officers of Arms, who bore Part in the Ceremonies, or went on Embassies to Stranger Kings, Princes_, &c. _and by their constant Observations, were familiarly versed in all its Laws and Customs_.

_These were very great helps to him, and it must be confessed his own elaborate Study had not less owing to it. There is nothing that has relation to this most_ Noble Order, _which he has not touched on; and indeed it is a Work so very copious, that he does himself acknowledge he has inserted some things of little importance; which he desires may be considered to be done, to gratify some few who have a more immediate concern therein_.

_The Reader will in this Treatise find little else omitted: A very painful and exact Abridgment has been made, many Corrections of the Author’s, which he saw before his Death, and left among his other Books in his Library at_ Oxford, _are here carefully altered; some Additions are made, a List continued, of the several_ Knights-Companions, _as well as Officers of the_ Order, _for above forty Years; and the Coats of Arms of abundance of the_ Knights-Companions _visibly corrected from good Authorities; and every distinct Chapter treated of at large; so that this Work has not been compleated but at great Labour as well as Expence, which could not have been supported, but for the Encouragement some of the_ Knights-Companions _of the_ most Noble Order _were pleased to give it; as well in their Subscriptions, as in the good Opinion they seemed to Express of the Design_.

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Most Noble ORDER

OF THE

GARTER.

IT was, undoubtedly, a good Sentiment in the first Collector of this Learned Work, to introduce, as well as a Discourse of _Knighthood_ in general, a Treatise of all the several _Orders_ that have prevail’d in other Parts of the World; for these in their Rise and Institutions, having a relative Sense to the particular Subject he was to illustrate, seemed to afford him a very good Opportunity of doing it, by building on so convenient a Foundation.

I shall therefore, (tho’ much more confin’d to brevity) follow the same Method, making it serve as a proper Introduction; there being many Things in the voluminous Original, which I conceive may with less Inconveniency be dispenc’d with.

IT was a constant Maxim in all well-regulated Governments, to give a just Encouragement to Merit, and this by proportioning Rewards to the Service done; for Merit must be suppos’d to consist in the Performance of some Virtuous or Heroick Action, directed for the publick Good: And as Vertue is either Military or Civil, so the Distribution of Rewards is different; either by bestowing Degrees and Titles of Honour, or by Donations of Wealth; so that in either Construction, Vertue may have its proper and suitable Reward.

BUT the proper Reward of Military _Vertue_, is Honour: (to which distinct Head this Work is confin’d.) Honour, which _Aristotle_ calls the _Greatest of exteriour Goods_: And being an Object of a nobler Ambition than the Accumulation of Wealth, is principally the Aim of that _Vertue_ we understand by _Valour_; which springs from more generous Spirits, and hath been the constant Foundation of raising Men to the highest Eminence of Glory, and superiour Dignity.

BUT that Fame might not lose itself in an unbounded Notion, it was at length thought fit to reduce Honour into Form and Order, by investing the Person meriting with some particular Title or Appellation of Excellence, (the Original of all Nobility;) of which Knighthood, as it hath been accounted the most suitable Reward to the greatest Vertue, so it hath been esteemed the chief and primary Honour among many Nations.

THE _Romans_ held Honour and Vertue in that Esteem, that they deify’d, and dedicated Temples to them: They made them so contiguous in their Situation, that there was no other Passage to that of Honour, but thro’ the Temple of Vertue, mystically admonishing, that Honour was not to be attained by any other Way.

IN several of the _Roman_ Coins we see Honour and Vertue represented together in one Reverse, and in one Medal; the Face of Honour so shadows that of Vertue, that but a little of it appears, _Honour being the more illustrious of the two; and where we behold any Person outwardly adorned with it, we are to judge him inwardly endued with Vertue, inasmuch as Honour is his due, and justly bestowed upon him_.

§. 2. IN tracing the Original of Knighthood, we are not so vain to say, with the _French_, that S. _Michael_ was the _premier Chevalier_; yet thus much we may assert, that ’tis near as ancient as Valour and Heroic Vertue, notwithstanding the Ceremonies and Circumstances of it have varied according to several Ages and Nations: And therefore, with much Probability, we may derive the Original of Military Honour from the _Trojans_ and _Greeks_; among whom, as Knights of great Renown, were _Hector_, _Troilus_, _Æneas_, _Antenor_, _Agamemnon_, _Menelaus_, _Peleus_, _Tydeus_, &c. And thus _Homer_ uses the Word ἱππότης, in the same Sense as _Eques_ was afterwards among the _Latins_.

Τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,

’Mong whom thus _Nestor_ spake, that honour’d Knight.

§. 3. UPON a more substantial Basis we shall descend to the _Romans_; among whom, in the very Infancy of their Military Glory, a Society of Knights was instituted, immediately after their Union with the _Sabines_. _Romulus_ inrolled _Centuriæ tres Equitum_, three Centuries of Knights, out of the chiefest Families, whom he appointed to be his Life-guard, and called them _Celeres_, from their Activity and Dispatch in Martial Affairs.

_Tarquinius Priscus_ made an Addition to these Centuries; the like did _Servius Tullius_, who ordained, that those who should succeed in that Body, should be elected _ex censu_, _viz._ from a considerable and certain Valuation of their Estates, who had the greatest Cense, and were of the most Noble Families, says _Dyonys. Halicarn._ And soon after, the Equestrian Class began to be formed and constituted one of the three Orders of the Commonwealth, which were thus rank’d, according to _Livy_: _Senatus, Ordo Equestris & Plebs_; which in the _Roman_ Literal Notes is set down after this Manner: CON. SEN. E. ORD. P. Q. R. And forasmuch as this Degree is placed between the _Patricians_, or Senators, and the _Plebeians_, it answers exactly the State of our Knights between the Nobility and Commonalty: And from this Order, to the Height of Nobility which resided in the Senators, was the Way prepared; _Junius Brutus_ being the first who was raised to a Senator from the Equestrian Order.

