Chapter XX: Part 20

The Morning Service having proceeded to the second Lesson, and the Prelate conducted by the Serjeant of the Vestry from the _Altar_ to his Seat;

The Alms-Knights rise from their Seats, and pass to the middle of the _Choir_; and after their accustomed Reverences, go up to the sides of the _Altar_.

Next, in like manner, the Officers of Arms pass up.

Hereupon _Garter_ rises from his Seat, and makes his usual Reverences; then waving his Rod, summons the _Junior_ Knights to descend.

Whilst they and the rest of the _Knights-Companions_ are leaving their Stalls, with usual Reverences; the Gentlemen of the Chappel, Petty-Canons, and Vicars of _Windsor_, put on Copes, and make themselves ready to proceed.

Then the _Knights-Companions_ being all come down, stand each under his proper Stall.

Then the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_ rise, and stand before their Forms.

So do the Chancellor and Prelate.

This done, the Alms-Knights come down from the _Altar_, and passing into the middle of the _Choir_, make again their double Reverences, and proceed out of the _Choir_.

After them the Choiristers pass in a Body to the middle of the _Choir_, and having made their double Reverences, (as do all that follow,) proceed forth two and two.

So do the Vicars of _Windsor_.

Next, the four Petty-Canons come from their Seats, into the middle of the _Choir_; and there begin to Sing an Hymn.

Then follows the Serjeant of the Vestry, bearing his gilt Rod.

After him the Gentlemen of the Chappel at _White-Hall_.

Next the Virger of _Windsor Chappel_, bearing his Silver Rod.

Then the Prebends of _Windsor_.

After whom the Officers of Arms come down from the _Altar_, and pass on.

Then the _Knights-Companions_, the _Juniors_ first.

Then the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_.

The Chancellor and Prelate.

The Nobleman that bears the Sword of State.

Then the Sovereign, above in his Stall, makes a Reverence toward the _Altar_, and being descended, another below; then passes out, and enters under the Canopy, which waits for him at the _Choir Door_; the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold, if not a Knight of the _Order_, attending somewhat behind the side of the Canopy, on the Sovereign’s right Hand; and the Vice Chamberlain at the like distance on his left; as in the Grand Procession, 23 _Car._ II.

And lastly, The Band of Pensioners, who attend the Guard on each side the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, with their Captain at the Head of them.

In this Order, to this Day, they proceed with great Devotion; the whole _Choir_ Singing the Office appointed, which heretofore was the Litany; but is now generally a Thanksgiving Hymn.

The Grand Procession, when it has been celebrated at _White-Hall_, or elsewhere than at _Windsor_, is for the most part ordered after the aforesaid manner, as may be seen by the following Scheme.

Serjeant of the Vestry, with his gilt Rod.
Choiristers in Surplices.
Gentlemen of the Chappel in Copes.
Subdean in a Cope.
Officers of Arms.
Knights Companions.
Officers of the Order.
The Sword.
The Sovereign under a Canopy, with his Train born up.
The Pensioners as before.

But in what this Grand Procession differs from that at _Windsor_, we shall here Note.

First, Here the Serjeant of the Vestry leads the Proceeding, and is followed by the Choiristers.

Secondly, The Prebends and _Choir_ of _Windsor_, and the Alms-Knights, are here wanting.

Thirdly, The Subdean and Dean of the Chappel are taken in, and proceed next to the Gentlemen of the Chappel, to whom the Sovereign’s Almoner has sometimes joined himself.

Fourthly, Whilst the _Knights-Companions_ are descending from their Stalls, the Gentlemen of the Chappel go into the Vestry, to put on their Copes; but the Dean of the Chappel hath his brought into the _Choir_, which he puts on below, under his Seat.

Fifthly and Lastly, In Queen _Elizabeth_’s Reign, the Ladies Attendants went with the Pensioners on either side the Sovereign.

To contribute more to the Pomp and State of this great Ceremony, a Canopy is born over the Sovereign’s Head, by Knights and Gentlemen of Quality, while he passeth in Procession, till he return to the _Choir Door_.

The Persons appointed to carry the Canopy, _Anno_ 11 _Hen._ VIII. were four Knights of the Body, when four other Knights bore four Wax Tapers; but since they are the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber in ordinary, who at the time of the Feast are in waiting, twelve of whom are appointed for this Service; the Sovereign hath also the long Train of his Mantle carried up by several of the young Nobility, who receive notice thereof by the Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold.

In like manner the Lieutenants, or Deputies to the Sovereign, have had their Train carried up in the Proceedings, by Persons of Distinction; and the Train of a Stranger King, personally present at _Windsor_, hath also been born up; and in like manner the Train of a Deputy from a Stranger King; and lastly, the _Knights-Companions_ have their Trains carried up by their own Gentlemen.

The Cloaths and Apparel of the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_, and the great variety of rich Jewels which surround or adorn their Caps, or where else they may appear most conspicuous, shine with great Lustre.

The _Provincial Kings_, _Heralds_, and _Pursuivants_, habited in their rich Coats, and going together in one Body, appear also very conspicuous, from the Royal Arms of the Sovereign richly Embroidered on them with fine Gold, Purples and Twist; the Ground of the _Provincial King’s_ Coats are blue Velvet, the _Heralds_ blue Sattin, and the _Pursuivants_ blue Damask.

The Habit in which the Canons of the College proceed, is also peculiar; for though, as Clergymen, they are vested in Linen Surplices at all times of Divine Service, yet at this Solemnity they wear a Mantle over those Surplices, which is a Habit appointed for them, from the Foundation of the _Order_; these Mantles are of _Murry Taffety_, and on the right Shoulder is an Escutcheon of St. _George_’s _Arms_ within a Rundlet, Embroidered with Gold and Silk, which is bought at their own Charge.

The Gentlemen of the Sovereign’s Chappel, the Petty-Canons, and Vicars of _Windsor_, appear in Habits more glorious, being all (or the most part of them) vested in rich Copes of Cloth of Gold, or most costly Embroideries; but the Children of the Chappel and Choiristers, proceed habited in Surplices of white Linen; lastly, the Habits of the Alms-Knights [a Mantle and Kirtle] are not unremarkable both for Colour and Materials, which appear suitable to their Age and Degree. The Mantles are of Cloth, which the _Statutes_ appoint to be of a red Colour, with a Shield of the Arms of St. _George_, but without a Garter to surround them.

