Chapter XIII: Part 13

If we review the aforesaid Tables, we shall find, that as the Knights-Companions of higher Dignity assumed the Stalls, (when they became vacant) though often of the lower sort, so some of the inferior rank among them have had the Honour to be installed in Seats of a superior Class, and this by the virtue and due of the Law.

Amongst these Knights-Companions we shall enumerate Sir _Philip la Vache_, a _Gascon_, who, in the Reign of King _Richard_ II. was first installed in the Prince’s Stall, (being vacant by the Death of _John_ of _Gaunt_,) though afterwards removed to the third Stall on the Sovereign’s side. Sir _Nicholas Sarnesfield_, Standard-bearer to the Founder, who succeeded _Hugh_ Earl of _Stafford_, and after him Sir _William Arundel_, immediate Successor to Sir _Nicholas_, were both installed in the second Stall on the Sovereign’s side: As likewise Sir _John Robsart_, Sir _Gilbert Talbot_, and Sir _John Grey_, _&c._ were installed in the second or third Stalls on the Sovereign’s side.

These Instances already asserted, are sufficient to manifest the Usage and Practice, how the Knights-Companions have succeeded in the Stalls of their immediate Predecessors, down to the Reign of _Henry_ VIII. and was consonant and agreeable to the ancient Law of the Order.

But we are to observe, that tho’ each Knight was, by the before-mentioned Article, constituted to succeed his immediate Predecessor, in the Stall void by his Death, yet there’s an exception as to that of the Prince of _Wales_. This Stall is the first on the left Hand, at the entrance into the Choir of St. _George_’s _Chappel_ at _Windsor_, and wherein _Edward_ the Black Prince was installed; from this Stall does the whole range of Stalls on the same side take their Denomination, and to which the Prince of _Wales_, as soon as he is elected into the Order, hath a due Title. Though this Stall _de Jure_ appertains to that Prince, yet heretofore, when the Sovereign had no Heir, then was it for the present disposed to some other Knight, otherwise a defect in the full Number of Knights-Companions would have ensued.

The first that obtained that Honour, (besides the Prince of _Wales_,) was _John_ of _Gaunt_, Duke of _Lancaster_, decreed him by K. _Richard_ II. who never had Issue, and removed from the seventh Stall thither. But the first Companion that happened to be installed in it, was Sir _Philip la Vache_ just mentioned, which was a great Honour done to one of his Rank: But it fell to him by the then Law of the Order, being elected into the Room of the said Duke, who died possessed of it. But King _Henry_ IV. coming to the Crown, and his eldest Son being created Prince of _Wales_, laid claim to the Stall by Virtue of that Statute, and had it assigned to him. Nevertheless, that the former Possessor might suffer as little diminution as might be in the Honour of his Session, he was removed no lower than to the Stall which King _Henry_ IV. lately held, when he was Earl of _Derby_.

Upon the Death of _Henry_ IV. _Henry_ V. being Sovereign, Sir _John Dabrichcourt_ supplyed the vacancy, and was installed therein; and he dying in the fifth Year of that King possess’d thereof, his Plate continues in that Stall to this Day, and the Emperor _Sigismond_ succeeds Sir _John Dabrichcourt_ in the Prince’s Stall.

Some few Years before King _Henry_ VI. died, he had a Son Born; and though the Emperor _Frederick_ was elected into the Order, _Anno_ 35 _Henry_ VI. yet was that Stall reserved for the Prince, (though he never possess’d it) and the Emperor 37 _Henry_ VI. was installed by Proxy in the Duke of _Somerset_’s Stall, then lately deceased.

In _Edward_ IV’s Reign, the right of this Stall returned again to _Edward_ his Son, the Prince of _Wales_, and in _Henry_ VII’s, to Prince _Arthur_, but upon his Death, to _Maximilian_, Son of _Frederick_ King of the _Romans_, and after Emperor, enjoyed it. So did the Emperor _Charles_ V. (his Grandchild,) in regard there was no Son as yet Born to the Sovereign.

But Prince _Edward_ being Born, while the Stall was possessed by _Charles_ V. it chanc’d likewise that the King of the _Scots_ died, which caus’d King _Henry_ VIII. to reserve his Stall for that Prince, although he never had Possession of it, or was elected into the Order, though we find him once registred in a Scrutiny. King _Henry_ VIII. dying, Prince _Edward_ became, both by Inheritance and Succession, Sovereign of this most Noble Order.

From this Time, to the eighth Year of King _James_ I. there was no Prince of _Wales_, who finding the Prince’s Stall vacant, at his entrance upon the English Throne, did in a Chapter in the first Year of his Reign, advance the French King _Henry_ IV. from the second Stall on the Sovereign’s side, into it; and appointed Prince _Henry_ to be installed in that King’s void Seat, where he continued till _Anno_ 3 _Jac._ I. that _Christierne_ IV. King of _Denmark_, came to be installed by Proxy, and the Prince was moved lower to make way for him, though he was Senior both by Election and Installation. _Anno_ 9 _Jac._ I. upon the Death of the French King, not the Prince, whose Right it was, since he was created Prince of _Wales_, but the said King of _Denmark_, was translated to the vacant Stall; and hereupon Prince _Henry_ was returned again to the second Stall on the Sovereign’s side, which he enjoyed as long as he survived, and upon his Death, Prince _Charles_ was removed into it, and there remained all King _James_’s Reign.

When King _Charles_ II. came to be installed, the Sovereign finding him prevented from assuming the Prince’s Stall, the King of _Denmark_ being yet alive, assigned to him the second Stall on the Sovereign’s side, (wherein himself sat whilst Prince of _Wales_,) and where hitherto his Plate remains as a fixed Memorial of his Installation therein.

Although it has been made apparent, that the _Knights-Companions_, at their Election or Installation, succeeded the immediate _defunct Knight_ in his Stall, yet we may observe, that sometimes after Installation, as an especial signal of Favour and Indulgence, the Sovereign hath been pleased, though very rarely, to advance a _Knight-Companion_ to a higher Stall than that wherein he was first placed; and though there be no such Permission granted by the Law of the Order, yet we find _John_ of _Gaunt_, Duke of _Lancaster_, removed from the seventh Stall on the Prince’s side, to the Prince’s Stall it self, and it’s said to be done by the Decree of the Sovereign and the _Knights-Companions_. And no doubt but as this was done by so good Authority, and so upon no less enducements to the Sovereign, and the whole Society. We shall here mention a few of these extraordinary Cases. _William Henalt_, Earl of _Ostervant_, was advanced by King _Richard_ II. from the eleventh Stall on the Sovereign’s side, to the Duke of _Britain_’s, being the second on the Prince’s side. _Humphry_ Duke of _Gloucester_, in the Reign of King _Henry_ VI. was removed from the eleventh Stall on the Sovereign’s side, to the second on the same side; and _Richard Nevil_, Earl of _Warwick_, by the Consent of the _Knights-Companions_ in Chapter, _Anno_ 39 _Henry_ VI. was translated to the Duke of _Buckingham_’s Stall; the Lord _Bonvil_, to the Lord _Scales_’s Seat; Sir _Thomas Kyriell_, to the Place of the Earl of _Shrewsbury_; and the Lord _Wenlock_, to the Stall of Viscount _Beaumont_. But King _Henry_ VIII. thinking it requisite for the Sovereign of this most Noble Order, to be impowered by a General, how to Act that at Pleasure, which the former Sovereigns did not, but by the Power of particular Acts, or Orders, in the Chapter; after he had confirmed the ancient Law of succeeding in the Stall of the immediate Predecessor, and not to suffer an alteration without the Sovereign’s Licence, in the next Article he established this Privilege upon Himself and Successors: _That if there were any Place or Stall void, the Sovereign, at his own Pleasure, might Advance and Translate any Knight of the Society into the void Stall, so that it were higher than that, wherein he sate before_.

