Chapter XV: Part 15

First, Two of the Senior Knights-Assistants conducted the Senior elect Knight to his Installation, and the other two Assistants proceeded with the second elect Knight; the former then took the third elect Knight, and so alternately changed till all were installed: As at the Installation of _Francis_, Duke _de Montmorency_, and others, 14 _Eliz._ And the like manner of alternate change is observed if four Commissioners be constituted, as at the Installation of _Frederick_, King of _Denmark_, and _John_, Prince Palatine of the _Rhine_, 25 _Eliz._ where the King’s Proxy was conducted into the Choir between the Earl of _Leicester_ and the Lord _Hunsdon_, the two Senior Commissioners; and the Prince, between the Earl of _Huntington_ and the Lord _Charles Howard_, the two Junior Commissioners.

But some have been of Opinion, that the Commissioners named to this Employment, ought not to divide the Duty, and part of them to Instal one, and part the other, and by such an alternative to dispatch the Ceremony, as in former Cases; but all jointly assist at each Installation: Of which Opinion there is an Instance at the Installation of the Earl of _Salisbury_, and the Viscount _Bindon_, 4 _Jac._ I. where the Earl having been brought into the Choir, invested and installed by the Earls of _Nottingham_ and _Suffolk_, the two Senior Commissioners, the other two Commissioners who were left behind in the Chapter-House, to conduct the Viscount to his Stall, remembring that all four were joint Commissioners, apprehended that the Earl was not legally installed, because they, as Co-partners in the Commission, had not assisted; and this Opinion being debated, prevailed so far, that it was agreed to be imparted to the Earl of _Salisbury_, who submitted to descend into the lower Seats before his Stall, and there all four Commissioners gave him his Oath again, then led him to his Stall, and a second Time invested and installed him; and so of the Viscount _Bindon_.

But this Method was not only new, but different from former Practice, as in all the cases before recited; and besides, where the Sovereign hath authorized his Lieutenant to perform this Ceremony, and appointed some of the Knights-Companions to assist, they, and not the Lieutenant, have done the Duty belonging to Installation, that part of it of investing with the Collar in the Chapter-House, the whole Duty at the Installation of Prince _Henry_ excepted. And ’tis to be farther observed, that the foregoing case of the joint Assistance in the Installation of the Earl of _Salisbury_, was thought so little Essential, or worthy of becoming a Precedent, that at the very next Feast, when the Earls of _Dunbar_ and _Montgomery_ were installed, 6 _Jac._ I. and four Commissioners appointed, the two Senior installed the Earl of _Dunbar_, and the two Junior the Earl of _Montgomery_; and so again, 10 _Car._ I. by the Earls of _Danby_ and _Moreton_. But lastly, if the Sovereign be present, and consequently the Knights-Companions perform this Ceremony, then there is generally so many of them as can go through the whole, without changing, after the manner used when done by Commissioners or Assistants; in which case the two Senior Knights-Companions descend from their Stalls, and passing thro’ the Choir to the Chapter-House with the Proceeding before them, conduct to his Installation the eldest elect Knight; and having performed that whole Ceremony, return and take their Stalls, and so the rest in due Order; as was practised at the Installation of Prince _Henry_, and others, 1 _Jac._ I. and of the Earl of _Rutland_, 14 _Jac._ I. and at the grand Feast of St. _George_, 13 _Car._ II. but here the separate proceeding with each single Knight to and from the Chapter House, taking too much time, and the Day being far spent in the Ceremonies of the Dukes of _Ormond_ and _Buckingham_; the Sovereign ordered, that with the next Proceeding, the rest of the elect Knights, being eight, besides two Proxies, should all be introduced at once; so that each of them being placed before his Stall, took the Oath, receiv’d his Investiture, and was led up to his Stall, and took Possession of it by solemn Installation.

And in regard so many Knights elect were introduced together, it was judged necessary, that their Mantles and Collars should be likewise brought in the proceeding, and each elect Knight appointed one of the Gentlemen that attended him, to bear the Cushion whereon they were laid, before him to the Choir Door, where they held them in their Arms, till Garter in due order fetch’d them into the Choir: And here we may insert this general Rule, that at all Installations, where some of the elect Knights are not sent for unto the Chapter-House, to receive Investiture with the Surcoat, before the Senior elect Knight hath been conducted to his Stall, but left to repose themselves in the East Isle of the Chappel, as hath often happened, the Knights Commissioners, or Assistants, on their return to the Chapter-House, send Garter for the next Senior elect Knight, whom they receive at the Door thereof, and having invested him with his Surcoat, and girt his Sword about him, proceed with him to his Installation in the usual manner. And the same method is observed if there were more elect Knights to follow; and we find it 30 _Henry_ VIII. 16, and 34, and 10 _Car._ I.

The Knight, or Knights, having now receiv’d a compleat Installation, the Knights-Commissioners, Assistants, or Knights-Companions, with marks of Respect, take their leave of the last installed Knight, and descending into the Choir, take their own Stalls; but the Senior Knight-Companion ascends first: But observe, that if the Stalls of the Knights-Commissioners, Assistants, or Knights-Companions, be on the same side with the last installed Knight, then they descend not into the Choir, but pass directly to them along the Stalls, as in the 34 _Eliz._ The Ceremonies of Installation being finished, the Officers of Arms first, next the Alms-Knights, descend from the Steps of the Altar, and take their several Stations in the Choir; then one of the Prebends of the College, or, if the Sovereign be present, the Prelate, with the Serjeant of the Vestry before him, is conducted to the Altar by the Verger of the Chappel, and there begins the Service appointed by the Church, which being ended, the Proceeding passes out of the Choir in usual Order, either to the Presence-Chamber, or the Lieutenants, or Commissioners Lodgings, as the Occasion is.

_The Offering of Gold and Silver._

§ 9. But if the Installation be solemnized in the Morning, the Service of the Church having proceeded as far as the Offertory, two of the Prebends, appointed to recieve the Offering, are conducted to the Altar by their Verger, and first the Alms-Knights, then the Officers of Arms, ascend the Steps of the Altar again, and stand in order as before. After which, Garter Summons down the Knights-Companions to the Offering, who descend into the Choir under their proper Stalls, as does the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, who offers first for the Sovereign, he receiving the Bezant from the Senior Knight, and then returns to his Stall: And at this instant, was the usual time heretofore for offering the Defunct Knights Atchievements, which was altered by King _James_ I. as will be seen hereafter.

