Charles R. CHarles the Second by the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. To all Our loving Subjects of what degree condition or quality soever within Our Kingdoms and Dominions Greeting Whereas it hath been manifested unto Vs that Our trusty and well-beloved Elias Ashmole Esq Windesor Herald at Arms hath for fifteen years past applyed himself to the search and study of things relating to the Honor of Our most Noble Order of the Garter and hath at his great charge and expence of time now compleated a Book Entituled The Institution Laws and Ceremonies of the said most Noble Order collected and digested into one Body and adorned with variety of Sculpture whose pains therein as it is greatly to Our satisfaction so can We no less for his past industry and future incouragement in his further progress of these Studies but express Our good liking and approbation thereof Know ye therefore That it is Our Royal Pleasure and We do by these presents upon the humble request of the said Elias Ashmole not only give him leave and license to Print the said Book but strictly charge prohibit and forbid all our Subjects to reprint within this Our Kingdom the said Book in any Volume or any part thereof or any Abridgment of the Laws or Ceremonies therein contained or to copy or counterfeit any the Sculptures or Ingravements belonging thereunto or to import buy vend utter or distribute any Copies or Exemplaries of the same reprinted beyond the Seas within the term of fifteen years next ensuing the publishing thereof without the consent and approbation of the said Elias Ashmole his Heirs Executors or Assigns as they and every of them so offending will answer the contrary at their utmost perils Whereof aswell the Wardens and Company of Stationers of our City of London the Farmers Commissioners and Officers of Our Customs as all other Our Officers and Ministers whom it may concern are to take particular notice that due obedience be given to this Our Royal Command herein declared Given under Our Signet and Sign Manual at Our Court at Whitehall the 31. day of March in the 22. Year of Our Reign 1670. By his Majesty's Command Arlington The most High most Excellent and most Mighty Monarch Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of Greate Britaine France and Ireland Defender of the Faith and Soveraigne of the most Noble Order of the Garter 〈◊〉 Sherwin sculpsit THE INSTITUTION Laws Ceremonies Of the most NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER Collected and digested into one Body BY ELIAS ASHMOLE of the Middle-Temple Esq WINDESOR Herald at Arms. A Work furnished with variety of matter relating to HONOR and NOBLESSE LONDON Printed by I. Macock for Nathanael Brooke at the Angel in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange MDCLXXII AUGUSTISSIMO POTENTISSIMOQUE MONARCHAE CAROLO II D. G. MAGNAE BRITANNIAE FRANCIAE ET HIBERNIAE REGI FIDEI DEFENSORI ET SUPREMO NOBILISSIMI MILITARIS ORDINIS GARTERII HOS ORDINIS COMMENTARIOS HUMILLIME D. D. ELIAS ASHMOLE FECIALIS WINDESOR PREFACE IT is not to be attributed only to Custom but sometimes it 's necessary in order to the Readers greater convenience that Books are commonly recommended to their perusal by somewhat prefatory as Epistles c. the use of them being chiefly to render an account of what they contain and by a short Antipast to represent to them what they are likely to find in the Entertainment of the whole Work This consideration hath obliged me to a compliance with others and to acquaint my Reader what occasioned my engaging upon this Subject and what I have done therein As I ever had a great veneration for the most Noble Order of the Garter so must it needs be imagined that I was accordingly much concerned in the late unhappy times to see the honor of it trampled on and it self sunk into a very low esteem among us That reâ—lection put me upon thoughts not only of doing something that might inform the world of the Nobleness of its Institution and the Glory which in process of time it acquired both at home and abroad but also of drawing up in the nature of a Formulary both the Legal and Ceremonial part thereof for the better conduct of such as might be therein afterwards concerned in case the Eclipse it then waded under in our Horizon should prove of so long continuance as that many occurrences worthy of knowledge might come to be in a manner forgotten Vpon the first communication of my design to the late Reverend Doctor Christopher Wren Register of the said Order it received not only his full approbation but also his ready assistance in the use of the Annals thereof then in his custody From those and other authentick Manuscripts and Autographs particularly relating to the Order and a painful and chargeable search of our publick Records I had collected the greatest part of my Materials before the happy Restauration of his now Majesty the present Soveraign of this most Noble Order who being afterwards acquainted with what I had done was most graciously pleased to countenance it and encourage me in the prosecution thereof The Work in general contains an Historical account of the Laws and Ceremonies of the said most Noble Order but more particularly its Institution the manner and order observed in Elections Investitures and Installations of Knights the Holding of Chapters Celebration of Festivals the Formality of Proceedings the Magnificence of Embassies sent with the Habit to Stranger Kings and Princes in sum all other things relative to the Order In the illustration whereof I have inserted where they properly occur'd the most eminent and considerable Cases which have required and received discuâ—sion in Chapters the determinations thereupon becoming Rules and Laws Whence it may be observed that the Foundation and Superstructures of the Order were laid and raised upon the exactest Rules of Honor. And to supply the failer and defects of the Annals I have been forced to make use of Memorials and Relations yet such as were taken notice of and committed to writing either by some of the Officers of the Order or those of Arms during the times of their attendance on the Service of the Order and consequently of sufficient authority for me to relye on To usher in those I have given a Prospect of Knighthood in General of the several Orders of Knighthood as also of the Antiquity of the Castle and Colledge of Windesor and closed all with the Honors Martial Employments and famous Actions the Matches and Issues of the Founder and first Knights-Companions as also a perfect Catalogue of their Successors to this very present All which are adorned with variety of Sculptures properly relating to the several parts of the Work But the following Synopsis of its whole Contexture and the Heads of the Chapters will excuse a further enlargement here I shall with submiâ—sion add That this noble Subject having not been at some times
obliged to defend the Christian Faith and acknowledge Obedience to his Successors Kings of Navarre He ordained the Habit of the Order to be White and the Ensign thereof a plain Red Cross set on the top of a green Oak which gave the Title after the same manner as it appeared to him but time hath darkned this Order not only in its heroick actions but laudable Foundation since we find no further memorial of it The Order of the Gennet in France 3. To preserve the memory of that famous Battel fought neer Tours anno Christi 726. or as Mennenius margins it about the year 738. where 385000 Sarâ—cens and Moors together with their General Abdiramo fell by the conquering Sword of Charles Martel and to reward those who had behaved themselves valiantly in that action the said Charles instituted an Order of Knighthood under the Title of the Gennet The great number of rich Gennet Furs anciently esteemed among them the most excellent though since the Ermine hath gained a better value as also of the Creatures themselves alive taken among the Spoils of that Victory giving him occasion to bestow that name upon his new erected Order But others not improperly impute the reason of this appellation to a kind of neat shap'd Horses of which not unlikely a great part of the Founders Cavalry might consist The Knights saith Favin were sixteen whose Collars were made of three Chains of Gold interwoven or linked with Red Roses at the end of which Collar hung a Gennet of Gold Black and Red sitting on a flowry bank all enamell'd with variety of Colour and Art And in further honor of this Institution the Founder not only renewed the â—se of Gold Rings so peculiar of old to the Equestrian Order among the Romans but caused them and all other Ornaments of this Order to be engraven and wrought with the Effigies of a Gennet This is accounted by Favin the first Order of Knighthood among the French which is to be understood of a distinct Order acknowledged by a particular and peculiar Title and continued in glory until the institution of the Order of the Star some say but till the Reign of St. Lewis after which time it was laid aside But though Favin be thus particular as to the Institution of this Order and the occasion thereof the exact number of Knights and especially in assigning a Collar with the Ensign hanging at it sutable to the mode of later times yet some other of his Countrymen wanting the assurance and authority of ancient Writers to back them are not confident enough to perswade the world that there was ever any such The Order of the Crown Royal among the Frizons 4. The erection of this Order is referred to Charles the Great Son of King Pepin in the year of Christ 802. which more fully appears in his pragmatical Sanction then dated at the Lateran Palace in Rome and instituted out of a design to honor and reward those among the Frizons who had behaved themselves valiantly in his Armies against the Sesnes or ancient Saxons or as others say against the Lombards in subduing that Kingdom and to stir up and encourage others to emulate their virtue This Order was so called from the Ensign appointed to the same namely an Imperial Crown embroidered with Gold which the Knights used to wear upon the breasts of their Habit and to perpetuate this Militia he ordained that the Governor of that Country whom they then called Potestat should confer the same upon such as had followed the Armies of France as well in Italy as Germany for five years together at their own expence by which means the Emperor was served at a less charge The Knights were invested with the Military Belt and a box on the Ear of which we have spoken in the first Chapter The Order of the Dog and Cock in France 5. The Institution of this Order of the Dog and Cock is generally attributed to the Family of Montmorency in France and it is more particularly affirmed by Robertus Caenalis to have been erected by the first Christian of that Family called Protochristianus Archibaro which causeth us to bring in this Order here neer to the Age he lived in but to say truth as to the Institution it self or to the time thereof there is not any more certain or more satisfactory account than that anciently this Family carried a Dog the Embleme of fidelity and sincerity upon their Helmet for a Crest and that Peter Montmorency was a Knight of the Order of the Cock which Bird was called by the Ancients the Bird of Mars But some make two distinct Orders of this and after that of the Dog they say another Order viz. of the Cock was also Instituted whose Collar had the Comb of a Cock pendent thereat the Motto being Vigiles howbeit afterwards both these Orders came to be united and hereupon the Ensign was then the Effigies both of a Dog and Cock joined together Moraeus relates that Burchard Montmorency appeared at the Court of Philip the First King of France attended with many Knights and all of them like himself adorned with Collars of Gold composed of Stag-heads whereat hung the Figure of a Dog whence we may presume that it had some relation to the more ancient Order of which this was the Badge or Ensign The Order of the Thistle in Scotland 6. Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross reports that a bright Cross appeared from Heaven in fashion of that whereon St. Andrew suffered Martyrdom to Hungus King of the Picts but Favin saith to the Scots whom Achaius King of Scotland sent to his assistance the night preceding the Battel with Athelstan King of England or rather of Denmark to whom King Alured had given the Kingdom of Northumberland over whom Hungus prevailing bore the Figure of that Cross at all times after in his Ensigns and Banners and from this time and occasion hath the like bearing thereof been religiously observed by all succeeding Kings of Scotland Hence also it is believed saith Mennenius that the Equestrian Order of St. Andrew vulgarly called of the Thistle took beginning To this agrees the relation which I received from Sir Charles Areskin now Lyon King of Arms in Scotland through the favour of the Right Honorable the Earl of Lauderdail who adds that after this Victory obtained which was as he saith anno 819. but according to George Buchanan Achains dyed 9 years before King Hungius and Achaius Confederates against Athelstan went in solemn Procession bare-footed to the Kirk of St. Andrew to thank God and his Apostle for their Victory promising that they and their Posterity in time coming would ever use in their Ensigns the Cross of St. Andrew whensoever they undertook any warlike Expedition which custom not only remained among the Picts but is still among the Scots to this
well-beloved Servant Sir Gilbert Dethick Knight Garter King of Arms Our said Order of the Garter the same to use as to this Election of you appertaineth wishing that God may increase you in virtue and honour as amply as any other that hath been Elected and placed in the same Yeoven under the Signet of our said Order at our Honor at Greenwich the 5. of May in the 26. year of our Reign To our right Trusty and Well-beloved the Lord Cobham Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports Knight and Companion of our most Noble Order of the Garter NUM XX. A Letter signifying Election when the present Soveraign was beyond the Seas Ex Collect. E. W. G. Charles R. CHARLES the Second by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. and Soveraign of the most Noble Order of the Garter To our right trusty and entirely beloved Cousin and Councellor James Marquess of Ormond our Lieutenant in the Kingdom of Ireland Greeting Whereas our Royal Progenitors the Kings of England have in all times since the institution of the most Noble Order of St. George called the Garter by our most noble and victorious Auncester King Edward the Third elected and chosen into the Fellowship thereof such Princes and other eminent persons as well Strangers as of their own Subjects as have for nobility and greatness of their births accompanied with heroick virtues especially in martial actions been thought worthy of the same We therefore considering that since the late horrid Rebellion in that our Kingdom many of the Companions thereof are dead and that some others contrary to their honor and Oaths have deserted their allegiance and are no more worthy to be esteemed Companions of so noble an Order and finding how necessary it is for ouâ— service and the honor of the said Order to elect others in their places vacant who for their birth courage and fidelity may be fit to be admitted thereunto Know you therefore that we duly weighing the eminence of your birth and Family and above all the great and most extraordinary services done by you for many years past and still continued in the condition of our Lieutenant in that our Kingdom together with your singular courage and fidelity have thought it fit by our power as Soveraign of the said Order dispencing with the usual Ceremonies to elect and chuse you our said right trusty and entirely beloved Cousin James Marquess of Ormond to be Fellow and Companion of the said most Noble Order of the Garter and do herewith send unto you the George and Ribband part of the Ensigns thereof by our trusty and well-beloved Servant Henry Seymour Esq one of our Bed-Chamber in regard Sir Edward Walker Knight Garter Principal King of Arms the proper Officer is otherways employed in our service the which we do hereby will and authorise you to wear And because it is not possible at present to have all other Ceremonies and Additions incident to the same fully perfected We do further will and authorize you to wear and use the Garter or Ribband on your left Leg the Glory or Star of Silver with St. George's Cross embroidered within a Garter upon your Cloak and upper Garments as likewise the Great Collar of the Order upon such days as are accustomed to use the Garter about your arms and to style your self Knight and Companion of the said most Noble Order of the Garter in as ample manner as if you had been installed in our Castle of Windesor where when it shall please God to restore us to the possession thereof you shall formally be invested receive the habit and all other the above recited Ornaments of the said most Noble Order And We no way doubt but as you have hitherto with singular courage fidelity and ability served us so you will still continue to do the same as becomes a Knight and Companion of so Noble an Order Given at the Castle of St. Germans en laye this eighteenth day of September in the first Year of our Reign NUM XXI A Letter signifying Election sent to Sir Iohn Falstolf Registrum Chart. fol. 14. De par le Roy Souverain de l'Ordre de la Iartier NOstre ame feal nous vous saluons Et come apres le trespassement de nostre treschier feal Cousin le Conte de Westmerlande dont dieux ait l'ame que estoit un de noz Compaignons de l'Ordre de la Jartier Nous eussions ordonné que noveielle election fust fait pur avoire un autre Compaignon en son lieu come la manere si est que le contenu dez estatuz du dit Ordre le porte vons signifions que a la darrain feste de Seint George en nostre Chapitre du dit Ordre tenuz a Wyndesore le xxii jour d' Avryll darrain passé veille de la dite feste nostre Compaignie du dit Ordre esteauniz adonques au dit Chapitre Considerant tant lez hous leaux honourables services que avez de piecà faiz en service de nostre tres redounté Seigneur Pier que dieux assoille que faitez continuelement en nostre come pluseurs autres desertes d'onnour que dieux a souffert estre en vous en tollerant tousjours comme bon feal subjet lez paines travaulx de guerre pour nostre bon droit juste querelle susteiner vous a eslâ—u un de noz Compaignons du dit Ordre en lieu de nostre dit Cosin esperant que dieux vous donne tousjours grace valeur de faire toudis de bien en mâ—ulx vostre devoire pourquoy a la delivrance de cestez nouz avons chargie par noz lettres noz treschiers feaulx Cosins lez Countez de Salisbirs de Warwyke de Soulfolk qui sâ—nt noz Compaignons du dit Ordre ou l'un d'eulx de qui vous serrez plus pres quil vous monstrent delivrent lez estatuz du dit Ordre Et yceulx par vouz receux preugnent vostre serement en tel cas acoustume a faire que bien lealment tendres ferez si avaunte que Dieux vous donnera puissance tout le contenu es diz estatuz en vous baillant l'ordre de la Jartier La quelle chose faite volonz que vouz ordonnez en tout haste resonnablement possible vostre Heaulme Espee un honourable Chivalier sanz reproche en lieu de vous pour prendre vostre estalle come voz veirez que les ditz estatuz du dit Ordre le requirent Et en cas que le dit Ordre ne vondrez acceptier pour aucun cause a vouz semblant raisonable le nous certifiez dedeinz deux mois apres la doubte de cestez en ceo nais point de faute Donné a Leicestre soubz le Seall du dit Ordre
Lord he hath at this day the Title of Prince of Maltae and Goza and had that of Illustrious first given him by Ferdinand the Second Emperor of Germany Among sundry great priviledges wherewith he is invested he hath power to Seal in Lead as doth the Pope and Duke of Venice He acknowledges the Pope for his Head and the King of Spain for his Patron Under this Great Master there are many of the Knights in several Kingdoms and Provinces called Priors some of whom have also the addition of Great With us in England he was stiled Prior Hospitalis Sancti Iohannis Ierusalem in Anglia and by that Title was he summoned to the Parliament as a Baron of this Kingdom At length he became ranked the first Baron and had place and precedency accordingly above all the Barons of Parliament There is a Memorandum of making his Oath of Fealty to the King which I find thus recorded Memorandum quod Frater Johannes de Radyngton Prior Hospitalis Sancti Iohannis Ierusalem in Anglia vicesimo tertio die Septembris anno praesenti apud Mansum Fratrum Praedicatorum London fecit fidelitatem suam Domino Regi debitam coram Consilio dicti Domini Regis ibidem tunc existente sub hac forma Jeo sera foial foie loialtie portera a nostre Seigneur le Roi Richard a ses heirs Rois D'engleterre de vie de membre de terrien honour a vivre morir contre toutz gentz diligiament seray entendant as busoignes nostre Seigneur le Roy solonc mon sen poair le conseil nostre Seigneur le Roy celera a lui a ses maundementz en quantque a moy attient sera obeisant si Dieu moi eide ses Seintz Protestando quod hoc non cederet in praejudicium Hospitalis praedicti temporibus futuris This Order grew in time to such greatness in Possessions and Lands that in the Reign of King Henry the Third they had in Christendom no fewer than nineteen thousand Mannors When Saladine had taken Ierusalem after it had been possest eighty nine years by the Christians these Knights retreated to the City of Acres called Ptolomais and that being also taken they seised upon the Island of Rhodes and gained the chief City there 18. Calend. Sept. in the year of our Lord 1308. which Pope n Clement the Fifth confirmed to them and thereupon they began to be called Knights of Rhodes At Rhodes they remained 214. years even until anno 1522. when Solyman the Great took the Island by force and made his publick entry thereinto on Christmas-day after which they betook themselves to the Island of Malta which with Tripoli and Goza were granted to them in Fee by the Emperor Charles the Fifth the 23. of March anno 1530. under the tender of one Falcon to the Viceroy of Sicily upon the 25. day of April yearly and on condition to acknowledge the King of Spain and Sicily for their Protectors This Donation was confirmed by Pope Clement the Seventh on the 9. of May in the same year In which Isle they yet continue the Bulwark and Fortress of Europe chiefly to shelter Sicily and guard the Coasts of Italy and from this settlement of theirs in this place they have been ever since called Knights of Malta The Order of Knights Templars 3. About the years 1117. 1118. 1119. or 1120. this Order took beginning Baldwin the Second then reigning in Ierusalem and Gelasius the Second possessing the Roman Chair when nine Gentlemen urged by zealous devotion passed the Seas to the Holy Land the chief of which though the rest are forgotten were Hugo de Paganes and Godfrey de Saint Omer two Knights of Noble Extraction The King because these Knights at first had no habitation assigned to them part of his own Palace neer the South-gate adjoining to the Temple of Solomon in Ierusalem and gave them leave to build a small House of residence within the inclosure thereof and hereupon they became called Brothers of the Militia of the Temple or more ordinarily in one word Knights Templars And as they began to increase in number which they did not till after nine years from their Institution so their first undertaking and profession to which they were enjoined by the Patriarch of Ierusalem was chiefly to guard the most dangerous High-ways about Ierusalem whereupon they became safe conductors to Pilgrims and Travellers who came to visit the holy places in that City both in coming thither and returning thence against the violence and robberies of the Saracens which charitable service made them acceptable to all and for which they obtained of the Patriarch and Bishops remission of their sins But they were yet so poor that for the first nine years they liv'd upon the Alms of others and wore such Clothes as good men for Charities sake bestowed on them They also rode two on one Horse in memory of which primitive poverty there was engraved on the Seal of their Order the Figure of two of their Knights riding upon one Horse which is exactly represented in Math. Paris At the Council held at Troyes in Champaigne anno 1127. they had certain Rules assigned to them drawn up by St. Bernard Abbot of Clairuaux a French Gentleman Lord of Fontaines a Village and Castle distant about half a mile from Dion by the appointment of Pope Honorius the Second and Stephen Patriarch of Ierusalem in the presence of which Patriarch they made their Vows of Obedience Poverty and Chastity and to live under the rule of Canons Regular of St. Augustine They were also enjoined to wear a White Habit to which but not till the time of Eugenius the Third they assumed the Red Cross and of the same form that the Knights Hospitallers of St. Iohn of Ierusalem wore though Favin saith it was a Patriarchal Cross and sewed it â—n the left shoulder of their Mantles to distinguish them from the Knights of other Orders in the Holy Land And thus as by their â—hite Habit their innocency was notified so by the Red Cross their resolution to spend their blood in defence of the Christian Faith These Knights with those other of the Holy Sepulâ—hre Hospitallers and Teuâ—onicks were the principal Columns which supported the Kingdom of Ierusalem for a long time and therefore their valiant encounters with the Infidels and forwardness to sacrifice their lives for the honor of God and defence of the Holy Land ought to be had in everlasting remembrance But when Riches increast and their Revenues were augmented they grew proud and withdrew themselves from the obedience of the Patriarch of Ierusalem to join with the Pope So that at last upon Friday after the Feast-day of St. Denys in the year of our Lord 1307. all the
more than one Order at a time if it be of a religious Constitution and whensoever he obtains leave to change that Order he cannot be received into another without relinquishing the former Ordo Disciplinarum in Austria 32. Bohemia saith Micheli finding it self very much endangered by Turks and Hereticks the Kings thereof instituted this Order to suppress or at least to keep them under and to secure the Confines of that Kingdom But I suppose this Author means Austria in regard it appears immediately before to have been conferr'd by the Dukes of that Country The Collar of the Order had a White Eagle hanging thereat This and the former Order together with that of the Dragon in Hungary are said to have flourished in Germany in the Reigns of the Emperors Sigismund and Albert. Ordo de la Scama in Castile 33. This Order received Institution from Iohn the Second King of Castile about the year of our Lord 1420. to perswade and stir up his Nobility to fight against the Moors For he being overcharged with War designed this Order chiefly to awaken their courage for the defence of his and their own Estates which afterwards upon all occasions they performed so well and gave so great demonstrations of their Valour that in a short time the Moors were vanquished What their symbol or Ensign was or the reason of the Title de la Scama hapned to be so far worn out that Hieronymus Romanus who wrote the life of this King Iohn professeth he knew not what was meant or intended by it though he had been very diligent in the search thereof Yet Ios. Micheli informs us that their Ensign was a Cross composed of Scales of Fishes which does plainly enough demonstrate it to be derived from the Latin word Squama from whence comes the Spanish word Scama that signifies the Scale of a Fish Some that speak of this Order say nothing as to its beginning being ignorant of the Founder but it is generally believed to be Instituted by the foresaid King Iohn in whose time it flourished insomuch as there were few of his Nobility but were also Knights thereof The duty to which they were obliged was to defend the Kingdom of Castile against the Moors and to dye in defence of the Christian Faith besides which upon every occasion when the King went out to War they march'd before him Their Priviledges were given them by King Iohn as also Statutes and Rules to be governed by Upon whose death the splendor of this Order was eclipsed as many times it hath fared with other Foundations in the like case the Successors wanting the zeal and love for their continuance equal to that of the Founders for their Institution The Order of Knights of the Golden Fleece in Flanders 34. Philip the Second Duke of Burgundy of the second and last Line issuing out of the House of France surnamed the Good instituted this Order under the Title of the Golden Fleece in memory of the great Revenues he raised by the traffick of Woolls with the Low Countries Some will have it erected in commemoration of valiant Gideon who with 300 men vanquished a numerous Army of Midianites Or else according to others the Founder followed the example of Iason and his Argonautes whose Expedition to Colchus against Actes he perhaps might intend to imitate by a Voyage into Syria against the Turk Whatsoever the occasion was 't is certain from the preamble of the Statutes of Institution that this Duke out of the perfect love he bore to the noble estate of Knighthood founded this Order to the glory of the Almighty Creator and Redeemer in reverence of the Virgin Mary and honor of St. Andrew the Apostle and Martyr whom he made Patron thereunto to the advancement of the holy Faith the service of the Catholick Church and promoting of Virtue For the maintaining and upholding of which and for the increase of honor and fair renown no less than the correction of Vice several good orders set down in the Institution are appointed to be observed at the Chapter held on the last day of every Annual Feast of the Order The day of Institution was the 10. of Ianuary anno Dom. 1429. on which very day the Founder solemnized his Marriage with Elizabeth Daughter to Iohn King of Portugal in the City of Bruges in Flanders The number of Knights first chosen were 24. beside the Duke Chief and Supream who reserved to himself the nomination of six more at the next Chapter But Charles the Fifth anno 1516. encreased them to fifty And though the Founder at first resolved upon the Feast of St. Andrew annually for holding the solemnities of the Order nevertheless in consideration of the shortness of the days at that time of the year and how troublesome it would prove especially to aged Knights who lived at great distance to take a Journey in so cold a season it was afterwards ordained that the Grand Feast and General Assembly should be kept from three years to three years on the first of May in such place as the Sovereign of the Order should beforehand give competent notice of As to the Habit it was at first ordained that at the Grand Solemnity the Knights should wear three different Mantles to wit the first day of the Feast of Scarlet Cloth richly embroidered about the lower end with Flints struck into sparks of Fire and Fleeces with Chaperons of the same and the same day after Dinner to proceed to Vespers in Mantles of Black and black Chaperons The day following the Knights were to hear the grand Mass of our Lady clad as should seem good to themselves But Duke Charles Son to the Founder appointed them Mantles of White Damask for that days Ceremony and changed their Cloth Mantles into Velvet The great Collar is composed of double Fusils interwoven of equal bigness in form of the Letter B. with Flint-stones seeming to strike fire and sparkles of fire between them at the end whereof doth hang the resemblance of a Fleece of Gold enamelled in its proper Colours These Fusils are placed back to back two and two together thereby representing the Letter B both ways intending to signifie Bourgoigne they are also intermingled with Flint-stones in reference to the Arms of the ancient Kings of Bourgoigne but it was the devise of the Founder to ingirt them with sparkles and flames of fire To the Flint Paradine in his Heroical Devises ascribes this Motto Ante Ferit quam Flamma micet and to the Fleece this Pretium non vile laboris The Iewel is ordinarily worn in a double Chainet or Males of Gold linked together at convenient distances between which runs a small Red Ribbon and so is Philip the Fourth King of Spain representeâ— wearing his Jewel in a Picture at full length hanging in his Majesty's Gallery at Whitehall or otherwise it is worn
was born at 40 minutes after five in the morning of the said day the 6. Degree of the Sign Scorpio Ascending and the 18. Degree of Leo Culminating The places of the Planets as there posited followeth gr ♄ in 5 ♑ ♃ in 27 ♉ ♂ in 21 ♠☉ in 28 ♠♀ 18 ♠☿ in 8 ♠◠in 8 ♉ ♠in 26 ♉ The Thursday after his birth he was Christned in the Chappel then of St. Edward in Windesor Castle by A. Priest Cardinal by the Title of Sancta Prisca and his Godfathers were Richard Bishop of Poictiers Iohn Bishop of Bath and Wells William Bishop of Worcester Lewis Earl of Eureux the Queens Brother Iohn de Britannia Earl of Richmond Aymer de Valence Earl of Penbroke and Hugh le Despenser Within a few days after the King his Father granted him the County of Chester except the Mannors of Mekklesfield and Shotwyke to hold to him and his Heirs Kings of England for ever And likewise the County of Flint and Cantred of Englefield with the Castles of Flint and Rothelan to hold as before except the Mannor of Overton the Lands of Mailor Seysnoke and the Castle and Mannor of Holt after which he was thus stiled by the King Edwardus Comes Cestriae filius noster Charissimus So pleasing to his Father 〈◊〉 the birth of this Prince that the 16. of December following he gave to Iohn Launge Valet to the Queen and to Isabel his Wife and the longer liver of them for bringing to him so desirable News 24 l. per annum to be paid out of the Farm of London But leaving his Infancy we will now proceed to his youth and the occurrences that attended his riper years King Edward his Father having been often summoned to the Court of France to do homage for the Dukedom of Aquitaine and other his Lands held in that Kingdom and still delaying till the French King had seized thereon it was at length concluded that he should give to this Prince that Dukedom who then should do the Homage and enjoy the Lands Hereupon preparation was made for his passing into France and a little before at Langedon Abbey near Dover the King on the 2. of September in the 19. year of his Reign first gave to him his Heirs and Successors Kings of England jure haereditario imperpetuum the Counties of Ponthieu and Monstroile and on the 10. of the same month at Dover granted to him the Dukedom of Aquitaine and all the Lands he had or ought to hold in the Kingdom of France Habendum as before two days after this new Duke took shipping at Dover thence passed into France and made his Homage in which Journey it was likewise thought fit that the Queen should accompany him in regard her Lands in that Kingdom had also been seized on Shortly after his return into England he was unanimously chosen Custos of the Kingdom in his Fathers absence then fled into Wales with Hugh le Despencer the Son Robert-Baldock and others by divers of the Bishops Nobility Barons and Knights de assensu totius Comitatûs dicti Regni ibidem existentis and at Martley the Great Seal sent from the King was delivered to him Not long after his Father ressigned his Crown upon which great preparations were made for this young Prince's Coronation which was solemnly performed at Westminster by William Archbishop of Canterbury on Sunday after the Conversion of St. Paul being the 1. of Feb. an 1327. His first Martial Attempt but unsuccessful for more then what appertains to his Wars we shall not here discourse off was the raising an Army to march against the Scots For Robert Bruce King of Scotland having sent him a defiance about Easter next following his Coronation shortly after invaded England notwithstanding the Truce between the said King Robert and King Edward the Second was yet on foot and an agreement for further Treaty of Peace to be held in the Marches on Sunday next before Ascension day then next comming The Kings Army was appointed to Rendevouz at Newcastle upon Tyne on Munday next before the Ascension of our Lord though Sir Iohn Froissard saith it was at York upon Ascension day whence about three weeks after Trinity Sunday he marched towards the Enemy but the Scots having exceedingly wasted the Northern parts and declined to fight slipt from him at Stanhop Park in the Bishoprick of Durham and withdrew towards their own Country nor could the King engage them though he endeavoured it for 24. days together I confess the first Actions of Princes are looked upon by all Eyes and not seldom with many Observators taken as the Radix whence to calculate their future either Successes or Miscarriages If at these undertakings a full Age entitle them to the sole management of Affairs we are inclined to think a judicious Eye may partly discern the strength of their Fortune But while they reside within Tutorage and their designs are carried on under the conduct of others the Event of things will manifest a dependency upon the strength or weakness of the Genius of those persons who are the chief managers of their Concerns And this was fully made good in this Prince whose Martial undertakings were very unsuccessful specially while the Government of the Kingdom was committed to others and sometimes afterwards when he was tyed up and hampered by his Allies in Flanders but he no sooner arrived at full Age but his Affairs shewed themselves as if disposed by his own Genius and the first remarkable experiment was verified even upon the Scots themselves from whom before he had received some affronts and indignities For having sent Ambassadors to the Custos and chief Nobility of Scotland He demanded the Homage of David Brus their King and these were probably Ralph Lord Basset of Drayton and William de Denum for it appears they were employed thither the 14. of Decemb. an 6 E. 3. touching the Affairs of the King and Kingdom and the doing of Homage denyed He forthwith raised an Army in assistance of Iohn Balioll Son of Iohn Balioll sometime King of Scotland against David Brus the then King which being appointed to meet at Newcastle upon Tine on Trinity Sunday an 7 E. 3. King Edward entred Scotland and wasted the Country as far as Scone for six months together Insomuch that the Scots were forced to fly to their Fastnesses in the Forest of Gedworth where they abode for many years and as the King returned he encountred an Army of theirs at Hallidown Hill which he defeated and killed about 32000. common Souldiers 7. Earls 90. Knights and Bannerets and 400. Esquires In memory of this great Victory hapning on the Eve of St. Margaret the Virgin being the 13. of Iuly he repaired the Church and Convent of Nuns near the place where the Battel was fought upon that occasion destroyed and burnt and caused
an Altar to be therein erected and dedicated to that Virgin He further granted to those Nuns and their Successors 20 l. per annum out of the Issues of the Town and County of Berwick until Lands to that value should be conferred upon them to the end that annually on the Eve and day of St. Margaret for ever they should commemorate the goodness of God for his so prosperous success On the Morrow after this great Victory the King had the Town and Castle of Berwick surrendred to him and on the 19. of Iune in the following year did Edward Baliol King of Scots make Homage and Fealty to him at Newcastle as to his Superior and Chief Lord of the Realm of Scotland who then granted to the King and annexed to the Crown of England for ever the Counties next adjoining to England namely Berwick Roxbourgh Peples and Dunfres the Towns of Hadington and Gedworth with the Castle and Fortress of Silkirke Etherick and Gedworth By the assistance which King Edward afforded to Edward Baliol he gained the most part of Scotland nevertheless divers Castles refused to surrender which occasioned the King to make another expedition thither and about Allballontide he arrived at Newcastle upon Tyne and thence marched into Scotland towards the end of November and at Christmass entred Ethrick Forest but the Scots were fled whereupon having prosecuted his design as far as he thought good he returned into England The next year he raised new Forces and himself from Carlisle and Edward King of Scots from Berwick both entred Scotland on the 12. of Iuly burning and wasting the Country on both sides beyond the Scottish Sea This Expedition brought the Earl of Atholl and divers of the Scotch Nobility to a Submission upon which the King came back into the Northern parts where he wintered and kept his Christmass at Newcastle About Twelfth-tide he was provided to pass again into Scotland when Ambassadors from the Pope and King of France found him at Berwick ready to enter that Kingdom and by their earnest sollicitation about Candlemas obtained of both Kings a Truce till Midlent following but no Peace ensuing Edward King of Scotland and divers of the English Nobility at Whitsontide entred Scotland again and finding St. Iohns Town slighted by the Scots they fortified it Shortly after this King Edward followed them thither and thence passed with his Army unto Elgen in Murrey and Innerness In his return he took Aberdeen and burnt divers Towns and destroyed the Country About which time the Earl of Cornwal entred Scotland also and destroyed the Western parts and met the King his Brother at St. Iohns Town where the King stayed not long but marched to Striveling built the Fortress called the Pile and returned home About the Feast of St. Luke he marcht again with a fresh Army into Scotland and repaired Bothuill-Castle and returned into England before Christmas leaving Edward King of Scots at St. Iohns Town setled in the Government of that Kingdom The Affairs of Scotland being thus quieted for some years gave King Edward the leisure to look towards France which Kingdom afterwards became the Scene of all his Martial Glory For Robert d' Artois Earl of Beaumont in France being discontented at the Sentence wherein Philip King of France had given the Earldom of Artois from him to Maud Countess of Burgundy let fall some dangerous words and they being laid hold on forced him to fly into England where he was kindly received by King Edward who after he had been here sometime afforded him the use of the Castles of Guilford Wallingford and Somerton whensoever he pleased to retire thither for his recreation and afterwards assigned him 800 l. per annum for his support the one moiety to be received out of the Revenues of certain Priories Alien seised into the Kings hands and the other moiety out of his Exchequer Soon after his coming over he advised the King to set on foot his claim to the Crown of Franceâ— whereto the King was willing enough to hearken and to be perswaded by him but the Affair being of so great concern his Council advised him to take the opinion of his Father-in-Law the Earl of Henault before he attempted any thing therein Hereupon a Comet with long and terrible streams ushering in this grand Affair he employed thither with all privacy Henry Burghersh Bishop of Lincolne with two Banerets and two Doctors to gain him to his party with all other persons of note as they should find inclinable to assist the King who laying before the Earl King Edward's pretensions to the Crown of France he not only approved of his design but advised the King to contract other Alliances and gain to his party some of his neighbouring Princes thereabouts The PORTRAICTVRES of King EDWARD the 3. with the first 2â— KNIGHTS COMPANIOS in the HABIT of the ORDER and SVRCOATS of their ARMES In April following a like Commission was issued to Henry Bishop of Lincolne William Earl of Salisbury and William Earl of Huntingdon and they immediately dispatcht into Flanders where they found business so well prepared by the Commissioners before named that by the 24. of May ensuing they had fully engaged divers of the Nobility and others in Henault Geldres and the Marquisate of Iuliers to appear in the Kings assistance against the French and withall setled the proportion of Men and Arms each of them were to furnish the King with in that Service together with the stipends and wages to be paid them in lieu thereof This done the said Bishop went to Gaunt and there won so much upon the humour of Iaques Dartuell that he gained him also to the Kings party Within a few days after Renaut the Second Earl of Guildres and Zuitphen who had married Leonora the Kings Sister and William Marquess of Iuliers Husband to Ioane Sister to Queen Philippa entred into the Association and next Rupert Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria signed an Agreement at Frankeford whereby he obliged himself to assist the King for the recovery and maintenance of his Inheritance against all persons whatsoever except Lewis the Emperor his Uncle which several Contracts made by the foresaid Ambassadors with these Princes were confirmed by the King under the Great Seal of England the 26. of August following Between this Emperor and the King and their Heirs past also an Union and Confederacy which obliged them to use all their power particularly against Philip de Valois who carried himself as King of France and his Successors in that Kingdom for the recovery and defence of their Honors Inheritances and Possessions The 13. of Iuly was Iohn Duke of Loraine Brabant and Lemburgh retained for the King and with the assent of the Emperor was the Confederation made with Lewis his eldest Son there stiled Marquess of Brandenburgh Count Palatine of the Rhyne Duke of Bavaria