This in Effect did vacat the ancient Law of succeeding in Stalls, though at the same Time he seem’d to Confirm it to the _Knights-Subjects_, for afterwards Translations preceeding to Installations, became so frequent, that the Right an _elect Knight_ had to his Predecessor’s Stall, was seldom enjoyed. However, hereby he confirmed a Power to gratify such of the _Knights-Companions_, as he shou’d think fit to advance, without having recourse to a Chapter; and from hence began the Custom to Issue out Warrants, under the Sovereign’s _Sign Manual_, for the Translation of Stalls, and consequently the alteration and removal of such of the _Knights-Companions Helms_, _Crests_, _Banners_, and _Plates_, who shou’d receive a higher Exaltation.

Besides the Power established upon the Sovereigns of this most Noble Order, of translating Stalls, when a vacancy happened, they farther added this larger Prerogative: That the Sovereign, once in his Life, might, if it pleased him, make a general Translation of all the Stalls at his Pleasure, except of Emperors, Kings, Princes, and Dukes, who shou’d keep their Stalls and Places, unless advanced to a higher Room and Stall. In which Translation, the long continuance in the Order, and the Praises, Worthiness, and Merits of the _Knights-Companions_, were to be considered and remembred.

But this Branch of the Sovereign’s Prerogative, as far as we can find, was never put in Execution, though the Translation, _Anno_ 27 _Henry_ VIII. border’d something upon it, perhaps lest it might raise too great Feuds among the _Knights-Subjects_; forasmuch as that of translating only, (when there happened a vacancy,) begot great Emulations, which at length introduced a Change, to which we shall pass, after we have taken notice of a Clause added in the twenty second Article of King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes, relating to Princes.

It is observable the ancient Law of succeeding in Stalls, in relation to them, was wholly altered. For King _Henry_ VIII. upon the Establishment of his Body of Statutes, not only appointed those Strangers, then present of the Order, to be seated next himself; but that all Emperors, Kings, and Princes, should hold their Stalls after their Estates, and the very next unto the Sovereign, tho’ _Knights-Subjects_, upon vacancy, become removable at Pleasure.

For this reason, the Emperor _Maximilian_ II. and after him _Rudolph_ II. his Son, had the Prince’s Stalls assigned them after their Election into the Order; and several of the Kings of _France_ were placed in the next below, being the second on the Sovereign’s side. And when there chanced to be more than one King at a time in the Order, the second Stall on the Prince’s side was assigned him; for Precedency was measured now by Dignity and State, and not by the Antiquity of the Order; As appears from the King of _Bohemia_, _Anno_ 19 _Henry_ VIII. and the King of _Spain_, _Anno_ 8 _Elizabeth_, Princes Strangers, according to their regality, and illustrious extraction, had their Scituation next to Kings, as is manifest from the Dukes of _Savoy_, _Montmorency_, and _Holstein_, _Anno_ 3 _Elizabeth_, and _Frederick_ Prince _Palatine_, and _Maurice_ Prince of _Orange_, _Anno_ 11 _Jac._ I.

But notwithstanding these Assignments of Stalls to Strangers, they were nevertheless subject to removal, sometimes to Stalls higher than their own, upon the Death of a Stranger, who died possessed of a superior one; and sometimes again to others lower, for the advancing a Knight of greater Degree and Distinction, where the upper Stalls were already supplied; else they could not be so ranked, according to their respective Quality, as the Statutes enjoyn; nor indeed wou’d any Stranger King have accepted of an Election, unless he was placed in a distinguishable Stall, suitable to his Dignity. _Ferdinand_, Emperor of _Germany_, is an instance of Advancement in translation of Stalls; for after the Death of the Emperor _Charles_ V. his Brother, he was advanced from the second Stall on the Prince’s side, into the Prince’s Stall. And _Henry_ IV. of _France_, from the second on the Sovereign’s side, to the Prince’s Stall, and _Christierne_ IV. King of _Denmark_, _Anno_ 9 _Jac._ I.

Among Princes Strangers, we find _Emanuel_ Duke of _Savoy_, advanced from the third on the Prince’s side, to the second on the same side, _Anno_ 2 _Elizabeth_; and _Frederick_ Prince Palatine, _Anno_ 1 _Charles_ I. was advanced from the second of the Prince’s, to the second on the side of the Sovereign; likewise _Henry Frederick_, Prince of _Orange_; was advanced from the third of the Sovereign’s, to the second of the Prince’s, upon the Death of the King of _Sweden_, _Anno_ 10 _Charles_ I.

When the _French_ King _Charles_ IX. was elected, _Anno_ 6 _Elizabeth_, the superior Stalls were already filled with Strangers, and there was no Expedient left to give him the Stall the Sovereign design’d him, but by the removal of some of those _Knights-Strangers_ lower; and upon this, _Emanuel_ Duke of _Savoy_ was displaced to the third on the Sovereign’s side.

But the _French_ King was not installed, until the 16th of _January_, _Anno_ 8 _Elizabeth_, and before that it was concluded to remove the King of _Spain_ to the Duke of _Savoy_’s Stall, as void before, and to instal the _French_ King in the King of _Spain_’s, which was accordingly done; so that upon this occasion, there were four Strangers, and five _Knights-Subjects_, removed lower, to make way for the _French_ King.

The 20th of _April_, _Anno_ 2 _Jac._ I. The Duke of _Wirtemberg_ was installed in the third Stall on the Prince’s side, and the Year following advanced to a higher.

The 26th of _May_ ensuing, _Ulerick_ Duke _Holst_, had assigned unto him that Stall from which the Duke of _Wirtemberg_ was advanced: But against the Installation of _Christierne_, the fourth King of _Denmark_, the Duke was removed back to his Seat, wherein he was installed, and the Duke advanced into the vacant one. All which will appear more conspicuous, from the appointment of Stalls on these Occasions, which follow.