The Lieutenant, after a short stay in his Stall, descends again, and proceeds up to the Altar, to make his own Offering of Gold and Silver, and then returns, as do the rest of the Knights-Companions, including those newly installed, in their due order. But when the Installation passes by Commissioners, there is then no Offering made for the Sovereign, but the Commissioners offer first, and after them the other Knights in due order.

The Ceremony of Offering at the Installation of _Philip_, King of _Castile_, 22 _Henry_ VII. is remarkable. He descended from his Stall into the Choir, and standing before it, as the other Knights-Companions did, the Sovereign left his Royal Stall to proceed to the Offering, to which the King would have followed, but the Sovereign would not permit, obliging the King to proceed along with him, on his left Hand, though he desired to perform his Duty as a Brother of the Order, so that they made their Offerings so near together, where, though the Sovereign had the Precedence, yet ’twas hardly observable.

_Of the grand Dinner at the Installation._

§ 10. On the Day of Installation, there hath, from ancient Time, been appointed a Noble and Sumptuous Feast, and though it was agreed on in a Chapter, 3 _Edward_ VI. _That the Knights elect might, from thenceforth, be installed by Commission without a Feast_; yet after his Reign, we find the old custom of a Feast at this Solemnity restored.

If the Sovereign appoint the Installation to be when the Feast of St. _George_ is also celebrated, and is himself personally present, the Feast is then kept at the Sovereign’s Charge; and if in such case he constitute a Lieutenant, then the Installation Dinner is kept at the Charge of the Lieutenant; and is usually prepared in some of the Sovereign’s Lodgings in the Castle, but seldom in St. _George_’s Hall; as was done by the Earl of _Arundel_, at the Installation of the Earl of _Shrewsbury_, and the Lord _Hunsdon_, 3 _Eliz._ But when the Installation is kept at any other time of the Year, than that of St. _George_’s Feast, then the new installed Knights are at all the Expence; who generally have had the Dinner prepared in the Dean’s Lodgings; however, be it where it will, the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, Commissioners, or Assistants, together with the new installed Knights, proceed thither in full Robes; which is observed in the Installation of 3 _Eliz._ above, to be according to the ancient Custom. At the Installation, 31 _Henry_ VIII. the Sovereign’s Lieutenant walked alone, after him his two Assistants, and lastly the new installed Knights.

The Lieutenant’s Place at the Table is somewhat on the left Hand the Cloath of State, there sat the Earl of _Arundel_, 3 _Eliz._ but the other four Knights-Companions, his two Assistants, and the two new installed Knights, sat toward the Table’s End on both Sides, for that they could not well sit all on a side. But of late Years, as at the Installation, 5 _Car._ I. a Question arose, whether the Lieutenant or Commissioners should sit at Dinner in their Habits, since the Power given them seemed to expire when the Knights were elected; (though unanimously allowed the new installed Knights ought to do so,) and likewise Precedents quoted, as 29 _Henry_ VIII. at the Installation of the Lord _Cromwell_, where the Knights put off their Habits, and dined in their ordinary Apparel; and so of the Earl of _Rutland_, and the Lord _Cobham_, 26 _Eliz._ where the Commissioners did the same, and the new installed Knights kept on only their Surcoats: But what followed on this Debate is not mention’d; but the general Practice at other Times hath been of keeping on the Habit till the Dinner is ended.

At the second Course, called also second Mess, or second Service, Garter, accompanied with the Officers of Arms, Proclaims the Stiles and Titles of Honour of the Sovereign (if he be personally, or by his Lieutenant, present,) in _Latin_, _French_, and _English_, and cries Largess thrice; next the Stiles of the new installed Knights in _French_, or _English_ only, with two Largesses, and in that Order they were installed. And thus it was at the Installation of _Charles_, Duke of _York_, 9 _Jac._ I. of _Frederick_, Prince Palatine, 10 _Jac._ I. and the Earl of _Rutland_, and others, 14 _Jac._ I.

_Philip_, King of _Castile_, Dined with the Sovereign in his Privy-Chamber, 22 _Henry_ VII. whose Stile was Proclaimed by Garter, not in the same Room, but at the Sovereign’s great Chamber-Door, and in St. _George_’s _Hall_, after Largess had been thrice cryed. When the Sovereign constitutes a Lieutenant, then is the Lieutenant’s Stile also Proclaimed, and to his other Honours is added this of his Lieutenancy, and afterwards the Stiles of the new installed Knights, as 3 _Eliz._ But the Order of this Ceremony is more particularly observed at the Installation of the Duke _de Montmorency_, and others, 14 _Eliz._ where first Garter cried Largess, and next Proclaimed the Sovereign’s Stile, _&c._ in three Languages, then stepping two Foot back, Proclaims the Lieutenant’s Stile in _French_ only, with two Largesses; and after that, he cried one Largess for the Duke; and lastly, for all the other new installed Knights, only two Largesses, and the Officers of Arms did the like; and still as Garter had finished his Proclamation, the Heralds joined with him in crying Largess, and so with Reverence departed the Hall.

But lastly, it is proper to observe, that when neither the Sovereign, nor his Lieutenant, are present, then the Sovereign’s Stile is not Proclaimed, nor those of the Commissioners, but only of the new installed Knights.

As soon as Dinner is ended, the Knights-Companions rise from Table, and withdraw to disrobe themselves, and therewith the Solemnity of Installation ends: And if at any time the Solemnity continues that Evening, and the following Day, it is only because the Sovereign (or his Lieutenant,) is present, on account of celebrating St. _George_’s Feast, and not with reference to the Installation.

_Of setting up the Knight’s Atchievements._

§ 11. The last thing to be done at this great Solemnity, is setting up the _Helm_, _Crest_, _Sword_, _Banner_, and _Plate_, of the new installed Knight, over his Stall in the Chappel of St. _George_; to which purpose they are to be provided, according to the Directions before given.