England landing at Orewell the 21. of Febr. at 9. a Clock in the Morning and the first of March delivered it to Sir Iohn de St. Paul in a Chamber called the Cage Chamber at Westminster The old Great Seal was then delivered up to him by the said Sir Iohn which he gave to William de Kildesby to be kept in his Wardrobe But that the New Seal might be made more publick he caused Impressions thereof and of his Privy Seal to be made and sent to all the Sheriffs in England to be published in the several Counties in regard he intended at the meeting of the Parliament on the Wednesday next after Midlent Sunday to acquaint them with the cause wherefore he had added to his Stile the title of King of France That day being come he under his New Great Seal as King of France vacated all Papal Processes made at the instance of the French King against the Inhabitants of Flanders and granted to the Earl of Flanders his Heirs and Successors for ever the Towns of Lysle Doway Bethune and Orchies with the County of Artois and City of Tournay and to their Inhabitants divers Priviledges And by another Instrument of the same date under the said Seal with the consent of the Parliament he granted that the staple of Wools should be setled at Bruges A little before his return into England he wrote a Letter from Gaunt which bore Teste the 8. of Febr. in the first year of his Reign over France and 14. over England to the Prelates Peers and Commons of France thereby signifying that Charles late King of France his Mothers Brother being dead that Kingdom was fallen to him by manifest Law and that Philip de Valois Son to the Uncle of the said King had by force intruded into it in his Minority and yet detained it Lest therefore he should seem to neglect his own right he thought good to own the Title of France and take on him the defence and Government thereof and having offered the said Philip divers friendly conditions of Peace to which he refused all condiscention he was therefore necessitated to defend himself and recover his right by force of Arms and therefore all such Subjects as would submit to him as true King of France by Easter then next ensuing should be received into his grace and protection Having dispatcht his Affairs with the Parliament which had given him a great Supply to go on with this War and wherein an Act passed that he might with the assent of his Allies condescend to any reasonable terms of Peace And having created the Marquess of Iuliers Earl of Cambridge and given him 1000 l. per annum until he were provided for of so much Land of Inheritance He got in readiness an Army to go beyond Sea and prepared his Navy to transport it and on the 22. of Iune horâ diei quasi primâ set sail from Orewell The French King had laid 120. great Ships beside Genoeses Normans and Picards Manned with 40000. Men to intercept his passage But after a fierce and bloody fight on Midsummer Eve the King got the Victory before Sluce destroying most of the Enemy and taking the greatest part of their Fleet and on Midsummer day landed at Sluce and went forthwith to Gaunt Of this Signal Victory an account by Letter was sent from the King to the Bishops and Prelates by the Earl of Arundel and Sir William Trussell Not long after the King held a Council with his Allies at Villenort where it was resolved that the King should besiege Tournay before which he brought 120000. Men. Thence he sent a Letter sealed with his Great Seal to Philip de Valois signifying that he had fairly requested him to render him his lawful right to the Crown of France but perceiving he meant to persist in detaining it without returning him any answer He was therefore entred Flanders as Soveraign Lord thereof to pass through that Country for recovery of his Inheritance so detained yet to avoid the effusion of Christian blood and determine the right he challenged him to fight body to body or else 100. chosen Souldiers on each side or if both were refused then to pitch upon a day for both Armies to fight neer Tournay But the French King returned no answer to this Letter The Siege continued eleven weeks wanting three days in which time by the mediation and effectual endeavour of Iane de Valois the French Kings Sister a Treaty was set on foot Iohn King of Bohemia Adolph Bishop of Leige Reynel Duke of Loraine Am Earl of Savoy and Iohn Earl of Arminiack being Commissioners for the French King the Dukes of Brabant and Gueldres the Marquess of Iuliers and Iohn of Henault Lord Beaumont for King Edward who on the 25. of September agreed upon a Truce between both Kings to endure till Midsummer following of which publication was made in England the 6. of October and thus both Armies retired But this was much against the Kings Will though not against those of his Allies who were very desirous to return home The Siege being raised the King went to Gaunt and thence returned into England where he arrived at the Tower Wharf on the Feast of St. Andrew about Midnight At this Treaty before Tournay it was among other things agreed that another Treaty should be held at Arras within that year whither both Kings and the Pope should send Commissioners but that meeting produced only another year to be added to the Truce The Kings Commissioners were the Bishops of Lincolne and Durham the Earl of Warwick Sir Robert d' Artois Sir Iohn Henault and Sir Henry of Flanders This year produced some other Overtures for the amicable composure of all Controversies and concluding a Peace between the two Kings to which purpose a Commission issued to R. Bishop of Durham Hugh Earl of Gloucester William Fitz Warren Nicholas de Flisco and William Trussell Another Commission issued to Iohn Duke of Brabant Reignold Duke of Gueldres and Zuthphen William Marquess of Iuliers and Earl of Cambridge and William Earl of Hanaw and Iohn de Hanaw Lord Beaumont to treat and agree with Philip de Valois upon a Truce to the Feast of the decollation of St. Iohn Baptist then coming on which it seems became so far hopeful as to produce a prorogation till the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and thence till Midsummer in the following year Another Commission was made forth to William Earl of Huntingdon Bernard Dominus de le Brett Bartolomew de Burglersh Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely and Michael de Flisco to treat with the 〈◊〉 Philip de Valois aswell touching the Kingdom and Crown of France as divers other questions and controversies between them and to compose the differences by a full Peace or otherwise a Truce and one of these Commissions was
Preachers with Hugh de Geneve Knight Seigneur d'Auton the Duke of Normandy dispatcht them to King Edward to propose a Treaty of Peace who required things so great they could not be yielded to Howbeit they still followed the King to Chartres where a meeting for Commissioners on both sides was consented to and they brought demands to such moderation that with the Duke of Lancasters effectual perswasion the King was content to accept of Peace But what inclined the King to hearken thereto as Froissard tells the story was this That while the Commissioners on both sides were upon Treaty and the King wholly untractable there fell in the Kings Army so great a Tempest of Thunder Lightning Rain Hail and Stones of such bigness that kill'd both Men and Horses at which time the King beholding the Church of our Lady of Chartres vowed devoutly to condescend to Peace This prodigious storm hapned on Easter Munday which falling that year on the 14. of April neer a Month before the conclusion of the Treaty was from its dismal effects called Black Munday which name it retains to this day The Treaty was managed between Edward Prince of Wales and Charles Regent of France their Proctors and Agents in the name of both Kings these two Princes and all the Subjects of France Those deputed on the English part were Sir Reginald de Cobham Sir Bartholomew Burghersh Sir Francis Hale Bannerets Sir Miles Stapleton Sir Richard la Vache and Sir Neel Loring Knights and others of the Council of the King of England Those other on the French side were the Ellect of Beauues his Chancellor Charles Lord Momorency Monsieur Iohn le Meingre Marshal of France Monsieur Aynart de la Tour Lord of Vivoy Monsieur Ralph de Ravenal Monsieur Simon de Bucy Knights Monsieur Stephen de Paris and Peter de la Charite his Councillors with many others of his Council deputed by King Iohn and Himself At first a Truce was agreed on the 7. of May An. Dom. 1360. in the 34. year of King Edward over England to continue till Michaelmas following and thence till Michaelmas an 35 E. 3. which upon the return of the King into England was by Writs bearing Teste the 24. of the same Month commanded to be published throughout all the Sea-Ports in England and by a like Writ notice was given to the Duke of Lancaster to proclaim it in Gascoigne And the next day viz. 8. of May were the Articles referring to a final Peace agreed to on the behalf of both Kings This was that Famous Treaty of Renunciation of both Kings so much spoken of by Writers to which their eldest Sons were parties in regard the King of France renounced the Soveraignty of several Territories to King Edward and he in like manner renounced his Title to France and some other Places all which we shall here briefly mention First it was agreed that King Edward with what he held in Aquitaine and Gascoigne should hold perpetually to him and his Heirs in the same manner as the King of France or his Son or any of his Ancestors held the same to wit that in Soveraignty in Soveraignty and that in Demain in Demain the City Castle and County of Poytiers with the Fees of Thoâ—ars and Land of Belleville the Cities and Castles of Xaintes Agen Pierregort Lymoges Caours Tarbe Angolesme and Rodeis and the Land and Countries of Poytou Xaintonge on this and the furthest side of the River of Charente with the Town and Fortress of Rochell Agenoys Pierreguis Lymosyn Caorsyn Tarbe Bigorre Gaure Angolesmoys Rovergue the Counties of Pierregort Bigorre Gaure and Angolesmoys And that such Earls or Lords as had Lands within the forementioned places should do their Homages and Services to him That King Edward should have in Demain all that any of his Predecessors anciently held in the Town of Monstrereul on the Sea As also all the County of Ponthieu with some few exceptions the Town and Castles of Calais the Towns Castles and Lordships of Merk Sangate Coloigne Hames Wale and Oye with their appurtenances as likewise all the places lying within the Jurisdictions and bounds following that is to say from Calais to the border of the River before Gravelinges and so by the same River round about Langle and by the River that runneth beyond the Poil and by the same River that falleth into the great Lake of Guynes to Freton and thence by the valley about Calculy Hill inclosing that Hill and so to the Sea with Sangate and all the appurtenances that the King should have the County of Guynes with all the Lands Towns Fortresses Places Men Homages Lordships Woods Forests and Rights thereunto belonging in as ample manner as the then late Earl of Guynes or his Predecessors held the same and likewise all the Isles adjoining to the Lands aforesaid and all other Isles he then held That the King of France and his eldest Son the Regent should before Michaelmas 1361. give and deliver to the King of England his Heirs and Successors all the Honors Obediences Homages Liegeances Subjections Fees Services Recognizances Rights and all manner of Jurisdictions high and low Resorts and Saveguards Advowsons and Patronages of Churches and all Lordships and Soveraignties with all the right they had and belonging to them by any Cause Right Title or Colour or to the Crown of France in the said Cities Counties Castles Towns Lands Countries Isles and Places and of their appurtenances and appendencies without holding any thing to them their Heirs or Successors or Crown of France And also to give notice to all Archbishops Bishops and Prelates and all Earls and other Noblemen and Citizens by Letters-Patent in all the said places to yield obedience to the King of England his Heirs and Successors in the same manner as they had obeyed the Kings and Crown of France and thereby also to quit and absolve them of all their Homages Fealties Oaths Obligations Subjections and Promises made to the Kings and Crown of France And that the King of England his Heirs and Successors should have and hold all the forementioned Cities Counties Castles Lands Places and Persons perpetually and freely in their Lordship Soveraignty Obedience and Subjection as the Kings of France had or did hold them in times past and all the Countries with their appurtenances in all Freedoms and Liberties perpetually as Lords and Soveraigns and as Neighbors to the King and Kingdom of France without any acknowledgment of Soveraign or making any Obedience Homage Resort or Subjection Service or Recognisance in time to come to the Kings or Crowns of France of the Places or Persons aforenamed or any of them The Renunciation on the King of England's part was as to the Name and Right to the Crown and Kingdom of France to the Homage Soveraignty and Demain of the Dutchies of Normandy and Thouraine of the Earldoms of Anjou and Maine to the Soveraignty and
elsewhere in the Kingdom of France and therein power was given him to treat and agree with any of the Kings Adversaries or their Adherents or other persons whatsoever And after by a particular Commission he and William Bishop of Norwich the Earls of Suffolk and Huntington and others were impowred to Treat and agree with the Earl of Flanders and his Allies touching any difference between the King and them and it seems their Endeavours took so good effect that an Agreement was made with that Earl the 10. of December following whereupon he was sent to Denemere and there received the said Earls Fealty and Homage As to his transactions relating to France He with the Bishop of Norwich the Earl of Suffolk and Sir Walter Many agreed to the Prorogation of the Truce from the 18. of November to the first of September following Upon the Death of his Father which fell out an 19. E. 3. he succeeded him in the Titles of the Earldoms of Lancaster and Leicester and for that a great part of the Lands sometimes the Earl of Lincolns were come to his possession the King Created him also Earl of Lincoln He had by his Charter of Creation granted unto him the Creation annuity of 20 l. to be paid him by the Sheriff of Lincolnshire for the time being in lieu of the third penny of that County for ever as Thomas late Earl of Lincoln his Uncle had to enjoy whilst he lived About 8. days after the King renued his Commission for being his Captain and Lieutenant in Aquitain and the parts adjacent with all Powers requisite for the better Government of those Dominions whether he shortly after pass'd And by other Letters Patent he constituted him his Captain and Lieutenant in Poicters with full power to exercise all things which appertained to that Command But for further increase of Honor the King Created him Duke of Lancaster and granted that during life he should have within that Country his Chancellor and Iustice as well to the Pleas of the Crown as other Pleas whatsoever to be held according to Law and the Executions of them and likewise all other Liberties and Royal Jurisdiction to a County Palatine appertaining as freely and wholly as the Earl of Chester was known to enjoy in the County of Chester the tenths and fifteenths and all other payments granted by the Clergy or Canons and pardons for life and members to the King excepted The 8. of March ensuing he was constituted Admiral of the Fleet from the mouth of the River Thames Westward and two days after the King Assigned him several Lieutenants namely Reginald de Ferers on the River Thames and Medway Robert Ledred Serjeant at Arms within the Cinque-Ports Philip de Wetton and Walter de Harewell Serjeants at Arms in the Port of Seford and in every part and place thence by the Sea-Coast to Fowy Richard Lengles in the Port of Fowy and thence to Bristol and there and in the Port of Chepstow and River of Severn and Ralph de Lullebrock in all places and Ports from Chepstow to Chester and there and in all Parts and Maritine places in Wales Upon a Rumor that the French had provided an Army and Navy to invade England among the Maritine Counties on the South of England Hants Wilts Somerset and Dorset were committed to this Duke to secure and to resist the Enemy So also was the Maritine parts of Lancashire And because the King had occasion to raise men for Land Service he gave him Commission to array 300. Archers within that Dutchy before the Quindena of the Holy Trinity then next following to be ready to march in the Kings Service The Scots also designing to invade England the following year this Duke had Commission to array all able men in Lancashire between the Age of 1â— and 60 to march against them in case they should presume to enter the Kingdom The like Commission was given him the 26. of February an 29. â— 3. The 14. of September an 29. E. 3. this noble Duke was constituted Lieutenant for the King and Iohn Duke of Bretagne then under age And by other Letters Patent of the same date Command was given to Sir Thomas Holland the Kings late Lieutenant to deliver up to him all the Castles Forts Cities Towns and other Places Lands Tenements and Rents in the said Dukedom under his custody with all the Corn Victuals Money and Issues of the said Dukedom as also all Victuals Engines Arms and other Ammunition in the said Castles c. which belonged to the King in Bretagne The 8. of August an 30. E. 6. he was by the Kings Letters Patent constituted Lieutenant and Captain in the Dukedom of Bretagne and parts adjacent for the good Government thereof both for the King and the said Iohn de Montford Duke of Bretagne then under age and in the King's custody from Michaelmas following for one year Froissard saith this Duke was in Normandy and with him the Lord Philip of Navarre and the Lord Godfrey of Harecourt carrying on the War in that Country under the Title of the King of Navar at such time as the Prince was foraging of Berry and used all endeavour to have joined his Forces with the Prince at Poicters but the passages being so well kept on the River Loire he could not pass and having heard that the Prince had got the Victory there he returned into England In this Voyage being 4000 strong they marched to Lisieux to Orbeâ— to Ponteau and relieved that Castle besieged above two Months but the Enemy hearing of the approach of the English raised their Siege in such hast that they left behind them their Ensigns and Artillery This Duke then marched to Breteuil which he relieved next to Verneuil in Perche took both Castle and Town and burnt a great part of it Upon the information of which the French King raised a mighty Army with design to fight him but he withdrawing to Laigle and the King being come within two Leagues of it found the Forest so thick and hazardous that he thought it not safe to pass further and in his return took from the Navarrois the Castles of Tilliers and Breteuil and so marched forward towards the Prince then harrasing Berry About the middle of May an 31. E. 3. he took the Field in Bretagne with 1000 men at Arms and 500 Archers and laid Siege to Rennes which though well defended was at length surrendred and the 25. of Iuly his Commission of Lieutenancy both for the King and Duke of Bretagne was renued for another year to commence at Michaelmas following but the 8. of August before the expiration thereof Sir Robert Herle and Iohn de Buckenham Clerk were appointed to succeed him being jointly and severally constituted Captains and Lieutenants both to the King and Duke for the following year from Michaelmas then next ensuing
At that time Tho. Douvedale was the Dukes Lieutenant in that Dukedom to whom command was given dated the 5. of August preceding to deliver up all things in his custody there and belonging to the King to such as the King had appointed to receive them in like manner as they were formerly delivered up to the Earl by Sir Thomas Holland late Captain there In the Expedition made by the King into France in the 33. year of his Reign this Duke was sent before to Calais with 400 Spears and 2000 Archers where being arrived he took with him those Lords of the Empire and other Commanders who there waited the Kings coming to Calais and marched to St. Omars Cambray and other places wasting all the Country as he passed until he heard of the arrival of the King and then returned to Calais This Voyage with the King into France was the last Martial Employment this Great Duke undertook and as he had manifested to the World the wisdom and valour of a great Commander and succeeded happily in Martial Affairs so was he no Enemy to Peace but as ready to lay hold of it on fair and honorable terms as he was forward to draw his Sword in defence of the Kings honor and right And this was most evident at the Treaty of Bretagne neer Chartres where though the King was very unwilling to accept of a Peace upon terms offered by the French yet moved by the perswasive Arguments of this worthy Duke he condescended thereunto It was also upon his motion both to the King and King Iohn of France that the Truce made at Rennes between Charles de Bloys and the Earl of Montfort which was to expire the first of May was enlarged to Midsummer following in hopes of a final Peace to be by that time made between them He married Isabel Daughter of Henry Lord Beaumont Cousin-german to Queen Isabel Wife to King Edward the Second and by her had two Daughters and Heirs Mand his eldest Daughter was Wife first to Ralph Son of Ralph Earl of Stafford and next to William Duke of Bavaria Earl of Henault Holand and Zeland Lord of Frisland stiled also Earl of Leicester and Blanch the youngest to Iohn of Gaunt created Duke of Lancaster an 36. E. 3. His Will was made in his Castle at Leicester the 15. of March 1360. in which he is stiled Duke of Lancaster Earl of Derby Lincolne and Leicester Steward of England Lord of Bergerac and Beaufort and by which he appoints his Body to be interred in the Collegiate Church of our Lady at Leicester where his Father was buried He dyed within few days after viz. on Tuesday next before Easter an 35. E. 3. and was buried at Leicester according to the appointment of his Will 4. Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick THis noble Earl was eldest Son to Guy Earl of Warwick and Alice Sister and Heir of Robert Toney He was born in Warwick Castle and had to his Godfathers Thomas Earl of Lancaster Henry his Brother and Thomas de Warington Prior of Kenilworth On New-years day in the second year of King Edward the Third he was made Knight though then within age and the 20. of February following having made his Homage had Livery of his Fathers Lands In the fifth year of the same King the Government of the Isles of Gernsey Sark and Aureney was conferred on him About two years after he attended King Edward the Third in that famous and successful Expedition against the Scots and in Christmas Holy-days an 8. E. 3. he and the Earl of Oxford were sent with Edward King of Scots to secure Carlisle and defend the West Marches of England who with some Forces raised in Lancashire Westmerland and Cumberland entred Scotland about Twelvetide wasted Gallaway and returned to Carlisle He attended the King again into Scotland an 9. E. 3. when King Edward by Carlisle and Edward King of Scots from Berwick entred again that Kingdom after which he was one of those Noblemen to whose trust the King committed the Guardianship of the Marches The following year he and other of the Nobility of England entred Scotland about Whitsontide and passed as far as St. Iohns Town which they fortified and in this Kingdom he remained all the year About the beginning of Sept. an 11. E. 3. he again entred Scotland with an Army by Berwick whilst the Lords Wake and Clifford entred by Carlisle and within two days both their Forces united whereupon they wasted Tividale Moseteidale and Nidesdale whilst Anthony Lord Lucy wasted Gallaway but not being able to prosecute their Voyage by reason of the great Rains they returned within twelve days to Carlisle and so much to the satisfaction of the King did he behave himself in this Expedition that the 19. of March following he made Letters obligatory to him for 500 Marks as a gift to be paid him at Michaelmas following When the King undertook his first Expedition into France an 13. E. 3. by the way of Flanders he likewise attended him thither and had Command of a Wing in the field pitch'd between Vyronsos and Flamengery in which among others were the Earl of Penbroke the Lords Berkley and Moulton He went over with the King into Flanders when by the way that memorable Naval fight hapned before Sluce where the King obtained a signal Victory against the French and was one of the Commissioners nominated at the Treaty agreed on at the Siege of Tournay to be sent to Arras in order to a further Treaty where after 15 days debate nothing was agreed on but the Surrender of the County of Poictou seized on by the French King the preceding year and a prolongation of the Truce for two years An. 16. E. 3. he was one of the Commissioners nominated to treat with the Kings Allies in Brabant and Flanders about his designed Expedition into France in which he after attended the King with 80 men at Arms 1 Banneret 18 Knights 60 Esquires and 100 Archers on Horse-back for whose passage a Writ issued to Iohn de Montgomery Admiral of the Fleet Westward to provide Ships At Nantes in Bretagne to which the King had laid Siege he behaved himself so gallantly upon a Sally made by the Town that they were forced to retreat with great loss Not long after his return into England he marcht into Scotland with Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby to raise the Siege laid against Louhmaban Castle whereof the Earl of Northampton was Governor and when he came back was imployed with the said Earl of Derby and some others to the Pope to treat about King Edwards right to the Crown of France which produced nothing but an enlargement of the Truce The following year he was constituted Marshall of England during pleasure In that great Expedition
who confers this Honor before we leave this Section It hath been thought by divers that no man can make a Knight unless himself be first Knighted and because that some have not given this Honor before they received it they thence would imply that no man ought for so Prince Edward of Carnarvan having been first Knighted by his Father King Edward the First forthwith Knighted a great number more in Westminster Abbey So Anno 20. E. 3. the King being landed at Hoggs in Normandy Knighted Edward his eldest Son and immediately the said Prince made Mortimer Monteacute Ros and others Knights And King Edward the Sixth being Knighted by the â—arl of Hertford in the Tower of London assoon as the Ceremony was over Knighted Henry Hoblethorn Lord Mayor of London with the same Sword wherewith himself received this Military Honor. But it is apparent enough that they who never were and others who never could be Knights have conferr'd this Dignity and we are to understand that necessity and custom hath in this case the force of a Law for anciently Bishops and Priests made Knights so also do the Popes and some Common-wealths nay Women in whom the supream Power is vested may and have done the like witness our Queens Mary and Elizabeth and we find it to be the ancient Law in Spain That the King or his Son and Heir though they be no Knights may nevertheless make Knights by reason that they possess the Kingdom and are therefore the Head and Chief of Chivalry and consequently all the power thereof is closed up and contained in the Kings command To conclude in all the instances and examples where the creation of a Knight hath been performed either with Ceremony or by Diploma of which we shall speak in the next Section it may be observed that the Dignity was always given by and received from the hands of another Person except only the Kings of Spain who time out of mind have made themselves Knights and this by virtue of an old Law written in the Aragonian Tongue as Ambrosius Morales reports which saith thus The whole night preceding the Ceremony viz. of Knighting the King shall watch in the Church in the morning he shall hear Mass and offer both Purple and some of his Money and after he shall receive the Sacrament And when they are going to raise him he shall ascend upon his Shield the Noblemen holding and supporting him Then shall all cry with a loud voice three times Real Real Real This done he shall command to scatter more of his Money to the quantity of one hundred shillings among the People and to shew that no man upon earth hath any power over him he shall gird himself with the Sword made after the form of a Cross and that day can no other man be Knighted One Example of this ancient Rite is remembred by the said Chiffletius at the Coronation of King Ferdinando the Third who took from the high Altar the regal Sword and with his own hand girt himself therewith to the end being so girded he might shew himself openly to the People and declare that he received the power of Governing and making War from none but God alone and that he owed not his Kingdoms to the gift of any mortal man And it seems this manner of Knighting was a thing of such remarque that it was sometime taken notice of and entred for a memorable note of time as for instance in the Teste of a Charter which this Don Ferdinando made to the Monastery of De solos alvos in the third year of his Reign and is reported by the said Chiffletius out of Colmenars History of Segovia c. 20. as also by another Charter wherein the Knighting Prince Edward eldest Son to our King Henry the Third by Alphonso King of Castile at Bruges anno Domini 1255. is remembred after the same manner SECT IX The various Ceremonies used at the conferring of Knighthood BEsides the donation of the before-mentioned honorary Ensigns there were several Ceremonies and Formalities begun to be used in the middle Ages at the investiture of Knights some of which we shall here set down by way of Instance The most ancient of these is the investing of the Knight with a Belt and Sword and this was performed either by putting the Belt loose over the shoulder or girding it close about the waste the Bend in Armory represents the one and the Fess the other Of this kind of Honor we have spoken before The first Christian Kings and Princes saith Favin at the giving of the Cingulum militare kissed the new Knight on the left cheek and used these words In the honor of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Ghost I make you a Knight And this was called Osculum pacis the kiss of Favour or Brotherhood Some think this to be the same with the Accollade or Ceremony of imbracing which was performed by Charles the Great who before his expedition against the Hungarians Knighted his Son Lewis the debonair at the City of Ratisbone for upon the girding him with the Military Belt and Sword he gave him the Accollade that is he imbraced him though it be rendred for kissing by the Translator of Favin and this was the first time we observe the Ceremony of the Accollade to have been used It was in the time of the same Emperor that the way of Knighting by the Colaphum or giving a blow on the Ear was used in sign of sustaining future hardships and indurances which is thought to have been derived from the manner of manumission of a Slave among the Romans where first the Praetor gently struck him on the head with the Vindicta a Rod so called after which the Lictor did the like and moreover struck him on the Face and Back with his hand in token of full liberty and freedom This Custom was retained long after both in Germany and France much like the Pescosada or blow on the neck given in Spain at the Creation of the Cavalleros de Espuela d' orada or Knights of the Golden Spur as appears from a clause in the Instrument of the Frizons Infranchisment to this effect That the â—otestate or Governor of the Country should gird the Sword about him who was to be Knighted and then give him a Box on the Ear with his hand with which Ceremony he was made a Knight he also gave him special charge and command that thenceforth he should go armed after the manner of Knights of the sacred Empire or of the Kingdom of France It is also said this Emperor ordain'd that no King should succeed to the Empire if he were not Knighted as aforesaid before his Coronation And there is an eminent example of this formality in William Earl of Holland who when he came to be chosen King of the Romans Anno Domini 1247. preparation was
their Dominion and Power this their Valor and Courage as may be properly instanced in Geysa King of Hungary who waging War with the Austrians was by the Bishops when he came into the field Armis accinctus girded with Arms that is Knighted and in like manner Leopold Marquess of Austria Ottacher Duke of Stiria and Frederick Duke of Austria and Stiria so also Godfrey Duke of Brabant with Henry his Son solemnly received the Order of Knighthood before his Expedition to Hierusalem So Peter King of Aragon was girt with the Military Girdle from Pope Innocent the Third anno Domini 1204. the Emperor Henry the Third was made Knight by the Bishop of Breme and our William Rufus by Lanfranke Arch-Bishop of Canterbury But to proceed yet a little farther in Examples of this nature Kings themselves have been Knighted not only by inferiour Princes but sometimes by their own Subjects as Lewis the Eleventh of France at his Coronation by Philip le bon Duke of Burgundy Francis the First immediately after the memorable Fight at Marignan neer Millan by Peter Baiarde Of our own Nation King Edward the Third by Henry Earl of Lancaster King Henry the Sixth by his Uncle Iohn Duke of Bedford King Henry the Seventh by the Earl of Arundel and lastly King Edward the Sixth by Edward Seymour Earl of Hertford afterwards created Duke of Somerset And though it is commonly said That all the Sons of the French King are Knights assoon as they receive their Baptism nevertheless Sir Henry Spelman from Goropus seems to contradict this opinion by informing us that they were not judged worthy of the Kingdom unless they had been first solemnly admitted into the Knightly Order And we elsewhere find that the Royal Heirs of Aragon were suspended from the Crown of that Kingdom until they had received the Honor of Knighthood To this purpose the usage and fashion of the time shortly after the Norman Conquest is considerable when our young Princes were sent over to neighbouring Kings that from them they might receive this Honor Thus was our Henry the Second sent to David King of Scots and Knighted by him in Carlisle and Edward the First at the Age of fifteen years to Alphonsus the Eleventh King of Castile for the same Dignity In like manner did Foreign Princes repair hither to receive the Honor from our Kings as Malcolne King of Scotland and Alexander Son of William King of Scotland Knighted by our King Iohn anno Domini 1212. So was Alexander the Third by our King Henry the Third on Christmas day at York anno 1252. and Magnus King of the Isle of Man by the same King All which sufficiently demonstrate the great Renown of Knighthood and the honor and esteem which was ever had for that Order The estimation of Knighthood may be yet further manifest from divers expressions in that part of an Edict transcribed by Mr. Selden out of Goldastus which Conrade King of the Romans sent to those of Palermo to give them notice he had received the Order of Knighthood which he did after this manner That although he ought not to want the Ensigns and Tokens of Military Honor considering the nobleness of his Birth and greatness of his Dignity he at that time swaying two Scepters yet because he had not as then received the Military Girdle established by venerable Antiquity he did chuse to adorn himself therewith in that Month of August wherein the said Edict passed to the end that from thence the â—lower of his victorious years might put on the Ensigns of greater valor and the excellency of this new Militia renew the lustre of original Nobility What peculiar respects Knights have had paid them in our own Nation Mr. Selden hath collected from our legal proceedings and set down in his Titles of Honor pag. 783 784 785 and 786. In the close of this Chapter we think fit to insert a few memorials of that additional favour in augmentation of the Knightly Honor which some of our Kings have pleas'd to afford those Strangers on whom they have conferr'd the Dignity of Knighthood and to make it more known and publick given Declarations thereof under the Great Seal of England where the person so honored made sute for the same whereby they have declared and attested that willingly and of their own accord they have given and conferr'd on them the Degree Honor and Title of a Knight as due to their Virtues and Merits to the end that those persons should be esteemed and ranked in the place and number of Knights aswell among their own Subjects as in their own Countries and also by all persons elsewhere no less than themselves should esteem any other honorable and worthy men adorned with the like Honor from other Kings and Princes The first that we have met with in this kind was given by King Henry the Eighth to Sir Gregory de Caalis born of a Noble Family in Rome on whom in consideration of his Virtues and Merits the King had bestowed the Honor of Knighthood as may be collected from a Warrant directed to the Cardinal Arch-Bishop of York his Chancellor to make out Letters Patents under the Great Seal as well of the said Order of Knighthood as of the Grant of an annual Pension of two hundred Crowns of Gold per Annum during his life for the better and more honorable maintenance of that Dignity His late Majesty of ever blessed memory King Charles the First having Knighted Sir Iames Cats Doctor of Law Syndick of Dort and Ambassador extraordinary to his said Majesty from the States General of the Vnited Provinces was also pleas'd 26º Ian. 1627. to give him a Declaration thereof under the Great Seal of England to notifie his being such not only with us here but in his own Country and elsewhere And sometimes there hath past in these Letters Testimonial a kind of Ennoblement to their Posterity where that hath been before wanting to the Family which the King in regard of the Knights great Virtue and Merits hath thereby rais'd into that Degree Title and Dignity of Gentleman as may be seen by those Letters Patents granted to Sir Lewis Van Alteren eldest Son to Simon Van Alteren Lord of Iaerâ—velt and Councellor in the Court of Admiralty of Amsterdam dated the twenty ninth of Ianuary anno 4. Car. 1. The like Letters Patents of Declaration of Knighthood and Ennoblement of Posterity were shortly after viz. 26. Feb. following given to Sir Peter Pau Son of Sir Adrian Pau Lord of Hemsted and then extraordinary Ambassador from the aforesaid States General But in some others this declarative Clause of having bestowed the Dignity of Knighthood hath been much more contracted then in the Precedent before remembred and the testimony of donation only and that briefly express'd as in those Letters Patents made forth to
after when this Order was fallen into great decay it was given unto Don Gonçalionez Master of the Order of Calatrava by King Ferdinand the Saint in the year of our Lord 1221. by whose consent they were afterwards incorporated into the Order of Calatrava Moreover in the Instrument by which Alphonso the Ninth King of Castile gave the Lands to this Order which the Knights took from the Moors the Donation saith thus To you Don Rodrigo Gonçalez Master of Monfrac of the Order of Mount-Ioy They were also called saith Favin Equites de Truxillo or de Trugillo from a City of that name where they sometime resided but this will appear by and by to be a distinct Order united afterward to the Knights of Alcantara Knights of St. John of Acon or Acres 7. Under the Patronage of this Saint was this Order erected but the Original as to time uncertain The Knights thereof exercised all Duties of Charity towards those who went on Pilgrimage to visit the Holy Land and assumed the exercise of Arms in imitation of the Knights Hospitalars whence they became ranked amongst the Religious or Sacred Orders They followed the Rule of St. Augustine and according to Favin had a black Habit assigned them upon which they wore a White Cross Pattee After the City of Acon was taken they removed into Spain and flourished in that Kingdom in the Reign of Alfonsus the Astrologer King of Castile about which time Pope Alexander the Fourth approved the Order under the conjoined Title of St. Thomas and St. Iohn of Acon This King gave unto them by his Will all the Furniture of his House and very much Money but afterward they by little and little decayed until at length they were united with the Knights Hospitalars The Ensign of their Order saith Ios. Micheli Marquez was a Red Cross like to that of the Order of Montesa in the middle whereof stood the Figures of St. Iohn and St. Thomas which differs from what Favin hath before assigned but perhaps the colour of the Cross was changed to Red after their coming into Spain Knights of St. Thomas 8. There was another Order which as may be collected from Mennenius and Ios. Micheli was distinct from the former bearing the Title of St. Thomas but A. Mendo supposeth they were rather some of those which joined themselves to the Knights Hospitalars and the rather because they wore the same Habit with the Knights of St. Iohn of Acon they also made the same Professions followed the same Rule observed the same Constitutions and were approved and confirmed by Pope Alexander the Fourth and Fifth and Iohn the 22. Their Badge was a Saltire gules yet Micheli makes it the same with that of St. Iohn of Acon wanting the Figures in the middle But Andr. Favin reports though we meet with nothing in our English Histories to back him that this Order was Instituted by our King Richard the First after the surprisal of Acon and that these Knights were of the English Nation who wore a White Habit and a Red Cross charged in the middle with a White Escallop and lastly that they had for their Patron St. Thomas Becket This gives us occasion to remember here that we have some more Honor of this kind done our Nation by Strangers if it can be called an Honor to report those things of us which want ground and authority from our own Histories and Chronicles to support them viz. That Henry of England which by the note of time afterwards mentioned must be understood of our King Henry the Second visiting the Holy places in Ierusalem but we find not that he was ever there being moved with a pious zeal by the example of the Knights of the Sepulchre Instituted the Order of Iesus Christ of the holy Sepulchre in England in the year of our Lord 1174. giving to the Knights thereof the same Rules as had those of the Holy Sepulchre in Ierusalem which Order saith the same Author was confirm'd by Pope Alexander the Third under the Rule of St. Basil. Howbeit after the Christians were driven out of the Holy Land the Knights of this Order were joined to the Knights Hospitalars But we give the less credit to this formal account because we find no mention made thereof in any of our English Writers or Records Perhaps the Relator mistook them for the Canons regular but not Knights of the Holy Sepulchre who about that time lived amongst us and of whom the Antiquities of Warwick-shire give some account Knights of St. Blase 9. These were called also Knights de Sancta Maria and founded under the Rule of St. Basil. They were Officers and Servants to the Kings of Armenia and had assigned them for their Habit Skie-colour with a Cross gold worn before their breasts Others say a Red Cross and in the middle thereof the Picture of St. Blase their Patron This Order was at the height when the Armenian Kings of the House of Luzignam kept their Court in the City of Acon Knights of the Martyrs in Palestine 10. By the pious affection of some Noblemen there was erected in the Holy Land an Hospital dedicated to the holy Martyrs St. Cosmas and St. Damianus where all acts of charity were exercised towards sick strangers Their profession also obliged them to other works of mercy towards the poor to redeem Captives taken by the Saracens and to bury the dead These Knights followed the Rule of St. Basil which was confirmed to them by Pope Iohn the 22. They wore for the Badge of their Order a Red Cross and in the middle thereof within a Circle the Figures of the Saints Cosmas and Damianus were described Mennenius informs us that Hieron Romanus had seen some of these Knights wearing for their chief Ensign a Red Cross and professing the Rule of St. Augustine which perhaps was so changed when they retired into Europe Knights of St. Katharine at Mount Sinai 11. This Order received its Institution saith Ios. Micheli in the Year of our Lord 1063. under the Title and Patronage of St. Katharine whose body is reported to be deposited in Mount Sinai and the high Altar in the Church of the Monastery there dedicated to her name erected neer to the place where she was interred The end for which these Knights were at first Instituted and the sum of their profession was to guard and keep safe the Sepulchre of St. Katharine to secure the ways for Travellers to defend and protect the Graecian Pilgrims who came thither for devotions sake and to relieve and entertain them with convenient Hospitality Their Habit was White and they lived under the Rule of St. Basil the Great making their Vows of conjugal chastity and obedience to the Abbot of this Monastery who was their Superiour or Master But when those