IT was a Constitution, as old as _Tiberius_’s Reign, that none should be admitted, unless Free-born, or a Gentleman for three Generations; and, indeed, for a long Time none were elected Knights but the best Sort of Gentlemen, and Persons of Extraction, as was the illustrious _Mœcenas_.

_Atavis regibus ortus eques_, Mart.

who aspired no higher, not out of any Incapacity of attaining greater Honours, but that he desired them not, says _Paterculus_: Yet at length, thro’ Corruption of Times, Plebeians and Freedmen being too frequently received into this Degree (too near a Parallel among the Knights of this Age) occasion’d their Power to grow less and less, ’till it shrunk to nothing; so that the Places and Offices of Judges which they before had executed, became conferrable upon the _Publicans_. And when _Cicero_ was Consul, _anno ab urbe conditi_ 690, the Equestrian Order stood in need of Re-establishment, whereupon they were then incorporated into that Commonwealth in the third Degree, all Acts passing _in the Name of the Senate, the People of_ Rome, _and the Equestrian Order_.

They often enjoy’d Abroad the Government of several Provinces, whereof _Egypt_ had this peculiar to itself, that none of the Senators were admitted, but only those of the Equestrian Order, whose Decrees _Augustus_ commanded to be had in like Regard, as if the Magistrates of _Rome_, or Kings, Consuls, or Prætors, had pronounced them.

As a Mark of Eminence, they had the Titles of _Splendidi_ and _Illustres_ bestowed upon them, and sometimes have been called _most sacred_ Knights.

AND besides other Privileges, they had Seats with the Senators in the _Circus Maximus_; and by the _Roscian_ Law, sat next them in the Theatres: They had likewise a College called _Collegium Equitum_; and Temples were dedicated to the Goddess _Fortune_, under the Title of _Equestri Fortunæ_.

HAVING shewn the Dignity and Honours of the Equestrian Order among the _Romans_, we shall now touch upon the Degrees of Knighthood which have been Personal, and may be comprehended under the Modern Title of _Equites Aurati_, or _Milites Simplices_, (as distinguish’d from the several Orders of Chivalry, instituted in Christendom.) In the Circumstance of whose Creation we confess, nothing in the _Roman Ordo Equestris_ hath place, tho’ that might be the Ground and Original of the Dignity, and one common End in both, namely, the Pursuit of Military Exploits, and Service in the Wars.

§. 4. OF the Degrees of Knighthood. We shall first of the _Monozons_, i. e. Knights begirt with the Military Girdle, a Custom devolved to the _Germans_ and _Gauls_ from ancient Times, and from them to After-Ages.

SIR _Henry Spelman_ notes, _That the late Emperors conferred the Dignity of Knighthood with the Military Girdle instead of all other Arms, because that Part more eminent amongst them girdeth, supporteth, and adorneth the rest_; whence _Selden_ calls this Girding the most essential part of the Ceremony. Nor do we find among the various Ceremonies of _Knighthood_ any that have continued so constant in Practice as the endowing with Girdle and Sword, Ornaments proper to the Dignity and Marks of _Honour_ and _Vertue_, with which the Statues and Portraitures of _Knights_, on their Grave-stones have been adorned.

FOR as at this Day _Knights_ are styled _Equites Aurati_, from the Golden Spurs, heretofore put on at their Creation, so were they more anciently _Singulo Miletari donati_, in respect, when any one was _Knighted_, he was not only smitten with the Sword, but invested with Sword and Belt, yet retain’d at the creating our Knights of the _Bath_, as the old Formulary thus hath it; #Then shall the King of great Favour take the Sword, and gird the Esquire therewith.#

Secondly, The _Baccalaurei_ or Knights Batchelors, are to be consider’d, who are indifferently styled _Chevaliers_, _Milites_, _Equites Aurati_, and _Knights_. This Degree is truly accounted the first of all Military Dignity, and the Foundation of all Honours in our Nation, and is derived from, if not the same with that immediately preceding. For as the Ceremony of a gentle Touch on the Shoulder with the flat Side of the Sword hath been since used, instead of girting with the Sword and Belt, (especially in Times of War, or in Haste) as an Initiation into the Military Order; so on the contrary, it is not unusual now-adays, for the Prince, at least _Gladio_, if not _Cingulo donare_; for he oftentimes bestows the Sword upon the Person he _Knighteth_.

_Miræus_ gives them the Epithet _Aurati_, from the Privilege of wearing Gold upon their Swords and Spurs, omitting _Tiraquel_’s fanciful Distinction between _Miles_ and _Eques Auratus_, who allows the former to signify a Knight Noble before, and the other to denote one whom we call a Knight and no Gentleman, or applicable to the _Neapolitan_ Gentlemen, (usually called _Cavalieri_) who are all styled _Equites_, tho’ they never have attained the Knightly Dignity.

THE third Sort were _Knights Banerets_, who so well deserv’d in the Wars, that they were afterwards permitted to use _Vexillum quadratum_, a square Banner, whence they were called _Equites vexillarii_, or _Chevaliers a Buniere_ from the Dutch _Banerheere_, Lord or Master of the Banner.

_Camden_ conceives this Title first devis’d by K. _Edward_ 3. in Recompence of Martial Prowess; a Recital of which Dignity is mention’d in a Patent 20 _E._ 3. to _John Coupland_, for his Service, in taking _David_ King of _Scots_ Prisoner. But it was much more ancient with us, as well as in _France_; and they had particular Robes, and other Ornaments given them from the Crown, _ad apparatum suum pro militia, tanquam pro Baneretto, a Rege suscipienda_, &c. _viz._ _ad unum Tunicam_, &c. after which is set down the particular Robes, and other Ornaments appointed for his Creation.