By the Statutes of Institution it is ordained, that the time for setting up the Atchievements shall be when the elect Knight comes to _Windsor-Castle_, that is, to his Installation, and not before; and the reason is there likewise given, lest it should happen, he not coming for his Installation within the time limitted, and consequently the vacating his Election ensuing, that a new Election being made, those military Ensigns might not seem to be disgracefully withdrawn, and an occasion of Dishonour given, which otherwise could not be avoided, if they should be suddenly taken down from a Place so high; which demonstrates, that the intention of this Article extends to the finishing the Ceremonies of Installation, before the Atchievements ought to be set up, by so carefully providing against the Dishonour of taking them down, in case the Election should become void; which must infallibly happen, if the Knight elect died but an Hour before he were compleatly installed. Accordingly, in the ancient Deputations both to Sir _William Philip_, and Sir _John Falstaff_, Power is given their Proctors first to demand, receive, and obtain their principal Stalls, and next to tender their Helms, and Swords, to be hung up in the Choir of _Windsor_, according to Custom: And for clearer Information of the course of this Ceremony, that the Sovereign impowered his Commissioners, first to give the Deputy Possession of his Principal’s Stall, and after to receive the Atchievements, and place them over it: This is to be considered as a Memorial of the Knights being installed a Companion of the Order, and ’tis incongruous in the Rules of Honour to have the Sign or a Memorial of an Action precede the Action it self.

Again, the Statutes expresly provide, that the Knights Atchievements shall not be hung up, till the Duties and Fees enjoined are first discharged; and ’tis certain, there are no Fees due, nor can be claimed, till the Ceremonies on which they become due are entirely finished. But to clear all Doubts which may arise upon this Point, it was at a Chapter held at _White-Hall_, the fourth of _February_, 22 _Car._ II. ordained, _That not any of the Atchievements of an elect Knight’s Stall be set up in the Chappel at_ Windsor, _before he be installed, and the Fees of Installation paid_.

And though this was the Practice anciently, yet were the Atchievements always prepared and brought to _Windsor_, and set before the elect Knight’s Stall; and in case of his not coming to receive Installation, then, being no otherwise placed, they might be the easier removed without the Choir, in as decent manner as could be, so that the Honour of Knighthood might be preserved entire; nevertheless, to be retained for publick Use, and the Benefit of the College.

Where mention is made in the Annals of any Person employed to set up the Atchievements of a Knight, it is to be understood that he was his Proctor, and installed on his behalf: And there appears but one single Instance where one Person hath hung up a Knight’s Atchievements, when another was installed for him; and this happen’d 14th of _August_, _Anno_ 29 _Hen._ VI. where the Lord _Rivers_ having been elected to the Stall of the Lord _Hungerford_, his Sword and Helm were soon after (sent) hung up by _William Bobden_, his Esq; and _Guyen Herald_, and he installed the 30 _October_ following, by Sir _William Crafford_ his Proctor; but this was contrary to the Law of the Order.

Where the setting up of a Knight’s Atchievements is barely mentioned, without taking notice of the Installation, it is to be understood, that such Knight’s Installation was also solemniz’d at that Time: As in the case of the King of _Portugal_, of whom the Annals only note, that he had taken care to set over his Stall, Helm, Sword, and Banner, and all things belonging thereto, at the Feast at _Windsor_, 2 _Henry_ VI. In what manner these Atchievements are fixed, appears by the Statutes; the Helm and Crest to be set over each Knight-Companion’s Stall, and the Sword to hang directly under them; but the Plate to be nailed to the back of the Knight’s Stall.

CAP. XIII.

_The Installation of a Knight-Subject by Proxy._

_The Original Cause of making Proxies._

§ 1. There was no liberty given at the Institution of the Order, for a Knight-Subject to be installed by his Proctor or Deputy; but on the contrary, in the Founder’s Statutes was inserted this express Prohibition. _That none of the Knights elect should be permitted to be installed by_ Proxy, _unless he were a Stranger_. And this Law continued unaltered till the Reign of _Henry_ V. when _John_ Duke of _Bedford_, the Sovereign’s Deputy for holding the Feast of St. _George_ at _Windsor_, 7 _Henry_ V. and other the Knights-Companions then present, took it into Consideration; that where a Knight-Subject, elected into the Order, was at that Time employed beyond Sea, in the Service of his Prince, and likely to continue in that Service some time, it was agreed, that the said Duke should make an Address to the Sovereign, by Letters under the Seal of the Order, (he being then employed in the War against _France_,) that in the like cases his Majesty would Ordain, _That_ Knights-Subjects _might, as well as_ Strangers, _be admitted into the_ Order, _notwithstanding the Clause in the Statutes_.

It likewise appears from that _Letter_, as well as from the Blue-Book, that Sir _John Grey_, and the Lord _Bourchier_, had been installed at the aforesaid Feast, by their several Proxies; which the Sovereign’s Deputy concurr’d with, out of great Respect to their Persons; lest by a too rigid Observance of the Statutes, by their absence in the Wars, where they were then loyally employed, and might meet their Deaths, they should want the desired Suffrages of those Masses, ordained to be Sung for a defunct Knight; as had happen’d to several by unsuspected delays. But to clear this matter, for the future it was Decreed, 9 _Hen._ V. That where any elect Knight was actually in the Sovereign’s Wars, or otherwise employed Abroad on his Sovereign’s Affairs, he should possess the Privilege of a Stranger in this particular; which Decree was added to King _Henry_ Vth’s Statutes. And it was soon after enjoined the elect Knight, on notice of his Election, to take care timely to appoint his Proctor, that he might enjoy the Rights and Privileges of a Founder: Such an Obligation was laid on Sir _John Falstaff_, who, at the reception of the Garter, was in _France_, employed in the Sovereign’s Service.

But King _Henry_ VIII. besides his Confirmation of this Decree, for allowance of a Proxy in the aforesaid two Cases, farther enlarged it, to such as the Sovereign should either Command, or permit Licence to be installed by Proxy, which is to be understood of Knights elect within the Kingdom, as well as those beyond Sea: By Virtue of which Clause, the elect Knight, the Earl of _Dorset_ being Sick, 1 _Car._ I. obtained the Sovereign’s Licence to be installed by his Deputy Sir _Richard Young_.

