Part 35

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

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

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

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

_Preparations made for the Legation._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first Embassy on this occasion, recorded in the _Blue-Book_, is that to _Edward_, King of _Portugal_, 13 _Hen._ VI. to whom, for the greater Dignity of the _Order_, Garter was thought fit, by the _Chapter_, to be sent alone with the _Habit_ of the _Order_: And hence is the original of _Garter’s_ Claim to this Employment.

Nevertheless, in succeeding times, as the Order grew into Esteem, some one of the Knights-Companions was made choice of by the Sovereign to be Principal in these Legations; as were _Galliard Sieur de Duras_, sent to _Charles_, Duke of _Burgundy_, 9 _Edw._ IV., _Arthur Plantagenet_, Viscount _Lisle_, to _Francis_ the first King of _France_, 19 _Hen._ VIII. and others.

Sometimes other Noblemen, or Persons of Quality, though not Knights-Companions, (yet correspondent to the Degree of the _Stranger elect_, or to the Esteem the present Interest begat in the Sovereign,) were employed chief in these Embassies; among whom Sir _Charles Somerset_, after Earl of _Worcester_, was sent to the Emperor _Maximilian_, 6 _Hen._ VII. _Henry_, Lord _Morley_, to _Don Ferdinand_, Prince of _Spain_, 15 _Hen._ VIII. and others.

In Embassies of this nature, it was heretofore usual, to join some Persons of Rank and Quality, or Office near the Sovereign, in the Commission; as Sir _John Scot_, Comptroller of the Houshold, and Sir _Thomas Vaughan_, Treasurer of the Houshold, both joined with the _Sieur de Duras_ aforesaid: And Sir _Nicholas Carew_, and Sir _Anthony Brown_, with the Viscount _Lisle_.

To these Person, the Sovereign thought fit sometimes to add a Doctor of the Law, or a dignified Clergyman, and such as had the Language of the Country, not only the better to make such Answers to Questions as the _Stranger elect_ might start, on perusal of the _Statutes_, but likewise to inform him touching the Institution of the _Order_, or other Passages relating to the Founder, or matters touching the Honour of the Garter. Besides, a dignified Clergyman was in those Times thought proper to Administer the Oath, and pronounce the Words of Signification, at the Investiture with the Habit and Ensigns of the _Order_.

And for these reasons, was _John Russel_, Doctor of the Civil Law, and Archdeacon of _Berkshire_, joined in Commission with the aforesaid _Sieur de Duras_, and _Edward Lee_, Doctor in Divinity, Archdeacon of _Colchester_, and the Sovereign’s Almoner, sent over with the Lord _Morley_; and others.

But of later Years the Sovereign’s Ambassador, Resident with the _Stranger elect_, hath supplied this Place; as did Sir _Thomas Smith_, in the Legation sent over to _Charles_ IX. and Sir _Edward Stafford_, in that of the _French_ King _Henry_ III. and Sir _Anthony Mildmay_, to that of _Henry_ IV.

Besides the aforementioned Persons, _Garter_ was always joined in these Commissions of Legation, not only to keep on Foot his Right, but to manage the Ceremonious Part; and of this there are so many numerous Instances as are sufficient to justify the Privilege of his Office, and maintain the interest of an ancient Right. Besides which, if it were any way disputed, we find it decreed in a _Chapter_ 13 _Car._ I. _That the carrying the Ensigns of the Order to_ Stranger Princes, _doth properly belong to_ Garter.

Besides those Persons joined in the Commission of Legation, there has frequently been appointed, either _Norroy_, King of Arms, or some one of the _Heralds_, to go in Quality of an Attendant in this Service, not only for the Honour of the Sovereign, but of the Stranger who is to receive the _Habit_, in regard the Ceremonies of Investiture with the whole _Habit_, require the Assistance of two Officers of Arms, of which there are some Precedents.

_Lancaster Herald_ attended the Embassy to _Charles_ IX. King of _France_: _Chester Herald_, and _Rouge Dragon_, Pursuivant at Arms, on that of _Henry_ III. of _France_. A Herald likewise attended the Embassy to _Emanuel_, Duke of _Savoy_: _York Herald_, that of _Maximilian_, the Emperor: And _Somerset Herald_, to _Henry_ IV. of _France_.

And whereas there went only _Norroy_ to _Christian_ IV. King of _Denmark_, it was because no more of the Officers of Arms could then be spared from their necessary Attendance on the Sovereign’s Coronation; so in the Embassy to _Maurice_, Prince of _Orange_, one Herald sufficed, because the _Garter_ and _George_ only were sent him, and consequently there was but little Service then to be performed.