In this Grand Proceeding, the Habits entertain the Beholders with a very delightful Prospect, being so ordered, that the Grave are placed between those that are Rich and Gallant; and to add to the greater Shew of this Solemn Ceremony, the Registers of the _Order_ make mention of divers Persons of Rank and Quality, who put themselves on the Duty of Attendance on their Sovereign, because related to his Service, though in reference to the _Order_ not so concerned as to be taken into the Proceeding; such are divers of the Nobility, sometimes great Ladies, many considerable Officers of the Houshold, and other Courtiers, all richly habited and attired.

To complete the Pomp of this great Solemnity, we may (in the last Place,) fitly remember the Musick, as a part thereof, the _Choirs_ of the Sovereign’s Chappel at St. _James_’s, and at _Windsor_, being united, all Singing the sacred Hymn together, while the Grand Procession devoutly passeth; and on their return to the _Choir Door_, the Alms-Knights first advance into it, and after double Reverences ascend above the _Haut Pas_’s to the _Altar_.

Next the Choiristers, and in like manner the Vicars, Petty-Canons of _Windsor_, Gentlemen of the Chappel, and Prebends, go to their Seats.

Then the Officers of Arms pass up, and join to the Alms-Knights. After this the _Knights-Companions_ enter, and stand before their Stalls.

The like doth the _Black-Rod_, _Garter_, and _Register_.

As also the _Chancellor_ and _Prelate_.

Then doth the Sovereign take his Royal Stall.

The _Knights-Companions_ ascend their Stalls.

The Officers of the _Order_ sit down on their Forms, in the same Manner and Order, and with like Reverences, as at their Entrance into the _Choir_, on the Eve of the Feast.

Then the Prelate, with two Prebends, (appointed to read the Epistle and Gospel,) are conducted, the one by the Serjeants of the Vestry, the other by the Virger, up to the _Altar_, (which they approach with usual Reverences,) the Prelate passing to the North-side, and the Prebends to the South, to finish the remaining part of Divine Service.

Whereupon the Officers of Arms descend into the _Choir_; And

The Alms-Knights go down to their Seats, which, while they are so doing, the two Prebends put on their Copes at the South-side of the _Altar_. This done, the Prelate begins the second Service, which hath been celebrated, since the time of the Reformation, according to the Book of _Common-Prayer_, and is the same commonly used on any other Feast Day; excepting a peculiar Epistle and Gospel; the first being the thirty third Chapter of _Deuteronomy_, and the latter the fifth Chapter of St. _John_, beginning at the twenty fourth Verse, and ending at the thirtieth; which being read, the Creed is Sung.

We may here Note, that before the Reformation, it belonged to the Abbot of _Tower-Hill_ to read the Gospel, and to the Prior of _Medemenham_ in _Norfolk_, to read the Epistle.

_The Offering of Gold and Silver._

§ 4: This Ceremony, whether it be performed in the Sovereign’s Chappel at _Windsor_, or in any other Church or Chappel, is one and the same, (except the Sovereign’s Offering of Gold and Silver, instead of the _Bezant_,) which is peculiar to _Windsor_.

The accustomed time of Offering on the Feast Day, is mentioned _Anno_ 22 _Hen._ VIII. to be after the Sovereign’s return to his Stall from the Grand Procession, in the time of High Mass, and at this Day begins immediately after this first Sentence of the Offertory is pronounced by the Prelate.

_Let your Light so shine before men_, &c.

This said, the Organ begins to Play, and forthwith a Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe, (with Reverence first made,) unrol a long Carpet, and spread it before the _Altar_; which being done, the _Alms-Knights_ first, next the _Pursuivants_, _Heralds_, and _Provincial Kings_, ascend in usual Order, and flank the Carpet on both sides. Then _Garter_ steps from his Seat, and after double Reverences, and the usual manner of waving his Rod, the _Knights-Companions_ descend in their accustom’d Order, and stand before their Stalls.

After this, _Black-Rod_ goes from his Seat to the _Altar_, towards which, making a single Reverence, he turns his Back, and immediately the Groom of the removing Wardrobe delivereth him a little Carpet, anciently of Silk, now of Cloth of Gold; and the said Groom holds on his Arms a Cushion of Cloth of Gold, for the Sovereign to Kneel upon, at the time of his Offering, which the _Black-Rod_ forthwith lays on the upper _Haut Pas_ before the _Altar_, and each of them, as well in delivering, as receiving the Cushion, kiss it.

After this, the Prelate of the _Order_ takes a gilt Bason to receive the Sovereign’s Offering, and stands before the middle of the _Altar_, with one of the Prebends to assist him, at which time the Sovereign arising makes his Reverence towards the _Altar_, and then descending, makes a little Reverence below, and ascends towards the _Altar_ with his Attendants, and being come into the middle of the _Choir_, he makes another Reverence, and at the first _Haut Pas_ his last.

He that bears the Sovereign’s Offering, is either the _Senior_ Knight, the Prince, or the greatest Estate among the _Knights-Companions_ then present, and no other Person, (of what Degree soever) if he be not of this Noble Fraternity, performs this Service.

The Sovereign being come to the upper _Haut Pas_ kneels, at which Instant _Black-Rod_ on his Knee delivers (with Assay) the Sovereign’s Offering to the _Senior_ Knight, or other Person nominated, and he kneeling presents it to the Sovereign, which he immediately Offers into the Bason held by the Prelate, and then ariseth, and is conducted and attended, as when he came up to Offer; at the Entrance into his Stall, he turns and makes a Reverence, and his Attendants also bow towards the _Altar_; and being attended into his Stall, doth the like again, and then reposeth himself in his Seat.