_Letters of Procuration._

§ 2. It is observed before, out of the _Registrum Chartaceum_, that Sir _John Robesart_, elected into the Order by King _Henry_ V. was installed by Virtue of his Letter Missive, sent to Sir _Thomas Barr_ his Proxy; but the same Register calls it, in another Place, a sufficient Procuration under his Seal of Arms, enabling him to perform the Ceremony of his Installation.

The Copy of this Instrument is not extant; but that Letter Missive Sir _John Grey_ directed to Sir _John Lisle_, to take Possession of his Stall, and by Virtue of which he was installed, _tells him he had Chosen him for his Proxy, and to take his Stall for him in his Name_, &c. And omitting other Precedents, doubtless, in the case of a Knight-Subject, the Sovereign may, if he pleases, nominate and appoint a Proxy for Installation, where the elect Knight hath not done it himself; for here, all those Considerations of grand Respect, Forms of the Oath, _&c._ constantly afforded to Strangers, have no Place; which is evident from the Sovereign’s Letters of Summons to the Commissioners named for Installation of the Lord _Grey_, 4 and 5 _Phil._ and _Mar._ who at that time was Prisoner in _France_, and his Deputy Sir _Humphry Radcliffe_, is therein mentioned to be appointed by the Sovereign herself.

The first Precedent of Letters of Procuration, or Deputation, drawn into a solemn Form, is that made by Sir _William Phelip_, 5 _Hen._ V. by which, having obtained the Sovereign’s Licence, he impowers two Knights, Sir _Andrew Butrely_, and Sir _John Henington_, or either of them, as their Business would permit, to supply his Place, and take Possession of his Stall, in the Choir at _Windsor_.

_Qualifications of a Proxy._

§ 3. The Qualifications of a Proctor, nominated by a Knight-Subject, are the same with those requisite in the Proctor of a Stranger, of which something will fall in our Way hereafter; I shall therefore only in general observe here, that to neither Knight-Subject, nor Stranger, the Proctor is to be under the Degree of a Knight, enobled with Arms, and of an honest and untainted Reputation; it being judg’d proper chiefly in this Point, that a Knight-Subject should exactly observe the same Rule enjoined to Strangers; in respect of which, it is very remarkable, that Sir _William Lisle_, though one of the Alms-Knights, yet in Degree a Knight, was not refused to be Proctor to Sir _John Grey_, 7 _Hen._ V.

_Preparations for Installation._

§ 4. The Day for Installation of a Knight-Subject by Proxy, being appointed by the Sovereign, there are to be provided for him, first, a Commission for Installation, which by the Chancellor of the Order is presented to the Sovereign for his Sign Manual; to which is after affixed, the Seal of the Order: And appoints, 1. To conduct the Proctor to _Windsor-Castle_. 2. To put him in Possession, as from the Sovereign, of the Stall assigned his Principal. 3. To invest him with all the Benefits, Honours, Prerogatives, Franchises, and Liberties thereto belonging. 4. To receive his Mantle, Helm, and Sword, and set them up in their appointed Places. 5. To add thereto all usual Ceremonies. 6. Lastly, an Injunction to all the Knights to permit all the Solemnity punctually to be performed: An ancient Precedent of this is found 5 _Hen._ V. in the case of Sir _John Falstaff_: Also 2 _Edw._ IV. at the Installation of the Earl of _Worcester_, and other elect Knights, by their Proxies.

Of later Times, the Commissions granted on such Occasions differ from those made for the Personal Installation of the Knights themselves, only by premising the Cause of their Principal’s Absence, and Service he is then employed on; authorizing the Commissioners to admit the Proxy into his Stall: Likewise where the Installation is performed by two or more Commissioners, the Sovereign directs Letters to each of them, giving notice of the intended Solemnity, and requiring them to attend at a Day prefixt, to the end the Proxy may be put into Possession of his Principal’s Stall.

And as there is, upon admission of an elect Knight, installed by Proxy, the same ground for removal of Stalls, as in personal Installations; so the Sovereign issues out Warrants to _Garter_, some time before the Solemnity, to remove the Atchievements and Plates, as usual, and place them in the Order such Warrants direct. Anciently the Stall for an elect Knight, was assigned in the Commission issued for Installation, as in the case of Sir _Henry Inghouse_, Proctor to Sir _John Falstaff_, 5 _Henry_ V.

The rest of the Particulars to be provided against the Day of Installation, are at the Knight’s own Charge, and are agreeable with those in Personal Installations.

_Proceeding to the Chapter-House._

§ 5. The next thing to be consider’d, is the Proxies Place in proceeding to the Chapter-House, and this is immediately after the Provincial _King of Arms_, because as yet he hath not taken Possession of his Principal’s Stall; which done, it gives him a Place in his return according to its Dignity. In this Order the Proctors of the Marquiss of _Newcastle_, and the Earl of _Bristol_, proceeded (Bare-headed,) 13 _Car._ II.

And though this be the Proctor’s usual Place in this Proceeding, yet Sir _Henry Sidney_, Proctor to the Earl of _Warwick_, 5 _Eliz._ proceeded immediately before the elect Knights; which is the only instance of that kind.

Lastly, the Proctor, as in the case of an elect Knight, passes into the East-Isle, behind the High-Altar, as soon as he comes within St. _George_’s _Chappel_, while the Sovereign, Lieutenant, or Commissioners, proceed into the Chapter-House, and there reposeth himself till he is sent for in; as in the case of the Marquiss of _Newcastle_ and Earl of _Bristol_ above: But if the Proxy pass not in the Proceeding, he then goes privately to his Place, before the Proceeding sets forward.

_Transactions in the Chapter-House._

§ 6. After the Chapter is opened, the first thing done, is for _Garter_ to present the Commission or Commissions, which he carried in the Proceeding thither, as well that for the Lieutenancy, (if a Lieutenant held the Feast,) as of Installation, for admitting a Proxy, the Order of which is observed before.

