Chapter X: Part 10

AS to the Alms-Knights Patents, this Decree was of Force and Validity, but in the other Generals, how far it was pursu’d we know not; for in some of them it grew obsolete and useless. But in a Chapter called at _Windsor_, the 22d of _April_, 10 _Car._ I. a Debate arose about setting a Part of the Annual Summ of 1000 _l._ out of the Receipts of his Majesty’s Exchequer, to be employ’d particularly in discharge of Expences towards the Feasts of the Order, Legations to Foreign Princes, Payment of the Officers Pensions, _&c._ disbursed for the Necessity and Reputation of this Noble Order. Afterwards at a Chapter held the 18th of _April_, 13 _Car._ I. that Sovereign ratify’d his Royal Assignation, and increased his Bounty to 1200 _l._ _per Ann._ setling it for those designs in a Perpetuity for ever, and making it payable out of the Customs in the Port of _London_, but to be received by the Chancellor of the Order for the time being, as Treasurer of this Money, of which he was to give up an Account to the Sovereign and Knights-Companions yearly at St. _George_’s Feast. And in pursuance of this Ratification, the Attorney-General had Instructions to draw up a Book for his Royal Signature to Warrant its passing under the Great Seal of _England_, which was dispatch’d, the Letters-Patent bearing _teste_ at _Westminster_, the 23d of _January_, 13 _Car._ I. Immediately after, Sir _Thomas Rowe_, the Chancellor of the Order, presented a List of the ordinary Fees and Charges of the Order, upon which it was agreed to, _That there should issue out a standing Commission to the Chancellor under the Great Seal of the Order to warrant the Yearly Payments, and he to be discharged according as the said Patent had provided_. This Commission passing the Great Seal the 3d of _May_, 14. _Car._ I. the Sovereign thereby impower’d the Chancellor to make payable out of the yearly Revenue of 1200 _l._ all and every the yearly Fees, Pensions, Salaries, and other Payments due and payable to the Officers of the Order, Alms-Knights, or others, appertaining to the Order, either by Charter, Grant, or Assignation under the Seal and Signet of the Order, or by any other Lawful way whatsoever, and in particular,

_l._ _s._

{Himself as Chancellor 100 0}
{Register of the Order 50 0}
To {Garter Principal King of Arms 50 0} _per Ann._
{Usher of the Black-Rod 30 0}
{Thirteen Alms-Knights 237 5}
-------
Total 467 5
-------

AND Sir _Thomas Rowe_, and in his Absence beyond Sea, Sir _James Palmer_, Deputy-Chancellor receiv’d out of the Sovereigns Receipts of Subsidies, Customs and Imposts, the 1200 _l._ _per Ann._ out of which they paid the Annual Pensions above-named, under the Title of _certain_ and _ordinary Charges_, as also such as come within the Denomination of Accidental and Extraordinary Expences; of which kind in their time, were,

_Mantles, when the Sovereigns pleas’d to bestow them on the Knights-Companions._

_Plate for the Altar in St._ George’_s_ Chappel _at_ Windsor.

_Embroidery of the Purse for holding the Seals._

_Removal of Atchievements and Plates against Installations._

_Escutcheons set up at St._ George’_s_ Feast.

_Privy Seals and Fees disburst for receiving the_ 1200 _l._ per Annum.

_Fees for Installation of Foreign Princes and Stranger-Knights._

_Parchment used in Dispensations and Prorogations._

_Blue Wax for the Seals of the Order._

BY which we are easily inform’d, what ought to be accounted extraordinary Expences, towards the Discharge whereof this Sum was to be employ’d as far as it would reach, to mitigate the Cost the great Wardrobe formerly stood taxed with, Provisions of the Order, both for foreign Embassies and Expences at Home.

THE Manner of the Chancellor’s passing his Account, as directed by the said Commission, was thus done by Sir _James Palmer_, He humbly moved the Sovereign in Chapter held the 10th of _October_, 15 _Car._ I. That it would please him to view the Disbursements made for the Expences of the Order, which thereupon being Examined by the Knights in the Sovereign’s Presence, the same were found agreeable to the Directions of the Commission, and the Payments justify’d by the Acquittance of every Officer to whom any Fee was due, no Payment having been made without the Sovereign’s Hand first to Authorize it: All which being seen and allow’d, the Account (wherein his Disbursements exceeded his Receipts 37 _l._ 13 _s._ 10 _d._) was esteemed Equitable and Just, and passed by the Subscription of _Charles_ then Prince of _Wales_, the Earls of _Pembroke_ and _Montgomery_, _Salisbury_, _Holland_, _Berk-shire_, Duke _Hamilton_, and the Earl of _Northumberland_.

§. 7. THE Executions of these Offices is the last thing here to be described: For tho’ all the Officers are strictly obliged to give personal Attendance to their Offices; yet, in case of Sickness, Absence out of the Kingdom, or other emergent Reasons, the Sovereign is pleased to dispence with them, and constitute others to Officiate in their stead, who on such Occasions wear the Robe of that Officer whom they represent, so in case of Vacancy, the Absence of the Prelate at the Grand Feast celebrated at _Windsor_, 31 _Hen._ VI. is noted in the _Black Book_ to have been upon just Cause, and the Bishop of _Bangor_ officiated Divine Service, and next Morning celebrated the Mass _pro defunctis_. The following Year, his Place in these religious Duties was supply’d by the Bishop of _Salisbury_, as _Ann._ 36 and 37 _Hen._ VI. and at all times of the Prelates absence, the Sovereign hath made known his Will what Bishop should supply for him. The Office of Chancellor hath been executed by Proxies, and to this may first be referred a Passage in the _Black Book_, where Dr. _Taylor_ hath the Title of _Vice-Chancellor_. Of later times, when Sir _Thomas Rowe_ was employ’d in an Embassy into _Germany_, Sir _James Palmer_, Kt. (one of the Gentlemen-Ushers of the Privy-Chamber) was deputed by the Sovereign to the Chancellor-ship during his Absence, having the Purse with the Seals deliver’d to him the 4th of _May_, 14 _Car._ I. being sworn by the Register of the Order _durante deputatione & beneplacito Regis_, which Clause was likewise annex’d in the Deputy _Chancellor_’s Oath, 12 _Car._ II. Upon Sir _Thomas Rowe_’s return, and indisposition, 16 _Car._ I. Sir _James_ was again deputed _Chancellor_, and a third time, 18 _Car._ I. continu’d Deputy _Chancellor_ unto the Death of Sir _Thomas Rowe_, of which the Sovereign being inform’d at _Oxford_, 1644. reserved the disposal of this Office ’till Sir _James_’s return to Court, and then commanded him to wear the Badge and Ribband about his Neck, ’till a Chapter of the _Order_ compleated his admittance.