brief this Bull gives them very large Priviledges is fitted with â—xceeding good Precepts and Laws both for Government and Conservation of the Order and bears date the 13. of Iuly anno Dom. 1175. which hapned in the beginning of the Reigns of Don Alonso the Ninth King of Castile of Don Fernando the Second King of Leon and Don Alonso the Second King of Aragon And hereupon saith Francisc. de Rades y Andrada do some of the Chronicles of Spain call this an Institution which was indeed but a Restauration because the Knights of that time were the first that entred into the Vow of Obedience poverty of Spirit and Conjugal Chastity wherein consisted the substance of this Religious Order It being observed out of the Confirmation that Pope Alexander the Third had among other things granted to these Knights the Monastery of Saint Loyo situate in Galicia near Sanctiago and that the Prior and Canons thereof being Canons Regulars of St. Augustine were thereby incorporated to the Knights of this Order it is thence concluded that this Order was rather founded in the Kingdom of Galicia than Leon. And though it appears by King Fernando's Priviledges to the Monastery of St. Esprit that there was in ancient time a Master of this Order yet is no notice taken either of him or any of his Successors till after Pope Alexanders Confirmation and then Don Pedro Fernandez de Fuente Encalada Encalada being a place in the Diocess of Astorga is reckoned the first in the Catalogue of Masters At the beginning the Knights of this Order were imployed to assist the Canons Regular of Saint Loyo who had built Hospitals the first of which was that of St. Mark in the Suburbs of Leon for the relief of Pilgrims who daily resorted from all parts to visit the shrine of St. Iames of Compostella and to guard the high ways frequented by the concourse of them against the insolencies of the Moors and Robbers of Spain The Ensign of this Order is a Cross which the Knights wore upon their Breasts finishing like the blade of a Sword the Hilt crosleted and fashioned after the ancient manner whereupon it was called La Orden de Sanctiago de la Espada as also Ordo militaris Sancti Iacobi Ensigeri à qualitate insignium And the reason why this Ensign is always painted Red rather than any other colour is thus given by Don Rodrigo Ximenes Arch-Bishop of Toledo Rubet ensis sanguine Arabum But these Knights assumed not only the Sword in form of a Cross but also the Symbol of St. Iames which though it cannot be directly determined saith Rades y Andrada what it is yet it seems to be the Escallop shell For that the Escallop is generally among the Spaniards taken for the Badge of St. Iames and worn by Pilgrims in their Voyages to his Sepulchre at Compostella the place where his body was found about the year of Christ 800. the day of whose Translation is the 30. of December And in all the ancient Seals of the Order as well of the Masters as of the Convent there is to be seen an Escallop shell placed under the handle of the Sword at the closing thereof to the Hilt But it seems the honor of the Escallop is such that the use thereof is not permitted to all for by a Bull of Pope Alexander the Fourth among other things it is ordained that none of this Order shall wear the Escallop shell for Ensign but such Knights Priests and Nuns as are nobly descended In the year of our Lord 1560. King Philip the Second declared that the Knights of this Order might wear an Escallop shell hanging in a Chain of Gold not a Ribbon or Cordon made of Gold or Silver as big as a piece of Eight but not of Chrystal or any Stone of what kind soever and wearing this they were permitted the use of a Coat without the Badge of the Order nevertheless their upper Robe or Mantle was not to be worn without it The Habit of these Knights is a White Mantle of Cloth or Serge close before on the breast whereof is set a Cross of Cloth or Sattin in the form before described The Figure of which Habit adorning a Knight of this Order is to be seen in Iurisprudentia Heroica This Câ—â—â—s made of Silk or Cloth they are obliged to wear upon their Garments Coats or Cloaks though they use Crosses of Gold likewise When the Moors were driven out of Spain the principal end for which this Order with those of Calatrava and Alcantara were instituted ceased and thereupon it came to be considered how the Administration of these Orders might be placed in the Crown of Castile Upon the death therefore of Don Rodrigo Manrique elected Master at Vcles in Castile Competitor to Don Alonso de Cardenas elected Master at Leon Queen Isabella came to the Covent of Vcles whither Don Alonso had drawn a considerable power to force his Election there also and commanded to assemble all the Knights of this Order that then were thereabouts upon whose appearance she told them That in regard the Knights of this Order had many Fortresses upon the Frontires for which reason her Predecessors had in former times taken the Administration of this Order upon themselves and given it to their Sons upon great deliberation therefore was it thought fit that the King Don Fernando her Husband should now be Administrator and intimating that a desire was sent to the Pope for a Grant thereof she commanded them to surcease in their Election to which all the Trezes submitted Afterwards the King had the Mastership of this Order under the Title of Administrator granted him by the Pope nevertheless finding that Don Alonso de Cardenas had been very faithful to him and greatly deserving he waved the Papal Grant and gave leave for a new Election whereupon Don Alonso was elected a second time in the year 1477. But anno Dom. 1499. the Mastership of this Order becoming again vacant by the death of this Don Alonso King Ferdinando and Isabella obtained another Bull from Pope Alexander the Sixth to hold the Administration thereof during their lives After their death Charles the Fifth succeeding obtained a Grant from Pope Adrian the Sixth whereby the perpetuity of the Mastership together with those others of Calatrava and Alcantara became annexed to the Crowns of Castile and Leon and thereunto in most ample manner were transferred all Rights c. which the Masters of those Orders did formerly enjoy or exercise Since which time the Kings of Spain have enjoyed the Administration of this Order and carried that title and stile in the Inscription upon the Great Seal thereof which holds the Royal Arms of Spain upon a Cross that filleth all the Shield with a Sword at each of the four Corners Philip the Third King of Spain called
a Chapter of this Order in Madrid the 16. of April anno 1600. which ended the 30. of November following In which it was ordained that the Book Intituled La Regla y Establecimientos de la Cavalleriae de Santiago del Espadae c. should be printed This Book contains the Institutions whereby the Knights of the Order are to be governed together with all the Statutes Laws Rules and Ceremonies appertaining thereunto and now in use and at this Chapter many of the former Laws were abolished others amended and some new added The Order of Knights of St. Saviour in Aragon 15. About the year of our Lord 1118. was this Order erected by Don Alphonso called Emperor of Spain King of Navarr Aragon Leon Castile and Toledo who chose out of those Spanish and French Nobility that assisted him in his Wars against the Moors a certain number whereof he formed this Society and to the end he might be the better enabled to drive the Moors out of Saragosa and the whole Territory of Aragon he engaged them by this Honor to pursue the War against them to the utmost of their power Favin seems to place the Institution of this Order to the year 1120. but that was the year of King Alphonso's great Expedition against the Moors whom he vanquished and destroyed and for which Victory he had the Title of Conqueror given to him besides these Knights were Instituted upon design to engage with this King in that War of whose assistance he had not so great need as to give Institution to them if he had before overcome the Moors Some may possibly take this Order to be rather Military than Religious but if it be considered that these Knights succeeded the Templars in Montreall being by King Alphonso established in that place and had a Rule of living somewhat conformable to the Knights Templars save only the priviledge to marry which Rule Io. Mariana a Spanish Author of very great credit saith expresly was the Cistertian and for that Ios. Mich. Marquez another Spanish Writer informs 〈◊〉 that they profest conjugal Chastity and Obedience and were obliged to support the holy Church and Christian Faith against the Moors we need not scruple to place them in the ranks of Religious Knights Their Habit was a White Mantle on the breast whereof they wore a Red Cross Ancree but A. Mendo saith it was the Figure of our Saviour At length the like Fate attended this Order as did the Knights of St. Iames Alcantara and Calatrava for the Moors being driven out of Spain and the chief end for which they were instituted ceasing their rich Commanderies were at length united to the Crown The Order of Knights d'Avis in Portugal 16. Don Alphonso Henriquez first King of Portugal took from the Moors in the year of our Lord 1147. the City of Evora and to strengthen this Garrison he sent thither several gallant Commanders who assumed the Title of Knights of St. Mary of Evora as well from putting themselves under the protection of our blessed Lady as from the place where they were first seated Their first Great Master was Don Fernando de Monteiro Not long after they came to be called Knights d' Avis from a Castle of that name situate on the Frontires of Portugal which being conquered from the Moors by the said King Don Alphonso he gave it to Fernando de Yannes Master of Evora in the year 1161. but Fr. de Rades saith it was 1181. to which Castle he and his Brethren forthwith transplanted themselves from Evora This Order was confirmed by Pope Innocent the Third anno 1204. in the Reign of Sancho the First Son to King Don Alphonso under the Rule of St. Benedict and therefore in some Papal Bulls the Order is called of St. Benedict d' Avis but others say this Order had confirmation anno Dom. 1162. by a power which the Bishop of Hostia Legat in Spain for Pope Alexander the Third gave to Io. Zerita Abbot of St. Io. Tarroca The Knights profess Conjugal Chastity and Obedience In the year of Christ 1213. Don Rodrigo Garcez de Assa then seventh Master of Calatrava gave to the Great Master and Brethren Knights d' Avis their two Fortresses in Evora and some other lands possessed by them in the Kingdom of Portugal upon which Donation they submitted themselves to the Rule Statutes Visitation and Correction of the Order of Calatrava and their Successors but in the time of Don Iohn of Portugal natural Son of Pedro the Eighth King of Portugal seventh Great Master d' Avis after he had gained the Victory of Aljubarrato against Don Iohn the First of Castile he commanded this Order to cast off their acknowledgments to that of Calatrava which they thereupon did and afterwards refused to receive Don Gonsalo Nunez de Guzman Master of Calatrava who went to visit them Hereupon the Order of Calatrava complained to the Council of Basil who decreed that this Order d' Avis should continue subject to that of Calatrava and receive their Visits and Reformation to which purpose a Bull issued which yet remains preserved in the Archives of Calatrava but the Portugueses never submitted to it albeit those of Calatrava to preserve their preheminence have still nominated Visitors Nay afterwards when that Crown fell into the hands of Philip the Second King of Spain this Order d' Avis did nevertheless remain governed according to the Statutes of Portugal nor did the Council of the other three Orders of Castile take upon them to proceed in any Cause where this Order was concern'd The Badge of this Order is a Green Cross Flory such as the Knights of Alcantara wear and said to be given them by Don Pedro but before they used the like Cross with those of the Order of Calatrava two Birds being added at the foot thereof in allusion to the later name given to this Order as appears from the ancient Seal The Royal Council of Portugal make examination of the Extraction of such as are to be admitted into this Order that is of the Fathers and Grand-fathers Gentility both of the Fathers and Mothers side The manner of giving the Habit and making profession is agreeable to that of the Knights of Calatrava The Order of Knights of the Wing of St. Michael in Portugal 17. Don Alphonso Henriquez King of Portugal in whose Reign the Order d' Avi◠was instituted being very much opprest by Albara the Moor King of Sevil raised an Army to free his Country and being ready to give Battel he commanded all his Soldiers in a devout manner to address themselves to their particular Saints for the obtaining of good success himself imploring St. Michael the Archangel to whom he was greatly devoted When the Battels were joined St. Michael the Archangel appeared on the Kings right side and fought against the Moors
whence followed a very great and notable Victory over them Assoon therefore as the King was returned home he Instituted this Order of Knighthood in the year of our Lord 1171. but Mendo placeth the Institution earlier to wit in the year 1165. and Miraeus the year after which he called the Order of St. Michaels Wing These Knights had for the Badge of their Order a Red Sword crost with Flowers de lis and this Motto Quis ut Deus but more agreeable to the Name of the Order is that Badge assigned by Mendo to wit a Purple Wing irradiated with beams of Gold They were of the Cistertian Order and followed the Rule of St. Benedict The manner of their Investiture was the same as is used in the Order d' Avis Their Obligation was chiefly to defend the Christian Religion to secure the Borders of the Country against the inrodes of the Moors and to relieve the Widows and the Fatherless This Order is now grown out of use but the Mastership thereof hath since remained with the Kings of Portugal Knights of St. Gereon 18. This Order was instituted by Frederick Barbarossa the Emperor others say by Frederick the Second and consisted only of Gentlemen of the German Nation who followed the Rule of St. Augustine and wore a White Habit whereon was sewed a Black Patriarchal Cross set on a little green Hill The Order of St. Julian de Pereyro or of Alcantara 19. This Order of Knighthood hath assumed two appellations upon what occasion we shall here shew The first and ancient Title was of St. Iulian de Pereyro because at a Town so called in the Kingdom of Leon in the Diocess of Cividad Rodrigo upon a small branch of the River Coa a Monastery was built for these Knights by the favour of Don Fernando the Second King of Leon and Galicia who in his Diploma of Priviledges granted thereunto dated in December the Aera of Caesar 1214. which agrees with the year of our Lord 1176. stiled himself Protector of this Fraternity and Society of Knights An approbation thereof was obtained from Pope Alexander the Third the following year being the 18. of his Popedom at the supplication of Don Gomez Fernandez therein called Prior but Pope Lucius the Third confirming this Order anno Dom. 1183. stiled him Master of Pereyro This Bull of Pope Alexander the Third makes not any mention of the Habit these Knights of St. Iulian should wear nor is it known what it was more than that they used a secular Habit modest and grave and the Ecclesiasticks a clerical Habit Only to make a difference of these Knights from other Seculars and the Clergy from other Ecclesiasticks they wore a shred of Cloth and a Scapulary Nor doth the said Bull take notice of the Rule they were obliged to observe but by several other Bulls it appears that from the beginning of this Orders Foundation it was of the Cistertian Order and the Knights thereof observed the Rule of St. Benedict moderated and limited as it was convenient for the exercise of Arms against the Moors for which end it was instituted The ancient Badge of this Order was a Pear-tree vert assumed in allusion to the Name of the Order The occasion of altering the first appellation was upon changing their place of habitation For when Don Alphonso the Ninth King of Leon had taken from the Moors Alcantara a Town in Castile anno Dom. 1213. he afterwards gave it to Don Martin Fernandez de Quintana the twelfth Great Master of the Order of Calatrava which Town anno 1218. with the consent of the said King was given to Don Nunno Fernandez the third Master of St. Iulian de Pereyro and his Fellows as well Knights as Ecclesiasticks and to the end there might follow an union of these Societies in like manner as was between Calatrava and the Order d' Avis in Portugal some few years before they consented to become subject to the Order of Calatrava under the agreement and conditions following First that the Master and Convent of Pereyro should receive with all obedience the Visitation which the Master of Calatrava should make according to the Cistertian Order That they should not be obliged to receive a Monk for their Prior against their consent and will but rather when they were to chuse one it should be of their own House or of that of Calatrava or of any other Houses Daughters to Calatrava provided he were not a Monk That the Master and Convent of Calatrava should give to the Master of Pereyro the Town of Alcantara and all its Possessions with all their Charters and Priviledges and all the moveable Goods which they held in the Kingdom of Leon as well by royal gift as any other way That when it should happen that the Master of Calatrava should dye or be removed the Master of Pereyro should be called to the Election of the future Master Lastly that the Master of Calatrava should not have power to give away any thing belonging to Pereyro without consent of the Master and Convent thereof and in case he did then the King of Leon should have power to vacate such Donation These Conditions and Capitulations were made en Cividad de Rodrigo the 16. of Iuly anno Dom. 1218. and confirmed by King Don Alphonso and the Masters of both Orders Hereupon the Convent of St. Iulian transferred their Seat from Pereyro to Alcantara and Don Diego Sanchio the fourth Master of Pereyro assumed the Title of Master of Pereyro and Alcantara which Title his Successors held until the Church of St. Iulian de Pereyro was made an Encomienda and thenceforward the Masters used only the Title of Alcantara and the Fraternity in like manner relinquishing their ancient Name were afterwards called Knights of Alcantara from this their new place of abode And whereas the Masters of Pereyro did formerly bear for the Ensign of the Order a Pear-tree only they after this Union added two Travas to the Pear-tree But albeit this Order of Alcantara was by this agreement put under the subjection of that of Calatrava and accordingly visited and corrected by them yet nevertheless they have since pretended to be freed therefrom for that the Masters of Calatrava broke the agreement made between them by not admitting the Master of Pereyro to the Election of their Master as was contained in their Articles Whereupon this Order of Alcantara obtained a Bull from Pope Iulius the Second by which they pretend to be freed from that ancient subjection Though this Bull was given without knowledge of any cause or making any necessary mention of the subjection And therefore notwithstanding this Bull the Order of Calatrava doth still in all general Chapters nominate Visitors of their own Order to visit that of Alcantara as well as that of Montesia according to their ancient Capitulations but they of
Alcantara make always their protestation against it and so this matter rests still undecided After this pretension of being exempted from obedience to the Order of Calatrava Benedict the Thirteenth one of the Anti-Popes changed their Badge into a Cross Flory vert in the year of our Lord 1411. and this they wore upon the left shoulder of their Scapulary for the Badge of their Order The Examination of the Candidates and in what manner they receive the Habit is related at full by Ioseph Micheli Marquez The Catholick Kings Don Fernando and Donna Isabella having about three years before obtained the Administration of the Order of Calatrava for their lives had an eye also upon this of Alcantara and therefore endeavoured that at the first time the Mastership thereof should fall vacant to gain it likewise with the like Title of Administrator to avoid several inconveniences that had hapned to the Crown of Castile when the Master of Alcantara did confederate with the King of Portugal Hereupon in the year of our Lord 1492. they made their address to Pope Innocent the Eighth that he would reserve to himself the provision of the supreme Dignity of this Order whensoever it became vacant either by the death or renunciation of the then Master Don Iohn de Cuniga or after any other manner Upon this address the Pope did accordingly reserve the disposing thereof as was desired and then gave it in Administration to the said Kings that they two should govern this Order under that Title until such time as his Holiness should provide a Master A little after Pope Innocent dyed and Alexander the Sixth succeeded who at the like supplication of these Kings confirmed and of new granted what his Predecessor had granted them before Upon which anno 1494. they treated with Don Iohn de Cuniga for the renunciation of his Mastership yet with condition to reserve to himself all the Rents of the Masters Table that he held in that part of Serena to which he consented Whereupon he resigned and surrendred his Dignity of Master of this Order into the hands of the Pope which the Bishop of Valencia received by Commission back from him and gave the Possession thereof in administration to the said Catholick Kings After this manner it was that these Kings succeeded in the Administration of the Mastership of Alcantara in the year of our Lord 1494. which they held during their lives But it was not long e're Pope Adrian the Sixth annexed this Mastership together with those other of St. Iames and Calatrava to the Royal Crown of Castile for ever as hath been before observed Knights of Trugillo or Truxillo in Spain 20. Ioseph Micheli Marquez professeth that it had been his great endeavour to satisfie himself about the Foundation of this Order notwithstanding which neither by information from the Natives of the City of Trugillo a Town situate in Estremadura in Spain nor otherwise from History could he understand when or by whom it was erected Evident it is these Knights were in being in the year of our Lord 1227. though it be unknown how long before they had their beginning But because it is found in some slight memorials of the Order of Alcantara That Don Arias Perez Gallego elected Master of that Order in the year before mentioned took Trugillo from the Moors and there placed a Fraternity or Brotherhood of Knights and Priests who lived after the manner of a Convent therefore it is presumed that they were no other than of the Order of Alcantara Now it is certain that there was a Convent and Order of the Fraternity of Trugillo but it is not so certain that these were of Alcantara It rather seems to be the opinion of Fr. Rades y Andrada that these had been some other and a distinct Order of Knighthood by it self which he collects from a Donation of Lands that King Don Alonso the Ninth gave them some years after viz. in the Aera of Caesar 1233. of the Towns of Trugillo Sancta Cruz Zuferola Canaba and Albala in which it appears that several years before the time of Don Arias there were Brothers or Knights of Trugillo It is not unlikely therefore that this Order might be incorporated into that of St. Iulian de Pereyro and by this means the Order of Alcantara pretend these Towns to be theirs which in the Reign of King Don Alonso the Ninth of Castile and King Don Fernando of Leon were taken by force of Arms from the Moors and given to the Fraternity of Knights who kept their Convent in Trugillo Hieronymus Romanus saith that these Knights were of noble descent and that no man was admitted into this Order unless he first made proof of his Gentility But there is not any Writer that gives an account what was the Ensign or Badge of their Order It is guessed by Marquez that their Institution obliged them to be neer the person of the King and upon every martial Expedition that he undertook to attend him armed and well provided maintaining always two Horses and Servants to be in readiness such for services The Order of Knights of Calatrava in Castile 21. This ancient Order of Knighthood was instituted in Castile and took beginning under the Reign of Don Sanchio the Third and appellation from the Castle Calatrava being a Frontire both of Castile and Toledo which Castle the Moors took upon their Victory over Don Rodrigo King of Spain anno Dom. 714. The word is compounded of Cala signifying in Arabick a Castle and of the Spanish word Travas which signifies Manacles Gives or Irons to fasten about the feet and wrists of Captives for with such as these the Moors lockt up and fettered the Christians whom they held Prisoners in that Castle After its recovery from the Moors who had held it above 400 years it was given by Don Alphonso surnamed the Emperor of Spain to the Knights Templars of whose virtue that Age had a great opinion to be made a Bulwark against the Inrodes of the Moors being the very Key into the Kingdom of Toledo but they no way able to hold it withdrew their Garrison and what with the Knights Templars deserting it and the approach of the Moors all others were disheartned from accepting the place although the foresaid King Sanchio Son of Don Alphonso the Emperor had caused it to be proclaimed at his Court that whosoever would take upon them the defence thereof to them he would freely give it and to their Heirs for ever At length one Don Raymond native of Barcelona formerly a Knight of great renown then Abbot of the Monastery of St. Mary de Fitero of the Cistertian Order in the Kingdom of Navarr by the advice of Diego Velasquez of the same Order being then at Court accepted of the Kings proffer and took upon him the fortifying and maintaining this Castle and
hereupon the King made his Charter of Donation dated at Almason in Ianuary in the Aera of Caesar 1196. to wit of Christ 1158. whereby he gave to God to the blessed Virgin Mary to the Congregation of Cistertians and to Don Raymond and all his Brethren as well present as future the Village called Calatrava with all its Bounds and Territories particularly described in the Grant to possess and enjoy by right of inheritance for ever This Don Raymond after he had received possession according to the tenor of the Charter together with his Associates and other assistance from Castile and Toledo fell to fortifying of the Castle and hence arose the Order of Knights of Calatrava instituted by King Don Sanchio in the year of our Lord 1158. in the Town of Calatrava and therefore called at first Militia de Calatrava the foresaid Don Raymond and Don Velasquez being the first movers of this excellent work of whom the former is in another place called also a joint Founder with King Sanchio After this Don Raymond considering the richness and fertility of the Soil returned to his Monastery and from its neighbouring Countries drew 20000 men with their Families and Goods to plant in and about Calatrava which so greatly strengthened the Country that the Moors durst never after attempt besieging of the Castle This Order was approved by Pope Alexander the Third the 25. of September anno Dom. 1164. under the Discipline of the Cistertian Order It was confirmed afterwards by Pope Innocent the Third in the year 1199. and at length grew on till it gained exceeding great reputation in Spain At the first Institution the Knights wore their Robes and Scapulars of a White Colour Sansovin and Genebrand saith Black as did the Cistertian Monks and on the breast thereof a plain Red Cross but Pope Benedict the Thirteenth anno 1396. dispensed with that Monastick Habit and assigned them a Cross Flory So anciently they were prohibited Marriage yet Paul the Third permitted them one Wife but not a second After the death of the last Master Don Lopez de Padilla anno 1487. Don Diego Garcia de Castillo being the Commendador Major caused a general Chapter to be summoned in the Convent of Calatrava for the Election of another Master in which there fell out great contest among the Electors and the chief that stood was the said Commendador Major and Don Alonso Pacheco Commendador de Villa Franca Upon notice of this the Catholick Kings Don Ferdinando and Donna Isabella sent to the Convent a Knight of their Court with a Bull from Pope Innocent the Eighth wherein he declared that he had reserved to himself the providing of a Master and therewith required them not to proceed in the Election until his further Commands were made known in obedience to which the Election ceased Afterwards anno Dom. 1489. the Pope gave the Mastership of this Order in Administration to King Don Ferdinando during life but he did not give it with the Title of Master because the King had never received the Habit of this Order neither was he capable of it being a married man but chiefly because the King then endeavoured to obtain the other two Masterships of St. Iames and Alcantara and he could not hold them all three with the Title of Master King Don Ferdinando and Isabella his Wife governed this Order with the Title of Administrators very worthily and reformed the stare thereof visiting it by the Abbot of Claravalle of the Cistertian Order then called Don Pedro who came on that imployment with a Commission from Pope Innocent at the desire of the said Kings and of the general Chapter in the year of our Lord 1491. Upon the death of King Don Ferdinando anno 1516. the Chapter of this Order met at Guadalupe with intention to elect a new Master of which Cardinal Adrian having notice who then governed the Kingdoms first sent then went to the Electors to desire they would not proceed because the Pope had given the Administration of the Order to Prince Charles afterwards Emperor by the name of Charles the Fifth but they seemed unwilling to depart before they had made an Election and thereupon elected that Prince Master or Administrator of their Order which was afterwards confirmed by Pope Leo the Tenth But it seemed much for the interest of the Crowns of Castile and Leon to have the Mastership or Administration of this Order and those other of St. Iames and Alcantara for life made perpetual and annexed to them for ever hereupon great suit was made to the Pope by the Emperor for obtaining thereof and among the inducements some of them were these That great alteration often hapned in those Kingdoms upon the Election of these Masters to the damage of persons of all sorts relating to those Orders That in regard the Masters were so powerful in those Kingdoms they several times gave aid and assistance to particular Factions that arose so that Civil War often followed That the Peace and Quiet since the Administration was in the hands of the King much exceeded that which was in the times of the Masters These and other things being considered of Pope Adrian the Sixth granted the Emperors desire and annexed the Mastership of these three Orders perpetually to the Crowns of Castile and Leon. The form of admittance into this Order and manner of their profession is set down at large by Marquez The Order of the Holy Ghost in Saxia at Rome 22. They are called by Marquez the Brothers of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost who though not invested with Sword and Spurs as other Knights be are nevertheless reckoned among the Military Orders because bound to bring Certificate of their Gentility before they can be accepted or admitted Their chief Seat is the sumptuous Hospital of the Holy Ghost founded neer the Church of St. Mary in Saxia by the River Tyber in Rome a place so called from the Saxons a People of Germany who anciently inhabited there by Pope Innocent the Third in the year of our Lord 1198. or 1201. But it appears by another of this Popes Bulls dated anno 1204. for uniting of the Hospital of the Holy Ghost at Montpelier in France unto this at Rome that the ancient Foundation was at Montpelier though in process of time this other became the principal They of this Fraternity profess Chastity Poverty and Obedience as also the service of the Poor living under the Rule of St. Augustine and have a Praeceptor or Master The Ensign of this Order is a White Patriarchal Cross with twelve points sewed to their Breast and on the left side of their Black Mantle The manner of giving the Habit and making their Profession is recorded by Ios. Mich. Marquez In this Hospital care is taken for the nursing and bringing up exposed
yearly collected and put into their hands for that use and purpose in manner following They send their Agents yearly abroad chiefly to Algiers and Fess to return them an account of the age quality and number of those who are in Captivity and upon consideration had thereof order them to contract for their redemption the general course being to ransom the religious persons first next the Laiety and among them the young and such as appear most likely to do service before others Few dye in Spain who bequeath not some Legacy to this Order which greatly encreafeth its Revenue and here though she was no Benefactress to this Order nor left her Legacy to be disposed of by that Fraternity most deservedly may be recorded of our Nation the illustrious Lady Alice Dutchess Dudley created into that Dignity by his late Majesty of ever blessed memory King Charles the First by Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England bearing date at Oxford the 23. of May in the twentieth year of his Reign who dyed the 22. day of Ianuary in the year of our Lord 1668 9. being the 90. year of her age and bequeathed by her last Will and Testament one hundred pounds per annum for ever to be imployed for redemption of Captives of the English Nation Knights of the Rosary in Toledo 27. Roderick Arch-Bishop of Toledo in Spain seeing the Country sore oppressed by the Moors called the Nobless of the City together and propounded the great necessity of their appearance and assistance in its defence and extirpation of the Moors whereto they being unanimously inclined he gave beginning to this Order of the Rosary into which entred many of the Nobless This Order had Statutes which chiefly obliged them to the defence of the Catholick Religion to fight against the Moors and to say continually a Rosary of our blessed Lady Our Author finds not that it had been approved by any of the Popes but conceives the Arch-Bishop being Metropolitan of Spain was of sufficient power to give it approbation besides he framed the Statutes for the Knights and prescribed to them the Rule of living to wit that of St. Dominick The Ensign of this Order was the Figure of our Lady of the Rosary upon a Cross Flory quarterly Argent and Sable Knights of St. Mary the Glorious in Italy 28. The Author of this Institution was Bartolemeo de Vincenza of the Order of Friers Preachers or Dominicans afterwards made Bishop of that City a man that did much both in word and example and the end he chiefly design'd was to procure peace to the Cities of Italy then much disquieted by Civil Wars among the Princes thereof This Order received Institution anno Dom. 1233. a year famous and renowned in that Age for very great piety and therefore called generalis devotionis Annus It was approved and confirmed by Pope Vrban the Fourth anno 1262. and the Rule of St. Dominick prescribed to the Knights who are obliged to take into their care and protection Widows and Orphans and use their endeavour to beget concord among such as are at variance The Habit is a White Tunick or Cassock and a Mantle of Russet Colour but there is some difference among those that mention the Badge Sansovin and Maurolico say they wore before their breasts a purple Cross patee bordered with Gold Gothofridus saith it is a purple Cross patee with two Stars in chief but Marquez gives it an Octogonal Cross like that of Malta and four Stars to wit one at every side thereof The manner of giving the Habit and making Profession is with the Ceremony used by the Knights of Malta The Knights profess Obedience to their Great Master and conjugal Chastity but are forbid to wear Spurs or Bridles of Gold They are commonly called Cavaleri de Madona and reside at Bolonia Modena and other Cities of Italy and because they have no Monasteries but dwell in their own Houses together with their Wives and Children at ease and in plenty they were called Fratres Gaudentes or Hilares The Order of Knights of St. James in Portugal 29. We have not met with any who make mention of this Order as distinct from that of St. Iames in Galicia save only I. Mich. Marquez but such as rather take it to have been sometime a member thereof and that the Knights of St. Iames in Galicia who had anciently Commanderies in Portugal were only exempted from obedience and subjection to their Great Master and not received upon the account of a new Institution for so much doth Andrew Favin affirm but Ios. Micheli from Portugal Writers reports the contrary and gives this further account of the Order to wit That the troubles the Moors gave daily to Portugal and the great zeal of their Kings seeing their Subjects so exceedingly opprest by them was such that they endeavoured by all means to cut off those mischiefs and to secure and quiet the Consines of their Kingdom Among whom King Don Denys the Sixth moved with a like tender regard towards his People did in the year of our Lord 1310. institute this Order of St. Iames under whose protection he became victorious in divers Battels against the Moors and at length quieted his Kingdom by the assistance of these Knights And it was not long after the Institution e're this Order flourished through the favour of those Priviledges bestowed on it by the Founder It received approbation first from Pope Nicholas the Fourth after from Pope Celestine the Fifth and again from other of his Successors The Knights profess conjugal Chastity Hospitality and Obedience and none are admitted before they make proof of their Gentility by blood The Ensign of this Order is a Red Sword formed like that of St. Iames in Galicia the Habit White only the difference between them lies in a little Twist of Gold which these of Portugal draw about their Sword At the Town of Alcasar de Sul was the principal Convent of this Order first seated afterward removed to Palmela where it yet continues and whiles Portugal remained under the Crown of Spain and the Administration of this Order under that King it was no less illustrious than whilst their own Kings governed The Statutes are much the same with those of St. Iames in Galicia so also is the manner of giving the Habit Benediction and Profession The Order of our Lady and of St. George of Montesa in Valentia 30. This Order did succeed into the Lands and Possessions of the Knights Templars in Valentia as the Knights Hospitalars did into those of the Templars in France Italy and other places For after the Templars were dissolved Iames the Second King of Aragon and Valentia refused to grant their Revenues lying in his Kingdom to the Order of St. Iohn of Ierusalem as other Princes had done nevertheless within few years sent an Embassy
to Pope Iohn the 22. to give him his reasons why he did not These the Pope considering of as also that the Moors were very neer to Aragon gave way that these Revenues of the exauterated Templars should be applied to the Convent of Montesa where had been placed both Knights and Friars of the Order of Calatrava Hereupon this King in the year of our Lord 1317. Instituted this Order in the City of Valentia nevertheless subject to that of Calatrava as a member thereof and made choice of the Town of Montesa to give the Knights both name and habitation whom he obliged to defend his Kingdoms against the incursions of the Moors Their Colledge dedicated to the honor of St. George was built in the following year by the Pope at Montesa at the instance of King Iames Culielmus de Eril a valiant Soldier being constituted the first Master in the Convent of St Mary and St. George The Statutes of the Order almost the same with those of Calatrava were confirmed by the said Pope Iohn who gave to these Knights thâ— Cistertian Rule They vowed conjugal Chastity and the manner of their Investiture is as in the Order of Calatrava Their Habit is White and the Badge of the Order a plain Red Cross that is the Cross of St. George Patron of the Kingdoms of Navarr and Aragon This Cross was worn upon the breast by a priviledge granted to the Knights from Pope Benedict the Thirteenth To this Order of Montesa was incorporated that of St. George d' Alfama anno Dom. 1399. which union received confirmation from the Council of Constance A Catalogue of the Masters are recorded by Io. Micheli which great Office continues to this time in the King of Spain so doth the Revenue of thirteen Commanderies belonging thereunto amounting to 23000 Duckets per annum The Order of Knights of Christ in Portugal 31. As the Knights of Montesa sprung from the ruine of the Knights Templars in Valentia so did this Order of Christ or of the Warfare of Christ succeed them in the Kingdom of Portugal For the Knights Templars having been very serviceable to the Kings of Portugal in their Wars against the Moors the Kings gave unto them divers Lands and Revenues which when their Order came to be dissolved and their Estates confiscate King Don Denys surnamed Perioca sent to Pope Iohn the 22. then at Avignion to desire that the Knights Templars Lands might not be disposed of out of his Kingdom which though he did not readily grant yet he gave way for the King to render him â—he reasons of his request Hereupon King Denys sent his Embassadors to the Pope in the year 1316. not only to back his desire but withal to declare to his Holiness the great vexations and evils the neighbouring Moors in Algarves did to his Kingdom And forasmuch as the Town of Castro Marin was a Frontler of the Enemy and the site thereof very commodious for the building of a Fort to resist them he farther moved the Pope for Licence that an Order of Knights might be Instituted in that Town and withal offered to him the Rents and Jurisdiction thereof and all Dominion over it This request being thought just and the remedy so necessary the Pope did afterwards namely in the year of our Lord 1319. give Foundation to this new Order dedicating it to the honor of God and the exaltation of the Catholick Faith under the Title of the Military Order of our Lord Iesus Christ because of the miraculous apparition which this King had seen of Christ crucified when he went out to fight against the Moors He further commanded that the Knights of this Order should observe the same Rule with those of the Order of Calatrava which was Cistertian and enjoy the same Pâ—iviledges and Indulgences formerly granted to their Great Master and Knights In which respect he nominated Don Gil. Martinez for their first Master because he was a Knight profest and Master of the Order of St. Benedict d' Avis and appointed for their Visitor the Abbot of Alcobaza of the Cistertian Order This Abbot or his Lieutenant in succession was impowred to receive of the Master of this Order in the name of the Pope and Church of Rome the Oath of fidelity it being directed to be taken in the presence of the Kings of Portugal before he should enter upon the administration of his Mastership and the King was obliged to receive this Oath within ten days after the Master should tender it to him and in case the King did not in that time receive it from the Master then he might take on him the administration of his Office without it and further that each Knight before his admittance should take the same Oath of Fidelity before the Master of this Order All the Goods and Possessions formerly belonging to the Knights Templars within the Kingdom of Portugal were hereupon granted unto this Order and the Knights thereof particularly obliged to make War against the Moors in Baetica next neighbour to Portugal They had appointed to them for their chief Seat Castro Marin where their first Convent was erected but afterwards it was removed into the City of Tomar They went clothed in Black wearing upon their breasts a Cross Patâ—e of Red Silk and upon that another of White This Order as that d'Avis became at length annexed to the Crown of Portugal whose Kings have ever since taken upon them the title of perpetual Administrators of both The Order of Knights of the Passion of Jesus Christ. 32. Some years after the Institution of the precedent Order and towards the latter end of the thirteenth Century there was erected a religious Order of Knighthood by Charles King of France and our King Richard the Second which bore the Title of the Order of the Passion of Iesus Christ. And though we do not find any further progress thereof after it had received its Foundation yet considering the grounds whereon it was instituted and the nobleness and largeness of the design exceeding all other Religious Orders of Knighthood except those of the Knights of St. Iohn of Ierusalem and Knights Templars as also because one of our English Kings was a Co-founder thereof we conceived it worthy our pains to make an extract particularly relating to the causes why it was erected the frame of its Constitution its principal Structures and the Habit and Ensigns thereof out of an old French Manuscript written by Philip de Maisiere Chancellor of Cyprus wherein it is thus prefaced Forasmuch as by reason of the three deadly sins which began to reign among the Christians namely Pride Covetousness and Luxury God permitted the Saracens Enemies of the Faith to overcome Ierusalem and the Holy Land to the shame and disgrace of Christendom therefore to renew the memory of the Passion of Christ thereby to extirpate those deadly sins and to make