The Letters of Procuration, or Deputation, are next read, after which the Proxy is sent for into the Chapter-House by _Garter_, who conducts him to the Door, and there the Commissioners, or Assistants, or Knights-Companions, receive him. But 5 _Eliz._ Sir _Henry Sidney_ exhibited his Deputation, after he was called in: Or sometimes the Proxy produces his Deputation before the Proceeding to the Chapter-House, as Sir _George Howard_, Deputy to the Earl of _Bedford_, did, 6 _Eliz._ And in such case there is no need of admitting the Proxy into the Chapter-House, but that he may stay without, till the Sovereign, his Lieutenant, or Commissioners, are past into the Choir, and he sent for thither; at which time the _Mantle_ was wont to be laid on his right Arm at the Chapter-House Door, by the Knights-Companions appointed to introduce him.

Anciently, as soon as the Proxy was admitted into the Chapter-House, and the Letters of Procuration were read, the _Mantle_ of his Principal was usually laid on his right Arm by the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, or Commissioners, and part of it spread on the Proxies Shoulders, the Escutcheon of St. _George_ lying uppermost, and the Cordons laid fair to be seen; and in this manner he bore it in the Proceeding to the Stall, where he held it till Service was ended; but ’tis now ordered otherwise, as by the direction of King _Charles_ II. that the _Mantle_ should be born on the left Arm.

But 5 _Eliz._ the Earl of _Warwick_’s Proctor had the Mantle born before him into the Choir by _Garter_, in the same manner as is usual to Knights Personally installed; and not delivered him, till he had taken the Oath; and at the delivery thereof, the Words of Admonition were pronounced by the _Register_; as it was observed to the Proxies of the Marquiss of _Newcastle_, and the Earl of _Bristol_, 13 _Car._ II.

_Proceeding to the Choir._

§ 7. The Proxy proceeds from the Chapter-House Door, between the Sovereign’s Commissioners, _&c._ But touching the Order of this Proceeding, so much has already been said, that we shall give but one Instance, _Anno_ 6 _Elizabeth_.

1. Verger.
2. Alms-Knights.
3. Officers of Arms.
4. Officers of the Order.
5. Lord _Hunsdon_, Proctor to the Lord _Cobham_.
6. Earl of _Bedford_.

_Ceremonies performed in the Choir._

§ 8. The Proceeding having entered the Choir, the Commissioners, _&c._ conduct the Proxy into the lower Stall, directly under that designed for his Principal, where the _Register_ reads the Words of the Oath, while the Proxy, laying his Hand on the Book, repeats them after him, and Kisses the Book: And this Oath his Deputation impowers him to take, in the Name of his Principal; the Form of the Oath having no difference from the Oath taken Personally by an elect Knight.

The Oath being taken in this solemn manner, the Proctor is led up to the Stall of his Principal, where both the Knights, who conducted him into the Choir, first take the _Mantle_, and lay it on his Arm, next laying their Hands on him, in the Name of his Lord and Master, from whom he received his Deputation, set him down therein: And so the Ceremony of Installation being fully ended, the Service of the Church begins.

If the Installation be performed in the Morning, there is an Offering of Gold and Silver; at which time the Proxy in his turn comes from his Principal’s Stall, and stands before it, and when the Sovereign, or the Lieutenant for him, and for himself, or else the Commissioners, and the rest of the Knights-Companions present, have offered, then the Proxy (being joined to the Knight, sitting in the opposite Stall, if present at the Solemnity, and having two Officers of Arms before them,) proceeds to the High Altar, and there offers both Gold and Silver; and then returns, and takes his Stall as the rest do. In this manner the Earl of _Warwick_’s Proxy, joining with the Earl of _Northumberland_, installed at the same time, proceeded to the Offering, 5 _Eliz._ As likewise the Proctor to the Earl of _Bedford_, with the Lord _Hunsdon_, 6 _Eliz._

The Ceremony of the Offering being finished, the Service of the Church goes on, which being over, the Proceeding returns in the same Order it came to the _Chapter-House_, except, that now the Proxy takes his Place according to the Dignity of his Stall. But in regard the _Statutes_ expresly declare; That after the Proxy hath been admitted to his Principal’s Stall, he shall neither wear the _Mantle_, nor have any Voice in Chapter, nor enter there in the absence of him that sent him; so that it was the ancient Practice to take off the _Mantle_ from his Arm at the _Chapter-House_ Door, in his return from the Choir, and delivered to the _Verger_ of the Chappel, though sometimes to the _Sexton_, at other times to _Garter_, also to the _Black-Rod_, who hath taken it from off the Proxies Arm, and carried it into the Chapter-House; this done, the Proxy retires privately out of the Proceeding to his Lodging.

It appears however, but by what indulgence is not mentioned, that though _Garter_ took the _Mantle_ from Sir _Henry Sidney_, 5 _Eliz._ at the Chapter-House Door, on the Evening he returned from Installation; yet the next Morning he rode in the Procession to the Chapel, the Celebration of the Feast of St. _George_ continuing, with the _Mantle_ on his right Arm; and having entered the Choir, took his Principal’s Stall, bearing likewise the Mantle in the grand Procession, at the Offering of Money, and during Divine Service, and from the Chappel to the Castle to Dinner: And the like in the Afternoon of the said Day, he rode on Horse-back in the Proceeding to the Chapter-House Door, but there the _Mantle_ was taken from him, and laid within upon the Table, whilst he retired into the East-Isle of the Chappel, and at the rising of the _Chapter_, it was again delivered to him, whence he proceeded in his Principal’s Place to the second Vespers.

Next Morning, the _Lieutenant_, and _Assistants_, having ended the Chapter, the _Mantle_ was again laid on his Arm, and in that manner he passed to his Principal’s Stall, and afterwards offered, as on the Feast Day. The Morning Service ended, the _Lieutenant_ and _Assistants_ returned to the Chapter-House Door, where they put off their _Mantles_, and at the same time the _Sexton_ of the College receiv’d the Mantle from him.