An Entry is made in the _Red-Book_, _Anno_ 6 _Car._ I. _That whereas in other Places_ (_besides_ Windsor) _the Sovereign is wont to Offer a certain Gold Piece, (vulgarly called a Bezant) to be redeemed afterwards at a certain Price; the Usher of the_ Black-Rod _having been admonished, that in these Services there is no Redemption to be made, should never present the Bezant at_ Windsor _to the Sovereign, but Gold and Silver of English Money._

When the Sovereign is absent, and the Lieutenant Offers for him, he performs the Ceremony as follows.

First, (After the Preparations made for the Offering, as aforesaid,) he descends from his Stall with the usual Reverences, and goes to the Steps ascending the Sovereign’s Stall, and there stands a while; then making his double Obeysance, he proceeds towards the _Altar_ (the Officers of the _Order_ going before him,) with one other Reverence in the middle of the _Choir_, and another at the first _Haut Pas_ of the _Altar_; the Carpet and Cushion is spread and laid for him, as is for the Sovereign, and the Offering also given in the same way, and the Lieutenant kneeling puts it in the Bason, and returns to the Sovereign’s Stall in the same Order, _&c._ he came; where standing a while again before it, he makes a Reverence towards it, and then goes up into his own Stall, where (if it fall out that the Lieutenant is not the _Senior_ Knight,) he stays to receive the Reverences of all the _Knights-Companions_ his _Seniors_, as they go up to Offer, and when his own turn comes to Offer, he descends with a double Reverence, and proceeds up with his Fellow, (if present) and Offers for himself in his own Place, but his Train is then let down, the Carpet, _&c._ taken away, and only two Officers of Arms (but none of the _Order_) proceeds before him, and when he has Offer’d, he returns to his Stall.

But it seems, 7 _Jac._ I. that _Garter_ alone, on the Feast Day, brought up the Prince, then the Sovereign’s Lieutenant, when he came to Offer for himself, which Service ought to have been performed by _Clarenceux_ and _Norroy_, which was an oversight in _Garter_; as likewise his bringing down at the same, the _Knights-Companions_ out of their Stalls to Offer, before the Epistle and Gospel were Read, contrary to the usage of former times; by which they were kept a tedious time waiting below in the _Choir_, before the Offering began. But 11 _Jac._ I. the Prince was brought up by _Clarenceux_ and _Norroy_, when he came to Offer, and not by _Garter_. When the Lieutenant hath Offered for himself, he returns to the lower end of the Stalls, and passes to his own, where having paid the usual Reverences, he enters it, and is ready to receive the Reverences of all the other _Knights-Companions_.

As soon as the Sovereign, or his Lieutenant, is returned to his Stall, the two Provincial Kings pass down into the middle of the _Choir_, where making Reverences jointly to the _Altar_, and next to the Sovereign, _Clarenceux_ turns himself to the _Senior_ Knight, and makes him a third Reverence, while _Norroy_ at the same Instant does the same to the next _Junior_ Knight, and so both, as an intimation of their going up to Offer; then each King retires a little backward toward the Stalls: In the mean time, the two _Senior_ Knights draw near together, and making double Reverences, _Clarenceux_ and _Norroy_ step forth, and pass up before them, till they arrive near the Prelate; (or if the _Senior_ Knight be without his Opposite, then he is brought up single,) then making their Reverences, first towards the _Altar_, next to the Knights, _Clarenceux_ retires to the right side, and _Norroy_ to the left, waiting for the return of the Knights, who are kneeling on the uppermost _Haut Pas_ of the _Altar_, making their Offering. Which humble Ceremony of kneeling, not being heretofore used, was fixed by a Decree of 4 _Car._ I.

The _Knights-Companions_ Offerings are both of Silver and Gold, which is receiv’d by two of the Prebends, or by one Prebend and one Chantor, anciently by one Chantor only, when the Offering is at _Windsor_; but by the Dean of the Chappel, when at _White-Hall_. The Offering being made, the _Knights-Companions_ rise, and forthwith divide themselves, _Clarenceux_ conducting the _Senior_ Knight to the lower end of the Stalls on the Sovereign’s side; and _Norroy_ the next _Junior_ Knight, to the lower end of the Stalls on the Prince’s side; and at parting make their Reverences, and return to their Stations before the _Altar_. The Knights, at their Entrance into the Stalls, make their double Reverences together, and then pass on to their own; where making the like Reverences, they take their Seats.

But if any Stranger King be present at the Offering, he does not retire to his Seat, by the lower end of the Stalls, but along the _Choir_, as does the Sovereign, the same way he proceeded up: So did the King of _Denmark_, 4 _Jac._ I.

The Ceremonies of the two _Senior_ Knights Offering being finished, the two _Senior Heralds_ observing their last Reverences, pass down into the _Choir_, in the same manner as did _Clarenceux_ and _Norroy_, to bring up the next two _Senior_ Knights to Offer, who use all the same Ceremonies, and are conducted back in like manner to the _Altar_; and so of the other, brought up by the two next _Senior Heralds_; _Clarenceaux_ and _Norroy_ beginning again, if there are more Knights than the _Heralds_ in one Course supply; and after them the _Heralds_ again, till the whole is ended: And here it may be noted, that where any Knight goeth single to Offer, he hath nevertheless two _Heralds_ to attend him.

Touching the Offerings themselves, made in the Chappel of _Windsor_, they belong of right to the Dean and Prebends, being conferr’d on them by the _Statutes_ of the College: And ordained also, that the _Chantor_ should see them receiv’d, and faithfully kept; and at the end of every Month, or Weekly, if the College required it, give an Account of what was receiv’d: All which was confirmed by King _Edward_ III. the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter of _Salisbury_, to whose Jurisdiction the College of _Windsor_ belongs; and also by the Bishop of _Winchester_, Prelate of the _Garter_, 1352. But Dr. _Montague_, Bishop of _Winchester_, at the Feast at _Windsor_, 21 _Jac._ I. challenged a right to the Offerings; and Bishop _Andrews_ did _de Facto_ both receive, and keep the Offerings, whenever he officiated at _Windsor_. But on complaint of the Dean and Prebends of _Windsor_, this matter was referred to the Chapter; yet we do not find that any final or positive Determination was ever made to the time of the Restauration, from which time the right of the Dean and Canons has never been disputed, and the _Statutes_ have duly taken Place.