IN the Vacancy of the Register-ship, _Ann._ 2 H. VIII. _Thomas Ruthall_ Bishop of _Durham_, supply’d it: And _Ann._ 18 and 19 _Eliz._ Dr. _Day_, Dean of _Windsor_, executed the Office, and attended at the Feasts of St. _George_, as Deputy-Register; Dr. _George Carew_ then Register, having Licence by his Patent to execute it by himself or Deputy, being dispenc’d with by the Queen in case of Sickness, or other Impediment. After his Decease, Dean _Day_ was commanded to execute the Office during its Vacancy (being 14 Years) which he effected ’till he was advanced to the Bishoprick of _Winchester_, _An._ 38 _Eliz._ upon which, Dr. _Robert Bennet_ (who succeeded him in his Deanry) was the same Year admitted Register. Afterwards, Dr. _Beaumont_, being much broken with Age, and other Diseases, Dr. _John King_, the junior Canon, supplied his Place.

THE Office of Garter hath been supplied by Deputation: For in those Embassies with the Ensigns of the Order to Foreign Princes, where special Occasions detained Garter at home, some of the Kings or Heralds of Arms, have been order’d upon those Employments, upon the Recommendation of Garter to the Sovereign; whereof there are several Instances; the last of _Gregory King_, Esq. _Lancaster_-Herald, who lately carried over the Habit to the Elector of _Hanover_. So also in case of Vacancy; for we find that _Clarencieux_, King of Arms, executed this Office after Sir _Gilbert Dethick_’s Death, in _January_, 27 _Eliz._ being then sent with the Earl of _Darby_ to the _French_ King _Henry_ III. As also in Reference to the Preparations the 15th of _April_ following, and Service performed thereat, and at the Feast of St. _George_ ensuing.

THE Constitution of the Office of Black-Rod admit of a Deputy to bear the Rod before the Sovereign, where a lawful Occasion impedes his personal Service. And Sir _Peter Young_, (Chief Gentleman-Usher,) performed this Office at the Feast of St. _George_ held at _Windsor_, _Ann._ 6 _Car._ I. _James Maxwell_, Esq. Black-Rod, was in _France_ upon the Sovereign’s Service; and after, being Mission’d by the King into _Scotland_, _Peter Newton_, Esq; supplied his Place at the Feast at _Windsor_, 8th, 9th, and 10th of _October_, _Anno_ 15 _Car._ I.

CHAP. IX.

§. 1. WE come now to treat of the Election of a Knight into the Order, according to the Statutes of Institution, which Ordains, That whensoever any Knight-Companion happens to depart this Life, _The Sovereign (or his Deputy) after certain Notice had thereof, should forthwith by his Letters, Summon all the Knights-Companions then within the Realm (who were able to come) to meet him within Six Weeks after such Notice, in what convenient Place soever he pleased to assign for the Electing a new Companion into the Society_. Thus did the Law of this Most Noble Order, in case of Death, and to prevent Vacancies, at first provide; wherewith we evidently find the Practice of elder Times did punctually concur: For as soon as Garter, in Discharge of his Duty, had made Certificate to the Sovereign of a Knight-Companion’s Decease, or otherwise to the Register of the Order, all fitting Diligence was used to fill up the vacant Stall, within the Space limited by this Statute, or immediately after, and for the quicker Dispatch, Letters of Summons were issued to the Knights-Companions, to give personal Attendance at the Election. In an ancient one upon the Death of Sir _Henry Fitz Hugh_, Knight-Companion, _Temp. Henry_ V. these particulars were no less pursuant to the Statutes, than worthy Observation.

“I. The Day whereon the defunct Knight-Companion died is therein set down.

“II. Direction is given for celebrating Masses, according to the Tenor of the Statutes.

“III. Intimation that a Stall is become void by the Knight’s Decease.

“IV. The Law of the Order vouched, which appoints an Election of another Knight within six Weeks after Certificate made of the Death of the former, to avoid as much as may be an interval in Succession.

“V. The Sovereign’s Power asserted where he sees Cause to Prorogue the Election.

“VI. An Injunction to attend personally at the Election, under a Penalty express’d in the Statutes.

“VII. The Day, Place, and Hour for Appearance is with certainty appointed, to the End all might Accommodate themselves to be present.

“VIII. The End of coming is mention’d with full Disposition and Preparation _to perform what the Statutes in this Case requir’d_.

“IX. Lastly, Direction is there given to the Knight summoned, that in case his coming to the Chapter was impeded, he should certifie the Reason of his Default against the time of his Appearance, of the Validity whereof the Sovereign was to be sole Umpire.”

AND generally of these Topicks, and to this Purport were the Letters of Summons in succeeding times composed.

THE before-mention’d Branch of the Statutes of Institution hath been sufficiently enforced by Incorporating it into the Statutes, _temp. H._ V. and _H._ VIII. nor hath it since undergone any Alteration; howbeit some further Addition and Explanation were annexed to them, 21 _Jac._ I. at a Chapter held at _Windsor_ the 24th of _April_ that year, where it was decreed, _That the Sovereign being advertised of the Death of a Knight-Companion, the Knights-Companions remaining at Court should move him to declare his Pleasure whether he would that Letters should be sent to all the Knights-Companions within the Realm to attend his Person for the Choice of a new Knight, at a Day by the said Sovereign appointed, according to the ancient Statutes of the Order, or be pleas’d to defer the Election until the Feast of St._ George, _at what time Elections have been most usually made; and according as he resolv’d in what Place it should be, so it ought_ (by Letters directed to the Knights-Companions within the Realm) _to be made known unto them_.

This Deferring, or Prorogation of the Election, was no new thing, tho’ not indulged by the Statutes, or declared Law, before this 21 _Jac._ I. as is evident by the Letter of Summons sent after the Death of Sir _Robert D’Umfrevil_, Knight Companion, _temp. H._ 4. wherein Notice is taken of the Limitation given by the Statutes, after Certificate of Death, _viz._ Six Weeks, within the Space whereof a new Election was to commence; yet where a Chapter for Election could not conveniently be summoned within that limited Time, it was sufficient if the Soveraign declared as he did in the said Placart and entered in the Black Book, _That being then involved in other Business, he could not well attend this Affair, and therefore deferr’d the time for Election, unto the Eve of St._ George _next following_.