_The Grand Dinner._

§ 9. At Dinner the Proxy sits with the Lieutenant or Commissioners, and takes Place where his Principal should sit if he were present; and this was so observed at the Installation of the Earl of _Warwick_, 5 _Eliz._

The Stile of the Knight installed by Proxy, is proclaimed in _French_, or _English_, in the usual Form and Place, as 25 _Hen._ VIII. at the Installations of the Earls of _Beaumont_ and _Newblanke_, by their Proxies; for they were Knight-Subjects, though not to the Sovereign, and therefore not improper to be made use of as an Instance. To conclude, the Proctor is to take care that the Atchievements and Plate of his Principal are set up in their proper Places, which appears not only from the ancient Letters of Procuration, but also by Commissions of Installation, which appoint that the Sovereign’s Deputy should receive from the Proctor his Principal’s Helm and Sword, (for there is no mention of the Banner till afterwards,) and place it over his Stall.

CAP. XIV.

_The Signification of Election to Strangers._

_Within what time, and in what manner, Certificate
is made of their Election._

§ 1. In regard that Strangers elect, are for the most part Sovereign Princes, whole Affairs obliged them to abide in their own Dominions, and very rarely permitted them to receive Personal Installation, it was thought fit to allow them several Privileges, by the Founder of this most _Noble Order_, and principally, that of giving previous and timely Notice of their Elections, and convenient time of consideration for Acceptance; affording Investiture in their own Countries, and permitting their Installations to be performed at _Windsor_ by their Proxies or Deputies.

It was therefore by the _Statutes_ ordained: That when any such should be chosen into the _Order_, they should be certified of their Elections by the Sovereign; and besides, that, at his Charge, the _Garter_ should be sent over to them, with the _Mantle_ and _Statutes_ of the _Order_, Sealed with the common Seal; so that they might have notice, at least within four Months from the time of Election, to the end they might advise and determine with themselves, from the Tenor of the _Statutes_, whether they would receive the Honour of this most _Noble Order_.

In Pursuance of these Directions, it became customary for the Sovereign, when he sent his Letters, to send also, and that by way of solemn Embassy, the Habit and Ensigns of the _Order_, with a Book of the _Statutes_; and in case the Election were accepted, Investiture might be received before the return of the Persons, by whom the Habit was sent. As upon the Elections of _Edward_, King of _Portugal_, at the Feast of St. _George_, 13 _Hen._ VI. the Duke of _Urbin_, 14 _Edw._ IV. and several others.

The right of bearing these Letters signifying Election, and returning the Strangers Answer, belongs to _Garter_, by the Constitutions of his Office. And though Certificate of Election was to be made within four Months from the time of Election, yet King _Henry_ VIII. added this necessary Clause: _That when the Sovereign had any great or high Impediment, he might defer certifying the Election till a more convenient Time_. As may be seen in the case of _Frederick_ III. Emperor of _Germany_, in the time of _Henry_ VI. who having been elected 35 of that King, had not Letters sent him to signify it till the next Year. It likewise appears, that Letters to the same Effect were then likewise dispatched to the King of _Arragon_, the Duke of _Brunswick_, and King of _Poland_, who had been elected eight Years before.

And yet we find it recorded, that the _Habit_ and _Ensigns_ of the _Order_ were sent by special Ambassadors to all three, 34 _Hen._ VI. two Years before: But perhaps this ought to be understood of their being but then design’d, and ordered to be sent, and on second Thoughts might be stopped, or if sent, by some accident might have miscarried; otherwise it seems needless to have sent other Letters to give notice of their Election two Years after: But to clear this matter, we after find a second mention of sending the _Habit_ and _Ensigns_ to the King of _Poland_, 37 _Hen._ VI. by which it is demonstrable, that the first Embassy took no Effect.

It does not appear that King _Hen._ VIII. or any of his Successors, ever made use of that Liberty granted by the aforesaid Article of his _Statutes_, for deferring the significatory Letters of Election beyond the time appointed by the _Statutes_ of Institution, as we find by the many Instances of that kind. _Francis_ the first King of _France_ was elected _October_ 21. 19 _Hen._ VIII. and was installed the 25 _January_ following; so that ’tis plain, the Letters of Notice must needs have been dispatched within the limited Time. _James_ V. of _Scotland_, who was elected 20 _Jan._ 26 _Hen._ VIII. had notice of Election immediately sent him; and _Hen._ II. of _France_, having been elected 24 _April_, 5 _Edw._ VI. had Letters of Signification sent him in _May_ following; and so in all Examples since. And when King _Charles_ II. elected any Stranger whilst he was Abroad, Letters of Signification were sent them immediately after.

_Of notice given of an Election, before sending the Habit._

§ 2. Here it is to be observed, with how much caution, more than the former, the Statutes of King _Henry_ VIII. Ordain, _to send Letters that signify Election, and the Book of Statutes only at first_; but not the _Garter_ and _Mantle_, till the _elect Stranger_, having had time to consult the Statutes, certifies his acceptance of the _Order_; and then, and not before, it is Decreed to send a solemn Embassy with the whole Habit, _George_, and _Collar_: And consonant to this, the Practice hath sometimes been. As in the case of _Henry_ II. King of _France_, 5 _Edw._ VI. _Emanuel_, Duke of _Savoy_, 1 and 2 _Phil._ and _Mar._ and in that of _Frederick_, Duke of _Wirtembergh_, to whom Queen _Elizabeth_ sent Letters soon after his Election, and he returned Thanks, and Acceptation, by his two Ambassadors, who received Promise of sending the whole Habit soon after; however, the same were not sent during her Life.

_Notice of Election sent with the Habit._

§ 3. When the Sovereign hath been well assured of the _elect Stranger’s_ acceptance, the same Embassy (as anciently before adding this Clause,) dispatched both Ceremonies. The Sovereign’s Letter signifying Election, being first presented, together with the Book of Statutes, and an acceptance declared, then within few Days, the whole Habit of the _Order_ was solemnly delivered.

And thus it was directed soon after the Election of _James_ V. King of _Scots_, to the Lord _William Howard_, sent on that Embassy; and in like manner, at the Election of _Christian_ IV. King of _Denmark_, 1 _Jac._ I. to the Earl of _Rutland_ sent on that Embassy. As also to _Gustavus Adolphus_, King of _Sweden_, and _Henry_, Prince of _Orange_, within two Months, their Elections following on _April_ 24. 3 _Car._ I. and the date of the Commission for delivering the Order being on _June_ 24. following.