What has usually been offered, either in Gold or Silver, we shall see by the Account given in by the Bishop of _Winchester_, 4 _Car._ I. at St. _George_’s _Feast_ at _Windsor_, _September_ 24.

The whole Offering of the eight Knights, is four Pounds fifteen Shillings, _viz._ in Gold ten Shillings each, and in Silver two; excepting the Lord Steward, whose Offering in Silver was only one Shilling; besides the Sovereign’s _Bezant_ redeemable.

The Offerings on the twenty fifth Day.

His Majesty’s Offering in Gold one Pound, and in Silver ten Shillings.

The eight _Knights-Companions_ the same as the Day before; the whole, besides the King’s _Bezant_, eleven Pounds.

When all the Knights have offered, and are returned to their Stalls, the Chancellor of the _Order_ makes his Reverences; and after him, the _Register_, _Garter_, and _Black-Rod_, theirs together, and take their Seats: Next, the Carpet being rolled up by the Groom and Page of the removing Wardrobe, the _Provincial Kings_, _Heralds_, and _Pursuivants_, and last of all the Alms-Knights, make their Reverences, and pass into the _Choir_, where they remain till the Prelate has finished the second Service; who, conducted by the Serjeant of the Vestry, comes down from the _Altar_ with his accustomed Reverences to his Seat. After whom, the two Prebends are brought down by the Virger, who making their usual Reverences take their Seats.

_The Return to the Presence._

§ 6. Immediately after, all prepare to pass out of the _Choir_, and to proceed back to the Presence Chamber, which is done in every particular as it is in the return of the Sovereign from the first _Vespers_.

The Proceeding passes on through the South-Door of the Chappel, and here the Trumpets are taken in, and placed before the Alms-Knights, and sound all the way to the Guard Chamber; at which time the Drums and Fifes begin to beat and play. Thence the Proceeding passes into the Presence Chamber, whither it ought to go, before the Sovereign pass into the great Hall to Dinner; and here the _Knights-Companions_ take their usual Stands; and after the Sovereign’s Salutation, and their Reverences, the Sovereign retires into the Privy Chamber, and the Knights likewise retire till Dinner is ready.

_Of the Dinner on the Feast Day._

§ 7. As soon as the Sovereign hath notice given him, that the first Mess is set on the Table, the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ come out of the Privy Lodgings into the Presence Chamber, attended by the Officers of the _Order_, and seat themselves in the same manner, as at the Supper on the Eve of the Feast: The Musick sounding whilst the said Mess is carrying up; which is in the following Order.

Four Serjeants at Arms, two and two.
The Comptroller. The Treasurer.
The Sewer.
The Messes carried up by the Pensioners.
Master of the Houshold. Cofferer.
A Clerk Comptroller. A Clerk Comptroller.
Second Clerk of the Kitchin. Chief Clerk of the Kitchin.

The Sovereign hath most frequently sat alone, though sometimes heretofore he hath been pleased to admit some of the _Knights-Companions_ to sit at the Table with him; but this Honour has not been offered to any of them since the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_. As soon as the Sovereign is placed, the _Knights-Companions_ put on their Caps, and remaining covered, retire against the Tables prepared for them; where Water is brought them by a Gentleman of Quality; and having washed, they all sit down.

The Order of passing to their Seats at the Table, 19 _Car._ II. and so appointed to be observed for the future, was after the following manner. First, The Duke of _York_ entered the Rails at the upper end of the Table, and passed down the hither side, to the lower end, and thence to the bench-side to his Place: In like manner followed all the other Knights, according to the Seniority of their Stalls, as it is ordained they shall sit, and not according to their Estates or Dignities, (except the Sons of Stranger Kings, Princes, and Dukes,) and all on the right Hand, or farther side of their Table, not one against another, but two and two at a Table to a Mess, and those whose Opposites are wanting to sit alone, and have a whole Mess. Their Meat being usually brought up by the Yeomen of the Guard; and are attended by some of the Gentlemen Pensioners, and others of the Sovereigns Servants, two to each Table.

It appears that anciently the Officers of the _Order_ had a Table allowed them in the great Hall, and sat covered in the Sovereign’s Presence; but on the Eve of the Feast, 10 _Car._ I. it was ordered in _Chapter_, That they should be at their Choice, to keep the Feast privately by themselves, or sit uncovered where the Sovereign dined. Whereupon, from that time, they forbore sitting in the Hall, or where else the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ sat. It likewise appears, that the Officers of Arms did anciently sit in St. _George_’s _Hall_, at a Table joined to that, at which the Officers of the _Order_ sat.

Before the Entrance of the Sovereign’s second Course, he stands up and drinks to the _Knights-Companions_, (and so it is remembred to be done by _Phil._ and _Mar._) they standing all the while uncovered, till they have all pledged him: Which done, the Officers of Arms make themselves ready, at the lower end of the Hall, to proceed up in the following _Order_.

Garter.
Clarenceux and Norroy.
Heralds two and two.
Pursuivants two and two.

And so altogether make their Reverence to the Sovereign, and proceed near the side of the Knights Table, till they come to the middle of the Hall, where, after another Reverence made, they go still forward; and when _Garter_ has passed about two Yards beyond the Knights Table, and come near the _Haut Pas_ ascending the Sovereign’s State, they make the like Reverence again jointly. Then _Garter_ with a loud and audible Voice cries Largess thrice, though anciently but twice.

Upon _Garter’s_ beginning to cry Largess, all the _Knights-Companions_, unless Kings and great Princes, if any be present, stand up uncovered, till he has made an end; (which Custom, it seems, 7 _Car._ I. had been discontinued for some time.) Then _Garter_ proceeds, and Proclaims the Sovereign’s Stiles and Titles of Honour, first in _Latin_, after in _French_, and lastly in _English_; he and the Officers of Arms making a Reverence between; and at the end join altogether in crying Largess thrice, and then all make Reverence together.

Hereupon, sometimes the Treasurer of the Houshold puts the Sovereign’s Largess, which is ten Pounds in Gold, into _Garter_’s Hat; and this is afterwards divided among the Officers of Arms, according to Custom. But _Anno_ 23 _Car._ II. the _Black-Rod_ put the Largess into _Garter_’s Hat. This being finished, all the Officers of Arms retire about three Yards backward, keeping their Faces towards the Sovereign, and there make a Reverence, and so a second, and thence retire out of the Hall to Dinner.