A remove of _Banners_ and _Plates_, at the Installation of _Frederick_
Duke of _Wirtemberg_, _Anno Jac._ I. _Reg._ 2.

_JAMES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The_ French _King_
2. _The Prince_ 2. _Void_
3. _Earl of_ Nottingham 3. _Duke of_ Wirtemberg
4. _Earl of_ Ormond 4. _Earl of_ Dorset
5. _Earl of_ Shrewsbury 5. _Earl of_ Cumberland
6. _Earl of_ Northumber. 6. _Earl of_ Worcester
7. _Lord_ Sheffeild 7. _Earl of_ Suffolk
8. _Earl of_ Devonshire 8. _Sir_ Henry Lea
9. _Earl of_ Sussex 9. _Lord_ Scroop
10. _Earl of_ Derby 10. _Lord_ Burleigh
11. _Duke of_ Lenox 11. _Earl of_ Southampton
12. _Earl of_ Marr 12. _Earl of_ Pembrook
13. _Void_ 13. _Void_

The Order of Stalls at the Feast of St. _George_, _Anno Jac._ I. _Reg._
3.

_JAMES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The_ French _King_
2. _The Prince_ 2. _Void_
3. _Duke of_ Wirtemberg 3. _Earl of_ Nottingham
4. _Earl of_ Ormond 4. _Earl of_ Dorset
5. _Earl of_ Shrewsbury 5. _Earl of_ Cumberland
6. _Earl of_ Northumber. 6. _Earl of_ Worcester
7. _Lord_ Sheffeild 7. _Earl of_ Suffolk
8. _Earl of_ Devonshire 8. _Sir_ Henry Lea
9. _Earl of_ Sussex 9. _Lord_ Scroop
10. _Earl of_ Derby 10. _Lord_ Burleigh
11. _Duke of_ Lenox 11. _Earl of_ Southampton
12. _Earl of_ Marr 12. _Earl of_ Pembrook
13. _Void_ 13. _Void_

A remove of _Banners_ and _Plates_, at the Installation of _Christian_
IV. King of _Denmark_, the 8th of _September_, _Anno Jac._ I. _Reg._
3.

_JAMES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The_ French _King_
2. _The King of_ Denmark 2. _The Prince_
3. _Duke of_ Holst 3. _Duke of_ Wirtemberg
4. _Earl of_ Nottingham 4. _Earl of_ Ormond
5. _Earl of_ Dorset 5. _Earl of_ Shrewsbury
6. _Earl of_ Cumberland 6. _Earl of_ Northumber.
7. _Earl of_ Worcester 7. _Lord_ Sheffeild
8. _Earl of_ Suffolk 8. _Earl of_ Devonshire
9. _Sir_ Henry Lea 9. _Earl of_ Sussex
10. _Lord_ Scroop 10. _Earl of_ Derby
11. _Earl of_ Exeter 11. _Duke of_ Lenox
12. _Earl of_ Southampton 12. _Earl of_ Marr
13. _Earl of_ Pembrook 13. _Earl of_ Northampton

In this last Scheme, we find Prince _Henry_ removed from the second on the Sovereign’s, to the second on the Prince’s side, to make room for the King of _Denmark_. And tho’ the Duke _Chevereux_, _Anno_ 3 _Charles_ I. was advanced from the third Stall on the Sovereign’s side, to the second on the Prince’s side, that became vacant by the Death of the Duke of _Brunswick_; yet the Year after, upon the admission of _Gustavus Adolphus_, King of _Sweden_, he was removed two Stalls lower, and the Prince Elector Palatine one.

We pass on now from the removal and translation of a _Knight-Subject_, after he had been installed, to the assignment of his Stall, at the Time of the Installation it self; where it is worthy of Remark, That on the 24th of _April_, _Anno_ 6 _Elizabeth_, in lieu of the ancient Law, which appointed each elect Knight to succeed in the Stall of his Predecessor, a new one was introduced, being composed, as was conceived, upon a more just level than the former, and as far as was possible, to extinguish all danger that might arise from Emulation. The Words are: _That all Knights, who for the future were admitted into the Society of the Order, should take and be installed in the lowest Stall, according to the Course and Seniority of their Election, except only Stranger Kings and Princes_.

Upon which it chanced, that when a _Knight-Subject_ elect was to be installed, all the _Knights-Companions_, between him and the vacant Stall, were removed higher, that the space might be supplied: And if two or more were to be installed together, they possessed the lowest Stalls, according to the Seniority of their Election. And though the manner and order in removals, is become a thing of course, and rendered familiar and easy; yet it cannot be effected, or the Atchievements, Banners, or Plates, displaced, unless by a Warrant issued from the Sovereign, to justify the Garter for such his removals; which will plainly appear by the insertion of these Schemes.

The Order of Stalls, as they stood at the Feast
of St. _George_, _Anno_ 29 _Eliz._

_ELIZABETH Regina._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _Void_
2. _The_ French _King_ 2. _The King of_ Spain
3. _The King of_ Denmark 3. _Void_
4. _Duke_ John Casimire 4. _Void_
5. _Viscount_ Mountague 5. _Earl of_ Leicester
6. _Earl of_ Shrewsbury 6. _Earl of_ Warwick
7. _Lord_ Hunsdon 7. _Void_
8. _Void_ 8. _Earl of_ Worcester
9. _Earl of_ Huntington 9. _Lord_ Burleigh
10. _Lord Grey_ 10. _Earl of_ Derby
11. _Earl of_ Pembrook 11. _Ld._ How. _of_ Effingh.
12. _Void_ 12. _Lord_ Cobham
13. _Lord_ Scroop 13. _Void_

A Translation of Stalls made against the Feast
of Installation, _Anno_ 30 _Eliz._

_ELIZABETH Regina._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _Void_
2. _The_ French _King_ 2. _The King of_ Spain
3. _The King of_ Denmark 3. _Void_
4. _Duke_ John Casimire 4. _Void_
5. _Viscount_ Mountague 5. _Earl of_ Leicester
6. _Earl of_ Shrewsbury 6. _Earl of_ Warwick
7. _Lord_ Hunsdon 7. _Earl of_ Worcester
8. _Earl of_ Huntington 8. _Lord_ Burleigh
9. _Lord_ Grey 9. _Earl of_ Derby
10. _Earl of_ Pembrook 10. _Ld._ How. _of_ Effingh.
11. _Lord_ Cobham 11. _Lord_ Scroop
12. _Earl of_ Essex 12. _Earl of_ Ormond
13. _Sir_ Christop. Hatton 13. _Void_

The first of these Schemes plainly evince, how the Stalls were ranked on St. _George_’s-_Eve_, _Anno_ 29 _Elizabeth_, and the other how modelled against the Installation of the Earls of _Essex_ and _Ormond_, and that of Sir _Christopher Hatton_, the 23d of _May_, _Anno_ 30 _Elizabeth_, which demonstrates those three elect Knights appear to be installed in the lowermost Stalls, (as the last mentioned Decree enjoyns,) and by reason the Earl of _Essex_, and Sir _Christopher Hatton_, were settled on the Sovereign’s side, the vacancy in the eighth and twelfth Stalls of the same side became filled up; the Earl of _Huntington_ being advanced into the eighth, the Lord _Grey_ in the ninth, and the Earl of _Pembrook_ in the tenth Stall, by the advance of the Earl of _Worcester_ into the seventh on the Prince’s side, the vacancy is there supplyed, and the other Knights seated below him, by a like removal, left the twelfth Stall for the Earl of _Ormond_, and the thirteenth void.