TO shew this Dignity yet more ancient, there is the Evidence of a Writ in K. _Edw._ 3d’s Time, for furnishing _Thomas Bardolf_ with the Robes of a _Baneret_. It is an Honour esteemed the last among the Greatest, _viz._ _Nobilitum Majorum_, or the First of the Second Rank; and is placed in the Middle between the _Barons_ and the other _Knights_; in which respect the _Baneret_ may be called _Vexillarius minor_, as if he were the lesser _Banner-Bearer_; to the End he might be so differenced from the Greater, namely the _Baron_, to whom the Right of bearing a square Banner doth belong.

BUT there are some remarkable differences between these Knights and Knights-Batchelors; as in the Occasions and Circumstances of their Creations, the _Baneret_ being not Created, unless at a Time when the King’s Standard is erected, and that he bears his own Banner in the Field; whilst the _Knight-Batchelor_ follows that which is anothers.

THIS farther difference is observed between them, that the _Knight-Baneret_ had so many Gentlemen his Servants at Command, as that he could raise a Banner, and make up a Company of Soldiers to be maintained at his Table, and with his own Pay: But the _Knight-Batchelor_ had not sufficient for this, and therefore marched under the Banner of another; and the Wages of the _Baneret_ were double.

NEXT to these, we are to mention Knights of the _Bath_, which is a Degree that hath the Investiture and Title of Knight, with an additional Denomination, derived from Part of the Ceremony of his Creation. It is the general receiv’d Opinion, that our K. _Hen._ 4. first instituted these Knights, which is justify’d by Sir _John Froisard_, who says he created 46 of them at his Coronation, chusing them from such, as were either his Favorites, or had pretensions to it from their personal Merits, or Services.

BUT if the Ceremonies and Circumstances of their Creation be well consider’d, it may be inferr’d, that he rather restor’d the ancient way of making Knights, than Instituted them; and consequently that the Knights of the _Bath_, are really no other than _Knights-Batchelors_; that is, such as are created with those Ceremonies, wherewith _Knights-Batchelors_ were formerly created by Ecclesiasticks: But some of them having been laid aside, were then brought again into Use, and made peculiar to this Degree, and since continued to them upon some solemn and great Occasion.

AT the first View they look like a distinct Order of Knighthood; but cannot be so accounted, because they have no Statutes assigned them, nor are in Case of Vacancy, supply’d, (the Essentials of distinct Orders) nor do they wear their Robes beyond the Time of that Occasion upon which they were created; as chiefly, the Coronation of a King or Queen, the Creation of a Prince of _Wales_, Duke of _York_, and the like; whereas also their Number is uncertain, and always at the Pleasure of the King.

_Favine_ calls them Knights of the Crown, because, to distinguish them from Esquires, they wore upon their Left Shoulder an Escutcheon of Black Silk embroider’d with three Crowns of Gold; but therein he mistakes, for they never used only a Silk Lace, and the Jewel they wore was made of Gold, containing three Crowns, with this Motto _Tria juncta in una_, hanging down under the left Arm at a Carnation Ribbon worn cross the Body.

THIS leads us to the Degree of Baronets, who seem allied to Knighthood, by having granted them the Addition of _Sir_ to be set before their Names: But this gives them not the Dignity of Knighthood; nor can they properly be styled Knights, until they be actually Knighted.

IT is a Degree erected _Anno_ 9. _Jac._ 1. and the Grant made by Letters Patents under the Great Seal of _England_. It is Hereditary to them, and the Heirs Male of their Bodies lawfully begotten, for ever; and by a subsequent Decree of the said King, Precedence is granted to them before all Banerets, except such as should be made by the King under his Standard, display’d in an Army Royal in open War, and the King personally present, and next to and immediately after the younger Sons of Viscount and Barons.

THE Ground for erecting this Degree was partly Martial; for tho’ themselves were not enjoined personal Service in the Wars, yet each Baronet was to maintain thirty Foot Soldiers for three Years in _Ireland_, after the rate of Eight Pence _per_ Day, for the Defence of that Kingdom, and chiefly to secure the Plantation of _Ulster_.

THEY were at least to be descended from a Grand-father, on the Father’s Side, that bore Arms, and had a Revenue of 1000 _l. per Ann._ or Lands of old Rents of equal Value with 1000 _l. per Ann._ of improv’d Lands, or at least two Parts of three of such Estate in Possession; the other third in Reversion Expectant upon one Life held only in Jointure.

THE Year after, King _James_ I. added some new Privileges and Ornaments, _viz._ to Knight those already made that were no Knights; and the Heirs hereafter of every Baronet should, at the Age of One and Twenty Years, receive Knighthood; likewise that all Baronets might bear in Canton, or in an Inescutcheon, the Arms of _Ulster_; and farther, to have place in the Armies of the King in the Gross, near about the Royal Standard.

SINCE the Institution of Baronets in _England_, there have been made divers in _Ireland_ after the like Form: And the Knights of _Nova Scotia_ in the _West-Indies_ were ordained in Imitation of Baronets in _England_ by the said King _James_, _A. D._ 1622. for the Planting that Country by _Scotch_ Colonies, and the Degree made likewise Hereditary.

THESE latter wear an Orange Tawny Ribbon as their Badge, to distinguish them from other Knights; and it appears, there was an Intention, 1627. to move his then Majesty, that all Baronets and Knights Bachelors might wear Ribbons of several Colours, some Badge or Jewel, in such Sort as did the Knights of the _Bath_, to distinguish the one from the other: But that Matter dropt.