This Ceremony ended, the Sovereign’s second Course is brought up; first the Serjeants at Arms, next the Treasurer and Comptroller of the Houshold, next the Sewer, then the Gentlemen-Pensioners, bearing the Messes; then the Cofferer and Master of the Houshold, the two Clerks of the Green-Cloth, the two Clerks Comptrollers, and lastly the two Clerks of the Kitchin, habited in their Gowns, and their Caps in their Hands. And after the Sovereign’s Table is compleatly furnished, the second Course is served up to the Knights Table by the Yeomen of the Guard, in such Order as was the first.

But where any _Knight-Companion_ happens to be installed at this Grand Feast, and is present at Dinner, then _Garter_, and the Officers of Arms, proceed in Order, (after they have proclaimed the Sovereign’s Stile,) from the lower end of the Hall, till they come before the new installed Knight’s Mess, and there _Garter_ cries Largess once, and Proclaims his Stile in _English_ only; and then retires to Dinner.

In the last Place comes in the Banquet, brought to the Sovereign’s Table by the Pensioners, in the same Order as the Messes; (only in Place of the Clerk of the Kitchin, the Chief Clerk of the Spicery waits,) and the Banquet for the _Knights-Companions_, by the Yeomen of the Guard.

Dinner being ended, the _Knights-Companions_ rise first, and having washed, place themselves a little below the State, in their usual Order, and make their Reverences to the Sovereign. After which, the Sovereign hears Grace said by the Prelate, then Water is brought in the usual way, and the Sovereign washes: Which done, the Knights making again due Reverence to the Sovereign, he puts off his Cap, and salutes them, and then proceeds as usually to the Presence Chamber, with the Knights and Officers of the _Order_ before him, _&c._

In like manner does the Sovereign’s Lieutenant proceed from the Presence to the Hall, or such other Room where the Dinner is prepared, only his Place at the Table is a little on the left Hand the Cloth of State, or at the end of the Table: And after Dinner, he returns to the Presence in the same Order as the Sovereign does.

_The Ceremonies belonging to the second_ Vespers.

§ 8. The usual time for Proceeding to the _Chapter-House_, hath usually been about four a Clock in the Afternoon, but sometimes not before five, by reason of the length of the Dinner. The Proceeding is as at other times; and when the Sovereign and Knights have made a Cavalcade of it on the Eve, or on the Feast Day, the same has been observed at the Proceeding to the second _Vespers_.

It has been customary to hold a _Chapter_ before the second _Vespers_, for the regulation of the Affairs of the _Order_. When the second _Vespers_ are ended, the Proceeding passes out of the _Choir_ in the very same Order as at the first _Vespers_; but _Anno_ 15 _Car._ I. it happening to be late ere the second _Vespers_ ended, the Sovereign did not go to the Presence Chamber, but proceeded directly to the great Hall to Supper by Torch Light.

_Of the Supper on the Evening of the Feast Day._

§ 9. It has not been frequently known, that the Sovereign hath supped publickly in St. _George_’s _Hall_ on the Feast Day; but when it happens, as 14 _Car._ I. the Proceeding thither, and return, are in all respects performed as at the Supper on the Eve. And if the Sovereign’s Lieutenant hath on this Night supped publickly, then it was in the Presence Chamber, where he sat alone at the Sovereign’s Table, as at other times.

CAP. XXII.

_The Ceremonies observed on the last Day of the Feast._

_Of the Proceeding to the Choir._

§ 1. The manner of Proceeding to the _Chapter-House_ is performed in the same manner as it was on the Eve of the Feast; and differs only in this Point; that then the Sovereign and Knights are obliged by the _Statutes_ to proceed in full Robes; here, by the Indulgence of King _Henry_ VIII’s _Statutes_, all are dispensed with, except the upper Robe or Mantle: And as then the Image of St. _George_ was worn Pendant at the Coller of the _Order_, now a blue Ribbond sufficeth; and instead of a Cap and Feather, only their ordinary Hats.

It was the ancient Custom to Celebrate a _Chapter_ in the Morning of the last Day of the Feast, before the Sovereign proceeded to the Chappel, chiefly to make Election of Knights, where any Stall is void; which has sometimes been held, when the Sovereign did not go to the Chappel, in the Privy Chamber, and then the Lieutenant, waving the _Chapter-House_, proceeds straight on to the Chappel, and enters at the South Door.

_Of the elect Knights proceeding into the_ Choir.

§ 2. Where an Election has been made of a Person then present at Court, he is called into the _Chapter-House_ by _Garter_, according to the usual manner; and having been invested with the _George_ and _Garter_, he usually passed in the Proceeding to the Chappel, whether it were from the _Chapter-House_, or Presence Chamber; and in this ordinary Apparel, always bare-headed; the Place allowed him in the Proceeding being between the _Knights-Companions_ and the Officers of Arms: But if two Knights have been elected, they then proceed together, before the _Knights-Companions_. At his Entrance into the _Choir_, the elect Knight is placed by _Garter_, next before the lowest Stall; or if there be two elected, and both proceed to the Chappel, they are placed in the two lowest Stalls; where they are to stand all Service time, unless upon Licence to sit, as they have sometimes obtained.

_Of the Ceremonies performed at Divine Service._

§ 3. In this Morning Service, before the Reformation of our Church, the Mass of _Requiem_ was solemnly Sung, for the Souls of the _Knights-Companions_, and all faithful Souls departed, which was provided for by the _Statutes_. As likewise, that all the Knights should be present thereat, unless upon License obtained, or special Case to the contrary. At this Celebration, was the deceased Knights Atchievements also offered with solemn Ceremony; of which we shall speak presently.

Another Ceremony belonging to the Service of this Morning, is the Offering of Gold and Silver, which (when the first Sentence of the Offertory has been pronounced,) is again performed by the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_; the Ceremonies being the same, in all particulars, as are observed at the like Offering on the Feast Day.