But of later Date, this formal Way of Summons by Letter, hath been discontinued, and only remained to such as are remote, and warned only by a verbal Message. For the Chancellor of the Order having consulted the Soveraign’s Pleasure, as to the Day and Place, usually acquaints Garter therewith, who thereupon goes immediately to the Knights Companions then at Court, and desires their Attendance at the Chapter, according to the Soveraign’s Designation.

And here it is to be remarked, that no Knight Elect ought to be summoned to a Chapter of Election, or are rendered sufficient of giving their Votes therein, until they be compleatly installed, either in Person, or by Proxy. Nor indeed did any Necessity intervene, or require it till the late rebellious times, when the Castle of _Windsor_ being Garrison’d by the Parliament’s Forces, it was not possible for the Duke of _York_ and Prince _Rupert_, to take Possession of their Stalls, as the Law of the Order enjoined. Therefore the then Soveraign, whose Right it is, did, 17 _Jan._ 1644, dispense with their Installations in St. _George_’s Chapel, for the present, and invested them with the Privileges of the Order, among which the Power of voting in Chapter, was one: Provided those Princes should first take the Oath given at Installations, and afterwards perform the accustomed Ceremonies, so soon as it should be thought convenient, and the Castle was restored to the Possession of his Majesty. In compliance to which Proviso they both then took the Oath, and on the Eve of the first Feast of St. _George_ after the Restoration, the Duke was installed; and on the Eve of the second Feast, 15 _Car._ 2. by the Earls of _Northumberland_ and _Berk-shire_; and the Prince by the Duke of _Albemarle_ and Earl of _Lindsey_.

§. 2. _The Place of Election._] BUT at what time soever the Ceremony of Election is purposed, the same ought to be Celebrated in Chapter, (for so is the Assembly of the Sovereign and Knights-Companions call’d, where or whensoever conven’d) whether at the Solemnity of St. _George_’s Feast, the ordinary or most accustom’d Time, or on other Days specially set apart by the Sovereign; and when the Sovereign thinks fitting in the Interval of Feasts, to elect any Foreign Prince or other Person, Stranger or Subject, he often transacts it in peculiar Chapters called to that purpose, and then appoints both Day and Place, having that Prerogative. Some few Examples both of pristine, and of late Time, make it manifest and apparent.

Place. Day and Year. Knights elected.

{ _Alb. de Vasques Dalmadea_,
1. Sign of the _Lion_ } _July_ 11. { E. of _Averentia_.
in _Brentford_ } 24 _H._ 6. { Lord _Beauchamp_.
{ Lord _Hoo_.

2. Sov. Bed-Chamber } _Nov._ 27. { Sir _Francis Surreyne_.
at _Westminster_ } 25 _H._ 6. {

{ _Richard_ E. of _Warwick_.
3. _London_, within } _Feb._ 8th { Lord _Bonvile_.
the Bishops Palace. } 39 _H._ 6. { Sir _Thomas Kyriel_.
{ Sir _John Wenlock_.

4. Tower of _London_. } _August_ 8. { _G. Ubaldus_, D. of _Urbin_.
} 14 _Ed._ 4. { _H. Percy_, E. of _North._

} { _Edward_ Pr. of _Wales_.
5. Star-Chamber. } _May_ 15th. { _Richard_ Duke of _York_.
} 15 _Ed._ 4. { _T. Grey_, Mar. of _Dorset_.

6. Sovereign’s } _Febr._ 10. { _Ferdinand_, K. of _Spain_.
Bed-Chamber in the } 19 _E._ 4. { _Hercules_, D. of _Ferrara_.
Wardrobe, _London_. } {

7. _Greenwich_, _July_ 14. 15 _H._ 8. Lord _Ferrers_.

8. _Calais._ } _Oct._ 27th. { _A. Montmor._ E. _Beamon._
} 24 _H._ 8. { _P. Chabot_, E. of _Newbl._

9. _Hampton-Court._ } _Jan._ 9th. { _Edward Seymour_, Earl
} 32 _H._ 8. { of _Hertford_.

10. _Windsor._ } _Aug._ 6. 1 _&_ { _Emanuel_ Duke of _Savoy_.
} 2 _Ph._ & _Mar._ {

11. _Whitehall._ } _Feb._ 8th. { _John Casimire_, Count
} 20 _Eliz._ { Palatine of the _Rhine_.

12. _York._ _Sept._ 12. 16 _Car._ I. _Thomas_ Earl of _Strafford_.

BUT for the most Part since the Beginning of Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign, _Whitehall_, the Sovereign’s almost constant Court and Abode, hath been the usual Place whereunto all the Knights Companions have been specially Summon’d, and peculiar Chapters assembl’d for Election in the Intervals between the Vacancy and St. _George_’s Feast. However, while King _Charles_ II. was in Exile, and wanted the compleat Number of Knights to constitute a full Chapter, he was necessitated not only to dispence with the Ceremony of Election in Chapter, but also in supplying the Defect of a Scrutiny, by making his own Election; yet after his Restoration, _Whitehall_ recover’d her wonted Honour, and _April_ the 1st. 13 _Car._ II. at a Chapter call’d and held in the _Bed-Chamber_ there, the Duke of _Richmond_, the Earls of _Lindsey_, _Manchester_, and _Strafford_ were elected.

§. 3. IN the next Place we are to consider what Number of Knights-Companions ought to be assembl’d to make up a compleat Chapter of Election.

BY the Statutes, there should be Six in Number at the least, besides the Sovereign or his Deputy; the due observance of which hath been so strict formerly, that Elections have been deferr’d where Chapters have been deficient in that Number; for Proof of which, the Duke of _Gloucester_, _Ann._ 9 _Hen._ VI. then Deputy to the Sovereign (at that Time in _France_) for Celebrating the Feast of St. _George_ at _Windsor_, forbore to proceed to Election, _because the Number of Knights-Companions there assembled was less than the Statutes requir’d_. And _Ann._ 10 _Hen._ V. no Election was Solemniz’d, tho’ one Stall was void by the Death of the Lord _Clifford_, and probably for that reason; for the Earl of _Bedford_, then the Sovereign’s Deputy, had but three Knights present with him, _Ann._ 22, or rather 23. _Humphry_ Duke of _Bucks_ being deputed to celebrate the Feast of St. _George_ at _Windsor_, altho’ there was at that Time four Stalls vacant, yet did no Nomination pass; one reason, _because there was not present a sufficient Number to compleat the Election_. So when the same King celebrated the Grand Feast personally at _Windsor_, _Anno_ 31. _Regni sui_, having but three Knights attending him thereat, the Election was Prorogu’d for the very same Reason; in like manner 32, 33 and 34 _Hen._ VI. the Elections were retarded, for at the first of them there were present but two Knights-Companions, besides the Sovereign’s Deputy; and at the Two last but four, besides the Sovereign, tho’ the _Registrum Cartaceum_, _Ann._ 33. names five by adding the Duke of _Somerset_. At the Feast of St. _George_ celebrated at _Windsor_, _A. D._ 1471. _Temp. Edw._ IV. the Sovereign fully resolving to Constitute an Election, and having but five Knights-Companions present, _Calys_, Pursuivant at Arms, was dispatch’d to _London_ for Sir _John Astley_ to repair thither and compleat the Chapter, rather than violate the Laws of the Order. _January_ the 31st. 21 _Car._ II. being design’d for the Election of _Christopher_ Duke of _Albemarle_, and there being Conven’d but five Knights at the Chapter, the Election was put off ’till the Third of _February_ following, at which Time a proportionable Number of Knights being present, his Election receiv’d their Approbation.

