Chapter XVIII: Part 18

_At a_ Chapter _held at_ White-Hall, _2d_ February, 1640.

_The Sovereign propos’d to the_ Knights-Companions, _that having prorogued the Celebration of St._ George’_s_ Feast _from time to time, to the_ 1st, 2d, _and_ 3d _of_ March, _so near Lent, that if the Feast were not held on these Days, it could not be done within the compass of that Year; because the_ 23d _of_ April, _for the next Year, did fall on_ Good-Friday, _and so consequently must have been kept in Lent this Year, or not at all; and considering the great and important Affairs of the Parliament, he moved the Question, whether, if there were no Feast kept this Year, it would be any Blemish to the Honour of the_ Order? _And whether he might not dispence with the_ Statute, _and defer it till next Year? They all confessed the Sovereign’s dispensing Power; yet some of the_ Knights _seeing from the Institution to that Time, no Precedent was found where the Grand Feast had been wholly omitted, but that some of the Sovereigns, even though engaged in War beyond Sea, either solemniz’d the Feast in their own Presence, or by Commission in_ England, _which was averred by the_ Chancellor _to be both the fundamental and constant Practice, humbly besought the Sovereign not to begin to make any Breach in the constant_ Order, _so long and uninterruptedly continued. Whereupon it was resolv’d, by general Vote, that the Feast should be celebrated on the aforesaid Days of Prorogation._

By which Determination it sufficiently appears, of what Moment the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ then conceiv’d it to the Honour of the _Order_, to follow the _Statutes_, for the Celebration of the Grand Feast once every Year. Besides, it is observable, that it was not thought expedient to be dispens’d with, even on the most pressing and important Occasions. But rather than the _Statutes_ should suffer any Violation, the Feast was then solemniz’d, tho’ they were so straiten’d, in point of time, as not to have above two Days to make Preparation for it.

And though indeed, on the breaking out of the unhappy Civil War, the Sovereign was oblig’d to defer the Solemnity from Year to Year, it was not to be look’d on as any Precedent; and on the Restauration of King _Charles_ II. it renew’d its former _Order_.

CAP. XIX.

_Of Preparations for the Grand Feast of the_ Order.

_Of Letters giving Notice of the Time and Place._

§ 1. Among many other things which are necessary to be prepar’d beforehand; the first of Course is, the Letters directed to all the _Knights-Companions_ and Officers of the _Order_, resident within the Kingdom, to give them Notice of the Time and Place, when and where the Feast is to be held. (2.) Letters of Dispensation to such Knights, as the Sovereign shall please to excuse from their Attendance at the Feast. (3.) Commissions of Lieutenancy, (or sometimes of Assistance) when the Sovereign cannot personally solemnize the same. (4.) Warrants for the Removal of Atchievements, if there be then Occasion. (5.) Escutcheons and Stiles, to be set on the back of each _Knight-Companion’s_ Stall, if the Feast be held elsewhere than at _Windsor_. (6.) The Chappel to be decently adorn’d. (7.) The great Hall, or other Place, for the Grand Dinner, to be prepar’d, and very nobly furnish’d. (8.) And lastly, Officers to be appointed, besides those of the _Order_ of Arms, who are to give peculiar Attendance on the Sovereign, at this Grand Solemnity.

As to the first of these Points, the Chancellor is to attend the Sovereign some convenient Time before the approach of St. _George_’s _Day_, to learn his Pleasure therein, and whether he is inclined to Prorogue the Day, _&c._

If the Sovereign be inclin’d to a Prorogation, then the Chancellor is to draw up a Commission for that purpose. After this, Letters issu’d out anciently under the Sovereign’s Sign Manual, both to his Lieutenant, when he holds not the Feast personally, and the _Knights-Companions_, giving them notice of the Time and Place; but of late the Chancellor hath been appointed to dispatch these Letters in his own Name.

But whether the Feast be held upon St. _George_’s _Day_, or any other, by Prorogation, the Sovereign’s Pleasure was usually known so long before the appointed Time, that these circular Letters issu’d out sometimes two, three, four, five, or six Months, before the assign’d Day. And in Cases where there has been farther Prorogations, Care has been taken to issue out new Commissions, in the like convenient Time, before the old were expir’d; as may be observ’d by what has gone before; that so those _Knights Companions_, who are most remote from Court, may have sufficient Time to prepare; either for Attendance, or, on just Occasion, to apply themselves to the Sovereign, for Letters of Dispensation for Absence: And farther, that the absent Knights may thereby take notice of the Day set, because such are oblig’d to hold the Feast in their own Houses, at the same Time.

Besides the Letters directed to the _Knights-Companions_; the Chancellor is likewise to write his Letters to each of the Officers of the _Order_, to give them the like notice.

_Of Dispensations for not attending the Grand Feast._

§ 2. It having been complained of by the Chancellor of the _Order_, and taken notice of by the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, in a Chapter held at the Celebration of the Grand Feast, 13 _Car._ I. at _White-Hall_:

_That of late Years, divers_ Knights-Companions _had neglected, both their Attendance on the Sovereign at the Feast of St._ George, _or to send, under their Seals of Arms, their probable Excuses, and Petitions for Licence and Dispensation, contrary to the most ancient_ Statutes, _and their Duty._

It was therefore, among many other things, decreed, _That for the future, every Knight of the_ Order _should be bound to attend on the usual Days, or such as should be assigned by Prorogation_: But in Case of Sickness, or other important Business to retard them, they shou’d, under their Seals of Arms to the Chancellor, signify the Reasons for requiring a Dispensation for their Absence, twenty Days at least before the usual, or assigned Time, to be presented by him to the Sovereign; and on Neglect of so doing, except in sudden Accidents, should not be excused, but incur the Penalty of the _Statutes_.

And it is evident, that this way of enjoining the _Knights-Companions_ to send the Reason that prevented their Attendance, under their Seals, has been very ancient; for the _Black-Book_ records an _Order_ in _Chapter_, held at a General Feast, 1 _Hen._ VI. to this very Purpose; and enjoin’d farther, _That when such absent Knights were present at the next Feast, they should be oblig’d to give the Reason why they should not incur the Penalty of their former Absence, since the_ Statutes _enjoin it_.

In Pursuance of the beforementioned Decree, Sir _Thomas Rowe_, then Chancellor, added to those his Letters, dated 18 _May_, 1637, and directed to the _Knights-Companions_, under the Seal of the _Order_, this following Postscript.