Concerning other Companions, and Attendants, in these Legations, they are both for Quality and Number such, and so many, as the chief in the Legation judges sufficient for the Honour of the Sovereign, and the Dignity of the Embassy; and with these have usually gone several Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen.

In the third Place, there is to be prepared for these Legations, Warrants for the Habit and Ensigns of the _Order_; and these are also to be drawn up by the Chancellor of the _Order_, who is to attend the Sovereign for his Sign Manual thereto.

One Warrant is to be directed to the Master of the _Great Wardrobe_, to deliver to Garter the Mantle, with the Escutcheon of St. _George_ within a Garter, embroidered on the left Shoulder, and Tossels belonging; and also the _Surcoat_ and _Hood_.

There is also another Warrant drawn up, for the delivery of the Ensigns of the _Order_ to _Garter_, _viz._ the rich _Garter_, and great _Collar_ of the _Order_, with a George Pendant, and another George hanging in a blue Ribbond; together with Cases for them, lined with purple Velvet, and gilt on the outside.

And sometimes these Ensigns have been delivered out of the _Jewel-House_, to the Herald of Arms, joined in the Legation in _Garter’s_ stead, as were those sent to _Charles_, King of _Sweden_, 20 _Car._ II. but those provided for _John George_, Duke of _Saxony_, to Sir _Thomas Higgons_, the Principal in the Legation; for which they gave their several Receipts.

The Sovereign’s Warrant for the delivery of the Ensigns sent to _Maximilian_ the Emperor, was directed to the Lord Treasurer, for which _Garter_ gave his Receipt. But for those sent to the _French_ King, _Henry_ IV. the Warrant was directed to the Master of the _Jewel-House_; and out of this Office have all the _Ensigns_ of the _Order_ been since delivered.

There are several other necessaries to be provided, which may pass as Appurtenances to the former, and are sometimes incerted in the Sovereign’s Warrants for the Habit of the _Order_, and at other times issued by particular Warrants: As a black Velvet Cap with white Feathers and a Heron Sprig, a Girdle and Hangers with the same coloured Velvet, with the Surcoat. A Yard of purple Velvet hath usually been allowed out of the _Great Wardrobe_, for covering the Book of _Statutes_, sent to the _elect Stranger_: And for the Velom, Writing and Binding the said Book, there is a Fee paid by the Sovereign to the _Register_ of the _Order_, which hath generally been proportioned to the Dignity of the Receiver; for this Officer had allowed him for the Book sent,

_l._ _s._ _d._ To the _French_ King, _Henry_ IV. 5 0 0 To _John Casimir_, Count Palatine 4 0 0 To the Duke of _Holstein_, 3 _Jac._ I. 3 6 8 To the King of _Sweden_, 3 _Car._ I. 3 0 0

But to be more particular, we will insert the Bill of Charges for the Book of _Statutes_, sent to _James_ VI. of _Scotland_, 26 _Hen._ VIII.

_l._ _s._ _d._ For Velom 0 5 0 For illumining the Arms and Letters 0 10 0 For Writing 1 0 0 For Binding and Gilding 0 2 8 For half a Yard of purple Velvet 0 7 0 For half a Yard of crimson Sattin 0 7 0 For the purple Silk for the Laces 0 0 4 For the white and green Silk for the Seal 0 1 0 For red Silk for the Strings, and } 0 1 0 garnishing the Book } For an Ounce and half of Venice Gold 0 5 0 For shaping, making the Bag, and garnishing 0 3 4 For red Sarcenet for lining the Bag 0 1 4 For a Box 0 0 8 ----------- Total 3 4 6 -----------

This Book of _Statutes_ ought to be Sealed with the common Seal of the _Order_, which not only the Institution, but all the other succeeding Bodies of _Statutes_ appoint. Besides, at a Chapter held at _White-Hall_, 13 _Car._ I. the Law was confirmed; and thereupon it was again decreed, That the Book of _Statutes_ sent to any _Stranger Prince_, should be Sealed with the Great Seal of the _Order_, affixed to a Label of blue Silk and Gold.

There is also to be provided a large purple Velvet Cushion, to carry the Robes on, when they are to be presented; this is likewise put into the Sovereign’s Warrant, and provided by the Master of the _Great Wardrobe_; usually containing one Yard and quarter in length, adorned with Fringe, Cauls, and Tossels of Gold and purple Silk, and within it a Pillow of Fustian filled with Down.

There were two Velvet Cushions prepared for the Service of the Duke of _Wirtembergh_’s Investiture, 1 _Jac._ I. one of Purple, for the Sovereign’s State; and another of Crimson, for the Duke; so the same Year to _Christian_ IV. King of _Denmark_.

