Chapter XIV: Part 14

There was a publick Cavalcade designed from _Somerset House_ in the _Strand_, to _Windsor Castle_, when King _Charles_ II. was to have been installed, which though it proved Abortive, yet ought not to be omitted, by reason of the Chancellor’s Letter to each _Knight-Companion_, to make Preparation to attend him thither.

_May it please your Lordship_,

“The King’s Majesty, Sovereign of this most Noble Order of the Garter, having determined to Create the Prince his Eldest Son Knight, and to propose him in Election, to be a Companion of his Order; for the better Conveniency of his Installation, hath prorogued, by a Commission under the Seal of his Order, given the 25th of _February_, now remaining in my Custody, the Celebration of the Feast of St. _George_, from the 22, 23, and 24 of _April_ next, whereon it shou’d have been Solemnized, unto the 21, 22, and 23 of _May_, immediately ensuing; and thereby given Command to all the _Knights-Companions_, and Officers of this Order, that they should attend his Royal Person, at his Palace of _White-Hall_, upon those Days appointed. In discharge of the Duty of my Place, and by special Order, I do signify unto your Lordship his Majesty’s Will, and that it is his Pleasure, for the more Honour of the Prince, and the Noble Feast of his Election and Installation, that your Lordship shou’d be attended with your Servants and Retinue, according to solemn Custom, and be prepared to Accompany his Higness, from _Somerset House_ in the _Strand_, unto the Castle of _Windsor_, upon the 18th of that Month, and assist at the Ceremony and Feast of his Installation, upon the Day following: Praying your Lordship that you would be pleased to take knowlege hereby, both of the Time and Place designed, and of the Sovereign’s Order, I humbly rest,”

_In all due Obedience,_

_and Observance,_

Thomas Rowe.

St. _Martin’s-lane_,
_Feb._ 27. 1637.

When this Letter was issued out, the Sovereign intended to create the Prince Knight of the _Bath_, which Ceremonies were intended to begin at the old _Palace-yard_ in _Westminster_, upon the 21st Day of _May_, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ I. and to Solemnize the Feast of St. _George_, upon the 23d of the same Month at _White-Hall_, and to take the Scrutiny that Evening for his Election into this Order: The next Day was designed to invest him with the Garter and George, and the Day after to set forward the Cavalcade towards _Windsor_, wherein also the Knights of the _Bath_, (intended to be created with the Prince,) were to Ride with their Robes. But this Resolution being altered, stop’d the Progression of the Cavalcade, and in the room of a Knight of the _Bath_, he was created a _Knight-Batchellor_ at _Windsor_.

Formerly it was the manner for the Sovereign’s Lieutenant to Ride to _Windsor_, attended with a gallant and glittering Train, and no small Number of his own Gentlemen and Yeomen richly attired, and in every Punctilio fifty set out, as was seen in the Cavalcade of the Duke of _Norfolk_, Earl Marshal of _England_, and Lieutenant for the Sovereign, for St. _George_’s Feast, _Anno_ 5 _Eliz._ who had attending him twenty of his own Gentlemen and Yeomen, at the Time the Earls of _Northumberland_ and _Warwick_ were to be installed; but this was never put in Practice, but when the Sovereign appointed the Installation and the Feast of St. _George_ to be celebrated together.

The Lieutenant, and his Assistants, or sometimes the _Knights-Commissioners_, (if the Feast of St. _George_ be not then Solemnized,) being arrived in the Castle, immediately retire to their Lodgings, which for the most part have been prepared at the _Dean’s House_, whose Rooms are the fairest in the Castle, and the best fitted for Accommodation, next to those of the Sovereign’s in the upper Ward; and for the Knights elect, they were at all Times furnished with Lodgings in some of the Prebends Houses.

_The Offering in the Chappel, on the Eve of the Feast._

§ 2. If it so chanced that the Installation was performed by Commissioners, and the Cavalcade proceeded from _London_, in the Morning of the Day preceeding the Installation, and arrived at the Castle of _Windsor_ early that Afternoon; then the _Knights-Commissioners_ have been accustomed only to put on their Mantles, and enter St. _George_’s Chappel to offer; but without the Attendance of Heralds, or any solemn Procession into the Choir, save one of the Prebends; where having placed themselves in their Stalls with usual Reverences, and heard an Anthem, they passed up to the Altar with the Verger and Garter before them, and there made their Offering, both of Gold and Silver, according to the usual Custom. As soon as _Vespers_ were finished, after the same manner they descended from their Stalls, and departed to their Lodgings; and in this case the _Knights-Commissioners_ did not lay by their Mantles till Supper was ended.

In this nature was the Ceremony of Offering (on the Eve of the Installation) performed by the Lord Admiral and Earl of _Ormond_, Commissioners for the Installation of the Earl of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_, _Anno_ 34 _Eliz._ But at the Installation of the Earl of _Rutland_, and others, _Anno_ 26 _Eliz._ the Lord _Hunsdon_ (one of the Commissioners for that Solemnity,) refused to make his Offering alone, though he arrived timely enough, on the Eve of the Feast at _Windsor_ Castle, because he wanted the Company of Viscount _Mountague_, who was a joynt Commissioner with him, that arrived not till the Morning after.

This Offering of the _Knights-Commissioners_, coming to the Castle on the Eve of the Installation, is founded upon an Article of _Edward_ III. which runs to this Effect: _That if any of the_ Knights-Companions, _being upon a Journey, shou’d accidentally pass by_ Windsor-Castle, _he is to turn in thither, in Honour of the Place, and prepare himself to enter into the Chappel to Offer; first putting on his Mantle, without which he must never presume to enter into it_; but upon Emergencies, and allowable Causes, he is to be excused.

After the _Knight-Companion_ had entered the Castle, the Canons Resident were, by the aforesaid Article, appointed to meet and recieve him, and with due Reverence conduct him into the Choir. If it was at the Celebration of High Mass, the Knight was obliged to stay and hear it, in Honour of God and St. _George_; but if he arrived in the Afternoon, he was to stay till the Canons, and the rest of the Choir, had sung the Anthem _de Profundis_, which no sooner was ended, but he proceeded to the High Altar and Offered, and returned to his Stall with usual Reverences, and then departed.