Divine Service being ended, the Sovereign and _Knights-Companions_ frequently proceed to the _Chapter-House_, and there put off their Mantles, and therewith the Ceremonies of this Grand Feast determine.

CAP. XXIII.

_The Observation of the Grand Feast by absent Knights._

_Absent Knights enjoined to observe the Grand Feast._

§ 1. Having shewn with what Magnificence and Ceremony the Feast of St. _George_ has been, and ought to be observed; as also how strictly the _Statutes_ oblige the _Knights-Companions_ to appear annually thereat; and what severe Penalties they are liable to, if absent, except on reasonable Cause of Absence. Yet lest the Honour might receive diminution, from too small an Appearance at its publick Solemnities; it was farther at the Institution of the _Order_ Decreed: _That none of them should depart the Kingdom, without first acquainting the Sovereign, and obtaining his special Leave and License_; nevertheless the Sovereign granted them License to go beyond Sea, before the rest of his Subjects, if they were dispos’d to undertake any Military Expedition, from whence any Glory of Knighthood might be hop’d for.

It was then by the eleventh Article also ordained; (on whatsoever occasion the Absence might be,) _That wheresoever any of the_ Knights-Companions _resided, during the said Feast, they should wear their Mantles of the_ Order, _from the Hour of the first Vespers on the Eve of St._ George, _till the second_ Vespers _on the Feast Day were finished; as they should have done, had they been present in Person, with the Sovereign or his Deputy, during the whole Celebration of the Feast; (in case they were not deprived of their Liberty) the Prorogation of the Feast notwithstanding_.

King _Henry_ VIII. observing the Custom of these Celebrations began to be neglected, in the eleventh year of his Reign, enlarged the Law in this particular, explaining the said eleventh Article. He declar’d and enjoin’d the wearing of the whole Habit on the Eve of St. _George_, if the _Knight-Companion_ were not under restraint. Then he enumerated the times for wearing it; to wit, on the Eve, at all times of Divine Service, Dinner and Supper; unless in case of War, Sickness, or other just impediment; when it was sufficient, if the absent Knight did wear the _Garter_ and _George_, either in a Gold Chain, or Silk Ribbond.

And when the same Sovereign, about three Years after, made a general Reformation of the _Statutes_, he enjoin’d the absent _Knights-Companions_ (unless under restraint,) to prepare a Capital Stall in the Church or Chappel where he design’d to hear Service, to the Honour of the Sovereign; in which should be set up the Arms of the _Order_ within a _Garter_; and also to erect another Stall, as far in distance (according to the proportion of the said Church or Chappel,) from the Stall of the Sovereign, as is the absent Knights Stall in the Castle of _Windsor_, and therein place his own Arms: And should wear the whole Habit of the _Order_, and hear Divine Service, such as the Church ordained for the said time; as well on the Eve and Morning, as on the Afternoon on the Feast Day. He is likewise to do Reverence towards the _Altar_, in the Honour of God, and after towards the Stall erected for the Sovereign, at his coming in and going out of the said Church or Chappel, and, as often as he should pass before the said Stall. But Emperors, Kings, Princes, or Electors, are excepted, who may place their Seats and Stalls as they think fitting.

This Decree is still in full force, and we shall only further observe, that it has been usual for the absent Knight to perform the same Ceremonies as near as may be to what is observed at _Windsor_, and to be attended with a convenient Number of Gentlemen before him, well habited, with the Officers of his Houshold, _&c._ who, according to their Degrees, proceed two and two together bare-headed; and that he Dines and Sups alone at all times, unless a _Knight-Companion_ be with him.

_How it is to be observed in Case of Sickness._

§ 2. In Case of Sickness, if the absent Knight was only confin’d to his Chamber, the Custom was to prepare a Capital Stall for the Sovereign, in the Chamber where he lay, and another Stall for himself, placed according to the before-mentioned directions, to remain during the Feast; in which Room Divine Offices were celebrated. And if the absent Knight was so Sick as to keep his Bed, then his whole Habit of the _Order_ was laid thereon; and upon this Account _Ambrose_, Earl of _Warwick_, falling Ill at _Greenwich_, when St. _George_’s _Day_ was there celebrated, _Anno_ 30 _Eliz._ retir’d to his Chamber, and sat in his Robes.

_In what manner the Feast hath been observ’d by absent Knights._

§ 3. Of this, the _Black-Book_ of the _Order_ gives a very considerable Precedent; Namely, the Feast of St. _George_ held at the Palace of _Hereford_, by Prince _Arthur_, 15 _Hen._ VII. being then in his Government of the Principality of _Wales_; and had with him Sir _Richard Pool_, one of the _Knights-Companions_; where every thing, according to the form of the _Statutes_, was duly observed. The Prince’s Sword was born before his Stall, and the Service performed by his _Herald_ with great exactness. Likewise the Sovereign’s _Herald_ stood all the while before the Sovereign’s Stall, which was adorned with accustomed Ornaments; and the Bishop, who performed Divine Service, had his Seat erected near the High _Altar_.

There are other Instances, as particularly those observed by Sir _Henry Sidney_, at _Shrewsbury_ and _Ludlow_, 23 and 24 Queen _Eliz._ which were very remarkable.

As to the observation of the Feast, by a Knight beyond Sea, there is an Instance in _Robert_, Earl of _Leicester_, Lieutenant for Queen _Elizabeth_, Governor, and Captain General of the united Provinces, and there celebrated the Feast, 1586. He had an Escutcheon of the _Order_, impailed with the Sovereign’s Arms, fixt to the front of his House, so also to the back of her Stall in the Church, and his own Arms at the back of his own Stall.

He proceeded on Horse-back to the Church, a Pursuivant riding before him, wearing a King of Arms’s Coat; who, after Sermon, proceeded before him to the Offering; which he made for the Sovereign and himself; Service being ended, he returned to his Lodging, and dined with great Solemnity.

