Chapter XIX: Part 19

To the foregoing Proceeding have been occasionally receiv’d some Persons of Quality, and others Eminent in Place and Degree; (though their Offices do not particularly relate to this most Noble _Order_,) but are admitted by reason of their requisite Attendance on the Sovereign, in his Proceedings on all Occasions.

On St. _George_’s _Eve_, _Anno_ 3 _Eliz._ the old Ambassador of _Sweden_, accompanied by the Earl of _Hertford_, went in the Proceeding to the Closet at _White-Hall_, next after the Train-bearers, and immediately before the Ladies Attendants on the Sovereign; and the next Morning, when the Sovereign proceeded to the Chappel, the new Ambassador of _Sweden_ went in the same Place.

As to those admitted on the Account of their Offices, is the Lord Chamberlain, (though not a Knight of the _Garter_,) and is allowed Place somewhat behind, on the right Hand of the Sovereign, and the Vice Chamberlain on the left.

The Dean of the Sovereign’s Chappel at _White-Hall_ attends when the Proceedings are thither, going a little behind the Sovereign towards his left Hand; next goes the Clerk of the Closet, then the Master of the Robes, as also one of the Masters of Requests, and then the Gentlemen of the Robes.

_Of the Proceeding to the_ Chapter-House.

§ 3. Having under the precedent Head, treated at large of the Rank and Place of all those that pass in the Proceeding, wherein all are Bare-headed, except the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_: I now come to the Place whither the Proceeding is directed.

The first Solemn Action on the Entrance of the Grand Feast, which the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ are obliged to perform, is to Celebrate a _Chapter_, to which end it hath been most usual for them to proceed from the Presence Chamber, _every one in their due Place and Order_; first to the _Chapter-House_, to consult of things of course; and next into the _Choir_, to hear Divine Service; which has been the constant Custom from the Reign of King _Henry_ V. as many Examples, recorded in the Registers of the _Order_, evidence.

As this Custom of holding a _Chapter_ on the Eve of the Grand Feast, was constantly observed when celebrated without Prorogation; so also hath a _Chapter_ been in like manner held before _Vespers_, on the Eve, at such time as the Feast Day of St. _George_ only hath been observ’d, when (for any cause) the Anniversary of the Grand Feast receiv’d Prorogation: As for Instance, _Anno_ 1 _Mary_, a _Chapter_ was held at the Mannor of St. _James_’s, on the _Vigil_ of St. _George_, before the first _Vespers_; whereunto is fixt this Note, _ut moris est_; and the Grand Feast for that Year receiv’d Adjournment, until the coming of _Philip_, then Prince (after King) of _Spain_.

In like manner, though the Celebration of the Grand Feasts were removed from _Windsor_, and observed at other Places, yet this usual Custom of holding a _Chapter_ on the Eve, was always practised; after which the proceeding to Evening Prayer succeeded, as is manifest by several Testimonies from the _Registers_.

The publick processional way to the _Chapter-House_ at _Windsor_, used Time out of Mind, led from the Presence Chamber through the Cloister, and the great Gate of the King’s Lodging, to the upper Ward of the Castle, thence through the middle Ward, and part of the lower, to and through the Passage, between the East End of the Chappel and _Tomb-House_; and thence into the _Chapter-House_, Situate on the North East Corner of St. _George_’s _Chappel_.

But the Sovereign hath sometimes thought fit to wave this publick processional way, and pass along the private way, which leads from the King’s Privy Chamber, down the Stairs into the Terrace, _viz._ through that stately Walk lying on the North side of the Castle, and entring again at a Door, heretofore made through a part of the Castle Wall into one of the Canons Lodgings, adjoining to _Winchester Tower_, (now made up) went thence through the Cloisters, proceeding in the Order before shewed.

We shall close this Head, with observing, that though the Proceedings to the _Chapter-House_ or Chappel, on the Eve of the Feast, have most commonly been on Foot; yet have they been also on Horse-back, on extraordinary Occasions, as _Anno_ 3 _Hen._ VII. at which Time several Ambassadors being arrived here from Foreign Kings and Princes, they and many of the Nobility of this Kingdom, with the King’s Council, the two Archbishops, the Bishops of _Lincoln_ and _Ely_, and the Chief Justice of the King’s Bench, repaired also thither; and on the Eve, the Sovereign, accompanied with the _Knights-Companions_, rode from the upper Quadrangle down to the College. The Queen and the King’s Mother rode in a Chair, covered with rich Cloth of Gold, drawn by six Coursers finely Harnass’d, and twenty one Ladies, habited in Crimson Velvet, rode on white Palfries: Sir _Roger Cotton_, Master of the Queen’s Horse, led her Horse of State, whereon was a Saddle of Cloth of Gold, and three Crowns of Silver gilt; as soon as they alighted, the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ proceeded to the _Chapter-House_, and thence to Evening Song, which ended, they return’d in the Order they came.

King _Henry_ VIII. in the eleventh Year of his Reign, at three a Clock in the Afternoon, with all the _Knights-Companions_, in the Habit of the _Order_, proceeded from the Presence Chamber in _Windsor-Castle_, till they came to the Quadrangle, where they took their Horses, and rode according to their Stalls, not according to their Estate, next before the King, and thence rode to the middle Door of the Chappel, and there alighted, and proceeded without the _Choir_ to the _Chapter-House_; there are other Examples, but these may suffice.

_Of the opening of the_ Chapter.

§ 4. The Proceeding being arriv’d at the Entrance into the Chappel, first the Attendants on the _Knights-Companions_ divide themselves as they enter, beginning at the outward Door, and Flank on each side the North Isle of the Chappel, and so toward the West Door of the _Choir_, making a stand along the Isle for the _Alms-Knights_, _Virgers_, _Prebends_, and _Officers_ of _Arms_, to pass through them, who go on towards the said West Door; and when the _Junior Knights-Companions_ are entred into the Chappel, the Proceeding makes a stand, while all the _Knights-Companions_ following turn aside on the right Hand into the _Chapter-House_, next the Officers of the _Order_, and lastly the Sovereign; but the Nobleman that carries the Sword, the Train-bearers, Pensioners, _&c._ stay without the _Chapter-House_ Door in the North Isle; none being admitted in but the Sovereign, the _Knights-Companions_, and the Officers of the _Order_; who being all entred, the Door is shut by the Gentleman Usher of the _Black-Rod_, and every Person severally takes his due Place and Station, whereupon the _Chapter_ immediately opens.