§. 5. WE shall now observe the Etymology of _Eques_, _Miles_, _Chevalier_, _Ritter_, and _Sir_. The _Grecians_ had a Title of Honour equivalent to the Signification of _Eques_ in the _Latin_, from _Equus_, an Horse, because one Part of the Ceremony, whereby this Honour became conferred, was the giving of an Horse; or because having an Horse at the Publick Charge, they received the Stipend of an Horseman to serve in the Wars, Horses being Symbols of War, _Bello armantur equi_. It is to be noted, That the Degree of Knighthood in the Dialects of other Nations hath the same Derivation: For in the _French_, a Knight is called _Chevalier_; in the _German_, _Ridder_, or _Ritter_, _q. d._ _Rider_; so the _Gheslagen Ridder_ is interpreted, _The dubbed Knight_; in the _Italian_, it is _Cavagliero_; in the old _British_, _Morchog_; concerning which, hear one of _Jeffery Chaucer_’s Scholars.

Eques ab Equo #is said of very right,
And# Chevalier #is said of Chevalrie,
In which a# Rider #called is a# Knight;
Arragoners #done also specifie#
Caballiero #through all that Partie,
Is Name of Worship, and so took his ’ginning
Of Spurs of Gold, and chiefly Riding#.

AND tho’ the Word _Miles_ signified at first any legally inrolled for the War, which Inrolment was twofold, _Honoraria_ and _Vulgaris_; yet upon the Decay of the _Roman_ Empire, upon the Irruption of the innumerable Forces of the _Alani, Goths, Vandals, &c._ which consisted in Horse, their Foot was rendred useless. _Miles_ was no longer said of him that served on Foot in the Wars, but began to be properly spoken of the Horseman; whence it came into Vogue, That among the Titles of Nobility, he who had that of _Miles_ bestowed on him, was understood to be Horseman, or _Eques_, that is, of the Equestrian Dignity.

_Selden_ observes _Miles_ to be equivocal: and that in the old feodal Laws of the Empire it signify’d a Gentleman, as the Word Gentleman is signify’d in _Nobilis_; and with us it hath been frequently used to denote both Gentlemen, and Knights; for _Milites_ denotes Gentlemen, or great Freeholders, and not dubbed Knights, _viz._ such who hold by Knights Service from a Lord of a Mannour, and such who are chosen from the several Counties to serve in the High Courts of Parliament.

_Miles_, even in the _Saxon_ Times, denoted sometimes a Dignity. But about the Year 1046, becoming a Title of Honour, it is since most generally appropriated to Persons who have received Knighthood correspondent to _Eques_ and _Chevalier_, tho’ indeed less proper; in regard Knighthood is the Dignity of Horsemanship, and the Tenure of Lands by Knights Fees here in _England_, anciently called _Regale Servitium_, is in truth Horse Service; and the Tenants such as served the King on Horseback in Wars, are Gentlemen at least (if not of Noble Extraction.)

_Minshew_ says, the _Equites_, which heretofore followed and accompanied the Emperor, are, in the _German_ Tongue, called _Knechtes_, that is, Servitors, or Ministers; but _Camden_ says, _Knecht_, in _Saxon_ _Cniht_, was in far more ancient Times accepted as an honorary Title; and, among the old _Germans_, signify’d a Person arm’d with Spear and Lance, (the Ensigns of their Knighthood) as in After-Times such were, among other Nations, adorned with a Girdle and Belt, since called _Equites aurati_, and sometimes simply _Milites_.

THE Addition _Sir_ to the Names of all Knights Banerets, Knights of the _Bath_, and Batchelor Knights, pronounced at the Time when they are created, with this Compellation: _Arise, Sir John_, or _Sir Thomas, &c._ is accounted Parcel of their Style, which the Banerets enjoy by virtue of a Clause in their Patent. It is a Contraction of the Old _French_ Sire, taken for Seigneur, or Lord, from the _Greek_ Κύριος. But how it came to be first given, we cannot find; nevertheless, our _English_ Writers have bestowed it upon the major Part of the Nobility, after they had been received into the Order of Knighthood; and in the Life of St. _Thomas Becket_, written about the Time of King _Edw._ 1. we meet with the Title prefix’d to the Names of the four Knights, who slew the said St. _Thomas_.

§. 6. THE Ensigns of the Equestrian Order among the _Romans_, by which they were made, was a Publick Horse, or a Gold Ring; yet still, to those who had Equestrian Cense, the Horse was the ancienter Badge of the two; but when thro’ the Multitude of these Knights no Publick Horses were assigned, but to such who were ready to enter upon Military Service, and to fight in the Legions, such were called _Legionary Knights_, to distinguish them from the rest, who had only receiv’d the Honour of a Gold-Ring; for they were not all employ’d in Wars.

THE Censor (after the Institution of that Office _ab urbe condita_, 310.) and afterwards the Emperor, were the Persons who bestowed this _Equus Militaris_, or _Publicus_, as it was called from the Annual Allowance, to keep him, which they gave unto those of known Vertue and approv’d Life, compelling him to serve in the Wars, tho’ against his Will; (but in the more ancient Method of Election, Constraint was not used.) And upon Negligence in the Care of these Horses, or any Blemish, Reproach, or Infamy, or Loss of Patrimony in the Knights, the Horses were not only taken away, but the Knights wholly disfranchis’d. _Rosinus_ laying down the Manner and Order used in ejecting such Knights, adds, _A Recital being made of all the Knights that were inrolled, those whose Names he omitted, were thereby understood to be depriv’d of that Dignity_.

WHEN they had served in the Wars the Time appointed by Law, it was the Custom to lead their Horses by the Bridle into the Forum, before the _Duumvirs_ [Censors,] and giving an Account under whom and what Generals or Captains they had served; they were thereupon dismissed from farther Service in the Wars: An Example whereof _Plutarch_ relates to have been given by _Pompey_ himself.

BUT whereas among the _Roman_ Inscriptions we find _Equo publico honoratus donatus_, _ornatus_, and _exornatus_, such is not to be construed to be of Equestrian Dignity, but only to have received the _præmia militaria_, with which the Emperors used to recompense some particular Exploit, by the Honour of such a Gift, according to _Salmasius_. _Equus Publicus_, by a wondrous, nevertheless an accustom’d Speech, among the _Romans_, is the Knight, _qui equo publico meret_. And _qui equo publico donatus_, the other deserving Person.