Two _Majesty Escutcheons_ are likewise to be provided, painted in _Oil_, and gilt with Gold; one to have the Arms of the Sovereign surrounded with a Garter, under an Imperial Crown; the other of the _Stranger’s_ Arms, within a Garter also, and such a Crown as is proper to his Dignity. Both these are to be put in Frames, painted and gilt, with their several Stiles fairly Written under the Arms, and set on the back of the Sovereign’s Stall, under the State, as also on the back of the Stall of the _Stranger elect_: But there were three _Majesty Escutcheons_ sent over in the Legation to _Henry_, Prince of _Orange_, in regard that at his Investiture, _Frederick_, Elector Palatine, was present. In case the chief Person in the Legation be a Knight of the _Order_, then he is to have a like Escutcheon of his own Arms, set over his own Stall; for so had the Earl of _Derby_ provided for him at the Sovereign’s Charge, when he was sent with the Habit to the _French_ King, _Henry_ III.

The remaining Necessaries, are such as relate to the Transportation of the Habit of the _Order_, _viz._

One Pair of fine Holland Sheets to fold the Habit in. Two sweet Bags of Taffaty to lay amongst them. Two Trunks to put the said Parcels in. One Sumpter Saddle.

All which are to be provided at the Sovereign’s Charge, and is also his Gift to the elect _Prince_.

What farther Warrants are to be obtained from the Sovereign, relate to _Garter_, and such other Officers of Arms, as are appointed to attend the Legation; as first a Warrant, whereby the Sovereign ascertains a Warrant for their Diet, and Reward, during their Journey, and till their return; and on which, most commonly, for greater certainty of its Payment, the Sovereign’s Privy Seal is obtained.

The Allowance to _Garter_ in the Reign of _Edw._ VI. was ten Shillings a Day for his Diet, and Ten Shillings a Day more as a Reward: And this we find allowed to Sir _Gilbert Dethick_, in the Embassy to _Henry_ II. King of _France_, 5 _Edw._ VI. and the like in his Legation to _Maximilian_ the Emperor; and to _Frederick_ II. King of _Denmark_, 24 _Eliz._

And when _Clarenceux_ was sent in the Place of _Garter_ (the Office being void by the Death of the said Sir _Gilbert_) to the _French_ King, _Henry_ III. the same was also allowed him, and commenced nine Days before his setting out; and of which there are other Precedents.

Of this daily Allowance, _Garter_ hath usually obtained an advance before-hand, for his better support by the way.

When any of the Heralds were sent in _Garter’s_ Place, the same Allowances were made them, as if _Garter_ had gone in Person; as had _Henry St. George_, Esq; _Richmond Herald_, sent with the Earl of _Carlisle_, to _Charles_, King of _Sweden_, 21 _Car._ I. As also to _Thomas St. George_, Esq; _Somerset Herald_, sent with Sir _Thomas Higgins_, to the Duke of _Saxony_, soon after.

As to the Allowance to such Officers of Arms, as are not joined in, but appointed to attend any of these Legations; it was usually, if a Herald, the Moiety of what was given to _Garter_: And if a Pursuivant at Arms, half as much as a Herald.

Agreeable to which, was the Allowance given to _Chester Herald_, and _Rouge Dragon_ Pursuivant, in the Embassy to _Henry_ II. King of _France_, 5 _Edw._ VI. and there called the _old Rate_; so also to _Somerset Herald_, to _Frederick_ II. King of _Denmark_, and the _French_ Kings, _Henry_ III. and IV. And both the Herald and Pursuivant had also a proportionable part of their daily Allowances before-hand.

Besides which Allowances mentioned, _Garter_ hath also Allowance for Postage, both Outward and Homeward, for Himself and Servants; and for Transportation of the Habit, and other Things necessary for the Voyage. And this by a Clause added in the Sovereign’s Warrant, is left to _Garter_ at his return, when he gives in a Bill of particulars, subscribed with his Hand, to the Treasurer or Chamberlains of the Exchequer, to have been disbursed by him.

The Warrant to furnish _Garter_, or the _Herald_, with Post Horses, and convenient Shipping to carry them over, is usually had of the Privy Council, or Secretary of State; either before, or after the Lord Ambassador; and is not provided for in the same Ship.

_The Ceremonies of Investiture._

§ 3. The Ceremonies performed at a Stranger Prince’s Receipt of the whole Habit and Ensigns of the Order, are highly Solemn, whether we consider the manner of Investiture performed by the Sovereign’s Ambassadors, on the _Festivity_ and _Triumphs_, added by the new invested Prince.