_According to two Acts made in_ Chapter, _in the Presence of the Sovereign_, 18 April, 1637. _concerning the Neglect of the_ Knights-Companions, _in their Attendance upon his Majesty at the Feast of St._ George, _and a Command expresly receiv’d to signify so much to your_ Lordship; _I have the true Copies of the Acts themselves, it being resolv’d, in Case of Omission of your lawful and timely Excuse, under your Seal of Arms, and in Occasion of Absence, in keeping the Solemnity in your own House, that no Dispensation shall be given, but your_ Lordship _shall incur the Penalties of the ancient_ Statutes; _which are, That you shall not be permitted to the_ Chapter, _nor to your Seat, the next Year; but shall stand before it, as do the_ Choiristers: _In Procession then you shall go before, and not in your Place among the Knights, and shall Offer last; and that this Penance being done, you shall come before the Seat of the Sovereign, and ask Absolution: But if two Years successively your_ Lordship _shall omit your Attendance, or timely Suit for Dispensation, you shall pay twenty Marks, and that Sum to be doubled for every Year of such Omission, till you are reconcil’d, and pardon’d by the Sovereign, whereof I beseech your_ Lordship _to take Knowledge._

It afterwards appears, by an _Order_ past in _Chapter_, _9th October_, 15 _Car._ I. that this early Notice to be given from such of the _Knights-Companions_ as, upon the Reasons already mention’d, should be absent, was design’d chiefly in Favour of the Officers of the Sovereign’s _Houshold_, who, by knowing in due Time who should be absent, and who not, might make timely and certain Provision for the Feast.

Upon Notice sent by the Chancellor, to the _Knights-Companions_, as aforesaid, if any of them should happen to be any way indispos’d, or have other lawful Excuse for not repairing to Court, and attending the Feast, they may acquaint the Chancellor therewith, whose Duty it is to represent it to the Sovereign, and thereon to procure his Letters of Dispensation for their Absence, if the Sovereign consents.

Which Letters are to be convey’d by _Garter_, or carry’d by whomsoever he shall appoint; for which there was a Fee by the Mile allowed him, by the following _Order_, past at a Meeting held by the _Knights-Commissioners_, for regulating Points relating to the _Order_, 13 _Car._ I.

_Whereas it having anciently been the Office of_ Garter, King _of_ Arms, _to disperse and send Letters of Prorogation, Dispensation, and other Commands of the Sovereign, to the absent Knights, which in many Cases must be chargeable, it was this Day order’d, That if he should send any Act of Favour or Dispensation to any Knight, absent from his Majesty’s Court, or four Miles from the City of_ London, _he to whom such Dispensation should be sent, should pay his Servant or Messenger, for every Day’s Travel, as much as is allow’d and paid any other Messengers of his Majesty’s House or Chamber._

Variety of Occasions and Accidents, as Grounds to move the Sovereign, and Inducements to obtain his Dispensation, are extant in several Letters sent to Sir _Thomas Rowe_, when Chancellor, on the aforesaid Injunctions, decreed 13 _Car._ I. but they all agree in the Causes we have mentioned.

_Of Commissions of Lieutenancy._

§ 3. Touching the third particular, and preparing Commissions of Lieutenancy, in such Cases where the Sovereign cannot personally celebrate the Feast; as also Commissions for those whom he thinks fit to appoint for his _Assistants_, the Reader is referr’d to the Head in the next _Chapter_, under which there is an Account of constituting a _Lieutenant_; and here only observe, that the Chancellor is to draw up these Commissions, and attend the Sovereign for his Hand, and after to pass them under the Great Seal of the _Order_.

_Warrant for the Removal of Atchievements._

§ 4. If there be Occasion for Removal of any of the _Knights-Companions_ Atchievements, at the Grand Feast, which indeed has seldom happen’d, unless an Installation were celebrated at the same time, then does the Chancellor obtain the Sovereign’s Warrant, directed to _Garter_, for the Performance thereof: But of this we have already said sufficient, under the Head of Preparations made for Personal Installations of a _Knight-Companion_.

_Escutcheons of Arms and Stiles._

§ 5. Heretofore, when the Celebrations of St. _George_’s _Day_ were kept at any other Place besides _Windsor Castle_, it was thought most necessary to provide large Paper Escutcheons; wherein were Marshalled the Arms and Quarterings of the Sovereign, and each _Knight-Companion_, in Metal and Colour, encompass’d with a _Garter_; and thereon Crowns, Caps, or Coronets, peculiar to each Dignity, with their Stiles and Titles fairly printed underneath, (but without Crests or Supporters,) to be set on the Back-side of their Stalls, on the Eve of the Feast: But the Sovereign’s Arms were impaled with those of St. _George_, over which an imperial Crown was plac’d, and these, (in Defect of the Plates and Banners, set over their Stalls, in the Choir of St. _George_’s _Chappel_ at _Windsor_,) did serve for Directions for the _Knights-Companions_, that, by the view of them, they might the more readily and certainly know their proper Stalls.

We have not met with any Memorial of this Usage, that reacheth higher than _Anno_ 21 _Hen._ VII. when the Sovereign, holding the Day of St. _George_ at _Cambridge_, _King’s College Chappel_ was furnish’d with Escutcheons of the _Knights-Companions_ Arms; but to shew the Use was ancient, there is this Note put into the Memorial, [as was Yearly accustomed,] _Anno_ 22 _Hen._ VIII. the Sovereign being at _Windsor_ on the Eve of St. _George_, appointed the Service of the Church to be celebrated in his Chappel, in the upper Quadrangle of _Windsor Castle_; and there being present with him thirteen _Knights-Companions_, each of them had set over their Heads an Escutcheon of their Arms.

This Manner the Stalls were afterwards solemnly establish’d, and enlarged to absent Knights, by an _Order_ of _Chapter_, held at _Greenwich_, _Anno_ 3 _Edward_ VI. wherein the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ agreed, that from thenceforth every Stall, upon St. _George_’s _Eve_, should have an Escutcheon of the Arms of them which are absent, as well as those that were present, at their several Costs and Charges:

But this cannot be understood of the Stalls situate in the Chappel of St. _George_ at _Windsor_; for besides, that we have met with no ancient Account of any such Custom in that Place, we find a Memorial, rather implying the contrary; when Queen _Elizabeth_, in the sixth Year of her Reign, held the Feast of St. _George_ upon its proper Day, at _Windsor Castle_; namely, that there was no Escutcheons of the _Knights-Companions_ Arms set up there, but only the Plates; and without all doubt, had it been the Usage to fix Escutcheons in the Choir of that Chappel, as at other Places, they would not at that time especially have been omitted; because then the Sovereign appear’d upon an extraordinary Occasion, and where many things were added to heighten the Glory of that Grand Feast, by Reason the Peace between _England_ and _France_ was to be proclaimed at this Festival, in the Presence of the _French_ Ambassador, and was accordingly done with great Solemnity on St. _George_’s _Day_ in the Morning, at the East-Entrance in the lower Ward of the Castle, at the top of the Hill towards St. _George_’s _Chappel_; and to which Place the Sovereign, in her whole Habit of the _Order_, (the _French_ Ambassador being near her,) with the five Officers of the _Order_, and _Knights-Companions_ before her, and before them the Officers of Arms and Trumpets, proceeding in a stately and well order’d Cavalcade; and after _Clarenceux_, King of Arms, had ended the Proclamation, they continu’d the Proceeding thence to the Chappel, in the same State and Order.