Order of St. Maurice anno 1572. and constituted this Duke Grand Master of both shortly after by his Bull dated the 13. of November in the same year he united the Order of St. Lazarus to that of St. Maurice for their greater honor and thereby ordained that this new Institution should be thenceforth called the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus He also constituted the said Duke and his Successors Dukes of Savoy Grand Masters thereof and obliged them to furnish out two Gallies for the service of the Papal See to be imployed against Pyrats Upon this Union permission being given by the last mentioned Bull to assume a new Habit the Knights of this Order had assigned them a Gown of Crimson Tabby with wide sleeves a long train and edg'd about with White Taffaty as also a Cordon having a Tassel of White and Green fixed to the Collar thereof The Badge of this Order is agreeable to the form engraved in the Plate set before this Chapter to wit the Green Cross of St. Lazarus charged in the heart with the White Cross of St. Maurice which the Knights wear either in a Gold Chain or Silk Ribbon the Colour being at their own choice This double Cross was granted to be the Ensign of this new Order by another Bull of the said Pope Gregory given at Rome the 15. of Ianuary 1573. In which year to wit in the Month of April Duke Emanuel in pursuance of this Union and new Foundation assembled all the Knights in the City of Nice where meeting he was by them received and acknowledged for their Grand Master and took the Oath recorded by Sam. Guichenon Afterwards this Duke did erect two fair Houses or Convents for the Knights of this new Order to inhabit in the one at Nice and the other at Turin and with the Popes approbation bestowed all the Lands and Revenues formerly belonging to the Order of St. Lazarus lying within his Territories upon them So that at this day both the Orders of St. Lazarus and St. Maurice being united rest under the Patronage of one Grand Master and chief of the Order namely the Duke of Savoy whose title used in all Affairs relating to this new instituted Order is as followeth Totius Religionis Militiae Sanctorum Mauritii Lazari Betleem Nazareth Hierosolymitan Ordinis Sancti Augustini Conventuum Hospitalium Domorum Praeceptoriarum atque piorum locorum omnium citra ultra Mare cis trans Alpes per universum Orbem Humilis Generalis Magnus Magister Knights of Loretto 43. Sixtus Quintus instituted this Order anno Dom. 1587. but Ios. Micheli placeth it in the year before for which he erected the Church of our Lady at Loretto into a Cathedral and a Bishops See and gave the Knights for Ensign the Image of our Lady of Loretto hung in a golden Chain The splendor of this Order continued but a while yet is it not quite extinguished The Order of Knights of the blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel 44. Though the Grand Mastership of St. Lazarus and the Commanderies thereunto belonging lying within the Dominions of all Christian Princes were conferr'd upon Emanuel Philebert Duke of Savoy by Pope Gregory the Thirteenth as hath been before remembred yet the Duke did not gain the investiture of the Commanderies lying in France being opposed by King Henry the Third whereupon some Knights of that Order refusing to join with their Fellows under the obedience of the Duke maintained themselves in that Kingdom until the Reign of King Henry the Fourth who being desirous to have a new Order of Knighthood instituted under the Rule and denomination of the blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel applied himself to Pope Paul the Fifth for that purpose Hereupon the Pope the 7. of February 1608. confirmed the same and prescribed several things necessary to the Institution according to the mind of the King ordaining also Pensions to the Great Master and Knights of this Order out of certain Ecclesiastical Benefices in several places within the Kingdom of France After this the Commanderies and Hospitals of St. Lazarus lying in France were disposed of likewise for the support of the Knights of this new Order and the Knights of St. Lazarus that remained in that Kingdom were joined to these of the new Institution thus they became acknowledged to be one Body under two Titles which we find inscribed round the Seal of their Order viz. Sigillum Ordinis Militiae beatae Mariae Virginis de Monte Carmeli Sancti Lazari in Hierusalem So that at this time we find the Order of St. Lazarus to be divided between two other Societies namely the Order of St. Maurice in Savoy and of St. Mary of Mount Carmel in France This Order consists of one hundred choice Gentlemen of France and all appointed to attend on the Kings person upon every warlike Expedition They vow Obedience and Chastity and profess to fight against the Enemies of the Roman Church The Feast of their Patroness is annually celebrated on the 16. of Iuly Their first Master was Philibert Nerestang sometimes one of the Knights of St. Lazarus a valiant Gentleman and famous in all military Discipline for which cause he was thought worthy to be prefer'd to this Dignity and accordingly nominated by Henry the Fourth in April 1608. The 30. of October following he took the Oath as Great Master and of Fidelity to the French King The Badge of this Order is a Cross of eight points of Tawney Velvet or Satin but some say of a Violet colour with a white Bordure sewed on the left side of their Cloaks and the Image of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel placed in the middle within a Rundle encompassed with beams or rays of Gold all wrought in curious Imbrodery besides this the Knights wear about their necks in a Tawny Silk Ribbon the like Cross of Gold but the Image of the said Virgin is enameled on both sides The Statutes of this Order are exhibited by A. Favin and the solemn Rites used at the investiture of these Knights are much after the manner of those of Malta Knights of the Order of the most glorious Virgin Mary of Rome 45. It was but of late years viz. 1618. that three Brethren of Spella in Italy namely Pedro Iohn Baptista and Bernardo surnamed Petrignanoes invented this Order of Knighthood to which was given the Rule of St. Francis d' Assise and whereof the Pope and his Successors are Great Masters Paul the Fifth approved this Order and gave these Knights the Palace of St. Iohn de Laterane for their Convent the City and Port of Civita Vechia to make their Arsenal of Gallies as also an Island adjacent to that Port together with the Government of his Gallies The cause of its Institution was for the exaltation of the
day And both these Kings after their solemn Procession presently instituted an Order naming it the Order of St. Andrew But Andr. Favin reporteth the occasion to be otherwise to wit that Achaius King of Scotland having made that famous League offensive and defensive with Charlemain King of France towards all and against all other Princes to preserve the memory of which alliance to posterity the Scotch Lyon assumed before by King Fergus became then enclosed with a Tresure of Flowers de Lis he found himself thereby so strong and mighty that he took for device the Thistle and the Rue which he composed into a Collar of his Order and for his Motto Pour ma defence giving intimation thereby that he feared not the powers of Foreign Princes seeing he leaned on the succour and alliance of the French And though hence may be inferr'd that these two Plants were the united Symbols but of one Order of Knighthood yet doth Mennenius divide them into two making one whose chief Badge was the Thistle whence the Knights were so stiled and the Motto Nemo me impune lacessit and another vulgarly called Sertum Rutae or the Garland of Rue whose Collar was composed of two Branches or Sprigs thereof or else many of its leaves Nevertheless that at both these Collars hung one and the same Jewel to wit the Figure of St. Andrew Patron of that Kingdom bearing before him the Cross of his Martyrdom But there are some saith the same Author who refer the Institution of the Order of the Thistle to later times albeit the Thistle from the Reign of Aâ—haius had been acknowledged for the Badge and Symbol of the Kingdom of Scotland in like manner as the Rose was of England the Lilly of France the Pomegranate of Spain c. to wit in the Reign of Charles the Seventh of France when as the League of amity was renewed between those two Kingdoms and especially for the succour and aid which France then received from Scotland it being in a time of so extraordinary distress and last of all others place the Foundation yet later viz. in the year of our Lord 1500. I have done with what can be said as to the Foundation of this Order and the time thereof and shall now pass on to some other particulars relating to the Order it self The chief and principal Ensign of this Order is a Gold Collar composed of Thistles interlink'd with anulets of Gold and pendant thereunto the Image of St. Andrew with his Cross and this Epigraph Nemo me impune lacessit the Figure whereof may be seen in a Picture of Iames the Fifth King of Scotland now hanging in his Majesty's Gallery at Whitehall on several great Seals of that Kingdom on some Coyns and Medals and lastly among the representations of the Military Ensigns placed at the beginning of this Chapter The time of this Societies meeting was heretofore very religiously observed and celebrated upon the Feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle annually in the Church of the Town dedicated to his name and in testimony of the high esteem and reverence they bore unto him as their titular Saint and Patron During the solemnity of the Feast the Knights of this Order were habited in rich and costly Apparel and wore their Parliament Robes having fixt on their left shoulders an azure Rundle on which was embroidered St. Andrews Cross environed in Center with a Crown composed of Flowers de Lis Or. For the ordinary and common Ensign the Knights used a Green Ribbon whereat hung a Thistle of Gold crowned with an Imperial Crown within a Circle of Gold containing also the foresaid Epigraph but for more satisfaction we have caused the Figures of these two to be here exactly represented from the draughts of them sent me from the before-mentioned Sir Charles Areskin As to the number of the Knights there is nothing remembred by any Author we have seen but herein I was supplyed by the Right Honorable the Earl of Lauderdale who assured me he had met with among his readings from good authority a memorial that this Order consisted of 13 Knights in allusion to the number of our blessed Saviour and his twelve Apostles The Order of Knights of our Lady of the Star in France 7. The Institution of this Order is by Andrew Favin derived from Robert King of France surnamed the Devout who to manifest his particular devotion to the blessed Virgin Mary and in her honor gave Being thereunto in the Month of August Anno Domini 1022. The Knights were in number thirty comprehending the King of France the Chief or Soveraign they had appointed for their Habit Mantles of White Damask their Mantlets and Lining were of light Carnation Damask their Surcoats of the same and on their Mantles as also on their Surcoats to wit upon the left side of the breast was embroidered a Star wrought in pure Gold with five rays or pointed beams The great Collar saith he was formed of three round Chains of Gold much like that of the Order of the Gennet and united at little distances with enamelled Roses interchangeably White and Red at the end whereof hung the Figure of a Star The Ceremonies of the Order began on the day of the Nativity of the blessed Virgin Mary Patroness thereof in the year before-mentioned In the Reign of Philip de Valois this Order began to be intermitted by reason of the Wars nevertheless it was restored by King Iohn his Son the eighth of September anno 1356. But albeit Favin hath thus formally set down the Institution of this Order and assign'd it to King Robert adding moreover Habit Collar and other specious circumstances thereunto yet the Sancte Marthe's his Countrymen are not perswaded of the truth thereof but ingeniously acknowledge that there is not any thing of it mentioned by their ancient Writers and coming to speak of the Order in particular they refer its first Institution not renovation so do Mennenius Ios. Micheli and others to King Iohn Son of Philip de Valois in the Month of October anno 1352. in commemoration of that Star which directed the Wisemen who came from far to adore the Saviour of the World at his Nativity the Figure whereof crowned King Iohn caused to be embroidered on the Mantle or upper Garment of the Order as also this Motto Monstrant Regibus Astra viam The Seat of this Order thus instituted by King Iohn and where the first Ceremonies were kept was in the noble and ancient House of St. Owen called de Clichy neer St. Denys in France and by an ancient deed of Exchange of Lands situate in the Earldom of Alançon in lieu of the House of St. Owen made by King Iohn to the Countess of Alançon and dated at St. Cler de Gomets the 6. day of Iune 1356. is the King called
Institutor of the military Fraternity of the Star which sufficiently contradicts the fair-spun relation of Favin who bestows the honor of Foundation upon King Robert as before hath been said To which we may add that the day assigned by Favin for holding the Chapter of Election of the first Knights to wit the eighth of September 1356 and at Clichy aforesaid was in all probability too neer the day of the Battel of Foicters that being but eleven days after and King Iohn not only then at a great distance from Clichy but on a hasty March to engage the Black Prince and consequently too little at leisure to enter upon the Formalities of such an Institution This Order was of no long continuance for being much violated and dishonoured during the confusion of the Civil and Foreign War by the admission into it of mean and undeserving persons it gave a fair occasion to King Charles the Seventh to take off the pretence of honor supposed in it and to extinguish it Whereupon in the year 1455. he contrived the holding of a Chapter for giving away that Ensign thereof which himself wore to the Chevalier du Guet Captain of the Night-watch in Paris after whose example the Princes and Lords left the Order thus disgraced to the said Captain and never after wore it This Story as to the time though not the manner doth Favin contradict and renders his reasons for it howbeit upon what occasion soever the Order became relinquished or dismist certain it is that upon if not some time before the Foundation of the Order of St. Michael it grew out of request as did that of the Gennet upon the erection of the Star The Order of the Lilly in Navarre 8. Garcius King of Navarre the Sixth of that name lying under the extremity of a languishing sickness sent to divers places of Devotion to the end that Prayers might be offered up for the recovery of his health In which season there hapned to be found in the City of Nagera where he kept his Court an Image of the blessed Virgin Mary issuing forth of a Lilly and holding her Son between her arms upon finding of which if we may credit the story he immediately recovered and to perpetuate his devotion to the said Virgin instituted an Order of Knighthood in the year of our Lord 1048. which consisted of 38 Knights drawn out of the ancientest Families in Navarre Biscay and old Castile and Entituled it the Order of Knights of St. Mary of the Lilly But Ios. Mich. Marquez gives foundation to this Order 25 years before Favin and draws the Institution from another ground For whereas Don Garcias had succeeded his Father King Zanchy the Fourth in the Kingdom of Navarre the Moors made War against him and he prevailing made a Feast in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary at which he instituted this Order and adorned many Knights with the Ensign thereof beginning with his Brothers and Sons Of this Order esteemed the most illustrious of all Spain King Garcias ordained himself and after him his Successors Kings of Navarre the Chiefs and Sovereigns The Knights promised at their entrance into this Order to expose their lives and fortunes in defence of the Christian Faith conservation of the Crown of Navarre and expulsion of the Moors The Badge or Symbol which the Knights wore daily on their breast was a Lilly embroidered in Silver but on solemn days a double Chain of Gold interlaced with the letter M. made after the fashion of a Saxon Capital at the end whereof did hang a Flower de Lis of Gold enamelled White bearing the foresaid Letter M. crowned upon the head of its Flower The Habit was White wrought all over in Needle-work with White Lillies But Ios. Micheli differs in this also from Favin for he assigns for the Badge two Branches of Skie-coloured Lillies one crossing another and in the middle of them the Figure of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin but agrees that the Habit was White The Order of the Sword in Cyprus 9. Guy of Lusignan and according to this Author King of Ierusalem and Cyprus in right of his Wife Sibilla Sister to Baldwin the Leper shortly after his setlement in the Isle of Cyprus which he had bought of Richard the First King of England for one hundred thousand Crowns of Gold Instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1195. in remembrance of so fortunate a Plantation of 15000 persons whom he had brought thither But Mennenius and some others are so far from being of this opinion as to affirm that neither the name of the Founder nor the time of this Order's Foundation are certainly known though it be conceived he was one of the Family of Lusignan who gave beginning unto it The Collar of the Order called a Collar of Esses by Mennenius was composed as Favin reports of round Cordons of White Silk woven into Love-knots interlaced with the Letters S and R. Beneath this Collar hung an Oval of Gold wherein was figured a Sword the Blade enamelled Silver and the Hilt Gold and about the Oval was engraven this Motto Securitas Regni Micheli saith it was Pro fide servanda and Gothofridus Pro integritate tuendâ The day appointed for holding of the solemn Ceremonies of this Order was Ascension-day whereon the Founder gave it in the Church of St. Sophia the Cathedral of Nicosia in Cyprus to his Brother Amaury Constable of Ierusalem and Cyprus and to 300 Barons which he had established in that his new Kingdom There were eight Kings of Cyprus of this House of Lusignan Great Masters or Chiefs of this Order and when the Isle fell into the hands of the Turks this noble Institution ceased The Order of the Bear in Switzerland 10. The Emperor Frederick the Second in favour of the Abbot of St. Gall in Swaben and several Noblemen of that Country who had been active in his assistance for gaining to him the Empire instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1213. and bestowed upon the elect Knights Collars of Gold at the end whereof hung the Figure of a Bear Gold mounted on an Hillock enamelled with Black He ordained that this Honor should be conferr'd by the Abbot of St. Gall for the time being and that on the Anniversary of their Patron St. Gall a Gentleman of Scotland and the Apostle of Swaben being the 16. day of October the Knights of this Order should assemble at the Abbey on which day such Candidates as were designed to receive the Honor were girded with the military Belt the Sword being first consecrated at the Altar and adorned with the Collar of the Order having kept their Vigils the preceding night according to the ancient and accustomed manner But it carried the Title of the Order of the Bear in memory of St.
that Saint This King appointed a White Habit for the Knights and prescribed laudable Constitutions to the Order but because he setled no Revenue thereupon the splendor thereof ceased at his death nevertheless he obtained the end for which it was instituted Knights of St. Anthony in Hainolt 27. Albert of Bavaria Earl of Hainolt Holland and Zeland designing an Expedition against the Turks and Moors instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1382. The Ensign thereof was a golden Collar wrought after the fashion of an Hermits Girdle at which hung a walking Staff and a little golden Bell. The Order of the Porcupine in France 28. Monsieur Lewis of France Duke of Orleans instituted this Order in the year 1393. to honor the Baptism of his eldest Son Charles by Valentina his Wife Daughter to Iohn Galeas Duke of Millan and made choice of the Porcupine for his Devise with this Epigraph Cominus Eminus not only out of the high hopes he conceived of this Child but also to intimate something of revenge against Iohn Duke of Burgundy his mortal Enemy no less than self-defence against all his designs and assaults of which this Animal is a proper Emblem Paradine Mennenius and Micheli make Charles the Son of this Monsieur Lewis the Founder anno Dom. 1430. in imitation or emulation of Philip Duke of Burgundy Founder of the Order of the Golden Fleece but Favin strengthens his foresaid relation from the authority of one Hennotin de Cleriaux an Herald who attended the forementioned Christning in his Heralds Coat and set down an account of the Institution by Monsieur Lewis together with the names of the Princes Lords and Gentlemen on whom he then bestowed his new erected Order their number being 25 including the Founder The Habit assigned to the Knights were Surcoats of Violet Velvet and over them Mantles of Watchet Velvet lined with Carnation Satin The Collar was formed of Gold Chains at the end whereof hung a Porcupine of Gold upon a little enamelled hillock of Grass and Flowers which Creature was also embroidered on the Knights Belts The Order of the Lilly in Aragon 29. According to Hieronymus Zurita this Order was instituted by Ferdinand King of Aragon called the Infant of Antiquera in the year of our Lord 1403. and dedicated to the honor of the blessed Virgin The Collar was composed of Bough-Pots fill'd with White Lillies interlaced with Gryphons and as Hieronymus Romanus reports was vulgarly called La Orden de la Terraca o de las Azucenas ò Iarra de S. Maria which is as much as to say The Order of Lillies or the Vessel of St. Mary Favin gives it under the Title of the Looking-glass of the blessed Virgin Mary in Castile instituted as he saith in honor and memory of a Victory which this King Ferdinand had obtained in that Kingdom against the Moors anno 1410. to wit seven years after the time assigned by Zurita for the foundation The Founder transplanted this Order with him into Aragon 1413. when he received the Crown of that Kingdom and where it continued under the Sons of this King but no longer The Order of the Dragon overthrown in Hungary 30. The Emperor Sigismond surnamed the Glorious for the many Battels he gained over the barbarous Nations in defence of the Christian Religion having greatly laboured the peace of the Churches of Hungary and Bohemia and by his Travels into England France and Spain to invite those Princes to join with him in that his Enterprise brought the same to pass by the Council of Constance out of extream joy at the accomplishment thereof instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1418. for defence of the Christian Religion and to crush all Hereticks and Schismaticks that should arise which Order in short time became of high esteem not only throughout Hungary but Germany also The Knights wore daily for their Ensign of Honor a Green Cross story on solemn days a Scarlet Cloak and on the Mantlet of Green Silk a double Chain of Gold Micheli saith a Green Ribbon at the end of which hung a Dragon dead with broken Wings in the posture of being overcome the Symbol of Heresie vanquished and the whole enamelled with variety of Colours proper But this Order continued not long for it almost expired with the Founder Peter Beloy President of Tholouse affirms he had seen a Diploma dated anno 1413. purporting that Basilius Colalba Marquess of Ancona was admitted into this Order in these very words Te quem manu propria militiae cingulo societatis nostrae Draconicae ac Stolae seu amprisiae charissimi fratris nostri Regis Aragoniae insignivimus c. Equites Tufini in Bohemia 13. We find but a bare mention thereof made by Mennenius and that it was erected in the Kingdom of Bohemia or else both in Bohemia and Austria but he doth not in the least inform us either of the cause of its Institution the Badge of the Order or to what the Title refers The two first of these particulars Ios. Micheli supplies but as to the third we cannot give so perfect an account as we would yet we remember to have read somewhere that this Order had its name from Toca a Cap or Coif The Arch-Dukes of Austria saith he were Founders of this Order which they instituted to ingage their Subjects in the defence of the Christian Religion and expulsion of the Turks and those they called Hereticks out of their Dominions for having about 200 years maintained a War with vast and excessive charge by erecting this Order and bestowing upon the Knights thereof all that they gained in War towards their supportation they very much eaâ—â—d themselves in their Military Expences and indeed this proved so great an encouragement to them that in a few years performing service wheresoever their Chiefs commanded them to ingage they cleared their Provinces almost of both Turks and Schismaticks The Ensign of this Order was a plain Green Cross and the Habit of the Knights Red. This and the following Order saith the same Author were under the Rule of St. Basil and profest conjugal Chastity and Obedience but we see not from what ground he alledges this for if so then ought we to have placed it among the Religious rather than Military Orders these being absolute notes and marks thereof But inasmuch as we elsewhere find that Albert the Emperor adorned Moyses Didacus de Valera in Spain a Knight of known and approved courage with the Ensigns of his three Orders viz. of the Dragon as he was King of Hungary of the Tusin as King of Bohemia and with the Collar de la Disciplinas as Duke of Austria it is hence manifest they were all compleat Military Orders of which this Emperor was Soveraign or Chief for no man can be admitted into
Collar hung the Mus Ponticus or Ermine passing over a Turf of Grass diapred with Flowers at the edge whereof was imbossed this Epigraph in French A Ma Vie the devise of his Grandfather Iohn by which he made known the greatness of his courage and rather than fail of his word that he would undergo any misfortune This Order took ending when the Dukedom of Bretagne became annexed to the Crown of France by the marriage of Anne Dutchess of Bretagne with Charles the Eighth and he being dead with Lewis the Twelfth both French Kings The Order of the Ermyne in Naples 38. Ferdinand the First King of Naples after the end of the War which he had with Iohn of Lorain Duke of Calabria erected this Order in the year of our Lord 1463. being moved thereunto upon the Treason intended against him by Marinus Marcianus Duke of Sessa and Prince of Rosiona his Brother-in-law who raising a confederacy against him intended to kill him when they should be together that so he might transfer the Kingdom to the Duke of Calabria But this Plot being discovered and the Duke apprehended by the King his Subjects expecting that he should have executed Justice upon him he not only forbore it but having instituted this Order of Chevalry the first of many that were invested with the Collar thereof was this his Brother-in-law whom he not only pardoned but also honored and besides whom admitted all the Noblemen of Title in the Kingdom thereinto The Collar was of Gold intermixt with Mud or Dirt to which depended an Ermyne and this Motto Malo mori quam faedari The Order of St. Michael in Naples 39. Albertus Miraeus makes this King Ferdinand Founder of another Order of Knighthood in Naples in memory of St. Michael the Arch-Angel Patron of Apulia The Habit of the Knights was a long White Mantle embroidered with Ermyns and the Collar of Gold composed of the Letters O to which was added for Symbol this Epigraph Decorum This Order is likewise taken notice of by the Author of the Iurisprudentia Heroica but perhaps it may be the same with that of the Ermyn since we observe the Habit hereof is embroidered with Ermyns and might be otherwise called of St. Michael if so be it were dedicated to his honor The Order of Knights of St. Michael in France 40. Lewis the Eleventh of France considering how much the Factions of the Nobility of his Realm had disordered his Affairs to the end he might reunite their affections to himself and confirm the same by new obligations of Honor instituted this Order in the year of our Lord 1469. to which he gave the Title of St. Michael this Arch-Angel being esteemed the titular Angel and Protector of the Realm of France in reverence of whom the ancient Kings of France were wont to observe the Feast-day of this Saint with great solemnity and keep an open Court This King Lewis by the foundational Statutes of the Order which passed his Royal Assent at Amboise the first of August in the year aforesaid ordained That the number of Knights should be 36. whereof himself and his Successors were to be Chief but afterwards the number far exceeded even to 300. The Collar of this Order is composed of Scallop-shells of Gold joined one with another and double banded fastned on small Chains or Males of Gold to the midst thereof is annexed an Oval of Gold on which a rising hillock whereon standeth the Picture of St. Michael combating with and trampling upon the Dragon all curiously enamelled to which saith Mennenius was adjoined this Epigraph Immensi tremor Oceani The Habit appointed by the Founder was a Mantle of White Damask hanging down to the ground furr'd with Ermyn having its Cape embroidered with Gold and the border of the Robe interwoven with Scallops of Gold the Chaperon or Hood with its long Tippet was made of Crimson Velvet But afterwards King Henry the Second ordered That this Mantle should be made of Cloth of Silver embroidered with three Crescents of Silver interwoven with Trophies Quivers and Turkish Bows semed and cantoned with Tongues and Flames of fire and moreover that the Chaperons of Crimson Velvet should be covered with the same embroidery The grand Assembly was by the Soveraign and Knights directed according to the Statutes to be held as a solemn Festival on Michaelmas day and the place appointed for celebration of these pompous Ceremonies at the Church of Mount St. Michael in Normandy built by St. Autbert upon St. Michael's appearing to him in a Vision and liberally endowed by â—ollo Duke of Normandy and his Successors but afterwards removed to Bois de Vincennes not far from Paris There is an Herald of Arms appointed to this Order called Monsieur St. Michel whose duty is to attend the Solemnities thereof and who in most things is precedented by our Garter King of Arms. Such care and moderation was used by King Henry the Third of France when he instituted the Order of the Holy Ghost not only to preserve the honor of this Order in its full splendor notwithstanding the example of former times where the rising of a new Order hath commonly proved the setting of the old but to reform some miscarriages which had crept into it by bestowing it upon some meâ—â— and undeserving persons that he not only continued the annual Solemnities thereof and Election of Knights thereinto but also declared that neither Strangers nor the Natives of France who before are Knights of any other Order should enter into that of the Holy Ghost except those only of St. Michael The Collar of which Order is thereby made lawful to be worn with that of the Holy Ghost and usually represented within it that being esteemed the more worthy place And we are told it is now customary for those that are design'd to be Knights of the Holy Ghost to be admitted into the Order of St. Michael the Evening before they receive that Order Knights of St. Hubert in Gullick 41. Gerard Duke of Gullick and Berg or as the French call them Iuliers and Mont Instituted a Military Order in the year of our Lord 1473. in veneration of St. Hubert Bishop of Liege who died anno 727. The Statutes thereof were written in the Dutch Tongue whereunto was added a Catalogue of the Knights and their Arms to the year of our Lord 1487. But further mention of this Order or what was the Badge thereof we do not find The Order of the Elephant in Denmark 42. Observing some difference among Writers touching the Institution Collar and Ensign of this Order I was in doubt what to say till at length I haply met with better satisfaction from a Letter wrote anno 1537. by Avo Bilde Bishop of Arhusen sometime Chancellor to Iohn King of Denmark and Norway unto Iohn Fris Chancellor to King Christian the Third
is called Turris de London both which are so termed in a Charter of Peace between King Stephen and Duke Henry afterwards King of England by the Title of Henry the Second and this word Mota is here used for what the French call Mote or Motte being the same with Collis or Colliculus and Meta in Latin viz. a little Hill Within this Castle was King Edward the Third born whence commonly called Edward of Windesor and received his Baptism in the old Chappel The native affection he bore to this place was exceeding great insomuch as he constituted it the Head and Seat of that most noble Order of the Garter whereof himself became the most renowned Founder in honor to which he there also founded the Colledge of the Chappel of St. George and much enlarged and beautified the Castle To this work he appointed several Surveyors whom he assigned to press Hewers of Stone Carpenters and such other Artificers as were thought useful and necessary so also to provide Stone Timber and other materials and Carriages for them among these Surveyors we find remembred Iohn Peyntour Richard de Rochell William de Hurle William de Herland Robert de Bernham and some others And to the end this great undertaking might be honestly and substantially performed the King assigned Iohn Brocas Oliver de Burdeux and Thomas de Foxle jointly and severally with all care and diligence at least together once a Month to survey the Workmen and their works and to encourage such as did their duty competently well but to compel others that were idle and slothful He afterwards commissionated Iohn de Alkeshull and Walter Palmer to provide Stone Timber Lead Iron and all other necessaries for the work and to imprest Carriages for their conveyance to Windesor William de Wyckham who attained to the Dignity of Bishop of Winchester and was the second Prelate of the Garter had a Supervisor's or Surveyor's place granted to him by Letters Patents bearing Teste at Westminster the thirtieth of October anno 30. E. 3. He had like powers given him with those Surveyors first above-named and a grant of the same Fee as had been formerly allowed to Robert de Bernham viz. One shilling a day while he stayed at Windesor in his employment two shillings a day when he went elsewhere about that affair and three shillings a week for his Clerk which like allowances had been first of all made to Richard de Rochell Afterwards he had bestowed upon him the chief custody and surveyorship of this Castle of the Mannors of Old and New Windesor and of several other Castles Mannors and Houses enumerated in his Letters Patents with power to appoint and dispose of all Workmen buy necessaries for Reparation provide Carpenters Masons and other Artificers Stone Timber c. and in those Mannors to hold Leets and other Courts Pleas of Trespass and Misdemeanors to enquire of the Kings liberties rights and all things appertaining thereunto It may be presumed that about the thirty fourth year of this Kings Reign the most considerable enlargement of the Castle was made seeing there were then great store of the best Diggers and Hewers of Stone imprest in London and out of divers Counties in England by virtue of Writs directed to several Sheriffs dated the 14. of April in that year with command to send them to Windesor by the Sunday next after the Feast of St. George at the furthest there to be employed at the Kings Wages so long as was necessary viz. London 40 Essex and Hertford 40 Wilts 40 Leycest and Worcest 40 Cambridge and Huntingd. 40 Kent 40 Gloucester 40 Somerset and Devon 40 Northampton 40 Herewith the Sheriffs were commanded to take sufficient security of these Workmen not to depart from Windesor without the License of William de Wyckham who was appointed to return the same Securities into the Court of Chancery and all this under the penalty of one hundred pounds to each respective Sheriff And because divers of these Workmen for gain and advantage had afterwards clandestinely lest Windesor and were entertained by other persons upon greater Wages to the Kings great damage and manifest retarding of his Work Writs were therefore directed to the Sheriffs of London with command to make Proclamation to inhibit any person whether Clerk or Layman under forfeiture of all they had forfeitable for employing or retaining any of them as also to arrest such as had so run away and commit them to Newgate and from time to time to return their names into the Chancery But a great number of them dying of the great Pestilence other Writs issued 30. of March anno 36. E. 3. to the Sheriffs of several Counties not of the former number That under the penalty of two hundred pounds apiece they should send to Windesor able and skilful Masons and Diggers of Stone to be there on Sunday the Utas of Easter at furthest to be employed in the Works namely to the Sheriffs of York 60 Derby 24 Salop. 60 Hereford 50 Nottingham 24 Lancaster 24 Devon 60 It was the thirty seventh year of this King or e're the Buildings were ready for Glasing and then Henry de Stamerne and Iohn Brampton were employed to buy Glass in all places of the Kingdom where it was to be sold to press four and twenty Glasiers and convey them to London to work there at the Kings Wages and twelve Glasiers for Windesor to be employed in like manner within the Castle In this year also the work went effectually on as may be guess'd from the great store of Workmen prest for this service as also Carriages for Stone and Timber much of the Stone being digg'd out of the Quarries of Wellesford Helwell and Careby and the next year not only in these but in the Quarries of Heseleberg and Demelby and the following year out of the Quarry of Melton From hence to the forty third year of this Kings Reign we find Artificers were yearly prest and the buildings of the Castle seriously pursued but after we meet with nothing in that kind mentioned to be done until the eight and fortieth year and thence not any thing during his Reign So that it s to be presumed this famous piece for magnificence and strength was for the greatest part finished in his said forty third year that is to say the Kings Palace the great Hall of St. George the Lodgings on the East and South side of the upper Baily or Ward the Keep or Tower in the middle Ward the Chappel of St. George the Houses for the Custos and Canons in the lower Ward together with the whole circumference of the Walls and their several Towers and Gates as now they stand In succeeding times some other additions were made to the buildings within the Castle in particular King Henry the Seventh added that stately Fabrick adjoining to the Kings Lodgings in the
nor give credit to any thing they receive from it And yet hath it so fallen out that many learned men for want of reflection have incautelously swallowed and run away with this vulgar error whereupon it hath come by degrees to the vogue it is now in Of the same spinning with the former is another Tradition and no less uncertain That the Queen being departed from King Edward's presence to her own Lodgings he following her soon after hapned to espy a Blue Garter lying on the ground thought to have slipt from her Leg as she went along whilst some of his Attendants passed by it as disdaining to stoop at such a trifle but he knowing the Owner commanded it to be taken up and given to him at the receipt whereof he said You make but small account of this Garter but within few Months I will cause the best of you all to reverence the like And some think that the Motto of the Garter was the Queens answer when the King asked her what men would conjecture of her upon losing her Garter in such a manner But both these Relations are remote from truth and of little credit nevertheless they give us opportunity to note here That it hath thus fared with other Orders of Soveraign Foundation and an Amorous instead of Honorable Account of their Institution hath by some been untruly rendred For instance that of the Annunciade Instituted some few years after this of the ennobled Garter concerning which though Andrew Favin hath given it an amorous original yet have we in the third Chapter from better authorities cleared his mistaken account thereof Nor hath it hapned otherwise with the Order of the Golden Fleece even that also hath met with the same fate and the Institution reported to have risen from an effeminate ground for it is said that its Founder entring one morning into the Chamber of a most beautiful Lady of Bruges generally esteemed his Mistress found upon her Toilet a Fleece of low Country Wooll whence some of his Followers taking occasion of sport as at a thing unusually seen in a Ladies Chamber he as is reported of King Edward the Third upon such another occasion vowed that such as made it the subject of their derision should never be honored with a Collar of the Order thereof which he intended to establish to express the love he bore that Lady There is a third opinion grounded on a Relation having an aspect to time before King Edward the Third's Institution which is reported of King Richard the First and is this that while his Forces were employed against Cyprus and Acon and extreamly tired out with the tediousness of the Siege He by the assistance and mediation of St. George as imagined was inspired with fresh courage and bethought himself of a new device which was to tye about the legs of a chosen number of Knights a Leathern Thong or Garter for such had he then at hand whereby being put in mind of the future glory that should accrue to them with assurance of worthy rewards if they overcame they might be ronzed up to the behaving themselves gallantly and stoutly in the Wars much after the manner of the ancient Romans among whom were various Crowns with which for several causes Soldiers were adorned to the end that by those encouragements all sluggishness being shaken off the virtue and fortitude of their minds might spring up and appear more resolute and vigorous It further continues in the same Preface That after a long interval of time and divers Victories obtained by him the said King returning into his Country determined with himself to institute and setle this most noble Order of St. George on whose patronage the English so much relied But admit this though we are to note it is only a Relation put down in the Preface of the Black Book but not any part of the Annals of the Order nor can it plead higher antiquity than the Reign of King Henry the Eighth because written a little after the time he reformed and explained the Statutes of the Garter all this we say admitted and that King Richard the First did make use of this devise in the Holy Land as a signal or distinction of a party going out upon some warlike exploit yet that he thence took occasion to frame a distinct Order of Knighthood afterwards there is not the least mention nor any ground to imagine So that all the advantage can be made of it is that as Doctor Heylin affirms we may warrantably be perswaded this occasion much heightned the reputation of that Saint among the English by which means in process of time the most heroick Order of the Garter came to be dedicated to him and not that it any way contributed to the Institution of it SECT II. The true Cause asserted THus far of the conjectures of others concerning the Institution of this most noble Order now come we to unfold the true occasion thereof We affirm then that King Edward the Third had no reflection either upon a Ladies Garter or King Richard's Leathern Thong when he first designed the Institution but that it did proceed from a much more noble cause to wit that this King being a person of a most absolute and accomplisht virtue gave himself up to a prudent management of Military Affairs and being ingaged in War for the recovery of his right to the Kingdom of France in the prosecution of which enterprise he had great use of the stoutest and most famous Martialists of that Age did thereupon first design as being invited thereto by its ancient same the restauration of King Arthur's Round Table which he exhibited with magnificent Hastiludes and general Justs to invite hither the gallant and active spirits from abroad and upon discovery of their courage and ability in the exercise of Arms to draw them to his party and oblige them to himself And conceiving no place more fit than Windesor upon Newyears-day anno 1344. he issued out his Royal Letters of Protection for the safe coming and return of Forreign Knights their Servants and what belonged to them that were desirous to try their valour at the solemn Justs by him appointed to be held there on Munday after the Feast of St. Hillary next following which that year happened on the 19. of Ianuary and these Letters of safe conduct continued in force until the Octaves of the Purification of our blessed Lady ensuing being in the 18. year of his Reign At the time appointed he provided a great Supper to begin the Solemnity and then Ordained that this Festival should be annually held there at Whitsontide and immediately after these first Martial Exercises were over to the end better accommodation might be provided for the Knights that should afterwards come thither he caused to be impress Carpenters Masons and Carriages for erecting a particular building in the Castle and therein placed a Table
of Martial Feats and other Publick Exercises there to be held proper to the place and occasion According to which Invitation there came over at the appointed time sundry Knights and other brave Martialisis out of desire to signalize their valour and what made the Solemnity more glorious King Edward's Queen attended with three hundred of the fairest Ladies adorned with all imaginable gallantry were there likewise present SECT IV. Of the Patrons of the Order KIng Edward the Third upon his Instituting this Princely Colledge of a select number of Knights did according to the custom and opinion of that Age make choice of several Patrons to this his most noble Order under whose protection Himself and all the Knights-Companions together with the Affairs of the Order might be defended conserved and governed The first and chiefest Patron that he elected for this end was the holy Trinity which though indeed it be the Creator and Governor of all things yet nevertheless was in a more especial manner invocated to the aid and assistance of this Order Nor was it in those times accounted any derogation to God or his divine worship but rather on the contrary a great addition thereunto that what he is alone the giver of should be desired and implored by their means through whom he is well pleased to be sought unto Upon which consideration this religious and pious King being singularly affected to the blessed Virgin Mary though she was accounted the general Mediatrix and Protectress to all men and upon all occasions yet did he more peculiarly intitle her to the Patronage of this most noble Order And no less was King Edward the Fourth in a special manner devoted towards the same blessed Virgin insomuch as he thought it necessary that some additional Ceremonies within the Order should be observed by Himself and the Knights-Companions to her peculiar honor and thereupon Ordained That on her five Solemnities the Knights-Companions should annually as was wont and accustomed at the yearly Feast of St. George wear the peculiar Habit of the Order as long as Divine Service was celebrating unless they had sufficient cause of excuse bearing on the right shoulder of their Robes a golden figure of the Virgin Mary and further that they should go in the same manner and Habit upon all the Sundays throughout the year and lastly that on the same days for ever they should say five Pater Nosters with as many Ave Maria's Thirdly Saint George of Cappadocia a most choice Champion of Christ and famous Martyr was also chosen one of the Patrons to this Order and that not so much because in his life he was a Candidate of the Christian Faith a real Professor and a sincere Defendor thereof or for that he was an armed Soldier or Knight of Christ but much more because in those Wars which were waged by Christians against the Infidels he by several appearances shewed his presence as a most certain encourager and assistant to the Christians the relations of some of which Visions may be seen at large elsewhere There is no need we should in this Work engage at all in asserting the History of Saint George against those who will neither allow him either a place in Heaven or a being in the Church since that is both learnedly and judiciously maintained to our hand out of the venerable Records of Antiquity and Church-History by the elaborate endeavours of the late reverend Divine Dr. Peter Heylin in a particular Tract The like pains we are eased of in avouching and assuring him to be the special Patron Protector Defendor and Advocate of this Realm of England and manifesting in what veneration he hath been held abroad especially among the Eastern Churches by the Pen of our most learned Selden To whose testimonies we shall only add that this Title of Patron to our Nation is given to St. George by the Founder of this most noble Order in a Patent granted to the Deans and Canons of the Chappels of St. Stephen at Westminster and St. George at Windesor which dischargeth them from payment of Tenths for the Churches appropriate to those Chappels that were or should be given by the Clergie to Him and his Successors As also by King Henry the Eighth in the Preamble of his Statutes Nay further that he was likewise called our Nations Patron in relation to the Spiritual Militia of this Kingdom And though in general he is stiled the Principal Patron of the Affairs of Christendom and a Tutelar Guardian of military men yet among all Christians the English did the best and in England the Founder of this most noble Order in making particular choice of such a Captain and Patron under whose conduct to fight to wit a Captain so approved and tryed by such high testimonies as he had given In particular relation to whom the Knights-Companions had bestowed on them the title of Equites Georgiani St. George's Knights and the Order it self came to be stiled Ordo divi Sancti Georgii the Order of St. George It is worthy of observation that du Chesne a French Writer acknowledges it was by the special Invocation of St. George that King Edward the Third gained the battel of Crescy which afterward calling to mind he founded saith he to his honor a Chappel within the Castle of Windesor But if we may go higher and credit our Harding it seems King Arthur paid St. George particular honors for he advanced his Picture in one of his Banners and this was about 200 years after his Martyrdom and very early for a Country so remote from Capadocia to have him in so great estimation Lastly The Founder added to these a fourth Patron whose Name himself bore namely Saint Edward the Confessor sometime King of England and his Predecessor by which choice the Patronage of the Order belongs also to him And we find he was wont to be invocated by this noble Founder as well as Saint George at such time as he found himself in any great streight of which a memorable instance is recorded by Thomas Walsingham who reports that at a Skirmish neer Calice anno Dom. 1349. King Edward in great heat of anger and grief drew out his Sword and most passionately cried out Ha Saint Edward Ha Saint George which his Soldiers hearing ran presently unto him and rushing violently upon the Enemy put many of them to the Sword But in further declaration of electing all these for Patrons to the Order we find them ranked together in the Preamble of the Charter of Foundation of Windesor Colledge granted by King Edward the Third though in the Preamble to his Statutes of the Order and to King Henry the Fifth's Statutes Saint Edward the Confessor is omitted nevertheless in the Preamble to Henry the Eighth's Statutes he is there remembred with the rest SECT V. The Honor and Reputation thereof BEfore we leave this Chapter we