_The manner and order of the delivery of these Letters, signifying
Election, when the Habit is sent, is thus._

“First, The Ambassador and _Officer of Arms_ having notice given them of the first Audience, present themselves to the _Stranger Prince_, in the accustomed manner of Ambassadors; and delivering the Sovereign’s _Letters Missive_, with all due Reverence, the Ambassador, after some short general Compliment from the Sovereign, signifying that his Master, and the Honourable _Society_ of the _Garter_, in respect of his renowned Prowess, Valour, Virtues, _&c._ and to establish and encrease the Amity that is between them, hath elected him into the most Noble _Order_ of St. _George_; and that Sovereigns do never elect any Stranger, but such as they highly Honour; and therefore earnestly desires it may be accepted as a true Testimony thereof: To which end the Sovereign hath sent him over, and his Herald there present, to perform the due Ceremonies.”

But this Commission of Legation hath sometimes been obstructed by the multitude of Affairs lying on the Sovereign’s Hands, particularly in the Time of _Car._ I. when engaged in that unnatural Civil War; so that when they sent their Letters of Signification, it was thought fit to Commissionate their Agent, or Resident at the Prince’s Court, and _Garter_ Principal _King of Arms_, to deliver part; but the two chief and most peculiar _Ensigns_ of the _Order_, _viz._ the _Garter_ and _George_, deferring the solemn Embassy till a more convenient Season. The first Precedent of which kind, was 10 _Jac._ I. when Sir _Ralph Winwood_, and _William Seagar_, Esq; _Garter_, were Commissioned to deliver only, for the present, the Garter and George, to _Maurice_, Prince of _Orange_, five Days after his Election; and so to _Charles_, Prince Palatine of the _Rhine_, 9 _Car._ I. and to _William_, Prince of _Orange_, and the Duke _de Espernon_, the same Reign. And so likewise during the unhappy Exile of King _Charles_ II. it was usual, for want of more conveniency, to present the elect Knight, in confirmation of his Election, whether he were _Stranger_, or _Subject_, with the _Garter_, _George_, _Ribband_; and sometimes a St. _George_’s _Cross_, radicated within a _Garter_, to be fixed on the left Shoulder of their Cloaks, or upper Garments. But these things after returned into their proper Channel, as we may see in several cases since, of which we need not instance more, than that of the present Sovereign, and his Royal Highness the Prince: The former at a Chapter of the most Noble _Order_, held at _Kensington_, 18 _June_, 1701. 13 _Will._ III. was elected, and on the 21 _June_, the Sovereign, by Commission under the Great Seal of the _Order_, constituted the Earl of _Macclesfield_, and _Gregory King_, Esq; _Lancaster Herald_, (then Deputy Garter King of Arms,) to carry the _Habit_ and _Ensigns_, and to invest his then Electoral Highness therewith. The next Day after their arrival, at a private Audience, his Electoral Highness received the _Garter_ and _George_, with the usual Formalities; and two Days after, _viz._ 24 _August_, was solemnly invested with the whole Habit of the _Order_. On 13 _March_ following, 1702-3. he was installed at _Windsor_ by his Proxy _Charles_, Lord _Mohun_, with the accustomed Ceremonies. The same _Order_ was observed at the Election of his Royal Highness the Prince, 4 _April_, 5 Queen _Anne_; when the Lord _Halifax_, and _John Vanbruge_, Esq; _Clarenceux_ King of _Arms_, (in the room of Sir _Henry St. John_, Knight Garter,) were Commission’d to carry the _Habit_ and _Ensigns_. They had their first Audience, on this occasion, of the Prince, the 31 _May_, who afterwards received the Garter and lesser George, and on 2 _June_ following, was invested with the whole _Habit_ and _Ensigns_ of the _Order_.

_Certificates of Acceptation._

§ 4. After delivering the Sovereign’s Letter, signifying Election by the Ambassador, and the _elect Stranger_ doth readily accept the _Order_, he is obliged, by the Statutes, to return the Sovereign a Certificate of such his Acceptance, and desire of Ratification. And ’tis observable, before the additional Clause made by King _Henry_ VIII. this ceremonious Course had been the Practice of ancient Times; and both expected from, and observed by the King of _Denmark_, who having been elected, 6 _Hen._ V. was the eighth of the same King taken notice of for not returning, before that Time, an Answer, whether he accepted the Honour or no: And it appears, before the next Feast of St. _George_, he sent over his ready Acceptance, both of the Honour of Election, and of the Ensigns of the _Order_; and thereupon Directions were given for his Installation by the Lord _Fitz Hugh_, his Proxy.

But for an instance, after the said additional Clause, there is one remarkable enough, in the Preamble of the Sovereign’s _Credential Letters_ to the Duke of _Savoy_, 1 and 2 _Phil._ and _Mar._ sent with the Habit and Ensigns of the _Order_; in which it appears: _That the Sovereign having given notice of his Election into this most Noble_ Order, _he had returned back his cheerful and ready Acceptance of, and singular Satisfaction in the said Choice; and therefore cordially wished it might attain its due Effect_.

In succeeding Times it was thought necessary, where the whole _Habit_ was sent to a _Stranger_, together with the Sovereign’s Letters of notice, to make a provisional Decree, (which passed, 13 _Car._ I) _That Garter, and all others, whom he pleased to join in Commission with him, should be most punctually careful, that they delivered not the_ Ensigns _of the_ Order _to any_ elect Stranger, _till they were satisfied, by his_ Letters Patent, _of his kind and grateful Acceptance thereof_; or in case of refusal, to forbear their Presentation.

And the same care was also taken, where only the _Garter_ and _George_ were sent; as appears by the Instructions sent, 19 _Car._ I. to Sir _William Boswel_, then appointed by the Sovereign to present those two principal Ensigns to _William_, Prince of _Orange_; where, among other things, he is expressly commanded, _To take a Testimonial from the said Prince, of his kind Acceptation thereof, before he should deliver those Ensigns of Honour to him_: So likewise in the Institutions of the same Date, for delivery of the _Garter_ and _George_ to the Duke _de Espernon_.