In what Manner and Order the Sovereign, _Knights-Companions_, and Officers of the _Order_, are ranked, at the holding of a _Chapter_, is describ’d, _Anno_ 11 _Hen._ VIII. when the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ consulted in the _Chapter-House_, on the Reformation and Explanation of the _Statutes_ of the _Order_.

The Sovereign, on his Entrance, proceeded to the midst of the North-end of the Table; the _Knights-Companions_, whose Stalls in the _Choir_ were on the Sovereign’s side, took the right Hand of the Table, and those of the Princes side the left; then the Prelate of the _Order_ came and stood on the Sovereign’s right Hand, at the corner of the Table; _Register_ and _Garter_ were at the lower end, and _Black-Rod_ kept the _Chapter-House_ Door on the inside. The Chancellor of the _Order_ is not there mention’d, (as not being present) yet his Place is on the Sovereign’s left Hand of the Table.

If the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ arrive at the _Chapter-House_ so late, that the Business necessary to be done cannot be discuss’d, without putting off the Celebration of _Vespers_, beyond the Canonical Hour; it hath been usual to adjourn the Debates till the next Morning, as was done _Anno_ 14 _Car._ I.

_Transactions in the_ Chapter _held before the_ Vespers.

§ 5. When the _Chapter_ held before the _Vespers_ is opened, and no Adjournment given thereto, all things are then to be provided for, which concern the Honour and Dignity of this most Noble _Order_.

The matters of course are; first, Swearing, and admitting Officers; secondly, Debating about the _Knights-Companions_ then absent, and either dispensing with, or inflicting Penalties on them; and thirdly, Constituting or appointing an Officer, to carry on the State and Solemnity of the Feast in the Sovereign’s absence. But other Particulars that are occasional, cannot so well be brought within Rule, as being wholly accidental.

As to the first, the Officers of the _Order_, soon after the _Chapter_ is open’d, take their respective Oaths, in Order to perform the Duty of their several Places, during the Session of the _Chapter_, and thenceforward, as is evident from several Examples, but one may suffice, from a _Chapter_ held at _Windsor_, _Anno_ 4 _Car._ I. whereat Dr. _Neal_, Bishop of _Winchester_, was Sworn Prelate; Sir _Francis Crane_, Chancellor; and Dr. _Mathew Wren_, Bishop of _Ely_, Register.

It hath sometimes happened, that some of the Officers of this _Order_ have been Sworn at other Times, as at _Chapters_ next ensuing their Nomination and Choice, wherein the Administration of the Oath is one of the first things done.

Touching the second particular debated in _Chapter_, _viz._ the dispensing with, or punishing absent Knights; it is to be considered, that the _Statutes_ of the _Order_ enjoin all the _Knights-Companions_ to be present at the Celebration of the Grand Feast: that is, those that are within the Kingdom, or elsewhere; although the Service of St. _George_, according to the Rites of the Church, be not celebrated, as on the Service of the Day whereon that of St. _George_ has fallen, _viz._ _Good-Friday_: But with this Limitation, _so that they be in a capacity, or may conveniently repair thither_.

Therefore the next thing usually entred upon in the _Chapter_, is the Sovereign’s and _Knights-Companions_ taking notice, whether any of the Fellowship make default of coming at the Hour assign’d; and if so, they are considered under one of these Heads. First, Stranger Princes; Secondly, Late Commissioners who are arrived, or every Minute expected; and Thirdly, Such as have given notice that they cannot be present, during the continuation of the Feast: Of these Excuses of course, verbal Apologies, or Letters of Excuse, are, or may be, offered; and in case they are approved or admitted, then the Penance, which by the _Statutes_ ought otherwise to be inflicted, is admitted; all which ought to be recorded.

Stranger Princes are excused in course, on Account of their necessary Residence in their own Territories; and of their Excuses and accustom’d Dispensations, are divers Instances in the Registers of the _Order_.

As to _Knights-Companions_, who are tardy in their Journey, or being come to the Castle, fall short of the Hour, or of attending the Sovereign to the _Chapter-House_, either through negligence, or want of timely notice, or other accident; the _Statutes_ enjoin for Penance, that they be not permitted for that time to enter into the _Chapter_, but tarry without the Door, and not have Voice in any thing that shall happen to be done there, unless they can alledge a just Excuse, or render such a sufficient cause as the Sovereign, or his Deputy, shall approve of; but few defaulters have been noted of this kind.

The third sort of Delinquents, are those _Knights-Companions_ absent, not only at the Hour of _Tierce_, but are likely to be so during the whole Feast; the Proceedings relating to them, are either upon what is offered in Excuse of their absence, or determined on their neglect of making Apology for it.

Excuses for absence, are either by Letters or Word of Mouth; if by Letters, they are directed to the Chancellor of the _Order_; or else the Sovereign sends to his Lieutenant on their behalf, and both are produc’d by the Chancellor: But if Excuse be made by Word of Mouth, then are they delivered by the Sovereign himself; or on motion made by some of the _Knights-Companions_ present in _Chapter_.

The Custom of sending Letters has been very ancient: The Lord _Powis_’s Letter, under his Hand and Seal, (certifying his Indisposition of Body,) was produc’d in _Chapter_, _Anno_ 8 _Hen._ V. And the following Year the Dukes of _York_, _Norfolk_, and _Buckingham_, with the Earls of _Salisbury_, _Shrewsbury_, and _Pembrook_, Viscount _Bourchier_, the Lord _Rivers_, and Sir _John Falstaff_; being all absent from St. _George_’s _Feast_, _they declared the reason of their absence by their Messengers_. There are many Precedents of this kind, and of Letters sent from the Sovereign, directed to his Lieutenant, to accept of _Knights-Companions_ Excuses, whose absence he had beforehand dispenc’d with; we observe those Dispensations excus’d not the sending their own particular Excuses; for it is evident they were also expected, and that such allowance of absence was not Absolute, the Clause running thus: _That you [the Sovereign’s Deputy] allow these Excuses so far as are consonant to reason_. And in all other Letters of the same nature, a Clause to this Effect hath been inferred: _That as the Sovereign thought good to advertise his Deputy, that for certain Causes he had dispenc’d with their Attendance for that time; so he will’d him to accept their reasonable Excuses in that behalf accordingly_.