materials with those made for the Soveraign of the Order namely at first of fine Wollen Cloth and when the Soveraign changed Cloth to Velvet they did so likewise But we cannot meet with equal satisfaction in this particular as we have done in the Mantles belonging to the Soveraign because the Knights-Companions provided this Robe at their own charge and their private accounts through many casualties were of no great durability but their Surcoats were of the Soveraign's donation and consequently the particulars of them remain on Record in the Rolls and Accounts of the great Wardrobe The Colour of these Mantles is appointed by the Statutes to be Blue and of this coloured Cloth was the first Robe made for the Founder by which as by the ground-work of the Royal Garter it is not unlike he alluded in this no less than that to the Colour of the Field in the French Arms which a few years before he had assumed in Quarter with those of his Kingdom of England But the Colour of the Surcoat was changed every year as will appear by and by Of the same Colour were the Velvet Mantles made in King Henry the Sixth's Reign who though he changed the Stuff yet did he not vary the dye It is also manifest that the Blue Colour was retained to King Edward the Fourth's Reign for when this Soveraign sent the Habit and Ensigns of the Order to Iulianus de Medicis the Mantle was made of Blue Velvet But in King Henry the Eighth's Statutes there is no mention at all of the Colour of this upper Robe save only of the Mantle which a Forreign Princes Proxy is enjoined to bring along with him when he comes to assume the Stall of his Principal which though it be not directly to the point yet is it there noted to be of Blue Velvet and it is more than probable that the Blue Colour continued still in use for within a few years after the compiling this last mentioned Body of Statutes it appears the Mantle sent to Iames King of Scotland was of Blue Velvet And Polydore Virgile who wrote his History about that time affirms as much Moreover in the ancient form of admonition and signification appointed to be spoken at the Investiture of Forreign Princes and then in use it is called the Mantle of Celestial Colour If we pass from the Reign of King Henry the Eighth to the first and second years of King Philip and Queen Mary it will appear the Mantle sent to Emanuel Duke of Savoy was likewise of Blue Velvet But in Queen Elizabeth's Reign upon what ground is no where mentioned the Colour of Forreign Princes Mantles was changed from Blue to Purple for of that Colour were the Mantles sent to the French Kings Charles the Ninth anno 6. Eliz. and Henry the Third an 27. of the same Queen So also to the Emperor Maximilian an 9. Eliz. to Frederick the Second King of Denmark an 24. Eliz. to Iohn Casimire Count Palatine of the Rhyne an 21. Eliz. and to Christierne the Fourth King of Denmark an Iac. R. 4. but that sent to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg in the same year was of a mixt Colour to wit Purple with Violet Thus the Purple Colour came in and continued till about the 12. year of King Charles the First when that Soveraign having determined to restore the Colour of the Mantle to the primitive Institution namely a rich Celestial Blue gave directions to Mr. Peter Richant Merchant afterwards Knighted by him to furnish himself with a parcel of Velvets of that Colour from Genoa and upon their arrival into England commanded Sir Thomas Rowe then Chancellor of the Order forthwith to signifie by Letters to all the Knights-Companions his Soveraign Pleasure that every one of them should take so much of that Velvet as would make new Robes against the following St. George's day and satisfie for them in obedience to this command the Chancellor within ten days gave notice thereof to the Knights-Companions Hereupon all the Knights furnished themselves with new Mantles at the rate of thirty seven shillings a yard being the price the Soveraign paid to Mr. Richaut for the Velvet of his own Robes and the first time these Mantles were worn was to honor the Installation of the present Soveraign And because there were many Knights-Elect to be Installed after the happy return of the present Soveraign it was therefore Ordered at a Chapter held at Whitehall the 14. of Ianuary an 12. Car. 2. called to consider what preparations were fit and necessary to be made against the grand Feast of St. George then at hand That directions should be given to the Master of the Wardrobe to send abroad for special good Velvets of Skie-colour and Crimson and other materials of the proper Colours for the Mantles and Surcoats both of the old Knights-Companions and those that were then to be Installed which was accordingly done and they brought over in time to accommodate them at the said Feast Albeit the just number of Ells of Cloth which went to the making the Founder's first Mantle are not set down yet in gross for his Mantle Hood and Surcoat there was allowed 10 Ells of long Cloth The Mantle of King Henry the Sixth took up one Piece 5 Ells and 3 quarters of Blue Velvet and those sent to Frederick the Second and Christiern the Fourth Kings of Denmark and to the French King Henry the Third contained each 20 yards of Velvet This we find to be the allowance for the Mantles of Forreign Princes and are the more large by reason of their long Train which being wanting in the Mantles of Knights Subjects 18 yards served to make one of them The full length of the present Soveraign's Mantle from the Collar behind to the end of the Train is 3 yards the length of the foreside 1 yard and 3 quarters from the foot along the bottom to the setting on of the Train is 2 yards and from thence the length or compass of the Train is 2 yards The left shoulder of each of these Mantles have from the Institution of the Order been adorned with one large fair Garter containing the Motto Honi soit qui mal y pense These were distinguished from the lesser Garters anciently embroidered upon the Surcoats and Hoods of the Soveraign and Knights-Companions by the name of Garters gross Within this Garter was embroidered the Arms of St. George viz. Argent a Cross Gules and was heretofore wrought upon Satin with Gold Silver and Silk but in succeeding times more cost was bestowed upon this Ensign the embroidery being curiously wrought upon Velvet with Damask Gold and sundry sorts of Purls Plates Venice Twists and Silks and the Letters of the Motto and Borders of the Garter composed of fair Oriental Pearl The Garter fixt upon the Mantle of the present Soveraign
House within two miles of Eccleshall in Staffordshire where one Mr. George Barlow then dwelt delivered his Wife this George to secure Within a week after Mr. Barlow himself carried to Robert Milward Esquire now second Justice of the great Sessions of the County Palatine of Chester one of the Commissioners of the Privy Seal and Son unto Sir Thomas Milward Knight late Chief Justice of the said great Sessions both persons of known loyalty and great sufferers for his late Majesty he being when a Prisoner to the Parliament in the Garrison of Stafford and by his means was it happily preserved and restored for not long after he delivered it to Mr. Isaac Walton a man well known and as well beloved of all good men and will be better known to posterity by his ingenious Pen in the lives of Doctor Donne Sir Henry Wotton Mr. Richard Hooker and Mr. George Herbert to be given to Colonel Blague then Prisoner in the Tower who considering it had already past so many dangers was perswaded it could yet secure one hazardous attempt of his own and thereupon leaving the Tower without leave taking hasted the presentation of it to the present Soveraign's hand The first is the Great Seal of Borice-Feodorwiche Emperor of Russia affixed to his Letters sent to Queen Elizabeth dated at his Imperial Palace of Mosko the 12. of Iune 1602. and 39. year of his Reign A Translation of which was most courteously afforded me by Mr. Ia. Frese Interpretor to the Russian Ambassadors sent over hither to his now Majesty an Dom. 1660. and is as followeth By Gods providence We the great Lord Emperor and great Duke Boreece Feodorwiche of all Russia Self-upholder of Wolodeemer Mosko Novograde Emperor of Kazan Emperor of Astracane and Emperor of Seebeeria Lord of Psokosske great Duke of Smolenskee Twerskee Ugarskee Permskee Vaticekee Bolgarskee and other Lord and great Duke of Novagradia the lower Countries Cheringoskee Rezanskee Rososkee Yaroslaveskee Beloozerskee Leeflandia Udorskee Obdorskee Kondinskee and Commander of all the Northern parts and Lord of all the Iverskee Countries and Granziskee Empires and of the Caberniskee Countries Cherkaskee Igorskee and of many other Kingdoms Lord and Conqueror We have likewise seen another of this Emperors great Seals fixed to his Letters bearing date the 31. day of May an Dom. 1594. which he also sent to Queen Elizabeth and was presented to her at Richmond the 14. of October following by his Ambassador Evanowich the Circumscription containing the same Stile and Titles above set down There is preserved in the Archives at Oxford an Instrument containing Letters testimonial of this Emperor given to Doctor Christopher Ritinger his chief Physician the Seal whereof is Silver gilt but differs in size and design from the former and contains on the reverse the Figure of St. George and the Dragon only A translation of the whole Instrument I have transcribed hither as it was communicated to me by my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Hyde the present Library-Keeper of that famous Vniversity a Gentleman of eminent Learning in all kinds and especially in the Oriental Tongues By the great mercy of God We great Lord Emperor and great Duke Borrys Feodorwich of all Russia sole Commander of Volodemersky Moscovesky Novogorodsky King of Cazansky King of Astracansky King of Sibersky Lord of Vobsky and great Duke of Smolensky Twersky Ugorsky Permesky Votsky Bulgarsky and many others Lord and great Duke of Novogorod Levelandsky Udorsky Obdorsky Kondnisky and all the Northern parts Commander Lord of Iverskyland King of Grusinsky Caberdinsky Country Chercasky and the Country of Iversky and of many other Kingdoms Lord and Commander together with our princely Son Pheodor Burrissiwich of all Russia do by these our princely Letters given unto Doctor Christopher Ritinger Physician Hungarian born acknowledge his true faithful and willing service unto our Highness in which his profession We Lord King and great Duke Burrys Feodorwich of all Russia have sufficiently tryed his skill on our princely person which he carefully performed for the better preservation of our health and through Gods great mercy by his diligent and faithful service hath cured our Highness of a dangerous sickness And therefore we Lord King and great Duke Borys Feodorwich of all Russia sole Commander with our princely Son Pheodor Burryssiwich in regard of his great learning and faithful service to us have admitted him to be our Princely Doctor to minister Physick and attend on our royal person to which end we have granted him our Letters and hereby we testifie his sufficient knowledge and practice in Physick who hath by our selves well deserved to publish and make known the same And if the said Doctor Christopher shall repair to any other Princes Countries Emperors Kings Curfists Arch-Dukes or Dukes to offer his service unto them We do by these our princely Letters wheresoever they shall come give true testimony on the said Doctor Christopher's behalf to be of great learning sufficient knowledge well practised in Physick matters as also in that profession careful diligent and trusty to be credited We having had sufficient tryal of his faithful carriage in all true and honest services towards us These our Princely Letters given in our great and chiefest Palace in the Kingdom of Mosco in the year of the creation of the World 7109. and in the moneth of August The Style about the Seal By the great mercy of God We great Lord Emperor and great Duke Borys Feodorwich of all Russia sole Commander Lord and Governor of many other Countries and Kingdoms The third is the great Seal of Alexeye Michailowiche the present Emperor of Russia wherewith was sealed the Letter sent to his now Majesty an Dom. 1660. by his Ambassadors Duke Peter Semoenowiche Prosoroskee Lord and Possessor of the Dukedom of Toole and Evan Offonosyewiche Zelabuskee Namestinck of Coormeskee Which having obtained by the favour of Sir William Morice Knight and Baronet late principal Secretary of State we also here exhibit to publick view with a translation of this Emperor's Style rendred into English by the said Mr. Ia. Frese By Gods mercy We the great Lord Emperor and great Duke Alexeye Michailowiche of all the great and lesser and white Russia Self-upholder of Moscovia Kneveskee Wolodeemerskee and Novagardskee Emperor of Kazan Emperor of Astracan Emperor of Siberia Lord of Pscosskee and great Duke of Lettow Smolenskee Twerskee Wolniskee Podolskee Ugarskee Permskee Waticekee Bolgarskee and others Lord and great Duke of Novogradia the lower Countries Cheringoskee Rezanskee Polotskee Rostosskee Yaroslasskee Belozerskee Udorskee Obdorskee Kandinskee Weetepskee Meestesloskee and of all the Northern parts Commander Lord of the Iverskee Countries Cartalinskee Groonsiskee and Igerskee Empires and of the Kabardinskee Countries Cheringosskee and Igorskee Dukedoms and of many other Dukedoms Eastern western and northern from Father and Grandfather heir apparent Lord and Conqueror This representation of St. George and the Dragon we find assigned for Arms to Anne de Russie Daughter to Iaroslaus
the said Chancellor is to precede And to the end publick notice may be taken hereof and the respects known that is due to that place His Majesty hath commanded an Entry thereof to be made in the Register of the Order And is pleased that the Earl Marshal of England shall likewise cause the same to be entred in the Office of Arms. And to the end the place belonging to the Chancellor of the Exchequer may be certainly known we have thought fit to transcribe hither so much of the Decree and Establishment of King Iames made the 20. of May in the 10. year of his Reign as will evidence the same And his Majesty doth likewise by these presents for Himself his Heirs and Successors Ordain That the Knights of the most Noble Order of the Garter the the Privy Councellors of his Majesty His Heirs and Successors the Master of the Courts of Wards and Liveries the Chancellor and Under-Treasurer of the Exchequer Chancellor of the Dutchy the Chief Justice of the Court commonly called the Kings Bench the Master of the Rolls the Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas the Chief Baron of the Exchequer and all other the Judges and Barons of the Degree of the Coife of the said Courts now and for the time being shall by reason of such their honorable Order and employment of State and Iustice have place and precedency in all places and upon all occasions before the Younger Sons of Viscounts and Barons and before all Baronets c. The foresaid Constitutions appoint the Chancellor of the Order an Habitation within the Castle of Windesor like as hath the Prelate and that is the South-west Tower in the Lower-Ward of the Castleâ—hence â—hence called the Chancellors-Tower It appears the possession thereof had been for some time in the hands of others and therefore in a Chapter held at Whitehall the 5. of November an 5. Car. 1. It was decreed to be restored unto Sir Francis Crane then Chancellor of the Order and after his decease to descend to his Successors in right of this Office These Constitutions also Ordained That this Officer should have the like Diet and Liveries in the Soveraign's Court as were allowed to the Prelate At the erection of this Office the Chancellor had no Pension allowed him towards defraying his charge in the Execution thereof nor until the Constitutions relating to the Officers were established but thereby is setled on him a Pension of 100 l. per annum in consideration of his Employment or else an allowance proportionable in Fees Offices or other Promotions over and beside his Lodgings in the Castle and Liveries at Court But as to Fees or Perquisites there are none due to this Officer and for that reason he hath not only the foresaid Pension but all his disbursements touching the Affairs of the Order allowed him even to Paper Wax and Wafers and indeed those persons who formerly enjoyed this Office have thought it much below them to accept either of Fee or Gratuity for any thing done within the Order and so that truly noble person Sir Thomas Rowe sometime the worthy Chancellor of this Order out of an extraordinary sence of Honor affirmed in a Letter to Doctor Christopher Wren Register upon the tender but his refusal of some Gratuity That his Office was an Office of Honor and not of Fees and that he had alwâ—ys excepted against Fees for the disbursements of the Soveraign's Money Though he acknowledged some had given his Clerk a small Gratuity for the bare Ingrossing of an Alms-Knights Patent but nothing further And because the Custody of the Seals of the Order belong to this Officer before we leave this Section it will be here the fittest place to say something concerning them It appears by the Statutes of Institution to have been then agreed That there should belong to this most Noble Order a Common Seal This is confirmed by the Statutes of King Henry the Fifth and since called the Great Seal of the Order The use of this Seal is declared to be to seal not only the Original Statutes appointed to remain perpetually within the Treasury of Windesor Colledge as also those Copies of which each Knight-Companion is obliged to have one in his keeping but likewise all Letters of Licence to any of the Knights-Companions desirous to purchase Honor abroad and all Mandates and Certificates relating to the Order After what manner this first Seal was designed or what was engraven thereon we yet could never find Polidore Virgile tells us That when the Founder of the Order had made choice of St. George for its Patron he represented him armed mounted on a Horse bearing a Silver Shield and thereon a Red Cross. But whether St. George thus designed was engraved on the first Seal or only a Scutcheon of his Arms as in after times is not certain But this Author notes that the Founder clothed his Soldiers in White Iackets or Coats and on their Breasts and Backs sowed Red Crosses parallel to the Arms anciently assigned to St. George as also to the Kingdom of England placed under his Patronage which Arms the Soveraigns of this Order have ever since advanced in their Standards both by Land and Sea But besides this Common Seal King Henry the Fifth in the 9. year of his Reigâ— Instituted a Privy Signet in case weighty Affairs should occasion the Soveraign to go out of this Kingdom The use whereof was to set to all Acts made by the Soveraign beyond Sea to difference them from those of his Deputies here in England King Henry the Eighth's Statutes ordain the making both of a Common-Seal and Signet and direct that the Arms of the Order should be engraved upon each of them The Common-Seal used in his Reign we have seen and represented in the inserted Plate under the Number I the Signet being designed after the same manner but less The use of this Seal was continued as appears from several Commissions of Lieutenancy that have come to our hands until the Reign of King Iames and then altered to that Draught placed under number II There was a like Seal made at the beginning of the Reign of King Charles the First which being judged too little for the honor of the Soveraign's Commissions it was afterwards Decreed in Chapter held the 18. of April an 13. Car. 1. That a new one should be made of a larger size with the accustomed Arms and Motto and the care thereof left to Sir Thomas Rowe the then Chancellor and it appears he executed this Command with all due consideration by the nobleness of the design exhibited under the Number III In the same Decree direction was given for making a new Signet the former being thought too big for Letters this also was effected by the said Chancellor and represented under the number IV It was at the same Chapter further Decreed
Noble Order of the Garter the Register of our said Order is to have his person and estate secured from violence and injury to the end he or his Ministers may securely live under our perpetual protection and safeguard and as often as he shall be molested for himself or for any thing that belongs unto him he is to receive our protection and the assistance of the Companions of our said Order according to equity and right These are therefore to will and command all men of what condition soever they be not to trouble or molest Doctor Christopher Wren Dean of Windesor and Register of our most Noble Order of the Garter or any of his Ministers whomsoever or any thing that belongs to him whatsoever but to suffer his Person servants and Estate to be in quiet security and peace without any injury or violence to be offered by any unto him or his as they and every of them will answer the contrary at their peril Given at our Court at Oxford under the Signet of our Order the 12. day of December in the 19. year of our Reign This Officer by the Constitutions of his Office hath a Pension of 50 l. per annum allowed him or proportionable in Fees Offices or other Profits And an 1. 2. Phil. Mar. the like Pension was granted to Owen Oglethorp Dean of Windesor out of the Exchequer until some Ecclesiastical Preferment of like value should be conferr'd on him by the Soveraign The same was confirmed to Doctor Maxey by Decree in Chapter 23. April an Iac. Reg. 16. and afterwards to Doctor Beaumont by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of England in the 20. of the said King for which there is a most grateful acknowledgment entred among the Annals But there needed to assignment of Lodgings at Windesor to this Officer as there was to the rest considering both the Canons and Dean were provided of Houses belonging to their Ecclesiastical Dignities within the Colledge at the Institution of the Order SECT IV. Garter ' s Institution Oath Mantle Ensign Badge Priviledges and Pension KIng Henry the Fifth Soveraign of this most Noble Order seriously contemplating its honor upon good and mature deliberation and with advice and consent of all the Knights-Companions Ordained and Instituted this Officer and for the Dignity of the Order was pleased he should be the Principal Officer within the Office of Arms and chief of all the Servants of Arms. The services enjoined him relating to the Order were in time preceding performed by Windesor Herald at Arms an Officer created with that Title by King Edward the Third much about the time of his Instituting the Order and an annual Pension of 20 Marks granted him out of the Exchequer by Letters Patent for life which received confirmation from King Richard the Second But as to the nature of his employment comprehended under this later part of his Title and thus annext to the Office of Garter we have here no direct occasion to discourse off nothing therein properly relating to the service he is to performed within this Order Nevertheless where any are desirous to be informed of it some part of his Priviledges Employments and Duty are to be found in the Constitutions of his Office others in the Constitutions made by the Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshal of England an 10. Eliz. and lastly by the Lords Comissioners constituted for the Office of Earl Marshal dated the 22. of November an 20. Car. 2. Sir William Brugges was the person first created Garter and called in the Institution of his Office Iartier Roy d' Armes des Anglois but else where his Title is found to run thus Willelmus Brugges alias dictus Gartier Rex Armorum This Sir William became a great Benefactor to St. George's Church at Stamford and in the Windows of the Chancel caused to be represented King Edward the Third with his 25 first Knights-Companions kneeling habited in their Mantles and Surcoats of Arms which upon my journey thither an 1664. I found so broken and defaced that no tolerable Draught of them could be taken fit to exhibit to the Readers satisfaction Iohn Smert the immediate Successor to Sir Will. Brugges had this Office given him by Letters Patent under this Title Iohannes Smert Rex Armorum de Garteria and Iohn Wrythe was stiled Principalis Heraldus Officiarius inâ—liti Ordinis Garterii Armorumque Rex Anglicorum But Sir Gilbert Dethick leaving out Heraldus joined Principalis with Rex and so it hath continued since Principalis Rex Armorum Anglicorum Principal King of English Arms. In the Constitutions of his Office he is called Garterus Rex Armorum Angliae whom the Soveraign and Knights-Companions thereby Ordained to be a Gentleman of Blood and Arms of untainted reputation and born within the Kingdom of England Besides as King Henry the Fifth did before so doth King Henry the Eighth here declare That he should be chief of all the Officers of Arms attending upon the Crown of England The substance of his Oath administred by the Register at his admission whilst he humbly kneeleth at the Soveraign's feet in the Chapter-house is 1. To yield obedience to the Soveraign and Knights-Companions 2. To keep silence and not disclose the secrets of the Order 3. To make signification of the death of each Knight-Companion 4. To execute all things faithfully committed to his care 5. To enquire diligently after all the Noble Acts of the Knights-Companions and certifie them to the Register 6. To be faithful in the exercise of his Office And we find it observed that an Oath consisting of these particulars was administred to Garter at a Chapter held at Greenwich an 28. H. 8. which is to be understood of Sir Christopher Barker admitted Garter that very year We find no allowance given to this Officer for his Habit in the Precedent of the Garter for Liveries nor among the Books in the Soveraign's Great Wardrobe whence it may be presumed he had no particular Habit assign'd him at first but was distinguished from the rest of the Officers of the Order by his Coat only embroidered with the Soveraign's Arms like as the Provincial Kings then wore But after the Constitutions of the Officers were established there was appointed him a Habit in all things like to the Registers saving that the Ground whereon the Lions and Flowers de Lis were embroidered was wholly Red and this to be worn only at the Publick Solemnities of the Order the fashion and embroidery of which appears in the Plate exhibited at the beginning of this Chapter Queen Mary caus'd it to be made of Crimson Sattin and so it continued till shortly after the present Soveraign's return when the Colour was altered to Scarlet This Officer is appointed to bear a White Rod or Scepter at every Feast of St. George the Soveraign
who have most voices or whom he conceives likely to contribute most to the honor of the Order and prove most serviceable to himself or most useful to his Crown and Kingdom Touching the first of these Inducements the greater number of Voices we find the Law hath not been always observed as from the many Scrutenies entred in the Annals will appear if need were to refer thereunto Nevertheless it is sometimes noted to have taken place as at the Election of the Duke of Quinbere an 5. H. 6. where after a due and sufficient examination had of the Scruteny then taken the said Duke by the consent of most voices was then Elected into the Stall of Thomas Duke of Exiter This plurality of Voices is again taken notice of among other Inducements for the Election of Sir Nicholas Carew the 24. of April an 28. H. 8. It is remarkable that one time when the number of Voices on the behalf of two Knights were upon Examination found equal which hapned in the case between Sir Iohn Fastolf and Sir Iohn Radcliff an 4. H. 6. Sir Iohn Fastolf being by the Soveraign's Lieutenant esteemed the more worthy of the two obtained the Election The second Inducement relates to such as in probability may bring most reputation to this Order or advance the good and prosperity thereof and these have been chiefly Foreign Princes esteemed so in respect of that high pitch of Honor they attained and whose eminent Valour and Worthiness proclaimed them deserving both of Nomination and Election And therefore the late Soveraign of blessed memory upon consideration had of the Glorious Atchievements and high Renown of Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden judg'd it a part of his respect not only to render him all offices of kindness and friendship as to a Prince neerly allyed and his most special friend but also to impart to him as far as in him lay the greatest and highest honors that might be and especially such wherewith the Military Virtue of a great Captain was wont to be adorned But the general consideration for which the Soveraigns thought fit to Elect Foreign Princes into this most Noble Society and to impart to them these Testimonies of Honor hath been exprest in the Commissions of Legation to be in respect of their Glorious Merits ennobled by the lustre and grace of their Heroick Virtues their eminent Nobleness Grandeur Prowess and Magnificence the renown of which Fame had divulg'd and spread abroad through the World Thirdly where the advantage of the Soveraign's service was cast into the Ballance it frequently out-weighed other pretentions insomuch that an 2. H. 6. the consideration of the Eminent services of Iohn Lord Talbot for his King and Country appears to be the strongest motive for his Election And the great zeal and affection which Iohn Gaspar Ferdinand de Marchin had to engage himself in the present Soveraign's service and Cause for the recovery of his just rights besides his eminent and famous actions performed in several military Commands wherein he had been for many years employed was the strongest inducement that swayed with the Soveraign to chuse him a Knight-Companion of this most Noble Order an 10. Car. 2. But the last of these Inducements is of greatest latitude for thereby the Soveraign has power to reject whosoever he pleases though exceed in number of Voices or other Qualifications and to Elect a Person but once named which appears full enough in the case of Casimire the Fourth King of Poland an 28. H. 6. who having but the single Vote of the Lord Scales yet upon consideration had by the Soveraign how advantageous he might become to his and his Kingdoms Interest pass'd in Election And of later times as appears in some of the Preambles to the Commissions for carrying the Ensigns c. to Foreign Princes the advantages which the Soveraign has conceived to possess himself of in the improving confirming and establishing of a most strict and inviolable Bond of Friendship and fair correspondency between him and Foreign Princes their Realms and Subjects hath been a main Inducement to Elect such into the Order SECT XIV That the Soveraign only doth Elect. UPon the vacancy of any of the Knights-Companions Stalls the Election of new Knights appertains to the Soveraign and in some case to his Lieutenant in declaration of which it is recorded in the Black Book of the Order That if any Stalls fall vacant it should belong to the Soveraign to Elect new Knights wheresoever he were resident provided he have with him the compleat number of six Knights-Companions but if he be beyond Seas wanting that Number and the Feast of St. George held by his Lieutenant at Windesor in such case the Election belongs to the Lieutenant who is first to be certified of the Soveraign's pleasure as also who they are that in His esteem appear fit persons to be chosen to the end such Information may guide his Election This power of Election is fully acknowledged by the Knights-Companions themselves to be in the Soveraign as appears out of their Letter sent to King Henry the Fifth then in France and dated at Windesor on the morrow after Saint George's day where it is said That the Soveraign in what place soever residing may as is most fitting elect into a vacant Stall there being a sufficient number of Knights called to the Election such as he shall judge serviceable to his Crown or do exceed others in deserts and nobleness of descent Observable herewith is this that at the publishing the Election of Emanuel Duke of Savoy King Philip and Queen Mary being at that time joint Soveraigns of the Order it is called the Election of the King and Queen This grand Prerogative of the Soveraign being not duly considered by Polydore Virgil occasioned his committing a great mistake and Claudius Coteraeus from him for speaking of this Order and the succession of new Knights into the rooms of those deceased he hath this passage One Knight is received into the room of another deceast by the Choice and Election of all the râ—st But Erhard Celly being as much ignorant of the Soveraign's Prerogative and rather more mistaken sticks not to affirm That no person may be received into this Order not so much as by the Soveraign unless with the common consent or suffrage of all the Knights-Companions But these passages are altogether erroneous the Knights-Companions part being only to Nominate the Persons nevertheless qualified as aforesaid but the right of Election remains wholly in the Soveraign of the Order For whosoever He designs appoints and chuseth is forthwith admitted His only pronouncing the Name of the Person in Chapter being sufficient For after the Scruteny hath been taken and presented to the Soveraign in the manner and order before laid down He peruseth it himself or otherwise the Chancellor or
like with the rest of the Viands The fourth Taster stood at the East side of the Table and his Office was to taste and administer the Soveraign's Wine reaching it over to the Southern Taster that stood by the Soveraign's Chair in like manner as the meat was served Likewise the Duke the Lord Ambassador Spencer and Garter had their seâ—eral Tables as hath been said before and sate under their several Canopies and at another Table sate the Dutchess and her ten Children After exceeding plenty state and variety of Dishes there were served all manner of Curiosities in Paste as the Figures and shapes of several kinds of Beasts and Birds as also the Statutes of Hercules Minerva Mercury and other famous persons All Dinner time and a pretty while after the English and the Wirtemberg Musick sitting opposite to one another these on the Dukes side the other at the Soveraign's and Lord Ambassadors side sung and plaid alternately to one another After Dinner certain Balls were danced in a long Gallery of the Castle towards the Paradise of Studtguardt This Festivity lasted that night and the next day and afterwards the English Guests were conducted to see some of the principal places of the Dukedom as Waltebuch the Vniversity of Tubing c. where they were entertained with Comedies Musick and other delights and at their return to Studtguardt were presented with very magnificent gifts and being to return for England were accompanied by the Duke as far as Asperg where with great demonstration and expressions of amity and affection on both sides solemn leave was taken A Relation of the order observed when Maurice Prince of Orange was Invested an II. Iac. R. On the 4. of February an 1613. the Citizens of the Hague met in Arms together with the Troops of Prince Maurice of Prince Henry his Brother and the Earl of Chastilion the Citizens kept Guard in the outermost Court where also several pieces of Ordinance were placed and the three aforementioned Troops in the innermost Court. From the Palace to the Shambles were Pitch Barels placed as also at the Soveraign's Ambassadors Lodgings At 3 a Clock in the Afternoon the States of the United Provinces assembled in the usual place where other person of great quality were admitted as Spectators The first that came thither was Refuge the French Kings Ambassador who took his Seat at the upper end of the Table not long after came Prince Maurice conducted by the Soveraign's Ambassador and those deputed by the States before them went 12 Trumpets sounding and after several Noblemen and Persons of Honor two and two the Guards attending on each side After these went Garter Principal King of Arms vested with his Coat of Arms embroidered with the Arms of England Scotland France and Ireland and carrying in his hand a Purse of Green Silk wherein were the Garter and George next him went Prince Maurice and after him his Brother Henry the Prince of Portugal and others of his kindred as the Earls of Nassau and Lippia then several of the Nobility and many others of great quality Then Prince Maurice taking his place where these Solemnities were performed sat at the upper end of the Table at the left hand of the French Kings Ambassador but Sir Ralph Winwood the Soveraign's Ambassador took his place in the middle over against the President of the States and began a short Oration in French to this effect My Lords from those things which I have in the Convention declared by the command of the King my Master you have sufficiently understood his purpose of conferring the Order of the Garter upon Prince Maurice as also the causes wherewith he thought himself moved to do it and whereas it hath been decreed by the common suffrages of the Knights-Campanions of the Order that he should be joined in Companionship with the Elector Palatine it seemed good to the Soveraign to command me to present him with the Ensigns of this Order and hath confirmed this his command by the testimony of his Commission under the Great Seal of England which Commission I here deliver unto you and pray it may be read Hereupon he delivered the Commission to the President from whose hand the Secretary then taking it read it aloud which having finished the Soveraign's Ambassador continued his discourse Both the honor of this Order and ancient Custom require that it be sent out of England to Stranger Princes by persons of honor peculiarly deputed to this Employment and who are themselves Knights-Companions of the Order or at least deserve to be so but because that the Ceremonies there used seem not so well to agree with the Discipline of your Church and that the conditions thereof are not altogether consistent with the state of your Common-wealth it hath pleased the Soveraign of the Order for the avoiding all scandal to confer this Order without any pomp or external magnificence We have therefore made choice of this place in compliance with your pleasure as the most commodious for the performance of our duty in that we might present it in the presence of your Lordships who as being the Supream Lords of this State will not think much to be Eye-witnesses of that honor which the King of Great Britain your best Friend and Allie offers to the chief General of your Armies and Governour of your Provinces as also to your whole State in general whereof each of you are a part Nor could his Majesty have given greater testimonies either of his affection towards the happy State of your Common-wealth or of the joy which he hath conceived for that he sees your Affairs after so many troubles and storms brought to a Haven of rest and quiet or likewise of his most entire good will wishing that that League of Friendship which is contracted between his Kingdoms and your Provinces may be perpetual and inviolable Now therefore desiring first your good leave we shall convert our Address to Prince Maurice At this instant Garter King of Arms opened the Silk Purse and took out the Garter set with rich Diamonds and laid it on the Table and then the Ambassador addrest himself to Prince Maurice in the following manner To you my Lord we offer in the name of the King my Master the Order of the Garter which we may say without boasting or flattery is the most ancient and most illustrious Order of all Europe which in all times hath been kept inviolable without any spot or blemish wherewith all the greatest Emperors and Monarchs suing to be graced and adorned have esteemed the greatest part of their felicity that they could obtain it his Majesty judgeth the greatness of your Family which he acknowledgeth to be most illustrious worthy of this Honor your piety also and zeal to promote the Reformed Religion likewise your warlike virtues which the God of Hosts hath blest with so many Victories but especially those high merits whereby you have obliged these
United Provinces and by consequence his Realms and so thereby the whole Christian World his Majesty being altogether of opinion that the quiet of Christendom consisteth much in the happy state of these Provinces and that the condition of these Provinces what ever it be and that of those Realms have a mutual dependence one upon the other This is the motive and sole cause that hath induced his Majesty to confer upon you an Honor the greatest his Kingdoms can bestow of which behold these the Marks and Ensigns and with these words produced the Garter which your Excellency is to receive from us according to the commands of our King and those altogether free from any Ceremonies except such wherein you shall voluntarily and willingly consent to be engaged This Speech being ended Prince Maurice in brief gave thanks for the Honor offer'd him and then forthwith the Ambassador and Garter having made due obeysance tyed on the Garter about his Leg next Garter took out of the forementioned Purse the Golden Medal whereon was the Effigies of St. George with the subdued Dragon under his feet this Medal hanging upon a Blue Ribband Garter put about the Princes Neck after which he unfolded a Parchment wherein were contained the Titles of Prince Maurice in French which he read aloud The high mighty and excellent Prince Maurice Prince of Orange Earl of Nassau Catzenelleboge Viand Dietz Meurs Linge Marquess of Vere and Flushing Baron of Grave the Territory of Kuyke Lece and Nyervaert Governour and Captain General of Gelderland Holland Zealand Vtrecht West-Friesland Zutphen and Overyssell Admiral General of the United Provinces and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter Assoon as he had made an end of reading these Titles presently all the Trumpets sounded and the Troops in order shot off their Pistols which Volly was seconded by the Trained-Bands after which the great Guns were discharged These things being thus performed and silence made Sir John Oldenbarnevelt Lord of Tempel making an Oration in the name of the States General reckoned up in brief the Leagues contracted heretofore at several times between the Provinces and the Kingdom of Great Britain and thereupon rendred humble thanks to the King for the continuance of them specially for that by this action he went about to manifest the same to all men for as much as that so remarkable Honor which his Majesty was conferring on those Provinces in the person of Prince Maurice their Governour and Commander both in War and Peace was an honor used to be shewn but only to the very choicest of his Friends but most principally of all for that he was pleased to confer this honor on Prince Maurice without enjoining any strict obligation upon the receipt of the Order Next he gave thanks to the Ambassadors for the diligence they had employed in this affair and lastly directing his speech to Prince Maurice he in the name of the States General congratulated his new honor assuring him on their behalf that they conceived very great joy and satisfaction and wisht him a very long and a happy enjoyment thereof to the glory of God and the enlargement of his Family and the conservation of the publick liberty of the United Provinces in which thing as hitherto they had done so for the time to come they would for ever afford him their best and most faithful assistance As soon as he had finished his Speech John Utenbogard Minister of the Hague as he had been ordered standing at the end of the Table made a very admirable and learned Sermon wherein he most devoutly praised God for what had hapned imploring him to bless Prince Maurice in his new obtained honor and to endue him with his Grace The Sermon ended the Trumpets sounded the Muskets also and great Guns were again discharged Then Prince Maurice accompanied by the Ambassadors and other Noble Persons returned in the same order as he came and then again the third time Vollies of great and small shot were discharged after which the Soldiers and Trained-Bands went every one to their own homes and quarters At Evening the pitcht Barels were set on fire and Bonfires kindled a magnificent entertainment also was given by Prince Maurice to the Ambassadors Princes and great Persons above mentioned at which while Healths were drunk to the King of France and Great Britain all the Guns were again discharged A Remonstrance made by Sir William Segar Knight Garter Principal King of Arms joined in Commission with the right honorable the Lord Carleton Ambassador to the high and mighty Prince Henry Prince of Orange for presenting him with the Noble Order of the Garter 1627. WE took our journey from Whitehall on a Thursday to Gravesend being the of April Anno Domini 1627. and lodged there that night On Friday morning we embarqued in two Merchants ships of London in the one went the Lord Ambassador Carleton Secretary of State of the Kings Majesty King Charles accompanied with the young Lord Dormer and divers other Gentlemen his Followers and Servants my self embarqued in the other Merchants Ship with my two Sons Mr. Henry Lennard my three Servants Trunks and other Provisions We set sail about 9 of the Clock and sailed all that day and night following and arrived on Saturday at Delf Haven in Holland about 6 of the Clock in the Evening where being landed we could have no lodging in the Town all was taken up for the Lodging of the Lord Ambassador and his Train and I forced to hire two Waggons for the transport of me and mine our Trunks and baggage to the Town of Delf whither we came about eleven of the Clock that night and lodged at the Sign of the Golden Fleece The next day being Monday the Ambassador coming by water to Delf was entertained and feasted at the English House by the English Merchants and that Afternoon was conveyed by Water in the Princes Barge to the Hague and by the way was met with by his Excellency and divers of the States who complemented his welcome My self followed his Lordship by Waggon and had my Lodging and Diet provided in the Chastelins House in the Hague where I was well entertained and accommodated The day following being Tuesday my self with my two Sons an Mr. Lennard went to kiss his Excellencies hands who very kindly entertained me and remembred he had seen me there before upon the like occassion with his Brother Maurice Prince of Orange so after our humble salutations we departed It was about nine or ten days before we could be resolved whether the Order should be accepted of or not for the French Ambassador there resident opposed it by all means possible that he could alledging it stood not with the French King his Masters honor considering the League between him the Prince and States that his Enemy the King of Great Britain should be so much favored and honored by the Prince as to have the Order of the Garter by him received