AS to the Ring: In _Genesis_ we read of _Pharoah_’s taking off his Ring, and putting it upon _Joseph_’s Hand. When they came in Fashion with the _Romans_, the Senators at first wore Iron ones, which were accounted the Ensign of Military Vertue, received upon a Publick Account. Howbeit, in Process of Time, when Gold Rings were drawn into Use, none but Senators and Knights had them. The Difference among the Rings of the three Orders in the State were, as _Licetus_ observes, Gold Rings set with precious Stones were given to the Senators only; Plain Rings without Stones to the Knights, and Iron Rings to the _Plebeians_, or Free-born-men; insomuch that _Equestri dignitate donare_ and _annulo honorare_, is a promiscuous Phrase in _Tacitus_, to give the Dignity of Knighthood; and at the Battle of _Cannæ_, by the two Measures or Bushels of Gold Rings sent to _Carthage_, the Number of the _Roman_ Knights there slain was computed.

§. 7. AT length Freed-Men being created Knights, the _Jus annulorum_, the Right of wearing Gold Rings, became promiscuous.

AMONG the _Germans_, the Shield and Lance were accounted the grand Badges of Military Honour, or Knighthood. This the _Lombards_, the _Franks_, and our Country-men, all descending out of _Germany_, used, and was to us (in the Opinion of Sir _Hen. Spelman_) the Foundation of the Knightly Order. Much like the ancient _Germans_ was the Custom of making Knights among the _Irish_: And _Favine_ notes the Shield and Lance were the proper Arms appertaining to a _French_ Knight, which Esquires, _Armigers_, carried always after their Masters, Shields and Scutes (as they are vulgarly called) _i. e._ Equestrian Targets, inclining to an Oval, not Shields or Bucklers of Foot Soldiers.

ANOTHER Ensign and Ornament of Knightly Honour is, the _Cingulum militare_, or _Balteus_, which, _Varro_ says, is _Tuscan_, signifying a military Girdle, which were garnished with great Buckles, Studs, and Rings of pure Gold, to shew their Dignity and Power in military Commands; and with such a Belt, set with Pearls and precious Stones, young _Athelstan_ was girded, when he receiv’d _Knighthood_ from his Grandfather King _Alfred_. Our Knights were no less anciently known by these Belts, than by their gilt Swords, Spurs, _&c._ Howbeit the Use now only appears in Knights of the _Bath_.

TO this Belt was also added a Sword, not of Ordinary Use; and therefore termed the Sword of a _Knight_, which was hallowed with great Ceremony.

ANOTHER eminent Badge is the Golden Spurs, wherewith, at the Time of their Creation, Knights Spurs were wont to be adorned; and to these, a little after the Conquest, were added far more and greater Ornaments. They were usually put on after the Person had been presented to the Prince who gave the Honour, to signify, that the new-made Knight should not only declare his Valour by his Sword, but also by the Management of his Horse, which he should encourage and excite with his Spurs, to the carrying on his valiant Designs. These Spurs have been of that Esteem, that Knight Batchelors are latinized _Equites aurati_; among the _Germans_, _Ritter dess Gulden Sporns_; and with us heretofore, _Knights of the Spurs_: And several Families by the Name of _Knight_, bear for their Arms the Spurs on a Canton.

IT is farther certify’d among the Rights of a Knight Baneret, that upon the Account of his Knighthood he may wear gilt Spurs, as well as a gilt Sword; and that the Spurs are essential, may be collected from the Degradation of a Knight, where his gilt Spurs are first cut off with an Hatchet, the Case of Sir _Andra Harcla_. In the last Place is the Collar, an Ensign of Knightly Dignity among the _Germans_, _Gauls_, _Britons_, _Danes_ and _Goths_, among whom it was customary to wear them, as denoting such as were remarkable for their Valour. But in later Times, it was the peculiar Fashion of _Knights_ among us to wear Golden Collars composed of _S S._ or other various Devices; so that those _Monuments_ are known to be erected for _Knights_ on whose Portraitures such Ornaments are found.

§. 8. THE Qualifications for Knighthood are principally three. 1. Merit, the bare mentioning whereof shall suffice here. 2. Birth, _viz._ that the Parties who enter thereinto ought first to make appear they be Gentlemen of three Paternal Descents, bearing Coat Armour; and much the same was the Law of the Empire under _Frederick_ 2. _A. D._ 1212. Some think it also insufficient, unless descended so by the Mother’s Side; at least she must be a freed Woman. And, 3. Estate, which also serves to support the Dignity.

THUS Wealth was so much regarded among the _Chaledonians_, that those who were rich, bore the Name of Knights. It was Estate that entitled a Man to this Honour among the _Romans_; for the Censor might compel any Citizen equal to the Equestrian Cense, whom he thought fit to take that Order: And this consisted of 400000 Sesterces, _i. e._ 3025 _l._ of our Money.

AND as in _Old Rome_, so here in _England_, not long after the Conquest, they who held a Knights Fee, _viz._ 680 Acres of Land might claim it, says _Camden_. But it appears from _Selden_, that no certain Number, or Extent of Acres, made a Knight’s Fee; and _Temp. Hen._ 3. and _Edw._ 1. and 1 _Edw._ 2. the _Census militis_ was measured by 20 _l._ by the Year, or more; and by the Royal Prerogative, some who held 15, then 20, at other times 30, then 40, and sometimes 50 _l._ Lands, were required to accept this Honour by Writs directed to the Sheriffs of the Counties, and were excused only by Reason of old Age, irrecoverable Weakness, Loss of Limbs, or being in Holy Orders; and upon all other Causes (if exempted) they paid a Fine, estimated according to the Nature of the Excuse, or length of Time given.