As to the Practice and constant Usage of setting up Escutcheons of Arms, since _Anno_ 3 _Edward_ VI. and at such time as St. _George_’s _Day_ was held elsewhere than at _Windsor_, we have seen Variety of Testimonies.

The Care of ordering and providing of which belong’d to _Garter_; but the Sovereign of the _Order_ was at the Charge, (notwithstanding the said Order, _Anno_ 3 _Edw._ VI.) which heretofore we see was paid out of the Treasury in the _Exchequer_; and since the Establishment of 1200 _l. per Annum_, (settled by the late Sovereign King _Charles_ I. to discharge the ordinary and extraordinary Expences of the _Order_,) the Allowance issu’d thence, and was paid by the Chancellor of the _Order_; but now the Charge is plac’d upon _Garter_, he having an Allowance therefore included in the Augmentation of his Pension, _Anno_ 15 _Car._ II.

We find Privy Seals to have issu’d as high as the fifteenth of Queen _Elizabeth_, for the Annual Allowance of 7 _l._ for Escutcheons imploy’d for the Use aforesaid, and that the Price some time before was about that rate; for the three and twenty Escutcheons, provided against St. _George_’s _Feast_, _Anno_ 1 and 2 _Phil._ and _Mar._ came to 6 _l._ 1 _s._ and 8 _d._ and those five and twenty set up the following Year, 6 _l._ 11 _s._ and 8 _d._ some Differences then also being in the Work, which enhanc’d the Price, _viz._ those provided for Princes, at 6 _s._ and 8 _d._ a Piece, and each of the rest at 5 _s._

The Sovereign, the Prince of _Wales_, and Stranger Kings and Princes, have accustomably had, at these Times, Majesty Escutcheons set up over each of their Stalls; but the rest of the _Knights-Companions_, Lodging Escutcheons only; and we have seen an Account of some Majesty Escutcheons prepar’d for every St. _George_’s _Feast_, from 1613, to 1619; to wit, one for the Sovereign, another for the King of _Denmark_, a third for the Prince of _Wales_, and a fourth for _Frederick_, Count Palatine of the _Rhine_, at 6 _s._ and 8 _d._ a piece; but so many _Knights-Companions_ as attended the Sovereign at those Feasts, had each a Lodging Escutcheon, at 2 _s._ and 6 _d._

From the Marshalling of Arms, quarter’d in the _Knights-Companions_ Escutcheons, and ordering their Stiles, (printed always in _French_) there are several things no less useful than worthy of Observation; for, first, though the Plates of Arms and Quarterings, fix’d in each _Knight-Companion’s_ Stall at _Windsor_, continue there without Alteration, or very seldom chang’d from that Order wherein they were Marshall’d at that Time of their Installation; yet these Escutcheons and Stiles Annually set up, do admit of frequent Alteration, as there is Occasion; either by adding more Quarterings, altering the Stiles, or amending any thing that is amiss.

For Instance: Whereas the Duke of _Savoy_, before 5 _Eliz._ bore _Gules a cross Argent_, it was then alter’d into five Coats; that is to say, in the first Quarter, _Westphalia_, _Saxe-Moderne_ and _Angria_; in the second, _Chablais_; in the third, _Aouste_, and the fourth as the first; and over all, in the middle, the aforesaid Escutcheon of _Savoy_.

When the Lord _Hunsdon_ was install’d, _Anno_ 3 _Eliz._ he had twelve Coats of Arms, thus Marshall’d in his Plate; four, four, and four; the first _Carey_, the second _Spencer_, the third _Somerset_, the fourth _Bullen_, the fifth _Ormond_, the sixth _Hoo_, the seventh _Rochford_, the eighth _Seyntomer_, the ninth _Malmains_, the tenth _Wichingham_, the eleventh St. _Leger_, and the twelfth _Hangford_; but _Anno_ 7 _Eliz._ his Escutcheon receiv’d an Addition of four other Coats, _viz._ _Beuchamp_, _Warwick_, _Berkley_, and _Gerard_, and they were inserted next to _Somerset_, the third Coat in this said Plate.

But on the contrary, where _Ambrose_, Earl of _Warwick_, had twenty one Coats put into his Plate, _Anno_ 5 _Eliz._ and they Marshall’d in this Order, five, five, five, and six; namely, first _Sutton_, second _Paganell_, third _Grey_ of _Ruthin_, fourth _Hastings_, fifth _Quincy_, sixth _Malpas_, seventh _Somery_, eighth _Valence_, ninth _Talbott_, tenth _Warwick_, eleventh _Beauchamp_, twelfth _Berkley_, thirteenth _Lisle_, fourteenth _Gerard_, fifteenth _Guilford_, sixteenth _Houlden_, seventeenth _West_, eigthteenth and nineteenth _Quarterly de la Ware_ and _Cantilupe_, twentieth _Mortimere_ of _Wigmore_, and twenty one _Greely_; at the Feast of St. _George_ held at _White-Hall_, _Anno_ 9 _Eliz._ his Escutcheon contain’d but sixteen; _viz._ four, four, four, and four; namely, first _Sutton_, second _Paganell_, third _Somery_, fourth _Malpas_, fifth _Grey_ of _Ruthin_, sixth _Hastings_, seventh _Valence_, eighth _Ferrers_, ninth _Quincess_, tenth _Chester_, eleventh _Talbott_, twelfth _Beauchamp_, thirteenth _Warwick_, fourteenth _Berkley_, fifteenth _Gerard_, sixteenth _Lisle_: So that there were seven Coats taken out of the former; namely, _Guilford_, _Holden_, _West_, _de la Ware_ and _Cantilupe_, _Quarterly Mortimere_ and _Greely_, and two added, _viz._ _Ferrers_ and _Chester_.

But the greatest and frequentest Variations are in the Stiles and Titles of _Honour_, set under the Escutcheons, and these relate unto, and are occasioned principally from their attaining or resigning of Offices or Dignities.

We find that the Stile set under the Escutcheon of _Ferdinand_ the Emperor, at St. _George_’s _Feast_, _Anno_ 1 and 2 _Phil._ and _Mar._ was as followeth.