But if the _Knight-Companion_ passed through the Town of _Windsor_, and neglected to Offer at the Chappel, as often as he omitted it, he was bound, upon his Obedience, to walk a Mile on Foot to the Chappel, in Honour of St. _George_, and upon defailure, to offer a Peny, which by King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes is inlarged to a Groat. Upon the Explication of this Article, there arose a Dispute about the just Distance intended from the Castle; and that the Knights-Companions might be sensible of the breach of the Injunction, it was thought requisite by King _Henry_ VIII. to set down a certain Bound, which in his Statutes is declared to be two Miles; within which, if any of the _Knights-Companions_ come, and do not repair to the Chappel and Offer, he is liable to the Mulct before specified.

Upon Hunting, or other Pastimes the Forest afforded, they used to send their Offering in Money to the Canons, which being received, the Knights took it for a Dispensation of the Ceremony enjoined by the Statutes.

Endeavours were used to have this Article interpreted with greater Latitude, which so far took Effect, that at a Chapter called at _Windsor_ the 10th of _October_, _Anno_ 15 _Car._ I. it was ordered, that some Expedient might be found out, to save the Knights from the Breach of their Oath, if they came within the limited Distance of the Place, and passed thence without Offering. But no farther Progress being made in that Affair, the Law stands as it did.

_The Supper of the Eve._

§ 3. The Supper, after their arrival at _Windsor_, is but in the Nature of a private Meal, and prepared for the Lieutenant (or Commissioners) or Knights elect, most commonly at the Dean’s House. _Anno_ 26 _Eliz._ on the Eve of the Installation of the Earl of _Rutland_ and Lord _Cobham_, the Commissioners supped together with such Lords and Gentlemen of Figure as came along with them; and no Nobleman had above one Servant to attend him at the Table, and the rest provided for themselves at their proper Inns. Sometimes they have been permitted to Sup in some Appartments of the Sovereign’s Lodgings; for so it was at the Installation of the Lord _Russel_, and other elect Knights, _Anno_ 31 _Henry_ VIII. and likewise of the Earl of _Shrewsbury_, and Lord _Hunsdon_, _Anno_ 3 _Eliz._ the Lieutenant and Knights supped in the great Chamber there, in the same Regularity that was used at other Times. And in the 34th of Queen _Elizabeth_, when the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_ were installed, all the Lords and Gentlemen supped together at one long Table set in the Council Chamber.

_The Order in proceeding to the Chapter-House._

§ 4. Before we come to the particular Ceremonies of the Installation, transacted either by the Sovereign, (or in his absence by his Lieutenant or Commissioners,) we shall premise this general Remark: That since neither the Statutes of _Institution_, nor those of King _Henry_ V. afford us a Formulary for the Personal Installation of a Knight elect; yet those enacted by King _Henry_ VIII. do briefly exhibit the Order and Method of it. And we must farther observe, that if the Installation be appointed together with the Feast of St. _George_, then either the Sovereign, or else his Lieutenant and Assistants are present; but if at any other Season, then it passeth by Commissioners only.

After such time therefore as the Sovereign, his Lieutenant, or Commissioners, have prefixed the Hour wherein to proceed to the Chapter House, in Order to the Installation, (which has generally been dispatched in the Evening,) all the _Knights-Companions_, and elect Knights, the Officers of the Order, and of Arms, the Prebends of the College, and Alms-Knights, are to give their Attendance, _viz._ the Knights-Companions, and elect Knights, and Officers, of the Order, on the Sovereign, in his inward Lodging; the elect Knights, and Officers of Arms, in the Presence Chamber, the Prebends and Alms-Knights, in the Great Chamber, where they waited the Sovereign’s coming forth.

The Attendance to be given upon the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, and such of the Knights-Companions as are appointed for his Assistants, is by the Officers of the Order and of Arms, the Prebends and Alms-Knights, either at his Lodgings, or elsewhere he shall deem meet to appoint; from which the Knights-Companions are exempt. For though the Knights-Companions have sometimes proceeded to the Chappel before the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, at an Installation, yet hath it been at such time only, as they accompanied their Sovereign to _Windsor_, to hold the Feast of St. _George_; and if the Sovereign, through any Indisposition, or weighty Affair, cou’d not pass down to the Chappel on the Eve of the Feast, yet they being obliged by the Statutes to celebrate _Vespers_, did upon this Occasion proceed thither, though not upon the Account of Installation; as it fell out at the Installation of Prince _Henry_, and four other Knights, _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I. when the Progression began from the Presence Chamber, and thence passed to the Chappel in the following Order.

1. Alms-Knights.
2. Prebends.
3. Pursuivants.
4. Heralds.
5. _Ulster_ King of Arms.
6. _Lyon_ King of Arms.
7. _Clarenceux_ King of Arms.
8. The four elect Knights.
9. Knights-Companions.
10. Garter.
11. Register.
12. Black Rod.
13. Chancellor.
14. The Sovereign’s Lieutenant leading the Prince in his Hand.

At the Installation of the Duke of _Brunswick_, and five other elect Knights, the 23d of _November_, _Anno_ 1 _Car._ I. the Knights-Companions likewise proceeded before the Sovereign’s Lieutenants, tho’ the Sovereign was at _Windsor_, but not in the Cavalcade.

Upon the Sovereign’s Commissioners, neither the Knights-Companions, nor the Prelate, nor Chancellor, do give their Attendance; only at the Grand Feast of St. _George_, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II. the Chancellor then waiting on the Sovereign at _Windsor_, in the Duties of his Place, out of a singular Regard to his Royal Highness the Duke of _York_, attending the Commissioners in the proceeding to his Installation, for at that time he was Comptroller of his Houshould.