Soveraign of the Order was at the charge notwithstanding the said Order an 3. E. 6. which heretofore we see was paid out of the Treasury in the Exchequer and since the establishment of 1200. l. per an setled by the late Soveraign King Charles the First to discharge the ordinary and extraordinary expences of the Order the allowance issued thence and was paid by the Chancellor of the Order But now the charge is placed upon Garter he having an allowance therefore included in the augmentation of his Pension an 15. Car. 2. We find Privy-Seals to have issued as high as the 15. of Queen Elizabeth for the annual allowance of 7 l. Scutcheons employed for the use aforesaid and that the price sometime before was much about that rate for the three and twenty Scutcheons provided against St. George's Feast an 1 2. Ph. Mar. came to 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. and those five and twenty set up the following year to 6 l. 11 s. 8. d. some difference then also being in the work which inhanced the price viz. those provided for Princes at 6 s. 8 d. a piece and each of the rest at 5. s. The Soveraign the Prince of Wales and Stranger Kings and Princes have accustomably had at these times Majesty Scutcheons set up over each of their Stalls but the rest of the Knights-Companions Lodging Scutcheons only and we have seen an account of four Majesty Scutcheons prepared for every St. George's Feast from 1613. to 1619. to wit one for the Soveraign another for the King of Denmark a third for the Prince of Wales and a fourth for Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhyne at 6 s. 8 d. a piece but so many Knights-Companions as attended the Soveraign at those Feasts had each a Lodging Scutcheon at 2 s. 6 d. From the marshalling of Arms quartered in the Knights-Companions Scutcheons and ordering their Stiles printed always in French there are several things no less useful than worthy observation for First though the Plates of Arms and Quarterings fixed in each Knights-Companions Stall at Windesor continue there without alteration or very seldom changed from that order wherein they were marshalled at the time of their Installation yet these Scutcheons and Stiles annually set up do admit of frequent alteration as there is occasion either by adding more Quarterings altering the Stiles or amending any thing that is amiss For instance Whereas the Duke of Savoy before 5. Eliz. bore Gules a Cross Argent it was then altered into 5 Coats that is to say in the first quarter Westpahliâ— Saxe moderne and Angrie in the second Chablais in the third Aouste the fourth as the first and over all in the middle the foresaid Scutcheon of Savoy When the Lord Hunsdon was installed an 3. Eliz. he had 12 Coats of Arms thus marshalled in his Plate 4 4 and 4 the first Carey the second Spencer the third Somerset the fourth Bullen the fifth Ormond the sixth Hoo the seventh Rochford the eighth Seyntomer the ninth Malmains the tenth Wichingham the eleventh St. Leger and the twelfth Hangford But an 7. Eliz. his Scutcheon received an addition of four other Coats viz. Beauchamp Warwick Berkley and Gerard and these were inserted next to Somerset the third Coat in his said Plate But on the contrary where Ambrose Earl of Warwick had 21 Coats put into his Plate an 5. Eliz. and they marshalled in this order 5.5.5 and 6. namely 1. Sutton 2. Paganell 3. Grey of Ruthin 4. Hastings 5. Quincy 6. Malpas 7. Somery 8. Valence 9. Talbott 10. Warwick 11. Beauchamp 12. Berkley 13. Lisle 14. Gerard. 15. Guilford 16. Houlden 17. West 18. and 19. quarterly de la Ware and Cantilupe 20. Mortimere of Wigmore and 21. Greely at the Feast of St. George held at Whitehall an 9. Eliz. his Scutcheon contained but 16. viz. 4.4.4 and 4. namely 1. Sutton 2. Paganell 3. Somery 4. Malpas 5. Grey of Ruthin 6. Hastings 7. Valence 8. Ferrers 9. Quincy 10. Chester 11. Talbot 12 Beauchamp 13. Warwick 14. Berkley 15. Gerard. and 16. Lisle So that here was seven Coats taken out of the former namely Guilford Holden West de la Ware and Cantilupe quarterly Mortimere and Greely and two added viz. Ferrars and Chester But the greatest and most frequent variations are in the Stiles and Titles of Honor set under the Scutcheons and these relate unto and are occasioned principally from their attaining or resigning of Offices or Dignities We find that the Stile set under the Scutcheon of Ferdinand the Emperor at St. George's Feast an 1. 2. Ph. Mar. was as followeth Du tres-hault tres-excellent tres-puissant Prince Ferdinand par la grace de Dieu Roy des Romaines de Hungarie Bohemie Archiduc d' Austrie Duc de Bourgoigne c. Chevalier du tresnoble Ordre de la Iarretiere But an 5. Eliz. in the said Emperors Stile the Titles of King of Hungary and Bohemia were left out because Maximilian his Son had a little before obtained and at that time enjoyed both those Kingdoms In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth the Stiles of Philip King of Spain who while Queen Mary lived was Co Soveraign of this most Noble Order run thus Du tres-hault tres-excellent tres-puissant Prince Philip par la grace de Dieu Roy d' Espaigne des Deux Cicels Ierusalem Arch-Duc d' Austriae Duc de Bourgoigne Millan Brabant Comte de Hapsburge Flanders and Tyroll Chevalier du tres-noble Order de la Iarretiere But at the Feasts of St. George an 28.29 and 30. Eliz. the Title of Catholick Prince was also given him viz. Du tres-hault tres-excellent tres-puissant Catholique Prince Philip c. And till an 26. Eliz. we observe the Title des Deux Cicils were continued to him but an 28. Eliz. and so forward the word Deux was omitted nevertheless an 36. Eliz. that word is again added but withall we find this marginal note entred over against the said Stile This was forbidden to be set up at Greenwich the 22. of April an 1594. If we proceed with a few instances relating to Knights-Subjects we shall find that among them there hath hapned the most frequent alterations and almost every year some additions or omissions In the Duke of Norfolk's Stile an 3. Eliz. the Lieutenantship of the North was omitted In the Earl of Rutlands at the same Feast President of the Council in the North was added The Marquess of Winchester an â— Eliz. caused the Title of Bâ—ron of St. Iohn to be omitted because his eldest Son then bore that honor In like manner was the Title of Lord Strange left out of the Earl of Derby's Stile an 4. Eliz. in regard his Son was then so called and a Baron of Parliament As to these and such like particulars a multitude of Examples might be cited but let these suffice
leads from the King's Privy-Chamber down the Stairs into the Terrace viz. through that most stately Walk lying on the North side the Castle and entring again at a door heretofore made through a part of the Castle Wall into one of the Canons Lodging adjoining to Winchester Tower now made up went thence through the Cloisters into the Chapter-house nevertheless proceeding in the order before shewed as it was on the Eve of the Feasts held in the 4. 7. and 9. years of King Charles the First But when the Grand Feast was heretofore celebrated at Whitehall the Chapter was usually held in the Soveraign's Closet built over the entrance into the Chappel and then the Processional way thither lay from the Presence-Chamber into the Guard-Chamber and through the Gallery thence into the outward Closet or Ante-camera and so to the Soveraign's Closet But the Soveraigns of this most noble Order or their Lieutenants have not always though generally proceeded upon the Eve of the Grand Feast first to the Chapter-house and thence into the Chappel but sometimes gone immediately into the Chappel to Evening Prayer without entring the Chapter-house at all and at these times the Processional way at Windesor differed from the former only in this that when the Procession arrived neer unto the forementioned passage at the East end of the Chappel instead of entring thereat it went on to the South door of the Chappel and thence into the Choire In like case when the Soveraign went not to the great Closet at Whitehall to hold the usual Chapter before Vespers the publick processional way then led from the Presence-Chamber into the Guard-Chamber and so down the great Stairs into the Hall thence into the old Chappel and lastly in at the door of the new Chappel And at Greenwich from the Presence-Chamber down into the Hall and thence into the Chappel But these ways we take to be used at such time only when the Soveraign hath held a Chapter in some of the Privy Lodgings before the Proceeding set forward which Chapter being ended there was then no need of going to the Chapter-house or Closet but immediately into the Choire And thus we find it to have been observed at Windesor upon the 22. day of April an 6. Eliz. where after the Knights-Companions and Officers of the Order were assembled in the Queen's Privy-Chamber a Chapter was there called and the Earl of Arundel constituted her Lieutenant for holding the Feast at the breaking up whereof the Proceeding began the said Lieutenant supplying the place of the Soveraign which passed along the publick processional way directly unto the South door of the Chappel where they entred and went thence into the Choire without going to the Chapter-house at all So was it an 20. Iac. R. at Whitehall where the Prince had been constituted the Soveraign's Lieutenant in Chapter He and the Knights-Companions proceed to the Chappel to Evening Prayers according to the Custom So also upon the 23. of November an 1. Car. 1. being the Eve of the Grand Feast celebrated at Windesor by Prorogation before the Proceeding began a Chapter was held wherein the Earl of Worcester was constituted Lieutenant and the Soveraign dispensed with the non-appearance of the absent Knights-Companions after which the said Lieutenant and the rest of the Knights-Companions together with all the Officers of the Order proceeded from the Presence-Chamber immediately into the Chappel to hear Divine Service In like manner on the 23. day of September the Eve of the Grand Feast an 4. Car. 1. a Chapter was called in the Soveraign's Bedchamber at Windesor where the new Officers were sworn and when that was ended the Proceeding began to the Chappel and so into the Choire And lastly 17. Apr. an 13. Car. 1. at the Hour of Tierce in the Afternon the Soveraign and Knights-Companions opened the Chapter in the Privy-Chamber and thence proceeded to the Chappel this day being the Eve of the Feast held by Prorogation for the 12. year of his Reign And although upon the Eve of the Grand-Feast an 21. Iac. R. after the Soveraign had held a Chapter in the Privy-Chamber at Windesor and thereat sworn Sir George Moor into the Office of Chancellor to this most Noble Order the Soveraign's Lieutenant the Earl of Worcester together with the Knights-Companions proceeded to the Chapter-house and there held another Chapter yet was not this second Chapter called for Affairs appertaining to the Grand Feast they being dispatched in the Privy-Chamber before but only in reference to the calling in and investiture with the Surcoat of Iames Marquess of Hamilton who was that evening installed We shall close this head with acquainting our Reader that though the Proceedings to the Chapter-house or Chappel on the Eve of the Feast have most commonly been on foot nevertheless now and then upon an extraordinary occasion the Soveraign and Knights-Companions have proceeded on Horseback as an 3. H. 7. the Grand Feast being then held by prorogation at Windesor on Sunday following the Feastday of St. George 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 Lincolne and Exceter and the Chief Iustice of the Kings Bench repaired also thither On the Eve the Soveraign accompanied with the Knights-Companions in their Mantles and the Gowns or Surcoats of the Livery of the preceding year rode from the upper Quadrangle down to the Colledge The Queen and the Kings Mother in like Gowns of that Livery rode in a Chair covered with a rich Cloth of Gold drawn by six Coursers harnised with the same Cloth of Gold and 21 Ladies habited in Crimson Velvet rode upon white Palfreys their Sadles of Cloth of Gold the Harness Goldsmiths work with white Roses demy-trapper-wise Sir Rogér Cotton Master of the Queens Horse riding upon a Courser trapped with Goldsmiths work led her Horse of State in his hand being furnished with a Saddle of Cloth of Gold and thereon three Crowns of Silver gilt with Fimbres of the same Cloth hanging down to the Knees on both sides and harnised with Goldsmiths work demy-trapper-wise as soon as they alighted the Soveraign and Knights-Companions proceeded to the Chapter-house and thence to Evensong which ended they returned in the order they came King Henry the Eighth on the 28. of May in the 11. year of his Reign at a Clock in the Afternoon with all the Knights-Companions in the Habit of the Order proceeded from the Presence-Chamber in Windesor Castle till they came to the Quadrangle where they took their Horses and rode according to their Stalls not after their Estates next before the King the reverend Father in God the Bishop of Winchester Prelate of the Order wearing on him a Mantle of Morrey with a Scutcheon of the
upon the 23. of September being the Eve of the Grand Feast held by Prorogation and before the Soveraign proceeded to Vespers was Doctor Nele Bishop of Winchester sworn Prelate Sir Francis Crane Chancellor and Doctor Matthew Wren late Bishop of Ely Register Moreover in the Chapter held on the Eve of the Feast celebrated at Whitehall an 23. Eliz. did Doctor Watson Bishop of Winchester make Oath for his faithful Execution of the Prelates Office as also Doctor Thomas Cooper his Successor in that See who was admitted an 26. Eliz. The like did William Wickham an 37. of the same Queen and in the same place an 40. Eliz. Doctor Bilson also Bishop of Winchester was sworn into this Office at which time was Richard Conisby admitted Gentlemen-Vsher of the Black-Rod In like manner an 11. Car. 1. did Doctor Christopher Wren Brother and Successor in the Registers place to the afore-mentioned Bishop of Ely take his Oath at a Chapter held in the Privy-Chamber at Whitehall on the Eve of the Grand Feast there celebrated Again Sir Francis Walshingham and Sir Amias Paulet were both sworn Chancellors on the Eve of the Feast kept at Greenwich the one an 20 and the other an 30. of Queen Eliz. And lastly an 18. Iac. R. at the same place was the Bishop of Windchester sworn Prelate the Bishop of Spalato Register and Iames Maxwell Esq Black-Rod Yet hath it happened now and then that some of the Officers of this Order have been sworn at other times to wit at Chapters next ensuing their Nomination or Choice whether such have been held on the Eve of St. George or on the Grand Feast-day or otherwise called upon particular occasions at which time nevertheless the administration of the Oath hath been one of the first things done therein for the reason before mentioned Those Officers whom we have observed to have taken their Oaths on the Eve of St. George that is to say when only the day of St. George hath been solemnized and the Grand Feast prorogued were first Owen Oglethorpe admitted an 1. Mariae in a Chapter called at the Mannor-house of St. Iames. Secondly George Carew at Whitehall an 2. Eliz. who immediately succeeded Iohn Boxhall Successor to the said Oglethorpe in that Office Next Doctor Horne Bishop of Winchester called an 3. Eliz. into the Chapter then sitting in the Queens great Closet at Whitehall and there took the Prelates Oath Such Officers of the Order as were sworn into their places on the Grand Feast-day are Sir Iohn Wooley Cahncellor an 31. Eliz. before Morning Prayers so an 38. Eliz. Sir Edward Dyer and Doctor Robert Benet who were admitted the one Chancellor and the other Register at a Chapter held before the first Morning Service because they were not nominated before the beginning of the Celebrations on the Eve but either the night following or in the morning immediately before their admittance Lastly those who have taken their Oaths at Chapters called for peculiar purposes in the intervals of Feasts were Sir William Peters and Sir Thomas Rowe both Chancellors of the Order the one at the first Chapter that Queen Mary called being the 27. of Sept. an 1. Mar. and the other at a Chapter celebrated at Windesor upon the 5. day of December an 12. Car. 1. As also Sir Iames Palmer who after the Execution of the Office of Deputy Chancellor for the space of six years and an half was upon the 17. day of Ianuary an 20. Car. 1. sworn Chancellor in a Chapter held at Oxford at which time Sir Edward Walker Successor to Sir Henry St. George in the place of Garter was also sworn thereinto Touching the second Particular debated in the foresaid Chapter viz. the dispensing with or punishing of absent Knights we are herein to consider that the Statutes of the Order injoyn all the Knights-Companions to be present at the Celebration of the Grand Feast that is to say those who are then within the Kingdom or elsewhere although the Service of St. George according to the Rites of the Church be not at all celebrated as in some cases we have already instanced where the Service of the day whereon that of St. George hath fallen as Good-Friday c. and not that of St. George hath been preferred But with this limitation So that they be in a capacity or may conveniently repair thither and in particular at the beginning of the Feast viz. the hour of Tierce on the Eve as hath been before observed And therefore the next thing usually entred upon in the said Chapter is for the Soveraign and Knights-Companions to take notice whether any of the Fellowship make default of coming at the hour assigned for their meeting as aforesaid If so then are such to be considered under one of the three general heads following First Stranger Princes secondly Late Comers who are by this time arrived at the Castle or every minute expected and thirdly such as have given notice that they cannot be present during the continuation of of the Feast and in relation to Offenders of these three natures Excuses of Course verbal Apologies or Letters of Excuse are or may be offered or presented on their behalf and in case they be approved and admitted then the Penance which by the Statutes ought otherwise to be inflicted is remitted all which ought to be recorded As to Stranger Princes their default of appearance is excused upon their necessary residence in their own Territories and the management of their Affairs there And of their Excuses of Course and accustomed Dispensations we have divers instances in the Registers of the Order as an 7. H. 5. where it is said That Strangers indeed who are not obliged to leave their own Dominion but with their own consent as the Kings of the Romans Portugal and Denmarks were according to the custom for that reason excused So the following year the same persons were out of affection and respect excused as busied in their own Affairs and as afterwards because they could not be spared from their own Kingdoms In the first year of King Edward the Fourth in reference to the Kings of Portugal and Denmark and the Earl of Longueville it is said They were excused as always before in the same case upon the account of being Strangers And lastly to the same effect of the King of the Romans and Duke of Ferrara an 19. H. 7. They because Strangers were excused as at all other times in the like case The like expressions are entred almost annually in the Reigns of King Henry the Eighth King Edward the Sixth and downwards still upon the like occasions As to Knights-Companions comprised under the second general Heads viz. those who are tardy in their journey or being come to the Castle fall short of the hour or of attending the Soveraign to
into the Indies concerning the King of Siam's annual Procession in October both by Land and Water through his principal City seated in an Island on the River Menam to one of his Chief Mosqueys the greatness whereof deserves particular relation and is thus set down by him In the head of this Procession march about 200. Elephants each of them carrying three Armed Men then come the Musick consisting of Hoboyes Tabours and Cimbals next come about a thousand men compleatly Armed divided into several Companies that have their Colours and Banners Next to these follow the Noblemen of the Kingdom on Horseback and amongst them many with Crowns of Gold upon their heads each attended with a Train of fourscore or a hundred persons on foot Betwixt these Noblemen and the Life-Guard march two hundred Souldiers Japoneses all very well appointed who go immediately before the Horses and Elephants which are for the Kings Life-Guard their Harness is adorned with Buckles and studs of Gold set with Diamonds and other precious stones The Servants who bear the Fruits and other things for the Sacrifice march before certain Grandees of the Kingdom whereof one bears the Kings Standard the other the Sword of Justice These walk on foot immediately before the King who sits mounted on an Elephant in a Chair of Gold The Prince his Son or some other Prince of the bloud followeth next after him and then comes the Queen and the Kings other Women on Elephants but not to be seen as being in certain wooden Closets guilt The rest of the Houshold and six hundred of the Guard follow in the Rear which by this means consisteth of fifteen or sixteen thousand persons As to their Procession upon the River the Order following is observed First in the head of this Fleet passeth about two hundred Noblemen each in his several Barge where they sit in a gilt Cabin and each Barge is rowed by three or fourscore slaves Then follow four Barges assigned for the Musick and next follow about fifty Banks of State each having fourscore or fourscore and ten Rowers and after these come ten other gilt Barges in one of which the King is seated in a Throne of Gold attended by divers Noblemen all upon their knees before him and amongst them one of the chiefest Grandees who bears his Standard The Prince followeth after him in another Barge with his Train and after him comes the Queen and the Concubines each in their Barges apart and lastly in a great number of other Barges follow the Houshold Servants and the Guards so as this Procession consists of twenty five or thirty thousand persons Together with this great Ceremony the ordinary Proceeding of the King of Iapan either on Horseback or on Mens shoulders in a Palanquin related by the said Mandeslo as also by Fr. Caron in his description of Iapan may be fitly remembred Whether we regard the numerous Train and Attendants or the manner or order thereof all of them marching with such gravity and so orderly that there is not only any one man to be seen out of his Rank but a man hears not so much as a word spoken which may well deserve our wonder and admiration There is in the Soveraigns Privy Lodgings at Whitehall the order of the King of Gulcandale his Ordinary Proceeding when he goes abroad set forth in Figures about a foot long it is of that Countries manner of Painting and an extraordinary piece of Oriental Rarity being sent thence to Sir Martin Noell Knight and by him presented to his now Majesty But we may not yet take leave of the Grandeur of these Oriental Princes in relation to these pompous shows before we have referred our Reader to Conraed Krammer's description of the magnificent and unparralleld Proceeding of the Deyro who indeed is the true Prince of Iapan when he past from his own Court in the City of Meaco to the Emperor of Iapans Palace in the same City on the 25. of Oct. 1626. which is to be seen at large Printed in English at the end of the foresaid Description of Iapan nor may we omit this That the preparation for the said Emperors usual progress from Iedo his present Imperial City to Meaco the former Metropolis and as yet the Court of the Deyro being 125. Dutch Miles to visit the said Deyro which happens once in 5. or 7. Years takes up a whole Year before the Orders are given out on what Day and with what Train every man shall go And to draw somewhat nearer Europe the State and Pomp among the Turks however barbarous enough in other things yet in these Ceremonies are exceeding regular and stately as may be seen in the Grand Seigniors Cavalcade to Sancta Sophia cut in Copper Plates by Peter van Aelst as also in the order of his Ordinary Cavalcade etched by Anthony Tempest But enough of these We now come to give some Account of the Gallantry of our Christian Princes in this particular Among whom the Triumphal Entry of Maximilian the First Emperour of Germany into Noremburg is excellently well design'd and cut in Wood by Hans Brossehaemer The Entry of the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Pópe Clement the Seventh into Bononia in Italy an 1530. in Order to his being Crowned King of Lombardy there is graved in 40. Copper Plates with large Figures excellently well designed by Nicholaus Hogenbergus Io. August Pastorius in his Acta Publica hath exactly described the solemn Cavalcade of the present Emperor Leopold his Entry into the City of Francfort upon the Mayn the 19. of March 1658. where the 18. of Iuly in the same Year non sine difficultate invidiâ tandem unanimi Octoviratus consensu he was Elected Emperor of Germany and the first of August following had his Inauguration solemnized there also The Order of this Gallant show is to be seen cut in brass by Gasper Merian in a thin Folio Printed at Franâ—fort the same Year In the same Acta Publica are also described at large the several Entrances into that City of the Electors of Mentz Tryers Collen the Duke of Saxony Count Palatine of the Rheyne as also the Deputies or Substitutes of the two other Electors Bavaria and Brandenburgh and the order of each Cavalcade is likewise particularly set forth in Copper Plates cut by the said Gasper Merian and collected together in the foresaid Book We could here insert the particulars of divers other solemn Cavalcades exhibited upon like occasions but we are unwilling to dwell longer upon them since many of them are to be met with Here in England it hath been the ancient usage for our Kings and Queens the day before their Coronation to ride from the Tower through the City of London in a most noble and magnificent Equipage they being at those times attended on by all the Nobility Officers of the Houshold and a gallant and splendid
and Arch-Chamberlain to the Emperor With these the King retained for his intended Expedition into France several other Noblemen of those Countries as namely Adolph Earl of Monte who having made Fealty and Homage to the King he in reward thereof setled on him a Pension for life of 1200 Florens of Gold per annum out of his Exchequer Everhard eldest Son to Thideric Earl of Lymborg Adolph Earl of Marlia Robert de Touburgh Lord of Warnich Theodorick Earl of Lossen and Heuseberg and Lord of Blatikenburgh and Theodorick de Montjoy Lord of Valkenborgh besides divers valiant Knights and Commanders of eminent note But Philip de Valois was so alarm'd at the report of these Alliances that he used all endeavours to interrupt the foresaid Ambassadors in their passage home both by placing a Garrison in the Isle of Cogaunt and setting out several men of War to Sea Of which the King having intelligene directed his Writ to Iohn de Ros Admiral of the Fleet from the River of Thames Northward to fit up a Convoy of 40 stout Ships well mann'd to be at Dort in Holland on Monday after Midsommer-day to secure their return where they lay ready for their coming And whereas these Ambassadors in making these Alliances and Retainers upon the Kings account had obliged themselves to pay sundry great sums of money the King indempulfied them their Heirs and Executors of all those sums and other things whereto they were so engaged This great Affair of strengthening the King with Alliances and Friends in Germany and Flanders was again set on foot and to that purpose another Commission was issued to the said Bishop of Lincoln and Earl of Salisbury to whom was added Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk and Iohn Darcy Steward of the Kings Houshould with power to any three of them to treat thereupon with Lewis the Emperor Another Commission of the same date was made out to them and to Richard de Winkele Iohn de Offord Paul de Monteflorum Iohn de Montgomery and Iohn Wauwyn impowering them to treat with and retain all persons aswell Nobles as others for the Kings Service And as the King did endeavour by these means to gain assistance for the recovery of his right to the Crown of France so did he not neglect all methods of Peace among which he thought fit to constitute the foresaid Bishop of Lincolne the Earls of Salisbury and Suffolk and Iohn Darcy his Agents to treat cum magnifico Principe Domino Philippo Rege Franciae illustri or his Deputies touching his right to the said Crown to wit whether it ought to remain to him or King Edward And by another Commission they were impowered to treat upon all Controversies and Demands whatsoever relating to the Dukedom of Aquitaine or other parts beyond Sea and also of a happy and perpetual peace The same day he constituted Iohn Duke of Brabant and Loraine his Lieutenant Captain and Vicar General in the Kingdom of France where it is worthy note that the King in this Commission challenging the Crown of France as devolved to him by right of succession and consequently become his lawful Inheritance did assume the Title of that Kingdom and stiled himself Edwardus Dei gratiâ Rex Angliae Franciae Dominus Hiberniae Dux Aquitaniae And by another Commission bearing even date made of these Officiary Dignities to the said Duke he put France in the first place thus Edwardus Dei gratiâ Rex Franciae Angliae c. but it was not long e're he voluntarily laid this Title of France aside nor did he solemnly assume it again till the 14. year of his Reign over England By several other Commissions of the same date wherein the Titles of England and France were so transposed did the King constitute into the same Dignities William Marquess of Iuliers William Earl of Henault his Father-in-Law and William Bohun Earl of Northampton and by another then dated and directed to the Archbishops Bishops Dukes Marquesses Earls Barons and all other persons in the Kingdom of France having therein the Titles of England and France transposed as before they are commanded to receive the said Duke as if it were the King in his own person as also the Marquesses and Earls And further the said Marquesses and the Earls were by other Commissions severally constituted the Kings special Ambassadors to make known his said Title to all whom it should concern to challenge and prosecute his right to require every unjust detainor to render to the King whatsoever he so withheld from him to displace and punish such as they should think meet and lastly to do and execute all other things which should be most necessary for the recovery and preservation of his right The King of France had in the beginning of this year sent Forces into Gascoigne and seised upon many of the Kings Castles and Fortresses upon notice hereof the King gave command to arrest 20 Ships in the Port of Southampton and thereabouts and to press men to be ready at Portsmouth to set forward for Gascoigne on Whitson-Eve following for he had raised a great Army to send thither It may not here be forgotten what is recorded of Reymond Cornely Lord of Abertha a Gascoigner who made an offer to the King of France to fight in defence of Edward's right to those Countries for which he sent him very great and particular thanks But withall made several applications by his Ambassadors to the Court of France for restitution of what had been seized on and prevention of a War His Offers were these 1. To marry his eldest Son the Duke of Cornwall to the King of France's Daughter without Dowry 2. The marriage of his Sister the Countess of Geldres to his Son with a great sum of money 3. The marriage of his Brother the Earl of Cornwall with any of the Blood Royal. 4. To make restitution for any dammage he tendered him as much money as he could in reason demand 5. He also proferr'd to take a Voyage to the Holy Land with the King of France if he would restore his Lands to him 6. To go the Voyage if he would restore but half or some of those Lands 7. To take the Voyage with him if he would make restitution after his return or lastly 8. To take the Voyage singly himself so that at his return he would restore him his right These Overtures with many others which the King or his Council could think off were offered to the King of France in order to a Peace with this general proposal beside That if any one could think of any other way tending thereunto he would be ready to accept thereof But all in vain for on the contrary King Philip excited and maintained the Scots against him and his Navy also did great mischiefs at Sea Whereupon the Pope perceiving that the War was likely to proceed sent
into England P. Priest Cardinal of St. Praxid and B. Deacon Cardinal of St. Mary in Aquiro to use their best endeavours to compose the differences now growing high between the two Kings Upon whose mediation with King Edward though Peace could not be obtained yet that things relating to Peace might the better be effected a Truce was agreed on to the Morrow after Candlemas day an 12. E. 3. and thence prorogued to the first of March and lastly a further enlargement of it to Midsummer following in case the King of France should consent to it and give Security that it should be observed but he it seems refusing the King was advised to revoke this later cessation which he did the 6. of May and to take a Journey into Flanders personally to confer with his Allies in pursuance of his design against France and thereupon he took shipping at the Port of Orewell the 16. of Iuly and went to Antwerp But before he went upon the Cardinals further importunity a Commission issued to I. Archbishop of Canterbury R. Bishop of Durham R. de Vfford Earl of Suffolk Sir Geoffry le Scrop Knight and Mr. Iohn Vfford Archdeacon of Ely with power to treat and agree touching all things in difference between them in reference to a full and final Peace And by another Commission bearing the same date the Duke of Brabant Earl of Hanow and Gueldres the Marquess of Iuliers and Sir William Dunort Lord of Oustrehout Knight are added to them These Commissions were double and of two several Stiles in the one the King calls Philip de Valoys Consanguineus noster Franciae only and in the other Excellentissimus Princeps Dominus Philippus Rex Franciae illustris Consanguineus noster charissimus At Antwerp the confederate Princes gave the King a meeting and here he expresly revoked all the powers he had given the forementioned Commissioners to treat with Philip de Valois as King of France At length it was resolved that the Duke of Iuliers should be sent Ambassador from the King to the Emperor which Embassy obtained a promise to the King of the Vicar-generalship of the Empire whereupon about the beginning of September he took a Journey to Colen where the Emperor publickly defied the King of France and constituted King Edward his Vicar-General who at his return into Flanders entred upon the execution of that Office In the 13. year of this Kings Reign at the instance of the foresaid Cardinals Iohn Archbishop of Canterbury Richard Bishop of Durham Henry Bishop of Lincolne the Earls of Derby Salisbury and Suffolk and some others were impowered to treat with Philip de Valois or his Deputies upon the Dignities Honors Lands and Rights belonging to King Edward and all other controversies whatsoever The Deputies on the other part were the Archbishop of Rouen the Bishops of Langres and Beauvais and the place for treaty Arras but nothing of Peace being thereby effected the King prepared effectually for War having some time before made an alliance with Albert and Otho Dukes of Austria Stiria and Karinthia and received Homage as King of France from Reiginald Duke of Gueldres and Earl of Zutphen for which he afterwards granted him 1000 l. sterling per Annum for his life He likewise made alliances with other Princes who were to furnish him with men to be imployed in his intended expedition into France as also with Lewis the Emperour after which he sent a Letter from Antwerp to the Pope asserting his claim to the Crown of France which is to be seen in Walsingham's History of England All things for War being now in readiness the King with the assistance of his Allies first besieged Cambray an Imperial City and then in the hands of the French but it being too well fortified and provided to be suddenly taken he raised his Siege and passed into France first sending his defiance to Philip de Valois then at Paris by the Bishop of Lincoln Sir Walter Many was the first who after the defiance made entred France with 40. Horse burnt Mortaigne took the Castle of Thyne garrisoned it and returned to the King at Mechlin The King having passed the River Skell entred France upon St. Matthews Day and burnt the Country before him And not long after at the request of the Duke of Brabant to admit of a Treaty of Peace the King at Markoyne grants the said Duke power in his name to give safe conduct to such persons as he should think fit to meet at any place within two or three Leagues from his Camp to treat of Peace the same to continue till Friday following and all that day but nothing was effected The Saturday before St. Lukes Day the King with his Army passed the River Oyze and marching forward till he came between Vyronfoss and Flamengery the two Armies drew near each other where the Day of Battel was agreed on to be the Friday after But in the interim a Letter of advice was brought to the French King from Robert King of Sicily a famous Astrologer to disswade him from fighting since he had by his Science found that if he fought with the King of England he should be vanquished and loose the day This Letter so prevailed with the King of France that though he had the greater power and that both Armies stood ranged for Battel yet was there not a blow struck on the appointed Day The Munday following intelligence was brought to the King that the French were dispersed and returning homewards whereupon he withdrew his Army and marched back into Brabant At his return to Antwerp he issued out another Commission to Iohn Archbishop of Canterbury R. Bishop of Durham H. Bishop of Lincoln W. Earl of Salisbury Sir Bartholomew Burghersh and Sir Geoffry le Scrop Knights and Iohn de Offord Archdeacon of Ely to treat of Peace with Philip de Valois or with Commissioners from him and a month after this Commission was renued upon adding Robert de Vfford Earl of Suffolk to the before-named Commissioners Here also the King was advised to ingage the Flemmings to his further Assistance who were willing enough for by the means of Iaques D'artuell he had gained a great influence upon them but considering they stood ingaged in the Pope's Chamber in two Millions of Florens not to make War against the King of France they proposed that the King would quarter the Arms of France with those of England and call himself King of France as he ought of right to do and then they would take him to be the rightful King of France and receive from him a discharge of that Obligation and afford him their assistance To this proposal the King agreed and solemnly assumed both the Arms of the Kingdom and Title of King of France He also caused his Great Seal to be changed and brought it with him at his return to
to treat by the advice of Iohn Duke of Brabant and other the Kings Allies in â—landers While the King lay at the Siege of Tournay the Scots excited by the French King invaded England and passing by Berwick marched into Northumberland and thence to Dâ—â—â—â—m foraging the Country still as they went and after returned home 〈◊〉 this incursion they recovered all the Castles formerly lost except those of Edeâ—â—urgh Strivling and Roxborough the first of which within a short time after was taken by stratagem But in the Truce made at Tournay the Scotch were by a particular Article included and so all hostility ceased during that Truce yet after the expiration thereof and some new provocations given the King he raiâ—ed an Army to enter Scotland but being engaged in the War with France could not go with it himself and therefore constituted Edward King of Scotland his Captain and Lieutenant of his Army and in another Commission of the same date gave him power nevertheless to treat with the Scots and to admit them to Peace and pardon their offences In these Commissions the King stiles him Magnisicus Princeps Edwardus Rex Scotiae fidelis consanguineus noster charâ—simus The following year he was again constituted the King's Captain and Commander in chief of the Army designed against Scotland for defence of the Kingdom of England and destruction of his Scotch Enemies and further commissionated to raise men in all the Counties beyond Trent aswell within Liberties as without for that Expedition Upon which preparation a Truce was made for one year before the ending of which the Truce concluded at Vannes in Britagne between the King and his Adversary of France took commencement being to hold from Michaelmâ—s 17. E. 3. for three years And in the mean time the Bishop of Durham and others were appointed by the King to treat and conclude with the Scots touching the manner form and conditions appointed by the said Truce and the mutual commerce of the Subjects of both Kingdoms as also to reform and punish the breakers of the Truce The Truce made with the French at Tournay and enlarged at Arras gave the King time to see his Allies in Flanders aimed chiefly at the accomplishment of their own designs by his hands rather than the advancement of his interest in France by their assistance and the two fruitless Expeditions in attempting to enter that Kingdom through Flanders shewed they would do little for him besides he now judged it a more easie and advantagious passage thither through Britagne which he hoped to gain by laying hold of the occasion offered him to protect and assist Iohn Earl of Montsort Duke of Britagne whose Title to that Dukedom and the occasion of the War between him and Charles de Bloys are set down at large by Sir Iohn Froissard This Iohn Montfort being taken Prisoner at Nants by Charles de Bloys whom the French King had assisted with an Army to enter Britagne was sent to Paris and there died in Prison his Widow Ioane of Flanders being of a manlike courage nevertheless maintained the War and to gain further aiâ— and supplies from King Edward proposed by Sir Emere de Clisson a Nobleman of Britagne to marry her Son to one of his Daughters which taking effect the King sâ—nt Sir Walter Many in November with 3000 Archers into Britagne who though they wandred 40 days at Sea by distress of weather yet came timely to her assistance The King in the 16. year of his Reign raised a great Army and by Proclamation made appointed his Souldiers in all Counties of England except Yorkshire Northumberland Cumberland and Westmerland to be in readiness by Midsummer following to go along with him and after directed his Letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishops for publick Prayers to be made and the divine goodness sought to for a blessing upon his Armies which now he designed both against France and Scotland The 4. of October following he took shipping at Sandwich in a Ship called the George and sailing towards France met with the French Fleet where after a fierce Encounter they were separated by Tempest at length he landed neer Vannes in Britagne and laid Siege thereto and here leaving the Lord Stafford he marched to Remes and Nantes laying Siege to both Towns as also to Dynan and took it after which he returned to Vannes and then drew off his Forces from Nantes thither and there the Bishop Cardinals of Penestrina and Tusculan sent from Pope Clement the Sixth obtained of him 19. Ian. 1343. a Truce for 3 years which the King gave way to in hope of an honorable Peace This done the King returned into England and set forth a Proclamation to give publick notice of this Truce But the Truce expiring the War was again renewed between Charles de Bloys and the Countess of Montfort to whose assistance the King sâ—nt Sir Thomas Dagworth from the Siege of Calais with a supply of men and the English having Rochedaren surrendred to them Charles de Bloys laid Siege to it to relief of which the Countess sent Sir Thomas Dangorne and Sir Iohn Artwell who 20. Iune 1347. took Charles de Bloys with the Britagne and Norman Lords that were on his part Prisoners and raised the Siege which Charles was sent into England where he remained in custody a long time The 24. of February an 17. E. 3. the King summoned a Parliament to be held die Lunae proximò post Quindena Paschae wherein Sir Bartholomew Burghersh present at the making of the Truce neer Vannes declared that the King consented thereto provided it might be honorable and advantageous for his Allies and was content to have the Peace made before the Pope as before a Friend but not as a Judge otherwise he would pursue his Quarrel And that as the King did not undertake this War without the assent of Parliament so without it he would conclude no Peace and therefore it rested whether it were best for the King to take this Offer and send Ambassadors to the Pope instructed for this Affair before Midsummer or not Hereupon both Lords and Commons answered That it was good to pursue the Peace and to send Ambassadors as was proposed Those who were first sent to the Popes Court upon this Affair were Hugh le Despenser Lord of Glamorgan Ralph Lord Stafford William de Norwich Dean of Lincoln Sir William Trussel and Andrew de Offord a Civilian The Authority given them was to Treat in presence of the Pope not as a Judge but private Person and Friend to both parties with the Agents of his Cosin the Lord Philip de Valois upon the Kings Right to the Crown of France as also upon whatsoever Dominions Dignities Honors Lands Possessions Places and Rights appertained to him concerning which any controversy had