_Du tres hault tres-Excellent & tres-Puissant Prince, Ferdinand, par la grace de Dieu, Roy des Romaines, de Hungarie, & Bohemie, Arch-Duc d’Austrie, Duc de Burgoigne_, &c. _Chevalier du tres-Noble Ordre de la Jarretiere._

But _Anno_ 5 _Eliz._ in the said Emperor’s Stile, the Titles of King of _Hungary_ and _Bohemia_ were left out; because _Maximilian_ his Son had a little before obtain’d both those Kingdoms.

In the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_, the Stiles of _Philip_, King of _Spain_, who, while Queen _Mary_ lived, was Co-Sovereign of this most Noble _Order_, run thus:

_Du tres Hault tres-Excellent and tres-Puissant Prince Philip, par la grace de Dieu, Roy d’Espaigne, des Deux Cicels & Jerusalem, Arch-Duc d’Austriæ, Duc de Burgoigne, Millan, & Brabant, Compte de Hapsburghe, Flanders, & Tiroll; Chevalier du tres-Noble Ordre de la Jarretiere._

But at the Feasts of St. _George_, _Anno_ 28, 29, and 30 _Eliz._ the Title of Catholick Prince was also given him.

The Instances relating to _Knights-Subjects_ are very many; there having been almost every Year some Additions, or Omissions.

In the Duke of _Norfolk_’s Stile, _Anno_ 3 _Eliz._ the _Lieutenantship of the North_ was omitted. In the Earl of _Rutland_’s, at the same Feast, _President of the Council in the Council in the North_, was added. The Marquiss of _Winchester_ caus’d the Title of Baron _St. John_ to be omitted, because his eldest Son bore that Title, and was a Baron of Parliament.

It may be further observed, that a Stranger elect (having receiv’d the _Habit_ and _Ensigns_ of the _Order_,) hath been allow’d the Honour of having an Escutcheon of his Arms set on the back of that Stall design’d for him, notwithstanding he has not been install’d.

_Of Adorning the Chappel._

§ 6. The Chappel where divine Service is celebrated, at the Time of the Grand Feast; whether it be that of St. _George_’s at _Windsor_, or elsewhere, as the Sovereign is pleas’d, hath at all Times been adorn’d with rich Furniture; the Care and Oversight whereof at _Windsor_, is committed to the Dean of the College, but at other Places, to the Dean of the Chappel.

The _Altar_, by the Gift of pious Benefactors, was adorned with Vessels, sumptuous both for their Materials and Workmanship; but _temp. Hen._ VIII. and _Edw._ VI. most of them were dispos’d of, so that King _James_ I.· taking notice that very little Plate, and other Ornaments, were belonging to the Chappel, was pleas’d to make some Provision for the adorning thereof, which was at length effected by the free Contributions of the Knights themselves.

For at a _Chapter_ held at _White-Hall_, 16 _Jac._ I. it was decreed, that every _Knight-Companion_ should give to the Use of the _Altar_, in the said Chappel, a piece of _Plate_ of the Value of 20 _l._ at the least.

This Decree was confirm’d, _Anno_ 6 _Car._ I. the Dean and Canons of _Windsor_ being impower’d to demand and receive the Sums of Money, as above, which they were to bestow in Plate for the Use of the _Altar_; and accordingly they agreed for the Quantity of Plate hereafter mention’d, which was deliver’d, _Anno_ 1637. _viz._

_Ou._ _Dr._ Two little Candlesticks chas’d and gilt, for } Wax Candles } 092 06 Two Chalices, with four Pattens 113 01 Two great Candlesticks, neat for Tapers 553 15 Two little Basons 251 15 One great Bason 210 00 -------- _l._ _s._ The Value at 12 _s._ the Ounce, came to 730 10 Besides nine Cases 009 10

But to make some farther Addition to the Glory of this _Altar_, King _Charles_ II. at the time of his _Installation_, offer’d two large gilt Water-pots, weighing 387 Ounces ten Peny Weight, amounting, by the excellent Workmanship, to 12 _s._ the Ounce, and to the Sum of 232 _l._ 10 _s._ Some sacred Ceremonies were perform’d at the Consecration of this Plate, not very necessary to be spoke of here. But all these, with the other Goods and Monuments belonging to the King’s free Chappel and Treasury at _Windsor_, were rifl’d and taken away by the Parliament Army. King _Charles_ II. therefore, after the Restauration, _Anno_ 1667, by the Consent of the _Knights-Companions_, did levy and collect, and by his own Bounty furnish’d the Chappel again with the following Plate:

_A Pair of gilt Flaggons, bought with Money collected from the_ Knights Companions, 150 _Ounces._

_A Pair of wrought Flaggons, with great Bellies, having the Figure of St._ George _on Horseback on the Cover_, &c. _bought with the_ Knights _Money_, 414 _Ounces._

_One small Bason._ 25 _Ounces and an half._

_A Pair of plain gilt Chalices and Covers, bought also with the_ Knights _Money_, 163 _Ounces and a quarter._

_A large Embost Bason, with the Figure of_ Mary Magdalen _washing our Saviour’s Feet_, 198 _Ounces._

_A Pair of large Taper Candlesticks_, 264 _Ounces._

At the Charge of the College.

_A Pair of large Basons gilt and emboss’d, given by her Royal Higness the Dutchess of_ York, 305 _Ounces._

_A plain gilt Corporas, the Gift of Sir_ Richard Fanshaw, 24 _Ounces._

_A double gilt Chalice, the Gift of the Lady_ Mary Heveningham, 33 _Ounces._

As to the Adorning, and Furniture of the Chappel, ’tis very sumptuous; the particulars being not so very material, I shall here omit them.

_The Furnishing St._ George’_s_ Hall.

§ 7. The Care of making ready and furnishing St. _George_’s _Hall_, or any Place, either there, or elsewhere, set apart for the Grand Dinner, is committed partly to the Gentlemen Ushers of the _Black-Rod_, and partly to the Sovereign’s Surveyer-General of his Works, both by Warrant from the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold: They cause to be prepar’d the Tables, and set in order the rich and costly Furniture.

_Officers and Servants appointed to attend the Grand Feast._

§ 8. The principal Officers of the Grand Feast are serv’d by Noblemen, whom the Sovereign appoints, and are put in a List, Sign’d by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshould, and deliver’d to the _Black-Rod_, who gives them Notice some convenient time before the Feast, that they may the better perform the Duty of their several Places; of what Quality they usually are, will appear by the following List.