The Proceedings on this solemn Occasion have been generally order’d on Foot; yet upon extraordinary Incidents have been marshalled and disposed on Horse-back, in manner of a Cavalcade, as was used at the Installation of _Philip_ King of _Castile_, _Anno_ 22 _Hen._ VII. and that when the Lord _Russel_ and other elect Knights were installed, _Anno_ 31 _Hen._ VIII. King _Philip_ (when the Earl of _Sussex_ was installed, _Anno_ 1 and 2. _Ph._ and _Mar._) honoured him with his Presence, and riding on Horse-back, with several of the Knights-Companions, from his Lodgings in the Castle, down to the Cloister Door, at the East-End of the Chappel, and there alighting, proceeded directly to the Chapter-House. The Proceeding was on Horse-back, at the Installation of the Earl of _Shrewsbury_ and the Lord _Hunsdon_, _Anno_ 3 _Eliz._ and at the Earl of _Northumberland_’s and Earl of _Warwick_’s, _Anno_ 5. At the Installation of _Francis_, Duke _Montmorency_, the Viscount _Hereford_, and the Lords _Burleigh_, _Grey_, and _Shandos_, _Anno_ 14 _Eliz._ The Sovereign’s Lieutenant and Knights Assistants did Robe themselves in the Sovereign’s Lodging in the Castle; and meeting in the Presence Chamber, proceeded downwards towards the outer Hall-door, in the upper Ward of the Castle, when taking their Horses, adorned with Foot Clothes, they proceeded on Horse-back to the West Door of the Chappel.

If the Progression was begun on Horse-back at the beginning of the Feast, so it continued, as often as the Sovereign (his Lieutenant or Commissioner) went to the Chapter-House, or Chappel, and their returns were marshalled in the like Order at their setting out.

The Servants and Attendants belonging to the Knights elect, (if they be taken into the Procession,) pass on first two and two in a Rank, according to their Quality; and those who are the most inferior, the foremost: Next the Alms-Knights in their Habits and usual Order.

Then follows the Virger of the College.

After him the Prebends or Canons: But what attendance they have given heretofore at the Installations, the Memoirs of this illustrious Society is wholly silent in; for in those Schemes left us of proceeding to Installations, in the Reigns of King _Henry_ VIII. King _Edward_ VI. Queen _Mary_, and part of Queen _Elizabeth_, we find them not inserted, though since they are next to the Prebends of the College, the Pursuivants, Heralds, and Provincial Kings of Arms, proceed in a Body.

After them the Knights-Subjects elect, unless the Proctor of an absent Knight-Subject, pass at the same time in this Proceeding, who take Place after the Provincial Kings: And if it so chance, that the Proctor to a Stranger-Prince be present at the same time, he is to proceed between the Knight-Subject’s Proctor, and the Knights-Subject elect. But Prince _Henry_ at his Installation, _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I. moved in a Place Superior to all the Knights-Companions, and was paired with the Earl of _Nottingham_, the Sovereign’s Lieutenant for that Occasion. Where two or more elect Knights prepare for their Installation at the same time, they take Place according to the Seniority of their Election, going two and two together; and if the Number be odd, the Junior elect Knight passeth alone. Formerly the elect Knight passed in his ordinary Apparel, wearing over it in Days of Yore a short Gown, afterwards a Cloak, and of latter Times a Coat, as did the Earl of _Northumberland_, _Anno_ 5 _Eliz._ and the Earls of _Pembrook_ and _Derby_, _Anno_ 16 _Eliz._ and the Annals of the Order make this remark upon the Earl of _Sussex_, and the Lord _Buckhurst_, _Anno_ 31 of _Eliz._ of _Charles_ Duke of _York_, _An._ 9 _Jac._ I. But this was before any peculiar under Habit, was appointed to the Knights-Companions, for now there being a Cloth of Silver Doublet, and Trunk Hose, established to be worn at the Feast of Installation, and of St. _George_, the elect Knight proceeds in this Dress, as did the Duke of _Albermarle_, _Anno_ 23 _Car._ II.

In this proceeding to the Chapter-House, he wears only the Garter about his Leg, and the George and the Ribbond wherewith he was invested, either about his Neck, or as of late drawn under his right Arm, which being omitted by Sir _George Villars_, and Viscount _Lisle_, is noted to be contrary to order.

The Earl of _Rutland_ with his Fellow elect Knights, _Anno_ 14 _Jac._ I. proceeded Bare-headed, as did the Duke of _Lenox_, _Anno_ 9 _Car._ I. as well as the Duke of _Albermarle_, _Anno_ 23 _Car._ II.

The elect Knight does not always make one in this Proceeding, but sometimes stays at his Lodgings in the Castle, as did the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_, _Anno_ 34 _Eliz._ or else at some other convenient Station adjoining to the Chapter-House, till he be sent for in thither, to receive Investiture with the Surcoat, as the Duke of _Montmorency_ did, and other elect Knights, _Anno_ 14 _Eliz._ who went privately from the Sovereign’s Lodgings, down to the House of Mr. _French_, (then one of the Prebends,) and rested in the Parlour, until they were sent for: Sometimes the Knight elect goes privately into the East-Isle of the Chappel behind the High Altar, and there remains till called in, as did the Duke of _Monmouth_, _Anno_ 15 _Car._ II.

If the Sovereign be present at the Installation, the Knights-Companions proceed next after the Knights elect, according to the order of their Stalls; but if the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, then his Assistants go in their Places; as at the Installation of the Earl of _Shrewsbury_ and Lord _Hunsdon_, _Anno_ 3 _Eliz._ makes plain, the proceeding being ordered after this manner.

1. Vergers.
2. Alms-Knights.
3. Officers of Arms.
4. Elect-Knights.
5. Assistants to the Lieutenants.
6· Officers of the Order.
7. Earl of _Arundel_, Lieutenant.

If the Installation be dispatched by Commissioners, then the three inferior Officers of the Order immediately follow the Knight elect, and proceed next before the Commissioners, and they were thus marshalled at the Installation of the Earl of _Northampton_, _Anno_ 5 _Car._ I.

1. The Earls Servants.
2. Alms-Knights.
3. Prebends.
4. Heralds.
5. Elect-Knights.
6. Officers of the Order.
7. The Sovereign’s Commissioners.

Yet _Anno_ 16 _Eliz._ at the Installation of the Earls of _Pembrook_ and _Derby_, we find the Officers did precede the elect Knights, but it was through inadvertency; at the Installation of the Earl of _Northampton_, some Question and Debate arose, concerning the precedency of these three Officers, in this proceeding, where it was at length concluded, that from the Castle to the Chappel, they shou’d proceed before the Commissioners; but in returning from the Chappel to the Castle, they shou’d follow.