Secondly, The absent _Knights-Companions_ have had their Excuses frequently made by Word of Mouth, either of the Sovereign, or some other of the _Knights-Companions_, present in the _Chapter_. This Favour is done either by the Sovereign himself, if present; or by his Order to the Lieutenant, in his absence.

There have been many Examples of what hath been done in this Case, and also when the Sovereign hath not been present in _Chapter_, but hath beforehand verbally given his Deputy or Lieutenant direction to excuse the absence of several _Knights-Companions_.

It will be necessary to observe what Effect the Excuses have usually produc’d; whereinto we find the just and reasonable favourably admitted, some suspended, and divers disallowed. Those easily allow’d were, first, Sickness; (for those of the _Knights-Companions_ who have been either Sick, far spent with Age, or intent on publick Affairs, have been readily allow’d,) Secondly, The not recovery of Wounds receiv’d in the publick Service; as we meet with in the Case of Sir _William Harington_, _Anno_ 7 _Hen._ V. whom we see excus’d _for his Illness, occasion’d from his Wounds then lately receiv’d at the Siege of_ Rohan, _and elsewhere_. Thirdly, Impotency and old Age. Fourthly, Imployment in the Sovereign’s Service, either Abroad or at Home; those Abroad are necessarily excus’d, those at Home we shall be more particular to. The Earl of _Shrewsbury_, _Anno_ 22 _Eliz._ was taken up in certain Affairs, enjoin’d him by the Sovereign; the Earl of _Huntington_, 26 _Eliz._ being President of the Council of the North, his absence was for that, and several Years following, favourably excus’d; and a like Case was that of the Earl of _Danby_, _Anno_ 13 _Car._ I. who for his necessary Attendance at the Seat of Justice in _Eyre_, was excus’d waiting on the Sovereign at the Grand Feast that Year. Fifthly, _When the Grand Feast hath receiv’d Prorogation, and any of the_ Knights-Companions _have not had notice of the Day whereunto it was prorogued_. Sixthly, _When any of them have been in Captivity_; as was _Thomas_, Earl of _Salisbury_, and the Earl of _Huntington_, both Prisoners in _France_, _Anno_ 2 _Hen._ VI. Seventhly, When any of them have obtain’d the Sovereign’s Letters of Dispensation, of which sufficient is spoken before. Lastly, _Some other just and lawful Occasion_, as well as Accident, having fallen out; (not relating to those under the former Heads,) the Sovereign, on Information given in _Chapter_, hath been pleas’d to allow of; as in the Case of the Lord _Fauconbridge_, _Anno_ 32 _Hen._ VI. was readily admitted, on his pleading _the care of his Domestick Affairs, he having been lately in Prison, and had obtained leave to go and see his House and Lands in the Country_. The Earl of _Arundel_’s absence, _Anno_ 15 _Car._ I. was pardon’d, by reason of the Dutchess of _Richmond_’s Death, who died on the Eve of the Grand Feast; that so he (being the chief of her Family,) might be at Hand to advise and assist in all things conducing to the Honour of the deceased Dutchess.

And as the _Knights-Companions_ have been often excus’d for not appearing on the Grand Feast, so hath the Sovereign, on sufficient Grounds, been pleas’d to license and dispence with their departure; from the same of this is an Example, 6 _Eliz._ when the Lord _Hastings_ of _Loughborough_, falling Ill a little before the Offering on St. _George_’s _Day_, obtain’d Licence from the Sovereign to depart out of the _Choir_; and came no more abroad that Day, nor during the Feast. As also another in the Duke of _Lenox_, _Anno_ 15 _Car._ I. _The Deputy Chancellor having, by Command of the Sovereign, and in discharge of the Duty of his Office_; who being forc’d to go back to _London_, by reason of the aforesaid Dutchess of _Richmond_’s Death, had his Excuse, and the Sovereign’s Licence for departure.

We are next to consider Excuses, which, though sent in due time, yet on Debate in _Chapter_ were suspended rather than allow’d; to which Head may be referr’d that Case of several of the _Knights-Companions_, who were Members of the Lord’s House in the long Parliament. For _Anno_ 18 _Car._ I. the Deputy Chancellor having, by the Command of the Sovereign, and in discharge of the Duty of his Office, sent to each of them a Summons, for their Attendance at the Celebration of the Grand Feast, to be held for the preceeding Year at _York_; and notice thereof being given to the House of Lords, they immediately made the ensuing Order.

Die Martis 22 Maii, 1641.

_Whereas the Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty’s Houshould, and some other Lords of Parliament, Knights of the_ Garter, _have been Summoned to give their Attendance, and repair into the City of_ York, _for the Celebration of St._ George’_s Feast; who acquainting this House with the Summons aforesaid, it is this Day ordered by the Lords in Parliament, that they attend the weighty Affairs of the Kingdom discussed in Parliament, whereunto they are obliged by his Majesty’s Writ, and the Law of the Land._

Jo. Browne, Cleric. Parliament.

Whereupon the said _Knights-Companions_, before the Days appointed by Prorogation for holding the Feast, sent their petitionary Letters of Excuse to the Deputy Chancellor, wherein they profess’d their desire and readiness to attend, in Obedience of the said Summons; nevertheless pleaded the foresaid _Order_ for the Ground of their stay in _London_, and therefore desired him to obtain for them the Sovereign’s Dispensation: On producing the said Letters in _Chapter_, the Sovereign would not at that time either admit or disallow of their Excuses, but referr’d the consideration to the next _Chapter_, to be held by Prorogation.