a new Governor of the Town before he went thence It having been agreed on at the last Truce that Commissioners on both sides should meet at Boloigne on Sunday in medio Quadragesimae following the King appointed William Bishop of Norwich William Bohun Earl of Northampton William Clynton Earl of Huntingdon Regnold de Cobham Robert de Bourghcher and Iohn de Carleton Doctor of Laws his Commissioners to Treat of and conclude a Peace or prorogation of the Truce and League of perpetual friendship between him and his Adversary of France But no final Peace could be agreed on while Philip de Valois lived nor after till King Iohn his Son and Successor was taken Prisoner at the Battel of Poictiers only several Truces were made from time to time and the last consented to in February an 28. E. 3. to hold till Midsummer following While these Truces were on foot endeavours were made for the Release of David King of Scots the Kings Prisoner and at length it was agreed that upon the coming into England of Iohn the Son and Heir of the Steward of Scotland and several other young Noblemen Hostages for the said King who when they came were disposed into the Castles of York and Notingham King David should be permitted to go into Scotland and upon his return back the Hostages should be delivered The Kings Letters as well of safe conduct to the Hostages as of power to receive them and to take King Davids Oath for his return and the Command for his safe Custody at Newcastle till the Hostages were come bear Teste the 5. of September an 25. E. 3. to continue unto the Quindena of the Purification next following and the 3. of November after were they renued to the Feast of St. Philip and Iacob ensuing It seems King David returned back into England about half a year after for the 28. of March an 26. E. 3. a Command was sent to the Sheriff of Yorkshire to conduct the Hostages to Berwick to be there in Quindena Paschae it being the day set for King David's return to that Town On the same 5. of October command was sent to Iohn Coupeland Sheriff of Northumberland who had then the Custody of the said King to deliver him to the Bishops of Duresm and Carlisle William Earl of Northampton Henry de Percy and Ralph Nevil or to any 4 3 or 2. of them and likewise another command issued to them to deliver him upon the conditions and under the form agreed on Whilst the foresaid Truce agreed on in February an 28 E. 3. was on foot the Pope undertook to do what he could to further the effecting of a Peace and to that purpose he sent again to both Kings to obtain their Authority to bring it about but it doth not appear that any thing was done before Midsummer while it was in being Nevertheless we find that whereas in the Treaty between them held at Guynes among other things it was agreed that Ambassadors from King Edward should be sent to Pope Innocent in Kal. Octob. following the King did accordingly impower William Bishop of Norwich Henry Duke of Lancaster and some others his special Ambassadors to treat with his Adversary of France or his Deputies touching a final Peace between them but they returned without effecting any thing all but the Bishop of Norwich who died at Avignion and was there buried Towards the latter end of the following Summer the King having intelligence that Iohn the French King was drawing down with an Army towards St. Omars in the beginning of November passed over to Calais with Lyonel of Vlster and Iohn of Gaunt his two Sons and a considerable Army where he arrived the 2. day of November and immediately marched against him but upon notice of his approach King Iohn retired breaking down all the Bridges behind him whom King Edward followed as far as Heyden and the Country being wasted by the French he for want of Provision for his Army returned to Calais and thence into England And whilst in his absence the Scots had broke out and taken the Town but not the Castle of Berwick he immediately marched thither and 13. Ianuary recovered the Town passing further into Scotland and on the 25. of the same Month being then at Roxbrough King Edward Baliol there made a solemn resignation of his Crown and Kingdom to him by his Letters Patent after which he marched with his Army to Hadington burning and wasting the Country on each side as he went and having laid it waste returned into England and took Edward Baliol along with him The King having notice in the precedent year that Iohn the French King had given to Charles Dauphin of Vienvois the Dukedom of Aquitaine constituted the Prince of Wales his Lieutenant in that Dukedom and sent him with an Army thither where he fought that memorable Battel at Poictiers and took Iohn the French King Prisoner whom he brought into England in May following King Iohn was lodged at the Savoy and there continued all the Winter and in the Spring after was removed from thence to Windesor Castle where he and his youngest Son spent their time in Hawking and Hunting and towards Winter returned to the Savoy And it appears that the 12. of December an 32. E. 3. He was again setled at this House under the Custody of Roger Beauchamp and several Knights Esquires and other Attendants appointed for his Guard The French King had not been long in England ere the Pope sent hither Talairand Bishop of Alba commonly called the Cardinal of Pyergort and Nicholas Priest Cardinal by the Title of St. Vital to assist at the Treaty of Peace to be held about Midsummer an 31. E. 3. the Kings Letters of safe conduct for them and their Train consisting of 200 Horse were dated the 3. of Iune that year The Bishop of St. Gean de Maurienne in Savoy came also hither to the Treaty having like Letters for himself and a Train of 30 Horse dated the 26. of May preceding and though a final Peace was not concluded yet several Truces were made one upon another in hopes of it till Midsummer an 33. E. 3. Before this there had been great endeavours used for the Release of David King of Scots the Kings Prisoner and several addresses made to the King from King David himself as also the Prelates Peers and Commons of Scotland seconded by the zealous sollicitations of Ioan his Queen Sister to King Edward But this affair though often treated of came not to an issue till the 3. of Octob. an 31. E. 3. when at a meeting of Commissioners on both sides at Berwick namely Iohn Archbishop of York Thomas Bishop of Duresme Gilbert Bishop of Carlisle Henry de Percy Rauf de Nevile Henry le Scrope and Thomas Musgrave deputed by King Edward on the one part and William Bishop of St. Andrews
Thomas Bishop of Catness Patrick Bishop of Brethin Chancellor of Scotland Patrick Earl of March Robert de Irskin and William de Levington Knights Deputies of Robert Steward Guardian of Scotland the Prelates Lords and Commons of Scotland on the other party it was agreed that King David should be delivered out of Prison and ransomed for the sum of 100000 Marks Sterling to be paid by 10000 Marks annually at Midsummer the first payment to begin at Midsummer following It was also agreed that the Truce should be kept and observed in England Scotland and the Isle of Man until the money was paid and that Edward de Baliol and all the Kings Allies should be comprised in the said Truce That for payment of the said sum King David should leave 20 Hostages who are named in the conditions set down for their delivery that King David the Peers Bishops and Prelates of Scotland should be obliged by writing and oath for payment of the said Ransom and observing the Truces That if there were a failer of payment they should be also obliged after the foresaid manner to render the Body of King David within three Months after failer of any term and he to remain Prisoner till the sum due at the said term were paid and for the true payment thereof 20 Hostages were to be left in England besides which there were several other conditions agreed upon that made up the consideration of his Release The Truces between England and France being expired as aforesaid without obtaining Peace and all endeavours of others becoming ineffectual the two Kings themselves began to confer and fell at length upon such terms as it was hoped would produce a Peace of which an account was sent into France but the French determined rather to let their King lye in Prison than to agree to them upon notice of which refusal the King resolved upon a War and the following Winter to enter France and either make an end of the War or obtain Peace and honor at his pleasure And having designed his Expedition he next provided for the security of the Kingdom in his absence and issued out Writs to the Sheriffs of the several Counties to summon both Knights and Burgesses to treat with his Council at London as also with certain Bishops and Earls in other parts of the Kingdom how that might best be done He next caused all the French Prisoners to be disposed into several safe places and the French King having been secured in the Castle of Hereford under the custody of Roger de Beauchamp was afterwards by the advice of his Council sent to the Castle of Somerton in Lincolnshire on Monday the 29. of Iuly and conducted thither by William Deyncourt William Colvill Iohn Kirketon Iohn Deyncourt and Saier de Rocheford with a strong Guard of Horse and Foot Nevertheless upon the first of March following upon a spreading rumor that the French were at Sea with a design to deliver their King from Imprisonment command was given that King Iohn and all the French Prisoners should be removed thence to Berkhampsted and Iohn de Buckingham Keeper of the Privy-Seal to Thomas the King's Son Custos of England and Ralph Spigurnell were appointed to conduct them thither But it seems Iohn de Buckingham went not as was designed for it appears by a Writ of assistance directed to all Mayors c. That Thomas de Baddely was put in his room nor afterwards was either of them employed in this Service nor Berkhampsted but London the place whither King Iohn was brought for we have met with a later Writ whereby William de Ayremynne Iohn de Buscy and Thomas de Meaux were commanded to be at Somerton on Friday the 20. of March to bring the said King to Grantham and the like Writs were sent to others to conduct him from place to place till he was brought to London to wit the 21. of March to Stanford the 22. to Higham Ferrars the 23. to Wooburn Abby the 24. to St. Albans and the 25. to London The King having raised his Army first sent over to Calais Henry Duke of Lancaster and himself presently followed taking Shipping at Sandwich in the Dertmouth the 28. day of October inter auroram diei ortum solis with him went the Prince of Wales and his other Sons Lyonel and Edmund and many of the Nobility and landed that Evening at Calais circa horam Vesperarum This Army then which never before departed from England one greater or more gallant marched through the very heart of France and laid all wast before it for the French not daring to encounter the King in all his March kept themselves within their fortified Towns and relinquished the Country to the spoil of this Army and to the end the Reader may observe the course of this Expedition we will here set down from Froissard the most notable places it passed through From Calais on the 4. of November he marched through the Country of Artois by Arras and so to Beauvois thence into Thierach and so to Reims to which he laid Seige for 7. weeks but provision growing scarce thereabouts he departed towards Chaalons in Champaigne and thence towards Troyes Tonnerre Noirs Mont-royal and so to Avallon where he stayed from Ash-Wednesday to Midlent During this time the young Duke of Burgoigne sent some Noblemen to the King who made a Composition with him to preserve his Country from plundering for 3. years after which the King dislodged his Army and marched towards Paris and sat down within two Leagues of it at Bourg la Reyne The King of Sicily was not the only Astrologer that prognosticated of King Edward's success but one Fryer Iohn de Rochtaylade as Froissard calls him whom Pope Innocent the Sixth kept Prisoner had foretold many notable things which about that time came to pass among others being demanded an account of the War he affirmed that all the misery that had been seen was not like that to come and for the wasting of France assigned the years 1356 1357 1358 and 1359. which hapned right enough for so great desolation and devastation was made by the Sword and Famine in those years that when King Edward entred France an 1359. he met with exceeding great scarcity of provision of all kinds and in all places where he passed While the King lay at Bourg la Reyne he sent his Heralds to Paris to demand Battel of the Duke of Normandy eldest Son to King Iohn and then Regent of France to which he would not consent whereupon the King dislodged and went to Manto le herry where he arrived on Tuesday before Easter being the last of March intending to enter the Country of Beausse and stay part of that Summer in Britagne and about August to return and besiege Paris but the Pope sending into France the Abbot of Cluygny and Simon de Lengres Provincial of the Friars
Homage of the Dutchy of Britagne and Earldom and Country of Flanders and all other demands that King Edward made or might make to the King of France for what cause soever except such things as by the said Treaty ought to be delivered to him and his Heirs It was also agreed that the King of France should be brought to Calais within three weeks after Midsummer following and should pay for his Ransom three Millions of Escuts of Gold two of which should be worth one Noble English And that there should be paid to King Edward 600000 Escuts of Gold within four Months accounting from the time of the King of France's arrival at Calais and within one year ensuing 400000 Escuts more and from that year every year following 400000 Escuts till the said three Millions were paid And it after appears in the same Roll that King Edward had received 400000 Escuts part of the first 600000 the 24. of October 1360. and for payment of the other 200000 he gave time till Christmas and Lady-day following Furthermore that certain of the Nobility of France aswel of those who were made Prisoners at Poictiers as others should remain Hostages in England for the King of France namely Lewis Earl of Anjou Iohn Earl of Poictiers both Sons to King Iohn the Duke of Orliens his Brother the Duke of Burbon the Earl of Bloys or his Brother the Earl of Alanson or the Lord Peter of Alanson his Brother the Earls of St. Pol Harecourt Pontieu Valentynois Brene Vandemont and Forest the Viscount Beaumont the Lords of Cousy Fienles Preaux St. Venaunt and Garenciers the Dauphin of Auvergne the Lords of Hangest and Montmorency Sir William of Craon Sir Lewis of Harecourt and Sir Iohn Ligny And the Names of the Prisoners were these Lord Philip of France the Earls of Eu Longuevil Pontieu Tankarvile Ieigny Sanceurre Dampmartin Ventadour Salebruche D'auceurre and Vendosme the Lords of Craon and Deruale the Marshal Dodenham and the Lord Daubyny Besides these the King of France was obliged to deliver at Calais within three Months after he departed thence in further pledge for the accomplishment of this Treaty four Persons of Paris two of each of the Towns here named to wit St. Omer Aras Amyens Beauves Lisle Douay Tournay Reyms Chaalons Troies Chartres Thoulouse Lyons Orliens Compeigne Rouen Caen Tours and Bourges and these to be of the most sufficient and best Burgesses of these Towns It was moreover agreed That the King of France and his Heirs Kings of France should quit the Alliances they had with the Scots and never give to that King Kingdom or Subjects present or to come any aid or assistance against the King of England his Heirs or Successors his Realm or Subjects nor make any alliance with the Scots in time to come against the King and Realm of England And the like Article was agreed to by the King of England in reference to his Alliance with the Flemmings There were divers other particulars agreed to on the behalf of both Kings and set down in this Treaty of Peace which we designing brevity do omit but these are the main and principal to our present purpose All things thus finished King Edward immediately left France and landed at Rye the 18. of May following in the Evening and thence the next day came to Westminster And shortly a Writ issued to Sir Iohn Beauchamp then Constable of Dover forthwith to arrest and fit up a sufficient number of Ships to carry over King Iohn and his Family to Calais within the time agreed on and whither he was conducted the 8. of Iuly after The 9. of October King Edward followed where the foresaid Treaty with some few alterations was there ratified and confirmed by Oath of both Kings and several Instruments relating to the full accomplishment of the several Articles thereof were drawn up and sealed with the Great Seals of both Kings all bearing date at Calais the 24. day of October an Dom. 1360. Here also were the Renunciations on either side both absolute and conditional to all the Towns Castles Countries c. to the Resort and Soveraignty c. comprehended in the Articles of Peace drawn up sworn to and sealed at the same time but not exchanged because the King of France was as yet in Calais and Prisoner to King Edward and the Towns c. not as yet delivered But it was then nevertheless agreed and promised that they should be surrendred to the special Deputies on both sides by Midsummer following if it might be and the Renunciations sent at the Assumption of our Lady next ensuing to the Church of the Augustine Fryars at Bruges to be delivered to those Deputed to receive them Or if they were not surrendred till Alhollantide after then the Renunciations were to be delivered in the said Church on St. Andrews day following at which time and place both Kings engaged to send thither and cause to be delivered to the Deputies on both sides theirs and their eldest Sons Renunciations likewise but if they were not accordingly mutually delivered then not any thing agreed on was to take effect But it seems things were not made ready against Midsummer the first of the appointed times for compleating these matters for the 15. of November following King Edward constituted Sir Thomas Vnedale Knight and Thomas de Dunclent Licenciate in the Laws his Agents whom he sent to Bruges with power to make request to the King of France for the effectual accomplishment of all things concluded on as aforesaid and to require that He and his Son should make the Renunciations and Transports according to all the foresaid Agreements made at Calais and upon reception of which he was thereby enabled to give Acquittance in King Edwards name But there was another Instrument dated at Calais the said 24. of Oct. 1360. whereby King Edward was obliged to deliver up to the French King on this side Candlemas an 35. E. 3. the Castles and Fortresses which he held in other parts of France than in those surrendred to him by the French King viz. as they are written in the Record In Champaigne and in Brie Bursant and Ioinville upon the Marn Bourt in Champaigne Ochie Sye upon the Seine the Mote de Triesreine Brugelemens and all other Fortresses taken in these Countries In Nivernois Cornallour Gueillons Anlesy Villers and Mont Epny In Anceurrois and Burgoigne Regennes Legny Malecorne and the Mote de Chauloye In Aurelenoys and Gastinoys The New Castle upon Loire and Mereau au Boys and all other Fortresses in Orlenois in Gastinois in Messien in Beause and in Wenguesin le Francois Within a month following the County of Ponthieu was to be surrendred to King Edward or else Hostages King Edward was also to deliver up the New Castle in Tynerois Beaumont le Choistif Nogent le Rotron and the Ferte de Ville Nevill and all other Fortresses in France and in the Country of Perche and
of Chartain and of Drouais And then all the County of Montsort to be surrendred to King Edward within a Month after Or otherwise Hostages In Berry and Bourbonoys The Fortresses of Brisansoys of St. Torete le Priague also Chabries Espunell Beamein Briance Masbres the Abbey of Diverlaks Thos Bruyll Ameron Vierson Mausey Bourseront the Roche Tnay Blotueres Villers Montempny Beauuoirs Beau Ien Voderon In Tourrayne Lisle Bouchart the Roche of Fowsey Piry Milieres Roulet Piergu Veres de Desrubay the Pleyssers Dinone Langere Osem Palnau and all other Fortresses in the party of Auvergne of Bourbonoys d' Amascon of Lyon of Berry and of Touraine And within a Month after the French King was to deliver up the Country of Angoulesmois or Hostages In Normandy Anjou and Mayne The Fortresses de Donefront in Passais Neuim Mirebel upon the Loyre the Toures de Villers Saintwast the Brois Demaine Conde upon Noire and another Fortress thereby called Messe Tynchebray Annillers the new Boure the Ferte freswel the Roche Doryvall the Morle Racul the Tower of St. Christopher Villerais Husron Honnesfleth Trisenay the Vicount of Plessoys Buret la Rouche dire le Port Ioulein la Flesche Willie Viez Passavant Roussailes And within one Month the French King was to surrender Santes and the County of Santoigne or Hostages And all the Fortresses in Pierregort Coursin and Agenoys For the surrender of all which the King made forth Commissions to several persons bearing date as aforesaid at Calais The two Kings then also made a League for them their Heirs and Successors of perpetual friendship and alliance to become faithful friends to assist each other against all persons whatsoever except the Pope and the Emperor and moreover made a solemn Renunciation to all Wars against each other their Heirs and Successors Realms and Subjects to both which League and Renunciation their eldest and other Sons signed and divers of the Nobility on both sides were sworn A Proclamation then also issued from King Edward directed to Thomas Holland Earl of Kent and all other Captains of Towns c. held for the King in France to give notice to all places within their Command of this Peace and final accord made as aforesaid All things relating to this Peace being thus concluded and the French Hostages arrived at Calais King Edward entertained King Iohn at a great Supper in the Castle where the Kings Sons the Duke of Lancaster and other of the chief Nobility of England served the Kings bare-headed and when Supper was ended both Kings took leave of each other The next morning King Iohn and his Attendants went a foot on pilgrimage to our Lady of Bouloigne the Prince of Wales and his Brothers accompanied him thither where in the Church of our Lady they all made their Offerings and thence went to the Abby and having taken leave of King Iohn they returned to Calais the next day Soon after King Edward the Prince and French Hostages took shipping for England where they arrived on the Eve of the Feast of All-Saints The Peace thus setled endured all the life of King Iohn who took all possible care to have it entirely preserved and himself ever after kept good correspondence with King Edward to whom he gave all evidence of affection and love insomuch that about the end of the year 1363. he came into England only upon a visit to King Edward After his landing he rode first to Eltham and there dined with the King 24. Ian. 37. E. 3. and thence that afternoon to the Savoy in the Strand where he lodged and was entertained with all possible kindness but about the beginning of March following he fell sick and dyed the 8. of April an 38. E. 3. for whose death the King appointed solemn obsequies in divers places and conducted his Body out of England with a Royal magnificence About these times the Reputation of the King grew so great that several foreign Kings and Princes came hither to his Court either to visit him or congratulate his Victories or to obtain his assistance and relief and these were the foresaid King Iohn Peter King of Cyprus and David King of Scots an 37. E. 3. as also Wuldemer King of Denmark and Albert Duke of Bavaria his Letters of safe Conduct being dated the 6. of Dec. and to continue in force till Mid-summer after But Charles King Iohns Son and Successor who had sworn to and sealed the Treaty at Chartres was soon perswaded to violate the Peace though with great artifice he dissembled his intentions for some time For though he readily gave ear to the Complaints of some of the discontented Nobility of Gascoigne who quitting their Homage to the Prince fled to Paris and complained to him as their Supreme Lord of the Fouage imposed on that Country by the Prince pretending that King Iohn had not power to release them of their Homage to the Crown of France or deliver over their Country to the King of England Yet he forbore laying hold on this occasion at least for one year after their complaint But then all of a sudden King Edward not suspecting any fraud but thinking himself sufficiently secured by the Treaty of Peace made at Britagne the French King sent him a defiance and by the time it was thought to be delivered Guy Earl of St. Paul one of the French Hostages who had slipt out of the Kingdom without taking leave as had also the Duke of Anjou and some others of them and Sir Hugh de Castilion entred Ponthieu with an Army and were received into Abeville afterwards took St. Valery and Crotoy and immediately all Ponthieu revolted Hereupon the King assembled a Parliament at Westminster and about the end of May the Lords and Commons declared That whereas the French King had broke the foresaid Peace in not delivering the Countries nor paying the monies agreed on there and had usurped the Resort and Superiority which ought to appertain to the King of England and his Heirs in the Lands surrendred to him by the foresaid agreement by summoning the Prince and some of the Nobility of the Kings Allies to answer certain Appeals at Paris and surprised and taken divers Castles c. in Ponthieu and Gascoigne and was setting forth a Fleet to invade England contrary to his Oath and the form of the Peace therefore with their whole consent it was agreed That the King should resume the name of King of England and France as he had done before the Peace and for the future so call himself in his Letters and under his Seals Hereupon on Monday being St. Barnaby's day there were several new Seals provided in one of which was inscribed Edwardus Rex Angliae Franciae c. and in another Edwardus Rex Franciae Angliae c. Shortly after he sent an Army under the Command of the Earls of Cambridge and Penbroke into Aquitain who landing
through France to Bourdeux and there he arrived about Christmas in which Voyage though the French durst not fight him and all the way avoided the hazard of a Battel yet through the scarcity of Victuals many dyed not to mention the loss of 30000 Horse About the beginning of the following Summer at the Pope's instance a Truce was made by this Duke and the Duke of Anjou to continue till the last of August wherein it was agreed that in the beginning of September there should meet in Picardy on the English part the Duke of Lancaster and other Commissioners to treat of Peace with the Duke of Anjou and others on the French part where also the Popes Legate should appear as Mediatour and in pursuance thereof the Duke of Lancaster took Shipping the 8. of Iuly an 48 E. 3. after whose departure all Poictou and Aquitaine fell from their Allegiance except Bourdeux and Bajon In this year the Earl of Cambridge and the Duke of Bretagne were constituted the Kings Lieutenants in France after which Commands were sent forth to arrest Ships for their passage thither to be at Dertmouth and Plimouth with all speed But notwithstanding these preparations yet they went not till the following Spring having then in their retinue many of the English Nobility and for whose good success publick Prayers were appointed to be made In this Expedition the Duke recovered many of his Towns but being included in the Truce made by the Duke of Lancaster he was thereby obliged to lay down his Arms. For upon the mediation of the Bishops of Roan and Carpentras the Pope's Nuncios there had been a Treaty set on Foot at Bruges in Flanders this Year managed chiefly by Iohn Duke of Lancaster who with Simon Bishop of London William Earl of Salisbury Sir Iohn Cobham Sir Franke de Hale Sir Arnold Savage Mr. Iohn de Shepeye and Mr. Simon de Molton were commissionated to carry on that Affair on King Edwards part and by Philip Duke of Burgundy on the behalf of his Brother Charles the French King which though it brought not forth a compleat Peace yet in effect it put an end to the present War for it produced a Truce to hold for a year viz. to the last of Iune an 50 E. 3. to give notice of which to the English Subjects a Proclamation was set forth And a quarter of a year before its expiration at another meeting at the same place this Truce was inlarged to the first of April an 51 E. 3. and thereupon another Proclamation issued to make it known But it appears that the French were gotten to Sea sometime before the expiration of this latter Truce and had done much hurt upon the Sea-Coasts Of this design of theirs the King had timely intelligence and therefore he endeavoured to enlarge the Truce to which end he empowred Iohn Bishop of Hereford Sir Iohn de Cobham of Kent Iohn Monteacute Bannerets and Iohn Shepeye Doctor of the Laws to Treat with the Earl of Salebruch Monsieur Chatillon and Philebert le Spoit where the Pope's Legats were also present as Mediators But nothing was done thereupon only the Legate proposed a Marriage between Richard Prince of Wales and the Lady Mary Daughter to the French King which begot a private meeting shortly after at Montrevile by the Sea and there Sir Richard Dangle Sir Richard Stan and Sir Geoffry Chaucer Commissioners for King Edward with the Lord Coucy and other Commissioners for the French King spent the time chiefly to found one anothers intentions and so departed without any other effect saving that of Proroguing the Truce to May day following The 26 of April another Commission was made for the same purpose to Adam Bishop of St. Davids Iohn Bishop of Hereford William Earl of Salisbury Robert de Ashton the Kings Chamberlain Guichard Dangle Banneret Aubrey de Vere Hugh de Segrave Knights Walter Skirlow Dean of St. Martins le Grand and the foresaid Iohn Shepeye which gave them power to treat and compose all differences Wars and contentions They thereupon came to Calais and the Lord Coucy and Sir William Dormer Chancellor of France came to Montrevile but by reason of the suspicion the Commissioners had of each other they could not agree of an indifferent place to meet at and so the time limitted by the Truce spinning on absolutely expired And in this posture the Affairs relating to France stood to wit in open hostility till the Death of King Edward Thus we see that from the breach of the Treaty and Entry upon King Edwards Territories to the time of his Death he all along steered against the Tide of adverse Fortune and what with Invasions Revolts and disastrous accidents though no pitch'd Battel was fought nothing of his great Conquests remained to him but only Calais and the small Territory adjoining But of the strange unsuccessfulness of these subsequent years there might be three main causes First the loss of so many stout and well disciplin'd Souldiers as upon their disbanding after the Peace made near Chartres joyned themselves to the Companions and marcht into Spain Italy and Germany to which number may be added those who perished in the Princes expedition into Spain of whom scarce the fifth man returned a sort of people so inur'd to War and such as had gained so great experience therein that the very Common Souldiers among them were men of good conduct The French King knew well enough how much King Edwards power was weakned through the want of those men and that as to such as might be raised a-new few of them having been trained up in the former Wars he thought he might the better deal with them in regard that many of his own disbanded Souldiers were still within his Kingdom and lay ready at his service A second cause might be that the King declining in years and the Prince of Wales growing daily worse and worse of a lingering sickness without hope of Recovery the French King took the more heart and began now not to fear either them or their Fortunes which before had proved so terrible to France And therefore he supposed if he could make a shift but to keep his Forces on Foot against their declining power he might deal well enough with those who should succeed them none of King Edwards other Sons having given such proof of their success in martial affairs as to be feared by him and much less was any such thing to be expected when an Infant King was likely to succeed Lastly His supplies of Money from his Subjects who before had freely enough opened their Purses to carry on the War began to fail him For being tyred out with the prosecution of it they complained of Poverty and thence it came that the Forces raised to recover what was lost were inconsiderable in comparison of the former Royal Armies levied
Stile But intending to provide yet better for him the next day he gave him all the Corn as well in Granges as growing on the Ground as also the Arms Victuals Cattel Goods and Chattels in all the said Castles Lands and other places to him before granted together with the Debts Arrerages of Accounts and other Services due to himself In the Parliament held at Westminster an 11 E. 3. he was created Duke of Cornwall as appears by his Charter of Creation bearing date the 17. of March the same year and invested by the Sword only and this is the first Precedent for the Creation of the Title of Duke with us in England Herewith also the King setled on him divers Manors and Franchises expresly set down in the said Charter for the better support of the State and Honor of Duke all which though some lay in other Counties were thereby made part of the Dutchy of Cornwall And further by Letters Patent dated the same day he granted to him the Stannaries in Cornwall together with the Coinage of Tin and all the issues and profits thence arising as also the profits and perquisites of the Courts of the Stannaries except only 1000 Marks formerly granted to William Mountague Earl of Salisbury and his Heirs out of the Issues thereof till Lands were provided for the said Earl of that yearly value and afterwards granted That all the Castles Honors Mannors Lands and Tenements belonging to the Dukedom or Earldom of Cornwall which were held in Dower or for term of life or years whose Reversions belonged to the King should remain to this Prince as Duke still as they fell and to the eldest Sons of him and his Heirs as Dukes of the foresaid Dukedom In the Parliament held an 17. E. 3. the King created him Prince of Wales and invested him with a Coronet a Gold Ring and a Silver Rod and the better to support his State as Prince of Wales gave him several Lands which are all particularly enumerated in a Writ directed to William de Emeldon to deliver them unto this Prince or his Attorney with this Dignity The King also gave him all Debts and Arrears of Foreign Rents due to himself for what cause soever in North Wales and South Wales to the time of his being created Prince of Wales as also all Victuals Arms Horses Oxen Cows and other things in all the Castles and Lands which he held by the King's Grant He was constituted Custos Angliae divers times when the King had occasion to be absent out of the Kingdom to which the Title of Locum tenens Regis was sometimes added and in his younger years the King appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury to be the chief of his Council to direct him in all Affairs the powers belonging to this Great Officer being recorded in Rot. Pat. de an 14. E. 3. pars 2. m. 28. The first time this Prince entred upon the Stage of War was at the beginning of his 16. year of age at which time he accompanied his Father into France where at his landing at Hoges in Normandy he received the honor of Knighthood from that martial Kings hands Thence he marched in the body of the Army with the King toward Cressy at which Battel fought an 20. E. 3. he led the Van and after a fierce encounter with the French was somewhat distrest from the Enemies breaking in among his Archers but the rest of his men timely advanced to their Assistance nevertheless notice of his condition being sent to the King who commanded the Reer he asked if the Prince were dead or wounded the Messenger said no but stood in need of his Assistance well said the King return and bid them send no more to me so long as my Son lives for I will have him this day win his Spurs since I design him the honor of this Expedition and it cannot be denyed but the compleatness of the Victory then gained fully conferred it on him so also did his Fathers acknowledgment for after the Battel was ended he embraced the Prince and kist him and said fair Son God give you resolution to pursue Honor you are my dear Son and have acquitted your self nobly you are worthy to govern a Kingdom The following year a Truce being agreed on at Calais was spun on by several Prorogations but without effecting any thing of Peace till an 29. E. 3. in which year both Kings provided for War Hereupon the King constituted this Prince his Lieutenant in the Dukedom of Aquitaine and other places in France whither he should happen to march both for Reformation of the State of that Dukedom and other places in France and the recovery of his Lands and Right possest by the Rebels And by another Commission of the same date he gave him power to make Alliances with all persons of what Nation Dignity or Condition soever to retain men and pay them Wages and Rewards A third Commission gave him Power in the King's stead and name to receive Homage and Fidelity from the Nobility and others within this Dukedom and the Kingdom of France Armed with their Powers and accompanied by the Earls of Warwick Oxford Salisbury and Suffolk and a good Army attending him he took Shiping and safely arrived in Gascoigne for whose passage thither the King had before assigned Richard de Corteâ—hale and Robert de Baildon Serjeants at Arms to arrest array and equip all the Ships of 20. Tun and Upwards in all Ports and Places from the River of Thames unto Lynn as well within Liberties as without to furnish them with men and other necessaries and to bring them to Southampton by St. Barniby's Day at the furthesâ— as also to Press Mariners for the Voyage at the Kings Wages and had given Commission to Thomas de Hoggeshaw Lieutenant to Iohn de Beauchamp Admiral of the Sea Westward to carry him over with power to hear and determine all Crimes and Transgressions committed on Shipboard and to punish them according to Maritine Law and to do all other things appertaining to the Office of Admiral Having entred the River Garronne he marcht into the South-part of Languedock and burnt the Great Town of Carcassone scituate near the Mediterranean Sea thence passed to Narbon burning and wasting the Country after which he returned to encounter the French Forces which marcht out of Tolouse under the Command of the Marshall Cleremont and Earl of Armaignac but upon his approach they retyred and so in November after 8. Weeks he returned to Bourdeaux with great store of Pillage and Prisoners A more particular account of which Voyage with the Towns and Castles taken and destroyed and several other actions done after the Prince's Return to Bourdeaux to the 21. of Ianuary following are reported in Sir Wingfield's Letters Printed in Hollinshead's Chronicle Intelligence of the Prince's taking the Field the following Summer being
of whom this Henry was one himself being then at Botheuill in Scotland so busied in the War that he could not be at the meeting appointed to treat on his behalf with certain Prelates and others whom he had commanded to meet at London on Wednesday after Newyears day following upon the defence and safety of the Kingdom repulsion of the Enemies and other things relating to the State of the King and Kingdom as also seriously and fully to acquaint them with the King's intensions to ordain and do all things referring thereunto and to his honor as if he were there personally present The following year he was created Earl of Derby and invested by girding him with the Sword his Father yet living by the Charter of his Creation did the King grant to him and his Heirs an Annuity of Honor of 20 l. out of the Farm of the County of Derby and to the end he might better maintain the State of an Earl he also granted him an annual Pension of 1000 Marks during his Fathers life out of the Customs in London St. Butolphs and Kingston upon Hull until the King should provide for him 1000 Marks per annum in Lands or Rents and in case the issues of the said Customs fell short of that annual sum then was it provided that it should be made up out of the Exchequer and for more surety out of the Custody of his Wards The third of October following the King granted to him the Manor of Wyghton and Hundred of Northgreneho with their appurtenances in the County of Norfolk as also the Mannor of Laghton in Morthynges with its appurtenances in the County of York which Ralph Earl of Eu had lately held and were then seised into the Kings hands to hold also during the life of his Father at the annual value of 72 l. 7. s. 6 d. q. at which rate they were extended in part of satisfaction of the said annual Pension of 1000 Marks But the Letters Patents of the 18. of March were resigned up to be cancelled the 24. of October an 13. E. 3. and the King thereupon by other Letters Patent dated the 20. of September preceding granted him during his said Fathers life all the Issues of the small Customs in London for the payment of 891 Marks 5 s. 9 d. ½ q. above the extent of the Mannors and Hundred aforesaid both which sums made up the foresaid annual Pension of 1000 Marks and in case the small Customs fell short of 891 Marks 5 s. 9 d. ½ q. then what they wanted was to be paid him out of the great Customs of the said City but if they exceeded that sum then the surplusage to be paid into the Exchequer which Lands and Pension out of the small Customs reverting to the King upon the death of this Earls Father were then granted to the Queen for the support and maintenance of her Children until the King should otherwise provide for them In the 11. year of King Edward the Third the King having sent over the Bishop of Lincolne and others into Flanders to make Alliances for him with Flemings the French King had laid a Garrison in the Isle of Cagaunt with design to take these Commissioners in their return home but they having notice thereof and the friendship and assistance of Iacques Dartuel took their way to Dort in Holland and so escaped that snare And the King resolving to clear that Island of this Garrison designed for this Service the Earl of Derby who raised part of his men in Staffordshire a Country where he was exceedingly beloved in which his Father had then great Possessions that after his death descended to him and of which for the better conservation of the Peace there the King made him high Sheriff during lifâ— These men levied by the King 's Writ he was commanded to have in readiness with hâ—â—self at London on the Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin next ensuing At the arrival of the English in the Haven they found the Town of Cagaunt well garrison'd and therein divers stout Commanders chosen by the Earl of Flanders for its defence well arm'd and ready to forbid their Landing so that with great difficulty and some loss they got ashore and here our Earl pressing on and fighting for his passage was struck down to the ground but relieved by the Lord Manny In fine the Town on Sunday before the Feast of St. Martin was taken by the English and above 3000 Flemmings slain after which they plundered and burnt it and brought their Prisoners to their Ships among whom was Sir Guy the Bastard of Flanders who after made Fealty to the King and sided with him in the War The 16. of February an 13. E. 3. he was put in Commission with others to array men in the County of Leicester against the Invasion of Enemies and the 3. of Iuly after made one of the 8 Commissioners to treat with Philip de Valois upon all Controversies between the King and him and also one of the 5 Commissioners constituted the second of Ianuary following to treat with the said Philip as also with the Cardinals of St. Praxide and St. Mary in Aquiro upon the same Affair The 6. of March an 14. E. 3. he had Commission given him to raise men in the Counties of Derby Leicester Staffordshire and Lancashire to pass over Sea with the King or himself at the Kings next Voyage beyond Sea This Earl attended the King in his first Expedition into France and had Command in the Battel ready pitcht to fight the French neer Vyronfoss as also at the Battel of Sluce an 14. E. 3. and the 10. of August the same year command issued to Robert de Morley Admiral of the Fleet from the Thames towards the North to send forth 10 Ships to Orewell to take in his Troops of Horse that were to pass over into Flanders after him In the following year He and Henry de Percy Ralph de Nevil and Robert de Dalton had Commission given them to treat with the Bishops Earls and all other persons as well Ecclesiastick as Secular in the Northern parts touching the defence of the Kingdom against the Scots and to sollicite them who had Lands in those parts to dwell there or otherwise to assign other persons there to remain in their stead He was again made the Kings Lieutenant in the North parts of England and in Scotland as also General of the Army sent against the Scots who had invaded England having power given him to defend the Marches to march into Scotland to create Stewards Constables Marshals and other Officers necessary for the Government of the Army and three days after had a Commission given him and power to treat and agree with the Scots about a Cessation of Arms to admit such of them as were willing to the Kings Peace to receive their Fealty to grant them