We presume the Question, (whatsoever it was) chanced not to be propounded, till the proceeding was ready to pass on, and then started on a sudden, because the Heralds (as the Annals note,) did not quickly discypher the matter, that it proceeded more from surprize, than want of Ability to resolve.

This determination which took Place, was barely grounded upon Conjecture, and if seriously considered, will appear disconsonant to Precedents and Practice, both before and since; where all returns are marshalled answerable to their setting forth, unless the Condition of any Person in the mean time suffer a Mutation.

It’s observable, that when Installation pass by Commissioners only, these three inferior Officers wear their Robes, but bear not the Ensigns of their Office in the Proceeding. And this seems to be deduced from particular Injunctions, laid down in the Constitutions belonging to the Officers of the Order, which appoint Garter and Black-Rod to bear the Ensigns of their Offices at the Feast of St. _George_, when the Sovereign or his Deputy shall be present; whence it may be inferred, that if either chance to be absent, they are under no obligation to bear them: For at the Installations of _Frederick_, King of _Denmark_, and _John Casimire_, Count Palatine of the _Rhine_, _Anno_ 25 _Eliz._ no Ensigns were born by the Officers; and so was it practised the Year after, at the Installations of the Earl of _Rutland_ and Lord _Cobham_, as the Red-Book of Order plainly sets forth. But if the Sovereign himself be present, or that he constitute a Lieutenant in his stead, the Register then carries the Red-Book, and the Garter and the Black-Rod bear each of them their Rods. It is remarkable, that in every proceeding to Installation, by Lieutenant, or Commissioners, the Garter carries the Sovereign’s Commission in his Hand before them to the Chapter-House. At the Installation of the Earls of _Derby_ and _Moreton_, the Officers of the Order proceeded before the Knights to the Chapter-House, not only without the Ensigns of their Office, but their Heads covered; and the reporter of this Installation gives this for a reason; because there was then neither the Sovereign, nor his Lieutenant, representing the King’s Person, present.

The Sovereign sometimes being willing to confer additional Honours to some elect Knights, hath appointed their Installation at such time as he personally solemnized the Feast of St. _George_, as he did at the Installation and Election of _Philip_ King of _Castile_, _Anno_ 22 _Hen._ VII. which for its memorableness, and mixt proceeding on Horse-back, we shall insert in this Place: He passed from the Sovereign’s Lodging in the Castle, to the South-Door of St. _George_’s-_Chappel_, and was thus ordered.

1. Knights according to their Degrees. 2. Lords after their Degrees. 3. Knights-Companions in their whole Habit, bearing Company with some of the Knights of the Order of _Joyson d’Or_. 4. Prelate of the Order. 5. Archbishop of _Canterbury_. 6. The _Spanish_ Ambassador. 7. _Joyson d’Or_, King of Arms, in Coat of Arms. 8. Garter King of Arms, in his Coat of Arms. 9. The Sword. 10. _Philip_ King of _Castile_. 11. The Prince. 12. King _Henry_ VII. Sovereign of the Order.

_Anno_ 19 _Jac._ I. was another instance at the Feast of St. _George_, when the Sovereign, with several Knights-Companions, proceeded also to the Chapel, at the personal Installation of _Frederick_, Prince Palatine of the _Rhine_; we might add several other Examples, but shall only mention that of the personal appearance of King _Charles_ II. at the grand Feast of St. _George_, held next after his happy Restoration, whereat twelve elect Knights were installed. At this Solemnity of Installation, the Sovereign proceeds in full Robes, having the Sword of State born before him by a Nobleman not of the Order, his Train-bearers, _&c._ following the Sovereign’s Lieutenant and his Assistants, as also the Commissioners proceed in full Robes, which is mention’d, _Anno_ 31 _Henry_ VIII. when the Earl of _Arundel_ and his Assistants installed the Lord _Russel_ and two other elect Knights, but the Sovereign’s Lieutenant only hath his Train carried up, which is usually perform’d by some of his own Gentlemen.

The Processional way (if beginning in the Presence-Chamber,) is from thence in the upper Ward of the Castle, and through the other Wards in at the Cloyster Door, and so to the Chapter-House; but if from the Dean’s House, they go only through the Cloysters, into which there is an immediate Passage from the Deanry: The proceeding having entred the East Door of St. _George_’s Chapel, and past by the Chapter-House Door, makes a stand in the North Isle; while first the Officers of the Order, next the Knights-Commissioners, or else the Knights-Assistants, and the Sovereign’s Lieutenant; or lastly the Knights-Companions, and the Sovereign with the Sword born before him, pass into the Chapter-House, but the Knight or Knights elect do not enter, but as they come in at the Chapel-Door, they fall off on the left Hand into the East Isle behind the high Altar, and there repose themselves, (on Chairs or Stools, with Cushions purposely prepared,) until they are called into the Chapter-House. This hath generally been the Custom, of which many Examples might be produced, but in respect to great Personages they have been sometimes (though rarely) admitted into the Chapter-House, with the Sovereign or his Lieutenant, among whom _Philip_ of _Castile_ and _Leon_, _Anno_ 22 _Henry_ VII. and Prince _Henry_, _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I. the latter was led in by the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, when four other elect Knights installed with him sat till they receiv’d their Summons to enter.

Sometime the Sovereign and Knights-Companions wav’d going to the Chapter-House, and pass’d immediately into the Choir, as did King _James_ _Anno_ 9. when _Charles_ Duke of _York_ and others were installed; the like did King _Charles_ I. but then a Chapter was held in the Privy-Chamber, before the proceeding set forward; and in the former instance, when the proceeding came as far as the East End of the Chapel, the Duke of _York_, _&c._ with _Norroy_ before them, went out of the proceeding into the Chapter-House, and there reposed, while the Sovereign proceeded on to the South Door of the Chapel, and thence into the Choir.

_The Ceremonies perform’d in the Chapter-House._

§ 5. After the Lieutenant’s entrance into the Chapter-House, and opening the Chapter; Garter, with three Reverences, presents first the Commissioners of Lieutenancy to hold the Feast, next that of Installation, to the Lieutenant, (or if the Installation pass’d by Commissioners, then only the Commission of Installation to the Senior Commissioner,) which being receiv’d, he delivers it to the Register of the Order, who forthwith Reads it; for to him this Duty belongs, as is recorded in the Black-Book of the Order, on occasion of Garter’s reading the Commission for Installation of Sir _Thomas Brandon_, _Anno_ 22 _Henry_ VII. the Register being then absent.