The same Order was observ’d by King _James_, as appears by another Scheme of the Stalls settled on the 3d of _July_, _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I. at the Election of the Duke of _Lenox_, the Earls of _Northampton_, _Marr_, and _Pembrook_.

Stalls altered at a Chapter held at _Windsor_, the
3 _July_, _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I.

_JAMES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The_ French _King_
2. _The Prince_ 2. _Void_
3. _Earl of_ Nottingham 3. _Void_
4. _Earl of_ Ormond 4. _Lord_ Buckhurst
5. _Earl of_ Salop 5. _Earl of_ Cumberland
6. _Earl of_ Northumberl. 6. _Earl of_ Worcester
7. _Lord_ Sheffeild 7. _Ld._ How. _of_ Walden
8. _Lord_ Hunsdon 8. _Lord_ Montjoy
9. _Sir_ Henry Lea 9. _Earl of_ Sussex
10. _Lord_ Cobham 10. _Lord_ Scroop
11. _Earl of_ Derby 11. _Lord_ Burleigh
12. _Duke of_ Lenox 12. _Earl of_ Southampton
13. _Earl of_ Marr 13. _Earl of_ Pembrook

From hence it is evident, that these elect Knights were installed in the lowest Stalls, and so continued throughout the series of his Reign, and since, except the Prince of _Wales_, and _Charles_ Duke of _York_, Sons to the said Sovereign: For the Prince was installed on the second on the Sovereign’s side, and upon that Election of the Duke of _York_, _Anno Jac._ I. the second Stall on the Prince’s side was assigned him, and the Morrow after St. _George_’s _Day_, upon which he was elected, he made a solemn Progression to the Chapel, in order to take Possession of it. Upon _Whitsunday_ following, at a serious Debate, it was determined in Chapter, that notwithstanding he was the Sovereign’s Son, yet he shou’d have no more Preheminence than other _Knights-Companions_, and that his Atchievements, which had been set up over the second Stall on the Prince’s side, shou’d be removed to that Stall next above the Viscount _Rochester_’s, and to be conserted with the Earl of _Montgomery_, before whom he had the Preference, on _Whitsun-Munday_, as they proceeded to the Chapter-House, in order to their Installation. And where it was farther Decreed, _That all Princes not Absolute, shou’d be installed thenceforth in the Prince’s Place_. But after this had passed, Endeavours were used to advance the Duke into the Stall he was first appointed to, and the Kings of Arms were consulted upon this Point; who certified, that _Richard_ Duke of _York_, second Son to King _Edward_ IV. was installed in the fourth Stall on the Prince’s side, and had Precedence of the Duke of _Suffolk_, and the Earls of _Dowglass_ and _Essex_, who were elected long before him: That _Henry_ Duke of _York_, second Son to King _Henry_ VII. was installed in the third Stall on the Sovereign’s side, and had the Preference of the Duke of _Buckingham_, and the Earls of _Oxford_ and _Derby_, his Seniors; and in the last Place, that _Henry Fitz Roy_, Duke of _Richmond_, base Son of King _Henry_ VIII. had Place and Precedence before the Dukes of _Norfolk_ and _Suffolk_, and other _Knights-Companions_. Upon which Grounds it was thought requisite that the Issue of the Sovereign should enjoy the same Privileges in this Affair, as those Princes that were Strangers; and therefore at another Chapter assembled at _White-Hall_, on _Easter-Monday_, being the 13th of _April_, _Anno_ 10 _Jac._ I. the Order which passed the Year before, for making the Duke a Puisne, was abrogated, and he was translated to the second Stall on the Prince’s side, and paired with Prince _Henry_, as may be seen by the Stalls then settled, and entered into the Blue Book of the Order.

We need not bring any more corroborating Circumstances of the Observation of the Chapter Act, made _Anno_ 6 _Elizabeth_, as it relates to _Knights-Subjects_, which has been punctually performed; but since Strangers are therein excepted, it will not be amiss to note, that the Rule and Practice continued as was established by King _Henry_ VIII. _viz._ that they were installed in Seats next to the Sovereign, according to the illustriousness of their Dignity and Birth.

We shall mention one Instance, of the manner of placing both Strangers and Knights-Subjects at one and the same Time. At the first coming of King _Charles_ I. to the Crown, there were of both Conditions to be installed in one Day, to wit, the Duke of _Brunswick_ a Stranger Prince, the Earls of _Salisbury_ and _Carlisle_, _Knights-Subjects_, elected by King _James_ I. in the 22d Year of his Reign, and on the 15th of _May_ following, the Earls of _Dorset_ and _Holland_ were elected with the Viscount _Andover_, and the Duke of _Chevereux_ the 4th of _July_ after. And when the removal of Stalls was propounded for the Admission of these seven elect Knights, it was agreed too, that the Dukes of _Brunswick_ and _Chevereux_ shou’d be installed in the uppermost Stall among Strangers, as King _Henry_ VIII. had before ordained, but the _Knights-Subjects_ in the lowermost Stalls, according to the pristine Practice, as appears from the Decree, _Anno_ 6 _Elizabeth_, and from the settlement of Stalls then made, and thus intituled. ·

A remove of _Banners_ and _Stalls_, at the Feast of St. _George_, and
Installation holden at _Windsor_, the 13, 14, 15 Days of _December_,
_Anno_ 1625. At which time were installed the Dukes of _Brunswick_,
and _Chevereux_, the Earls of _Salisbury_, _Carlisle_, _Holland_,
_Dorset_, and the Viscount _Andover_, as follows.