§. 4. YET in cases of Necessity only, and to illustrate the Power and Prerogative of the Sovereigns, where the Exigency requires it, tho’ not to be made use of where there is a possibility to perform the Rules and Injunctions of the Statutes, the Sovereigns for divers Reasons, have been induced to dispence with this Branch of the Statute for want of a plenary Number to compleat a Chapter. And the first Liberty observ’d herein, was made use of by King _Henry_ VIII. _Ann._ 26. _Regni sui_, who upon the Death of the Lord _Montjoy_, very speedily assembl’d a Chapter at _Whitehall_, where no more than five Knights-Companions being present, the Absence of the rest were excus’d by special Grace and Favour, and the _Injunction of the Statute_ (as the _Annals_ subjoin) _concerning the Number of Nominators_, were by the same Clemency dispenc’d with, because of the Exigency of the Time and Place, and immediately upon taking a Scrutiny, _James_ V. King of _Scotland_ was elected into the Fellowship of this illustrious Order, but from that Time to the Rebellion, there occurs not any thing of this Nature; but the Wickedness of those Days created new Exigencies and Projections, which occasion’d, or rather inforc’d the Sovereign, King _Charles_ I, most unwillingly to awaken and rouse up this dormant Prerogative, which he put in Execution at a Chapter purposely assembl’d for the Election of _Thomas_ Earl of _Strafford_, held at the City of _York_ the 12th of _September_, 16 _Car._ I. where at that Time and Place he dispenc’d with the Defect of Number of Six Knights-Companions, having then with him Four only, some of the rest being engag’d in his Service against the _Scots_.

AFTERWARDS when several of the Knights-Companions so much adhered to the _Long Parliament_, that all Summons were ineffectual to draw them to their Attendance upon their Sovereign, tho’ but to celebrate the Grand Festival of their Patron (much less to the compleating Chapters of Election) to which they were obliged by the Oath taken at their Installment, the Sovereign was constrain’d to extend further his Supreme Authority; and thereupon at the Feast of St. _George_, celebrated at _York_, the 18th, 19th and 20th of _April, Ann._ 18. _Regni sui_, in a Chapter held on the Eve of the said Feast by himself and but four other Knights Companions, It was Order’d, _That Letters of Dispensation should be drawn up for the insufficient Number_ (as wanting Six Knights) _to hold a Chapter of Election, and for Authorizing the Knights then present to deliver in their Votes according to Custom in other Scrutinies, that so the Sovereign might proceed to the Election design’d_. By vertue of which Dispensation, the Duke of _York_ and Prince _Rupert_ were elected Fellows of this noble Society.

THE like Dispensation was made at _Oxford_ upon the 2d of _March, Anno_ 20. _Car._ I. there being but five Knights-Companions present with the Sovereign; at which Chapter, _William_ Prince of _Orange_, and _Bernard de Foix_, Duke of _Espernon_, were elected.

LAST of all, in reference to the holding three several Chapters preparatory to the Feast of St. _George_, and grand Installation celebrated at _Windsor_ the 15th, 16th, and 17th of _April_, 13. _Car._ II (one of which Chapters was held for the Election of Four Knights, and to deliberate with the surviving Knights-Companions) the Sovereign was pleas’d the 29th of _March_ preceeding, to pass the like Dispensation under the Signet of the Order, and his own Sign Manual, for this defect; and thereby made those three Chapters as legal as if the Number of Knights-Companions had been compleat.

§. 5. WE are now arriv’d at opening the Chapter, whereinto neither the Sovereign, nor any of the Knights-Companions are to be admitted without the Ornament, both their Mantles and Garters, as the Statutes ordain, and the Law is still in force, tho’ the Chapter hath been assembl’d elsewhere than at _Windsor_. As for instance, one call’d at _Whitehall_ for the Election of _John_ Count Palatine of the _Rhine_, _Anno_ 20. _Eliz._ the Earl of _Huntingdon_, and the Lord _Grey_ of _Wilton_, not having their Mantles then at Court, were not permitted to enter into the Chapter to give their Votes.

KING _Charles_ I. determining to call a Chapter for electing the foresaid _Thomas_ Earl of _Strafford_ at _York_, where neither he nor any of the Knights-Companions then attending his Person, had the Robes of the Order with them; and taking into his Royal Consideration, the Statutes now mention’d, did by his Authority, as Sovereign of the Order, dispence with those Knights then present for coming into the Chapter without their Mantles.

AFTERWARD, upon other Emergencies that ow’d their Origin to the late Rebellion, the Sovereign did the like in some subsequent Chapters held at _Oxford_.

AFTER the Restoration, a Dispensation passed the Signet of the Order, dated the 10th of _January_, 12 _Car._ II. (the Great Seal being under the Hand of the Graver but not finish’d) He was necessitated to make use of his Supreme Authority for holding a Chapter the 14th of _January_ following, in regard the Knights-Companions then in being were not as yet provided of new Robes.

PRESUMING then, that a full Number of Knights, (in Obedience to their Summons) are attending their Sovereign habited in their Mantles and Garters, and entred into the Chapter-House at _Windsor_, or other Place appointed for this Assembly, the Sovereign having taken his Seat at the upper End of the Table, and given leave to the Knights-Companions to sit, the Occasion of their being call’d together is first declar’d either by the Sovereign himself, or the Chancellor of the Order by his Command.

THE next thing in Course, is to exhibit to the Sovereign Information of all the vacant Stalls; and if the Sovereign chance to be in Foreign Parts, an Information ought to be transmitted to him by his Deputy or Lieutenant; but if in _England_, and present in the Chapter, then to be presented him by the Chancellor, or in his Absence by the Register, or other Officer of the Order.