When the Register hath read the Commissions, he returns them to the Lieutenant, (or Commissioners,) and he again to the Garter, as at the Installation of the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_, _Anno_ 34 _Eliz._ If the Sovereign be present, the Chancellor acquaints him the Knights elect are without, otherwise the Lieutenant, and Assistants, (or Commissioners) consult touching the calling in, and receiving them, and Garter is usually employed in this Service; who, with all due respect, compliments and conducts him to the Chapter-House Door: But in the instance of the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_ aforesaid, Garter went to their Lodgings, and having delivered his Message, they forthwith repaired to the Chapter-House, their Train attending them to the Door: At the Installation of _Francis_ Duke of _Montmorency_, the Earl of _Leicester_, then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, as an evidence of singular respect, sent from the Chapter two of the four Assistants assigned him, who taking Garter, and the Officers of Arms before them, led him thence between them to the Chapter-House.

When there are two or more elect Knights, that wait in the East Isle, expecting to be called in, Garter first conducts the Senior by Election to the Chapter-House Door, and so the rest in their several Orders, as in 14 _Jac._ I. by the Earl of _Rutland_, Sir _George Villars_, and the Viscount _Lisle_; and so again 13 _Car._ II. As soon as Garter hath conducted the elect Knight to the Chapter-House Door, two of the Commissioners, (when the Installation is performed by Commissioners,) or two of the Knights-Assistants, (when by the Sovereign’s Lieutenant,) or two of the Senior Knights, (if the Sovereign himself be present,) receive him without, who is immediately conducted from the Chapter-House Door, up to the Sovereign, (his Lieutenant, or Commissioners,) to whom he makes humble Reverence; when the Lieutenant, (or Senior Commissioners,) in a short Speech, publishes the effect of his Commission, and declares to him the Sovereign’s bounty and ready kindness, in a full admittance into this Honourable Society, which the elect Knight very humbly acknowledges and accepts. When _Philip_ King of _Castile_ and _Leon_ was installed in Person, _Anno_ 22 _Henry_ VII. the Sovereign being present rose from his Throne, and gave him Information of the Statutes and Ceremonies of the Order, and how he was bound by them; to all which he freely and readily assented.

These Ceremonies of receiving an elect Knight being over, he disrobes himself of his upper Garment, then the Surcoat and Kirtle is taken from the Table, with which he is invested; and during this Ceremony, the following Words of Admonition, entred at the end of King _Hen._ VIII’s Book of English Statutes, are read or spoken.

_Take this Robe of Purple, to the encrease of your Honour, and in Token, or Sign, of the most Honourable Order you have receiv’d; wherewith you being defended, may be bold not only strong to Fight, but also to offer your self to shed your Blood for Christ’s Faith, the Liberties of the Church, and the just and necessary defence of them that are oppressed and needy._

After this, his Sword is close girt about him over his Surcoat, by the Commissioners, (or the Assistants to the Lieutenant, or some of the Knights-Companions,) and sometimes in the way of assistance, Garter hath done this Service; and as soon as the Ceremony is over, the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, proceeds into the Choir, leaving the elect Knights behind them: The Hood was heretofore put on in the Chapter-House, (for so the Statutes of King _Henry_ VIII. do appoint,) after the elect Knight hath been invested with his Surcoat, and before he proceeded to his Installation; but of late, because it must be taken off again in the Choir, and laid aside, that the Mantle may be put on, it hath been esteemed a sort of diminution in the Investiture to take off any part of the Habit before the whole Investiture be compleated; so that in the beginning of the Reign of King _James_ I. it was judged more convenient that the Hood should be carried on the Cushion by Garter into the Choir, together with the Mantle and Collar, and not be put on till after Investiture with the Mantle; and thus it was observed at the Feasts of St. _George_, 13, 15, and 23 _Car._ II. And though antiently it was laid over the left Shoulder, and so worn upon all Occasions, yet _Anno_ 2 and 3 _Phil._ and _Mar._ the wearing it so being taken notice of to obscure the Escutcheon of St. _George_, embroidered on the same Shoulder of the Mantle, it was decreed in a Chapter held the same Year, 22 of _April_, that for the future the Knights-Companions should wear their Hoods on their right Shoulders, to the end that the Escutcheon might be the better seen and appear.

Nevertheless, there was a Question moved 12 _Jac._ I. whether the usage of wearing the Hood should not be restored to the left Shoulder, but it seems it was over-ruled; and 23 _Car._ II. some of the Knights-Companions imagining it most proper to wear their Hoods on their left Shoulders, ran into that error, but upon better information the next Morning, altered them to the right. To Foreign Princes, there is liberty given by King _Hen._ VIII’s Statutes to receive, if they please, their Habit wholly within the Chapter-House, before they enter their Stalls; by which it appears that this was the Custom in times past; an instance whereof we have in _Philip_ King of _Castile_, _Anno_ 22 _Henry_ VII. who was entirely invested in the Chapter-House with the Garter, Surcoat, Mantle, Hood, and Collar; the Sovereign himself putting his Hand to his Investiture with the Mantle. Hence King _Philip_, Grandson to the aforesaid King of _Castile_, was invested with the whole Habit of the Order before he assumed the Stall; in _Philip_ and _Mary_’s proceeding to the Chapel, he receiv’d his Investiture within the West Door, and there the Register delivered the Mantle to the Earls of _Derby_ and _Pembrook_, who kissing it, presented it to the Queen, who, assisted by the said Earls, personally invested the King therewith: Next Garter gave the Collar to the Earls of _Arundel_ and _Pembrook_, who likewise presented it to the Queen, and she thereon put it about King _Philip_’s Neck; and immediately the Knights-Companions, having robed themselves within the Chapel Door, proceeded before the King and Queen, who with joined Hands passed into the Choir, where the Queen led him to the Sovereign’s Stall, which ascending, they both sat therein. But as the aforesaid Statute leaves this to the pleasure of the Stranger Prince, and was permitted only for gaining Time, so none, who have receiv’d personal Installation at _Windsor_ since, have been fully invested before they entered the Choir. For instance, _Francis_, Duke _de Montmorency_, 14 _Eliz._ and _Frederick_, Prince Palatine of the _Rhine_, 10 _Jac._ I. were both invested with their Surcoats only in the Chapter-House, but they receiv’d their Mantles, Hoods, and Collars, in their Stalls, after they had taken their Oaths.