Of Excuses which have not been allow’d, the most remarkable is that of the Duke of _Norfolk_, and the Lord _Scales_, _Anno_ 36 _Hen._ VI. who were adjudg’d to the Penalty of the Statute, in regard the Causes alledged to excuse their absence were not approved; the latter was signed by the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, in a Jewel to the value of twenty Marks, to be offered in the College; whereby the rigour of the _Statutes_ appears to have been more strictly executed on him, than the Duke, probably because the Lord _Scales_ was absent the Year before, and no cause thereof shewed to the _Chapter_.

In relation to the Proceedings on the absent _Knights-Companions_ neglect of sending their Excuses, we shall observe, that some of them have with difficulty been remitted, some left in suspence, and others sentenc’d, and referr’d either to the Sovereign’s pleasure, or the Punishment assign’d by Law; of the first kind we find that the Earl of _Westmorland_, _Anno_ 10 _Hen._ V. though not very well, yet had much ado to be excus’d, because he signified not the Cause of his absence, as the _Statutes_ required. So _Anno_ 12 _Car._ I. the Earls of _Derby_ and _Kelly_, having made no Excuse, were for that Omission blameable, but by the Grace of the Sovereign for that time pardon’d.

As to those who, through the indulgence of the Sovereign, (where probable cause hath induc’d it,) have not had Sentence pass’d on them presently, but were deferr’d in expectation of some satisfactory Cause to be shewed; we find in the Case of the Prince, the Duke of _Buckingham_, and five other _Knights-Companions_ absent from the Feast, held _Anno_ 18 _Hen._ VII. wherein it is registred, that _no cause of Excuse was shewed, but there was an expectation of one to be alledged_.

But as for those of the third sort, on whom Sentence hath pass’d; they have been left either to the pleasure of the Sovereign, or to those Penalties which the Law of this _Order_ inflict; of which, as also of those on whom Judgment hath pass’d, are divers Instances.

Besides these Grounds of assigning Penances, there are other Causes set down in the before recited ninth Article, of the _Statutes_ of Institution for Penances; as when the _Knights Companions_ are absent at other times, beside the Hour of _Tierce_, that is, the beginning of the first _Vespers_. Secondly, At the beginning of the Morning Service on the Feast Day. Thirdly, At the beginning of the second _Vespers_. Fourthly, During the whole Feast. And, Fifthly, at the Grand Feast next following.

For the first, admitting any _Knight-Companion_ hath failed of meeting and attending on the Sovereign at the Hour of _Tierce_, and thereupon suffered the Punishment of Non-admittance into the _Chapter-House_, and deprivation of Vote; nevertheless if at the rising of the said _Chapter_, he be not ready to proceed with the Sovereign, and other the _Knights-Companions_, into the _Choir_, to the beginning of the first _Vespers_; he ought not only to suffer the former, but this additional Penalty, that he shall not presume to Enter into his Stall at that time, but tarry in that part of the _Choir_, where the Taper-bearers are wont to stand; nevertheless before his own Stall, until the holy Offices be ended; and the Law of the _Order_ is the same in King _Henry_ V’s, and King _Henry_ VIII’s _Statutes_, only render the Place for the Delinquent Knight to stand in, to be before the Stalls in the Choiristers Places; and now how the Penalty hath been inflicted, upon breach of the Law in this particular, we shall see by the following Instances.

At the Grand Feast celebrated at _Windsor_, _An._ 21 _H._ VII. when it seems the Lord _Kildare_, Sir _Gilbert Talbot_, and Sir _Richard Goulford_, came late to the Chappel, we find this Memorandum fixt to their Names; they stood without, (before their Stalls) by the Sovereign’s Permission, or rather Command: But yet this is not all the Punishment which hath been inflicted upon the _Knights-Companions_ for this Offence; (though it be all that is set down in the foresaid Article,) for _Anno_ 25 _Hen._ VI. upon the Eve of St. _George_, the Marquiss of _Dorset_ not coming to the first _Vespers_, and being convicted of his late coming, was prohibited joining in the Nomination then made, for the Election of the King of _Portugal_, into the room of the Duke of _Gloucester_.

Offenders in the second and third Case, being such as neglect to come before the beginning of the high Mass, or the second _Vespers_, called also the _Vespers_ on St. _George_’s _Day_, have the like Punishment with the former assigned them, throughout all the Bodies of the _Statutes_; _viz._ Exclusion from their Stalls, and Station in the Choiristers Range.

_Anno_ 1 _Hen._ VI. We observe the Lord _Willoughby_ noted to be absent upon the Eve of the Grand Feast, but present on the Day; and consequently he incurred no further Penance than what his absence on the Eve drew on him; the Earl of _Derby_, _Anno_ 18 _Eliz._ coming too late to the first Morning Service on the Feast Day, did for some short time undergo the same Penance, but soon after, upon Dispensation from the Lieutenant, went up to his Stall.

There are several other Instances; and besides the aforesaid Defaults, he is likewise to undergo the same Penalties, when the Grand Feast is prorogued, or celebrated at any other Place than _Windsor_.

But if he offend in all, and have no reasonable or allowable Excuse for his absence, he is then prohibited entering his Stall at the next Feast, and to pay ten Pounds, to be employed towards the Ornaments of the College; and sometimes the former Penance has been inflicted for late coming to Divine Service.

The fourth degree of Offence is yet greater than any, and the variety of Penances are heightened. If a _Knight-Companion_ shall neglect coming to the Grand Feast, and have no allowable reason; he shall not at the Feast held the ensuing Year be permitted to enter his own Stall, but stand below it; he shall walk alone by himself before three Crosses, which, in ancient time, were born in the Grand Procession: When the Grand Procession returns to the _Choir_, he shall stand in the Place aforesaid, till the time of the Offertory; he shall Offer last by himself, and then humbly approach the Stall of the Sovereign, or his Deputy, and there desire Absolution. But there is no Instance that these Rigours were put in Execution, though many have offended in this kind.