BUT in the promiscuous Course of Knighthood, where the Men of Wealth and Estate (whether otherwise worthy or not) became dignify’d; yet the Gate of Honour was not then shut against those, who wanting Riches, deserved well of their Country; for when Princes conferr’d such Dignities upon Men of narrow Fortunes, they usually bestowed with them annual Pensions, or Lands, agreeable to the Judgment of the Author of the _Division du monde_, who saith that the Honour of Knighthood is not to be given any Person who hath not a considerable Estate, unless sufficient Means to support the Honour of the Order be also given with it.

THESE Pensions are frequently mention’d in our Rolls, sometimes during Pleasure, and sometimes during the Life of the Knight, or till better Provision should be made for their Supports: Examples whereof are, Sir _John Atte Lee_, Sir _Nele Loring_, Sir _John Walsh_, Knights. The like Rewards our Kings gave to such whose Merit raised them to the Degree of a _Baneret_, express’d in their Patents, _ad manutenendum statum Baneretti_, _Pro sustentatione sua_, _ut ipse statum Baneretti melius manutenere possit_, _Pro statu suo manutenendo_; or Words to the like Effect: Examples where of are, Sir _Reginald Cobham_, Sir _Thomas de Rokeley_, Sir _John Lysle_, and Sir _Roger de Swynerton_, Banerets.

IT may be next consider’d who can make _Knights_; wherein it is apparent, that they who never were, and others who never could be _Knights_, have conferr’d this Dignity; yet ’tis to be understood, that Necessity and Custom hath in this Case the Force of a Law: For anciently, _Bishops_ and _Priests_ made _Knights_; so also do the _Popes_, and some Commonwealths; likewise our _Queens_. For the _Sovereign_, or the _Heir apparent_, tho’ they be no _Knights_, may nevertheless do it, by reason they possess the _Kingdom_; and are therefore the Head and Chief of _Chevalry_, and consequent all the Power thereof is contained in their Command. To conclude this Point, _Knighthood_ was always received from the Hands of another Person, either by Ceremony, or Diploma, except only the Kings of _Spain_, who Time out of Mind made themselves _Knights_; and this by Vertue of an old Law written in the _Arragonian_ Tongue, as _Ambrosias Morales_ reports. _And, to shew that no Man upon Earth hath any Power over him, he shall gird himself with the Sword made after the Form of a Cross; and that Day can no other Man be Knighted._

§. 9. Of the Ceremonies and Formalities used at the Conferring of Knighthood, the most ancient was perform’d by putting the Belt loose over the Shoulder, or girding it close about the Waste. The _Bend_ in _Armoury_ represents the one, and the _Fess_ the other. The first Christian Kings at giving this Belt kissed the new Knight on the Left Cheek, saying, _In the Honour of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I make you a Knight_. It was called _Osculum pacis_, the Kiss of Favour, or Brotherhood, and is presumed to be the Accollade, or Ceremony of Imbracing, which _Charles_ the Great used when he Knighted his Son _Lewis_ the _Debonair_. It was in the Time of the same Emperor, the Way of Knighting by the _Colaphum_, or Blow on the Ear, used in Sign of sustaining future Hardships, which is thought to have been deriv’d from the Manner of Manumission of a Slave among the _Romans_; a Custom long after retained in _Germany_ and _France_. Thus _William_ Earl of _Holland_, who was to be Knighted before he could be _Emperor_, at his being elected King of the _Romans_, received Knighthood by the Box of the Ear, _&c._ from _John_ King of _Bohemia_, _A. D._ 1247.

IN the Time of the _Saxons_ here in _England_, Knights received their Institutions at the Hands of Great _Prelates_ or _Abbots_; which, according to their Opinion, render’d them more auspicious. In the accomplishing of which Solemnity, they added many religious Ceremonies, as Watching, Fasting, Bathing, and Consecrating the Sword; an Instance of which we have in _Heward_ Lord of _Brune_, in _Lincolnshire_, who received this Honour from _Brand, Abbot_ of St. _Edmundsbury_. But not long after the Conquest, this Custom was restrained by a Synod at _Westminster_, _A. D._ 1102. 3 _H._ 1. which among other Things ordained _Ne Abbates_ [_i. e._ all Spiritual Persons] _faciunt milites_. However the religious Ceremonies for the most part continued, especially Vigils and Bathings, as appears by that grand Solemnity at the Creation of 267 Knights, Sons of Earls, Barons, and Knights, upon _Whitsontide_, _anno_ 34 _Edw._ 1. cited by _Selden_ and _Camden_. And these Formalities the _Saxons_ and _Normans_, not only here in _England_, but the _French_, _Spaniards_, and other Nations, observ’d, concluding from it, that decency of Habit was as well expected from them, as Integrity of Life, and purity of Manners. And the like religious Ceremony was heretofore observ’d in _Spain_ at the Creation of Knights, whether _Cavelleros de Espuela d’Orada_, or _Amados_ [our Knights Batchelors,] In this Form, the Person to be Knighted was bathed in the Evening, and presently laid in Bed; then cloathed in rich Robes, and led to the Church to perform his Vigils: That being over, and Mass heard, his Spurs were put on, and his Sword girt about him, then drawn out, and put into his Right Hand; whereupon the Oath was forthwith administred to him; which taken, he that bestowed the Dignity gave him _una Pesconade_, a Blow, or Stroke on the Neck, saying, God assist you in the Performance of your Promise.

THE Oath or Vow the Knights professed, was in general, to relieve and protect Widows, the Fatherless, Oppressed and Miserable, and to defend the Church of God; which to keep and perform was esteem’d as meritorious, as to do all that a Monk, Frier, or Canon Regular should.