Those that gave their Attendance at the Grand Feast, _Anno_ 14 _Car._ II. when the Sovereign was install’d, were,

For the Sword, The Earl of _Northampton_. The great Bason, The Earls of _Bedford_, _Hertford_, _Clare_, St. _Albans_, and the Lord _Herbert_ of _Ragland_. The Cup-bearer, The Earl of _Essex_. The Carver, The Earl of _Carlisle_. The Sewer, The Earl of _Dover_. The Surnap, The Earl of _Elgin_. The Ewer, The Earl of _Devonshire_. The Train, The Lords _Russel_, _Herbert_, and _Cranborne_.

The Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s Privy-Chamber in waiting bear the Canopy, and the Sovereign’s Officers and Servants following, (having notice from the Lord Chamberlain,) give their Attendance; as appears by the List of those appointed to give their Attendance at _Windsor_, _Anno_ 23 _Car._ II.

Lord Chamberlain, and Servants.
Groom of the Stool.
Bed-Chamber Men.
Secretaries of State.
Gentlemen-Ushers of the Privy-Chamber.
Mr. Vice Chamberlain.
Gentlemen of the Bed Chamber.
Privy Purse.
Secretaries of _Scotland_.
Twelve Gentlemen of the Privy-Chamber in waiting.
Four Gentlemen Ushers daily Waiters.
Two Cup-bearers.
Eight Quarter Waiters, Gentlemen Ushers.
Two Chaplains.
Two Physicians.
Two Chirurgeons.
Mrs. Sempstress and Landress to his Majesty.
Four Grooms of the Chamber.
Fourteen Lords to attend his Majesty.
Officers of the Guard.
Yeomen of the Guard.
Three Masters of the Tents.
Master of the Ceremonies.
Aid of the Ceremonies.
Jewel-House.
Musicians.
Yeomen of the Bows and Guns.
Captain Cook, and the Children of the Chappel.
Two Carvers.
Two Sewers.
Two Pages of the Presence.
Two Esquires of the Body.
Two Apothecaries.
Four Serjeants at Arms.
Eight Sewers of the Chamber.
Pages of the back Stairs.
Captain of the Guards.
Officers of the Robes.
Two Grooms of the Privy-Chamber.
Groom Porter.
Marshal of the Ceremonies.
Removing Wardrobe.
Gentlemen of the Chappel.
Five Messengers.
Sixteen Trumpeters.
Serjeant Trumpeter.
Drum Major.
Four Drummers and a Fife.

CAP. XX.

_The Order of the Ceremonies on the Eve of the Grand Feast._

_Of the beginning of the Grand Feast._

§ 1. The Celebration of the Grand Feast, with the Ceremonies, devis’d to set forth and illustrate the Glory thereof, hath been worthy the observation of the first Institutor, and all succeeding Sovereigns; well knowing that what is once slightly observ’d will soon fall into disesteem, if not into contempt. Therefore they have been very particular to the Day, the Hour, and the Place, where the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ are to meet.

As to the first, although St. _George_’s _Day_ (or such other Day as the Sovereign shall please to nominate and appoint, by Prorogation in lieu thereof,) be the Principal and Grand Day of the Feast, yet the Eve of that Day does the Feast take Commencement, and determines not till the third Day following; the whole Solemnity taking up three Days inclusively.

And this is clear from several Articles of the _Statutes_, wherein the course of the Ceremonies to be observ’d at the Grand Solemnity are set down; whether observed, on the Eve, the Feast-Day, or the Morrow after: And these three Days together did the Sovereign hold the Grand Feast, whether they personally celebrated the same, or deputed other of the _Knights-Companions_ to that Employment, the cause of the Commissions of Deputation limitting their Power either in general, _during the time of the Feast_; or in particular, upon the Day of St. _George_, the Day, and that following, _viz._ the last Day of the Feast. In like manner, when in succeeding Times, Commissions of Prorogation of the Grand Feast were made use of, we find the three Days continuance of the Feast to be particularly mentioned in the Body of those Commissions: Namely, the Day wherein, by such Appointment, the Feast was to begin, the Grand Day it self, and the Day whereon it ended.

The Directions given in the _Statutes_, for the Order and Course of this Solemnity, to begin with the Eve, run thus: Every Year upon St. _George_’s _Eve_, shall be an Assembly, or Meeting of all the _Knights-Companions_ of the _Order_, at _Windsor Castle, &c._ and the same is positively enjoin’d by all the other Bodies of the _Statutes_.

And as the Grand Feast is generally said to Commence _in Vigilia Sancti Georgii_, or as it is otherwise exprest in the _Black-Book_, in _Vigilia in future celebratis_, or, _Vigiliis Divi Georgii_, or in _Vigilia Festi_. So has the time of this preceeding Day several other Denominations given it in the same _Register_, _Vesper ante Diem Sancti Georgii_; _in Vesperiis Georgianis_, _in Vesperiis Festi_, _in Vesperiis Commitionem_; and at other times, _pridie Divi Georgii_, _pridie Georgianæ Solemnitatis_, _pridie Festi_, _pridie feriarum Divi Georgii_, and sometimes _per vigilia_, and lastly in plain _English_, St. _George_’s _Eve_; all which signify one and the same thing, and are but various Names given to the Evening of the Day foregoing either that of St. _George_, or that whereon the Grand Feast is appointed to be held by Prorogation.

Thus we see that the Founder began his Solemnity upon the Eve of the Feast Day; which doubtless was in conformity to the Custom of the Church, who made the _Vigils_ and _Eves_ part of the ensuing Festivals, and as Ushers to the Grand Solemnities.

As the Eve was appointed by the Founder for the Commencement of the Anniversary of the Grand Feast, so to make the time more certain, the _Statutes_ express the exact Hour of meeting for beginning the Solemnities, to be at the Hour of _Tierce_, which in many other Places is called, _Hora Tertiarum_. But this seemed not sufficient to express clear enough the meaning of a Law, where a Penalty was enjoined, and therefore at a _Chapter_ held at _Windsor_, 17 _Edw._ IV. a scruple arising among the _Knights-Companions_, concerning the Words _Hora Tertiarum_, whether they were intended to mean three in the Afternoon, or at the Hour of the Church, generally used after Prime Noon before; and fixed it to the latter.

The _Registrum Chartaceum_ Records the same Explanation of the Words; and to let us see that ’twas immediately put in Practice, it is there entered with the Names of those _Knights-Companions_ present with the Sovereign, both in the Morning and Evening of the same Day.

Another Instance of which there is, 3 _Hen._ VII. on the Eve of the Grand Feast, held by Prorogation at _Windsor_, where the Sovereign, in regard of the arrival of several Ambassadors, put off the usual _Chapter_ till Noon; whence it is evident, that the Custom at this time was likewise to begin the Solemnity in the Morning.