Lastly, The _Statutes_ enjoin; That where a _Knight-Companion_ remains within the Kingdom, and shall be Guilty of an Omission two Years together, he ought to be so long interdicted his Stall, till he have offered a Jewel at St. _George_’s _Altar_, to the Value of twenty Marks; and thenceforward every Year in which he shall be guilty of the same Omission, the Penalty to be doubled, till he is pardoned: The most memorable Case in the Prosecution of a Contempt, was against the Earl of _Arundel_, 14 _Edw._ IV. who for being absent two Years together, was Mulct forty Marks; and continuing his Contempt the next Year, was fined the Sum of eighty Marks.

Touching the Necessity, and Power, of the Sovereign’s constituting a Deputy; it was provided for at the Institution of the _Order_; the Sovereign being then engaged in the Wars of _France_, thought it reasonable that Provision should be made by the _Statutes_, for to depute some Person in his stead.

When therefore such Occasion happened, a Commission was made out to one of the _Knights-Companions_, some reasonable time before the approach of the Feast; so that none of the ancient Ceremonies might be omitted, or any Impediment happen through his absence; and such Deputy hath usually been one of the chief of the _Order_, in Authority, Eminence, or Birth. The first so made was, _John_ Duke of _Bedford_, 7 _Hen._ V. and the reason thereof given, in the _Registrum Chartaceum_, is, because the Sovereign was then employed in the Wars in _Normandy_.

And though the Title given by the _Statutes_ to this Officer, be not particularly mentioned in the _Blue-Book_, where it speaks of the said Duke’s holding the Feast of St. _George_ that Year, but rather implied in the Words _Regiæ Sublimatis locum implevit_; yet in the _Registrum Chartaceum_ it is expresly set down, and the said Duke there styled, _Depute de l’Ordre de Jaritiere_. Sometimes he has been styled, _Deputatis Ordinis, & præses clarissimæ Ordinis_, &c.

About the beginning of the Reign of King _Henry_ VIII. the Title of _Locum Tenens_, or Lieutenant, began to be taken up, and has, for the most part, continued in all succeeding Times; and the other Titles of Deputy, President, and Vicegerent, laid aside. As to the Business of this Officer, sufficient has been said already. As an Essential Honour to his Place, he has from ancient Time had some of the _Knights-Companions_ assigned for his Assistants; the first mention of which is in the _Registrum Chartaceum_, 8 _Hen._ VIII. The Number of these Assistants were in those times uncertain; at the time aforesaid they were 4. 21 _Hen._ VIII. 3. and 32 _Hen._ VIII. we find but two; which Number has been a constant Rule ever since, except once, _viz._ the last of _Hen._ VIII. They were always appointed in _Chapter_, and have Letters of notice sent them thereof: But neither the Lieutenant, nor Assistants, can be Chosen two Years together, except the Sovereign should please to be present at the Day or Feast; and after it was Decreed, 23 and 24 _Hen._ VIII. that this Indulgence should extend to the term of three Years.

Lastly, We observe that this Officer always held the Feast at his peculiar Cost and Charge; and gave liberal Rewards to _Garter_, and for his Escutcheons, as also to the Officers of Arms, Gentlemen-Ushers, Alms-Knights, and to all the several Waiters and Attendants employed in the Ceremony.

_The Ceremonies relating to the first_ Vespers.

§ 6. The first _Chapter_ held on the Eve of St. _George_ being finished, the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ immediately proceed from the _Chapter-House_ to the _Choir_, to hear _Vespers_. The Officers of Arms, Prebends, and Alms-Knights, having attended in the North-Isle of the Chappel, do now put themselves in Rank, and continue the Proceeding from the _Chapter-House_ Door, along the said North-Isle, to the West Door of the _Choir_; in like manner as they did from the Presence Chamber, to the _Chapter-House_: The Organs then beginning to play, and so continue till _Vespers_ begin.

When the Alms-Knights arrive at the West-Door, they first enter in a whole Body, while the rest of the Proceeding makes a short stand, and pass forward near the middle of the _Choir_, where they make a joint and low Obeysance; next, all turning about by the left Hand, to the Sovereign’s Seat; then still turning from the right, to the left Hand, they ascend the _Haut Pas’s_, even to the Rails set before the _Altar_; and forthwith divide themselves, flanking on each side, the _Juniors_ nearest the Rails.

This done, the Prebends enter in a Body also, and having made the like Obeysances in the middle of the _Choir_, divide themselves, and take their Seats; which, by King _Henry_ VIII’s _Statutes_, are appointed in the lower range of Seats, between, but not in, the Stalls of the _Knights-Companions_. While the Prebends are entering their Seats, the Pursuivants, Heralds, and Provincial Kings of Arms, in a Body, likewise enter the _Choir_; and after due Reverence, pass up to the _Altar_, and join the Alms-Knights; though anciently some difference was in this Ceremony.

Afterwards, the two _Junior Knights-Companions_ enter, passing on till they come near their own Stalls, and there make their Reverences, and then divide, and take their stands directly before their Stalls; and so of the rest of the _Knights-Companions_.

Next to the _Knights-Companions_, the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_, enter in a Breast, who, proceeding to the middle of the _Choir_, make their Obeysances, and then pass to their Form, placed on the South-side of the _Choir_, before the Sovereign’s Stall, and stand before it. After them, the Chancellor and Prelate in the like manner, stand before their Form, placed near the Sovereign’s Seat: And for these Forms, whereon the Officers of the _Order_ sit in the Chappel, there is a special Decree for the allowance of them, entered at the end of the Constitutions of their Offices.

Last of all the Sovereign enters, (having the Sword born before him, but his Band of Pensioners stay at the _Choir_ Door, to keep off the Crowd,) who, coming to the Steps which ascend the Royal Seat, makes a Reverence toward the Altar, and then takes Place therein, before he makes a second Reverence.

When the Lieutenant, in the Sovereign’s absence, proceeds to the first _Vespers_; as soon as he enters the _Choir_, and comes near the Sovereign’s Stall, he stands and makes a little pause there; then doing his Reverences, after he has again stood a while, before he ascends his own; where being arrived, he makes the double Reverence a second time, and then sits down.