THERE is also mention (by Mr. _Selden_) of consecrating the Sword, offering it at the Altar, and receiving it again from thence, as an implicit Kind of taking an Oath. But as in Peace and great Leisure these tedious Ceremonies were used, yet it was otherwise in Times of War, or on a Day of Battle, where Hurry and Throng of Affairs would not permit; and therefore, as well before the joining of Battle, as after Victory obtained, it was usual for the Prince or General in the Field, on Sight of the Army, to give those whom he thought fit to advance to that Honour (they humbly kneeling before him) a Stroke with a naked Sword flatwise upon their Shoulders, or else to touch their Heads or Shoulders lightly, without any other Ceremony, except pronouncing _Sis Eques in nomine Dei_; to which he adds, _Rise, Sir —— Knight_, or in the _French_, _Sus_, or _Sois, Chevalier, au nom de Dieu_, which we commonly call Dubbing, the old _English_ Word used for Creating [Consecrating] a Knight, from _doopen_ to dip, by Bathing.

ANOTHER Manner of creating Knights Abroad was, by Royal Codicils, or Letters Patents (these the _Spaniards_ call _Privilegios de Cavelleria_) whereupon such Knights are intitled _Equites Codicellares_; and these were sent to such as dwelt in remote Countries, and sometimes, but rarely, extended so as to make the Degree hereditary. There is one Example, that by the bare signification of Letter, without any Ceremonies or Patents under Seal; _Philip_ IV. of _Spain_, _Jan._ 15. 1633. conferr’d upon all the Captains that behav’d themselves valiantly in Defence of _Mastricht_ (then lately besieg’d by the _Hollanders_) to those that were Gentlemen, the Title of Knights; and to others, that of Gentlemen.

HAVING thus briefly shew’d the various Forms of Creation of _Knights Batchelors_, I shall remark what _Selden_ has observ’d of _Knights Bannerets_ in later Times, wherein he that was advanc’d to that Honour in the Field, was inducted between two Senior Knights with Trumpets before them, and the Heralds carrying a long Banner of his Arms, call’d a _Penon_; in which Manner being brought to the King or Lieutenant, who bidding him good Success, the Tip of the Banner is cut off, that of an Oblong it might become a Square, like the Banner of a Baron: This done, he returns to his Tent, conducted as before. As for the many and various Formularies at the Creation of a Knight of the _Bath_, see Sir _Edward Byshe_ among his Notes upon _Upton_ and Sir _William Dugdale_’s _Warwicksh._ The Knights of the _Bath_, at the Coronation of King _Charles_ II. watched and bathed; they took an Oath; they were girded with a Sword and Belt; and lastly, dubbed by the King with the Sword of State.

§ 10. IN the Dignity, Honour and Renown of Knighthood, is included somewhat of Magnificence more excellent than Nobility it self; which mounting the Royal Throne, becomes the Assertor of Civil Nobility, and sits as Judge at the Tribunal therefore. _Knight_ is noted by _Camden_ as a Name of Dignity, but _Baron_ is not so. For if heretofore a Baron had not receiv’d Knighthood, he was written plainly by his Christian Name, and that of his Family, without any Addition but that of _Dominus_, a Term attributed to a _Knight_; and in ancient Charters, the Titles and Names of _Knights_ may be seen set before _Barons_. It bestows Gentility not only upon the meanly Born, but upon his Descendants, and encreaseth the Honour of those well-descended. Hereunto agrees the Common-Law: If a Villain be made a Knight, he is thereby immediately enfranchised, and consequently accounted a Gentleman; agreeable to the _Roman_ Law, where the Donation of a Gold-Ring ennobled a Slave. _Mœcenas_ dy’d a Companion of that Order; even Kings and Princes look upon it as an Accession to their Honour, their other Titles shewing Dominion and Power, this their Valour and Courage. _Geysa_, King of _Hungary_, _Leopold_, Marquis of _Austria_, _Ottacher_, Duke of _Stiria_, and _Frederick_, Duke of _Austria_ and _Stiria_; _Godfry_, Duke of _Brabant_, with _Henry_ his Son, _Peter_, King of _Arragon_, the Emperor _Henry_ III. our _William Rufus_, King _Edward_ III. _Henry_ VI. _Henry_ VII. _Edward_ VI. _Lewis_ XI. _Francis_ I. Kings of _France_, and others, received this Dignity at the Time they enjoy’d their other Titles. And tho’ it is said the Sons of the _French_ King are Knights as soon as they receive Baptism, yet are they not judg’d worthy the Kingdom, unless first solemnly created. And we elsewhere find, that the Royal Heirs of _Arragon_ were suspended from that Crown, until they had received the Honour of Knighthood. And after the _Norman_ Conquest, our young Princes were sent over to the neighbouring Kings to receive this Honour. Thus our King _Henry_ II. was sent to _David_, King of _Scots_, and Knighted by him in _Carlisle_; and _Edward_ I. at the Age of Fifteen Years, to _Alphonsus_ XI. King of _Castile_, for the same Dignity. In like manner did foreign Princes repair hither, to receive the Honour from our Kings. As _Malcolme_, King of _Scotland_, and _Alexander_, Son of _William_, King of _Scotland_, Knighted by our King _John_, _Anno_ 1212. So was _Alexander_ III. by our King _Henry_ III. at _York_, _Anno_ 1252. and _Magnus_, King of the _Isle of Man_, by the same King. All which sufficiently demonstrate the great Renown of Knighthood, and the Honour and Esteem which was ever had for that Order.

CAP. II.