AFTER this they singly debate how the Place of the defunct Knight shall be supply’d, and sometimes (where two or more Stalls are found void) whether they shall be all fill’d up at that time, or if not, how many Knights shall be elected _pro hac vice_.

BUT when the Scrutiny is intended to be taken in the Choir of St. _George_’s Chapel at _Windsor_, these or the like particulars (referring to Election) are commonly consider’d of on the Feast-Day in the Chapter held immediately before Vespers, wherein it is most usually order’d, That the Scrutiny shall be taken in the Chapel that following Afternoon. And so it was decreed on St. _George_’s Day, _Anno_ 5. _Edw._ VI. _viz._ _That the Elections of Knights should be taken that Even-song in the Chapel_.

THIS being effected, the Chancellor begins to collect the Knights-Companions Votes, and this is frequently term’d the taking the Scrutiny: For the ampler View of the Nature of which Action and Ceremony, we shall proceed to certain Considerations preparatory thereunto, beginning with what concerns the Nomination of the Persons to be proposed to the Election.

§. 6. AND first, That Knights-Companions only present in Chapter, have the sole Right inherent in themselves, to nominate and propose Persons to the Sovereign’s Election, consentaneous to the Bodies of the Statutes, that even from the Institution of this Most Noble Order, it hath not ever suffer’d any deviations.

IT is worthy of Remark, that _Anno_ 26. _Eliz._ the Feast of St. _George_ being Celebrated at _Greenwich_, the Earl of _Warwick_, and Lord _Burleigh_ were seized with a Fit of the Gout, upon the Feast Day, which retarded them from Evening Prayer, whilst the Scrutiny was taken; whereupon we find their Indisposition of Body, and Absence, noted in that Scrutiny, where their Nominations should else have been set down, had they been present. And upon the same Occasion was what _Robert Cook_, Esq; _Clarenceux_, King at Arms, informs us, _That as for those Knights Companions who happen to be absent_ when the Scrutiny is taken, altho’ this Absence is _occasioned_ by Accident of Sickness, or with the Soveraign’s Licence, nevertheless, _in regard of this their Absence at that very time, their Votes may not be received_.

Those Knights Companions that come late to the Chapter, forfeit likewise the Privilege of giving their Votes for that time, which so happened to Prince _Rupert_, and the Earl of _Strafford_, at the Chapter held for the Election of _James_ Duke of _Monmouth_, in the Privy Chamber at _Whitehall_, 29 _Mar._ 1663.

Altho’ none of the absent Knights-Companions can give a Proxy to vote, or otherwise send their Suffrages into the Chapter or Chapel, there to pass in Nomination; yet formerly, _circa temp. H._ 5. _& H._ 6. when divers of the Knights Companions were frequently employed in the Wars of _France_, and consequently so fixed to their Commands, that they could not personally attend the Feast of St. _George_ at _Windsor_, it was usual for the Commander there in Chief, with Consent of those Knights Companions, to make a formal Certificate, or Presentment (but not to pass it by way of Nomination or Vote, for that the Law of the Order did not permit) to the Soveraign, or his Lieutenant and Knights Companions assembled at the Feast, of such Persons famous for martial Valour and Virtue, with an Account of their gallant Acts and Atchievements, (attested by other Persons of Honour) as were at that time, and in that Kingdom, in the Sovereign’s Service, and seemed worthy Candidates for the Honour of the Election, to the intent victorious and brave Persons might be preferr’d to so noble and sublime a Post; an Example whereof we find preserved by the Industrious and Learned _Dugdale_.

“My Lord the Duc of _Bedford_ remembreth, as by the Statutes of the Order of the Gartre, the Election of the Stalls voyde. He saith in the Voyc of the Brethren, and of the Fellowship, beyng at the tyme of the Fest, in the Presence of the Soverain or hys Deputy; that thinkyth to my said Lord, that for hys Acquital to Knighthood, that fytteth hym to give in Knowledge to the Kyng Soverain of the Ordre, and to his Fellowship of the same Ordre, the great Honours of the notable Knights, that from tyme to tyme exercyseth, and have exercysed in Knighthood; and especially in the Service of their Soverain Lord. And of such notable Knyghts as my Lord of _Bedford_, for the tyme remembreth him of, he hath by the Advyce of them of the Fellowship of the Ordre, being now in _France_, in the Kyngs Service, and givyng in charge to the said Garter Kyng of Arms, of the Ordre, to shew theyr Names to the Kyng, and to expound Part of theyr Deeds, Acts, and of theyr Worthyness. First to expose the Honour of Sir _John Radeclyff_ that hath contynowed all the tyme of the victorious Kyng that last dyed, whom Christe absolve, at the first landing of hym, at _Quies de Caux_, where the sayd _Radeclyff_ receyved the Order of a Knyght, and after contynowed the Siege of _Hareflew_. And after with my Lord of _Excester_ at the Battaile of _Vallemont_, and of _Quies de Caux_. And also sithen the deth of the sayd victorious Kyng, _Radeclyff_ being Seneschall of _Guyen_, hath brought by hys Labour in Knyghthood to hys Soveraign Lord’s obeysance within the Duchie of _Guyen_ many dyverse Cities, Towns and Fortresses. And in especial deserved great and notable merits at the Siege of the City of _Bazates_, whych Siege was accorded, appointed, and set day of Battaile and of Rescous, the whych day was kept and houlden with great power on both Sydes, and under Banners displayed, the Enemyes doubtyng to fyght wyth _Radeclyff_ required hym of apoyntment they to depart under saufe conduct from the said Field, the whych saufe conduct he graunted them for the term of eight days, like as they required the honour and empruse rested in the said _Radeclyff_, and to hys hygh meryte, for incontynent followyng was delyvered to hym, the reddyssion and possession of the sayd Cytty of _Bazates_. And also the sayd _Radeclyff_ was at the Battaile of _Assincouert_, and hath contynowed and exercysed the Armys the Space of xxviij Wynters unreproched. And in the tyme of his Esquierhood was at the Battaile of _Shrewsbury_ and at the Journey of _Husks_ wyth the Lord _Grey_ at the discomfiture and taking of _Owenson_.

Syr _Thomas Ramston_,
Syr _Rauff Butler_,
Syr _William Oldegall_,
Syr _Robert Harlyng_,
Syr _Gilbert Halsall_.