And now to placing the _Knights-Companions_ in their Stalls: _Garter_, as soon as the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, is placed, makes again the usual Reverence in the middle of the _Choir_; then turns to the _Senior_ Knights, and doth his Reverence to each of them; whereupon, at one Instant, they make their double Reverences below, where they stood, and strait ascend at the first, or western Entrance, that goes to the side Stalls; where being arrived, they make again their double Reverences, and then seat themselves. But when the Sovereign’s Lieutenant is present, each Knight adds a third Reverence to him, both when they ascend to, and descend from, their Stalls; and so likewise do all Persons, who pass in the Proceeding, add to their double Reverences so often as there is occasion to make it, after such time as the Lieutenant is entered his Stall; and so long as he continues therein, both on the Eve, the Feast Day, and the Morrow after.

The _Knights-Companions_ being all seated, the Prelate and Chancellor pass into the middle of the _Choir_, and having made double Reverences, return to their Forms, and sit down. And after them, in the same manner, the _Register_, _Garter_, and _Black-Rod_, proceed.

As to the Sovereign’s other Attendants, the Nobleman who carries the Sword retires before the Sovereign’s Stall, a little on the right Hand; and the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold, if not a Knight of the _Garter_, and the Vice Chamberlain, on the left, till the Sovereign give them leave to sit down. The Clerk of the Closet stands at the Sovereign’s right Hand, but the young Noblemen, that carry up the Sovereign, and the Gentleman of the Robes, sometimes repose themselves on the Steps going to the Sovereign’s Stall.

This being done, preparation for _Vespers_ begin; in reference to which, the Prelate ascends the _Altar_, it being the Duty of his Office, which if he omits, he is fined twenty Marks, to the use of the College, unless he give sufficient reason for his absence; in which Case, or on the vacancy of the See of _Winchester_, the Sovereign hath sometimes appointed another Bishop to Officiate for him. The Proceeding to the _Altar_, on this occasion, is as follows.

First, The Serjeant of the Vestry makes a double Reverence, then comes before the Prelate, and makes a single one to him; who thereon arises from his Seat, and the Serjeant proceeds before him into the middle of the _Choir_, where the Prelate makes a double Reverence; and passing forward after the Serjeant, and having ascended the uppermost _Haut-pas_ before the _Altar_, he makes one single Reverence toward the same, and so goes to the North side of it.

After which, the two _Provincial Kings_, _Heralds_, and _Pursuivants_, leaving their fore-mentioned Stations, join together till they come near the Forms of the _Register_, _Garter_, and _Black-Rod_; where, making their double Reverences, they divide again on each side, and there stand.

Lastly, The Alms-Knights come down into the _Choir_ in a Body, and there make their joint double Reverences, and then take their Chairs; all which being finished, Divine Service is begun by the Prelate.

The like Solemnity is observed at any other Place, as well as at _Windsor_; where, because the Alms-Knights are absent, the Pursuivants at Arms ascend nearer the _High-Altar_ than when they are at _Windsor_; but this occasions little Variation.

When the _Vespers_ are ended, the Prelate goes to the middle of the _Altar_, and with great Reverence makes an Obeysance; and thence, with the Serjeant before him, descends to the middle of the _Choir_, where he makes his double Reverences, and so returns to his Seat; whereupon all make ready to pass out of the _Choir_, which is performed in much the same manner, and with the same State, as they proceeded thither; and the Servants and Attendants of the _Knights-Companions_ are marshalled in the same Order as they were at the beginning of the Proceeding, that the whole Procession may again pass through them.

The Alms-Knights having entered the Guard Chamber, spread themselves on each side thereof; the Prebends pass through them, and fall off on either side the Room to the Presence Chamber Door.

Then the _Pursuivants_, _Heralds_, and _Provincial Kings_, proceeding through the Lane made by the Alms-Knights and Prebends, enter the Presence Chamber, and fall off on either side toward the Stall, the King’s standing uppermost.

Then enter the _Knights-Companions_, and place themselves on each side of the State, in such Order as they sat in their Stalls, the eldest nearest the State; but those whose Companions are absent, stand alone; after whom follow the Officers of the _Order_, disposing themselves conveniently near the State.

Lastly, The Sovereign passes to the Step before the State, where, being arrived, he turns toward the _Knights-Companions_, who make their Reverences jointly to him, and he thereon puts off his Cap, and re-salutes them; which done, the Sovereign and they withdraw into the Privy Chamber till Supper time.

But in Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign, when the Feast of St. _George_ was held at _White-Hall_, or _Greenwich_, and the Sovereign, as was usual with her, proceeded no farther on the Eve to _Vespers_, than to the great Closet, the ordinary way, and thence sent her Lieutenant into the _Choir_. Then, in such Case, when _Vespers_ were ended, the Lieutenant returned from the _Choir_, through the great Hall, and so back to the said Closet, and stood at the Door thereof, attending the Sovereign’s coming forth; from whence they all proceeded before her into the Presence-Chamber, and there the Ceremony, for that time, ended.

But in the Reign of King _James_ I. when the Supper on the Eve, as also the following Meals, were prepared in the Banquetting-House, the Sovereign’s Lieutenant frequently returned from the Closet, by the Lobby, to the said Banquetting-House, instead of going to the Presence; and passing up the State, gave an End to the Ceremony till Supper time: And so we find it observed in the 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 16 of that King.

When the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ are retired, they are not to put off any part of their Robes till Supper is over, for that is prohibited by the _Statutes_, not only to those who do not Sup, as well as those who do. And hereon, 19 _Car._ II. the Sovereign having a mind to take the Air, went into _Hide-Park_, after he had taken leave of the _Knights-Companions_, the Dukes of _York_ and _Monmouth_, and the Earl of _Oxford_ being with him, but all in full Robes, and so returned to Supper.

_The Supper on the Eve._

§ 7. When the Sovereign is pleased to Sup publickly, on the Eve of the Feast at _Windsor_, the Supper has been always prepared in St. _George_’s _Hall_. The usual Place at _White-Hall_, was heretofore in the Presence Chamber; of later times, the Banquetting-House; and at _Greenwich_, either the Presence, or the Council Chamber; where the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, were always present. But when the Feast of St. _George_ was celebrated at _York_, 17 _Car._ I. the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ marched after the first _Vespers_, to a House prepared for that purpose, and supped there.