_Of the Religious Orders of Knighthood in Christendom._

§ 1. THE Grounds and Causes of founding _Societies_ or _Knightly Orders_, were several and different, tho’ all terminated in one End. Among which, principally were these, _First_, A sincere Love to _Honour_, and therein chiefly to excite and promote _Vertue_ by suitable Rewards; such was the Design of King _Arthur_, when he formed himself and other Martial Men into a Fellowship, which he stiled _Knights of the Round Table_. _Secondly_, To repress the Incursions and Robberies of the _Saracens_ and _Barbarians_, to vindicate the Oppressed, redeem the Enslaved, and to entertain and relieve Pilgrims and Strangers, which were Part of the Duties the _Knights Hospitallers_ and _Templars_, &c. stood engag’d in. A _third_ Reason was, To Fight in Defence of the Christian Faith, against Pagans and Infidels; to enlarge the Christian Territories, and promote the Service of the Catholick Church: And indeed their Zeal very much advanced Christianity. _Lastly_, When Sovereign Princes perceived themselves embroiled in Wars or dangerous Factions, the erecting such an Order or Society was, that they might by such a Tye restore Peace, quiet all Jealousies, unite Affections, and secure a lasting Friendship and powerful Assistance, both for their own and their Country’s Safety. And to this End were Badges of several Orders devised, as Pledges of Remembrance to quicken and establish their Friendship.

§ 2. THESE Orders are of Two Kinds, 1. _Religious_, or _Ecclesiastical_; and, 2. _Military_, or _Secular_.

§ 3. THE Institutions of the latter Sort were after a while thought too weak to continue, if not sustained by Religion and Piety; and too defective without adjoyning Ecclesiastical Persons thereunto. Therefore the Founders, considering Divine Assistance should concur with Military Industry, began to dedicate these Orders to the Honour and Worship of God, or to our Saviour, or to the blessed Virgin, or some other of the Saints, to gain the Protection and Favour of Heaven, more easily, as they thought, obtainable by the Prayers and Offices of the Clergy. Whereupon some in their Institution joyned Sacred Orders to their Military, and made Provision for Sacred Persons to pray for their Prosperity at home, while they were engaged abroad. Hence King _Edw._ III. at the first Institution of the _Garter_, appointed Thirteen Secular Canons, and Thirteen Vicars to attend the Celebration of Divine Offices. Upon the same Account certain Foundations of Divine Service were erected at _Bugey_, for the Order of the _Annunciads_; at _Dijon_, for the Order of the _Golden Fleece_; and at _Mont St. Michael_ in _Normandy_, for the Order of St. _Michael_.

§ 4. I shall now deliver a brief Account of the Religious Orders of Knighthood, proceeding according to their Antiquity.

1. _The Knights of the_ Holy Sepulchre _in_ Jerusalem,
_are accounted the most Ancient_.

DR. _Heylin_ reports this Order to be instituted _A. D._ 1099. at such Time as the Temple of _Jerusalem_ was regain’d from the _Saracens_ by _Philip_ King of _France_. Yet _Favin_ will have it to be by _Baldwin_ the First, King of _Jerusalem_; for while the _Saracens_ possess’d the City, there were certain Canons Regular of St. _Augustin_, to whom they permitted the Custody of the Holy Sepulchre. These Canons _Baldwin_ made Men of Arms, and _Knights of the Holy Sepulchre_, and ordained that they should nevertheless retain their white Habits, and on the Breast bear his own Arms, which were _Argent a Cross potent: Or_, between _four Crosses of the same_, commonly call’d _The_ Jerusalem _Cross_. Their Great Master was the Patriarch of _Jerusalem_. They were to guard the Sepulchre, fight against the _Saracens_ and Infidels, protect Pilgrims, redeem Christian Captives, hear Mass every Day, recite the Hours of the Cross, and to bear the five red Crosses in memory of our Saviour’s Wounds. Their Rule was confirm’d by Pope _Innocent_ III. Upon the loss of the Holy Land, these Knights retired to _Perugia_ in _Italy_; but retaining their white Habit, chang’d their Arms to a double _red Cross_. _A. D._ 1484. they were incorporated to the _Knights Hospitallers of_ Jerusalem then in _Rhodes_. But _A. D._ 1496. _Alexander_ VI. made himself, and the Popes his Successors, Great Masters thereof, and empower’d the Guardian of the Holy Sepulchre (his Vicar General) to bestow the same upon Pilgrims to the Holy Land. _Philip_ II. King of _Spain_, endeavour’d to restore this Order in some of his Dominions, about the Year 1558. himself being elected Great Master: And another Attempt was made by the Duke of _Nevers_, 1615. but these Designs took no Effect.

2. _Knights Hospitallers of St._ John Baptist _in_ Jerusalem.

BEFORE the taking of _Jerusalem_ from the _Saracens_, certain Christian Merchants of _Naples_ obtain’d leave from the Caliph of _Egypt_ to erect a small and convenient House, for the Entertainment of themselves and Countrymen, which they built before the Church of the _Holy Sepulchre_, together with a small Oratory. To them repair’d certain Canons of the Order of St. _Augustin_, who built another Oratory; but the Confluence of Pilgrims growing great, they erected a large Hospital, in the Place where our Saviour celebrated his last Supper, for the better accommodating devout Travellers, who for want of a Place to lodge in were often robb’d and murder’d: So that at length from their Charity and Hospitality, as also for that they took St. _John Baptist_ for their Patron, they obtain’d that Title. It was instituted _A. D._ 1092. or according to others 1099. by _Gerard_, a Native of _Thoulouse_, who came to _Jerusalem_ in the Time of _Godfry_ of _Bouillon_, and built this Hospital (which became the first Seat of this Order) dedicated to St. _John_ of _Cyprus_, Bp. of _Alexandria_, commonly call’d _Johannes Eleemosynarius_; and King _Baldwin_ I. conferred on them large Privileges, permitting them Arms, and instituted them to be Knights, _A. D._ 1104. Their Duty was to fight against the Infidels, and they acknowledged Obedience to the Patriarch of _Jerusalem_; but growing rich, they obtained from _Rome_ to be absolved from that Obedience. Pope _Gelasius_ II. or _Calixtus_ II. _A. D._ 1120. confirmed their Rule of living; and _Adrian_ IV. receiv’d them under the Protection of the Papal See, being likewise endowed with ample Privileges, and exempted from Payment of Tithes, by succeeding Popes, chiefly by _Pius_ IV.