But notwithstanding the said Decree of King _Edw._ IV. we find it _Anno_ 11 _Hen._ VIII. to be meant and intended for three in the Afternoon. And when King _Henry_ VIII. came to Model the _Statutes_ of the _Order_, in two several Articles, he declares and expounds the _Hora Tertia_, (which the _English_ Version of those _Statutes_ renders the _Hour_ of _Tierce_,) to be the _Hora Tertia post Merediem_, three in the Afternoon; and in another Article of the same _Statutes_, _Hora Tertiarum, id est, Hora Tertiarum post Merediem_; and elsewhere, _Hora Tertia Vespertina vel Pomeridiana_; which Hour, as it was then settled to be the punctual time for the _Knights-Companions_ meeting, to enter on the Solemnity of the Feast, so has it ever since continued unaltered, and usually observed.

The Place of Assembly for the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, hath usually been in such of the Sovereign’s Privy Lodgings, both at _Windsor_, or elsewhere, as he hath appointed; frequently in the Privy, Withdrawing, or Bed Chambers: To this appointed Place the _Knights-Companions_ repair, to give their Attendance on the Sovereign, having first invested themselves in full Robes, either in their own Lodgings, or some convenient Room at Court, where _Garter_ is to attend them, with notice of the approaching Hour.

The _Knights-Companions_ being come to the Sovereign, as likewise the Officers of the _Order_, habited in their _Mantles_, and bearing in their Hands the _Symbols_ of their several Offices, they wait the Sovereign’s being vested in his Robes, till he passes into the Presence Chamber, or give beginning to the Feast, by opening the _Chapter_ at their meeting, before he goes thither.

About the same time, the Provincial _Kings_, _Heralds_, and _Pursuivants_, wearing their Coats of the Sovereign’s Arms; so also the Band of Pensioners, armed with their Pole Axes, Assemble in the Presence Chamber; but the Prebends of the College, vested in their Taffaty Mantles over their Surplices, and _Alms-Knights_ in their _Mantles_ and _Surcoats_, come no nearer than the Guard Chamber.

Lastly, The Servants and Attendants of the _Knights-Companions_ meet without the Guard Chamber Door, whence spreading themselves down the Stairs, through the Stone Gallery, into the upper Ward of the Castle, or as far as their Number will reach, all wait the Sovereign’s coming forth into the Presence.

It will be necessary here to inform the Reader, in regard not only the Feast Day of St. _George_, but the Grand Feast held in Honour of the _Order_, hath been kept in several other Places besides _Windsor Castle_, more particularly, at _White-Hall_, St. _James_’s, _Greenwich_, and _York_; that there are many Ceremonies, and other Particulars hereafter named, which alter not with the Place; but appertain to the Festival, and are therefore to be observed every where alike; as for instance, the form of Proceeding, the manner of holding _Chapters_, the Ceremony of Offering Gold and Silver, Swearing of Officers, and such like: But others there are, which are precisely local and particular, as the _Prebends_ and _Alms-Knights_ going in the Proceeding, the Offering up of Atchievements, _&c._ to _Windsor_ only.

Since the withdrawing the Grand Feast from _Windsor_, some of the Officers of Arms, curious in the Observation of these Solemnities, performed in other Places, have afforded us great Plenty of Memorials, relating to the ceremonious Part thereof, while the same was continued at _Windsor_; and therefore, when the true Place where the Instance lies, shall be also cited, the Reader is not to conclude that the Precedent urged doth not full enough answer the Purpose, unless it had been likewise fetched from _Windsor_. But that in this case, the Ceremony or Example is such, as is peculiar to the Feast, not the Place, and ought to be observed without alteration at any Place, where the Sovereign shall keep the Grand Feast.

_Of setting the Proceeding in Order._

§ 2. In Times past, the _Knights-Companions_ appeared at the Grand Feast, attended with a numerous Train of Servants and other Dependents; but the Feast having removed from _Windsor_ to other Places, much of this ancient Splendor was laid aside; yet upon King _James_ I. Accession to the Crown, somewhat of this Glory began to revive; for we find it entered upon the _Register_, in the fourth of his Reign; _That the ancient Custom, which for some Years had been intermitted, wherein, at the Solemnity of this Feast, all the_ Knights-Companions _were wont to go attended, each with a large Train, was recalled and brought back into use_.

But this heighth of Gallantry and Splendor in the Number of Attendants, and richness of their Apparel, within ten Years grew up to such Excess, or rather Exorbitancy, that it required a restraint; wherefore the Sovereign, by the unanimous Advice of the _Knights-Companions_, Decreed, and Commanded, _That every one of the_ Knights-Companions _of the_ Order, _should have to attend upon his Person at the yearly Solemnization of the Feast of the_ Order, _fifty Persons, and no more_: The reason whereof we find elsewhere noted to be, for saving of Charge, and avoiding of Emulation. But in the beginning of King _Charles_ I. Reign, of ever Blessed Memory, the gallantry of Attendants began again to Increase and Augment; insomuch that at the Grand Feast held at _White-Hall_, the 22d, 23d, and 24th of _April_, _Anno_ 8 _Car._ I. we find it observed, that the _Knights-Companions_ came forth attended, each with a Train of Servants very richly clad.

But to return and enter upon the Proceeding, to the end the Servants and Attendants of the _Knights-Companions_ may be exactly Marshalled, the Usher of the Hall (whose Duty it is to rank them) ought to call for a List from _Garter_, of such _Knights-Companions_ as are to be present at the Grand Feast, noted with their several Places in the Proceeding, for his better Directions in assigning the Attendants their due Places, the Order whereof is thus: First, the _Junior_ Knights-Attendants proceed one before another, on the left Hand, upon whose right Hand the second eldest Knights-Attendants go in equal Rank with them, for this we observe to have been the general rule; where the _Knights-Companions_ Proceed in pairs, their Attendants go together; those belonging to the _Senior_ Knights of the two, on the right Hand, and to the _Junior_ upon their left; but the Order is otherwise, where any of the _Knights-Companions_ proceed single and alone, (which often falls out, as shall be noted in its due Place,) for then the Attendants belonging to that single Knight go two and two, on both sides the Way, opposite one against the other.