But if the Eve of the Feast fell out on a Fasting Day, as it did 22 _Hen._ VIII. and 11 _Jac._ I. the Supper was always omitted; and the Sovereign, with his Lieutenant, and _Knights-Companions_, were served of the Void only.

Nor does the Sovereign, when he Sups publickly, pass privately to the Place; but as soon as notice is given that the first Mess is set upon the Table, he presently enters the Presence Chamber, whence the Officers of the _Order_, and of Arms, the _Knights-Companions_ in their full Robes, for so the _Statutes_ expresly direct, having put themselves into their usual Order, proceed before him to St. _George_’s-_Hall_: Where being entered, the _Pursuivants_, _Heralds_, and _Provincial Kings_, fall off all upon the right Hand, opposite to the _Knights-Companions_ Table, the _Junior Pursuivants_ standing toward the lower End of the Hall. Then the _Knights-Companions_ passing up beyond them, formerly divided themselves on either side, according to the Decree, 16 _Hen._ VIII. and made a stand, each taking Place, according to the Order of their Stalls. But at the Feast held at _White-Hall_, 19 _Car._ II. the Sovereign directed that they should stand all on the right Hand side, facing the Table.

Next, the five Officers of the _Order_ follow, who ascending beyond the _Senior_ Knight, retire on the right Hand: After them the Sovereign, and the Officers of Arms, all doing him Reverence as he passes by: Who passing up to the _Haut-pas_, before his own Table, turns himself to the _Knights-Companions_, and putting off his Cap, they return their Reverences jointly to him.

The Sovereign sitting down to Supper, is first served by Water by some Nobleman; then Grace is said by the Prelate; then is the _Senior_ Knight conducted to his Table by two Officers of _Arms_, and so the rest in Order, to the Tables appointed them. Whereupon the Officers of the _Order_, and of Arms, retire out of the Hall to Supper.

If a Lieutenant be constituted, he proceeds to Supper in full Robes, and in the same Order as doth the Sovereign, and sits alone at the Sovereign’s Table, yet on the left Hand of the Cloth of State, being served in all Points with Water, and by a _Cup-bearer_, _Carver_, and _Sewer_, as the Sovereign himself is.

When Supper is ended, and the Banquet taken away, the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ proceed back in the same Order they came to the Presence Chamber, where the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, standing on the Step before the Cloth of State, Salutes them as before; and then appoints the Hour and Place for the _Knights-Companions_ to attend him the next Morning: The like, if the Supper be provided in any other Place besides the Presence Chamber, the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ proceed back thither, because the Ceremony ought to end there, as has always been the Custom. And if the Supper be prepared in the Presence Chamber, they then take their Leave in the same Room, there being no occasion to proceed farther.

If any of the _Knights-Companions_ accompany the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, to his Lodgings, they then go after, not before him, in regard the State of that Night’s Service ended in the Presence Chamber; and after they have retired to their Lodging, they have Permission to Unrobe.

When the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, do not Sup in St. _George_’s _Hall_ on the Eve of the Feast, on the following Night, the Officers of Arms have formerly had the Liberty to Eat there; and this Privilege was assigned them by Decree of a _Chapter_ held 16 _Eliz._ appointing them _that Table, which was before that time used by the Chancellor, Register_, and other _Officers_ of the _Order_: But how they came to lose this Privilege, is not mentioned; for now, instead of sitting in the great Hall, they are necessitated to Eat in such Rooms of the Castle as they can procure.

CAP. XXI.

_The Order of the Ceremonies on the Feast Day._

_The Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning._

§ 1. Notwithstanding the Celebration of the Feast takes up three Days, _viz._ part of the twenty second, all the twenty third, and part of the twenty fourth of _April_, yet the twenty third, St. _George_’s _Day_, is the Grand Part: The Ceremonies of which may be divided into Sacred and Civil, the first solemnized in the Chappel, the latter in St. _George_’s _Hall_.

In Order to which, _the Knights-Companions_ in full Robes repair to the Sovereign’s Privy Lodgings, at the Hour appointed; as also the Officers of the _Order_. In the mean time the rest of the Degrees and Persons, which made up the Proceeding on the Eve of the Feast, take their several Stations then appointed them, to attend the Sovereign’s coming out of the Presence-Chamber.

When the Sovereign, having the _Knights-Companions_, and Officers of the _Order_ before him, has entered the Presence, the Sword is delivered to the Nobleman appointed to bear it; and after the usual Salutations, the Proceeding sets forward to the Chappel in the same Order as on the Eve; the _Knights-Companions_ having their Trains born by some of their own Gentlemen.

At the Foot of the Stairs, entering the Cloister, or Stone Gallery, twelve Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber attend, with a rich Canopy of Cloth of Gold, who, when the Sovereign approaches, receive him under it, and bear it over his Head, till he comes to the _Choir Door_ of St. _George_’s _Chappel_; which Canopy is carried only on the Morning of the Feast Day, and not at any other time.

The Processional way to the Chappel, is the same they traversed on the Eve, if the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ proceed to the _Chapter-House_ first; for anciently it was the Custom to hold a _Chapter_ in the Morning of the Feast Day, either before Mattins, or after, before the Grand Procession set forward. This Course received interruption in Queen _Elizabeth_’s time, during which, no Chapter was held in the Morning, except in the 26, 31, and 38 Years of her Reign, and then only for admitting some Officers of the _Order_: But the time of holding this _Chapter_ was restored by King _Charles_ I. who several times held it before the first Service began; as in the 5, 14, and 15, of his Reign.

But if no _Chapter_ be held at this time, then, as soon as the Proceeding comes near the Chappel, instead of entering the Passage between the East-end of the Chappel, and King _Henry_ VIII’s Tomb House, as it does on the Eve, by reason the Sovereign goes first to the _Chapter-House_, it proceeds straight on to the South Door, and thence into the _Choir_: Yet King _Charles_ II. in the 15 of his Reign, appointed the whole Proceeding to pass by the said South Door, all along the South side of the Chappel, and then to enter at the West Door, which was then, and since observed.