“_Item_, My Lord the Duc of _Bedford_ beseecheth the Kyng Soveraign of the Order to have also for recommendyd to his good grace and highnesse other of his Subjects and Servants now being in hys Service in the Realme of _France_, whych hath done and yet doth take great payne by their knyghtly labour dayly to serve the merite of worthyness and prowess, as Syr _Robert Hungerford_, Syr _Thomas Beamont_, Syr _John Popeham_, Syr _Nicholas Burdet_, Syr _Rauff Nevill_, Syr _Edward Wyver_, Syr John_ Robesart_, Syr _Tyre Robesart_, Syr _William Bretton_, Syr _Thomas Kyngston_, Syr _Richard Hankford_, and dyverse other.”

BUT lest it may be suppos’d by some, that the Knights-Companions present in Chapter, can at their pleasures nominate or propose to elect such Persons as they deem meet, so they be qualify’d according to the Statutes, this Privilege is to be understood of Knights Subjects only: For in all Cases concerning Strangers, the Sovereign doth but barely grant them Sufferance, and may direct and confine the Knights-Companions to the Nomination of such as he at any time intends to Honour with Election, which Prerogative was particularly Asserted, 31 _Eliz._ and 3 _Car._ I.

IN the First of these Instances, the _Blue Book_, of the Order recordeth, That at a Chapter held immediately before Vespers on St. _George_’s Day, the Earl of _Huntingdon_, then Lieutenant for the Sovereign, made known to the Knights-Companions, _That the Sovereign did permit them, or leave it to their Pleasure to chuse into the Order whatsoever Foreign Prince they should by their Votes approve of_.

HERE we have two Points that offer themselves to our Consideration. _First_, That the Knights-Companions have not the Liberty to nominate what Foreign Prince they please, but the same is derivative from the Sovereign, and only by his Permission. _Secondly_, To weigh the Paragraph well, that _Nominare_ ought to be render’d or understood here by the Word _Eligere_, and that the Power delegated to the Knights-Companions from the Sovereign, was only to nominate, not elect; For it immediately follows, _That the Knights-Companions went from the Chapter to the Second Vespers; and while the Divine Offices were celebrating, the Prelate receiv’d their Nominations, and that very Evening the Lieutenant presented them to the Sovereign for her to consider of_; which had been insignificant and useless, if the Knights-Companions had been impower’d by her Licence to have made the Choice themselves. But the contrary is evident; for the next Morning, all the Knights-Companions attending the Sovereign in Chapter, she herself confirm’d there the Election not of any Foreign Prince, but of the Earl of _Sussex_, and the Lord _Buckhurst_.

IN the other Instance, _Anno_ 3 _Car._ I. the Sovereign in a Chapter held before Vespers on St. _George_’s Day, signify’d it to be his Pleasure (Three Stalls being then vacant) that _out of Foreign Princes, the Nomination of whom_, (saith the Annals in that very Place) _belongs only to the Sovereign_, i. e. The Sovereign has the Prerogative to direct the Knights-Companions to name, or impose upon them the Nomination of such Foreign Prince he pleaseth they, the Knights-Companions, should pitch upon; which must undoubtedly be understood to Nominate, or enter down into the Scrutiny, (not elect) _Gustavus Adolphus_, King of _Sweden_, and _Henry_ Prince of _Orange_. For a little after, it is evident, when the Scrutiny was presented to the Sovereign, that himself, not the Knights-Companions, made Election of them.

AND it is further manifest, by the Scrutiny there inserted, that both those Princes were named by every of the Knights-Companions then present, according to the Sovereign’s signification (which has been usually done at all other Times upon the like Occasions.) But concerning the third Person then to be Elected, the Sovereign, (intending him to be a Knight-Subject) left it entirely to their Pleasure to Nominate whomsoever they thought worthy of their Votes. Since this Time, the Nominations in like Cases, have been sufficiently acknowledg’d by the Knights-Companions themselves, to be a Prerogative belonging solely to the Sovereign. For to the End they might more expeditiously and clearly shew their Compliance, it was moved in a Chapter held at _Oxford_, _March_ the 2d. 19 _Car._ I. _That it might become a Custom for the Sovereign to declare before-hand, whether he would elect any Foreign Prince, and whom, that so the Knights-Companions might be there to name him in the Scrutiny_.

§. 7. ANOTHER Consideration in our Progress towards the Act of Election, is appertaining to the Number, Qualifications and Dignities of the Persons nominated, which may be more conspicuously resolved from another Branch of the before-mention’d Article, _viz._ That every one of the Knights-Companions present at the Election should nominate for himself nine very sufficient Persons, whom he should judge free from all Reproach and Scandal, whether Subjects to the Sovereign, or Foreigners, Provided they are known not to Favour or Abet any Party at enmity with him; that is to say, three Earls, or others of higher Degree, three Barons, and three Knights. Wherein the Things chiefly observable, we rank under five Heads.

For the First of these, their Number. Every Knight-Companion assembl’d in Chapter, is injoin’d to name Nine, neither more nor less. So also saith King _Henry_ V’s Statutes. Nor are King _Henry_ VIIIth’s. any ways dissonant. And in this particular, the Statutes have been hitherto inviolably observed, except in one Case. As to Numbers, and the Mysteries wrapt up in them, we shall not further insist upon. But why our Royal Founder selected this particular Number above all other, unless he had some Eye, and tacit Reflection on the Nine Worthies, or a treble threefold Cord and Symbol of perfect Stability and solid Amity, the Number Nine is accounted to signifie, can with no great Facility or Certainty be decypher’d.

As to the Second Point, they ought to be of unspotted Character. The Injunction in the Statutes of Institution takes Order, that the Persons designed for Election, should be _free from all Reproach, and of untaintted Reputation_; and according to those of King _Henry_ V. are to be _the best and most sufficient Knights, and freest from Reproach_. To the same purpose the Exemplar in the Black-Book, _Such as are fittest_, and whom they who Nominate _believe to be free from Ignominy and Dishonour_. And to this Act of Nomination belongs part of the Second Article in _Henry_ VIIIth’s Statutes, _That no Knight-Companion should name any Person whom he thinks or esteems in his Conscience to have upon him any Spot of Reproach_. But on the Contrary in another Place of the same Statutes it is Provided, That they be nominated and proposed _out of the Number of the most worthy and select Knights_.

How tender the Knights-Companions were in pristine Times of infringing this particular, is proved from a notable Passage which happen’d _Ann._ 39 _Hen._ VI. at a Scrutiny taken the 8th of _February_, in the Bishop of _London_’s Palace, where _John de Foix_ Earl of _Kendal_, a _Gascoigner_ by birth, (which makes the Example more eminent, that a Stranger should have so great Regard to the Honour of the Order) not being acquainted with the Quality and Merit of Knights and Honourable Persons amongst us so well and demonstrably as to nominate such whom he was confident were irreprehensible, forbore to mention any Persons at all. And certainly, seeing the Statutes put very considerable Qualifications upon the Deputies and Proxies, made choice for the Installation of Strangers (as elsewhere shown) much more Caution and Regard ought to be used both in the Nomination and Election of Knights into this radiant and illustrious Society.