_The proceeding into the Choir._

§ 6. The Knight elect, habited as before, proceeds from the Chapter-House along the North Isle, and enters the West Door of the Choir in solemn Order; but his Place in this proceeding is changed, for here he is led between two Knights-Companions. This is noted in the Black-Book to be the Order wherein _Albra Vasques d’Almadea_, Earl of _Averence_, and two others, proceeded to their Installations, 24 _Henry_ VI. And notwithstanding the Statutes of Institution, and those made by King _Henry_ V. are silent in the Order of this Proceeding; yet for an elect Knight to be led to his Stall between two fellow Knights, is no modern Ceremony; since we likewise find, that the Viscount _Bourchier_, 30 _Henry_ VI. past to his Instalment between the Lord _Hastings_ and Lord _Beauchamp_. But the Order of proceeding is precisely set down in _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes, _viz._ _That the elect Knight, attended by his Gentlemen and Servants, shall be led between two other Knights-Companions, the Officers of the Order going before them_. And this has been the constant Practice at all Installations since; the Knight elect proceeding, either between two of the Knights-Commissioners, when there hath been no Lieutenant, or between two of the Knights Assistants, where a Lieutenant was constituted; or lastly between the two Senior Knights-Companions, the Sovereign being present: But when there hath been three Commissioners named, then the two Senior Commissioners take the Knight elect between them, and the Junior Knight-Commissioner proceeds before them; which was observed at the Instalment of the Earls of _Essex_ and _Ormond_, and Sir _Christopher Hatton_, 30 _Eliz._

In all cases where the Sovereign is present at an Installation, after the custom of investing with the Collar in the Chapter-House was left off, it is generally to be observed, that as soon as the Investiture with the Surcoat is finished, the Sovereign passes from the Chapter-House into the Choir, with the whole proceeding before him, leaving the elect Knight behind; and when he and the Knights-Companions have taken their Stalls, the two Senior Knights-Companions, by the Sovereign’s verbal Directions, descend from their Stalls, and stand under their Banners, whilst the Alms-Knights, but not the Prebends, Officers of Arms, and the three inferior Officers of the Order, pass out of the Choir, and proceed before them to the Chapter-House, from whence they introduce the elect Knight into the Choir to his Installation; but if there be more than one Knight installed, then the two next Senior Knights descend, and so the next, till all the elect Knights are Conducted in: And this course is likewise observed when a Lieutenant is constituted, and hath been generally so practised since the Investiture with the Collar was performed in the Choir; and particularly at the Installations of the Duke of _Lenox_, the Earls of _Pembrook_, _Marr_, and _Southampton_, 1 _Jac._ I. and of the Duke of _Holstein_, and the Earl of _Northampton_, 3 _Jac._ I. In this proceeding to Installation, the Register usually carries a Book of the New Testament, for the elect Knight to take his Oath on, as likewise the Oath it self, fairly written on Parchment: Garter bears his Mantle till he arrives at his Stall; and King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes place this Service upon some of the Knights-Companions likewise; but it never appears that it was ever performed by any of them. ’Tis probable, that about the time when this Injunction passed, it was the Custom for Garter to bear the Mantle on his Arm; for so it was at the Installation of the Lord _Russel_, and others, 31 _Henry_ VIII. but it was not long after, that the laying it on a Velvet Cushion began. The great Collar of the Order was likewise laid upon the Cushion, at the Installation of Sir _Henry Sidney_, 6 _Eliz._ the Earl of _Shrewsbury_, 34 _Eliz._ and in this manner born before the Knights elect, 13 _Car._ II. before the Duke of _Monmouth_, 15 _Car._ II. and before the Duke of _Albermarle_, 23 _Car._ II. with these the Hood, heretofore put on in the Chapter-House, hath of late been laid on the Cushion, and also the Book of Statutes, and so born by Garter before Prince _Henry_, 1 _Jac._ I. and _Frederick_, Elector Palatine, 10 _Jac._ I. and before the Knights Installation, 13 _Car._ II. and since.

And here it is to be observed, that when Garter bears the Ornaments and Ensigns on the Cushion before an elect Knight, or a Proctor, he is always placed between the Register and Black-Rod in the proceeding: Lastly, in this proceeding the Knight elect goeth Bare-headed, holding his Cap in his Hand; and so did the Duke of _Albermarle_, 23 _Car._ II. for it hath been thought incongruous to the Order of Investiture, as is before observed of the Hood, to put on any part of the Habit, or other Ornaments, that must be taken off again, before the Investiture is compleated; and the proper Place for putting on the Cap is not till all the other is finished.

_The Ceremonies of Installation._

§ 7. When the proceeding hath entered the Choir, the Alms-Knights, and Officers of Arms, make their Obeysances toward the High Altar, and the Sovereign’s Royal Stall, in the manner hereafter described; then they proceed to the Steps before the Altar, and divide themselves; next the Officers of the Order make the same Reverence; and lastly, the two Commissioners, or Knights Assistants, or Knights-Companions, and Knights-elect, all three together. After this the Officers of the Order turn aside toward the Stall designed for the elect Knight, and approaching near it, stand below in the Choir, whilst the Commissioners, or Assistants, or Knights-Companions, pass into the lower Row of Stalls, sometimes called the middle Row, directly under the designed Stall, leading the elect Knight with them, who in this Place takes his Oath, called in the Annals, the sacred Oath of the Order of the Garter; during which time he ought to stand between the two Knights-Companions who brought him thither, as at the Installation of Prince _Henry_, 1 _Jac._ I. and when the Earl of _Shrewsbury_ was installed, 34 _Eliz._ ’tis observed, that the Senior Commissioner first entered the lower row of Stalls; but 31 _Henry_ VIII. at the Installation of the Lord _Russel_, and others, the Junior Assistant went up first. The Knight elect being thus placed, the Register of the Order standing before them, but below in the Choir, reads the Oath; for it is part of his Duty to administer the same: And in this solemn Ceremony, the New Testament, whereon the Oath is taken, generally opened in some Place of the Gospels, is indifferently held by one of the three inferior Officers of the Order, or sometimes the Register hath held it, as at the Installation of the Earl of _Derby_, 16 _Eliz._ the Earl of _Rutland_, and Lord _Cobham_, 26 _Eliz._ At other times the Garter hath held it, as 5 _Eliz._ when the Earl of _Northumberland_ took his Oath; and 10 _Car._ I. at the Installation of the Earl of _Moreton_: But when the Earl of _Shrewsbury_ was Sworn, 34 _Eliz._ the Usher of the Black Rod performed this Office.