_CHARLES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The King of_ Denmark
2. _The Prince Palatine_ 2. _The Duke of_ Brunswick
3. _Duke_ Chevereux 3. _Earl of_ Northumberl.
4. _Earl of_ Worcester 4. _Lord_ Sheffeild
5. _Earl of_ Suffolk 5. _Earl of_ Sussex
6. _Earl of_ Darby 6. _Earl of_ Marr
7. _Earl of_ Pembrook 7. _Earl of_ Montgomery
8. _Earl of_ Arundel 8. _Earl of_ Somerset
9. _Earl of_ Kelly 9. _Viscount_ Wallingford
10. _Earl of_ Rutland 10. _Duke of_ Buckingham
11. _Earl of_ Leicester 11. _Earl of_ Salisbury
12. _Earl of_ Carlisle 12. _Earl of_ Dorset
13. _Earl of_ Holland 13. _Viscount_ Andover

After the Restauration of King _Charles_ II. to his Crown and Kingdoms, when several _Knights-Companions_, both Strangers and Subjects, were to be installed, a Debate arose in the Chapter held at _White-Hall_, the 10th of _April_, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II. about placing their Atchievements over their Stalls; upon which the following Order was issued out.

CHARLES Rex.

_Whereas divers elect Knights and Companions of our most Noble Order of the Garter are, by our special Appointment, to be installed in the Chapel of our Castle of_ Windsor, _upon the 15th Day of this Instant; and that some of them who are Strangers, do not as yet, nor are likely to appear, either in their own Persons, or by their sufficient Proxies at the said Instalment, and so might run the hazard to lose the Benefit and Advantage of their Pre-election, in Point of Rank and Precedency, in respect of some of our Subject-Knights, who, though since elected, will be first installed, without some Expedient taken therein to prevent it. There being no reason, (nor is it our intention) that those noble Persons shou’d suffer that prejudice, for want of that usual formality, and for which they are not in the fault, but others, who, according to the Statutes and ancient Custom, were to give timely Advertisement to the said Foreign elected Knights, and to Summon them by themselves or Proxies, to assist at the said Instalment: Our Will and Pleasure is, you proceed forthwith to the placing of the Hatchments of all the respective Knights and Companions of our said Order, whether installed or elect, Subject or Stranger, over the Stalls, which we do in manner as followeth assign, and appoint them in our aforesaid Chappel._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _Void_
2. _The Duke of_ York 2. _The Elector Palatine_
3. _Prince Elector of_ Brand. 3. _Prince of_ Orange
4. _Prince_ Rupert 4. _Prince_ Edward
5. _Earl of_ Salisbury 5. _Earl of_ Barkshire
6. _Earl of_ Northumberl. 6. _Duke of_ Espernon
7. _Duke of_ Ormond 7. _Duke of_ Buckingham
8. _Earl of_ Southampton 8. _Marquiss of_ Newcastle
9. _Earl of_ Bristol 9. _Prince_ Tarente
10. _Count_ Marshin 10. _Duke of_ Albermarle
11. _Earl of_ Sandwich 11. _Earl of_ Oxford
12. _Duke of_ Richmond 12. _Earl of_ Lindsey
13. _Earl of_ Manchester 13. _Earl of_ Strafford

_And for so doing, this shall be your sufficient Warrant, any Statute, or Custom, to the contrary notwithstanding: Given under the Signet of our said Order, at our Court at_ White-Hall, _the_ 10th _of_ April, 1666.

To our Trusty and Well-beloved
Servant, Sir _Edward _By the Sovereign’s Command_
Walker_, Kt. Garter, and
Principal King of Arms, Hen. de Vic.
of our most Noble Order
of the Garter.

By which we find the Stranger Princes are placed in the upper Stall, nearest the Sovereign, according to their Dignities and Degrees, and all the _Knights-Subjects_ as to the Time of their Elections. It is to be observed upon this Settlement, that though the Earl of _Southampton_ did not receive his Garter and George, till the Sovereign, upon his happy arrival in _England_, conferred it upon him with his own Hand; yet, according to the Time of the Election, Place and Precedency were allowed him; which was in _January_, _An. Dom._ 1649. in the Isle of _Jersey_, some few Days before Duke _Hamilton_ and the Marquiss of _Newcastle_ were elected.

It was ordered by the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, convened in Chapter on the 10th of _January_, _Anno_ 14 _Car._ II. _That thenceforward all Princes Strangers, of what Condition soever, shou’d have Precedence among themselves, according to the Seniority of their Elections and Installations_. Upon which the Sovereign, under the Signet of the Order, authorized the Garter, upon the 30th of _March_, to set up their Atchievements in St. _George_’s _Chapel_, in the Order here exhibited.

_CHARLES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _Void_
2. _Duke of_ York 2. _Prince Elector Palatine_
3. _Prince_ Rupert 3. _Prince of_ Orange
4. _Elector of_ Brandenbur. 4. _Prince of_ Denmark
5. _Earl of_ Salisbury 5. _Earl of_ Barkshire
6. _Earl of_ Northumberl. 6. _Duke of_ Ormond
7. _Duke of_ Buckingham 7. _Earl of_ Southampton
8. _Marquiss of_ Newcastle 8. _Earl of_ Bristol
9. _Prince_ Tarente 9. _Count_ Marshin
10. _Duke of_ Albermarle 10. _Earl of_ Sandwich
11. _Earl of_ Oxford 11. _Duke of_ Richmond
12. _Earl of_ Lindsey 12. _Earl of_ Manchester
13. _Earl of_ Strafford 13. _Duke of_ Monmouth

But upon mature Consideration of a Law made by _Henry_ VIII. for placing of Strangers, and for another founded by Queen _Elizabeth_ for _Knights-Subjects_; the Sovereign, by the consent of the most Noble Companions present, at a Chapter held the 19th of _November_, 1699. was pleased to Ordain, first, _That the Prince of_ Wales, _and such Emperors and Kings that shou’d be of the Order, shou’d be placed in the nearest Stalls to that of the Sovereign, according to their Elections and Installations_.

Then, _That all other Sovereign Princes, and Princes of the Blood, shou’d be placed in their Stalls next_ unto the King’s, _according to the Seniority, in the Order_. And thirdly, That all other his Majesty’s Subjects and Strangers, not of the Dignity above-mention’d, shou’d be installed in the lowest Stalls, according to their Antiquity in the Order, and the ancient Practice.

And whereas the Stall termed the Prince’s had been long vacant, the Sovereign King _Charles_ II. by the advice of the most Noble Companions, at the same Chapter, was pleased to order, _That the present King of_ Sweden _shou’d, by his Proxy, be placed in that Stall, and his Atchievements hung up thereon accordingly, in convenient Time_. Which order was strictly put in Execution, and the Stalls at the Feast of St. _George_, _Anno_ 23 _Car._ II. were thus ranged.