pardon and restore their Lands The 3. of April in the following year he and 6 other whereof he was to be one were commissionated to treat with David Brus and other Scotchmen his Adherents upon a final Peace or Truce as also upon all debates and differences whatsoever between the King and them and amicably to compose them And the same day he had power likewise given him to grant to Adam Bishop of Brechin to Patrick Earl of March Sir William de Douglas and Sir Thomas de Caruato Knights and William Bullock and other Scotch Men as he should see cause the the King 's special Letters of safe Conduct and Protection for so long time as this Earl thought fit to come into England with as many Horse as he should appoint to treat either of a Truce or Peace with this Earl and others deputed thereto by the King Having in this expedition undertaken upon certain conditions the Custody of the Marches of Scotland the King gave him in reward the 1000. Marks which Io. de Wesenham stood engaged to pay the King for Wooll He went over with the King in his Voyage into Bretagne having under his Command 5. Bannerets 50. Knights 144. Esquires and 200. Archers on Horseback The daily Wages allowed him for himself was 8 s. for each Banneret 4 s. each Knight 2 s. each Esquire 1 s. and each Archer 6 d. At the Siege of Vannes he was constituted one of the Kings Commissioners the other being the Earls of Northampton and Salisbury the Lord Stafford Burghershe Cantelowe Cobham Manneys and Berkley and Mr. Iohn Vfford Archdeacon of Ely where a Truce was concluded for three years The 24. of March an 18. E. 3. The King by his Letters Patent constituted this Noble Earl and Richard Earl of Arundel his Lieutenants in the Dukedom of Aquitaine and the Countries adjoining to govern and defend those Territories to demand and receive the possession of the Castles Places and Rights unjustly detained from him to recover and retain the same by force of Arms if need should be and to receive such as should return to their Obedience to the grace and favour of the King as also the Homage and Fidelity from whomsoever in those parts due and generally to do all things for defence and recovery of the Kings Rights and good Government of those Countries and his Subjects with Command to the Archbishops c. to yield Obedience to them And whereas the King upon false suggestions had been deceived in many of his Grants and Donations in that Dukedom He by other Letters Patents of the same date gave him power to seize into his hands all the Castles Lands Liberties and Profits formerly granted by him and those that should appear to have been obtained upon untrue suggestions to retain without Restitution but upon true to restore entirely A like Commission was given them which extended to the grants made by his Father King Edward the Second upon like pretences as well as by himself They also had a General Commission to treat and conclude with all persons of whatsoever state or condition Kingdom or Nation for the setling of Alliances and mutual Assistance between the King and them to retain men for the Kings Service and to agree about Fees Wages and Rewards to be paid unto them By other Commissions of the same date these two Earls had power to treat and conclude with Alphonsus King of Castile there stiled Alphonsus Rex Castiliae Legionis Toleti Galiciae Siviliae Cordubiae Murciae Gyennii Algarbiae Comes Molmae or his Deputies upon all differences arising between their Subjects especially Mariners and amicably to compose them as also of a perpetual League of Friendship between them c. their Subjects and to afford each other their mutual assistance with Power to make Substitutes in their stead The said Earls had like Commissions with the same Power to treat with the King of Portugal therein stiled Alphonsus Rex Portugaliae Algarbiae And with the King of Aragon stiled therein Petrus Rex Aragoniae Valenciae Majorcae Sardinii Corsicae Comes Barthon Sir Iohn Froissard tells us that some of the Gascoigne Lords came hither about this time to acquaint the King with the weak condition of that Country and City of Bordeaux and to desire relief and that in this Earls company went also the Earls of Penbroke and Oxford the Lord Stafford Sir Walter Manney the Lord Frank de la Hall and divers others of note being about 500 Knights and Esquires and 2000 Archers and having landed at Bayon the 6. of Iune 1344. went thence to Bordeaux His first attempt was upon the Town of Bergerac which surrendred to him and next Longo Castle and le Lake Mandurant he took by assault so also the Castle of Mountgyse Punache and the Castle de la Lewe Forsathe and Pondayre he won with little opposition and the great Town of Laylloyes after three days the chief Town appertaining to the Earl of Laylle who lived as King in those parts of Gascoigne was delivered to him after some dispute After this success he marched to Bonu this he assaulted and took he also took the Castle of Auberoche and the Town of Libourne yielded themselves to him Auberoche being presently after besieged by 12000 French this Earl on St. Laurence Eve assaulted the Enemy in their Tents with 300 Spears and 600 Archers and took the Earl of Laylle and 8 other Earls and Viscounts and 200 Knights and so many Esquires and other Soldiers that each Englishman had 2 or 3 Prisoners many of whom they let go upon their paroll to return to Bergerac or to Bordeaux on a certain day and others they carried with them to Bourdeaux and by this valiant Exploit having relieved the Castle he afterwards disposed of his Army into Winter Quarters and returned into England Upon these great successes the King made him his sole Lieutenant and Captain in the Dutchy of Aquitaine and the parts adjacent with power to do and execute all things that belonged to that Command and gave command to all Archbishops Earls Barons Viscounts Castellans and other persons throughout that Dukedom and adjacent Countries to yield obedience to him as the Kings Lieutenant Five days before the King gave him Commission with power to treat and conclude with all persons of whatsoever state or condition Kingdom or Nation for setling firm alliances and mutual assistance between the King and them as also to retain men for the King's Service and to agree about their Fees Wages and other Rewards The 11 of Iune following Command was sent to the Sheriff of London that forasmuch as the Earl had shipt most of his Horse at Southampton and was ready to depart to make proclamation that all the men at Arms Archers and others who were to go with him should march to Southampton with all possible
to Richard Earl of Arundel Admiral of the West-parts to arrest 13. stout Ships each of 80. Tun Burthen at least to bring them to Bristol before the Octaves of Easter for the passage of this Lord his men at Arms and Archers into that Country After a years enjoyment of this great Office he became desirous to resign it and to that purpose made an address to the King who sent directions to the Earl of Derby to confer with him about his continuance in it to which if he could not be perswaded to consent then he gave the Earl power to take his resignation and substitute some other fit person in his room to hold it during the Kings pleasure This Spring Iohn de Valois Duke of Normandy laid Siege to Aiguillon of which Town this Lord was Governor and then within it and though the Earl of Derby relieved him yet had the Duke so strongly intrenched himself that he could not raise the Siege so that it was continued by the Duke to the Decollation of St. Iohn Baptist in August at which time being called away to assist King Philip his Father against King Edward who had entred France with a puissant Army he raised his Siege Upon which the Lord Stafford sallying out of the Town fell upon his Rear cut off a great part of it and having joined his to the Kings Forces he had given him a Command in the Van of the Army under the Prince at the Battel of Cressy And after the Victory was sent with Sir Reignold Cobham and 3. Heralds to view the slain who made report of 11. great Princes 80. Bannerets 1200. Knights and above 30000. Common Souldiers When Calais was surrender'd he was one of those appointed to take possession of it for the King and had many fair Houses given him in that Town to place Inhabitants in Shortly after the rendition the Cardinals of Naples and Cleremont mediated a Peace between both Kings whereupon this Lord with Reignold de Cobham Io. Darcy and Robert de Bourghcher were nominated by the King to treat of a Peace or Truce between them their Subjects Allies and Adherents And for his good Services done to the King in France He gave him a Pension of 600. Marks for life out of the Customs of London and St. Butolphs The King also bestowed on him as a gift 573 l. towards his expences in his service beyond Sea He was with the King in the Encounter with Sir Geoffry Charney at Calais And went into Goscoigne with the Earl of Lancaster and other Lords to stop the Progress of the Duke of Normandy made there with his Army And growing more and more in the Kings favour by his meritorious Services he advanced him to the Dignity of an Earl and for the better support of that Honor and towards the defraying of his charge in attending the King with certain men at Arms both in Peace and War he granted him a Pension of 1000. Marks per Annum during life out of his Customs in London till he could settle on him the said annual sum in Lands or Rents The next day he was constituted the Kings Lieutenant and Captain in the Dukedom of Aquitaine and parts adjacent and the 3 d. of April following the King gave him power to appoint a Seneschal of Gascoigne and a Constable of Bordeaux and these to be such persons as he should think fit to enjoy those Offices during the Kings pleasure The next year the King empower'd him by a Commission to treat and agree with all persons of what Kingdom Nation or Degree soever upon a firm friendship and mutual assistance between the King and them and to retain them against all men to agree with them upon Fees Wages and rewards to receive security from them and give the like to them and what he did herein the King obliged himself and his Heirs to observe and perform Being ready to take another Journey into Gascoigne a Writ issued to Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick Admiral towards the West to arrest all Ships of 50. Tuns and upwards for this Earls passage thither and to bring them to Sandwich by Quindena Trinitatis following and upon his Entry into that Country he defeated the French that sallied out of the Fortress of Gagent and among them was taken seven Knights of the Star An. 29. E. 3. he went over with the King to Calais at the latter end of Summer and marched along with him in pursuit of King Iohn as far as Heyden And an 33. E. 3. he attended him in his Voyage into France which terminated with the Peace agreed on at Bretigny near Chartres Two years after he was designed for Ireland in the Company of several other persons of Quality upon the Kings Service But after this Voyage being much broken with Age and wasted with Sickness he became uncapable of publick Employments This Noble Lord Married Margaret Daughter and Heir of Hugh de Audeley Earl of Gloucester and Margaret his Wife who died the 7. of September an 21. E. 3. and by whom he had Issue Ralph his eldest Son who married Maud Daughter of Henry de Lancaster Earl of Derby but died about 21. E. 3. Hugh who succeeded him in his Earldom and Sir Richard Stafford Knight Beatrix the Wife of Maurice fitz Maurice Earl of Desmond Ioan of Iohn Charleton Lord Powes and Margaret of Iohn Stafford Patron of the Church of Bromhall in Staffordshire He died the last of August an 46. E. 3. and lies buried at Turnbridge in Kent 7. William Montacute Earl of Salisbury THis Earl was Son unto William Montacute first Earl of Salisbury of that Family and Katherine one of the Coheirs of William Lord Grantson He was born the Morrow after Midsummer day an 2. E. 3. for at the Death of his Father found to be the 30. of Ianuary an 18. E. 3. he was 15. years old the Midsummer before The 24. of May an 20. E. 3. the Wardship of his body was committed to Iohn de Somerton and Thomas Waryn until Christmass following and then renued till Whitsontide and thence till Michaelmas ensuing and being within Age he attended the King in that memorable expedition into France an 20. E. 3. So also did his younger Brother Iohn He was in the Sea Fight against the Spaniards near Winchelsey an 24. E. 3. and going into Gascoigne in the retinue of the Prince of Wales an 29. E. 3. he obtained Letters directed to the Seneschal there with Command that he should not be sued or molested for any of his own or Ancestors debts during the space of two years An. 33. E. 3. he attended the King in his Royal expedition into France and from that time to the 43. of Edward the Third we find little mention of his Martial employments
but that year he went over with Iohn Duke of Lancaster in his Voyage into France against whom the Duke of Burgoigne was sent with so great an Army that the English were but as a handful to them and having pitched his Tents near Calais within a Mile of the English Army after 19. days stay he dislodged and went to St. Omars not with much honor as some observe After whose departure the Duke of Lancaster returned to Calais and having refreshed his Army for three days and marched thence to St. Omars and the County of St. Paul then passed the River Some and entred the Countries of Ve xin and Ewe within the Archbishoprick of Roan thence to Deepe and Harflew with design to burn the French Fleet which lay there but the Earl of St. Paul was entred the Town before and so secured the Haven Whereupon he returned through Ponthieu where before Abeville Sir Hugh de Chastelon Master of the Crossbows in France was taken who with the Earl of St. Paul had before entred Ponthieu and took it from the King of England and having wasted the Country with Fire and Sword as they past along to Calais staid there a while and then took shipping for England where he arrived about the Feast of St. Martin the Bishop in Winter This Earl attended the King when he took his Voyage to relieve Thouars an 46. E. 3. who directing his course towards Rochel was not able to land by reason of contrary Winds and Tempests but forced to return after nine weeks being tossed upon the Sea The year following he with William Nevil and Sir Philip Courtney was sent to Sea upon a rumour that Ievan Prince of Wales Son of Prince Aymon was upon the English Coast with 6000 men designing to land The Earl had 40 Sail of Ships besides Barges and 2000 men of Arms besides Archers and departing from Cornwall sailed to Bretagne and coming to St. Malo burnt seven great Spanish Ships in that Haven Thence they sailed to Brest and there relieved the Garrison where Sir Robert Knolls was besieged by the Constable Sir Bertrand de Guesclin with men and provisions which having done they took shipping with design to keep the Frontiers of Bretagne and Normandy about which time the King had recruited them with 1000 men of Arms and 2000 Archers Hereupon he again went to Brest with a resolution to fight the French that lay before it but before he got thither the Constable had withdrawn most of his men to other Sieges upon a Composition made with the Garrison to surrender in case they were not relieved within 40 days for performance of which they had taken Hostages Upon the Earls arrival he sent to the Constable either to fight or to return the Hostages but he refused both so the Earl having Victualled the Castle departed to Sea and kept the Marches and Frontiers as before In the 50. year of King Edward's Reign he was constituted Admiral of his Fleet from the River Thames towards the Western parts And the following year a Commission issued to him and some others to Array all able men from 16 to 60 years of Age in the County of Dorset to be ready on occasion to withstand an Invasion and defend the Kingdom there being apprehensions that the French would land The first year of King Richard the Second the French being on the Sea this Earl was assigned to secure the Sea Coasts in the Counties of Southampton and Dorset to which purpose Command was sent to the Knights and Gentry of those Counties to be assistant to him It appears also that he was this year employed in Sea service and an 2. R. 2. constituted Governour of Calais An. 8. R. 2. he with divers others of the Nobility had Summons to appear at New-Castle upon Tyne the 14. of Iuly with Horse and Arms thence to march against the Scots The custody of the Isle of Wight and Castle of Carbroke with the whole Demesne thereunto belonging was granted to him during his life with all the profits liberties and advantages as the King enjoyed them without rendring any thing therefore only that he should maintain the Castle and undergo all Charges of the Isle and Castle as the Governors thereof usually had done He designe dto marry Ioane Daughter to Edmund Plantagenet Earl of Kent and gained a Contract from her but Sir Thomas Holland in his Petition to Pope Clement the Sixth alledging a precontract from her with him upon which carnal copulation followed and being after in Foreign parts this Earl contracted with her again and unjustly withheld her from him thereupon the Pope gave judgment against the Earl who complying therewith married another noble Lady namely Elizabeth eldest Daughter and after one of the three Co-heirs of Iohn Lord Mohun another of the Founders of this most Noble Order who outlived her Lord and had her Dower assigned an 21. R. 2. By this Lady he had William his only Son and Heir unfortunately slain at Windesor an 6. R. 2. by his own hand in a Tilting a place fatal also to his Father who at the Justs held there an 18. E. 3. was so sorely bruised that he dyed soon after so that Iohn Mountacute his Cousin and Heir Son and Heir of his Brother Iohn succeeded him in his Earldom This Earl dyed the 3. of Iune an 20. R. 2. having survived all the first Founders of this most Noble Order 8. Roger Mortimer Earl of March HE was the Son of Edmund Mortimer Son and Heir of Roger Mortimer first Earl of March and Elizabeth his Wife Daughter of Bartholomew de Badlesmere Baron of Leeds who after her Husbands death was married to William Bohun Earl of Northampton born towards the latter end of the first years Reign of King Edward the Third In the Voyage which this King made into France in the 20. year of his Reign he attended him being yet under age but before he went the King admitted Sir Peter de Grandison and William de Newenham Clerk to be his Guardians and to prosecute and defend his Suits in any of the King's Courts Upon his Petition in Parliament an 28. E. 3. he obtained a revocation of the Judgment against his Grandfather attainted of and executed for Treason an 4. E. 3. and thereupon was restored in Blood and to the Earldom of March and to all his said Grandfathers Lands Honors and Possessions The next year he was made Custos of the Castle of Dover and the Cinque-Ports for life and afterwards went beyond Sea in the Kings Service in the Voyage which Iohn of Gaunt made into France upon the French Kings drawing down an Army towards Calais And in the Kings Expedition into France an 33. E. 3. upon which a Peace ensued he attended him with 500 men at Arms and 1000 Archers He married Philippa Daughter of
during pleasure But the following year these Dignities were committed to him alone He married Ioane Daughter of Edmund of Woodstock Earl of Kent Sister and Heir of Iohn Earl of Kent in whose right he sate in Parliament an 34. E. 3. as Earl of that County after whose death Edward Prince of Wales married her whose Widow she remained till an 9. R. 2. and then died By this Lady he had Issue two Sons Thomas Holland Earl of Kent and Iohn Holland Earl of Huntingdon and Duke of Exceter as also two Daughters Ioane and Maude the later was Wife to Hugh Courtney eldest Son to Sir Hugh Courtney one of the Founders of this Order an 39. E. 3. This noble Earl after the performance of many brave acts in the Kings Service died the 26. of December an 34. E. 3. Thomas his Son and Heir being then much about the tenth year of his age 15 Sir Iohn Grey of Codnore HE was eldest Son of Richard Lord Grey of Codnore in Derbyshire by Iane his Wife who had been Seneschal of Gascoigne in the Reign of King Edward the Second In that notable and famous Expedition made into Scotland an 7. E. 3. he had Command where his valour was so far taken notice of that not long after the King in part of recompence thereof and of his great expences in those Wars acquitted him of all such debts as he then owed unto his Exchequer Towards the end of the 9. year of E. 3. he went again to the Wars of Scotland being of the Retinue of Hugh Andley and two years after in another Expedition then made thither An. 12. E. 3. he attended the King into Flanders and an 14. E. 3. went over thither when by the way that famous Naval Fight hapned neer Sluce The following year he undertook employment in the Scotish Wars An. 18. E. 3. he with Nicholas de Langford and Edward de Chandos were assigned to Array all able men in Derbyshire from 16 to 60 years of age and to have them in readiness to march with them or others whom the King should appoint within three days warning against the Scots then ready to invade this Kingdom The following year he went in the Retinue of Henry Earl of Derby into Gascoigne and in regard he stayed there the next year in the Kings Service his Lands in Kent were exempted from finding men for guarding the Sea-Coasts With this Earl he returned to England and went to Calais in his Retinue an 21. E. 3. and stayed there the following year There being an Invasion threatned by the French an 26. E. 3. he was joined in Commission with the Lord Deyncourt to Array all able persons in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and to conduct them to such places as might stand in need of them for defence of the Realm He went in the Expedition which the foresaid Earl made into Breâ—â—gne an 29. E. 3. And after attended the King in his Voyage royal into France an 33. E. 3. and the same year was constituted Governour of the Town and Castle of Rochester for life More of his Military Services we find not before he obtained the Kings License an 39. E. 3. to go on Pilgrimage And an 45. E. 3. being grown very aged and not able to endure Travel he obtained a special Dispensation wherein his many and great Services performed with much fidelity and valour are by the King acknowledged to exempt him from coming to Parliaments to which he had received Summons from the time of his Fathers death which hapned an 9. E. 3. and Councils and charging him with setting forth of Soldiers in the Wars for the future He married Alice de Insula by whom he had Henry his eldest Son who married Ioane Daughter of Reginald Cobham of Sterborough but died before his Father and Iohn his second Son who both went in the Retinue of Iohn of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster in his Expedition into France an 43. E. 3. and Alice a Daughter Wife of William Son of Sir Adam de Everingham of Laxton in the County of Nottingham 16. Sir Richard Fitz Simon WE have met with little concerning this Noble Knight but that he had command under Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby in Gascoigne an 19. E. 3. The following year he went with Robert Vfford Earl of Suffolk when he attended the King in his Expedition into France An. 21. E. 3. he was imployed in the Kings Service beyond Sea and lastly he was in command under the Prince of Wales an 22. E. 3. and in these Expeditions he performed so great Services that he was thought worthy to be Elected one of the first Founders of this most Noble Order 17. Sir Miles Stapleton THis Sir Miles Stapleton was Son and Heir to Sir Miles Stapleton of Bedall in the County of York Knight His first employment in the Wars was when King Edward the Third made his Expedition into Bretagne He also attended the King in his Voyage Royal into France an 20. E. 3. and lay at the Seige before Calais An. 23. E. 3. about the Month of Iuly he was employed in the Kings Service beyond Sea and the like an 29. E. 3. In the 30. year of King Edward the Third Philip Brother to the King of Naevarre taken Prisoner by the French King the year before came over into England and obtained assistance for recovery of his Lands in Normandy whereupon the King joyned to him this Sir Miles Stapleton a man of great integrity and in martial affairs very skillful as Froissard Characterizeth him These two with 2000. men passed through Normandy and as they marched took and burnt several Towns and Fortresses till they came within 9. Leagues of Paris and did not retreat till they had forced the French to enter into Truce for a Year For this Expedition the said Philip of Navarre was constituted the Kings Captain and Lieutenant in the Dutchy of Normandy In consideration of the constant fidelity and eminent valour of this Noble Knights as also his great service in the Wars the King granted to him a Pension of 100 l. per annum out of his Exchequer for life until he had that annual value in Lands or Rents provided for him And shortly after Upon information that several injuries and damages had been done to the French by the English after and against the Truce taken near Chartres the King desirous that it should be kept without violation and the infringers thereof punished constituted him with Sir Nele Loring and Sir Richard Stafford his Commissioners to inform themselves of the way and manner how these injuries might be discovered and repaired and gave them power to arrest and imprison to seize and confiscate their Estates and to punish them according as they
the King of France and entred Bretagne this Sir Iohn with some few Forces left Aquitaine and came to the assistance of Iohn Earl of Montford who received him with great joy having so great an opinion of his Valour and Conduct that he conceived no misfortune could fall upon him while he stayed with him By his advice and valour as all acknowledged the French were defeated Sir Bertrand de Guesclin taken Prisoner by an English Esquire under Sir Iohn's Standard Charles de Bloys there slain and the Enemy pursued 8 Leagues even to the Gates of Rennes This Battel was fought on Michaelmas day an 38. E. 3. where were taken two Earls 27 Lords and 1500 men at Arms. The news of the Victory being brought to the King then at Dover by a Pursuivant of Arms who had been in the Battel the King for his good service created him a Herald by the name of Windesor there was also an Herald who had the addition of Chandos given him in honor of this noble Knight whom he employed in Aquitaine upon several occasions This good success begat a Treaty which setled the Earl of Montfort in the Dukedom of Bretagne by the King of France to whom he did Homage as the Dukes before had done In the Prince's Voyage to Spain he had command in the Van led by the Duke of Lancaster and immediately before the joining of the Battel this noble Knight was created Banneret which honor was not only well bestowed but by his valiant carriage in the Fight as well deserved for he and his men hapning to encounter Sir Bertrand de Guesclin who had been ransomed from his former imprisonmeâ—â— at 100000 Franks and the Marshal Sir Arnold Dandrehen they took them both Prisoners and defeated their Battel After his return out of Spain he obtained leave to reside at St. Saviour le Viscount but when the French invaded Gascoigne the Prince sent for him back and employed him in the conduct of that War wherein he behaved himself most valiantly and in a word recovered and kept Aquitaine the particulars of whose famous actions from hence to his death may be seen in Sir Iohn Froissard out of whom we are loth to cloy our Reader with too much of transcription and shall therefore only note that in this time he was made Constable of Poictou and Marshal of Aquitaine He had the Barony of St. Saviours le Viscount of Domvers and Dongeville and the Lands and Tenements of St. Mary de Monte de Farsellis and de Romelly and all the Lands which were formerly Sir Godfry de Harecourts in Normandy given him and his heirs for ever by King Edward to whom the said Sir Godfry had sold them to be possessed after his death which being not comprised in the Treaty of Peace near Chartres the Homage for them became due to the King of France but there having passed so great Testimonies of affection and respect between King Edward and King Iohn the latter at the request of King Edward before he went from Calais sealed to Sir Iohn Chandos a confirmation of King Edward's grant to possess them as his inheritance for ever Whereupon command was sent to Sir Thomas Holland then Captain and Custos thereof forthwith to deliver the Castles Baronies and all the Lands and Tenements to the said Iohn And hereupon he was sometimes stiled Baro Sancti Salvatoris le Viscount and at other Vicecomes Sancti Salvatoris in Normania The last martial action of this most famous Knight and which proved fatal to him was near to St. Salvin an Abbey in Poictou which having been betrayed to the French by a Monk who hated the Abbot he endeavoured to recover it the last of December in the night an 44. E. 3. but missing of his design and intending to return to Poictou he encountred a party of the French at Lusach-bridge where the way being slippery he fell down and as he was rising one Iaques de St. Martyn an Esquire struck him under his Eye into the brain with a Glave for having lost the sight of that Eye five years before as he was hunting a Hart neer Bordeaux he saw not the blow come The French knew him by his Surcoat of Arms and endeavoured to get his body but his Uncle Edward Clyfford bestrid him and defended it and other relief coming in the French men were taken Prisoners He was thence carried to Mortymer Fortress where he lay a day and night speechless and then died and lies there buried His death was exceedingly lamented by all and when the French King heard of it he was very much troubled saying there was now no Knight left alive that was able to make Peace between the Kings and Kingdoms of France and England so much was he feared so highly esteemed and so generally beloved He was never married but we find he had three Sisters Elizabeth who died 9. R. 2. Alionora the Wife of Roger Colinge and Margaret 22. Sir Iames Audeley THis noble Knight was Son and Heir of Nicholas Lord Audeley and of Iane Sister and Heir of William the Son of William Martyn and was born an 7. E. 2. He was no sooner come of age but he entred upon Martial Employments wherein for several years he became engaged in the Wars against the Scots and there did the King so great service that in recompence thereof and the great charge he had been at in supporting himself in those Wars he forgave him the sum of 10000 Marks which he was engaged to pay Roger Mortimer Earl of March by whose attainder it became forfeited to the King An. 16. E. 3. he was made Custos of the Town of Berwick upon Twede during pleasure and by other Letters Patent of the same date constituted the Kings Iustice of the said Town and of all other the Kings Lands in the parts of Scotland to execute all things appertaining to that Office according to the Law and Custom of Scotland Not long after he was engaged to go beyond Sea in the Kings Service with Nicholas Audeley Earl of Gloucester and thereupon the Kings Letters of Protection were obtained for him to hold till Easter following The 20. of December after the Kings special Letter was directed to him to provide 20. Men at Arms and 20. Archers to be sent to Portsmouth by the first of March ensuing and thence to pass in the Kings Service with the Earls of Arundel and Huntingdon An. 18. E. 3. he went into Gascoigne with the Earl of Derby in his Expedition thither The following year he received Command personally to attend the King and to serve him with his Retinue for defence of this Kingdom against the French at the Kings charge And when the King made his Royal Voyage into France an 20. E. 3. he attended him thither He was sent over from the
and all the goods which they possessed in France were carried away thither so that shortly after the memory of this Order as well in Italy as France was wholly obscured Nevertheless Pope Pius the Fourth did again restore and re-establish the same by his Bull dated at Rome anno 1565. confirming all former Priviledges and granting many new he also ordained Rules and Statutes both for the Election of their Great Master and reformation and better Government of the Order Moreover he made Don Ianot de Chastillon a Gentleman of Millan his Kinsman Great Master thereof The Priviledges of this Order were afterwards enlarged by Pius the Fifth in the year 1567. who permitted them to take one Wife only to wit a Virgin not a Widow Lastly Pope Gregory the Thirteenth anno 1572. bestowed the Great Mastership of this Order upon Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy and his Successors Dukes of his Line and prescribed to them the Cistertian Rule Furthermore he ordained that all Commanderies of this Order under all Christian Princes should be left freely to the said Duke and his Successors and accordingly he had the Investiture and Collation of the Commanderies in Spain and Italy But Henry the Fourth of France hindered the effecting thereof in his Kingdom conceiving the right of Great Mastership appertained to him in regard the chief Seat of this Order in Europe was according to Favin within his Kingdom Knights of the Teutonick Order or of Prusia 5. In the time of the Holy War a wealthy Gentleman of Germany who dwelt at Ierusalem commiserating the condition of his Countrymen coming thither upon Devotion and not understanding the Language or knowing where to inhabit made his House a receptacle for these Pilgrims where they received lodging and entertainment Afterwards gaining Authority and Licence from the Patriarch he erected a Chappel neer unto this Hospital and dedicated it to the honor of the blessed Virgin Mary whence they had also the Title of Marian Knights To him associated other German Gentlemen who contributing to maintain this charitable work thus begun and in short time encreasing in Number Piety Wealth and Esteem though yet they had no rule of living assigned gave themselves to the professions both of the Knights Hospitalars and Templars imitating the later in their military Employments and emulating the former in their acts of Piety and Charity albeit the year wherein they first assumed Arms and entred into a Society we do not find remembred But afterwards to wit in the year of our Lord 1190 or 1191. they elected their first Master namely Henry Walpott and on the 22. of February in the following year upon the request of Frederick the Emperor received confirmation of their Order from the Bull of Pope Celestine the Third being the first year of his Papacy under the Title of Knights Teutonicks or Dutch Knights of the Hospital of St. Mary the Virgin vowing Poverty Obedience and Chastity He also prescribed to them the Rule of St. Augustine Their Statutes were composed by the Model of the Knights Hospitalars and of the Knights Templars among which one Article was that none but Germans should be admitted into this Order But to difference them from those Orders their Habit was ordained to be a White Mantle on the breast whereof a plain black Cross but some others make it a black Cross voided with a Cross Potence for their Ensign In the year when this Order received Confirmation from the Papal See there joined to them some rich Citizens of Breme and Lubeck by whose united Contributions another Hospital was erected in the City of Acon But after that City was taken by Saladine one Hermannus then Master and the remaining Knights removed into Germany on whom the Emperor Frederick the Second anno 1229. and Pope Honorius the Third bestowed the Province of Prussia or as some say Conrade Duke of Massovia anno 1226. where having conquer'd that Nation and reduced it from Paganism to Christianity they built the City of Mary-burgh and there anno 1340. fixed the chief Seat and Resid◠〈◊〉 of their Great Master This Country they enjoyed till the year 1525. that Albertus Brandenburg the last Great Master made solemn renunciation of the Order and became Feudatory to Sigismund the First King of Poland who raised Prussia into a Dukedom and created this Albert first Duke thereof The Conditions upon his Surrender and the Ceremony of his Investiture into this new Dukedom are set down in the Theatre of Honor. Some of the Knights disrelishing this Action did afterward elect another Great Master namely Albert Wolfang and leaving Prussia seated themselves in Germany where they now reside though of no great account only the younger Sons of the German Princes being for the most part received into this Order give the greatest reputation thereunto There were some other Military Orders of lesser note instituted in the Holy Land under the first Latin Kings of Ierusalem in imitation or rather emulation of those more famous Orders before remembred of which there now remains only an obscure memorial and seeing their Histories are all defective as to the year of Institution we think best to muster them up here in the following order The Order of the Knights of Mount-Joy 6. THese Knights were so called from a Castle in the Holy Land where this Order was Instituted built on the point of a Mountain not far from Ierusalem whence the Pilgrims first viewed the Holy City and where these Knights lay in Garrison They were employed in Military Services for defence of that Casile and the Holy Land against the Saracens and Pagans and received for their Habit Red short Mantles and a White Star with five rayes issuing out of it fixt upon their breasts Others say the Habit of this Order was White and the Badge thereof an Octogonal Cross Red but this might haply be after they left the Holy Land and settled in Spain They vowed Poverty Chastity and Obedience and observed the Rule of St. Basil. Pope Alexander the Third by his Bull approved this Order and changed their Rule to that of St. Augustine in the year of our Lord 1180. In this Bull remaining in the Archives of the Order of Calatrava is mention made of several Towns and Castles which these Knights held in the Holy Land as also what they possest in Spain After the loss of the Holy Land these Knights retired into Spain and fought against the Moors and according to the several names of the places where they resided were they denominated though the general Title was of Mount-Ioy In Catalonia and Valentia they were called Equites de Mongoia which is the same with Mount-Ioy but in Castile Knights of Monfrac from a Castle so called in that Kingdom it being their chief place of residence and
in so great renown that many worthy Knights came from all parts to his Court as to a Seminary of military Discipline to give evidence of their valour in the exercise of Arms. This gave him occasion to select out of these and his own Subjects a certain number some say 24. of the most valiant Knights whom himself being chief he united into a Fellowship or Order and to avoid controversie about priority of place when they met together at meat he caused a Round Table to be made whereat none could be thought to sit higher or lower than another and thence they were called Knights of the Round Table At the upper end of the great Hall in Winchester Castle I remember to have seen a large Round Table hang against the wall called King Arthurs Round Table and affirmed by the Inhabitants who had taken up the report upon vulgar Tradition to have been as ancient as that Kings time but it carried no very great show of antiquity to a judicious eye however it seemed to have been set up either in the room of one more ancient or else by some who were perswaded there was once such an Order of Knights which had been denominated thence This old Monument was broken to pieces being before half ruined through age by the Parliaments Soldiers in the beginning of the late unhappy War because looked upon as a relique of Superstition as were those little gilded Coffers with Inscriptions that did preserve the bones of some of the Saxon Kings and Bishops deposited by Bishop Fox in the top of the Walls on both sides the upper part of the Quire of the Cathedral Church of that City though guilty of nothing but the crime of reverend Antiquity Into this noble Society of Knights were admitted not only Britains but also Strangers of other Nations who out of a desire of glory came over hither to make proof of their sufficiency in the exercise of Arms with the British Knights and the general qualifications for Election were that they should be persons of Nobility and Dignity renowned for Virtue and Valour and admirably well skill'd in the knowledge and use of Arms. The place where the Founder first Instituted this Order saith Sir Iohn Froisard was at Windsor and those other of note where he and his Knights usually assembled were Carleon in Monmouthshire Winchester and Camelot in Somersetshire and the time of the year for their meeting was Whitsontide The Articles of their profession are set down by Sir William Segar which are in number twelve and if any be desirous to read the Names of the first twenty four Knights he shall not only have them from Monsieur Boisseau in his Promptuaire Armorial but of 129 more of this Order elected in seven following Chapters nay more then that the formal blazon of all their Arms but these particulars may be justly ranked with what is fabulous in King Arthurs story We read not of any Badge peculiarly assigned to these Knights though Ios. Micheli in allusion to their Title takes upon him to give the Figure of a Round Table furnished with Cloth Bread Salt Knives Bottle and Bowl but we have not authority enough to follow him However it gives us occasion here to acquaint our Reader that King Arthur himself is reported to bear a Shield called Pridwen whereon was painted the Image of the blessed Virgin his Sword and Launce also were not without their names for the one it seems was called Caliburn the other Irone or Rone It is not remembred by any that this Order survived its Founder but rather that it extinguished at his death for it is related that most of those Knights whom he had drawn from several Countries and advanced to a Companionship with himself bore him company in death and perished in that fatal Battel of Kamblan or Cambula now Camelsford in Cornwal where though he killed Mordred his Enemy upon the place yet being sorely wounded he survived him but a short time and dyed in the year of our Lord 542. It may add some reputation to King Arthurs Round Table if we here note that the like Round Table grew into great estimation and request shortly after the Norman Conquest and continued long with us being ordinarily set up at the grand martial Exercises called Hastiludes Tilts or Turneaments permitted by King Stephen and much encouraged by King Richard the First for the delight of men inclined to military actions and increase of their skill in the management of Arms and for the same end and purpose as King Arthur made use of it no less than in memorial and remembrance that he had erected an Order of Knighthood denominated therefrom those times being throughly perswaded of the truth of that story Besides it is recorded that Roger Mortimer Earl of March held the celebration of the Round Table consisting of an hundred Knights and as many Ladies with Tilting and Turneaments at Kenelworth Castle in Warwick-shire anno 7. E. 1. and that King Edward the Third having designed to restore the Honor of the Round Table held a Juste at Windsor in the 18. year of his Reign but there is an old Manuscript Chronicle that hath these words King Edward in his nineteenth year first began his Round Table and ordain'd the day annually to be kept there at Whitsontide and this meeting in truth occasioned the Foundation of the most noble Order of the Garter as shall be noted by and by But it was thought fit sometimes and upon divers accounts to forbid these kind of Assemblies upon very great penalties as in particular anno 16. H. 3. at Shrewsbury when the King went to meet Llewalyn Prince of Wales called in the Record Prince of Aberfraw and Snowden and afterwards at Walden in the 36. year of the said Kings Reign and at many other times The Order of the Oak in Navarre 2. The Kingdom of Navarre being opprest by the Moors the Inhabitants were forced to seek deliverance by Arms to which end though they had raised a great Army yet were they destitute of an experienced Commander at length Don Garcia Ximenes of the blood of the Gothes who had formerly retired from the world to a solitary and religious life was perswaded to relinquish the same and take upon him the Command of the Army As he was marching out of the City to encounter the Moors in the year of our Lord 722. there appeared to him from the top of an Oak the sign of the Holy Cross adored by an infinite number of Angels Proceeding on he gave battel to the Moors and having gained a remarkable Victory the people elected him their King and upon this occasion he became the first King of that Country Some few days after in thankfulness to God for this great Victory he instituted this Order investing therewith even all the Nobles of his Kingdom whom he