THE third Head the Statutes render indifferently capable of being nominated or elected, either Knights Subjects, or Strangers, [Free Princes or their Subjects.] And it was so even at the Election upon the first Choice, where among the Twenty five Elected Knights, Twenty three of them were Subjects. And this was the constant Custom not only in the remaining Part of the Founders Reign, and during those of his three Successors, but has continued ever since, as appears from the Scrutinies taken and entred throughout the Annals of the Order.

OF those who have gain’d admission into this Noble Order by Election, we shall in the last Chapter give an Account in a compleat Catalogue of them, and likewise insert the Names of such as have missed their Election, yet are not to be buried in Oblivion, out of this very respect, that by their standing Candidates, have the Fame of being enrolled in the Principal Register of Honour now in the Christian World. It cannot be supposed we should give a List of all, (for that were a Task too laborious, and wou’d prove too numerous) but only of those of eminent Quality in foreign Parts, with the Æra when the Scrutinies were taken.

_A_ CATALOGUE _of some_ STRANGERS _who have been nominated, but not
elected_.

_Rambrith de Walsey_ } _Johannes de Voynada_ } 25 _Hen._ 6.

_Franciscus Sforza_, Dux _Mediolani_ 28 _Hen._ 6.

_Franciscus_ secundus, Dux _Britanniæ_ 13, 14, 15, 22 _E._ 4.

_Henricus_ quartus, Rex _Legionis_ & _Castil._ 14 _Ed._ 4.

_Matthius Corvinus_, Rex _Hungariæ_ 19, 22 _Ed._ 4.

_Fredericus_ secundus, Dux _Austriæ_ 22 _E._ 4. 1 _R._ 3.

_Philippus_ quartus, Dux _Burgundiæ_ 14 _Hen._ 7.

_Franciscus Maria_, Dux _Urbini_ 1, 2 _Hen._ 8.

_Uladislaus_ secundus, Rex _Hungariæ_ 1, 2, 6 _Hen._ 8.

_Christianus_ secundus, Rex _Daniæ_ 6, 8 _Hen._ 8.

Dux _Barryæ_ } Comes _Galaciæ_ } 8 _Hen._ 8

_Alphonsus_ Dux _Ferrariæ_ 13, 15 _Hen._ 8.

_Ludovicus_ secundus, Rex _Hungariæ_ 13, 14, 15 _H._ 8.

_Maximilianus Sforza_, Dux _Mediolani_ 14, 15, 16 _H._ 8.

_Marchio Pescaræ_ 17 _Hen._ 8.

_Johannes_ tertius, Rex _Portugalliæ_ 17, 18, 26, 28 _H._ 8.

_—— Marchio Mantuæ_ 18 _Hen._ 8.

_Carolus Burbonus_, Dux _Vandosme_ 24 _Hen._ 8.

_Gulielmus_ Dux _Clivensis_ } —— Dux _Bavariæ_ } 32 _Hen._ 8.

Dux _Alvæ_ } Dux _Medinæ Cæli_ } 1 & 2 _Ph._ and _M._ Comes _Fereæ_ }

_Franciscus_ secundus, Rex _Galliæ_

_Franciscus_ tertius, Comes _Palatinus_

_Augustus_ Dux _Saxoniæ_

_Alphonsus_ secundus, Dux _Ferrariæ_

—— Dux _Andegavensis_

Dominus _Grabazenby_ } Dominus _Humers_ } Dominus _Johannes Mounte_ } 24 _Hen._ 8. Dominus _Harmibolt_ } Dominus _Boysy_ }

THOSE Persons were render’d incapable of Nomination who were known to Act in contrary Interest to the Sovereign; as the _Exemplar_ in the _Black-Book_ expresseth more copiously, _Such as are not his Adversaries, or Abettors, or willing Defenders of his Adversaries_. Sometimes the Knights-Companions being more wary and discreet in Nominating them, to put either disrespect upon the Sovereign, or offer Violation to the Statutes.

IN the last Place, concerning the Degree, Rank and Dignity of the Nine Knights proposed to be Elected, the Statutes of the Institution set forth, That they be, _First_, Three _Earls_, or Persons of great Dignity. _Secondly_, Three _Barons_. And, _Thirdly_, Three _Knights_: Or, as it is in _Henry_ V’s Statutes, _Trois Contes ou de greegnear estat, trois Banerets, & trois Batchelers_. These Degrees are to be ranked in Three Classes, and they distinguish’d by Three Divisions, all including the Three Degrees aforesaid.

WHEREAS all other Bodies and Exemplars of the Statutes make positive mention of Earls only, yet the Statutes of _Hen._ VIII. in this Point are more ample, by expressing the first Class, _Dukes_, _Marquesses_, and _Earls_, or _Persons superior_ to these in Degree, wherein the highest Dignity is comprehended.

WE may observe the different Title, _viz._ _Baneret_ that _Henry_ V’s Statutes hath given us instead of _Baron_; and not only in this Article, but in all other where there is Occasion to treat of Barons; and yet the Record intends by it no other than the Person it mentions: For tho’ a Banneret had its Denomination _à vexillo_, it usually signify’d a Degree of Honour next below a Baron, both in a later and a modern Date; yet formerly among our Records, it is expressedly Synonymous to Baron, as is sufficiently clear’d up by our most Learned _Selden_; and in this Sense is to be taken here, and not as a distinct Title of lower Degree, because we observe the Bannerets rank’d in all Scrutinies before King _Henry_ VIII. establish’d his Statutes (except one) with the Knights-Batchelors, not with Barons.

THE Title of the third and lowest Rank in this Classis in the Statutes of their Institution, are called _Milites Bachalauri_, and in those of King _Henry_ V. _Batchelors_, and elsewhere _Bachalauri & Bachelauri Equites_, which in common Acceptation are the same with _Milites_, tho’ thus render’d to evince their difference from Knights-Bannerets, who are of a superior Degree of Honour. And here we may observe, that there is no Place in a Scrutiny for any under the Degree of a Knight-Batchelor. And tho’ Three of the Nine mentioned are set down to be Barons, and Three other Earls, or of higher Degree, yet must these Six be such as have had conferred on them the Order of Knighthood, else their Names are rejected, and neither given or taken in Nomination; for the Words of the Statute expresly are, _That each of the Knights assembl’d at the Election shall name nine Knights_.