_Of an Election not accepted._

§ 5. That sometimes this Honour hath not been accepted, appears in the single case of _Philip_ II. Duke of _Burgundy_, who having been elected by King _Henry_ V. then in _France_, had not, _Anno_ 1 _Henry_ VI. sent his Answer. It was therefore concluded on at the Feast of St. _George_, held at _Windsor_ the said Year, by _Humphry_, Duke of _Gloucester_, then Deputy to the Sovereign, and by, and with the unanimous consent of the _Knights-Companions_ present, to send Letters to the said elect Duke, by which he was desired to know, whether he gave his Acceptance or no? The Duke of _Burgundy_, it seems, made no Answer to this Letter: It was therefore again debated at the next Year’s Feast, and then thought fit, to send Persons over to him with the Nomination, who should press him for his final Answer. And then it appears, that the said Duke weighing the Statutes, and reflecting on the Quarrels between the Duke of _Gloucester_, and the Duke of _Brabant_ his Unckle, made a plausible Excuse, refusing the Election, lest he should be forced either dishonourably to violate the pious Constitutions of the _Order_, or the obligations of Alliance; and upon this they proceeded to a new Election.

But this is the only instance of this kind; and it hath been the constant way of all elect Strangers, not only to accept, but to receive with the highest Marks of Satisfaction, the notice of their Election, and the Investiture of the _Order_.

CAP. XV.

_The Investiture of Strangers, with the Habit and Ensigns of the Order._

_The Time for sending the Habit and Ensigns unlimitted._

§ 1. Though the Statutes of the _Order_ appoint and prefix a time, wherein the Sovereign’s Letters of notice to an elect Knight ought to be sent, yet as to the sending a solemn Embassy with the Habit and Ensigns, they do not limit any certain time, but leave it wholly to the Sovereign’s Pleasure, wherein his own Interest and Conveniency, as well as that of the _elect Stranger_, is to be considered.

Nevertheless, the Statutes of Institution direct, that this Legation shall be dispatched with convenient speed; which must be interpreted to refer both to the Sovereign’s conveniency of sending, and the _Stranger’s_ capacity of receiving.

And therefore we find it six Years after the Election of the Kings of _Arragon_ and _Poland_, and the Duke of _Brunswick_, e’er we meet with the first notice of the Sovereign’s determination of sending over the Habit: For they having been elected 4 _August_, 28 _Hen._ VI. the preparations for the _Legation_ were not made till the thirty fourth Year of the same King; and doubtless some cause, within the limits of that conveniency allowed to the Sovereign by the aforesaid Article of the _Statutes_, or the accident of Miscarriage might fall out; particularly in respect to the King of _Poland_, because three Years after the former Order of _Legation_, we find new Directions issued for sending the Ensigns of the _Order_ to him.

But in King _Henry_ VIIIth’s Body of _Statutes_, this Clause of sending the Legation with convenient speed, is wholly omitted, and the Sovereign is not limitted as to the Time; so that the Habit and Ensigns have happen’d to be sent sometimes sooner, sometimes later; as the Sovereign has thought convenient; of which sufficient hath been said already; and we find in two Elections of _Strangers_ in the two late Reigns, _viz._ that of the present Sovereign and Prince; that the Legation was sent only a very few Days after their Election.

_Preparations made for the Legation._

§ 2. In reference to this solemn Embassy, there are several things to be provided, before the Ambassadors, or Commissioners, take their Journey. As, (1.) Credential Letters. (2.) Commission of Legation. (3.) Warrants for the _Habit_ and _Ensigns_. And (4.) other Necessaries.

The Credential Letters are, as to particulars, drawn suitable to the present Occasion, by the _Chancellor_ of the _Order_, and directed to the _Stranger elect_; but the Substance, in general, is, _That the Sovereign having elected him into the Society of the_ Order, _hath sent his Ambassadors with full Power to present the_ Habit, _and perform the Ceremonies due and accustomed, as if himself were present_. And farther, to desire him, _To give Credit to all that his Ambassadors shall say, or perform, on his behalf, in reference to their Commission, as he would do to himself_.

These Letters pass under the Sign Manual of the Sovereign, and Signet of the _Order_; but it is observable, that these to _Emanuel_, Duke of _Savoy_, were sign’d both by King _Philip_ and Queen _Mary_.

The _Commission_ of _Legation_ is likewise to be prepared by the _Chancellor_ of the _Order_, fairly engrossed on Velom, and Sealed with the _Great Seal_ of the _Order_, the Substance of which, for the most part, hath been as follows.

First, The Merits and Worthiness of the _elect Stranger_, to deserve the Honour of _Election_, and the reasons of inducing the Sovereign to confer the same upon him, are elegantly set forth.

Secondly, The Persons nominated for this Honourable Employment, are ordained, authorized, and deputed, and therein Stiled, Ambassadors, Procurators, and special Messengers, and so are acknowledged to be by the _Stranger elect_, in their Certificates of the Receipt of the Habit.

Thirdly, Their Power, Authority, and special Command, is to address themselves to the _Stranger elect_, and present, and deliver him from the Sovereign, the _Garter_, _Mantle_, and other Ensigns of the Order: Where observe, that there were four or five joined in a Commission, as it has sometimes happened, then any five, four, three, or two, were of the Quorum; whereof the Principal of the Embassy was always one.

Fourthly, They were impowered to require from the _Stranger elect_, his Oath, according to the Form prescribed in the _Statutes_; but this was a special case, and only inferred in the Commissions of Legation to _Charles_, Duke of _Burgundy_, 9 _Edw._ IV. and _Ferdinand_, Archdeacon of _Austria_, 15 _Hen._ VIII. and omitted in all Commissions since that time.

And lastly, To perform, and dispatch those things, which they should judge necessary, in the same manner as if the Sovereign were present in Person; and this Power it was thought fit to allow the Ambassadors, in case any thing should want to be performed which their Instructions had not sufficiently provided for.