But when the Grand Feast is Celebrated at _White-Hall_, there the _Knights-Companions_ Attendants are Marshalled by the said Usher, on both sides the Passage, from the outward Door of the Guard Chamber, down into the Hall, taking up all the Room as far as the old Chappel; and because here they do not proceed, in regard of the shortness of the Processional way, but only make a stand, for the Proceeding to pass through them, they are ranked in a way different from that used at _Windsor_; nevertheless relating more especially to the Order observed by their Masters: Which Method, in the Sovereign’s Proceeding to the Chappel, at the beforementioned Feast, held at _White-Hall_, _Anno_ 8 _Car._ I. we find thus described. The eldest _Knight-Companions_ Servants were ranked on the right Hand of the Passage, the chiefest of them near unto the old Chappel Door; and the second Knight (being Companion to the eldest) his Attendants stood on the left side, the chiefest of them also next the said old Chappel Door, and in case the eldest Knight’s Fellow or Companion be not present in this Proceeding, then the eldest Knight’s Servants ought to be placed opposite one against the other, upon each side the said old Chappel Door: The like Order is to be taken in Marshalling the Servants of the other Knights of this most Noble _Order_, whose Companions are then absent.

Secondly, The Order of Proceeding amongst the _Alms-Knights_, (who, _Anno_ 1 _Car._ I. had two Waiters of the Sovereign’s Hall, in their Livery Coats, bearing white Rods in their Hands, to proceed before them,) is in general two and two together, the _Junior_ is placed foremost on the left Hand, and his next _Senior_ on his right; and if Sickness, or other lawful Impediment, chance to hinder one or more of them, from going in the Proceeding, his _Junior_ is advanc’d into his Place, and consequently all the other _Juniors_ do in like manner alter their Places, and advance, to the end the superior Place be still supplied, according to the right rule of Marshalling the Singles, that compose a gross Body; but in this Case, if the Number that attend happen to be odd, the Governor of the _Alms-Knights_ goes last of all, and alone.

Thirdly, The Virger of the College hath his Place next after the _Alms-Knights_, and immediately before the _Prebends_ of the College; who being habited in a Gown, beareth a Silver Verge, the Ensign of his Office: Nevertheless, heretofore, when the _Prebends_ went not in the Proceeding, on the Eve of the Grand Feast, the Virger proceeded first of all, before the _Alms-Knights_, for so it was observed on the Eve of St. _George_, at _Windsor_, _Anno_ 6 _Eliz._ and in this manner we see it exprest, in the Proceeding set forth by _Marcus Gerchard_.

Fourthly, Under the general rule, relating to the _Alms-Knights_, are comprehended the _Prebends_ of the College, the _Pursuivants_, _Heralds_, and _Provincial Kings_, insomuch, that where either of the said Kings are absent, the _Senior Herald_ is advanced, and goes in breast on the left Hand of him who is then present; so also where any of the _Heralds_ are wanting, his next _Junior_ ascendeth into his Place; whereby it sometimes falls out, that the _Senior Pursuivant_ is joined to the left Hand of the _Junior Herald_: And through their defects and absence, the Number of the Officers of Arms be odd, then (with this difference in the foresaid rule observed among the _Alms-Knights_,) the youngest _Pursuivant_ goeth single by himself.

Touching the right of Precedency, between the Officers of Arms, and _Prebends_ of the College, in Proceeding before the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, we find there hath been heretofore not only some Question started, but the Place contended for; insomuch, that at the Installation of the Earls of _Shrewsbury_ and _Cumberland_, _Anno_ 34 _Eliz._ the _Prebends_ took Place, and upon the 24th of _May, Anno_ 39 _Eliz._ at the Installation of _Thomas_, Lord _Howard_ of _Walden_, and others, the _Prebends_ again endeavoured to pass between the Officers of Arms, and Officers of the _Order_; but _Charles_, Lord _Howard_ of _Effingham_, then Lieutenant to the Sovereign, delivered his Opinion on the behalf of the Officers of Arms against the _Prebends_.

Yet did not this so settle the _Order_ of Precedency, or quiet the _Prebends_, but that the Contention again broke out, _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I. at the Installation of the Earls of _Pembrook_, _Marr_, _Southampton_, and Duke of _Lenox_; (which happened on the ninth, not second of _July_, in the foresaid Year,) even to such a heighth, that the _Prebends_, _Pursuivants_, and _Heralds_, contended in the Proceeding; but the Controversy was on the next Morning composed, by the Lord Admiral, (then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant,) the Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of _Worcester_; and the _Order_ in Proceeding thus settled: first, That the _Alms-Knights_ should go foremost, the _Pursuivants_ next, then the _Prebends_, and then the _Heralds_ and Kings of Arms; and this Order in Proceeding was afterwards observed, on the 21 _May, Anno_ 4 _Jac._ I. at the Installation of the Earl of _Salisbury_, and Viscount _Bindon_; as also the 19 _May, Anno_ 6. of the same King, at the Installation of the Earls of _Dunbar_, and _Montgomery_.

Howbeit, _Anno_ 9 _Jac._ I. and so afterwards, we do not find the _Pursuivants_ mentioned in the Proceeding, by particular Name, nor otherwise, than in this following Order, _viz._ _Alms-Knights_, _Prebends_, _Heralds_, &c. but it may be presumed that the _Pursuivants_, then joined again in Body with the _Heralds_, (though for some Years before divided from them, by the interposition of the _Prebends_,) as well as the Provincial Kings, and all of them under the Title of _Heralds_, and sometimes Officers of Arms.

And though at the Grand Feast held by Prorogation, on Sunday the 14th of _September_, in the said fifteenth Year of King _James_, it is noted, that the Prince (being then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant,) proceeded to Morning Service on the Feast Day, with the _Alms-Knights_, _Heralds_, _Prebends_, and Officers of the _Order_ before him; from which manner of Expression, it may perchance be supposed, that the _Heralds_ went at that time next after the _Alms-Knights_, and before the _Prebends_; nevertheless, elsewhere we find them, on the Eve of the aforesaid Feast, ranked in this following Order.

The Alms-Knights.
The Prebends.
The Officers of Arms.
The Knights of the Order, _&c._

And doubtless, they proceeded in the same Order to the Chappel, on the next Morning, notwithstanding what is before said to the contrary, those Expressions being interwoven with the general Account given of the Ceremonies of the whole Festival, and more subject to mistake, where the relation of the Proceeding is carried on in a continued Discourse, than were ranked (as is before exhibited,) in particular Lines, and in the Order and Form of a Proceeding. Besides, we no where meet with any Order or Decree, nulling the foresaid Determination, made _Anno_ 1 _Jac._ I. which placeth the _Prebends_ before the _Heralds_. Finally, to give an end to the Disputes in this Point, we find, that upon the Eve of this Feast, held at _Windsor_, the 23, 24, and 25 of _November_, _Anno_ 1 _Car._ I. the _Prebends_ proceeded next before the _Pursuivants_, and the _Pursuivants_ immediately before the _Heralds_ and Provincial Kings; that is to say, all the Officers of Arms (except _Garter_, whose Place is elsewhere,) proceeded in one entire Body together, which Order we find to be the same in all Proceedings after, that we have met with, and was so observed at the Grand Feast held at _Windsor_, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II. and ever since. But to proceed.