_CHARLES Rex._

1. _The Sovereign_ 1. _The King of_ Sweden
2. _King of_ Denmark 2. _The Duke of_ York
3. _Prince Elector Palatine_ 3. _Prince_ Rupert
4. _Prince of_ Orange 4. _Elector of_ Brandenbur.
5. _Pr. Elector of_ Saxony 5. _Duke of_ Ormond
6. _Duke of_ Buckingham 6. _Duke of_ Newcastle
7. _Earl of_ Bristol 7. _Prince_ Tarante
8. _Count_ Marshin 8. _Earl of_ Sandwich
9. _Earl of_ Oxford 9. _Duke of_ Richmond
10. _Earl of_ Strafford 10. _Duke of_ Monmouth
11. _Duke of_ Albermarle 11. _Void_
12. _Void_ 12. _Void_
13. _Void_ 13. _Void_

§ 7. Having dispatch’d the ancient Law of Succession into void Stalls, and of Translation from one to another; we come now to consider what is farther to be prepared for the Knight elect, against the Day of the great Solemnity, at his own Expence; the chief of which are;

1. A Mantle or upper Robe, with its Appurtenance.
2. A Collar of the Garter and Great George.
3. A Cap of black Velvet, adorned with Plumes.
4. A Helmet, Crest, Mantlings, and Sword.
5. A Banner of his Arms.
6. A Plate of his Arms and Stile.
7. A Cushion, to carry his Robes and Collar upon.
8. Lodging Escutcheons.

Though the Kirtle on the Surcoat was anciently given by the King to the _Knights-Subjects_, yet we do not find the Mantle of the Order was, nor indeed of a later Date, unless now and then, as a distinguishing mark of Favour. But the Sovereign always bestows the Mantle upon Strangers, as well as the whole Habit, when he has elected them into the Society of the Order. And upon sending of the whole Habit over by Garter to the King of _Portugal_, _Anno_ 13 _Hen._ VI. the Mantle, Surcoat, and Hood, were accompted for in the Great Wardrobe, and is to this Day practised.

However of late the Sovereign hath been pleased, now and then, to confer the Mantle upon a _Knight-Subject_. Witness King _James_ I. _Anno_ 21. did to _James_ Marquiss of _Hamilton_; and King _Charles_ I. _Anno_ 4. to _Theophilus_, Earl of _Suffolk_, and the Year ensuing to _William_, Earl of _Northampton_: And _Anno_ 14. Sir _James Palmer_, by his Sovereign’s Direction, paid for the Velvet and Taffety of the Earl of _Kelly_’s Mantle and Surcoat, to Sir _Peter Richaut_, and put it upon the Account of the extraordinary Expence of the Order.

King _Charles_ II. as a signal Mark of his Favour, caused seventeen Mantles (with the usual Liveries of Surcoat and Hood,) to be made ready against the grand Feast of St. _George_, _Anno_ 13. which he confered not only among the new elect Knights, but upon the Earls of _Salisbury_, _Barkshire_, and _Northumberland_, that were three Senior _Knights-Companions_.

The Collar of the Order, and the great George, the elect Knight is to provide himself, unless where the Sovereign is pleased to bestow the Mantle, which is always accompanied with the Collar, and then a like Warrant issues to the Master of the _Jewel-House_, as was used for providing the seventeen Collars, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II.

The black Velvet Cap before-mentioned and described, with the Helm, Crest, and Mantlings, together with a Sword and Girdle, are to be got in readiness by the care and direction of the Garter, but at the Expence of the Knights elect; all which are to be set over his Stall, as soon as his Installation Fees are paid.

This Honour, that every _Knight-Companion_ shall have his Helm, Crest, and Sword, affixed over his Stall at the Chappel of St. _George_, is particularly provided for in all the several Bodies of Statutes; and are ordained to remain there during the Lives of the Possessors, _In Memory of him that bears them, and a Testimony of the Defence of the Church, as the Oaths of Military Orders require_.

The Helms upon this Occasion are composed of Steel, and of a more than ordinary proportion; those for Sovereign Princes are framed open, with large Barrs; but those for the _Knights-Subjects_ are made close. About King _Henry_ VIII’s Reign, the _Knights-Subjects_ Helms were parcel gilt with fine Gold in Oil, wrought with curious Works, and burnished with fine Gold. But in the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_, and since that Time, it hath been the Custom to gild their Helms all over, and place the Arms of St. _George_ in the Middle before the Vizors.

The Mantlings that hang down on either side of the Helm, together with the Wreath, are in some places called Appendixes, and are all of Tissue, or Cloth of Gold, and formerly lined with Sarcenet; but in the Reign of Queen _Mary_ they were exchanged for white Satin, for so were the Mantlings of _Anthony Brown_, Viscount _Montague_, and _William Howard_, Lord Admiral, lined.

At the bottom of these Mantlings hang a pair of gilt Knobs burnished with Gold, from which spring out Tossels either of Gold or Silver, (consentaneous to the Metal in the Knights Court of Armour) mixed with Silk of the chief Colour in his Arms.

Upon the Helm and Mantlings, is placed a Wreath of corded Silk, of the Knight’s Colours, which was formerly of Sarcenet, but now of Taffety.

The Crest of the Knight is placed either upon these Wreaths, or Issuant out of a Crown, or Ducal Cap, turned with Ermin; and of what kind soever the Crest is, the same is neatly carved in Wood, and either gilt, or wrought in; Directly before the Helm, an armed Sword hangs down, the Pomel, Cross, and Chape are gilt; the Scabbard is made of the same Tissue or Cloth of Gold as the Mantlings are, as is the Girdle that belongs to it; but the Buckles and Pendants are of Copper Gilt.

The Custom of setting up the Helm, Crest, and Sword, over the Stall of the Knights, is as ancient as the Institution of the Order; but when the Banners were first hung up, we have not so clear a Conviction; for neither the Statutes of Institution, nor those of _Henry_ V. make mention of them.

The first time they occur to us, we find to be in _Anno_ 2 _Hen._ VI. in the black Book of the Order, where the Banners of the King of _Portugal_ is particularly spoke of, among the Atchievements then set over the Stall. But they are more particularly mentioned in the Body of King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes.

The Fashion of the Sovereign’s and all the _Knights-Companions_ Banners are square; yet it does no where appear what the exact Standard was; yet we find them in the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_ to be two Yards and a Quarter Long, and a Yard and three Quarters Broad, besides the Fringe, which is composed of Gold, or Silver and Silk, of the Colours in the Wreath; and on them are wrought, upon Taffety-Sarcenet, double Sarcenet, or rich Taffety, with fine Gold Colours on both sides, the Paternal Coat of the _Knights-Companion_, together with his Quartering, or so many of them as he pleases to use, and the Garter is to take care they be warrantably Marshalled.

And because a single Coat was not conceived to stand fair enough in a Banner of this proportion, the Sovereign hath been pleased to grant a new Coat, to bear in Quarters his Paternal one, if he wanted it; as King _James_ I. did to _Robert Carr_, Viscount _Rochester_; to whose Paternal Coat he first added a Lion Passant, Gardant Or, in the dexter Part, as an especial Gift of his Favour, and then invented a new Coat, to be born in Quarter therewith, _viz._ Quarterly Or and Gules, a Lyon Rampant Sable over all, _June_ 8. _Anno_ 9 _Jac._ I.