When the Alms-Knights are come to the West Door of the _Choir_, they enter, and pass up above the Steps of the _Altar_, in the very same Manner and Order as they did on the Eve, and so exactly of the rest: Which being done, the Prelate begins the Morning Service, according to the Order observed in the Common-Prayer, only that the first Lesson being made proper to the Festival, is taken out of the 44 Chapter of _Ecclesiasticus_.

This Solemn Proceeding to the Chappel in the Morning of the Feast Day, is, and has been, most usual performed on Foot; yet there are Instances heretofore, where the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ have proceeded on Horse-back, for the greater Splendor and Gallantry of the _Order_: As in 16 _Edw._ IV. when several Ladies rode in the Cavalcade, richly adorned, of which Habit mention is already made. So also 3 _Hen._ VII. when it was augmented by the Presence of the Queen, and the King’s Mother, attended by a splendid Train of Ladies: And again the 22 of the same King, when he held the Feast at _Baynard_’s-_Castle_, in _London_, he proceeded on Horse back to St. _Paul_’s: The like King _Henry_ VIII. did at _Windsor_, on the Feast of St. _George_, 11 of his Reign; and King _Philip_, 1 and 2 of _Phil._ and _Mar._ and Queen _Elizabeth_, in the 6 of her Reign, in her whole Habit of the _Order_; so did the Sovereign’s Lieutenant at the same Feast ride to the first and second _Vespers_, and to the Morning Service the Day after.

It was a Custom begun by Queen _Elizabeth_, and used when she celebrated St. _George_’s _Feast_, either at _White-Hall_, or _Greenwich_, for the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, and _Knights-Companions_, in full Robes, attended with the Officers of the _Order_, and of _Arms_, to meet in the Presence Chamber, about nine in the Morning of the Feast Day, and proceed thence as they did the Evening before, through the Guard Chamber, down into the great Hall, and thence into the Chappel, where they took their Stalls, as on the Eve; after which, Morning Prayer was performed as far as the Litany, and this was called the first Service; which done, they all descended from their Stalls, in the accustomed Order, and proceeded back to the Presence, and there waited the coming of the Sovereign, before whom they proceeded a second time to the _Choir_, where the Litany, and Grand Procession began, called the second Service, at which the Sovereign was usually Present; but seldom at the first Service.

The first Instance we have met with of this double Proceeding, is recorded in the _Blue-Book_ of the _Order_, 3 _Eliz._ and was continued throughout her Reign; and that of King _James_ I. not only when the Feast of St. _George_ was celebrated at _White-Hall_, or _Greenwich_, but also at other times, when celebrated at _Windsor_; and so 1 _Car._ I. But from that time, the Sovereign went to the Chappel at the beginning of Morning Service, which was continued without interruption: Which way has been ever since duly observed.

But when it was known that the Sovereign did not go in the Grand Procession, but his Lieutenant for him; then the Service was constantly gone through withal at once.

_The Proceeding to the second Service._

§ 2. When the Feast has been celebrated elsewhere than at _Windsor_, as soon as the Prelate was come down from the _Altar_, on finishing the first Service, the _Knights-Companions_ descended from their Stalls in usual Order; and then the Lieutenant, with the Officers of the _Order_, and of _Arms_, proceeded before him to the Presence, to conduct the Sovereign to the second Service; which second Proceeding was disposed in the same manner as was that to the first Service in the Morning; only in the latter, because the Sovereign proceeded, the Sword was also carried.

_Of the Grand Procession._

§ 3. We are now arrived at the Grand Procession of this most Noble _Order_, which is indeed the most Solemn, and Magnificent Part of the whole Ceremony, and has always been celebrated in the Morning of the Feast Day of St. _George_; or on such other Day, as the Sovereign hath appointed by Prorogation to hold the same. But as to the instant of Time when it began, it has sometimes been uncertain; with respect to the conveniency of the Church Service, when it was conceived most proper; which was generally at the end of the second Collect, and before the Litany: Nevertheless, in 6 _Eliz._ the Feast being then held at _Windsor_, it began presently after the _Te Deum_ was Sung; and the twentieth of the said Queen’s Reign, at _Greenwich_, after reading the second Lesson. And to come nearer our Times, the Grand Procession set forward, 8 _Car._ I. when the first Service was finished; and 17 _Car._ I. after the Sermon was ended: But at the Grand Feast, 13 _Car._ II. it was brought to its usual time, after the last Collect.

As to the Proceeding, or Processional way at _Windsor_, that has not been always the same; sometimes it was confined within the Walls of St. _George_’s _Chappel_, but at other times enlarged through the lower Court of the Castle; a few Instances of both Cases are remaining, but none of any ancient date.

What the Order and Manner of this Ceremony was, may be collected from what an old Relator says, of the Solemn Procession made the 29 _May_, 5 _Hen._ VIII. _That it was ordered as of old Time accustomed_.

First went the Alms-Knights, two and two on either side the _Choir_, then the Officers of Arms, next the _Knights-Companions_; after them the Officers of the _Order_, and then the Prelate bearing the Heart of St. _George_, under a Canopy honourably assisted, four Noblemen bearing each a Torch; and last of all the Sovereign.

And though here is no mention of any Ecclesiasticks, that joined themselves in the Proceeding; yet it cannot be supposed, that as part of the Divine Service was to be performed, but that some of the Chaplains and Priests were included. And we meet with one Instance, where the Priests not only went in the Grand Procession, but had a Place assigned in it; where the Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s _Chappel_, and _Choir_ of _Windsor_, now go.

But it must be confessed, that the Records of the _Order_ are very defective in this particular, relating to the Grand Procession, and speak of it only in general, or at most, take notice but of some of those Degrees that attend in it; and this but of late Time neither: Among which, 23 _Eliz._ it is said; _They all proceeded in Order, as the Custom was_; the Sovereign following in the Rear of the Procession.

As to Place and Precedency, it is in every respect the same, as in the Sovereign’s Proceeding to the Chappel, on the Eve of the Grand Feast; only here are some Persons added, which go not in that; Namely, the Gentlemen and Choiristers of the Sovereign’s Chappel at _White-Hall_; and the Petty-Canons, Vicars, and Choiristers of _Windsor_: The whole Order is as follows.