_Dispensations for Absence granted during Life._

§ 5. Sometimes Dispensations for Absence have been obtained for Life, upon the Petite of the _Knights-Companions_ setting forth their Age and Infirmity: An Instance of which, we find was granted to the Lord _Dacrees_, 26 _Hen._ VIII. and the Earl of _Derby_, 14 _Car._ I. and the Lord _Musgrave_; but both with this Restriction; that the absent should be obliged to send to _Garter_ for his Escutcheons, at the same time that he sent his Excuse, and Petite for Dispensation; and should solemnly keep in his own House the Feast, with all the sacred Rites and Ceremonies, in his Robes, and other Ornaments, if Health permit; and in Case of Sickness, upon his Bed, according to the ancient _Statutes_.

This Act was thought of so great Importance to be observed, that the Chancellor was ordered to transcribe it, and send it to each of the _Knights-Companions_; acquainting them at the same time, with the Penalties they should be liable to, if they neglected the least Punctilio. And the like was again observed, and repeated to them, before the Feast of the ensuing Year.

CAP. XXIV.

_The Degradation of a_ Knight-Companion.

§ 1. The Ensigns of the _Order_ are not to be withdrawn from a Knight, during Life, unless Guilty of some of those Marks of Reproach, set down in King _Henry_ VIII’s _Statutes_, _viz._ Heresy, Treason, or Flying from Battle: It has sometimes been found, that Prodigality has been made a fourth Point, where a Knight has so wasted his Estate, as to be incapable of supporting his Dignity. The Pretence for divesting _William_, Lord _Paget_, 6 _Edw._ VI. was, his not being a Gentleman of Blood, both by Father and Mother. But Felony comes not within the compass of this _Statute_, as not being expresly mentioned among the Reproaches there Summ’d up; and so it was adjudged in a _Chapter_, 14 _Jac._ I. in the Case of _Robert_, Earl of _Somerset_, then lately condemned for that Fact, whereon his Hatchments were not removed.

When a _Knight-Companion_ is found Guilty of any of the Offences mentioned in King _Henry_ VIII’s _Statutes_, he is usually degraded at the next _Chapter_, of which the Sovereign gives the _Knights-Companions_ previous notice; and then commands _Garter_ to attend such of them as are appointed to go to the Convict Knight, who, in a solemn manner, first takes from him the _George_ and _Ribbond_, and then his _Garter_. And at the ensuing Feast of St. _George_, or sooner, if the Sovereign appoint it, publication of his Crimes and Degradation is made by _Garter_.

Next, _Garter_, by Warrant to that purpose, takes down his Atchievement, on which Service he is vested in his Coat of Arms, and the Officers of Arms standing about him, the _Black-Rod_ also present; First _Garter_ reads aloud the Instruments of Degradation, after which one of the _Heralds_, who is placed ready on a Ladder set to the back of the Convict Knight’s Stall, at the Words _expelled, and put from among the Arms_, takes his Crest, and violently casts it down into the _Choir_, after that his Banner and Sword; and when the Publication is read out, all the Officers of Arms spurn the Atchievements out of the _Choir_, into the Body of the Church, first the Sword, then the Banner, and last of all the Crest, so out of the West Door, thence to the Bridge, and over into the Ditch; and thus it was done at the Degradation of _Edward_, Duke of _Buckingham_, 13 _Hen._ VIII. Their Plates are likewise taken down from their Stalls and carried away.

Degradation not being alone thought sufficient, it was debated in _Chapter_, 32 _Hen._ VIII. whether the Names of such _Knights-Companions_ as were convicted of Treason should remain in the _Registers_, or be razed out: Where the Sovereign determined; That wheresoever the Actions or Names of such Offenders should be found, these Words [_Vah Proditor_] should be Written in the Margin; by which means the _Register_ wou’d be preserved fair, and not defaced with razures or blots.

In the close of this Section we may observe, that some _Knights-Companions_, who have suffered Degradation, have lived to be restored thereto; being re-elected, and re-invested, and their Atchievements set up again, by the Indulgence of the next Reign; as were the Lord _Paget_’s, 1 _Mar._ and the Marquiss of _Northampton_, 1 _Eliz._ as likewise the Duke of _Norfolk_, 1 _Mar._

CAP. XXV.

_Honours paid to deceased_ Knights-Companions.

1. As to the first part of this Section, the celebrating Masses for defunct _Knights-Companions_, I think it very little material here; that Ceremony altering with the Form of Religion, became wholly disused, 32 _Hen._ VIII. at which time, in a _Chapter_ then held at _Westminster_, the following Decree was made.

_That everyone of the_ Knights-Companions, _in lieu of the said Masses, should, for the future, after the Death of any of their Brethren, according to the Rates of their Degrees hereafter mentioned, and immediately upon Demand of the_ Register, _and Dean of_ Windsor, _or one of them, pay the several Sums following._

_l._ _s._ _d._
The Sovereign 8 06 8
A Stranger King 6 08 4
The Prince 5 16 8
A Duke 5 00 0
A Marquiss 3 16 0
An Earl 2 10 0
A Viscount 1 01 8
A Baron 1 13 4
A Knight-Batchelor 0 16 8

The Monies so collected, (called _Obiit Monies_) were by the said Decree appointed to be distributed in Alms-Deeds, _as the Reparation of High Ways_, _the Relief of the Poor, &c._ The receipt and disbursements of these Sums were committed to the care of the Dean and Register.

Mr. _Ashmole_, has made this addition in his Library, which it will not be out of our way to observe, for the information of those who may be desirous to know how the Point then stood; that not withstanding the aforesaid Order in _Chapter_, made the 24th of _May_, _Anno_ 32 _Hen._ VIII. for changing the Number of Masses usually Sung for defunct Knights, into a pecuniary Rate, according their degrees; the Prayers for Souls departed, both by private Persons, as also by the Clergy, in Masses and Exequies; nay farther, to give Alms to others, and to pray for them, was continued by the Church of _England_ several Years beyond that space; for in a Book, entituled the _Institution of a Christian Man, &c._ made by the Clergy of _England_, as appears by the Subscriptions of the Archbishops, Bishops, and others of the Clergy to the Preface; dedicated by them to King _Henry_ VIII. and printed by _Thomas Bartelet_, the King’s Printer, _Anno_ 1537. _cum Privilegio_, the Article of Purgatory is there set down.