These Banners of Arms are fixed to the End of long Staves, painted in Oil, formerly of the Colour of the Wreaths, but now Red; their Ends are put into Sockets of Iron, well fixed in the Wall, directly over the _Knights-Companions_ Helms and Crests, and frequently lined with Fustian to preserve them.

There is moreover to be provided a Copper Plate Gilt, whereupon are engraved, the Escutcheon of the Knights elect Arms in Colours Enamilled, with his Quartering, Helm, Crest, and Supporters, and underneath, his Style and Titles of Honour, encircled with a Garter. Which Plate the Garter usually takes Care to provide, and is to be fixed on the back of the Knights Stall, assigned for his Installation.

A Velvet Cushion is likewise to be provided, to carry the Knight’s elect Mantle, Collar, Hood, and Book of Statutes, before him, in the Progress into the Choire, in order to his Installation. At the Installation of the Lord Treasurer _Weston_, and the Earls of _Exeter_ and _Lindsey_, who were installed, _Anno_ 6 _Car._ I. the materials and garnishing of these Cushions are recited severally, to contain one Yard and a Half of Crimson Velvet, one Ell of rich Taffety for their Lining, four Yards of Fringe, and four great Tossels.

Lastly, There have frequently been made ready a convenient Number of Lodging Escutcheons of the elect Knights Arms, invironed with a Garter, and his Stile and Titles placed underneath; it having been an ancient Custom, for the Knights to distribute these Escutcheons at the Inns, in their Passage to, and at _Windsor_, as a Memorial of their Installation.

What falls under the Care of the Garter to prepare and make ready, the Expence sometimes has been cast up, and the Account stated and defraid before-hand; by which means, he was in a better capacity to furnish out the Ceremony, for so did the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_, _Anno_ 34 _Eliz._

Besides these mentioned to be prepared and provided either by the Chancellor of the Order, or the Garter, the Knight elect must take care of other Affairs more particularly relating to himself and his retinue; such as are Apparel, the Number of his Attendants and Servants, with their Cloaths and Liveries, his Coach and Saddle Horses, both for himself and them, with other material Circumstances, to set off his Cavalcade and Proceeding with greater Pomp and Gallantry. The Provisions for Dyet at _Windsor_ (if the Feast be kept at the elect Knight’s Charge and Expence,) are to be considered of, and very often some Clark of the Sovereign’s Kitchin is to be consulted, in the management of that Affair.

The Hall or Room where the grand Dinner is to be kept, as well as the Chapter-House and Chappel, ought chiefly to be decked and adorned with rich and sumptuous Furniture, against this Solemnity, over and above what is commonly used. The Hall or Dining-Room is to be set off with rich Hangings; and if the Sovereign or his Lieutenant hold the Feast, there must be placed a Cloth of State at the upper End of it. The Chapter-House is also to be hung, and a rich Carpet spread upon the Table, set about with Velvet Chairs and Cushions; and because in the late Times of Rebellion and Plunder, this Place was not exempt, and nothing was found there upon the Restauration; King _Charles_ II. in a Chapter convened the 1st of _January_, _Anno_ 14th of his Reign, caused Directions to be given to the Master of the Wardrobe, to provide Velvet for Chairs, to furnish the Chapter-House, and Cushions to be used in the Choir of St. _George_’s _Chappel_, which accordingly were prepared against the following Feast.

Against the Installation of _Philip_, King of _Castile_ and _Leon_, _Anno_ 22 _Henry_ VII. The Table in the Chapter-House was covered with Cloth of Gold, and the Forms with Baudkin; before the Sovereign was laid a Cushion of Cloth of Gold, whereupon a Crucifix lay, and the Evangelist turned open to a place of the Cannon, with several Tapers burning on either Side. At the upper End of the Table, towards the Right Hand, was set a Chair for the Sovereign, under a golden Canopy, with Cushions of Cloth of Gold, and on the Left Hand a Stool with like Embellishments, for the King of _Castile_.

In St. _George_’s _Chappel_, the High Altar is to be richly adorned with Plate, the Sovereign’s Stall with a Canopy, and other usual Ornaments, and the Stalls of the _Knights-Companions_ present at the Ceremony, with Velvet Cushions. As to the Furnishing of other Places in the Castle of _Windsor_, on so solemn an Occasion, we shall relate the Account of the Ceremony of the Installation of the King of _Leon_ and _Castile_, just now mentioned. The Words are these:

#To wit of the gret rich Cobbord, which continually stode in the gret Hall, which was all guilt Plate, or of the gret and rich Beds of Estate, Hangings of rich Cloth of Gold, or of the rich and sumptuous Clothes of Arras, with divers Clothes of Estate, both in the King’s Loggings, and in the King of# Castile’s #Loggings, so many Chambers, Haulls, Chappels, Closettes, Galleries, with odir Loggings, so richly and very well appointed, with divers odir things, that I suffice or cannot discern, and as I suppose few or none that there were, that ever saw# Castell #or odir Loggings, in all things so well and richly appointed, and the great continual fare, open Houshold, so many Noble Men soo well appareilled and with soo short Warnying, heretofore, as I think hath not been seen.#

CAP. XII.

_The Personal Installation of a Knight-Subject._

§ 1. Formerly the Knights elect proceeded from _London_ to their Installation at _Windsor_, in the nature of a Solemn and stately Cavalcade, which was performed on Horse-back, with the greatest Grandeur, and exceeding Pomp, whether we refer to the great Number of their Honourable Friends, who, on gallant Coursers, rode along with them; or the multitude of their own Attendants well mounted, the magnificence of whose Apparel, Jewels, Gold Chains, rich Embroideries, and Plumes of Feathers, of their Lord’s Colours, struck Amazement, and even dazled the Eyes of the Spectators.

Equivalent to this Pompous Show was the Feast, which contained in it all manner of Stateliness and Plenty, as well of Provision, as other Incidents that might increase its Glory, in which the elect Knights, who kept it at their own Expence, strove not only to out-vie their Predecessor, but to Excel one another; That all Embassadors and Strangers esteemed it one of the goodliest and noblest Sights, that was to be exhibited in Christendom.

But to make the splendor of the Cavalcade no less conspicuous to the City of _London_, than to the Town and Castle of _Windsor_, the Knights elect have taken up their Lodgings, sometimes in the _Strand_, sometimes in _Salisbury-Court_, in _Holborn_, or within the City; and for intent they chose to pass through some Eminent Streets, that the People might the better Survey them, and receive the greater Satisfaction. To illustrate which Matter, we shall descend to some Particulars.