All the before mentioned Attendants wait in their several Stations, till the Hour of _Tierce_, when the Sovereign (having the _Knights-Companions_ and Officers of the _Order_ before him, and his Train carried up,) passeth towards the Presence Chamber, notice of whose coming being given, the Band of Pensioners make the accustomed Guard and Passage along the Presence Chamber, the _Seniors_ standing towards the Lobby Door, within which Guard, on the other side, the Officers of Arms place themselves: Upon the same warning, the Yeomen of the Guard clear a like Passage from the Presence Chamber Door, along the Guard Chamber, unto its outward Door, for the Proceeding to pass through.

At the Sovereign’s approach, one of the Gentlemen Ushers attended with the Sword of State, (the Point resting upon the Ground,) delivereth to such one of the Nobility, (not being a Knight of the _Order_,) whom the Sovereign, as an honorary Favour, hath before nominated, to bear it from thence, before him in all the Proceedings of the Feast; during which Action, the _Knights-Companions_ proceed forwards, and being entred the Presence Chamber, Flank on each side the State, with some small distance between them, and there make a stand: The Sovereign being also entred, passeth to the Step before the State, (the Nobleman who beareth the Sword, and the five Officers of the _Order_, retiring a little on his right Hand,) and then turning himself towards the _Knights-Companions_, standeth there a while, until they have made their Reverences unto him; which being performed, he resaluteth the _Knights-Companions_ by putting off his Cap: This done, the Sovereign putteth his Cap on again; whereupon every of the _Knights Companions_ putteth on theirs, and immediately Rank themselves, according to their due Place, on both sides the State.

For the right understanding whereof, we are in the fifth place to Note, that in the Order and Method wherein the _Knights-Companions_ are ranked, (if they be all present,) is two and two together, the _Junior_ foremost on the left Hand, for that is his Place in all Proceedings; but where any of them be absent, the rule is different from that appropriate to the before-mentioned Degrees; for though it be recorded, that upon the Eve of the Grand Feast held at _Windsor_, _Anno_ 7 _Hen._ V. the _Knights-Companions_ went in Order to the _Chapter-House_ and _Choir_; yet this being exprest but in general terms, how it ought to be understood, will more fully appear, from the particular Directions given for the Order of the _Knights-Companions_ Proceeding in King _Henry_ VIII’s Statutes; where the Law directs each _Knight-Companion_ to proceed alone, at such time as his Fellow (who possesseth the Stall opposite unto him) is absent, but the Order of such Proceeding will by a Scheme be made more evident.

_The Proceeding of the_ Knights-Companions, _present on the Eve of
St._ George, _to the Closet at_ White-Hall, Anno 3 Eliz.

The Lord _Hunsdon_. Void.
The Lord _Robert Dudley_. The Viscount _Mountague_.
The Lord _Loughborow_. The Earl of _Shrewsbury_.
The Earl of _Sussex_. The Lord _Howard_ of _Effing._
Void. The Earl of _Westmorland_.
The Marquiss of _North._ Void.
The Lord _Clynton_. The Duke of _Norfolk_.
Void. The Earl of _Pembrook_.

Thus four _Knights-Companions_ proceeded alone, in regard the Stalls opposite to them were void, the three first being absent, and the last void by the Death of the Earl of _Huntington_; and to avoid all disputes in relation to Precedency, King _Henry_ VIII. Decreed, in the sixteenth Year of his Reign; _That each_ Knight-Companion _should take Place, in Procession, Station, or sitting at the Table, thence forward, as he had his Seat or Stall in the Choir, and not according to the Degree of his Birth or Condition, unless the Sovereign was pleased that any should be made Choice of, according to the Nobility of his Family, to sit at the end of his own Table, or perform any other thing by the by_.

The Proceeding among the Officers of the _Order_ differeth from all before spoken of; for, being five in Number, the three inferior Officers (when all present,) March in a breast, and (of later Times,) the _Register_ in the middle, _Garter_ on his right Hand, and the _Usher_ of the _Black-Rod_ on his left.

After these three Officers, the two superior proceed together, the _Prelate_ on the Right, and the _Chancellor_ on the left; and after, the Officers of the _Order_ follow the Sword, which is carried immediately before the Sovereign. In the beginning of Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign, it was born by some of the Barons, but of later Times it hath been conferr’d on Persons of higher Rank, as _Anno_ 4 _Car._ I. on the Earl of _Dover_; _Anno_ 9 _Car._ I. on the Earl of _Danby_; and _Anno_ 13 _Car._ II. on the Lord Viscount _Mordant_, then Constable of the Castle of _Windsor_; and at this Time ’tis usually born by none under the Degree of an Earl.

The Sovereign’s Place in the Proceeding, _& notandum quod superior Ordinis tempore Processionis in dicta Capella transibit retro totam Sociarum Comitivam_; which though the _Statute_ mentions here to be performed at the Grand Procession, yet it refers to all those times the Sovereign proceeds to, or from, no less than within the Chappel. In ancient Time, the Sovereign (if he were at _Windsor_, to celebrate the Grand Feast,) proceeded to the Chappel in Person, as well on the Eve, as on the Feast Day. Queen _Elizabeth_ being the first who went not to the Chappel on the Eve of the Feast, unless we except King _Henry_ VI. who, by reason of Sickness, was necessitated to make a Deputy in his stead: The aforesaid Omission of Queen _Elizabeth_, was first occasioned through Indisposition of Health, though she afterwards, without that necessity, did not comply, as in the 18, 25, 29, and 31 Years of her Reign, which gave occasion to King _James_ to make Deputies at those three Grand Feasts he Celebrated at _Windsor_; and the like did King _Charles_ I. in the first Year of his Reign; but in the fourth Year of his Reign, the ancient Custom (for many Years intermitted,) was restored, and the Sovereign (making no Lieutenant,) proceeded to the Chappel, not only on that Eve, but always observed it afterwards, as did King _Charles_ II. in all the Grand Feasts he held, and is now observed.

It will be necessary to take notice, that the Proceeding begins from the Presence Chamber, call’d in the _Statutes_ the Great Chamber; a Scheme whereof, on the Eve of the Grand Feast, is here exhibited.

The Attendants on the Knights-Companions.
Alms-Knights.
Virger of the Chappel.
Prebends of _Windsor_.
Officers of Arms.
Knights-Companions.
Black-Rod.
Register.
Garter.
Chancellor.
Prelate.
The Sword.
The Sovereign.
Train-bearers.
Captain of the Pensioners.
Pensioners.