First, the Commissions joined in the Legation, receiving notice of their first Audience, are to present themselves in the accustomed manner of Ambassadors, Garter, or his Deputy, going in breast with the chief of the Legation, if there be only himself joined in Commission with the Lord Ambassador, and in this Place _William Segar_, Esq; _Norroy_ King of Arms, (sent in the room of _Garter_) proceeded with the Earl of _Rutland_ at their first Audience before _Christian_, IV. King of _Denmark_.

Being arrived near the _elect Stranger_, they present the Letters, certifying Election, or their Credential Letters from the Sovereign; and after some short general Compliment by the Ambassador, he makes known to him, his Election in the usual Form, which is before sufficiently spoke of.

After the Formality of this Address is over, and that the Stranger hath by his Answer accepted of his Election, and consented to the Reception of the _Order_; the Ambassador immediately delivers him the Book of _Statutes_, that he may, if he pleases, peruse them before he assume the Habit, and desires his Consideration thereon. Next, both the Commissioners in the Legation present him with the _George_ and _Ribbond_. and put it about his Neck, as in several Instances hath been shown.

In the interim, before the Day of Investiture, Time is usually set apart for Conference between the Sovereign’s Ambassador, and some of the elect Prince’s Council, touching the ordering of the Ceremonies, and wording the Oath to be by him taken. _Garter_ is likewise to consider what Places in the elect Prince’s Court are fit to perform the Ceremony, and to see them made ready, and to instruct his Officers, what Duties and Services they are to undertake.

If the great Hall, or other large Room, be appointed, there ought to be prepared a Table, with a rich Carpet, whereon the Habit and Ensigns of the _Order_ are to be laid, while the Sovereign’s Commission of Legation is read; another Table should be prepared for the Stranger who receives the _Order_; and a third for the Sovereign’s Ambassador.

In the Church or Chappel where they are to proceed to hear Divine Service, a Stall is to be erected under a Cloth of State, on the Right Hand Entrance of the Choir, for the Sovereign of the _Order_, wherein is to be fixed the _Majesty Escutcheon_ of the Sovereign’s Arms; another Stall is also to be placed on the same side of the Choir for the invested Stranger, at the same distance from the Sovereign’s Stall, as is that for the elect Stranger in the Choir at _Windsor_; in which is to be fixt the _Majesty Escutcheon_ of his own Arms, brought likewise over by _Garter_ or his Deputy; a third Stall is to be erected for the Lord Ambassador, who (if a _Knight-Companion_) hath an _Escutcheon_ of his own Arms within a _Garter_ set over it; for so had the Marquiss of _Northampton_, at the Investiture of the _French_ King, _Henry_ II. _Anno_ 5 _Edw._ VI. and the Earl of _Derby_, at that of _Henry_ III. under all these _Escutcheons of Arms_, the Stiles and Titles (fairly Written) of the _Sovereign_, and each _Knight-Companion_, are to be affix’d.

Where there is no solemn Proceeding to Church, the Sovereign’s _Escutcheon of Arms_, with his Titles, have been set up at the upper end of the Room, where the Investiture is performed; so also the Stranger Knight’s at due distance, as at the Investiture of _Gustavus Adolphus_, King of _Sweden_, in his Tent at the _Leaguer_, near _Darshaw_, in _Prussia_, 23 _September_, _Anno_ 3 _Car._ I.

Besides the before-mentioned Preparations; the _Church_ or _Chappel_, into which the new invested Stranger proceeds, is to be richly adorned, as we find by several Instances; as at the Investiture of King _Henry_ III. when the Church of _Augustine Fryars_ in _Paris_, was hung with rich _Arras_, and all the _Choir_ and _Stalls_ with _Cloth of Gold_. On the Day the Solemnity of Investiture is celebrated, the elect Stranger sends his Coach, and some Persons of Quality, to Accompany the Sovereign’s Ambassadors to his Court. At the Investiture of _Henry_, Prince of _Orange_, _Frederick_, Prince Palatine of the _Rhine_, sat with the Viscount _Charleton_, in one Boot of the Prince’s Coach, and Sir _William Segar_ in the other; and were met by the said Prince at the Foot of the Stairs of his Court, and conducted thence into his great Chamber.

After such time as the elect Stranger, and the Sovereign’s Ambassadors, have a while retired; the Stranger usually first enters the Room appointed for the Ceremony, and stands under his own State, expecting the coming in of the Ambassadors, and notice thereof being given them, they (reposing in a Room near) proceed in manner following.

Servants to the Lord Ambassador, two and two.

The Herald in his Coat of Arms, bearing the Mantle, Surcoat, Hood, and Cap, in his Arms; and if a _Pursuivant_ attend the Embassy, he (wearing his Coat) proceeds before him, bearing part of the said Habit.