Whilst the Oath is administring, the elect Knight holds his right Hand on the Holy Evangelists; and when the Register hath pronounced the Words, he immediately Responses, _I will, so help me God_, and then takes off his Hand reverently, kissing the Book; and by this Ceremony seals his Obligation to the Statutes of this most Noble Order. The Ceremony used when _Philip_, King of _Castile_ and _Leon_, took the Oath, which was done in the Chapter-House at _Windsor_, 22 _Henry_ VII. he laid his Hand on the Canon, under which was placed the Book of Statutes of the Order by the Prelate, to whom it was delivered by the Register, and having repeated the Words of the Oath, and reverently kissed all those things by which he Swore, he took a Pen from the Prelate’s Hand, and Signed the Oath he had taken, and deliver’d it to the Sovereign then present.

The Form of the ancient Oath appointed by the Statutes of Institution, to be taken by a Knight-Subject, was very short, but comprehensive: _That he should well and faithfully observe, to the utmost of his Power, all the Statutes of the Order_; and this was all the Oath taken by the first Founders, and to which they also affixed their Seals; and so it continued without alteration or addition, till towards the End of King _Edward_ IV’s Reign; and then, at a Chapter held at the King’s Wardrobe in _London_, it was decreed, That all the Knights-Companions then alive, and all such as should afterwards be admitted into the Order, should be obliged to subjoin the Words following: _That they wou’d aid, support, and defend, with all their Power_, the Royal College of St. _George_, within the Castle of _Windsor_, _as well in its Possessions, as all other things whatsoever_; which being drawn in form, was enter’d in the Black Book; but has since receiv’d many alterations: And there is an instance, 1 _Eliz._ when the Oath has been dispensed with; as by the Duke of _Norfolk_, and others, in regard the Rites and Ceremonies of Religion were then altered, and no new form of an Oath settled, so that they only obliged themselves by Promise to observe such Statutes and Orders as should be decreed in the next Council of the Order, which was soon after settled, and recorded in the Red Book of the Order, and is the Oath taken by a Knight-Subject at this Day.

_You being Chosen to be one of the Honourable Company of this most Noble Order of the Garter, shall Promise and Swear, by the Holy Evangelists, by you here touched, that, wittingly or willingly, you shall not break any Statute of the said Order, or any Articles in them contained; the same being agreeable, and not repugnant to the Laws of Almighty God, and the Laws of this Realm, as far forth as to you belongeth and appertaineth: So help you God, and this Holy Word._

As soon as the Knight elect hath taken the Oath, he is led to his appointed Stall, through the Entrance next beneath it, and there placed before it. In the Interim, Garter advancing into the lower row of Stalls, to the Place where the elect Knight stood when he took the Oath, presents from thence the Mantle, Collar, and Book of Statutes, to those who led him, who invest the Knight elect first with the Mantle, by putting it on his Shoulders. There are some Examples where the elect Knight hath been invested before he went up to his Stall, as in the case of the Earl of _Northumberland_, 5 _Eliz._ _Francis_, Duke _de Montmorency_, and others, 14 _Eliz._ the Earls of _Dunbar_ and _Montgomery_, 6 _Jac._ I. and the Prince of _Wales_, 14 _Car._ I. among which may be numbered those installed at the Grand Feast of St. _George_, 13 _Car._ II. but this happen’d through a vast Concourse of People in the Chapel, that prevented the due Order.

In the Red Book it is observed, that the Investiture with the Mantle and Collar, hath been sometimes performed by the Black Rod; as at the Installation of the Earl of _Northampton_, 5 _Car._ I. the Lord Treasurer _Weston_, the Earls of _Exeter_ and _Lindsey_, and the Marquiss of _Hamilton_, 6 _Car._ I. Nevertheless, this is to be understood as this Officers Assistance to the Knights-Companions, whose Office it only is, and no otherwise. Whilst the Ceremony of Investiture with the Mantle is performing, the Words of Admonition proper thereto, are pronounced as follows.

_Take this Mantle of Heavenly Colours, in Sign and Token of the most Honourable Order you have receiv’d, and to the increase of your Honour, signed and marked as you see, with a red Escutcheon of our Lord’s Cross, to the intent that you, being always defended by the Virtue and Strength thereof, may pass through your Enemies, and them also overcome and vanquish, so that at the last, for your worthy and approved Acts, you may, after this Temporal Chivalry, come to Eternal Triumphant Joys in Heaven._

But at the Installation of King _Charles_ II. they receiv’d some alteration, and were put in the following Form.

_Receive this Robe of Heavenly Colour, the Livery of this most excellent Order, in augmentation of thy Honour, enobled with the Shield and Red Cross of our Lord, by whose Power thou may’st safely pierce Troops of thy Enemies, and be over them ever Victorious; and being in this temporal Warfare Glorious in egregious and heroick Actions, thou may’st obtain Eternal and Triumphant Joy._

Next, the Commissioners, Assistants, or Knights-Companions, lay the Hood on the Knight’s right Shoulder over the Mantle, and bringing the Tippet athwart his Breast, tuck it under the Girdle, at which his Sword hangs: And lastly tye the Collar about his Shoulder, over his Mantle and Hood; and at this part of the Investiture, the following Words of Admonition are likewise pronounced.