THUS King _Charles_ I. _Anno_ 6 _Regni sui_, designing to invest _James_ Marquess of _Hamilton_ with this Order, conferr’d the Honour of Knighthood upon him immediately before his Nomination: And the Annals in that Place put this commentary Remark thereupon, _Because by the Statutes it is provided, that none should be elected into the Order that have not been dignify’d with the Title of Knight_.

YET the Ceremony of Knighting the Person designed to be elected, was not so strictly regarded, but sometimes this Branch of the Statute was either wholly passed, or else confounded with the second Article throughout the several Bodies of the Statutes, which prohibits the Choice or Election of any Person into the Society, as this doth the Proposal or Nomination. And thereupon perhaps it was conceiv’d, that altho’ the Nomination, Election, and sometimes Delivery of the Ensigns of the Order was first dispatch’d and past, yet it was sufficient if the Honour of Knighthood was conferr’d afterwards; as in the Cases of _William_ Earl of _Derby_ and _Thomas_ Lord _Burleigh_, _Anno_ 43. _Eliz._ where the Register observes, That as soon as their Election was over, and they Usher’d into the Chapter, the Earl of _Derby_, (who it seems had not been Knighted before) was dubbed Knight with a drawn Sword, according to Custom, after which they had the Garter and George put on by the Sovereign her self.

IN like manner, _Ulrick_ Duke of _Holstein_, and _Henry_ Earl of _Northampton_, immediately after their Election, (the last Day of St. _George_’s Feast, _Ann._ 3. _Jac._ I.) and before they receiv’d the Ensigns of the Order, had the Dignity of Knighthood conferr’d on them by the Sovereign; and in like manner the Earl of _Sussex_, _Ann._ 3 _C._ I. which the _Red-Book_ of the Order recites, _That as soon as it was understood that the Earl had not receiv’d the Order of Knighthood before, the Sovereign immediately drawing his Sword, Knighted him_; which was not done till after his Election and Investiture with both the George and Garter.

THUS did the Ceremony of Knighthood succeed the Election of _Charles_ Prince of _Wales_, the 21st of _May_, _Ann._ 14 _Car._ I. for after he had been elected, and invested with the Ensigns of the Order by the two Senior Knights (the Earls of _Pembroke_ and _Montgomery_, and of _Arundel_ and _Surry_) were intreated by the rest of the Knights-Companions, to present his Highness to the Sovereign in the Name of all the rest, to be initiated a Knight-Batchelor. He was conducted by the said Earls (his Supporters) into the Presence-Chamber in _Windsor-Castle_, where before the Chair of State, he most Solemnly receiv’d the Order of Knighthood from his Father King _Charles_ I.

TO Honour which Knighthood, and the Memory thereof, Four of the chief Nobility then present were Knighted, _viz._ the Earls of _Essex_, _St. Alban_’s and _Elgin_, and Viscount _Grandison_, being conducted from the Great Chamber to the Sovereign’s State, each between two Batchelor-Knights.

AFTERWARDS the Law in this Point began again to be more rightly understood; and by that Time _James_ Duke of _York_ came to be elected (which was the 20th of _April_, 18 _Car._ I. at the Feast of St. _George_ celebrated at _York_) the Sovereign appointed, and accordingly conferr’d Knighthood upon him the Day before, which he receiv’d upon his Knees, being conducted into the Presence-Chamber between two of the Nobility, who were also Knights, the Marquess of _Hertford_ and Viscount _Grandison_. In Honour and Commemoration whereof, Four other Noblemen receiv’d the Honour of Knighthood at that time, the Earl of _Carnarvan_, the Lords _George D’Aubignie_, _John Stewart_, and _Bernard Stewart_, each supported by two Knights.

AND thus Prince _Edward_ Count Palatine of the _Rhine_, and _George_ Duke of _Buckingham_, being designed by King _Charles_ II. to be admitted into this Noble Order, were both first Knighted at St. _Germains_ in _France_, 1649. and afterwards had the Ensigns of the Order sent unto them, by the Hands of Sir _Edward Walker_, Kt. Garter, who, in right of his Office, invested them therewith.

YET in the Case of Prince _Rupert_, who was elected with _James_ Duke of York, _Ann._ 18. _Car._ I. His want of Knighthood became no impediment, because he was a Prince in another Country, _viz._ Count _Palatine_ of the _Rhine_, and Duke of _Bavaria_, and might therefore justly challenge a Privilege to come within the Rule of foreign Princes.

BUT the Sovereign, to arrive as near to the Intention and Observance of the Statute as he could, (where there was a possibility to do it, and the Honour would be well accepted by the Prince) thought it requisite by Commission under the Great Seal of _England_, to impower _Thomas_ Earl of _Arundel_ and _Surry_, and _George_ Lord _Goring_, both being then in _Holland_, or either of them, to Knight the said Prince before putting on the Garter (seeing it could not possibly be done before his Election) which was intended to be sent by him by the Hands of Sir _John Burrough_, Garter. But Death intervening, the Sovereign’s Intention was frustrated; altho’ the Prince, upon his coming afterwards into _England_, receiv’d both the Garter and the George from the Sovereign himself at _Nottingham_ nevertheless without Knighthood, which to excuse, it may well be alledg’d, that the Sovereign might not recollect this Part of the Ceremony, it being a Time of so great Turmoil and Fatigue, occasion’d by the then setting up of his Standard.

HOWEVER, upon the 17th of _January_, 1644. when a Decree past in Chapter then assembl’d at _Oxford_, That both the Duke of _York_ and the Prince, should enjoy all Emoluments and Privileges of the Order, tho’ they were not as yet Install’d (which Ceremony was to be compleated assoon as _Windsor_ was out of the Power of the Rebels.) The Prince, before he receiv’d his Oath, was conducted by the Earl of _Berk-shire_ and Duke of _Richmond_ and _Lenox_, unto the Sovereign, and had conferr’d on him the Honour of Knighthood, there being at the same Time two of the Nobility Knighted in Memorial of that Solemnity, the Lord _Henry Seymour_, Second Son to the Marquess of _Hertford_, and the Lord _Capell_, conducted each between two Knights.

§. 8. WE are now come to speak of the Scrutiny it self, in reference to which, we shall consider by whom it ought, or hath been usually taken, and the Manner and Form thereof.

BY the Statutes of the Institution, the Collecting the Knights-Companions Votes, and entring them in the Scrutiny, solely appertains to the Prelate of the Order; and upon him is this Office devolved, not only by the other Bodies of the Statutes, but by the Constitutions of his Post, and the Obligation of his Oath, whose right we find duly asserted upon this Persons taking a Scrutiny, _Anno_ 29 _Eliz._