But to proceed. This charitable distribution, in a _Chapter_ held at _Greenwich_, 5 _Edw._ VI. was enlarged to the relief of the Poor in the Town of _Windsor_, and other Towns, Villages, and Places, at the discretion of the Dean of _Windsor_. And though the said Decree was confirmed by King _Edward_ VI. Queen _Mary_, and Queen _Elizabeth_, yet for many Years, the Collection of these _Obiit_ Monies was neglected; till in 9 _Car._ I. the Earl of _Portland_, out of his great Generosity, as well as his Zeal for restoring so pious a Work, reiterated to the Sovereign the ancient Decrees made in this Case. Whereupon it passed in _Chapter_, that the same should be revived, and for ever continued; and that the same should begin for the five Knights, whose Atchievements were offered at that Feast, _viz._ the King of _Sweden_, the Elector Palatine, the Earls of _Northumberland_, _Banbury_, and _Rutland_. And as to Stranger Princes, it pleased the Sovereign to express himself, _That as by the_ Statutes _they are left_ to perform these Payments by themselves, if they wou’d; so, if it were not done by them, that both then, and for the future, the same should be paid by the Sovereign himself.

Afterwards, all the Sums of Money, to be collected by Virtue of this Decree, together with the _Knights-Companions_ Duties, at their first Entrance in the _Order_, were employed toward providing Plate for the _Altar_, within St. _George_’s _Chappel_, which is already treated of.

_Of fixing on the Stalls Plates of their Arms and Stiles._

§ 2. The next thing provided for by the _Statutes_ of Institution, was the deceased Knight’s Honour; in regard of which, it was ordained, _That when any one of the first Founders should die, there should be in Metal an Escutcheon of his Arms, with his Helm, or Crest, fastened at the back of his Stall, for a Mark of Honour to him that bore them_. And in like manner, _that their Successors should have a like Escutcheon fixed on the back of their Stalls_; and to difference them from those of the first Founders, they were appointed to be made somewhat less, and to be placed a little underneath them. But this Article relates only to the _Knights-Companions_, not to the Sovereigns of the _Order_; nor do we find that any of them had Plates of their Arms and Stiles set upon the back of their Stalls, in manner as is before prescribed to the rest of the _Knights-Companions_.

King _Henry_ VIII. in his Body of _Statutes_, alters this Article in three particulars; first, as to the setting up their Plates, which he appoints not to be after their Deaths, but within, after the Installation of every _Knight-Companion_; secondly, as to the nature of the Metal, that it may be such as the Knight shall please himself: And lastly, as to the size, though he also restrains the _Knights-Subjects_ to a lesser than those of the first Founders; yet he gives liberty to the _Knights-Strangers_ to use their Plates and Fashions at Pleasure. As to the first of these, it has been pretty duly observed; and indeed the second, of making them of Copper; but the last, _viz._ the size, has been very little regarded; for the very Plates of those Knights who were soon after installed, and thence downwards, are larger than those of the first Founders.

In tract of time, many of these Memorials were, by sacrilegious Hands, taken away, which King _Charles_ I. taking notice of, and desirous to put a stop to a Mischief not in his Power to prevent, and to preserve the Remembrance of the precedent _Knights-Companions_; commanded the Dean of _Windsor_ to describe the Stiles of those that remained in a Book, which he accordingly did, and deposited the same in the College: But what became of this Book, could not be afterwards discovered; so that the most that could be done, was to draw the Arms, and Copy out the Stiles, engraven on the Plates then remaining; from whence the following Observations may be made.

First, That for many Years after the Institution of the _Order_, the Plate whereon the Shield was engraved, bore no other Inscription, than the deceased Knight’s Name, set at the Foot thereof, under the Escutcheon of his Arms. Afterwards, the chief Title of Honour began to be added, though now and then, in the first and elder times, both were omitted, as also their Crests. But about the beginning of King _Henry_ VIII’s Reign, not only the Knight’s chief Title, but all other his Titles and Dignities, whether Honorary, or Officiary, were drawn together in one Inscription, concluding with that of Knight of this most Noble _Order_; and which, about the same time, the _Knights-Companions_ used to insert, in all their publick and private Instruments of Writing; a Custom observed by the Knights of other Sovereigns _Orders_ Abroad.

At first the _Knights-Companions_ gave their Paternal Coats of Arms, singly and without any Quarterings; but toward the beginning of _Hen._ V. they began to add their Quarterings, as appears from the Escutcheons of _Hugh_, Lord _Burnel_, who died 9 _Hen._ V. Sir _Lewis Robessart_, and others. Yet was not the same generally used, but left to the Pleasure of the _Knights-Companions_.

But of later times, this very thing was thought of such concern, that where a Knight has been elected, who wanted Quarterings, the Sovereign has been pleased to grant him another Coat of Arms, to quarter with his Paternal Coat; that his Banner, which ought to hang over his Stall, might not seem too naked.

Soon after King _Henry_ VIII’s Accession, the Knights compassed their Shields with the Royal _Garter_, and thereon (such as were Noblemen) placed the Coronet belonging to their Dignity. As to Supporters, we observe two Places to which they are added; the one of _John Beaufort_, the first Duke of _Somerset_ of that Name, elected 20 _Hen._ VI. the other of _Anthony Widvile_, Earl _Rivers_, elected 5 _Edw._ IV. and besides these, till the Reign of King _Henry_ VIII. there is not another Example: But then it grew into common usage, as also the ingraving their peculiar Motto’s, or Devices upon the Plates.

_The Offering of Atchievements._

§ 3. A third Honour paid to the defunct Knight, is a most solemn Offering up his Atchievements at the High _Altar_; namely, the Banner of his Arms, his Sword, Helmet, and Crest, with its Mantlings; all which had been set up over his Stall at his Installation. The Ceremony of Offering these Ensigns does not appear to have been regulated at the Institution of the _Order_, but rather added as an additional Honour, by King _Henry_ V. and the manner thereof set down in the fourteenth Article of his Body of _Statutes_.

This Solemnity is local to the Chappel of St. _George_, within the Castle of _Windsor_, and not to be performed till the Sovereign has notice of the _Knight-Companion’s_ Death.