_To the encrease of your Honour, and in Token of the Honourable Order you have receiv’d; take this Collar about your Neck, with the Image of the Holy Martyr, and Christ’s Knight, St._ George, _by whose aid you being defended, may pass through the Prosperities and Adversities of this World, that having here the Victory, as well of your Ghostly as Bodily Enemies, you may not only receive the Glory and Renown of Temporal Chivalry, but also at the last, the endless and everlasting reward of Victory._

This Form of Words receiv’d likewise alteration when King _Charles_ II. was to be installed, to the Tenor following.

_Wear this Collar about thy Neck, adorn’d with the Image of the Blessed Martyr and Soldier of Christ, St._ George, _by whose Imitation provoked, thou may’st so overpass both prosperous and adverse Encounters, that having stoutly vanquished thy Enemies, both of Body and Soul, thou may’st not only receive the Praise of this transient Combat, but be Crowned with the Palm of eternal Victory._

Antiently at the Solemnity of Installation, when the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant was present, the elect Knight, after he had been invested with the Mantle in his Stall, was immediately conducted out of the Choir, back to the Chapter-House, where the Sovereign, or Lieutenant, used to remain till his return, there to receive the Collar of the Order from one of them, which done, he is said to have receiv’d the entire Possession of his Habit. This is contained in King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes, and appears to have been the Practice about that Time, as in the case of the Lord _Mountjoy_, and others, 18 _Hen._ VIII. and several others after, in the 1 and 3 _Edw._ VI. and the 3, 5, and 14 _Eliz._ The Proceeding back to the Chapter-House on this occasion, was much after the manner of what is before mention’d, except, that here the new installed Knight took his Place according to the Dignity of his Stall. But ’tis observable, that when the Sovereign’s Lieutenant remained in the Chapter-House, while the elect Knight proceeded to his Installation, the Usher of the Black-Rod stayed behind to attend the Lieutenant; and as soon as the Investiture with the Collar was over, the Lieutenant proceeded to the Choir in the Rear, and the new installed Knight in Place according to his Stall, as in the case of the Lord _Russel_, and others, 31 _Hen._ VIII. and the Marquiss of _Dorset_, and others, 1 _Edw._ VI. The Proceeding having entered the Choir, and the Lieutenant and Knights-Companions taken their Seats, then the usual Ceremonies, the Service of the Church began.

But when the Installation was performed by Commissioners, the Collar of the Order was laid on the Cushion with the Mantle, and born before the elect Knight to his Stall, where, after his Investiture with the Mantle and Hood, he receiv’d Investiture with the Collar also, of which there are several Examples in the time of _Phil._ and _Mar._ and Queen _Eliz._ In like manner, at all Installations since, where the Sovereign has been present, the ancient custom of returning to the Chapter-House being laid aside, the Knights-Companions, who led the elect Knights to their Stalls, did there invest them with their Collars also; as the Earl of _Rutland_, Sir _George Villars_, and the Viscount _Lisle_, 14 _Jac._ I. and the Earl of _Suffolk_, 4 _Car._ I. and hath been thus observed at all Installations since, the Sovereign present.

So soon as the Investiture with the Mantle, Hood, and Collar is over, those appointed deliver the Book of Statutes to the new invested Knight, which was observed to the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_, 34 _Eliz._ the Earl of _Rutland_, Sir _George Villars_, and the Viscount _Lisle_, 14 _Jac._ I. and so generally to all elect Knights since. This Book the Knight is to keep safe in his own Custody, for his Instruction in the Laws and Ceremonies of this most Noble Order. They likewise give him the Black Velvet Cap adorned with Plumes of white Feathers, and this in particular was observed to be the last Ceremony performed at the Installation of King _Charles_ II.

All things relating to the full Investiture being ended, there remains only to compleat this great Ceremony, the Installation it self, which is performed in the manner following. The new invested Knight standing before his Stall, and turning toward the High Altar, makes humble Obeysance that way, and then toward the Sovereign, or if absent, toward his Stall; which done, the Commissioners, Knights-Assistants, or Knights-Companions, receive and embrace him with great Civility, as their Fellow and Companion, and set him down in his assigned Stall with Professions of Esteem, and Wishes for his Honour and Happiness. Of this Ceremony, there is a notable Instance at the Installation of _Philip_, King of _Castile_, 22 _Henry_ VII. where the Sovereign personally introduced him to his Stall, and there placed him, at which time there was a certain Form of Words pronounced relating to the elect Knight’s Session, and Act of Installation, no less than at his Investiture, but the same are not repeated.

_The Order to be observed when two or more Knights
are installed in one Day._

§ 8. In this case it seems to have been the ancient Practice, when the Ceremony has been perform’d by two Commissioners, or two Knights-Assistants, that as soon as they had finished all the Ceremonies due to the Senior of them, they left him possest of his Stall, and forthwith returned to the Chapter-House in the usual manner, and thence conducted the next Senior elect Knight, and so of the rest; So it was at the Installation of _Albro Vasques d’Almadea_, Earl of _Averenches_, the Lord _Beauchamp_, and Sir _Thomas Hoo_, in the time of _Henry_ VI. and so of the Earl of _Huntington_, 1 _Edw._ VI. when the two Assistants, after they had invested and installed the said Earl, returned to the Chapter-House for the Lord _la War_, and so for the Lord _Cobham_, and Sir _William Herbert_. In like manner, when the Commissioners had given the Proctor to _Emanuel_, Duke of _Savoy_, Possession of his Principal’s Stall, 1 and 2 _Phil._ and _Mar._ they proceeded back for _William_ Lord _Howard_; so by the Earl of _Pembrook_, 16 _Eliz._ when they had first installed the Earl of _Derby_, and by the Earl of _Cumberland_, after the Earl of _Shrewsbury_ had been installed.

When the Sovereign hath nominated three Commissioners, they have returned altogether to fetch in the other Knights singly, that were to be installed, and alternately changed their Places in the proceeding to the several Installations, one of them always going single before; as at the Installation of the Earls of _Essex_ and _Ormond_, and Sir _Christopher Hatton_, 30 _Eliz._ when the Earl of _Worcester_, the Lords _Hunsdon_ and _Grey_, were Commissioners: And if the Lieutenant had four Assistants assigned him, which was necessary when many Knights were to be installed, the order of their Installation hath been as follows.