_Anno_ 34 _Eliz._ _Gilbert_, Earl of _Shrewsbury_, in order to his Cavalcade, was lodged in Mr. _Gresham_’s House, (now known by the Name of _Gresham-College_,) whence he Rode through the City, accompanied with many of his Honourable Friends, and a numerous and gallant Train of Attendants and Servants, to _Charing-Cross_, where he met _George_, Earl of _Cumberland_, (his Companion elect) and thence both Rode together towards _Windsor_; within a Mile or two of which Place, Garter King of Arms met them, and Marshalled their Attendants in Order; and then the elect Knights proceeded with their gallant Train through the Town into the Castle in this Order.

1. Trumpets, two and two.
2. Gentlemen in Blue Coats and Gold Chains.
3. Gentlemen of Note.
4. Garter.
5. Gentlemen Ushers.
6. The two elect Knights, Earl of _Ormond_, and Baron of
_Effingham_; with their Footmen about them.
7. Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen of Quality.
8. All their Servants in the Rear.

Custom and Peace contributed to make the Cavalcades more glorious, during the Reigns of Queen _Elizabeth_, and King _James_ I. and especially that of _Robert_, Earl of _Salisbury_, and _Thomas_, Viscount _Bindon_, _May_ 21st, _Anno_ 4 _Jac._ I. who arrived at _Windsor_ honourably accompanied, with a great appearance of Nobility, Knights, and Gentlemen of Figure.

But the Fate of this Solemnity, much like that glorious Body of the Sun, (whose Lustre at such times it strove to outshine) had now and then its interpositions, and intermitting Clouds, at other times long Nights, and the Splendor and Glory thereof but struck the Sight now and then; when the Pleasure of the Sovereign grew auspicious, or the Honour of the Order became fixed upon more generous Spirits. But to speak impartially, there may grow an Excess in such Solemnities, even to Shame and Surfeit; and the best Cure to prescribe for it, is a long Abstinence. Nor was this Festival at all Times free from this Distemper, but then a quick Application of the Sovereign’s soon rectified it by taking away the Cause, and prohibiting Excess in their Attendants.

For this reason it was that King _James_ I. observing those Excesses the elect Knights run into upon this Occasion, and willing to cheque the growing Inconveniencies, at the Installation, of _Francis_, Earl of _Rutland_, Sir _George Villars_, Kt. (afterwards Duke of _Buckingham_) and the Viscount _Lisle_, _Anno_ 14 of his Reign, _forbid Livery Coats, for saving Charge, and avoiding Emulation_; and shortly after, in a Chapter at _White-Hall_, _Anno_ 16. with the Consent of the _Knights-Companions_ then assembled, to put some restraint upon the Number of Attendants, decreed, _That every of the Knights-Companions should have fifty Persons to attend him unto the Annual Solemnities of the Order, and no more_.

In the Installation of _William_, Earl of _Northampton_, _Anno_ 5 _Car._ I. we find this stinted Number encreased to fourscore, who began his Cavalcade to _Windsor_, from _Salisbury_ House in the _Strand_, and certainly wou’d have exhibited a more glorious Show, had not a continual Rain for three Days space impeded him. Nevertheless, that what he designed with so much Splendor and Gallantry might out-live the accident of foul Weather, the Order of it shall be inserted here.

_The Order of riding to the Installation of_ William,
_Earl of_ Northampton, _20th of_ April, 1629.

1. Trumpets, whose Banners were of Damask, and had the Earls Arms, with
his Crest and Supporters environed with a Garter.

2. The meanest of his Servants; as Grooms and Yeomen, in Blue Coats,
two and two.

3. His Lordship’s other Servants, in Blue Coats; as Gentlemen,
Esquires, and Knights, two and two.

4. Two Secretaries; Mr. _Ralph Goodwin_, and Mr. _Francis Merosse_.

5. Steward, Mr. _Cuthbert Ogle_.

6. Comptroller, Mr. _William Goodwyn_.

7. Two Pages.

8. His spare Horse, led by the Gentleman of his Horse.

9. His Chaplain to distribute his Alms.

10. Pursiuvants at Arms, two and two.

11. Gentleman Usher, Mr. _Walter Thomas_, Bareheaded.

12. The Senior Herald covered.

13. The Earls of _Berkshire_, _Northampton_, and _Salisbury_.

14. Noblemen in their Places, two and two.

15. Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen, which accompanied him.

16. The Commissioners Servants.

17. Other Noblemens, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemens Servants.

_Henry_ Earl of _Danby_, and _William_ Earl of _Morton_, being to receive the Honour of Installation, _Anno_ 10 _Car._ I. disposed themselves for their more commodious Passage, and the Peoples View; one was at _Warwick House_ in _Holbourn_, and the other at _Dorset House_ in _Salisbury-court_, and made their Progression severally through the Streets to _Hyde-Park_, each having two Noblemen to support him, with their Footmen in rich Coats on either side them.

Their Gentlemen Ushers rode Bareheaded, and before them the Officers of Arms wearing their Coats, and their Servants in blue Coats and Cognizances, (as was the ancient Mode,) were all led on by Trumpets. The rest of the Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen followed after each Knight’s elect Troop, according to their Rank and Quality foremost. The Proceeding of the Earl of _Morton_, was Marshalled in this manner.

1. Trumpets, two and two.
2. Grooms in Coats, two and two.
3. Yeomen, two and two.
4. Gentlemen, two and two.
5. Secretaries.
6. Stewards.
7. Gentleman of the Horse.
8. Pages.
9. Four Officers of Arms.
10. Gentleman Usher bare.
11. _Lancaster_ Herald covered.
12. Earl _Morton_, supported between two chief Lords.
13. Foot-men on each side, in rich Coats.
14. Noblemen and Gentlemen, according to their Degrees.

At _Slough_, (two Miles on this side _Windsor_,) they all made a stand, and being again placed in Order, they proceeded to _Windsor Castle_, where, alighting in the lower Court, the Knights elect were conducted to their several Apartments.

The last Cavalcade this Age has beheld, was exhibited by _Algernoon_, Earl of _Northumberland_, _May_ 13. _Anno_ 11 _Car._ I. from _Dorset House_ in _Salisbury-court_, toward _Windsor_; nor was it the least in Pomp and Glory: Eight and forty Gentlemen preceeded, then came the Pages, being Earls Sons, _viz._

1. Mr. _William Herbert_, Mr. _John Herbert_, Mr. _Philip
Cecil_, Mr. _Algernoon Sidney_.
2. Heralds at Arms, two and two.
3. Mr. _Blundeville_, Gentleman Usher, Bareheaded.
4. _Norroy_ King of Arms.
5. Marquiss of _Winchester_.
6. The Earls of _Northumberland_ and _Kent_.

And somewhat behind him, the rest of the Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen in order; they had Priority according to their Quality, Riding two and two, and the Coaches closing up the Troop.